Haven't updated in awhile . . and a lot has happened since I left Tokyo and got to Miyazaki. I signed up for the foreigner registration, bank account, and a cellphone plan (got an iphone!). Thanks to the ALT senpai, William (PhD ha ha) and Kieran! You guys are great! I also shopped for my apartment at the mall. Got some pretty sheets, pillows, and a rice cooker (don't know how to use it though) etc etc . . The mall has everything I need including a store that sells foreign food . . sweet.
Today was the summer festival at Tachibana dori (actually it was this past weekend; I started writing this entry a few days ago). I went over to the office with Jaclyn to meet up with the office people who prepared yukata for us! I can't put into words how hospitable these people at the office are! For instance, Tako-san had already set up my electricity bill stuff before I even asked her for help with the paperwork that my predecessor left behind. Kei-san made our business cards when we had just arrived! . . These people are really really nice. Anyway, we changed into yukata and joined the parade that went on at the Tachibana street. It was great. Although it was a bit humid and hot, we managed to "dance" by watching other people. By dancing, it was just waving your arms and taking a few steps... sort of like the thriller dance, but not really. I wish I can thoroughly explain how the whole thing (the matsuri) went down. Basically, public servants and business people (including the Miyazaki City bank wokers!) dressed up in nice traditional clothes or costumes parading through the biggest street in the prefecture... while people watched them and ate street food.
After the parade and the dancing, we went to a izakaya for a office party. I had some sweet potato wine or shochu. Who knew that shochu can be made from sweet potato! I mostly enjoyed asahi beer. After the izakaya, we walked through the matsuri (just when they were wrapping up) and stopped at the fish game tent thing where I caught two goldfish! They are still at my apartment, alive and well.
Today, I signed up for the internet...which will be installed on the 21st. Geeeez. Wish I can get it sooner but oh wells. You have to wait a long time for a lot of the things in Japan (for instance, cellphones and bank accounts). I have 2 more hours at the office. Got a number of things I want to accomplish after work like learning how to use the washing machine and the rice cooker that I bought a few days ago. I wish I had a Japanese friend who could help me figure those things out... time to go knock on my neighbors’ doors and make some friends! Tomodachi?
