Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Car!

We have wheels! I know it has been a long while since I have updated. We got caught up in our work routines that we stopped exploring out to new areas. Walking also was becoming a problem. There is only so far that you can walk in a day. So we started looking for a car.

In Japan they have different plates depending on the type of car. The smaller, gas efficient cars get a yellow plate. It means we usually pay a little more for the vehicle, but pay less in yearly taxes and fees.

It also means it only has a three cylinder engine. Which is the size of a go-cart. And makes my little Honda Civic look like a boat.

After weeks of waiting for the right vehicle to match all our requirements we found it!


A 1997 Mitsubishi Panjero Mini! We are officially car owners in Japan!



It is officailly the smallest car I have ever been in. But it holds four and has space in the back. And we paid very little for it. Very little. Which is good because it is very little.

Our first journey out in town was a little scary. I am the only one that can legally drive in Japan so Dustin was the navigator. Note: he is the worst navigator ever!

We took a trip to Nafco (like a Home Depot mixed with Bed, Bath, & Beyond) to get some hardware to hang things in our townhouse. The studs are metal to move with earthquakes which is great for safety, but not great for hanging pictures. Dustin is following the directions from Google maps and takes me on the tiniest back roads to get there. Tiny roads that are two way streets! I will post pictures soon.

Yay for wheels!

3 comments:

  1. Wow, it's not that far from a Cooper right? Can't fit more than 2 visitors. You may have to make multiple trips...

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  2. Aren't you glad you aren't six feet tall?! It's just a baby Humvee, right?! Did you have to get a new driver's license? Only 5 degrees this morning in Maine.

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  3. Val, when you visit we'll rent a bigger car! It is super tiny... but the roads here are super tiny too. I feel like I'm going to fall off cliffs and hit walls sometimes. Often one person has to back up in a driveway when we come up to opposing traffic. Dad, I did have to get a new driver's license. I didn't have to take a driving test because they assume that I can already drive because I have a US license. I did have to take a three hour class and test on the different signage, road rules, and curb paintings. Hopefully I remember it all...

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