February 22nd, 2004
107746213403927968
The search is over
At the height of crunch time at work, I have finally closed on a new dwelling. In a mere twenty days I will be free of my much-vilified, stuffy cell in Sendagaya and migrate slightly north-by-northwest, to the horn of Shibuya-ku, that I may reside in Honmachi. Mikiko and I found the place unexpectedly on what was making to be another fruitless weekend last Sunday, and since then things have fallen into place surprisingly well and without friction. Friday I said goodbye to four thousand dollars of savings to pay the requisite “key money” and other essentials that are mandatory when first renting an apartment in Japan. Saturday (before going into the office on the tail end of my cold) I signed all the papers and got my key. I now have the luxury of moving all my current belongings in over the next three weeks while shopping for modern conveniences such as a bed, washing machine, and refridgerator. What fun! I am now truly as the Japanese say a “salary man”.
 |
 |
The bedroom overlooks a small park, where one may see children frolicking in the afternoon, and bums sleeping to late morning. It’s not as big as I hoped, but such residences within a stone’s throw to Shinjuku are only for the business elite, so I am happy with the moderate increase in floor space. It’s also about the same price as I pay now, so no complaints for my independence. I’d go on about it in more depth and elegance, but I’m exhausted from not getting home until nine this morning, so you’ll have to excuse me.
