Operation Tomadachi

Last Thursday I went down to Noda (95km south) to help with the tsunami cleanup.  I’ve seen the pictures and videos on the news, but nothing could prepare me for what I would feel once I got there.  Our job was simple: pick up everything and salvage what you can.  Money, photos and jewelry were to be turned in to the group leaders.  All other salvageable items were to be set on the curb, and the locals would come by later to sift through them.

While sifting through mud-caked debris, I would often gaze toward the horizon, internalizing as much as I could the empty expanse before me.  Silence.  Sadness.  Emptiness.

But there was a bustling of life as well.  Residents rebuilding their homes.  Japanese and American teams combing through the mud for household items.  Heavy machinery collecting then carrying piles of debris from the neighborhoods.  Even the highway, despite having been submerged by the great wave, is a testament to the resilience of the people here as traffic once again flows in an out of this town.
Robert

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Sorry Mama, can’t talk right now.

Okay everyone, let’s have some fun.  I don’t really want to think too much tonight, so I figure you all can do the thinking for me. 

What should the caption for this photo be? 

For competition sake, let’s say that whoever submits the best caption, as determined by me (Robert) and a professional panel of no one else, will win  . . . (drum roll please) da da da daaaa . . . 

floss and an almost new toothbrush (only used once)

Judging will take place sometime in the near to distant future.  FYI:  Mark’s favorite cereal is Crispy Rice Kix Life. 

Spring Break Fun (yes-FUN!)

It’s already Sunday evening here! Tomorrow, schools starts again. I officially can say that we survived Spring Break! And we had a great time with the kids.

Last week, I was determined that the facts that we cannot travel far, that there is NO ONE on our street for the kids to play with, and that the weather is not that warm are not going to ruin my spring break with the kids. So sometimes last weekend, I emailed a whole bunch of my friends and proposed an “itinerary” for our fun filled days with the kids.

On Monday we went to the Weasel’s Den (because of bad weather) and let the kids run around for a couple of hours. On Tuesday Robert had a day off—so it became a day dedicated of running a ton of undone errands—things that are sooo easy to do when you don’t have to take kids in and out of carseats. Robert also took the kids swimming while Mark had his nap.

On Wednesday—well, you already know.  On Thursday, we headed to Towada, to the Horse Park (I don’t think it’s called Horse Park but that’s what Americans call it). It’s about 40 minutes drive from main base, but is so worth it! I think, eight moms came, bringing the “kid total” of 27!  We had a fantastic time—even if the wind was crazy.

On Friday, we had another morning play date at the Statue of Liberty Park in Shimoda. Again, many moms came and we all had a blast. Roller slides are always a hit:)

Finally, yesterday, we woke up to a very gloomy weather and decided it’s the perfect day to go put on our funny 100 yen swimming caps and go to Misawa City Pool. The pool is located really close to the North Area where we live, if you just hop the base fence. Because we have to drive all around the base to the nearest gate, it takes about 20-25 minutes to get there. It’s literally in the middle of nowhere and you’d never guess it’s a swimming pool if you didn’t have directions. The pool was really fun for our kids because it has a rather mild but exciting slide. Wearing a swimming cap that hurts your head is not so fun—just ask Robert:) I still cannot figure out what the cap does since most  Japanese still cannot manage to keep all the hair covered with it.

Finally, here is a glimpse of what kids do when they are having fun at home:) I need to be better at video recording them these days.

Lyana

Japan Day 13 April 2011

Today we had “Japan Day.”  I don’t know why we called it that, especially because everyday is Japan day since we live in Japan.  Anyway, it was a special day because it was our first day trip this year (not including accidental day trips like the one last week where I mistakenly went south on the expressway and didn’t realize it until I saw the sign welcoming me to Iwate prefecture).  We love day trips (even when Tato gets lost).

First up: Asamushi Aquarium, near Aomori (about 1.5 hours from our house – half that if you live off base and leave on time).   We’ve been there before (April 2010), but it’s so much fun for the kids.  Plus, we were meeting some of their friends there, which of course is sooooo awesome because who really wants to hang out with just your own family.

This time the rule was all photos must feature a member of our family.  I guess Lyana didn’t like all my blurry sea creature shots from last time.  I stuck to the rule . . . mostly.  

Today we timed it just right – breakfast time!!  Here’s the deal.  If you want to make the most of your time at the aquarium, get there by 10AM for the first dolphin show (we missed that one, but we got the one at 11:30).  When that’s done, you’ll have just enough time to stroll through the main floor displays on your way to the sea otter feeding at 10:40.  As soon as that’s done, you can watch the sea lions get fed and do a show (just down the hall).  Mosey on upstairs for some interactive playtime at the kids’ hands-on display.

