Japan in the Spring 2006

Konnichiwa (Hello),

I arrived safely to Japan!  So far it has been a wonderful experience.  The flight was 13 hours and 50 minutes.   I flew across Canada, Alaska and the Pacific Ocean.  The weather was ok in Tokyo; however, it is cold in Misawa.  Misawa is located near the northern part of Japan.   Misawa is an 8 hour drive from Tokyo and a 3 hour train ride on the Bullet (which I've attached pictures)!

I was very happy to see Sly, because I can’t speak any Japanese!  However, there are English signs everywhere.  There are restaurants and stores such as Starbucks, McDonalds and the Sports Authority.  

The subway station reminds me a little bit of Grand Central Station.  There are restaurants and food stands all over the place.  The vendors were selling banana Cookies (Aunty Cindy would like that) and Sushi.   Everyone was polite and the subway station is spotless.  The trains arrive on time and the people line up in an orderly fashion to get on the train.   I wish this would happen in NY.  LOL!   The passengers let those on the train off, while a cleaning crew gets on the train.   The cleaning crew cleans the train before it lets the other passengers on.  I could not believe this! 

When I got on the train I put my carry on bag in a separate compartment.  At first I was scared that someone would steal my bag, however, Sly explained that no one takes things.    The train conductors were the best!  When you get on the Bullet train they serve you drinks and if you want you can order food.  The Bullet train is like Amtrak, except is cleaner and faster.  

When we arrived in Misawa, everyone drives on the right side instead of the left.   There are no street signs, and there are a lot of signs in English.   We went to McDonalds, to which the food is healthier and the service is great.  I ordered a Teriyaki burger and shrimp Mc Nuggets.   The Teriyaki burger was excellent; however, the shrimp Mc Nuggets were not that great.

Sly’s house is nice and definitely has Japanese with an American Flavor.   Each room in the house has its on space heater, because gas is high.   I have my own room here and a bath room.   It’s very nice.  You can see the pictures in Japan Day 2 Journal.

 Konbanwa (Good Night),

NiNi