This is a picture of our new home come August, Ikusaka-mura, Japan.  In addition to my official contract, they were kind enough to attach a large fold out map of the village.

I have spent months studying hiragana and katakana--and I cannot read most of this map as it is in kanji.  I cannot conceive of a writing system that uses four different types of writing, often within one small block of text.  I thought I could get away with not learning kanji, as I have heard it is quite difficult.  I am currently looking for textbooks and programs, as none of the multitude of Japanese language learning devices I currently possess even go there.

The good news is, an official contract makes it--official!  Once I get on the plane, there is no turning back.  I reserved my spot on the flight to Tokyo, Alan's flight is booked, our train tickets and hotel to and from St. Louis, Rochester, and Chicago are done...
                                                              Sayonara!