Out of the Gate!

Hey all -

Today was the pre-departure orientation for NY JET participants at the Nippon Club in NYC. It was very interesting to finally meet some other people who were no doubt riding the same emotional rollercoaster I've been on for the past 2 1/2 months. My 'partners in JET' and I enjoyed a day of lectures, recommendations (bring A LOT of deoderant and flouride toothpaste), demonstrations, and a delicious lunch. The time ended with a JET Alumni Association sponsered happy hour. I'm sure they would have done more than 'sponser' if funds allowed, but JETs had to foot the bill. I took my leave because of impending 'Omiyage' purchases!

Souveniers (omiyage) and introductory gifts for my future coworkers and superiors from NY / America will no doubt add up financially so I've got to save some $ in the next month (^ ^).

By the way, if anyone local can think of a good (relatively inexpensive) bulk gift idea, lay it on me. We'll make it a contest, OK? The idea that goes over best with the kids / faculty gets the first postcard / souvenier from Japan! (I think I still owe you a Hannya mask, Uncle Dave...)

The specs seems to incorporate something NY in origin, or having some type of English printed on/in it... So far, most people have mentioned stickers, pencils, pennies, post cards, keychains, etc, as being popular. Some others suggest bringing whiskey for the principal -- afterwhich he/she will no doubt be my princiPAL. sorry (>_<) My greatest disappointment today was the change in keynote speakers. Bruce Feiler, author of Learning to Bow, one of my all time favorite books, was originally slated to give the speech, but had to be in New Mexico for some reason... It would have been great to meet him since LtoB was one of the reasons I applied to the JET program in the first place. But I must say, Jim Gannon gave a riveting speech about U.S./Japan relations and the importance of effort and understanding. I don't have his exact title handy, but he told a story about meeting with Japanese reps and Donald Rumsfeld in Washington, so I imagine he's not head Maitre D at the local Shakey's Pizza. He was very informative.

While I really enjoyed the day, I find myself being filled with more and more questions about what I might expect to go down at the end of next month. For some reason, the questions focus mostly on packing and the Internet. Oh well. We shall see.

As I imagined, everyone had an opinion which translates into, "trial by fire," for me!

All appendages are crossed (^ ^).

Well, best to all until we meet again...

Keep surfing!
Brendan

P.S. The image is of a Japanese toy called *Sora Iro (sun people) whose head rocks from side to side when the sun shines on a solar tab located at the base of its stand. This gadget was really popular in the 90s in Japanese offices, promoting a relaxing vibe. It's in lieu of pics that should have been taken today at the seminar. My bad...

*Keiko-sensei!! kono sora iro wo oboete iru kana???? ii kangae da!!! arigatou!! Internet de sagashita yo (^ ^)