Let's see...

Let's see...

This week I went into school for three days. I worked more specifically on making my self intro lesson. I will have a worksheet for students to follow along with and fill in. And candy if they answer some of the questions in front of the class...I just bought notecards so they can fill in some info about themselves and I will try to use these in future classes to call on students (like pull the notecards out of a bag). I also worked on lesson 4 of the Oral Communications book which is Phone Conversations so after talking to the JTE (Japanese Teacher of English) who I will be team teaching with...I hope we can play the Telephone game and listen to No Doubt "Spiderwebs". I also created a worksheet like a flow chart that gives sample dialogues for what to do in certain instances...like if the answering machine comes on, or if the person they are calling is there/not there, etc. Hopefully these are useful. I am not exactly sure what they are looking for but this week I should be able to talk more specifically with the JTEs about the specific lessons.

I have a desk in one of the teachers room. At this school, and I think through Japan, the teachers in senior high school move from room to room so there is a teachers room(s) where teachers all have their desks together. I like this because if I need to ask a teacher something there is usually someone there, although they are very busy. Also in that room is a lot of information from class lists, class numbers, schedule of the week, fridge, coffee/tea, etc.

The students wear uniforms. The boys wear black pants and white shirts. The girls wear dark blue uniform skirts, white shirts and bow ties. Each class (there are three classes in Junior High and three in High School - that makes 10th, 11th and 12th grade equivalent for SHS) wears different color sandals. They are specifically indoor shoes...red, blue or green. It seems like people switch outdoor to indoor and vice versa shoes in homes and schools. It seems like most stores and offices you just wear the same shoes.

It looks like I will have 18 classes to teach. There are 9 ichi-nenseii classes (1st year) and 9 ni-nenseii classes (2nd year). There are around 32-41 students in each. I will see the 1st year classes (Oral Communication) each once a week and the 2nd year (Writing) each once every other week. I will also help supervise the English Speaking Society (ESS Club).

I checked out a hip hop class...it was fun! And a great workout. The class is under the International English school so part of the purpose is to have Japanese speakers and non-Japanese people interact. So hopefully I will be able to keep attending and get to know some locals. I haven't really worked out since I have been here so my sides hurt for two days after...but the good kind of pain ;-)

Last summer I did the UESS program and two girls from that program, May and Kelina happen to also be on the JET Program this week. I talked/chatted with both of them this week and it was great to catch up with them. It has been great having them on this journey with me...before we left we discussed our fears, hopes, etc. Now that we are here we can talk about our experiences and visit each other. And hopefully when we go back we can have someone to talk about our experiences with after the fact and to figure out the reverse culture shock.

I have been trying to follow the US Democratic National Convention, but it is hard to get exactly what is going on when it is dubbed over in Japanese...and in all my Japanese classes we didn't study political language...so I try to read the mouths of the news reporters and critics on CNN.

Last night a few of us checked out a jazz and swing bar. I ordered a random dessert off of the menu...I didn't know what it was...but it ended up being some yummy ice cream so I might try to do this more often (order random things and try new things) although it might not always turn out so tasty.

Today I cleaned my apartment so that felt good. And I met up with the JET who is my closest neighbor and she showed me a little coffee/cake shop that I never would've found by myself in our neighborhood. So I am glad I got to know her a little bit...and that there is someone close by.

Tomorrow we have our school opening ceremony...yes, on a Sunday. I will give a speech for the whole school...all 900+ students and staff...in Japanese. I will let you know how that goes...

Festivals (Matsuri)

Special thanks to Kali! Now I know how to post pictures...so if you have a minute you can check back at my previous posts where I put in pictures in to go with each post.

On Saturday I was going home to my usually quiet neighborhood but there was a lot of noise, lights and people at the nearby park. I got up the courage to go (from all I could tell it may have been a family gathering)...and then just stood at the side. I then again got the courage (everything takes courage to do here...even the simplest things) to go up and talk to a woman standing by herself (I think this was due in part to the article Carl linked on my blog - Thanks Carl!). She told me it was the neighborhood summer festival. We talked a bit and I'm not sure if she fully understood what I said and I definitely didn't fully understand what she said...sometimes i would just nod my head...so I am still not sure what I agreed to ;-) but we still communicated. She went and got me some yakitori (grilled chicken on a stick) and some orange juice. I asked her ikura desu ka which means How much is it? but she didn't charge me. I am not sure if she paid or the neighborhood association donated it to the strange foreigner...but all I know is people here are very generous and kind.

