Quickie

I have arrived in the place where I will be spending quite a while. After three nights in Tokyo, where we did much drinking and sight seeing (if anyone can find a kitten sushi place in Chicago, go check it out - its the one with the conveyor belt) and were dipped in this pool of luxury, I arrived in Houdatsushimizu Town. I am very lucky because I was met by my predescesor, who is here another week, and by another third year JET who lives in the same town. They have shown me around and of course, it all still has not settled in yet. I do not have much time right now to write extensively. But I will say that I am being shuffled around quite a bit right now because my house will not be ready for another week or so, but at least I am getting a chance to meet some of the people I will be working with. (Damn, there is so much to say) Like last night, I went out with the vice-principal of my school. He drove me around the town (its main natural attractions are the highest mountain in the prefecture (only about 800 meters) and a long road on the beach (literally on the sand on the beach on the Sea of Japan). I thought we would staying with his family, but we went to a hotel instead. (Separate rooms, you sick people). He took me out to an izikaya, a small Japanese family restaurant and had me try all kinds of Japanese food and even showed me how to use chopsticks, because obviously I do not know how. We also drank a bit of sake and lots of beer. Meanwhile, the man speaks like two words of English and I apparently do not know any Japanese (so all that studying at home is a big mystery to me). In any case, it was a pretty good time, and I certainly understand why the Japanese drink so much. Today, I met some more of the teachers and even some of the students...for them, its summer vacation, but they are still at school, doing their club activities and what not) Next week, there will be an all-school assembly, where I have to give a speech to the whole frigging school. Also, it will be a farewell assembly for my predescesor, so I think that it will be somewhat unfair (in two years, he has learned to speak Japanese quite well.) Anyhoot, like I said, there is a lot more I would like to post, but do not have the time. Tonight, I am staying with another teacher, but she is a teacher of English, so hopefully that means something. Anyway, when I get settled in and have a little more time, I will write a better post. I will also get a phone and stuff and we can talk. I miss everyone. Take care.