Getting Close

Wow, I've left this blog sit for a long time!

I haven't written anything because I either forgot about it, or was too busy to write. I had to finish up all of my credits for my Master's degree, so that took up all of June. I also have been busy packing omiyage for my supervisors and getting in one last round of goodbyes to friends and family.

I got a packet from my supervisor in Kami-cho and I learned that I will be living in Muraoka, which is a very small place in the countryside. At first, I was upset to learn this because I could only think of how far away I would be from the city and how much driving I would have to do, but once I learned more about the area and what there is to do there and how beautiful it is, I got over my disappointment and am now really interested in living there because it will be different from the last time I lived in Japan. Also, Muraoka is between the larger cities of Tottori and Toyooka, which I don't think are more than an hour away, so it won't be too bad if I need to go to the city for anything.

I am still waiting to hear more about my apartment; I'm very curious about it and how I will set up shop there.

Well, there isn't anything more to write until I actually leave in two and a half weeks. I will have more to say then, I'm sure.

ZOMG A first post? An outdated Internet slang title? Oh, my!

What's up, everyone? Kinpatsu here with my first post. I have been accepted into the JET Program, which is something I have been wanting terribly for the last five years and have finally (finally) succeeded in joining. :)

JET kept me on my toes for about a month before informing me of my placement, which I received yesterday afternoon. On my application I had indicated that I wanted to be placed either in Nagoya, Shikoku or in Niigata, but, to be honest, I didn't mind where I ended up. Well, I went to open my email like an early birthday gift, and....

Here's where I'm going:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kami,_Hy%C5%8Dgo_%28Mikata%29

What?! WHAT? This place is stunning! Virtually Edenic! I confess my jaw dropped when I first saw these pictures on Wikipedia. I'm so excited to see this town in person!