Here are answers to a lot of the questions that I commonly get from readers.
Q: What is the weather like here in the Yokosuka area?
A: Winters are anywhere from the 30's to 50's typically with some heavy wind and occasional rain. Spring it warms up some but rains a lot. Summer is hot (up to the 90's) and very humid. Fall is anywhere from high 60's to low 80's depending on the day.
Q: Will our paycheck be more in Japan than it is in the states?
A: Your base pay will stay the same according to your pay grade. You will receive COLA which will defiantly add a boost to that pay check. Just like with any other command, if you are separated for a long length of time you will receive separation pay. There is also hazard pay which your sailor will see if he or she is deployed to a dangerous place.
Q: How long can I expect to stay in the Navy Lodge? How much will it cost us?
A: They say to expect a month and that is a safe answer because the length of your stay really depends on a lot of factors. Depending on which type of housing your are looking for and what is available will all help determine how long you will be at the lodge. The Navy lodge charges $70.00 for a room with a kitchenette and $65.00 for a room with out one. You must pay for your bill every ten days no matter what your reimbursement status. You will be reimbursed for your stay but it may not be as quick as you like.
Q: Am I happy with our choice to move to Japan?
A: Yes! It has been very different and at times difficult but I am very happy that we are here. I would recommend this experience to anyone who has to opportunity to come here for a few years.
Q: Do I need a passport for all members of my family?
A: YES!
Q: Can I bring my pet with my to Japan?
A: That depends. If you have a dog or cat that has gone through the screening process, who has passed and been approved, you can bring your furry friend. Keep in mind also that having a pet may limit your housing choices once you are here. Dogs are not allowed in the tower homes and may not be allowed in your first choice of home in the city.
Q: How do you come up with ideas for your blog topics?
A: Either it is something that I have been wondering about so I will research it and then post about it or it is something I get questions about. I love answering questions but I thought if I got more than a few questions about the same topic then it would be worth writing about. Lately I have also been looking over stats for this blog and finding out the search topics people use to get to my blog. If there is one that I feel I haven't covered and fits in with the rest of the posts I will write about that.
