No really, I'm MOVING!
Seriously folks, how stoked am I?!?!The aforementioned request to my bosses for nicer/newer/cleaner apartments was promptly conceded, and then followed by a hasty Monday-afternoon apartment hunt. Even rentals, in Japan, must go through a realtor, so my employers and I stopped into two separate agencies where we viewed two separate sets of apartments. Though the first set was 2 years newer (built in Heisei ju-roku, or 2004) and as such, a smidgeon nicer, the second set (built in Heisei ju-yon, or 2002) had a much improved location, so we placed our bets there.
Tressa and I waited on pins and needles for the word; as landlords sometimes avoid allowing foreigners to rent their apartments and our employers were requesting that the apartments be held empty for a month so that they could give the required 1-months notice at our current residences, there was some nervousness involved.
Yesterday, however, Cynthia called to explain that not only did we get the apartments, but we will be moving in on Feb. 25!! OMG! Less than three weeks to pack!! She also pleaded with us to avoid undue expenditures at this time as they have maxed out their budget paying our rental fees (a contractual obligation).
In Japan renting an apartment is insanely expensive. Not only are the realtors paid one months rent, but the landlords are given two months rent as "gift money" - this means that the renter will not see this money again. Additionally, there is usually a deposit and a first and last months rent required. So Cynthia and Hiro put out nearly $4000CN that they will never see again, and an additional $2000 for regular start-up rental fees... this doesn't even include transfer of all the utilities, etc. THANK YOU!!
So, the new apartment... it's a little bigger than my current apartment, with an extra room housing the washing machine and a vanity/bathroom sink (adjoining the shower room). The toilet features built-in bidet and heated toilet seat. There are hardwood floors throughout, except in the bedroom where there are traditional tatami mats (Japanese version of carpet). The kitchen is larger, with an eating nook and a little extra cupboard space. The entrance way features built-in shoe cabinets; same amount of closet space otherwise. There are large patio doors in both the living room and bedroom which lead to a long balcony; unfortunately there is no view as my second floor apartment looks out onto the building across the "courtyard."
The apartments are located in the downtown area of Chikusei (Shimodate), whereas our current homes are in a suburb (like Dallas). We will be about three blocks from Shimodate train station (the main station in town, on the main train lines), two blocks from the post office and bank, two blocks from the main grocery store in town, one block from the Coco's and Denny's (American-style restaurants), and directly across the street from our favourite ramen shop (oh no, this is not good at all!!!). There is also a kareoke bar about four blocks away, which is directly across the street from the internet cafe/ping-pong, darts & billiards joint that we frequent. The izakayas (pubs) that we have been to in Shimodate are all within walking distance. Tressa will live directly below me. As our rent is subsidized by our company, it stays the same even though the monthly rent will be significantly more.
On the downside: I will be approximately 10-15 minutes farther away from my schools on every day except Thursday; this is especially bad on Friday, when I don't get home from work until 7:30 as it is. On the plus side, we would have to drive through town to do almost anything socially, so we are saving time there by living in town. Thankfully, the earliest I'll have to leave the house will still be about 8:45am.
Pictures to follow.
congrats on moving to the NEW DOWNTOWN APT in shimo!!!
Im sure that you will have a MOVING PARTY,eh!?hehe
so im waiting for your FUN party=)