It was the first time I was able to see a submarine this closely. It was bigger than I had expected. This submarine had been on duty up until 5 years ago and now is exhibited for everyone. I think that the submarines are classified material themselves. The exhibition of such stuff was amazing to me, but what they don't want to be open would be hidden or removed from the submarine.
Inside the submarine was unbelievably cramped. The crew's beds were so narrow and were arranged vertically just like shelves or racks in the bookstore. When a man lie on the bed, the space above him would be as small as 30cm. I've seen a bed of the crew on a destroyer before and it was small. However, a submarine's crew's bed was smaller or tinier than that of a destroyer. They have to stay in the submarine many days without seeing outside. I would never put up with such a condition.
Not only the beds, but all other space was used efficiently. I wondered how hard the crew's lives were in the submarine. I'd like to thank and respect the JMSDF members for enduring this harsh condition. At last, I tried to look into the periscope. The view through the scope was clear.
(Vocabulary)
classified material 機密事項
cramped 〈部屋・建物などが〉 狭苦しい, 窮屈な
periscope 潜望鏡
(KW: 潜水艦 海上自衛隊 呉 史料館)
I have never been inside of a submarine before. I have really only seen them on movies. On a movie, they are portrayed to be much larger, I think. I couldn't live in a tiny space like that. I am much too claustrophobic.
I LOVE the rafting on the rivers in Oregon. I have been down the Rogue, McKenzie, and the Deschuttes. They have such beautiful scenery. Wow, I am happy to know that you have seen my home, and some of it's beauty!
By the way, Oshima was PERFECT! All except I got quite sunburnt!
Posted by: Sarah | Jun 11, 2009 at 01:02 PM