We were up early on Tuesday for our journey up to Sapporo. Didn’t want to miss the flight that was for sure. Finished our breakfast and headed out. We were flying from the internal Tokyo airport this time which was quite far away. We had instructions on how to get there but even so managed to get lost. Through no fault of our own really. These train stations are massive and there were no signs telling us that the line we wanted had a separate terminal. But anyway after asking several times where we had to go we made it to the airport unscathed if rather rather sweaty. Thankfully I had my sweat towel with me! Check in at Hannada airport is so much smoother than any other airport I’ve ever encountered. Its so streamlined. immediately upon entrance there and rows of computers where you scan your receipt to get your actual tickets. Then make your way up to the main part of the terminal where the check in desks are. No queue, no hassle. Done in 5minutes. Why can’t we do that at home? There’s no shame in copying something that works well! Waiting at our gate was a school trip heading to Hokkaido who were pretty interested in us (Unsurprising as we were the only Europeans in sight) They were very impressed with us being teachers at our young age! Had some photos, generally enjoyed chatting, or trying to anyway. Unfortunately we were sandwiched between two Japaneses business men on the flight up rather than the gaggle of school girls. The TV on board the plane shows a feed from cameras outside the plane. Was pretty cool watching the takeoff. Somehow after arriving in Sapporo we managed to wander out without collecting our bags which caused a bit of hassle with security. Hiromi-san, Yuko-san and Naomi-san were waiting eagerly for us. We did our introductions, awkwardly, what can you say in these situations? Yuko spoke a little English, Hiromi and Naomi…not so much. Took us for some fantastic ramen, a Hokkaido speciality, before driving down to Toya. We got chatting on the way down, tho I was a bit distracted by the scenery, as we got closer to Toya it was stunning. Two hours later we arrived at the Board of Education in Abuta. Would have been 90mins later but Hiromi managed to get on the wrong Highway at first!
At the board of Education we were introduced to, well, everyone I think. Was all a bit confusing, lots of bowing, lots of Business cards given, (I have quite a collection now, tho I don’t really remember who everyone is) didn’t really knowing what was going on. After meeting the B of E staff we were introduced to the Mayor. All the Board staff came with us to his office. The Mayor didn’t seem to grasp that I couldn’t understand a word he was saying which led to a lot of awkward silences after I had pointed on the map where I lived. The G8 summit is being held in Toya next year so we talked about that for a bit. Apparently Toya made quite a big thing about them accepting us as volunteers each year so we may be introduced to the Japanese Prime Minister and perhaps Gordon Brown when they arrive!
After all the introductions were done we were taken to Toya itself. First stop was the Sogo centre, which seems to be the central admin place for the town. They showed us our desks, gave us our timetables, had a little meeting about the rules. (More on that later) Before FINALLY being taken to our house. We had an hour to unpack our stuff before Yuko and the others came back to take us out to Dinner at the one and only Restaurant/Bar in Toya, GutenTag. Had a really good feed, nice chat with the ladies who are basically our substitute mums for the year, as well as our students. It got to 11pm so we said our goodbyes at hit the hay as soon as we got home.
The Welcome Party
We slept all day to ensure we had enough energy for our welcome party that night - obviously an important event in the social calender here. The party was to be held in the Furaei centre. One of the seemingly multiple community centres here. Was horendously hot inside, compounded by the pressure of having to write a welcome speech - something we were informed of 20mins before we had to give it. The time came for the party to start and we entered the main room to loud applause and took our seats at the centre table. Taiki-san, the nursery school teacher and sole person who can speak English was to act as translator for the night. There were multiple speeches by various Board of Education staff before ours, Yuko-san gave us an introduction, when she came to the bit about parents jobs there were gasps and again applause again. Craig went first with the speeches, the moment introduced himself in Japanese the crowd broke out into loud applause again, was really quite funny. Taiki took over, translating as Craig went, only a couple misunderstandings slowed things down, but the crowd loved it anyway. (When I say crowd - I mean the 50 or so people who had been invited to the party, mainly Board of Education staff, and pupils in the Adult conversation class) I delivered as much of my speech in Japanese as I could, which everyone seemed incredibly impressed by. Times like this I was really glad I spent my lunchtimes at school working! After the speeches was time to eat and mingle. Had a great chat with Suzuki-san, who introduced himself as the town drunk. In fact he’s the Japanese teacher…worrying! I rather enjoyed being compared to Tom Cruise, and then Josh Hartnett in my looks by all the women there 
Shame none of them are below 30! After some mingling we had to go round to each table and make small talk for a little bit “Hope you’re enjoying the party” “Looking forward to work” etc. At the last table I just said to Taiki “same again” and let him ramble off the speech
The main party ended and the hardcore party goers headed to the Guten Tag, where yet more food was served and a good time was had by all! Had a great conversation with Shiro-san about Brothels…some serious wires got crossed in that one.
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