Michelle in Japan.

My eldest daughter Shell has been in Japan over a week now and seems to be settling well. She didn't start her studies properly till yesterday, so has had that week to find her feet etc. I've been able to talk to her over Skype as I mentioned in an earlier post, and by email too. She has had to get a new mobile as Japanese mobiles run on a completely different bandwidth to ours. They also dont use texts like we do, but emails. She has a special email address and any emails I send her go straight to her phone. They have free allowances for emails as we do for texts over here. It's considered bad manners to speak over your phone on buses, trains etc (if only they did that here!) and so phone emails are very popular.
I have to say I'm really thankful for the technology that has helped me talk to her and keep in touch. Just a few years ago it would have been letters and the odd phone call wouldn't it?!!
It all helps to know she is alright, because I have to admit to worrying quite a lot this last few days!
I've just got a first batch of pics from her so I'll post a couple here. The first is the Entrance to the International House where she lives on campus, you can see the apartments in the background.

And heres a pic of a Shinto Shrine:


In just over half an hour the new Hull FC shirt for 2008 will be unveiled, so as soon as I get a pic I will post it!
Last night I had my first chance to see Leeds Utd on TV. It was a professional 1-0 win. Although 9 first teamers where rested, the lads looked well drilled and comfortable on the ball. We had our first look at the boy Da Costa, and he looks a bit of talent! Some of those lads looked SO young though, babies!! It does get disconcerting when you watch your team (I feel the same with Hull FC) and you realise that you are old enough to be their mothers! lol.