William As an Angeleno (the southwesternmost part of the US), I went to college in Maine (the northeasternmost part of the US). It was there I learned “culture shock.” Clothing, food, behavior, climate, how people interact, even language - all was new to me. And my first two years there were both the most rotten and most productive of my life. After that, I found I could fit most anywhere. TO ALL NEW KUMAMOTO ARRIVALS: Any request, any advice, even just an ear to listen to: contact us. PM. We oldies are here to help, no condescension. After all, we have been there.
Below: My hometown beach and my college beach, both in winter.