Workin' the camera

This is my second time posting this picture. I had everything all set to go many hours ago, only to lose internet access as I went to post it. Man, I was ticked. The good news is that this gave me a chance to continue practicing so I am able to do it in Japan. This was taken as I was trying to work the camera and upload pics.

Speaking of Japan, that's the reason for this thing so I'll get to it. I recently found well over 100 new emails since the night before in my in box. At first I thought I had a major spam problem. Even worse...The JFMF winners had been let loose. Everyone is emailing everyone about which prefecture they are in, how excited they are, where they want to visit, what to bring, that sort of thing. Main topics of conversation:

-The desire to climb Mt. Fuji. Many are looking forward to this. However, everything I have read states that it is not open to climbing in June.

-What gifts to bring. We are expected to bring gifts for our host family.

-What to wear. The women are bantering about hosiery and such. I'm not getting involved in that one.

-The urge to visit Kyoto. Some are planning a day trip from Tokyo on our off day. It is 2 1/2 hours by bullet train. I will likely hold off until I am in Hikkone, where it should be less than an hour. Seems to be a better use of time given my location.

-Possible going to a baseball game. While I may attend one, I am more likely to try to seek out some sumo wrestling.

My business cards came today and they are pretty sweet, if I do say so myself.

More pictures having nothing to do with Japan to come in the coming days, as I continue to become comfortable working all of this.

First practice photo...graduation

I needed to work on my photo posting skills, so what better way than with a picture of my class from graduation last night? We had a great time, ending the evening with a performance by an excellent Elvis impersonator.

If I can figure it out, I'll post one of the goofier pics.

Two weeks out

I'm using this weekend to get as much of the little stuff done as possible. Getting any paperwork in order, purchasing items that I will need, that sort of thing. One major purchase that I just made was my business cards. They should be in within a week. The business card is an important part of business and social interactions in Japan. When presented with one, you should receive it with both hands, study it and seem duly impressed. To simply take it and put it in your pocket would be an insult. Likewise, a card should be presented with both hands, with the cards writing facing the individual. My cards will be two sided, with English on one side and Japanese on the other (I suppose that's pretty obvious).

Also trying to plan on what to bring. I am only allowed one suitcase, one carry on and my laptop. Within my suitcase, I am bringing a large duffle bag, so that I am bringing two suitcases on my return, assuming that I'll be making a few purchases. Think about how you would pack for 18 days in a foreign country with only one suitcase. Formal attire is required.

Along with my clothing, I need to bring a gift for my host family (one night with them). It is recommended to bring something from the area where I live. I was thinking of a Saratoga umbrella, among some other ideas, such as something from the local soccer club where my daughter plays, maybe a cigar, still thinking about it.

More info coming up...

A little closer

Well, maybe a lot closer. I received some more info from Fulbright. My host city will be Hikone, Shiga. It is a place historically significant for the Hikone Castle, which has been there for over 400 years. The city itself is said to signify Japan's Edo Era, a time of the development of a culture which still exists today. It seems to be a very interesting place and I will go into more detail at a later time.

Besides the obvious historical interests to me, I recently learned that Hikone is known for some other things that are right up my ally. For one, Hikone beef! As one who enjoys a good steak, it's great to be able to stay in a place known for it. And...Funa-zushi, which is thought to be the origins of Japanese sushi, is also a product of Hikone. It doesn't get much better than this. Knowing that I will likely be able to visit with local industry, I wonder if either of these will qualify?

Anyway, I just wanted to get this thing going again. I will offer up more details on my prep in upcoming posts.