Settling In

I'm currently at work at the Minami Middle School, where there's not too much to do and where there are a few computers with internet, which I won't have in my apartment for another few weeks. It's unfortunate that both internet and a cell phone can't be gotten without an alien registration card (the gaijin card) showing residence, because I think one needs it most when settling in! But then I guess it's good to force oneself to get used to things, and then be really happy when such things as regular internet access and using a cell phone return. However, I talked to Mutz last night, and it was so wonderful!

After two days of long and repetitive orientation sessions, those of us going to Ehime prefecture in Shikoku left for the Haneda airport and took the 1 hour flight to Matsuyama. As we drew close to Matsuyama, we saw many of the small islands of the Seto Inland Sea. It:s amazing because all of these islands are mountainous, and by this I meant that there are small beaches, and then mountains. Whatever relatively flat land there is seems densely populated, with only a few roads or houses in the mountains themselves. The whole of Shikoku seems to be the same way: beaches, small towns or cities, and mostly mountains.

At Matsuyama Airport I was sad to say goodbye to my fellow JETs in Ehime, but we will see each other again soon. I was met at the airport by Erin, my predecessor, Mori-san (Ms. Mori), my supervisor, and Manabe-san (Mr. Manabe), another employee of the Board of Education. We ate lunch, drove to Shikokuchuo City, filed for my gaijin card, changed my yen traveler's checks into yen, tried and failed to get a cell phone (need the gaijin card), and then they dropped me off at my apartment for two hours before my welcome party. I used the time to unpack and not so much to rest, which was perhaps a mistake, as I was completely exhausted and largely incoherent at the welcome party. But I'm wary of taking any naps, as I still need to get adjusted to the time difference.

Yesterday Mori-san and Erin took me around to the 3 middle schools I'll rotate between. I was very quickly overwhelmed, but the schools and everyone in them seem really nice. There are still many students participating in clubs at school, so they said "harro!" and "goodo morningu!" to me. Then Erin took me to sign over the car in my name and register for insurance, and I drove home! It's actually not too bad, driving on the other side of the road. It was the first time I really felt in control, so it was good for my nerves, too. I still don't know many of the roads around here, but I'll learn.

Erin also took me to her Japanese lesson and to meet one of her Japanese friends, so she's really been so nice and helpful. I like her so much! But I'm glad to be building a support network with her help. Settling in will take a while, I'm sure, but so far so good!

Love and hugs to everyone at home.

Arrival

I am now officially in Japan! I arrived several hours ago after an unexpectedly pleasant flight; all incoming JET Program participants on the flight were seated together, so we chatted and got to know each other before, during and after the flight. I was hoping to post a picture of my flight buddies, Loren and Miki, but it'll have to wait. Even so, it was nice to talk to many people who are in exactly the same situation as I am!

We had some very tearful goodbyes as the airport, which was to be expected, but nothing really prepares you for that final wrenching yourself away from those you hold most dear. I was really glad that Dad, Mutz, Nathan and I were able to spend a good amount of time chatting at the Starbucks before I had to leave, but it didn't make the parting any easier! However, I will certainly admit that I am glad to have the goodbyes over with and the joy of meeting new people ahead.

The Keio Plaza hotel is in the Shinjuku section of Tokyo, which is very much like Times Square in many ways, but it is unmistakably Japanese in both signage and nature. My first meal here was spaghetti with a sauce of fish roe (tarako) and sea urchin (uni), which was absolutely delicious. Japanese-style Italian food is a fun cuisine to try.

I have orientation for the next two days, for which I am not particularly excited. It promises to be tedious in light of the many items on the agenda and uncomfortable in light of the fact that one must wear a suit, but it'll be a great place to meet more JETs, especially those who will be in the same area of Japan.

Off to sleep!

Address and other Mailing Information

I imagine most people who want to contact me will avail themselves of the immediacy and ease of electronic conversation, and small blame! Email is so convenient, and while I won't have internet in my apartment for the first month or so, I will have fairly frequent access to the web in one way or another. While I intend to write scores of emails and update this blog quite often, there's still nothing like getting real mail. So, in the hopes of receiving some letters, and so that those who also favor pen and ink can find my address at need, I am posting my address below:

206 Shiei Suzumigawa Jutaku
Kanagawa 180-7, Kanada
Shikokuchuo City
799-0123

Sorry it's so long! For those who want to see the Japanese, please look below:

テ７９９－０１２３

愛媛県四国中央市金田町金川１８０番７

涼川住宅２０６号

I'm sure the local postmasters will be appreciative if you choose to write the address in Japanese, but the US Postal Service requires all mail items to have the address written in English (well, in roman characters), so make sure you write in both languages! For those of you who don't write Japanese, the English address will work just fine.

A few notes about mailing packages or boxes:

1. Japan is extremely hot and humid in the summer. Please don't send perishable items or anything that will melt. Luckily, there's plenty of chocolate in Japan :-)

2. International shipping costs are very high, so please don't send heavy items. Even if you are more than happy to pay for it or can ship it from work, I may have trouble carrying it or bringing it home. Please use your discretion well!

3. Japan has extremely strict laws against marijuana. I highly doubt anyone is planning to send me any, but just to be safe, DO NOT SEND any loose tea or herbs or anything remotely resembling marijuana or any other drug. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I have heard horror stories about people being in jail for years because someone back home decided to send them some pot for fun. There's plenty of perfectly legal fun in Japan, and I don't need exotic herbs that badly!

If you have any questions about mailing stuff, please feel free to ask me!

In other news, I depart for Tokyo on Saturday. I'm rather nervous and a little flustered with all the stuff I still have to do, but I'm attacking my list with gusto. Well, perhaps not gusto, but determination. Until then, I will still be answering my phone for the vast majority of the times it rings. Feel free to call and say hi!