I'm a-going to Japan!

[Kinoko]

Wheeeeeeee! I got the word a couple of days ago (but have been without a computer all week). I've been accepted into the JET program and will be leaving for Japan at the end of July this year. Waiting that that envelope in the mail was one of the most stressful times of my life. I'm not really as happy as I should be, because it means an awful lot of hardships for me (the biggest of which being living without my significant other for a year, when we haven't been apart for more than a day in over 4 years). Still, I'm happy and relieved, and maybe I'll be posted in Okinawa with Vince! ^_-

[Barbarian]

Good stuff.  It should be a great learning experience.

If you happen to be dropping into Hong Kong while you're travelling around Asia, and if you want someone to show you around a bit, or perhaps try something like doing Tai Chi in the park with my Sifu and I, just let me know (by the way, my Tai Chi Sifu was a professional Tour Guide here in Hong Kong for over 30 years).
Best wishes.

[magintz]

just remember these useful phrases-

Do you speak English? -- Anata wa eigo o hanashimasu ka?
Where is the toilet? -- Toire wa doko desu ka?
Where are the cheap women? -- Yasui Onna wa doko desu ka?

[Scanmaster_K]

A must read about a guy that was also in the JET program, it's funny, scary and weird.

http://outpostnine.com/editorials/teacher.html




------------------------
http://www.pervision.net
we make moms unite against evil

[Gregjazz]

just remember these useful phrases-

Do you speak English? -- Anata wa eigo o hanashimasu ka?
Where is the toilet? -- Toire wa doko desu ka?
Where are the cheap women? -- Yasui Onna wa doko desu ka?

You forgot "Where's the refridgerator?"

[Las Naranjas]

and "Am I teaching Japanese to a Japanese major?"

[Kinoko]

Scan: I've read a lot of those, great stuff ^_^

[Vince Twelve]

Congratulations Kinoko!  I was worrying all week when we hadn't heard from you.  You're in for one hell of a ride!

Oh, and on the off chance that you get posted here in Okinawa... what do you say to Mittens '07: Tokashiki Island?

Congrats!

[KANDY@work]

Hi I'm curious is there anyone on the boards who would be able to translate to and from japanese for me??

I've just found a laptop I REALLY LOVE and want to buy off an ebay, or yahoo auction, but its in japan...

Please someone help me this is like the most awesomest thing i've ever seen I TRUELY was in LOVE.

sincerly KANDYMAN

[Vince Twelve]

Send me a PM Kandy.

[Renal Shutdown]

It means living without my significant other for a year..  maybe I'll be posted in Okinawa with Vince.

How many times do I have to tell you, my name's not Vince.

[Nine Toes]

Cool beans.   Glad to see that the news was worth the stressful wait.

Fly safely, and take some pictures while you're over there.

[Squinky]

Japan is so cool...I saw it on tv once...

[Domino]

Have fun in Japan.  After playing Shenmue i have always wanted to visit Japan.  But unfortunately i have a fear of flying, so i guess i'd have to swim there. 

After watching Lost In Translation; made my urge to visit Japan even stronger.

Sounds like  you'll have a great time.

Good Luck & Stay Safe.


Shawn

[Dart]

Awesome, Japan. That's one of the places I want to seriously want to visit in the next five years. Teh lucky is YOU.

Remember to visit the Nintendo Japan headquarters. Oh, and if you see Shigeru Miyamoto, tell him I said hi. And that he r0x0rs. And then steal some of the upcoming Legend of Zelda details.

[Kinoko]

Hey, Nintendo Japan... I should put that on my "To visit" list ^_^ So far, I'm definitely going to the Ghibli Museum and dining at one of the Iron Chefs restaurants.

That said, I have to keep in mind that I'll be working over there so my holiday time will be limited.

[Vince Twelve]

Well, don't fret.  You'll have plenty of opportunity to travel around Japan.  Unless of course, you have the misfortune of being placed on an island paradise with eternal summer, great beaches, scuba diving, great food, and a generally relaxed attitude towards life.  Then it's a bit harder to explore mainland Japan.  But... you quickly find that... well... you just don't care.

I haven't been back to mainland since orientation in Tokyo.  But I'm going back for a conference next month in Kobe and I'm planning on taking a few additional days off and getting a bit of sightseeing done.

Can't wait to find out about your placement, Kinoko.  Though I'll bet you're going batty.  Enjoy the wait! (as if you haven't had enough of that in this process)

[Kweepa]

Have you read "angry white pyjamas"?
link to it on Amazon
Highly recommended, despite the terrible tag line they put on the American release.

[Totoro]

Kinoko, wholy cow!! I am so envious!! I hope I can go to Japan again next year, but this year I am just sitting at home preparing my graduation... well... something to look forward to is not so bad I guess... enjoy Japan 

[Kinoko]

Thanks ^_^ I hadn't heard of that book, Steve, so thanks, I'll check it out. At the moment I'm reading, among other things, "Hokkaido Highway Blues" which I've really enjoyed. It's all about a previous JET's experiences as he hitchhikes from southern to northern Japan following the sakura front. Very good read.