The next day I was determined to go to another festival that I had heard about...The Eiheiji Lantern Floating Festival. I often go into the tourist information center at the JR Train Station in central Fukui because they speak a little bit of English and are always willing to help and answer any questions (and do all this very slowly so I can understand). I asked a lot of questions about where to go, how to get there, how long it would take, etc. After I exited the office one of the ladies followed me out of the office to give me more information (this happened twice)...another example of how kind and accomodating this country can be.

The actual festival was awesome. There was all kinds of food. I ate yakitori, korokke (potato cake?), noodles and ice cream. There was fish on a stick but I didn't have the nerve to try it. Once it got dark the ceremony began...the monks from the temple were chanting sutras but that is about all I know. I should probably find out (after the fact) exactly what was going on. Thousands of lanterns were lit and set to float down the river. I know people bought the lanterns for 1500 yen which is roughly $15 USD. I am also not sure of the significance. It was quite peaceful and beautiful. I just could not get enough pictures and video! Then there was fire works too!

Monday was a day full of workshops. The majority of JETs are not trained teachers so it was a lot of information about how to lesson plan. For me, it was good review...but I am ready to get started actually being in school. There was also a mock/real lesson with local Japanese students. One of the presentations was about future career planning and documenting evidence from this year (it takes me back to preparing my portfolio at St. Olaf). I also realized here that I need to stay very busy this year to be the most productive I can be. I've found that when I have nothing to do, I do nothing. But when I am busy I am happiest and most productive.

On Sunday night I had a dream about meeting Papa. I don't remember what happened but it has been on my mind since. I brought (to Japan) all the letters he wrote me when he first left and just came across a postcard he sent me...that had an address on it. I don't recall every writing to that address and don't know why I never did. Hmm...this is going to be a journey. I got sad about it last night...and a little lonely. So I am especially looking forward to Yuki coming to share this experience with me and to support each other through whatever happens with Papa. I am mentally preparing myself for multiple scenarios.

Today at school I actually felt like I had something to do. I attended a ceremony to honor those students who made high accomplishments in sports this summer. It was quiet compared to what I remember CCHS's assemblies. Later, I gave a speech (short) for the teachers at the teachers meeting. It was a little nervewrecking but it's over. One of the teachers gave me a book to look over to plan the first lesson. I briefly talked with students from the English Speaking Society (ESS) Club about the presentations they will prepare for next weeks school festival (they had made a poster about the US and about Ohio already!) A teacher asked me to edit a listening comprehension test that will be given later. I was a little picky on editing...I think I was a little too specific but I told her my corrections were just suggestions...to make it sound more like natural English speech. This experience is really going to test and refine my English skills. There were somethings that I could not explain so I need to work on being able to explain why something sounds better. Lastly a girl from the ESS club dropped off a journal where students in the club write in English. I think I am supposed to respond...not sure but it is good practice for them.

Ja ne...

This week (konshu)...

This week I have been working on a self-introduction power point presentation to present to my students on the first days of classes. I included some pictures and information about my life/interests/family, etc. and the US. The main point I want to make is that the US is a land of differences because of the large land space (i.e. different climates, landscapes, etc.) and the different groups of people (different languages, cultures, etc.) Besides that I have to prepare a short speech to introduce myself to the teachers next Tuesday and the whole school next Sunday.

On Wednesday of this week we went on a tour of the kencho (prefectural government building). We saw the place where the state assembly meets, governers office (I kept accidentally sitting at the guest of honors chair in the meeting rooms) and emergency call center (satellite and antenna response to emergencies). It was interesting to see what happens in this building...I might try to attend one of the assemblies of the representatives (there are 118 seats for visitors) but I wouldn't understand what they were saying...

