Stuart McGraw wrote:

> The problem is the banks in these parts tack an extra 5% or 
> so on the exchange rate.  A $2000 wire transfer cost about 
> $140 between the exchange rate and a $45 transaction fee.  
> (Not a bad profit for 10 minutes typing on a computer but 

Strewth. I've heard of better banking in Bangladesh. Is Boulder that 
small a place?

> pretty annoying to me.)  So I was looking for a cheaper way 
> of converting $ to yen for my stay in Japan.  TCs are even 
> worse because they have the same lousy exchange rate, 
> plus a %3.5 service charge.  Maybe I am talking to the wrong
> banks?  Yes, I will also have my bank and visa cards and will 
> try to use them but, never having done that before, wanted 
> some backup source of cash.

It would be worth bringing the IMOs in that case. After you arrive you 
can open a post office savings account and receive a Japanese cashcard - 
deposit the IMOs into that and you won't have to worry about carrying 
cash or excessive charges.

Your accommodation is in Residence K, so your nearest post offices are 
to the east next to "Feel News", and the main post office (24x7) on 
Route 248 (the main road west of K that you cross on the way to campus).
http://www.yamasa.cc/members/ocjs/Map.nsf/MapMain?OpenForm&70

> Anyway, I am really looking forward to Yamasa, and hopeful
> I might actually be able to learn a little Japanese.  Of course,
> the fact that I took Spanish I in highschool 3 years in a row
> and failed each time is not a good sign, but I understand 
> Yamasa's teachers are very good... :-)

Its a fast course, but class numbers will be about 4-5 during your stay. 
If you can keep it enjoyable and do the prep and review, you will learn.


-- 
At the graveside of cuchulainn we'll kneel around and pray
And God is in his heaven, and billy's down by the bay

  - The Sickbed of Cuchulainn