Obon in Kyoto

Well, I've been in Japan now since the 3rd of the month and I haven't posted even once yet, partly because not too much has happened that's all that blog-worthy. I had my Tokyo orientation, went to my base school, visited the other high school, and sat at my desk writing my first lesson plan. There's also been opening my bank account (exciting!), meeting my co-workers, registering with the city (even more exciting!!), getting to know the town, and figuring out how my washing machine works (this one takes the cake!!!).

The past three days I spent at the Yashiro training facility with the Hyogo Board of Education and my fellow ALTs. The facility is widely known as Yashiro "prison", because you are boarded there, there is a curfew, and there isn't much to do in the area. The one thing there is to do is drink, which in the past has led to neighbors complaining about the noise and the infamous "Yashiro strangling", which I won't go into. Despite all that, our group had a wonderful time, thanks mostly to the kitchen staff and several ALTs. Last night we had three guitars, a fiddle, and a mandolin (sometimes a ukulele), and a lot of singers belting out Beatles, Elvis, and various other classic artists.

Today it was suggested that some of us go out to Kyoto for Obon. While this would be easier with a car, well, I don't have a car, so it's not easy. Add that to the fact that I've never navigated the Japanese rail system or the local bus system on my own, chances were looking slim. However, my base school's staff really jumped in and found a schedule for me tomorrow. SO! I will be in Kyoto tomorrow for Obon. Pretty neat! Now I sorta have a base for further travel without a car.

More, later.