It's a little frustrating not to be able to read things...I made curry and it came out all watery because I couldn't read the instructions. I guess I will just learn these things by trial and error...and I guess that is a motivating factor to learn to read.

Everywhere I go (especially stores) there is English music playing. If it is not English music it is Japanese music with some English (like one of my favorite new songs "Love This Music (Pushim feat. Jing Teng"). If I watch TV I always watch the music channel to check out what's popular here. There is this one song/video I don't get at all?! This guy is dancing crazy...maybe check if it is on youtube?? I think the name is Sakerock.

As environmentally friendly and eco thoughtful Japan is, they wrap everything! I still can't figure out the exact system to recycle but I have the basics for trash days down. That's because I missed the last time and I have a whole bag full of non-burnables that have been in my house for a week and a half.

Yesterday we had the contract signing ceremony. It was very formal, but oddly enough we didn't sign anything?! We didn't even put our hanko (seal that everyone has in place of a signature). We did a lot of standing up, bowing, sitting down, saying "Hai" when our name was called. It was very short. We had a reception afterwards and I was placed at the table with the superintendent of the Fukui prefectural Board of Education but he kept walking away from the table...so I didn't try my Japanese out on him.

I just went to the Fukui International Association building to meet with legal consultants to help me with the process to find papa. It is a free service they offer every so often. I arrived right on time but didn't know exactly where to go so for 50 minutes I waited for them as they were waiting for me! Anyways it worked out and one of the ladies is going to try to obtain a copy of my father's koseki (family registry) so we can get more information (since I am not giving them very much to work from).

Right now I am in AOSSA...a building centrally located in downtown. It is one of my favorite places to go. First floor has shops (I just gave in and bought a pair of crocs for indoor school shoes - I think they are sort of ugly but they are comfortable), 2nd floor hair salon/baby shops, 3rd food court, 4th library and who knows up above. It just seems like a community place. This is also where I am using the free internet!!

Tomorrow I am going to try to attend a lantern lighting festival (I haven't been to any festivals yet)...and Monday we have a day full of workshops on team teaching.

I have been trying to post pictures but I can't find a computer to upload them on except the one at school where I would have to upload one by one. I will try to post a blog atleast once every Saturday from now on...(Friday night in the States).

Fuji san

A lot has happened in the past few days.

The huge event was climbing Mt. Fuji, or Fuji san, this past weekend. A bus load of ALT's left Fukui City on Saturday morning at noon. We stopped at a lot of rest stops. I like the rest stops here...the bathrooms you can usually choose western or Japanese style (squat) toilets, there are stores full of things to buy (because gift giving is huge here, you might even say obligatory) and yummy food (you choose the food and pay in a machine, take the ticket and your food will be ready at the counter). Some of rest stops have beautiful scenery around them. From one you could faintly see Mt. Fuji. This one little kid kept rambling on in Japanese about Fuji san. I think that it a proper name because it is a sacred mountain. On a side note I may kidnap a Japanese kid...they are so cute. Just kidding...

I climbed with one friend...we started at 9:15 p.m. There were many stops along the way, or huts as they called them. If you wanted to (which we didn't) you could get overpriced things or get your walking stick stamped. We just stopped at the huts to catch a quick breath (because the air gets thinner as you go higher) and to put on more layers (because it also gets colder as you are going up). My climbing buddy and I didn't have flashlights so we climbed by the light of the moon. There were many different surfaces going up and at times we thought we wouldn't make it...but we pushed on and from close to the top of the mountain we saw the sunset. It was very beautiful and an amazing experience to be above the clouds. We climbed the rest of the way and got to the top around 5:30 a.m. At the top there were tons of people taking pictures, getting food, buying souveniors, going to the bathroom, etc. You could feel everyones energy...whether this was their first time climbing of 37th (there was one guy who had climbed it this many times!). We didn't stay up there long because our bus was planning to leave at 10 a.m. and we weren't sure how long it would take us to go down. The walk down was hell. My knees were killing because you walk down a very steep zig zag path for most of the way. I did fall all the way down once. It got a little bit better towards the end. A small part of it was like a nature walk. We arrived at our bus at 9:30. It was a long night with no sleep, barely any food, aching muscles but it was definitely worth it to see the sunset, be above the clouds and say that I climbed Mt. Fuji. Would I do it again? Probably...after my knees stop aching.

