konnichiwa!

Been in Japan for just over a week now. I arrived in Sapporo, Hokkeido, a week last Thursday. Flew into Tokyo where I was met by a Nova representative. My luggage was being forwarded onto Hokkeido by courier, and I was told to quickly take what I needed as my bags wouldn't arrive for another 2 days! Flew onto Sapporo and was met at the airport by my AAM (Assistant Area Manager)Steve, a kiwi guy who stopped off in Tokyo for 3 weeks on his way home from travelling - that was about 15 years ago. (Not planning to stay quite so long myelf but we'll see how it goes). He escorted me to my temporary apartment by train and it was at this point I discovered that I wasn't actually to be based in Sapporo, but Kushiro 300km East.

My temporary flatmate in Sapporo was on holiday so I had the place to myself for a few days. After getting dropped off by Steve about 10pm went out on the street for some takeaway gyoza(little dumplings) curry sauce and rice, followed by a Japanese style bath (very deep and hot) and straight to bed. Realised just at this point that I hadn't packed any business wear for going to the office the next day, the result being I got a day off in Sapporo before starting training to allow my case, and suitable clothing to arrive. I spent it having a walk through Nakajima park just near the apartment where there were several female choral groups rehearsing, then catching a bus out to a sculpture park which was fantastic.

Had four days training at the Sapporo branch. All the teachers there were male, and most had beeen living there for years. My American temporary flatmate Jackie got back from Thailand on the Sunday with her parents who were over on holiday. Sunday night we all had a barbecue down by the river with some other English teachers. The area we picked also popular with amorous young Japanese couples and groups of people letting off fireworks randomly(?).

Got through training alright but didn't really come across any real opportunities for socialising. I did meet one guy when I went out for something to eat my 2nd night. He told me about a club that on every Sunday 10pm to 10am playing drum 'n' bass, trance and other dance music but didn't do it.

Got the train to Kushiro on Thursday, about 4 1/2 hours, lots of green, and towards the end the train followed the coast at intervals. The train wasn't much different to those at homes but did the tilting thing which was pretty cool. Also everytime the girls came through with their trolley, when they got to the end of the carriage, they would stop, turn and bow to us all before leaving.

Kushiro is a very spread out city but pretty provincial and not a whole lot going on compared to other Japanese cities. My apartment is about 20 mins from the centre, a 5 min walk away from a massive shopping mall, where my Nova branch is located. The supermarket there is huuge - and I don't have a clue what half the stuff in it actually is. The apartment is pretty new, with an open plan kitchen/living area, 2 bedrooms, futon beds, a bath/shower room and seperate toilet. There is a little storage are at the front door to slip off outdoor shoes and slip into little slippers with bamboo insoles (if desired), and best of all...internet access. Probably one of the main perks of being so bloody remote.

I work with a Canadian guy Gregg, and Aussie girl Jen (who I share the flat with). There's also 2 Japanese girls working there, and on my 2nd day one of them took me into town to complete my alien registration, open a bank account and get a mobile 0081 (0)8032353616 if you fancy giving me a call or a message.

Last night there was a fireworks festival which we all went down to after work. They were being set off down by the river. It was pretty busy and loads of food stands..hotdogs, yakitori(meat on a stick), squid on a stick, noodles, popcorn, and even KFC and Pizza hut. Also quite a lot of girls, and a few guys too, had got dressed up in kimono. My camera is knackered but got a load of photos on my phone, though can't really do much with them. Afterwards there was a procession with floats carried by about 10 people each side. On top were soem kids all dressed up and a guy at the front throwing sweets into the. Watched for a bit then retired to an Izekaya (Japanese bar/restaurant) where I tried my first taste of sake. The waitress brings a small teacup in a bowl then pours sake into the cup until it overflows and the bowl is also full to the brim. It knocks your head off!

I realise this is turning into a bit of an epic so will sign off for the moment and keep updating with short snippets. Hoping to get a camera in the next few days so will hopefully be able to get some pictures on soon.

Ja matane! (see you later)