Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Mikan Picking

Yum
Cheesu!
Calendar that tells you the least busy days to pick
On Saturday the weather was looking pretty good so we headed to nearby Tsukuihama Kankonoen Farm to pick mikans (satsumas, a variety of mandarin orange).  From Yokosuka, we took the Keikyu line to Tsukuihama station (15 min. or so), where there was a shuttle bus waiting to take us up the hill to the mikan fields. For 650 yen each (about $8.50), we got to eat as many mikans as we wanted (4 was enough for me!) and fill our green basket. Everyone was picnicking around the mikan trees and throwing their peels on the ground, so we did the same. Then we had to pay per kilo--we got about two kilos (4+ lbs) for 700 yen. So it wasn't cheap, but it was a lot of fun and a very unique experience! Hopefully we'll come back to pick strawberries and maybe dig potatoes there sometime!

From Tsukuihama station to the mikan fields

Sunday, November 27, 2011

We're Here!


View from our balcony
We're here! We made it to Yokosuka Wednesday, November 22 after a 10+ hour flight and a 2 hour bus ride to the base. Saya, the woman renting us our apartment, met us and took us there via taxi. We had way too much luggage for the average Japanese cab but luckily they were able to close the trunk with a bungee cord and we didn't have far to go.

Our apartment is in a building of about 175 units. We have a ton of space compared to our condo in Seattle. I think it's about 850-900 sq ft if I had to guess. Pleasant surprise for me! We have two bedrooms, a kitchen, living/dining room, bathroom, W.C., and a tatami room. The tatami room is supposed to be a bedroom (we think), but we are excited to use it as an art room/office.

Now, who wants to visit? :)


Outside of our building

We're right next to Daiei Mall!

Our building is the one in the middle
Front door with shoe closet

Bedroom

Second bedroom
Bathroom/laundry room

Shower/bathroom

W.C. (note "sink" on top of toilet)
Kitchen (no oven or dishwasher!)


Tatami room


Recognize this guy? :)

Living room looking towards kitchen