We checked out of our hotel and went directly to Shizuoka University, where we waited in anticipation for our meeting with the University officials. As it turned out, it was much less intimidating than we anticipated, and we all introduced ourselves in Japanese without any problems. Next, we broke up into our disciplines, and discovered that math geeks in Japan can be just as cool and friendly as us!
After a Japanese version of Italian pasta (no pictures needed!), we hit the road to Ito City, where we saw interesting people, architecture and scenery. Then, finally, was our first glimpse of our new home ... Ito City!
When we got to Ito City, we knew we were in Japan, yet something to me felt Strangely familiar. Some of us went down to the beach for a walk, and then I knew. We are one as a coastal community. The smell of the salty air is unmistakable. It smelled like home!