Then, head over to the dolphin aquarium for their feeding at 11:05.  (this is where I broke the photo rule . . . but in my defense, that dolphin was just about to go SeaWorld on that trainer)

The aquarium really is a neat place to go, but since it’s not very big, it doesn’t take long to see everything.

After a quick lunch break, we piled back into the car and headed to the west side of Aomori city to visit Sannai-Maruyama.  According to tripadvisor.com, it’s #1 of 37 attractions in Aomori.  It’s an archeological site that was discovered in 1992 during construction of a baseball stadium.  The museum and reconstructed Jomon era village were opened in 2000.  An art museum is adjacent to it (though I think that part was closed today).  Admission is free (always a plus). 

When you first walk in, beware of the tunics.

There are more than a dozen small wood and straw huts that you can just crawl on into.  Do not worry – no big bad wolves around.

I don’t know what happened today, but everytime I tried to get a picture of just Katya, I’d end up with something like this.

“Oh Robert, I love our new house.  It’s so rustic looking.”

Mark’s face is just priceless.  (click picture to enlarge)

See what I mean about Katya’s pictures.  She looks like a green ghost in this one.

Just chillin’ in the longhouse.

I’ve never had so much fun at an archeological site.  I see why it’s rated so high (seriously, take the kids and let ‘em run).

Continuing with the “Japan Day” theme, we decided it was time for the kids to experience an onsen.  I mean that:  you don’t go to an onsen – you experience an onsen.  We went to Tohoku onsen by the Circle K, just past the turn to go to the Michinoku toll road (through the tunnels) to Aomori.  If you want to go, ask Lyana for directions.  Ask me, and you’ll end up in Iwate prefecture.

If you’ve never experienced an onsen before, there are a few things you should know.  (Click on the picture)  Let me sum them up for you:

1. be naked
2. don’t be bald and covered in mud
3. don’t use a towel while in the water or your neighbor who is uncomfortably close to you in the same tub and is following rule number 1 will look at you like you’re crazy
4. don’t do your laundry at the onsen, especially if you’re following rule number 1
5. the towel may be small, but you’d better dry off with it before you go back to the changing room and that guy is staring at your back end

The kids loved the onsen and I know they want to  go back, despite the near boiling temperature of the water.  Speaking of that, the water was actually black!  I’m still not sure what kind of “natural minerals” are in the water, but you couldn’t see through it at all.  Good thing too, because while Alex and I were soaking in the pool outside, the cleaning lady (yes, lady) personally brought me some soap, shampoo and conditioner, and a little white towel, and handed them to me while I was sitting in the water (following rule number 1).  Then she took the time to explain to me what the items were to be use for (obviously I’ve never used shampoo and conditioner before).  Then she left us and went right back out the way she came – through the men’s bath!  I love Japan.

And now the Kodak moment of the day:  Alex, Katya and Mark right after their first onsen experience.  Chalk this one up in the record books.

We finished off the day at Cheese Roll, where we feasted on beef curry with rice and yakisoba with chicken.  Oh, and some cheese rolls.

Syonara,

Robert

Always On My Mind

I can’t stop thinking about it.  The earthquake and tsunami is constantly on my mind.  It doesn’t help that mother nature constantly reminds us with aftershocks everyday (especially that big one a few days ago).  

I’ve driven around looking at the damage only 3 times since March 11th.  Most recently I went out yesterday (Saturday), 4 weeks and a day since the tsunami.  While much of the damage was still blatantly apparent, I was struck by the resiliency of the people.  New buildings were already well under construction.  Trash and debris were sorted and stacked neatly on the curbs.  I drove by a forest where over half the trees had been knocked over, but the felled trees had already been cleared, cut and piled nicely for pickup.  Sure, the biggest items still remained, but those were being steadily dismantled and removed. 

Everyone just wants life to get back to normal (it will never be like it was, but there will be a new normal).  Sure, it will take some time, but if anyone can do it, these people can.  Although I would much rather have not been in Japan during the worst earthquake and tsunami in the country’s history, part of me is grateful to be here as I witness firsthand as this great nation rebuilds.

Rob

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When driving, always stay alert for potential hazards on the road.

Alex and Katya probably asked a thousand questions about tsunamis that day.

I think this boat is going to be here for a while. 

The previous photographs were at the fishing port in Hachinohe.  These next photos were taken about 4 miles from the base, here in Misawa. 

This is the same beach that Alex and I visited in February

This boat wasn’t there before.

