Space A to Yokota - Visiting Bobbi

It was Bobbi’s turn for a visit with Mom and Dad. She was on summer break and had lots of free time to share so we started looking for a flight go visit. It was looking a bit grim for the first week with no flights headed her direction but our bags were packed and ready to grab. Phil put in his leave and the kennel was ready to take Samai on a minutes notice. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get the first handful of flights and with leave running out Phil had to go back to work but I kept my bags packed and was ready to go. The day Phil returned to work was the day I caught a flight out. A C5 with 73 open seats to Osan Korea on to Yokota Japan AND there were only 10 people trying for the flight! What kind of bum luck is that?! Poor Phil was already back to work. :-(

For those who aren’t familiar with military aircraft I have to share.

The C5 is probably "older than dirt" and prone to break downs - all space A'ers should be aware of this and ready to roll with the flow if this happens - but it is the Cadillac of aircraft for passengers! It has regular airplane seats with trays that fold down for "your dinning pleasure" and leg room beyond belief! As I sat in my empty row of three seats across and stretched out my legs I couldn’t help but think Michael Jordan could fit in this seat and have leg room to spare! Each seat had a blanket to keep us warm and pillow to snooze the flight away all buckled in with the seatbelt like a tiny package just waiting for us to use. I'd also like to note that the seats face the tail of the plane because it is much safer to fly that way. I've always wondered why commercial planes are not designed that way? As you can imagine, it feels strange to take off being thrust forward into the seat in front of you but on landing- you don't even realize you have landed or that the breaks are on. It's really nice to fly that way!

C5 Looking at the tail of the plane

Enough seats for an entire row per person
with empty rows to spare!

Bobbi was waiting for me at the visitors gate at Yokota. It was so nice to see her!! She had been waiting there for hours. It was nearly 9 pm and we still had to catch the train and a cab to her house. I can't tell you how nice it was to unload my suitcase and backpack and just relax when we got there. Both of us were tired and went straight to bed.

Your probably not going to believe this but my first day with Bobbi we went to- - - Yokota AFB! We wanted to shop and Chili's sounded good for lunch!! We spent some time at the exchange and picked up some food at the commissary that she can't get in town and then we headed to the Chili's for lunch. It was a fun day just relaxing and visiting. We both felt so bad that Phil couldn't make it so we decided to make sure he came along with us!

Chili's for lunch with Dad.

The next day was a shopping day. Yokohama is the place to go if you want to shop! I think we spent two hours in stationary store, at least it felt that way! I love the stationary in Japan. It's unlike anything you have ever seen. Those of you who have been lucky enough to get a hand written letter or card from Bobbi, you know what I mean. :-) Starbucks was the stop for a refreshing cool drink and a snack. Of course we took Phil with us too. I had my pedometer with me that day. We walked 9.98 miles in an afternoon! I think he was exhausted following us around and he didn't complain once! haha. Bobbi was happy to share her mocha with him.

Bobbi Enjoyed having Dad go
shopping with us and treated him to Starbucks!

After ten miles of walking, I mean shopping, we spent the entire next day on the sofa playing Wii! Oh yeah! We knocked out a few levels in Mario. But we couldn't be total couch potatoes and still needed some exercise so we challenged each other to some Wii Sports. Golfing, Tennis, Baseball and then finished off the afternoon with Wii Fit! :-) We rocked the games.

I'm sure most of you know that Bobbi teaches conversational english. One of her other past times for the last few years is coaching the students that have entered the speech contest. Today she had practice with two of her students. While she was gone I took a short walk (and I do mean short- like three doors down from her house) to the shrine. We have walked past the entrance to this so many times and I have never gone in. Much to my surprise, neither has Bobbi!! So I decided to take some pictures and show her what is in her back yard. Here are some of the photos I got.

Entrance to the Shrine. I've walked passed
this so many times and never gone in.

Water Buckets. I LOVE these. Wish I
could take one home.

The Temple

Garden

Stone that looks like a mushroom

Moss covered stairs leading to the cemetery

Beautiful Hibiscus with the cemetery in
the background

The Shrine

My time was winding down and I was already looking for flights home. Bobbi wanted to take me to one of her favorite places to visit, Disney Sea. So the next day we went to Tokyo and were kids for a day! Some photos of the girls day out!

This is what the train station in
the country looks like! I know, where
are the people?!

Train Station in the city. There's the
people! It's crazy!! I like the country better

Bobbi in N.Y. 

Bobbi and Geppetto. Aren't they cute?
He wanted to dance with her!

Under the Sea!! My Favorite!

All Dressed up cuz we have somewhere
to go!

Me and Jimmny. I just love him.

Temple of Doom.
Phil came with us to Disney Sea 

There was flight going from Yokota to Osan to Guam the next day. Roll Call was at 0540 so I had to pack my bags and get to Yokota for the night. Roll call went well and I was the only passenger but they made a change and were only taking passengers as far as Osan. I quickly logged on to FaceBook and checked Osan for outgoing flights and there was one that afternoon to Guam with 73 seats. Being the adventurers type I decided to take the risk and see if I could get there in time for the roll call to Guam. 
I flew a C130 and was the only passenger to Osan! I don't think the crew master was use to having just one passenger because he must have asked me something a dozen times in the 3 hour flight! Do I need a blanket, am I thirsty, are you comfortable etc . haha.. these guys are so sweet. I really do love flying space A! I arrived in Osan with two hours to spare for the roll call to Guam. Only thing is that it was a C5 and who knows why but they had to make an unannounced stop in Yokota. They didn't arrive until after 5pm and then stayed the night in Osan.

That meant an overnight stay in Korea. Well heck, I had to make the best of it so I checked into a hotel out in town and walked around the area. Lots of shopping Osan and good deals too! But I didn't buy anything, just took in the sights and some dinner. The next morning I was off to Guam on a C5 (again) with 73 seats and 3 passengers!! I was so happy that lucky fairy was with me again!

Newly renovated terminal at Osan.
It is beautiful inside and out and it is HUGE!

Look!!! Charrascos in Korea!
Just steps away from my hotel in town and
oh my gosh did it smell good!

Awesome shopping in Osan!

It was so good to be home. To see Phil and Samai was happy too.
Until the adventure bug bites me again. . .Thanks to Bobbi for the wonderful time and great memories!! I love you!