E-mail from Japan – Thomas Rush & Nickilynn Estologa

Hi Everyone-
So we made it safely to Japan and are all set up in an apartment. As of now we’re working for NOVA group, things seem relatively stable for the company at this point, however there does seem to be a little worry about whether next months wages will be paid on time. And there is a lot of stress and instability among the staff…

Anyways, we’re assimilating quite quickly into the gaijen community.

We’ve visited a couple pubs, they aren’t much different than what we have back home. Things do seem rather similar as far as rampant consumerism is concerned, but the people here are generally extremely helpful and friendly. Have you even been bowed to for purchasing ramen in 7-11? Didn’t think so… The most difficult part so far has been the language barrier, the simple processes of everyday life are so difficult with my limited japanese. I can’t read ingredients in food, street signs, what a change!

Also, we’ve visited several shrines and a beautiful canal in Kyoto. We had a lovely time, and it’s only about 40 minutes from our flat, there are some 700 shrines and temples to visit in Kyoto, we will surely head back there soon enough.

I’ll drop notes now and then to let you know how things are, however I’m using internet service in McDonalds right now so I don’t have much leisure time for writng/responding… We’ll get internet service in our flat soon enough so I can make phone calls etc…

One interesting note is that Japanese people don’t seem to have a need for antiperspirant, so if any of my family members happen to be feeling particurlarly kindly towards japanese english students… I use speed stick regular;-) My address here is:

Tom Rush

CONTACT INFORMATION HAS BEEN PUT ON CONTACT PAGE UNDER HIS NAME IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF HIS LISTING…MAKE IT A LITTLE HARDER FOR SPAMMERS AND OTHER BOZOS TO GET TO IT.
You’ll need the japanese area code
Much Love,
Tom