The search for our new home...

Today Phil and I went to Nishishizu, one stop away on the train from our hotel, to try and locate our new apartment. Mimi, who works for MIL, had given us the address the day we arrived in Japan. Since today was our last free day before training, we figured we would try to locate it and gather our bearings. Simple, right?

Riiiiight.

So, Phil is pointing to where we THOUGHT we had to go.



It's a good few inches away from where we actually had to be. We wandered around confidently (in the completely wrong direction) and found a grocery store and a cool second hand shop where I found an awesome old roland piano...didn't get it but I'm hoping I can once we are in the apartment...anyhow.

Along the way, we accosted unsuspecting passersby and used our poor language skills upon them. In the last of a few desperate attempts, we met a very kind older gentleman who not only offered to help us find the apartment but also walked us to it - a good fifteen minute march (and I mean, MARCH - that guy walked fast!) We had a somewhat meager but good conversation along the way there. We found out that he has been an amateur photographer for over ten years and that he went to the states a few years back to photograph at some military bases. After we were delivered to our apartment, we met one of MIL's teachers (Matt) who is staying in our future apartment. He was kind enough to show us around, despite the fact that we were completely unexpected or invited. After having stayed in a hotel for the last week, Phil and I are very ready to move in to a more permanent place.

We'll send pictures, I guess...once we're settled in.

Oh, did I mention it was raining?