21 August 2007

Connection!

So I finally have internet at the Fortunate House (the name of my apartment building). I'll post a real post soon filled with pictures and all sorts of goodness. But I'll give you eager readers a quick update to what has been happening since...well a long time.

We had a welcome party two Fridays ago for the two new ALTs in Sasayama. These parties are called "enkai" and basically it's a reason for workers to get drunk and not be uptight around each other. It's funny to see your "co-workers" trashed at night and then be the same boring ol' person the next day.

Last week I went to a training orientation for all new JETs in Hyogo prefecture. We had about 100 people I think. An entire post should be dedicated to that. It was four days long and a "only in Japan" experience. There was a curfew and a wake up announcement. It reminded me of summer camp except for the fully stocked beer vending machines in the building.

I've been driving for about 3 weeks I think. It's really not as bad as I thought. I drove about 30 minutes last night, which was my farthest trip yet. Driving on the left side isn't really that weird. The main thing that I get messed up is having the wipers and turn signals on opposite sides. I always turn on my windshield wipers when I signal to turn. The roads are really narrow but with my little kei-car (kei means light. a kei car is a car with an engine under like 600 cc I think. Basically a lawnmower engine with about the same size tires) I can get around pretty easily.

I found out the schools I will be teaching. I will be teaching in one middle school and rotating to four different elementary schools. All except one elementary school are within biking/walking distance. A rarity for the boonies. (see Sasayama) I have went to my middle school for about 20 minutes the other day. That's about it. Everyone was nice and called me handsome and young. I already love them.

I'll be getting a good way to call people back home soon. So I'll be able to catch up with some of you soon. I've been kind of crap at that.

2 comments:

Rachel said...

please post a photo of you in your car. Small cars tend to suit you. Wish I could explore the city with you!

Anonymous said...

grandmaw mamaw looking forward to hearing all about your school experinces. HOPE that you are able to use all your things. (School Supplies)