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.