Tokyo Orientation

Here! We've arrived in Tokyo where we'll get over jet-lag for a few days. I'm in orientation for the JET Program, who is sponsoring my trip. Some quick notes:

1. Most of my fellow JET's are recent college grads. They are gregarious, smart, and extremely qualified. Most speak Japanese, and many have lived/studied here before. Judging myself against the group, I realize what an extraordinary honor it is to be here in Japan, all-expenses-paid by the Japanese government. I hope the grad schools and my future employers recognize the significance of this.

2. Although I'm getting along well socially, our age makes us a bit different than the other JETs. Probably 10 times today I've received a comment such as 'Oh! You don't look that old!' Uhhh, thanks?!

3. The government is paying for us to stay in a very nice hotel in Tokyo. Nick found an affordable business hotel just a couple blocks from mine. Meals and enkais (parties) are beautiful and the visiting dignitaries are formal. Most hotel staff speak English, although my rudimentary Japanese is helpful.

4. I haven't had the chance to see Tokyo yet at all, as I've been in orientation meetings all day. Monday night, exhausted after a long flight, we found a nearby noodle shop (650 yen, or about $5). While I'm in orientation this week, Nick is checking out Tokyo. I'll ask him to write about what he sees and post it here, perhaps.

Apologies for the rather disjointed post. Off to Tokyo shortly, to party with other JETs who will be living on Hokkaido island.