February 29, 2008

This morning I became brave and went over to Purdy Gym to participate in my first yoga class. This is Yoga for Relaxation, but, boy, was it a challenge! The reason I'm taking it is to increase my flexibility. When I went through my Wellness class, that was my worst feature. They say that if you have better flexibility you are less apt to have accidents and can catch yourself if you trip or fall.
I could barely do anything correctly in class, and, even though you seem to be standing still, I broke out in a sweat, and I was worn out by the end of class. The friendliest person I met, Yoshi, was incredibly flexible (also quite young), but they say not to compare yourself to anyone else, and do the best you can. This evening I hurt so badly I wasn't sure if I ever wanted to go back to this class, but I'm sure I will, and just not push myself quite so hard.
This evening, Dennis, Devon, Jim and I went to the CPO club on base for their surf and turf buffet. needless to say, I had "turf"! We had a wonderful time eating, talking and laughing.

March 1, 2008

Jim and I took it easy today, and I was so sore I didn't mind. Those of you who have spent any time with me know how sore I must have been to not mind this!
We did go to the NEX and Commissary in the morning after breakfast. We walk over there and take a taxi back.

March 2, 2008

I was feeling much better today, and the weather was beautiful. Awhile back I bought tickets to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, and we decided to use them today.

It's really not very far from here, but does take about half an hour by train, because you have to change trains at Kanazawa Hakkeiai.

We weren't sure what to expect at this park, so when we got there we walked around the park to familiarize ourselves. It's a bit of an older park, but was very clean and neat. They have a roller coaster that is very cool, and even goes over the bay a little.

We found the aquarium and spent about four hours there. It was a magnificent place, and, again, I saw sea creatures I had never seen before. I am very surprised at how many aquariums there are in Japan. We've been to many, and only were disappointed once. I love the dolphin and seal shows, because, of course, they're in Japanese, and I try like crazy to understand what they are saying. I usually can't. They have many of the same tricks they do in the States, but sometimes they throw in something I've never seen before, and that's fun to see.

When we were done with the aquarium, Jim agreed to go on the roller coaster with me, so we walked to the other side of the park where it is. We were definitely the oldest in line. When we found out we were in the front seat (you just go in order, no choosing), the young people around us clapped and laughed. It was a great ride, scary, but not deathly so, and when we got off, we were greeted and lots of clapping again! It really was fun. We did buy our picture from the ride, and I have it hanging over our kitchenette sink. It makes me smile each time I look at it!

Before leaving the park, we found ice cream and each had an ice cream cone. They have the best ice cream over here-it must have a high fat content.

When we got back to Yokosuka, we decided to eat dinner at Club Alliance. It's a very easy, relaxing place to eat after a day out.