Lajes Field is the name of the Air Base Wing's location.It is home to all Air Force, Military, and Army personnelle. We gained the Air Base Wing after makeing an agreement with the Portuguese Republic the Americans. With a population of 3250 the living space is limited with the over growing population. The commissary has little space to support the income of food needed to keep all civilians fed and drinking supplies on coming.Other base facilities include a laundry/dry cleaner, chapel, education center, library, post office, radio/television station(1-2 channels), movie theater, medical clinic, and dental clinic(however the medical and dental clinic is limited).
Recreation is not a problem here either. Tennis courts line several buildings, along with multipal base and softball fields.Bowling is also one of the few thrifty recreations. Also for the kids, along with adults of all ages, there is a skateing rink open every day from 5-8 P.M on week days, 7-11P.M on Fridays, and 6P.M.-12A.M on Saturday. You can rent or bring your own skates. But if you are just looking for a place to relax there is a movie theater. Movies are a bit delayed when it comes to showings. One movie per day will show at two different times.
Identification is required at all times to get on and off base. Guards check to see weather you are American or civilian. You can walk to just about every location if that is what you wish to do. Cars have a sticker on the window and officers check those also. Children need to have their ID cards when and if they are walking to school. But more than not the officers will know weather you go to the school or not.
Shorts are a wonderful invention here because weather can get pretty warm. However it is also very good to have a rain jacket for it does rain. So the motto is " If it isn't beautiful in the heat, it's beautiful in the rain." If you have an umbrella and want a site to behold look out the window or where ever the ocean is and watch the roll of the waves. It is quite beautiful. Oh and sorry kids but there aren't any "snow days" here.
Cows, they're everywhere. Cattle guards are often found along every entrance of the neighborhood for wandering cows. At least once a week you will see cows walking up and down the main street. Farmers who are either moving or trading cows will take their cows and herd them to where ever it is they need to go. Don't worry though the cows are harmless and a great picture to show the family back home.
© by Kelsey Bates at Ringgold High School
Last updated April 4, 2006