Matsuyama: the big city

I'm currently staying at a hostel in Matsuyama, the capital city of Ehime prefecture and really the only urban area around. I have internet at this hostel, so while I'm not sure if I'll be able to post pictures, I can post a little more frequently. Huzzah!

I first came to Matsuyama last Thursday for a 2-day orientation for new JETs like myself. This orientation was more useful than the one we attended in Tokyo, partially because we no longer have jet lag and partially because they were able to give us certain specific information about stuff that goes on locally. I do think the best part about it was spending time with a lot of other people in the same situation, though. We`ve all got different backgrounds and different situations here in Japan, but we're all getting used to our new homes, learning tons of new stuff every day, and struggling with the adjustment in one way or another. We`re also all in this limbo-land between coming to the country and teaching in earnest, since the kids are all on summer break. It's really encouraging to find out that I'm not the only one getting used to living alone for the first time, and to be reminded that with my Japanese language skills and past experience in Japan, I'm really doing quite well!

I spent Saturday exploring Matsuyama a bit with Grant and Etta, a married couple who have lived here for 3 years already, and Nishelle, a fellow new JET who is based in Matsuyama. A lot of JETs are from other English-speaking countries, and particularly those based in Matsuyama: Grant and Etta are Canadian, Nishelle is from Trinidad, and Safiyya, with whom I stayed Friday night, is from South Africa. Since we all speak a slightly different brand of English and have different references, it's quite a cultural exchange we've got going here!

I went home Saturday night and on Sunday, I went to a barbeque in the mountains with a smaller version of the crowd I had at my apartment the weekend before. This time, Aya, Sa-chan, Nate, Hideto and I drove through gorgeous woods and valleys to the Tomisato gorge, where we cooked yakiniku and vegetables and went swimming in the river. The water was cold, but it was so nice to swim in this hot weather! I said as much after we got out, and Aya and Sa-chan said, 'Demo Emiri, wakai yo!' 'But Emily, you're so young!' (That's why you can handle the cold water).

I'm back in Matsuyama to attend a two week intensive Japanese course, with the full sanction of my contracting organization (the Shikokuchuo Board of Education, which employs me). The course is only two hours a day and there doesn't seem to be any homework involved, so I plan to see the sights and enjoy the amenities of urban life, including internet, a vast shopping arcade, and international cuisine (a Nepalese restaurant nearby!).

Best to all of you at home, and keep in touch!