So I have a lot of free time on my hands. I've been reading which I don't do much at home. I already read Not Without My Daughter that my Grandpa lent me. Usually it takes me 5 months to finish a book but because of my free time and need for a break from reading kanji I read a lot faster. Yesterday I came to the library and read back issues of TIME and articles that looked very interesting. I read one about Nelson Mandela (I learned his first given name is Rolihlahla) turning 90 and Barack Obama's mom but I also read articles about Japan (which was even more interesting cuz I'm actually here) such as how there is a large population of Chinese immigrants coming to Japan, one on the resignation of the former Prime Minister, and there was a whole special on food which included some specialities of Japan. One is kaiseki which I had never heard of. It includes using local fresh ingredients, has many courses (14?) and is all about presentation and harmonious balance. One of the most well known kaiseki chefs (Yoshihiro Murata) who handpicks his daily ingredients said in the article, "Western chefs are conductors of large orchestras. Japanese cuisine is more like a violin. There are five different strings, but they are played together." Something to think about...

Have you ever heard of Engrish? That's what we call these funny t-shirts that many Japanese people wear that are in English...but they don't quite make sense. Let me give you an example...on the same shirt: Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence/Lord, grant that I may always desire more that I can accomplish and on another shirt, Follow you home sweet little thing/do you wanna lose your mind. There are so many more... ;-) It provides entertainment.

I'm riding my bike around town. It's still a bit frightening...going through small sidewalks, passing people, going up and down hills, etc. I'm getting a little used to it. But I still freak out about being on the opposite side of the street. I have to be very thoughtful about when I turn so I don't go into oncoming traffic!

Yesterday I went to water the plants at school. I saw some students. I said Ohayoo gozaimasu (Good Morning) to them but it took some courage. That might seem weird that it take some effort to say good morning to someone but that's just how I feel.

I went in for my first work day. Actually I wasn't sure if I was supposed to go in at all. But it worked out. Teachers were there and the principal introduced himself to me. Everyone is nice but SO busy. I just sat at my desk organizing it, looking through the oral communication textbook that we will use and studying Japanese. One of the English teachers gave me a quick tour of the school. It's big and I am sure I will get lost. I met a ton of teachers...I need to learn a lot of names...quick. Not to mention student names.

I am looking forward to this school year and this experience...

Another random post...

so...since I wrote yesterday...(each day is an adventure)

On my bus ride home an older woman started talking to me. She spoke a tiny bit on English and with my tiny bit of Japanese (and with gestures) we were able to communicate things such as she was a widow, did I watch the olympics and the beauty of Japan, among other topics. I think she even missed her bus stop because we got distracted. She spoke slowly enough so that I could understand most of what she was saying, or atleast get the gist. I just have to have her confidence to start a conversation, because once she started it was easy to talk with her.

I went for my first big grocery shopping experience. I stayed with "safe" foods meaning those that we have eaten at home. Maybe later I'll buy something that I'm not sure what it is and learn how to cook it but right now I am trying not to overwhelm myself. I bought rice, gyoza (dumplings), natto (soybeans - many people think this isn't good but I remember it from when I was a kid), soba (buckwheat noodles), udon (noodles), furikake (put on top of rice), and miso (soy paste for soup bases). I also bought veggies for salad, eggs (they sell them in 4, 6, or 10 I think), milk (all whole milk here, or soy, no skim, I think - I can't read everything), and ice cream.

This morning I went to water the plants at the school I will work at. My supervisor is out of town. I'm glad she left me with this responsibility because it gets me out of the house, feels like I have a purpose and in a small way I am already getting involved in the school community. When some vegetables grow she said I could have part of the batch.

