All Good News

Things have been great in Fukushima lately. Today the weather was absolutely perfect! It was sunny and warm, and I didn't have to wear my big overcoat to work! The cherry blossoms are definitely on their way if the weather stays this nice, although I've been warned that spring doesn't last very long. I guess there are a couple wonderful weeks, and then the hot and humid summer weather sets in . . . but I'll just enjoy it while it lasts.

Today I started my Japanese lessons, and I'm really excited about studying the language again. There is a volunteer program that offers free Japanese lessons with a private tutor over at the Health and Welfare Center, so I basically have my own teacher. One of the teachers at AEON, Mitsuko, introduced me to a friend of hers that teaches there. So, my new teacher's name is Mariko, and we'll meet twice a week. For now, the plan is for me to study for the 3rd, maybe 2nd, level of an annual Japanese language test that offers certification if you pass. The test is in December so I have a lot of time to prepare!

Also, I'm going to get a cell phone this Friday! Finally!!!! I'm so excited, I think I might have to post pictures of my phone! Speaking of pictures, I went running around Shinobuyama last weekend, and I saw so many beautiful little temples. The coolest thing I saw was a bunch of statues carved into a wall of stone. I'll take pictures in a couple of weeks when all the cherry blossoms are in bloom for you to see.

And finally, I have all my Golden Week plans settled. I'm going to Totori (a place with big sand dunes and beaches) for a couple of days with some co-workers. While we're there we'll stay at a ryokan (Japanese style inn) and ride a camel (who knew there were camels in Japan)! Then we'll head over to Hiroshima for a couple of days and do some serious sightseeing. I'm really excited about it all, and I can't wait for a long vacation!