Chapter 1 — Japan

Chapter Notes

Following our PCS to Yokosuka — base life, Japan travel, language breakthroughs, and stories from the road.

Walking the Flight Deck: Our Tour of the USS Nimitz at Naval Station Mayport

Walking the Flight Deck: Our Tour of the USS Nimitz at Naval Station Mayport

We recently had an absolutely incredible opportunity to get an up-close look at naval history and cutting-edge aviation engineering. We got…

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Jacksonville Flavors: Mastering the DIY Grill and Boil

Jacksonville Flavors: Mastering the DIY Grill and Boil

As we inch closer to our move to Japan, the preparation process has been all-consuming. While I recently wrote about using hot pot as a way…

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Prepping for Our Big Adventure: A Taste of Asia Right Here in Jacksonville!

Prepping for Our Big Adventure: A Taste of Asia Right Here in Jacksonville!

With our upcoming Permanent Change of Station to Yokosuka, Japan, coming up fast in August, the whole Emmer family is getting into the…

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Hoops and Highlights: A Week at the NAS Jax Youth Activities Center

Hoops and Highlights: A Week at the NAS Jax Youth Activities Center

I’ve included a few photos from the week below to capture the fun.

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Preparing for Japan: Charley’s Big Vet Day!

Preparing for Japan: Charley’s Big Vet Day!

Preparing for Japan: Charley’s Big Vet Day! It is officially crunch time for our international move! As many of you know, bringing a dog to…

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Summer Fun at the NAS Jax Pool!

Summer Fun at the NAS Jax Pool!

We had an absolute blast at the NAS Jacksonville MWR pool this week! There is no better way to beat the Florida heat than spending the day…

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From Jacksonville to Japan: Mastering Golden Curry at Home

From Jacksonville to Japan: Mastering Golden Curry at Home

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of Japanese curry. It’s been a staple in our house for a while now—thanks…

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Tacos, Travels, and Tokyo Dreams: A Tampa Farewell

Tacos, Travels, and Tokyo Dreams: A Tampa Farewell

As July creeps closer and the reality of our upcoming move to Yokosuka sets in, the endless checklists and packing logistics give way to one last Tampa road trip with good friends.

Decluttering, Diamond Dirt, and Dinner: The PCS Countdown Continues

Decluttering, Diamond Dirt, and Dinner: The PCS Countdown Continues

The countdown to Japan is officially in double digits, and our days are flying by in a blur of packing tape, baseball dirt, and savory…

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PCS Chronicles: The Medical Milestone

PCS Chronicles: The Medical Milestone

Another day, another step in the PCS checklist. If you’ve ever moved for the military, you know the process is less of a smooth transition…

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Chasing Dreams Under the Wings of Legends: A Day at NAS Jax

Chasing Dreams Under the Wings of Legends: A Day at NAS Jax

There’s a unique kind of magic in the air at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. It’s more than just the hum of jet engines or the steady…

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Training My Palate: A Pre-Departure Hot Pot Feast

Training My Palate: A Pre-Departure Hot Pot Feast

What better way to prep for life in Asia than with a comforting, communal meal of Korean hot pot?

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Packing Up for Japan: The Purge Begins!

Packing Up for Japan: The Purge Begins!

The purge has officially begun. If it doesn't fit in a suitcase or ship cheaply, it's gone.

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