Free monies!

Hey all! Guess what?! $5,000 scholarship, that's what!

I received notification about the Duttenhaver scholarship last week. I squealed like a little girl. This is excellent news. I should hear about Boren May 1. I'm waiting until then to buy my plane ticket. If I get anything from them, I have to fly an American carrier.

I've been getting in contact with some of the other Doshisha kids. I know of three other guys right now: One from UCR, one from UCLA, and one from... I don't know where. So far everyone seems really cool. The other guy from UCR even took classes with Suzuki sensei at RCC! Getting to know them here should make it a little easier once I get over there.

Speaking of which, I have information on my summer address!! I'll be living at Weekly Mansion Tokyo, Kameido.

Location: Address; 6-32-1 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071 near Kameido station on the JR Sobu line (about 20 minutes from IIJ in Akihabara, monthly commuter pass costs approximately 4,800 yen)
Facilities: Air conditioner, television, desk, chair, bed, closet, refrigerator, and telephone. Internet access is available in each room
Description: A hotel-like setting, with little interaction with other residents. Front desk available, staff on-site 24 hours a day. Single rooms with private bathrooms, no curfew, overnight guests may be possible when arrangements made in advance.
Meals: None (Small kitchenette included in room, cooking utensils available)
Period: July 28, 2009 until you move to your regular housing.

Have a few pictures. These are from the Weekly Mansion website, but this is generally what my room should look like for the first 6 weeks.

My layout is the one on the left. It has one bed, a small private bath, a closet,... well you saw the list up there.

Here's a picture of what the furnishings look like. I doubt the plant is included.
I'm so freaking excited! Having an address makes it real! I'll be commuting into Akihabara about 20 min by train each day. There's this nice little shopping center across the street called Sun Street.

Also, my dear Matt is giving me his cell phone plan and finding me a new-ish phone for cheap. This means I'll have a cell phone VERY soon after I arrive. Thank you Matt!!

It's getting closer and closer. There's still a lot of paperwork left, but after May 1 I can start planning packing and whatnot.

Now I just have to get out of Jury duty...