I have figured out how to buy stamps

Slowly but surely, I am in increasing contact with the world at large. Now I can do snail mail, as I figured out how to buy stamps at a convenience store (in Japan, they are truly convenient).

If you want a sweet postcards (possibly involving "Many Rabbit!") email me your current mailing address.

This week marks the official beginning of culture shock, I think. Before it was kind of like I was a tourist, but now it's starting to get weird and even frustrating at times. Even with folks who speak English, social interaction is very different here. Things that are incredibly rude in the States are part of daily life in Japan, and of course vice versa. People don't ever say what they mean; in the words of the other JET in town, "you always ask around the question."

Folks will ask every possible question of you but never the actual request etc. that they desire because being so forthright is rude or something.

There is no such thing as being frank in Japan.

Oh, and I bought an electric guitar online for cheap $$$, but discovered that a hamburger here costs around 2.00, a cheeseburger 2.50

This is important when your social circle refers to the local McDonald's as "The Embassy"

I actually taught a lesson on American fast food yesterday. The teacher requested that I make a menu of popular American fast food, so the kids learned things like "French Fries!" "Hashbrown!" and "Double Quarter Pounder!"

'twas a proud day for me