Well, the rumors are true. I have accepted a teaching post in Japan. I have just sent off a packet including:
-a deposit check
-my diploma (original copy for verification)
-signed contracts
-a copy of my passport
-a work Visa application form
-a policy receipt acknowledgement
-six rather unflattering passport size photos that cost a small fortune to have done at Kinkos
I'll be leaving on January 12th, 2006 to fill a one year contract at a school in a city called Utsunomiya. This city is about 50 minutes away from Tokyo where my brother, his wife and kids will be. I'm exited that I'll be near my brother and his family for the first six months of my teaching post - it will make adjustments much easier.
I've done some looking online for information on Utsunomiya, but haven't found much - I was told that it is a city of about 1/2 a million people. It is, however, close to a city called Nikko which I've heard is beautiful - cherry blossoms in the spring and brilliant fall leaves in autumn. It also has some beautiful shrines, is near the mountains and some hot springs. Hmmm...sounds like a great vacation spot, doesn't it? (hint hint)
So, the next three months are going to be filled with:
-dismantling my apartment and figuring out where to store things
-finding a home for my cat for the year - any takers?
-packing off season clothes in boxes to send ahead to my school
-buying a more professional wardrobe (and some nice work slippers)
-reserving a one way ticket to Japan
-earning money to pay for the first month until I get my first paycheck
-buying small gifts for my colleagues and new students
-participating in a certain spoilsport's wedding
-getting to meet my sister and brother in law's new baby
-spending TONS of time with my friends before I leave
As I find out more about my city, school, and apartment, I'll let you know.
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8 comments:
Congratulations, Matty! I'm sure you realize this, but you are up for one hell of an adventure, buddy. I'm really excited for you. The next weeks are going to fly by! Before you know it, you'll be there.
Cheers,
T
And before you know it, you'll be back!
Well, I guess this is where I get to be a snot and point out that I'll see you about as much in Japan as I do now, so: Congratulations! (No, really though. Congrats.)
You're still going to blog from Japan, right? Don't get all low-tech on us and decide you can go without internet for a year, punk.
Now I want udon. Mmmmm, noodlicious.
YES. Geishas massaging our feet and pouring saki down our throats while we alternately watch porn and sports.
Huzzah!
Congrats, Matty! You rock.
Allow me to heap my own meager praise on this already exorbitant pile. To reference Troy: yes, you are in for a hell of a trip, and other than administrative paperwork stuff, there's not much you can do to prepare for it. The success of this experience for you will depend on your ability to adapt....which you have in spades, so no worries there!
To reference Erin, Dodge, et al.: Bully for having the cojones to go out and do something this adventurous. This means you have to let all of us stuck here live vicariously through you.
And to reference Spoilsport: Yeah. I'm really, really gonna miss you. Have a lot of sake and sushi for me, friend.
For Pete's sake?
Thanks guys - I'm truly humbled by your comments and well wishes. I'm gonna miss you guys tons - thank goodness I can keep in touch via the old blog.
Okay, now who's gonna take the cat for a year? AV? Spoilsport?
Cat plan #2:
Everyone in Mankato needs to work on the Panko to get her to take the cat (if she can assure me that her Vishlas (sp?) won't eat Sidney. She is my only maybe so far.
Does Miss Kitty have claws? Because if she doesn't, you might have a taker. I will have to sweet talk the boy. Emerson needs a friend.
And to Dodge: What the hell are you talking about not using degrees? I'm using that degree every time I sell buffalo wings: "I hear Chaucer liked him some buffalo wings. You want to be like Chaucer, don't you?" Dumb stares ensue.
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