Steamy typhoon welcome (8/1/07)

I’ve finally arrived in my new home in Unzen City, Nagasaki. After another long day of travel from Tokyo (2 hour bus ride, 2 hour flight, 1 hour car ride), we arrived at Nagasaki City’s airport. My fellow coworkers and I were happy to finally be in our town and be rid of lugging around tons of luggage but were equally terrified. Waiting for us were representatives of each town waving signs at us. We were told we’d have to formally introduce ourselves and could potentially be driven directly to work at school or to the Board of Education office for more formal introductions.

I was very lucky to be told I wouldn’t need to report to school until next week and a fellow teacher from Canada (also a second-generation Japanese like me) was my guide along with my two supervisors. They took me to the Board of Education to do some paperwork and I had to meet the staff and the head of the Board. I did my 5-sentence long speech of intro a few times for the staff and I think it went over alright. The staff was friendly and hopefully enjoyed my little speech. Most were impressed I studied Shorinji Kempo and was from NYC.



So far I’ve been taken shopping by my supervisor for the basics (futon, linens, food, cleaning products, etc.). I’ll also be leasing a car and driving to work. Trying to learn the rules of the road in the meantime. Most importantly, there is zero tolerance here in Japan for drinking and driving. The alcohol level must be zero when driving or riding a bicycle. Pretty intense. I would be fired and sent home if caught by the police. Luckily I’m not a drinker but I’ll have to be aware of the laws here. One thing that’s good is that the insurance I’m buying covers me completely whether I hit a pole or if the accident is my fault. The roads here are tiny and rice paddies, mountains, trees, and ocean surround me. It’s beautiful. I also got set up in a house with two stories. It’s huge and visitors are very welcome.

Today a typhoon is nearing so I’ve closed all the windows and hopefully I’ll get through my first typhoon safely! I’m having dinner with the neighbors so at least I won’t be alone.

Next week I’ll look forward to more formal introductions including one at an assembly in front of all 300 students at my junior high.