Still in the mire of Hokkaido Spring, most parts of the island are just now experiencing the sudden explosion of green. Even Sapporo city is carpeted in that new-leaf shade and things are suddenly feeling a little more alive, the air a little more breathable, the cold-snaps a little more bearable.

For those who are leaving:

  • Start packing. NOW. The Leavers’ Guide I sent has good links to shipping and postal services, and I promise you that the sooner you start putting things in boxes and sending them home, the less of a financial (and physical) burden it will feel than if you leave it all to the last week of your stay. No Leavers’ Guide? Email me and I will have one to you in thirteen clicks of the keyboard.
  • Begin discussions with your BoE about your return flight NOW. August is an incredibly popular time to be flying, that flights are often full and that the longer you wait to book the more you will pay. Find out precisely how your BoE will do the ticket purchasing – will you book and pay and they reimburse you? Will they book and pay? Will they give you cash, cash-on-receipt, cash-on-return-home? These are important questions to ask now so that you avoid a shock later.
  • I will be bringing hard-copies of the paperwork necessary for you to apply for Lump-sum Pension Refund to the HAJET summer meeting, and through the weekend will be happy to answer any questions you have about going home. Hope to see you there!

HAJET Summer Meeting:

  • To be held this year in the startlingly beautiful Lake Toya, the Summer Meeting is typically one of the most enjoyable that HAJET put on. What could be better than outdoor camping and barbeques beside a crater lake, backdropped by a steaming volcano? Nothing, I tell you, nothing. Well, not much, anyway. The fact that Toya also facilitates family-friendly sans-swimsuit bathing also proves to be a draw card for some, but really, the lush, jaw-dropping view from the campsite should be more than enough to draw you in for the weekend. Also, for most folk this will be their last chance to see returning JETs (and PA) before they head off home.
  • Remember that if you have things you want to toss, sell or buy, you should perhaps first consider bringing them along – there is always a car-boot-and-open-lawn garage sale, which turns into a great opportunity for cheap/free acquisition and/or disposal.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic entry into spring-proper here in the Hokk.

Take care,

Chelle
090 2696 4628
Alford.michelle@pref.hokkaido.lg.jp