Settling in

Hmm, it's been 10 days since my last post. I'm getting lazy, I guess. But it's not entirely my fault. I just moved into my new apartment 8 days ago, and was without internet access until just yesterday. I also had to wait a few extra days for a carpenter to drop by and install a clothes rack in my closet, which meant a few extra days of living out of a suitcase. Thankfully that got fixed on Saturday.

I've been making a lot of trips to the 100 yen store down the street (thanks Anja!), for all those things you forget you need in day-to-day life. Like doormats. And Swiffer towels. So very domesticated.

Pretty slow weekend, all-in-all. The high point was buying a washer, dryer and TV from an American that was moving back to Europe with her husband. I'll admit the TV was a bit of an impulse purchase (I'm at work pretty much all the time, so it's not clear why I need a TV). Still no couches or chairs, but I'm working on it. Met some friends for dinner on Saturday night, but didn't end up staying out too late.

Since you're so curious, here are some pictures of my apartment.

I took this picture the day I picked up the keys. I bought the fridge and microwave from a friend just that morning. The Japanese looked at me funny as I wheeled them down the street on a trolley.

I had all my stuff delivered the next day, and pretty quickly the place turned into a disaster zone. Is anyone really surprised?

Yeah. I'll clean it up soon, I swear. Hieu, in case you're reading this, that's your desk back there. Anyone recognize the blue chest from the Shire?

20 C in February

Happy Valentine's Day! It's 20 degrees C (72 F) in Tokyo today (typical Tokyo temperature in February is around 4-6 C).

I'll be picking up the keys to my new apartment later this afternoon. The movers arrive tomorrow morning with all the stuff that I had shipped from San Francisco -- most importantly, my bike.

I got the results of my "new hire medical check-up" in the mail yesterday. See the picture below.

I guess this is a polite, Japanese way of telling me that I'm fat.

My walk to work

My guesthouse is within a 15-minute walk from where I work. On the way, I pass through a neighbourhood that is dotted with foreign embassies and international schools (training the next generation of ambassadors, I guess).

Here are a few pictures I took on my way to work this morning.

The Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club. I'm not privileged enough to be a member.

Oil money well spent.

The green building on the left is a sauna. I'm told it's a yakuza hangout, but I haven't personally verified that yet.

I walk by this garage every morning. I still haven't seen the driver.