And this trail of concrete rubble used to be a road and the blocks were neatly organized on the seawall to the left.  The wall did not do anything. 

Just keep smiling.

How life is getting back to normal

I promised myself this is not going to be another depressing post from Lyana. Simply because I am not depressed:) No, Misawa doesn’t feel the same with so many friends and little kids gone. Even Weasel’s Den (on base indoor playground) was empty this Saturday morning. No, we still cannot go travel anywhere south of Hachinohe (basically only 40 minutes away). Nevertheless, life IS getting back to normal.

Katya and Alex have school as normal. I am very happy that Katya could continue with her piano lessons, because her teacher didn’t leave. Most kids in the neighborhood have left. So kids have to be very creative about what they can do while playing outside.

It snowed last Saturday. As usual, Misawa is full of surprises. Robert used this last chance to go sledding with the kids at the Ski Lodge.

The snow was perfect for building this huge snowman.

On Monday, for Family Home Evening, we decided to take the kids to the BX (our military store) and have them pick out toys/snacks/whatever for their “backpack buddies”. Misawa Girl Scouts are doing the same project, so we thought it would be a great opportunity for kids to pick out new things from the store to give to the kids in Sendai to cheer them up. Katya and Alex loved it! My mom and sister also decided to contribute by having me pick out some items to fill a backpack “From Ukraine with love”:)

Yesterday (Friday), Robert had a day off. When we woke up, saw that it was going to be a sunny day, we decided that we had to get out and go for a drive somewhere. After playing a few tricks on kids for April Fools’ Day, we sent Katya and Alex to school, hopped in the car and went down to Hachinohe. First, we stopped by the salvage yard.

A very strange place which is not really a salvage yard, but more of a “second hand store of random items from Japan—antique and new”. On the picture above, you cannot see several more garages/buildings full of stuff. Robert found a wooden xylophone (without a hammer) and a wooden Kokeshi-like doll with a wooden neck ring of unknown origin. I have been searching online about what it could be, but still have no idea. I’ll have to post a picture later.  

Then we drove to Kabushima Island. In the beginning of April last year, we visited that place as a family.

A lot has changed around there as we can see.

After Katya and Alex came back from school, Robert took all the kids to our Misawa beach. He’ll tell you all about it later, I hope.

In the evening, we even squeezed in a date!! Yes! A dinner alone! We went to our favorite Indian restaurant “New Delhi”. Garlic Naan=yum! Lyena, it wasn’t spicy.

See? Things are pretty normal around here….except who is this kid sitting in his high chair, lounging around? Do you want to know what he is eating?  Green beans and elbow macaroni with a ton of squash in it (Mark’s version of Mac’n’cheese)-his favorite.

 

And what is this?? Several days ago, Mark was determined to go swimming….And he wanted to put his swim diaper ON TOP of his pants….He was wearing it like that all day. His sun glasses are a new addition to his everyday accessories. He calls them “eyes”.      

It’s Saturday night and it’s almost midnight. Have a good night!

Beautiful food

A week before the earthquake, we went out with our Japanese friends, the Futakawas, to a very nice Italian restaurant in Hachinohe. The place was really family-friendly and family-owned. The food at the restaurant was all home-made from fresh ingredients—yum!

Japanese care about food presentation and esthetics. It’s not a myth. Japanese actually make fake  dishes out of plastic to present at their restaurant’s window display.

Picture borrowed from Wikipedia.

The coolest thing is that even kids’ meals were all done with such care. Sorry, our camera was not getting good pictures in that lighting.

Their kids’ meals had spaghetti, hamburger (with no bun), some salad, rice, and apples in pudding or something like that.

I wish we could experience more of “non-Americanized” Japanese restaurants. Not being able to read signs and Japanese websites is our problem… Good thing we have Maki and Tatsuya as our friends—they are Japanese and speak great English!

72-hour kit essentials

Recently we had the rare opportunity to utilize our 72-hour kit (well, some of it). Now, I don’t claim to be the most prepared when it comes to emergencies, but thanks to my wife, I feel that we have a pretty smashing 72-hour kit. That aside, let me tell you about our experience breaking open the kit.




The power went out after the first big quake hit. With that, of course, went almost everything we take for granted everyday – internet, TV, lights, oven, stove, microwave (ahhhh!), refrigerator, cordless phones, dishwasher, laundry machines, and so forth. You get the idea. Obviously, some things are more important than others. Luckily, water and sewer lines were working, so we didn’t have to get creative on that front. Anyway, let’s talk survival.



