The storm clouds were building the other evening out to the north, just on sunset. This cumulonimbus had lightning flashing inside it, and was quite spectacular.
I’ve been on the ground for a week now, and feel quite settled in. I’ve started at work, which seems to be going well. It’s a 10-15 minute walk into Shibuya, then 10 minutes on the Ginza Line to Toranomon, and a short walk to the office along Sotobori-dori. I leave home just after 8am, and arrive at work at around 8:45am. Trains on the Ginza Line run every 2 minutes, and are not as crowded as Connex.
I’ve registered as an alien at the Shibuya city office, obtained a re-entry permit so I can come back into the country again, and have opened a bank account. But I’m still living out of a suitcase, because my extra boxes of things haven’t been delivered yet. I’ve sent the necessary paperwork in to the freight company, so hopefully it will all happen in the next few days.
Last post, I gave you a view of the outside world from my apartment balcony. This is my apartment building from the outside. There are lots of architecturally interesting apartment buildings in this area – but not this one! However, it’s modern, well set up, and in a great location. My apartment is on the top floor.
While I’m still waiting for my boxes to arrive, the apartment is still clean enough to show you what it looks like inside. It’s a fairly open layout – the bedroom opens out to the living & dining areas. The kitchen is functional and has all the necessities – including a low-lying range hood on which I’ve managed to hit my head several times. The bathroom is a standard Japanese configuration.
I’ve been trying to get in contact with locally based friends. I met my good friend Dim yesterday for lunch. He’s now moved to Tsukuba, so it looks like there’s an opportunity for a trip out there some time.