After that I went to the grocery store to take some recyclables. I still don't understand the Japanese garbage system but they separate everything. From what I can understand there are burnables (like paper, wood, food, etc.) and non burnables (plastic and I am not sure what else) but there are other garbage days for plastic bottles...and I'm still not sure when to take the cans out. So since I don't produce so much garbage I just took some of them to the grocery story where they have bins.

I also went to send my first postcard at the nearby post office.

I jumped on my bike and followed the map downtown and made it here...let's see if I can make it back.

The past few days...

so after I wrote last time...

I met up with another ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) and we navigated around the city on bikes. We parked them in a bike lot by the JR Station (train station). When we came back they were gone! We went to the tourist info center and the koban (police) and then came to find out someone had put them on the racks for us (because we had just set them on the side). Whew. Bike theft is not common here. Many people used bikes and bikes have to be registered here so police can tell if a bike was stolen, but luckily in this instance that wasn't the case...I haven't tried to venture out on my bike yet but in the next few days I will try...I guess I am just scared I will get completely lost! and forget all the Japanese I have ever learned!

So Monday morning my supervisor took me to the bank first thing when it opened but they couldn't open the bank account until I got my cell phone. So we went to the cell phone company but then went back to the bank to get out the money that I had just put in...long story short I had to pay for the $300+ phone up front. I realize I spend money here that I would never spend at home but the yen still feels like play money I guess. Plus I want to be connected and keitai or cell phone is definitely the way to do it here. Some people text and e-mail more than call because on most plans it is cheaper. I got a SoftBank phone with a simple plan (called the White Plan). And guess who is the celebrity associated with SoftBank? Cameron Diaz...very Japanese, huh?

So, after I jumped on the train to Toyohashi to visit some old IYA (International Youth Academy) friends (who had come to Toledo through Toledo Sister Cities). I missed the first transfer because I got very confused. I asked the conductor and he told me to get on the next train, or so I thought. When the next train came it was headed back to Fukui. Well I asked another conductor and he pointed me in the right direction. I just had to get on the next train (an hour later). I'm glad I tried it though. I arrived in Toyohashi an hour late. My friends Erika and Mayu picked me up. We went to Mayu's house for a wonderful Japanese style BBQ that her parents had set up. Oishii (Delicious!!) The next day we ate breakfast, went to some stores and went to an okonomiyaki restaurant where you grill your own food. Very fun and unlike anything I have done before. We had specialities from Tokyo and Osaka. Oh, and at restaurants usually the waiters/waitresses have an electronic keyboard to take your order ;-) Also, there was a drink bar and we had shaved ice and here they put a milky cream on it.

A few random things I am starting to adapt to that I can't remember if I already wrote about, so sorry if I did...in Japanese houses there is a genkan area, or entryway, and you ALWAYS take off your shoes. I really like this custom. In school, we do this too so I need to find some school slippers. Also I have not seen a dryer here...everyone dries their clothes outside. Also, most people carry around washcloths/fans to wipe their sweat because it is ridiculously hot and humid here. Even men carry around fans here. I have seen that there are some very specific gender roles here but some things considered effeminate in the US are perfectly normal here.

I really like the beauty of Japan...in many aspects. On the bus ride I saw a lot of the Japanese country side. I especially like the mountains...when the sun hits a certain way they look all shades of gray and some even look like they are white. I can't explain it very well...you just have to see them for yourself.

This week I'm off of school for the Obon holiday. I'll try to navigate my way around the city on my bike and arrange my apartment. Not to mention read through the stacks of papers that we were given.

Sorry about the randomness, I just always have so many thoughts on my mind!

Settling in...

I have been without the internet or phone for over two days...how do people do it? I just felt unconnected to the world!

Anyways, since the last time I wrote...

On Wednesday I was suddenly pulled out of lunch and told by one of our advisors that my supervisor was there. I wasn't at all prepared to meet her because it was a day earlier than we were told but my supervisor came because she found out on Tuesday that my landlord went broke and that we must find a new apartment. She did research into three apartments and told me it was my choice. I took her recommendation. It is a 3 minute walk to school (instead of a 20 minute bike ride) and comparable rent price (Japanese initial rental fees are expensive but the rent seems to be much lower than in the states, maybe the small size??).

