Higashi-son, a village

Japan. Okinawa-ken. Higashi-son. I made it. I MADE IT!

I'm so excited to be here it's hard to even say how much so. You'd have to come visit and just see it all, experience the rural island life, the smothering humidity and spattering rain, the delicious food, the great scenery, the gorgeous drives, the neighbors and the coworkers and the ALTs, the colorful festivals, the traditional dance, even the well-arranged fireworks. I'll stop the gushing for a moment.

Could I have asked for a better placement? No! I knew the JET Programme would take care of the details and I'm quite glad how they did. Requesting nothing but a rural locale, I have been put in what I hear is the best destination in all of Japan. Reasons include the relaxed Okinawan lifestyle, the linen shirts that substitute as jacket and tie for formal events, and sub-tropical weather.

As the first two weeks passed quickly and were haywire, memory marred by erratic sleep and prescribed drinking, I may try to play catch up at a later point. As for now, relax in knowing that I am very happy, very comfortable, and very well tanned on the forearms and lower legs. My place feels more like home every day and I get paid tomorrow, meaning the couch I've been eying is finally mine. Also going to stock up on sweet, sweet cereal and milk; my cultural portrayal might as well start with food. Waisu desu.