I've had some news from JET, as you've gathered from the title... I know the city I'll be posted in! Hehe...it was formerly two fishing villages that combined into one so that they could be called a town... That should give you a hint about what it'll be like living with just under 14, 000 people on the Pacific side of Shikoku. Kuroshio-cho, Kochi-ken, on Shikoku. Kuroshio is the town name, Kochi is the prefecture, and Shikoku is the island.
When I got the news, first thing I did was load Google Earth and searched for it (you need to remove the 'cho' and 'ken' in order for Google Earth to recognise it). As that was loading, I Googled it, and lo and behold, one of the first two entries that popped up was talking about a SURFING SCHOOL (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) that was located in my town! WOOOO! As many of you know, I've wanted to surf for a long time, and not just once or twice, but really learn to surf. This is perfect.
Then, I started researching the local art traditions, and wouldn't you know it, but that matches my interests too! Apparently this prefecture is well-known for it's washi, the paper making that results in the paper lanterns, kites, origami paper, etc. Excellent. I have been interested in paper making and the like for a while, especially since my grandmother uses the Japanese paper to make special birthday cards for me and my sister. I hope that I'll be able to learn part of this traditional art...
The prefecture is beautiful. The mountains in the area lead right into the Pacific, in a very similar fashion to my current home (although there is no island sheltering me from crazy wind and waves...). There are gorgeous beaches, and it looks so lush and green. It reminds me of some of the landscape that is featured in the movie "My Neighbour Totoro" which would be awesome!!!!
The next thing to pray about is finding a church there. I'm worried that there may not be one in the town at all. I wouldn't mind travelling to another town or city, but I really don't want to have to take a six-hour train ride to get there, yeah? Please pray for this, and begin praying for my supervisors, teachers, students, and neighbours that I will have there.
Other than that, my life is pretty much as per the usual. My sister is currently gadding about Europe, and will return exactly one month before I depart to Japan. I'm still working at both of my jobs, and am looking forward to my convocation ceremony from University with my B.Arts.
Warmer spring weather is upon us, and I've been playing beach volleyball at a local park with some friends a couple of times a week.
Life is pretty darn good right now.
