Arrived

Hello!

So the summer is continuing nicely. I`m all settled into the apartment, clutter on the table and all. Life has already taken on a routine consistency, but still has the refreshing newness that it ought. I go to my school (Kitako) Monday to Friday, from around 8:30 to 4:30, and look for new tasks to perform each day that`ll keep me busy. I`ve already gone through most of the English materials in the former teacher`s desk, so today I made a poster with pictures of Minnesota (from a Travel Guide, no less!). My wonderfully kind supervisor has been taking me around to get different paperwork filled out - Alien Registration, Car insurance, tax whatnots, and so on. I hope they are paying her extra for all this.

We`ve also visited my other two schools, Kagiko (Science and Technology focused), and Awanou (Agricultural school). Kagiko reminded me a lot of dad`s garage, and Awanou had a relaxed, farmlike environoment. I like them both, but won`t go back again until September. Why, you ask? Because it`s summer vacation! Believe it or not, Japan does occasionally have some breaks (1 month for summer). However, what you won`t believe, is that everyone goes to school during summer. And takes classes! I couldn`t figure out why all the students were still in their uniforms when we first drove into town. They must like them a lot, I thought. Gee, who knew.

In the evenings I go home to hours of free time. Usually I read a bit as I make supper and bake myself in the hot apartment (postponing the use of a/c til November 1st. Hm, or was that heat?). Then, around 6, when the sun is nearing the mountainous horizon, I set out on my bike and wander the town. I`ve gotten pretty lost a couple times, but everyone is quite friendly, and I know that all roads lead to roam... Rome. I`ve had a fair variety of adventures with this method of time-spending, and find it very enjoyable indeed.

Altogether, things are good good good. I would really like to get into some kind of group, however, and perhaps makes some friends. The trouble is in deciding where to try. A dojo? Volunteer group? Hiking club (if there is one)? Choir (yes, family, you will laugh)? Hmm, it`ll come in time.

If you have any ideas on other activities, let me know! More importantly, if you have any news or nonnews in your life , let me know that , too :). Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, and hopefully letters coming my way! It`s really nice to know that people care.

(once again, pictures for later!)