...he was supposed to be here Saturday, but couldn't get a train because of Obon (an unofficial Japanese holiday when Japanese people go back to their old homes and remember loved ones who have passed on with various ceremonies).
So I rode the bus to Isahaya yesterday to get him. It was amazingly simple, but expensive - it cost 1500 yen each way (which is about $30 round trip). Yikes. But he is here! And the best thing was seeing his reactions to everything: the hanto, the town, the language barrier. We walked around Isahaya for a few hours, which has plenty of big department stores and restaurants. The department store in Isahaya is a goldmine of Engrish activity. Just wait for the pictures! While stopping at a combini, a really nice clerk gave us free coffee. :) We then took a picture with him. Then, I successfully ordered my first vegetarian meal at a restaurant. It was only pizza, but still! Language obstacle conquered.
We rode back into Kazusa armed with a pen and paper, to look for English conversation schools in the area. We didn't manage to find any along the way, but I'm sure if he asks around, Erich will find a job.
I can't wait to get my car so we can explore the hanto. Most of the other JETs on the hanto own cars, and I can see why. There are many onsens and parks to see here, and I feel like we are trapped at home because of the oppressive heat. And we also need furniture - we don't have anything to sit on, and the futon is twin-sized. Feels like college days all over again...
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