Good Morning Tokyo!

Hello Friends,

It is a beautiful Tuesday morning in Tokyo Japan. Let me tell you about my trip.
As always, things ran a little bit behind schedule on Sunday, but I made it to the airport with lots of time thanks to Amber. :)
Security went off without a hitch (except when I accidentally knocked a bin onto a kid--his mom looked like she was going to FLAY me!), and I found my partner Brittney in the terminal. Brittney seems really nice--she is an Art Ed. major at Chico State with an emphasis in photography. I also discovered that we are both from Paradise, CA--WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? She even knows my Godbrother Chris! It is unbelievable how small this world really is.
On the flight I got a window seat (the first time ever!) and sat next to a nice Korean boy and a guy from San Francisco. They were both very accommodating, though I felt bad making them get up every hour to let me walk around :/ they didn't say anything though. The first vegetarian meal was sub-par, but the second had roasted tomatoes and mushrooms--yummy!!
When we landed in Japan, I was struck by how GREEN the country looked. Tokyo is an urban Mecca surrounded by acres and acres of fertile farm areas and forests.
Immigration, Quarantine and Customs went smoothly (and it is true--people wear masks here ALL THE TIME to protect themselves from the flu). After we got out of the airport we took a 45 minute bus ride into the city and were picked up at the Hotel LaFloret, Tokyo by Steve, our point-of-contact (P.C.).
Steve is from Seattle, WA but has lived in Tokyo for over 30 years. He is a very sweet guy and I look forward to learning about the city and the TAC from him later today.
The apartment was not what I expected. Everyone who told me about the TAC described more...upscale living arrangements, but this is not the case. Brittney and I share a small room in a boarding house in Kamata (here is the web ad for the place: http://www.conveniencehouse.com/). It is certainly not the fanciest place I have ever lived, and it was kind of a let down when were were jet lagged and fatigued, but what a difference a day makes! I feel so fortunate to be here today! I also feel like I am really a resident of Tokyo--I can't wait to start exploring our amazing neighbourhood!

***

Ok, Brittney and I just explored the neighbourhood and there is SO MUCH TO SEE. I had Inari for breakfast and we walked around trying to find a bank (but it was too early in the morning). I am going to be making some vocab flashcards--because my Japanese is really rusty :/. I'll have to learn fast though--no one speaks English!!
So far, Japan is more beautiful than I ever imagined, even the city. It rained last night and our window is letting the cool, damp air into the room. I can hear a variety of bird calls, all of them new and interesting. Steve is going to come and get us soon and we will continue our adventure! Stay tuned!!

P.S. Click Here to see my newest pictures: