Norfolk

Got off the base today and went to eat at Hooters with the others. Having to take taxis everywhere is really expensive, I don't know how people in New York can afford it. Also killed some time at Circuit City and then went to the NEX (Navy Exchange) which is a giant military-only store. Probably 4 of the BXs (Base Exchange, same thing) at my base could fit inside of this one. I bought a power converter so I can use my electronics in Iraq on the 220 power supply and a book about traffic. How it happens, why it happens, how we perceive it, etc. Sounds interesting. A book about plane rides would have been more appropriate I guess but I couldn't find any about that.

One interesting thing about this base is that it is at least partially powered by steam. There are steam pipes going all over the base, connecting to almost every building, all coming from a few central buildings that produce all of the steam. I guess they use it for heat, to power machinery, etc. They are supposed to be trying to phase it out, as I guess it's pretty dangerous and not very cost effective. But it is interesting to see the little veins of the base running everywhere.



On the way back to our lodging we had the taxi driver drive by the piers so we could see the boats. The pictures don't at all show how big they are, you really have to be next to one to really understand it. They are basically huge buildings floating on the water. I definitely would not want to live on one for months at a time though. Apparently, Navy people stay out at see for four years and then on shore for three, according to the lady that was driving us around last night. Of course if the boat is in port they can get off, but are still assigned to that boat and could go any time the boat does. That sounds pretty awful. But, that's why I didn't join the Navy. Here are some pictures.







I don't know anything about the ships, so just look at the pictures. There were a couple of submarines as well which were really cool. Also, the last picture is of the new aircraft carrier, the Bush, which is going to be commissioned sometime in the next week or so and all of the Bush family will be here for that.

I'm not sure when I'll have an internet connection again but I'll post something whenever I do, from the other side of the ocean!