Into Japan

So, we made our 1st excursion together into the city of Yokosuka for some sightseeing! I was anxious upon approaching the exit from our little haven, the base. I was anxious about standing out, about the thought of everyone looking at us. I've experienced this before in China, but it's been awhile. Trips had been out before with a guy from school who helped him get us some cell phones, so we knew at least where we would head. We walked down some streets to the open air mall type place where Trips had gotten the phones and just continued to walk from there. We stopped in a very cool little stationary shop (mine and Stella's idea). What we really wanted, though, was to have our first Japanese meal. Many of the restaurants/noodle shops have displays in the front with wax/plastic models of the meals, so we were able to see what was available. We passed up many places. On our stroll, we happend upon a mall called More's City and decided to take a look (again, mine and Stella's idea). In the level called Restaurant Park we found a small place where we finally decided to have our meal. It was a very quaint little place with a diner type feel to it (note to self: I need to start taking pictures of everything!). We took out our menus, found what we thought looked alright, and pointed! Trips was successfully able to order a beer and the waitress understood our need for a kids meal. This was the coolest kids meal ever. Stella got a bowl of noodles, a burger patty, a couple of fried potatos, and a scoop of rice + the customary tea, which she loved. Now, one of the reasons for entering this establishment was the display we saw out front which featured a very large Hello Kitty toy. The waitress brought out Stella's tray and walked away. Stella's face dropped when there was no toy. We were just getting ourselves prepared to diffuse any reaction, when the waitress reappeared with a whole basket of toys, handed it to us, and held up one finger with a smile. Stella was elated to get her first Hello Kitty item in Japan, a plastic bank. I am positive there will be many, many more. Hello Kitty is everywhere! Trips even saw a Hello Kitty no smoking sign. Anyway, I was very, very pleased with my meal. Hot noodles in a delicious broth topped with some tofu + a very tasty beer. Trips received cold noodles topped with some kind of egg. He says his was alright, just not what he had hoped for. I consider myself to be very lucky to have loved my meal considering I chose from a very grainy picture in a menu. From there, we explored the rest of the mall, which was cool and someplace I will return for further inspection on the rare chance that I get any time to myself. After the mall we headed back to the closest gate to the base. Right at the gate, we decided to continue on and check out Mikasa Park, which was right around the corner and something that we can see from the base and were curious about. The park is named after the Mikasa, the flagship of the Japanese Imperial Army, which is permanently "docked" in Yokosuka. The park also features a "Light, Sound, Water Park", a coordinated arrangement of fountains, waterfalls, light, and music, which we didn't get a chance to see yet, maybe we'll save a revisit for when we have out of town guests!!
We had a really great first run, I think. Stella was really cooperative, only a few complaints about not wanting to walk. I felt very enthusiastic and excited about being here. My anxieties were calmed. Oh, and there is really no need to feel uncomfortable at the thought that everyone was looking at me, cause as it turned out, everyone was looking at Lacey! Whether she was awake and smiling at everyone with her blue eyes or passed out asleep in her stroller, people just loved her. So many people smiled and commented on her and several older citizens stopped us as we walked so they could touch her and her chunky little thighs.

Pictures Posted.