Internet is still a luxury to me. Supposedly it will be installed at my apartment on the 11th of this month. For now I am relegated to going to my neighbors to use his internet or using the school computers. I must say not to have internet is a cruel punishment when moving to a new country. It is my only lifeline to home and my friends not in Isesaki. But soon I will have it! Thank god. 

This week I have spent preparing for class which starts tomorrow, on Thursday. My class, codename, DUCK,  is filled with 12 3-4 year olds. I am excited to meet them. I am also tired of doing busy work in preparation, so its time to get my hands dirty and teach some lil` tots. Also I can see what I am in for as a first time teacher. I am ready for the adventure!

 Last weekend I spent in Tochigi, the prefecture where my friend Tatsuro lives. My stay with his family was phenomenal and I am so fortunate that everywhere I have stayed in Japan thus far has treated me like family. Japanese are an incredibly kind and giving people and I am lucky to be in such a country. My stay with Tatsuro included a visit to Nikko which is one of the most famous sites to visit in Japan. In Nikko there is a temple complex built by the first Tokugawa Shogunate and it is a shrine to him and the Tokugawa clan. In Utsonomiya, Tatsuro`s hometown, I was treated to great food, good times, and some fine drinking to boot.

In the coming weekend I am most likely going to stay in the Gunma Prefecture which is where I live. Our students have an initiation ceremony Saturday morning and other than spending Friday night with one of my co-workers and his fiancee I have no plans. But I will be able to tidy up my apartment which is a must as it is getting a little messy. I have never lived by myself so it is time to get my act together :p And finally on the 11th, or so I am told I will have internet!!!!!!