Jun's Journey

Jun paid his first visit to the house. Instead of using the normal options that Tomo and I use to get to the house (car, or shinkansen / rental car), he went by motorbike, taking the scenic route.

As it was a lovely day, he was astonished with the fantastic views and vistas on the way to our house. Blue skies, lush green forests, and winding and quite mountain roads. He went there to check on the progress of the Tomo and Peter's work last weekend.

Signing and Treasure hunt

Finally yesterday all procedures were completed. Many documents were checked, and afterwards many stamps had to be attached to the contract.

We saw the investigation report from the house and found out the Erection date: It was built in Year one of Meiji Emperor!!! For non-Japanese, that is 1868. Several damage were listed together with date when it was fixed. Very neat. Also the cleanup was scheduled for next week, so we can start stripping the house after that.

Before the cleaning out of movable objects, we wanted to take a pick at old items, but due to short time remaining, it meant that we had to do the treasure hunt yesterday! Tomo and I got really dirty from rummaging dusty alcoves, and storage sheds, but out efforts were rewarded by some nice findings: An old sewing machine, camera, several pots, some furniture and old books, a pretty bicycle, as well as Farmer tools, and even some Kimonos.

Taifun and Earthquake

We went one more time to inspect the house on Sunday. What a day! A powerful Typhoon hit Honshu and inundated the country with massive rain falls. A lot of rain, but still the Shinkansen securely carried me to Ueda on time.

Tomo brought his family, as well as an intern. While both of us discussed necessary jobs and rebuilding measures, the intern was busy taking accurate measurements of the interior.

Despite massive rainfall, we were glad to see that the interior of the house remained absolutely dry!

A signing date was agreed with the agent, so that we can soon complete the transaction.

On the next day though, another disaster: Earthquake level 6+ in Niigata. Another test? Again the building withstood the tremors - it is a sturdy little house!

WE'VE GOT IT!!!

Again a call from Tomo. In his gravest and most serious voice he told me that the agent had phoned again about the house. My heart stopped for a second. Then the good news: we got lucky and can now apply for the house! Brilliant!!

A setback

Damn - Tomo just called me. He received a call from the Agent, and was told that someone else has an option on the house. Apparently a friend of the owner ...

Quite depressing, do we need to start the search all over?

On the positive side, we only have to wait for one more week, until we learn whether we can make an application. This guy apparently has also applied for public housing, and if he gets lucky, we also get lucky because he doesn't need this house anymore. Just have to wait for one -eternal- week...