Host City + Host Family + Host School

I was talking to Nikki on the phone today, and, as usual, my door was closed. My dad slipped a manila envelope under my door. The return adress was the office of Rotary District 7510's Youth Exchange Officer, Mr. Murray. I struggled to open it and found my host city, host family, and host school information.

So, yeah, I'm ridiculously excited right now.

My host city is Hamamatsu, the largest city in Shizuoka prefecture. The city, which has a population of over 800,000, is home to the Suzuki Motor Company and Yamaha. It's pretty much the most ballin' city in the world. There's beaches, a lake, hot springs, a castle, an amusement park, museums, festivals, gardens, caverns, shrines, and gorgeous scenery. You can see Mount Fuji on a clear day. The climate is great; it never goes below 49 F. One of the largest sand dunes in Japan is located in Hamamatsu. There's also an important sea turtle refuge. Hamamatsu is 1.5 hours to Tokyo by bullet train. The first piano in Japan was made in Hamamatsu. There's also two Brazilian schools and one Peruvian school. Random much? No, more like BALLIN much.



I have not contacted my host family yet, but I do know they live in central Hamamatsu (home to the castle in the second photo and depicted in the third photo.) I will receive a monthly allowance of $81. Rotary will take me on trips to Kyoto, Nara, Mount Fuji, and a ski trip.



My host school is Hamamatsu North High School. I'm pretty sure it's co-ed. Homeroom starts at 8:20 and school ends at 3:20. Yeah.

AY AY AY AY AY! I'm super excited!

Departure Date

I'm rather annoyed right now, because my departure date was changed from August 14 to August 17.