The Honco Driver, and other musings.

This post is dedicated to some of the most important people on the base, the taxi drivers, also known as the "Honcho." Through rain, high winds, dust storms, flooding, and snow?, these people will heroically drive Marines anywhere both on and off base. The hold a special place in every Marine's mind because of this. They will take Marine and their friends anywhere on base for 600Y ($6-$7). Allowing the Marines, if they drive, to leave their vehicles at their domiciles when they go to the club to enjoy some "adult beverages." They also give the Marines who do not drive the ability to enjoy the base's Exchange and various restaurants. These fearless individuals will also venture off base to retrieve a wayward Marine, or to take Marines to the local "sites." Be they Jusco, San-A, a movie theater, the airport, bars, dance clubs, or more risque' places, they never shrink from their self appointed duty. (Jusco and San-A are the local versions of Wal-Mart and Target.) You will always see them lined up where Marines live and gather, waiting to get a fare. So may hat comes off in salute to these intrepid indivuals, and I give them a hearty, "Well Done!"

Last night, a good friend and I went out to a Persian Restaurant. Not only did they serve food there, they also rented Persian Water-pipes, also known as a Hookah. Get the image of the caterpillar sitting on a mushroom smoking opium from "Alice in Wonderland" out of your head, we were using its more traditional fuel, tobacco. When you ordered the food, they gave you a menu with all their various flavored water blends. Last night, we went with a blend called "Mixed Fruit." They then bring out the Hookah. If you have never used one before, like myself, it is an interesting experience. The smoke you inhale does not taste like tobacco smoke. It takes on the flavor of the water. The smoke is also very mild compared to that of the evil cigarettes and cigars. I know, I know, smoking is evil and bad for you, and that I need to quit, but it was experience that was really interesting. The food was awesome. I had a brazed chicken pita with seasoned potato wedges. It had just the right amount of seasoning to make is spicy, but in a "you know it is there but it is not over powering" sort of way. By the way, I did not have the inclination to ask, "A who, a who are you?" to the waitress at anytime during our time there! (Although it was tempting!!! ;))

Today I plan on making my weekly pilgrimage to the greatest temple devoted to geekdom on the Rock, Goodwill. Contrary to what its name may mean to Americans, it is a store devoted to the pinnacle hobby of geeks everywhere, building and upgrading computers! Think small town computer repair store mixed with the size of stock of Best Buy, totally devoted to just computer parts! Did I mention that it was a temple to geekdom? One can go in there and spend hours looking at the various widgets available to you for customizing your computer. If they do not have it, the item maybe a either a special order item or it does not exist. Prices tend to be a little higher than normal for some things, but they can be cheaper than ordering off of the web when you figure in shipping charges. If you are careful, and watch the Yen conversion rate, you can get some really good deals. It also helps with local relations by helping their economy. Oh, did I mention it is a temple to geekdom yet?

Well, I have rambled on long enough. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Doh! I forgot to tell you all. I have updated the map with some places. You can check it out here.