On Thursday we had orientation (a lot of information - a little overwhelming - with a guided tour of Fukui) and the FJET (Fukui JET Association) and the International Club hosted a BBQ for us.

On Friday we had a little more orientation and then had a short ceremony with our supervisors. I gave the ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) speech in Japanese (which was an honor to be asked to do so) to thank our supervisors. I'm still not sure exactly what I said and it was weird to hear myself speak in Japanese but I am glad that I did it ;-) My supervisor and another English teacher came to help me get settled in. They were both very nice and extremely helpful. We went to get two photos taken, then to apply for my alien registration card, then to contact with the rental company (of the new apartment), then to school to fill out paperwork and meet some office staff and then to the new apartment to meet with a representative from the gas company. My supervisor and I also went to my predecessors old apartment to move some small things. (I like the apartment I have better than the apartment I was supposed to get. It is newer and much closer to school. I am very happy but just feel bad for the former landlord). I felt like an inconveniece but there is NO WAY that I could have done any of this myself.

On Friday night I decided to explore a little so I found a restaurant about a block from my house (which my supervisor had pointed out to me so I didn't starve). I ate some curry. I also went to the grocery store to buy non-perishable items that I could eat for breakfast the next day. I asked for their point card which one teacher had suggested that I do but I couldn't understand anything they said back to me. This has been a common problem. I can ask any question from a phrase book but then I don't quite understand the response and I get a blank look on my face and just say thank you to the person.

In general I feel a little incompetent and dependent on people. Everything takes so much energy to do, even things that would seem simple. For example I wanted to buy a phone card. I asked at the JR Train Station. They directed me to a location on the map which ended up being phones (but not phone card). Some other ALT's whom I met up with on Saturday (some experienced ALTs took up shopping) were very helpful and suggested a hotel. We tried there, no success. Then we found a conbini (convenience store) where we found one. But later that night I was back in my neighborhood (a little outside of the downtown area) and couldn't find an international phone...only domestic. I walked up to the post office (which was open at 9 p.m. on a Saturday night!) and they directed me back to the downtown area but by that time the buses had stopped running (I ride the Smile Bus ;-)

I have managed to get around by prefacing everything with Nihongo ga hanasemasen (I don't speak Japanese). I just don't want people to think I'm rude by not responding to them. I just hope this doesn't stop my learning.

I have never lived on my own...so I am a little lonely. I just have to figure out how to keep myself entertained. I can't wait until Yuki comes.

This morning 3 teachers and my supervisors husband moved stuff from my predecessors apartment to my new apartment. I coudn't help because there wasn't enough space in the vehicles. Then 2 more teacher came to help set up the apartment. They were very nice and very helpful. I took for granted back home that I could read remote controls and know how to operate gas and hot water but they helped me learn the basics. I am looking forward to getting to know them and working with them.

Today I just came downtown to find an international phone but got enough energy to find the International Activities Center where there is free internet in 30 minute time slots. I will go home later this afternoon to arrange my apartment.

Tomorrow I will meet with my supervisor to open a bank account, contract a cell phone, etc. Then I'll jump on the train to Toyohashi to meet with some friends. That will be an experience to navigate because I chose the cheaper route (with more stops and transfers).

Until next time...

We're in Fukui!

So we took an eight hour bus ride from Tokyo to Fukui today. We stopped at some rest stops. For lunch you choose a meal, press the button on the machine and then go pick up your food. Unlike anything I could think of in the states.

The scenery was GORGEOUS will lots of hills with trees and the Pacific Ocean! I could get used to this.

From Tokyo, a few random thoughts on things that I haven't seen/are new to me...1. in the convenience store they had a hot "cooler" warming up drinks. Never saw that. 2. And in the hotel room there was one part of the mirror that didn't steam up when you took a shower. 3. A lot of men carry purses/bags. 4. drinking is ok on the streets.

One of our advisors asked me to give a speech in Japanese in front of a group of supervisors on Friday! He knew I had studied (a little) Japanese because I had talked a bit with another supervisor. This is going to be nervewracking but a good challenge too! The good thing is it is all writen out in romanji and hiragana.

