It’s 2:00 a.m.

As predicted, it’s 2:oo a.m. and we’re wide awake.  Elena and I just had a snack–a donut we picked up from Mr. Donut last night.  It was great but not as good as Krispy Kreme.  We’ve been reading your comments on the blog–keep them coming.  Thanks for letting us know about the earthquake–we’re wondering if we’ll feel any aftershocks.  Aside from the long plane flight we had no problems getting our luggage and making it through customs.  I believe we packed just right–we all managed our luggage quite well except for Elena who almost got a blister from pulling her suitcase around the city.  Mr. Katsuse was at the airport to meet us and we boarded a bus for the hour long trip around Tokyo.  Elena and I napped on the bus while Julian and Mr. Katsuse took in the scenery and talked.  Next we hopped a train for a short ride to the hotel.  We’re staying at the Tokyo Inn which is just across the street from the train station.  The hotel is very nice and clean but the rooms are much smaller than we are accustomed to in America.  We have internet access so I’ve already been checking the news for updates from home.  Of course I’ll be following UNC at the College World Series.  Our room does have a large window and we can see a giant bowling pin on top of a building down the street.  There is a Seven-Eleven across the way just in case we can’t sleep and want a “midnight” snack.  We were famished when we arrived and had our first Japanese meal at a local shop.  Beef and rice bowls were a big hit and we all coached Julian on how to use chopsticks.  By the end of the meal Julian was getting the hang of it.  I can’t believe how many people walk and ride bicycles here.  The most unusual thing I have seen so far was the bicycle parking garage.  Just as we have parking garages for cars in the US–Tokyo has parking garages for bicycles.  It was a large enclosed building that held racks on top of rack of bicycles.  There must have been thousands of bikes in this one garage.  Another difference is that most people do not wear helmets while riding through the streets.  Not a good safety rule!  In just 7 more hours we’ll be meeting our host families.  Julian and Elena will be going home with Matthew and Natsumi where they’ll stay through Wednesday.  I will see them each day at school as we begin to learn about the wonderful culture of Japan.  OK–we’re going to try and get some more sleep.  Please keep your comments coming as we have enjoyed reading them.  Check back later as I will try to post some pictures.

Mrs. Powell