The early days.

We've been in Japan for only three days now and it has been extremely hard to get used to the customs and getting around on our own. Japanese people are unique beings, but are very polite and excited to have us in their city. Fukuoka is a beautiful city. Flying in around dusk gave us a cool view of the neon lights and tall buildings Japan is so famous for. My Japanese has gotten to be the best its been since I started studying-I haven't spoke for almost a year now but it's all coming back faster than I had expected.

Howabout some Lacrosse??

Yesterday, we played our first three games at a clay field somewhere in Fukuoka. By clay...I really mean dirt. It's an odd mixture of sand and a hard dirt surface, but its the rain that complicates things. Cleats are really the only thing to wear to avoid slipping. The rain comes in waves. It sort of reminds me of Oregon, but the humidity and heat is very unique to Japan this time of year. We played three University teams from the area: Fukuoka University, Kyushu Universty, and Seinan University. These are three of the many schools on the island of Kyushu, but we had no problems dealing with them. I think we only had one goal scored on us the first day.

Aye, Aye, Captain!

I was selected to be a captain for the USA West team as well as four other players: Brooks Korvin who plays for Army, the only Division 1 player on the team stood out immediatley not only as a great player but a good guy with a good attitude. Cito Williams and Dan Riddle of Sonoma State both add a good postive attitude and work ethic. Pete Nelson, an attackmen from Duluth is the 5th captain. It seemed a bit odd at first to have so many captains, but it sort of helps the coaches to keep everyone in line and to have that sort of leadership is crucial.

I have to go right now-we are going to sightseeing in Fukuoka. I will update more tonight or tomorrow morning.