Spent the last two days in Tokyo orientation. Its been somewhat interesting, a mix of information about doing the job and how to survive living in Japan. Might go into more details about it when I have time sometime in the future (but don’t feel awake enough for it now). Biggest impression is that it hasn’t felt like I’ve been in a foreign country much of yet since most of my time has been spent in a hotel surrounded English speakers (even if they have funny accents — oops, sorry Auzzies and Brits )

Yesterday was primarily focused around opening ceremonies, info about the program, some various info sessions and a reception.

Last night the Hiroshima JETs went out to a bar to socialize. Fortunately it was an a la carte affair instead of an all you can drink one that many other groups did. Those aren’t a good deal unless you drink a lot. Afterwards, about a half dozen of us wandered around Shinjuku aimlessly, even skirting a little into the red-light district where we shook off African-something touts trying to get us to go to strip clubs and such. ^_^;; But plenty of bright, shiny lights along the way and certainly got some exercise in with the walk.

Today was mostly teaching related talks and demonstrations, a meeting of everyone from Hiroshima prefecture and I went to a couple of the survival related ones too. Plus an info fair in which I picked up a ton of most likely useless brochures for companies.

Tonight first had to pack my bag and drop it off for being sent to the airport. That was an ugly line that disappeared as soon as I’d dropped it off. 8-/ After that, went in search for dinner and a bookstore with my roommate Jason and a Flagstaff JET Eleana. Never found the bookstore, but we ended up giving McD’s a try just to see what it was like. Not bad, at least my teriyaki burger, and really not any more expensive than the US (though the burger was smaller). Also found a bag to put all the junk I’ve picked up the last couple days in. Again, got some fair exercise walking around.

Tomorrow morning I take a plane to Hiroshima and will be met by my supervisor who will take me to Mukaihara finally. I’m not sure what my internet access will be like from this point on (the hotel’s had nice wireless in one of the JET areas), so may be a little while until I can do email or blogging. Just have to see how long it takes to get a proper connection at home (at least I can get DSL, though).

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