Reality is Better than Reality TV
Things are going well. We’re still looking for a bed and some other furniture, but we’re enjoying our privacy for the first time since October! As much as we greatly appreciate the hospitality of Hopie and Atsuko, I'm sure they were as tickled to see us go as... (well, you know what I mean).
We got signed up for National Health (you get an ID card that qualifies you for a 70% discount at most clinics, hospitals and doctors offices), and then, after a few trips back and forth, finally got our residency transferred from where we were in Fuchu to where we are in Musashino-shi (a complicated procedure).
First we had to go back to Fuchu City Hall, and get our "Moving Out Certificate", so we could go to Musashino City Hall and be permitted to fill out a "Moving In" form. Whenever you move to a particular ward of Tokyo, you have to go to City Hall and register (yes, like Mary and Joseph). But you also have to get a special certificate from the City Hall of the ward you are moving OUT of.
At least it's all free here. Back in Mexico City we'd have paid 4 fees, greased 5 wheels, and covered 6 papers in stamps and seals...
I met with Kazuya (our realty agent who helped us find the apartment), and explained what we’re looking for in a building. He’s looking, but... (PRAY FOR US!)
Meanwhile we've been beating pavement, getting to know Kichijoji on foot. It’s HUGE. Lots and lots and lots of people. Strolling and coffee-drinking people. I've been looking for someplace big enough to use as a meeting point for a “Discussion Group on Modern Christianity for Intermediate English Speakers” (or maybe I'll just call it "Who Wants to Be a Christian!"). Lots of small places, but these places are already packed out with students and study groups.
Finally, last night we ran across a Starbucks with outdoor seating:
It’s behind a BIG department store/mall, and on the cross street between 2 trendy hipster streets. While I may not be as cool as some of you guys out there, free advanced English events are! I’m looking for a printer (a person, not a HP) to whip up a batch of decent business cards (instead of flyers, at first anyway). So far the strangers we've spoken to have been pretty friendly (especially if you ask them to take your picture. I better carry my camera with me).
So we’re off and running!
We got signed up for National Health (you get an ID card that qualifies you for a 70% discount at most clinics, hospitals and doctors offices), and then, after a few trips back and forth, finally got our residency transferred from where we were in Fuchu to where we are in Musashino-shi (a complicated procedure).
 |
| I think we were number 608... |
At least it's all free here. Back in Mexico City we'd have paid 4 fees, greased 5 wheels, and covered 6 papers in stamps and seals...
I met with Kazuya (our realty agent who helped us find the apartment), and explained what we’re looking for in a building. He’s looking, but... (PRAY FOR US!)
Meanwhile we've been beating pavement, getting to know Kichijoji on foot. It’s HUGE. Lots and lots and lots of people. Strolling and coffee-drinking people. I've been looking for someplace big enough to use as a meeting point for a “Discussion Group on Modern Christianity for Intermediate English Speakers” (or maybe I'll just call it "Who Wants to Be a Christian!"). Lots of small places, but these places are already packed out with students and study groups.
Finally, last night we ran across a Starbucks with outdoor seating:
It’s behind a BIG department store/mall, and on the cross street between 2 trendy hipster streets. While I may not be as cool as some of you guys out there, free advanced English events are! I’m looking for a printer (a person, not a HP) to whip up a batch of decent business cards (instead of flyers, at first anyway). So far the strangers we've spoken to have been pretty friendly (especially if you ask them to take your picture. I better carry my camera with me).
So we’re off and running!
Comments