Neither Here nor There

Summer doesn't seem to really know whether it's arrived in Manhattan yet; it's noticeably cooler than it was this time last year, and I was even (amazingly for mid-June in New York) rather cold last night. The reason why I can remember enough to make a comparison is that this time last year was the World Cup and also my first real involvement with JETAANY, as we held the pre-departure orientation for all the new JETs leaving from NYC. I - as always - was dressed impeccably in a suit, and remember being distinctly uncomfortable at the heat.

This year's orientation should be a lot of fun, though of course where I was unknown to almost everybody in 2006, I'm now going in there as El Presidente himself. I like to think that I worked my way up to the top through charisma, talent and strength of personality, but as we all know it was basically because nobody else wanted the job. Still, for this orientation at least I've done a significant portion of the work required to get all of the volunteers organised to give all the workshops and discussion sections. So fingers crossed.

I even get to give a short speech. I was going to make this joke:

"JET helps to dispel stereotypes, on both sides. I'm sure all of you have some pre-conceived notions about Japan, but bear in mind that the reverse is true. Many of the Japanese you meet will think that all Americans eat fast food, live in enormous houses and always carry guns. Though you might want to encourage that last stereotype - it'll make it easier to keep order in the classroom."

Now, of course, after Virginia Tech, I think it would be decidely unwise to link guns and classrooms in any way whatsoever. Oh well.

I've been working at about half-pace the rest of the time, inching slowly towards getting my papers and so forth done, and I also completed and sent of the application for the Mombusho (MEXT) Scholarship. If I get an interview, it'll be on the 25th of this month; I don't know for certain that I will, obviously, but I would be rather surprised if I didn't get so much as called in to discuss my proposal, which I thought was quite good.

Elsewhere, it was Kate's birthday, and making good on a long-held promise I took her to Megu for a culinary extravaganza. The place is simply phenomenal; the food, atmosphere and decor are all just unbelievable (though with prices to match). The two meals I've had at Megu have just been two of the best in my life, and on neither occasion did I leave feeling like I needed to go and get a slice of pizza to fill me up, as is not uncommon with some of the more expensive places, Japanese or otherwise. They do a 7-course prix fixe menu for $85 a head, which is actually fairly good value. I had beef and chicken tsukune, duck breast with sansho pepper sauce, lychee granita, and the best sushi I've had in New York. Kate loved it, too - a very successful evening.

And I'm back to the UK on Monday, so if any of the UKians are around, beers on.