Lost in Translation

Hey everyone,

Despite what you may have assumed, I am still alive. Who'd have thought that with all my adventures through Asia my greatest challenge would be getting George's blog to work in English? (see pictures) So, my apologies for tardiness and keeping horribly out of touch but it seems that Japanese is the going rate out here, in the real world and the virtual one.

That being said, its been a pretty crazy time since leaving the states on July 25th. My month with the Chilean Navy was an experiance, and theres no better way to describe it than that. Beforehand I was joking about hoisting mainsails, climbing the mast and swabbing the deck, thinking the whole time that as an invited guest I wouldnt be expected to do much. I was wrong. Day 1 indoc involved climbing up and over the mast, sans any semblance of safety device. Lets just say, wow. I never quite got used to that aspect of shiplife, but it was an interesting month nonetheless. With them I got to practice alot of Spanish, stood too many late night watches, saw some cool places (we went to Shanghai, Beijing, the Great Wall, and Korea), and drank a substantial amount of Pisco. Like I said, it was an experiance.

However, it gave me an image of what a Navy could be, and soon afterwards I was immersed in what US Navy life really is. I wont go on about it, but lets just say that Im not sad that my committment is only 4 years, vice anything longer. We havent had any grand adventures yet but I really can't complain too much because next year looks very promising. Not able to say too much on a blog but Im pretty excited for next Spring and by the 4th of July I will have knocked off over half a dozen more Asian nations.

And so here we are in December. All you school folks are finishing up semesters while us working folks are looking forward to a few days off over the holidays too. Hopefully everyones doing well and will get some time to relax. Pending the good work of Mr Tomasito and Sr Falcron, I hope to be in Chi-town for New Years Eve and hope to see as many of you all there as possible! Until then, sayonara from Japan, peace in the far east.

e