You never know what situation you will be in when you need to use your 72-hour kit, so preparedness is key. Our kit was set up so that we could grab it on a moment’s notice on our way out the door (worst-case scenario). This time, luckily, we busted it out in the comfort of our own dark living room.



Our kit is divided into two large military backpacks, with smaller backpacks inside for each child. Each of the older kids’ backpacks consists of:



change of clothes – one year up in size

you can always roll up or cut if too long. Even though we were still at home, the kids were excited to wear the “new” clothes from their backpacks

basic hygiene kit

2 bottles of water

some granola bars or other snacks

hand warmers

stickers and crayons

tissues

extra pair of glasses and lens cleaner in Alex’s bag

Mark’s bag:



wipes

diapers – keep size updated

diaper rash cream

clothes – again, one size too big

The rest of the kit, split up between the two big bags:



Vital documents

copies of passports, marriage and birth certificates

household inventory

copies of stuff in your wallet

contact information of friends and relatives

Extra cash – $100 in small bills

change of clothes for me and Lyana – long-sleeve shirt and pants can be used in any weather

a WORKING radio – tape batteries to outside of radio

test the radio beforehand (just a hint)

flashlight – battery powered ones are less stressful

wall-charger flashlights are fine, but rather difficult to recharge when electricity is out. I don’t recommend them.

I don’t like the crank-charge ones either. Who wants to be turning a crank just for a few minutes of light.

LED lights – even brighter than regular flashlights

we had two LED headlamps and three LED circular lights that we could put on the table or hang on the wall. I definitely recommend these.

Lots of spare batteries.

The LED lights were nice because they are light (ie not heavy) AND they run on AAA batteries which are also fairly light.

Candles – portable, but really only practical when all your batteries are dead

Fire starter sticks

inflatable pillow – who knows?

pocket knife

cooking fuel

ponchos

alcohol hand sanitizer

antibacterial wipes

whistle

spool of twine

duct tape – some would argue that’s all you really need

folding shovel

a little bit of rope

compass

matches

a good book – to pass the time away

a good first aid kit – not just a few band-aids

more hand and body warmers

sewing kit

doctor’s masks – easy to find in Japan

permanent markers – gotta label stuff

trash bags

scissors

aluminum foil

paper towels

can opener

toilet paper

paper plates and cups

plastic utensils

water purification tablets

vaseline or chapstick

plastic grocery bags

wool blankets – we have 2

almonds, cashews or other nuts

MREs

emergency food rations – like energy bars or those big bricks of barely palatable bricks (we have both)

peanut butter – high protein and yum too

freeze dried food – some random stuff

Tums – guess why

Since we were still at home, we obviously didn’t use everything, but the experience certainly gave us a chance to re-evaluate the practicality of certain items. (the bags are still in the living room being re-evaluated)



Food – unless they were starving, I doubt the kids would eat much of what we had in the bags, especially the freeze-dried stuff. Now I recommend food that you know the kids will eat and food that requires little or no preparation (who wants to be heating up water and pouring it carefully in a bag just so they can have a meal of reconstituted spaghetti?) A special treat for the kids can be especially comforting during disasters or evacuations. I also recommend a little bit of chocolate for the wife (Lyana told me to say that).

Water – fill up your containers before you need them. I didn’t “get around to it,” but thankfully the water never stopped working here. I filled up the bathtub as soon as I could . . . just in case.

Corded phone – wish I had one. It doesn’t need to be in the kit, but when the power’s out, cordless phones are worthless.

Car keys – I never thought about this before, but why not put a spare key in the 72-hour kit. That way, if you have to grab it and run, you don’t have to waste time looking for your keys.

Gas – I mean, fuel. Both our cars were near empty when the earthquake hit. Gas stations were closed so we were stuck with what we had. I recommend keeping tanks no less than 1/4 tank and also have a full gas can in storage.

Cooking – I was very happy we had a BBQ with a full propane tank. Many people, I heard, spent those two days eating cheese and crackers. We had a full fridge and freezer full of food to use up, so we ate like royalty. Had to invite the neighbors over to help us. It also helped that we had some coolers, which I filled with food and buried in the ice and snow outside.

Okay, I think that’s good enough for now. I’m exhausted just thinking about all of this. But who wants to be thinking about this when they’re running out the door or just even when the power’s out? Stocked and easily accessible is the key.



I’m off now. If you have any questions, just ask . . . then I’ll refer them all to my well-prepared wife.



Rob

Tsunami Damage in Hachinohe

It's been exactly 3 weeks since the tsunami.  We headed down to Hachinohe, the city just to our south, and captured this footage.  For those who know this area, we were approaching Kabushima island (the seagull place blogged about last April).