So this whole idea of America vs. US is becoming more and more prevelant. Some people say we should introduce ourselves as American and people in Japan will understand that that means the US. On the other hand I like to stay I'm from the US (although I don't even know how to say that in Japanese) because there is also Central America, South America, etc.

So at our Tokyo orientation we talked about the phases of culture shock. The first is euphoria but I think I am already in phase two which is irritability. Long story short I got into a conversation with another JET about race. He interrogated a girl who said she was from Canada but because she appeared to be Asian he had to know more details. He said she should be prepared to answer this many times while in Japan. I told him that he should just ask straight out if he wants to know someones ethnicity instead of guessing or pushing. For example many people ask where are you when they mean what is your ethnicity or where are your ancestors from. I also said people should be able to identify themselves and this should be enough. All in all it was an uncomfortable situation for most people at the table so we ended it. I was just frustrated and am sleep deprived. I guess I just thought people on the JET program would be more culturally sensitive. I am really going to have to reevaluate my own identity while I'm here too...

More random thoughts...

So, I will probably not post as often once the school year starts but right now I just have so many thoughts on my mind so bear with me...hopefully I am not boring you.

I went to an etiquette workshop today. I learned a lot such as: it is impolite to blow your nose in public, don't eat while you are walking, don't unwrap omiyage (gifts, souveniors) in front of the giver, accept business cards very gently with two hands, when you go out to eat everyone should pay equally (even if you did't eat/drink the same amount), among many other tips and polite phrases. I realize that after eating Morrocan food/style with Rachid I like to have bread with everything and to scoop up food. I should ask if this is ok in Japan.

I have realized that I don' t even introduce myself to JETs anymore because otherwise you have the same conversation over and over. Instead, for example, when I would sit at the table for a meal I will just ask someone if they did anything last night or how they liked the workshop (instead of going through name, where they are from, where they are going, what grade level they will be teaching, etc.). I will have to introduce myself a lot more in the next few weeks (but in Japanese)...which will be even more exhausting.

I have never been around so many regional variations/accents of English. It is so kewl. There are people from all over with different accents (i.e. from UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Trinidad, southern US, Japan, etc.) It is really great to have so many different kinds of people coming to Japan (and many for different reasons). Some have never been here and speak no Japanese to people who have studied/lived here for an extended period of time and could translate a government document. And we all are here for different reasons with different goals but will serve a common purpose.

I am greatful that I will only be at one school. Some people will visit 19 schools! That would be ALOT of self introductions.

I like that as time goes on we are getting more and more specific information. For example today we had a workshop with ideas for lesson planning and teaching strategies. Although I studied education in college it was still helpful information (although I wasn't too excited about the mock lesson plan - because I have done so many before). To be honest, sometime it feels like a slap in the face to have programs like JET and Teach for America where participants have no education training...when my classmates and fellow licensed teachers have worked really hard to learn teaching strategies, pedagogy, issues in education, etc. I do see the benefit in these programs, however, because then there are advocates for education outside of the educational field.

Last night our prefectural group had an informal outing. Our group was too large so eventually we ended up at an Irish pub. Some people wanted to go to a Japanese place (since we are in Japan) so a few of us found a nice quiet Japanese restaurant. We had trouble with the menu but it was motivating to see other JETs try to order in Japanese. We ended up asking if they had certain dishes that we were familiar with (soba and korokke). It was exciting to be able to read at least some of the menu...at least the things in katakana (foreign or borrowed words put into Japanese syllables - the favorite example of this is Makudonarudo or McDonald's).

Tonight our prefectural group had a more formal outing but I decided not to go because of the price (6,000 Yen - approximately $60 USD - the exchange rate right now is 104.26 yen to 1 USD). So I went out with another group....they decided to go to a similar place for 4,500 yen. A few of us in the group were trying to save money so we ended up at a ramenya or ramen shop. I ordered ramen with miso broth, egg and spinach. It was very delicious and filling. Oishii (delicious). The ramen here is much different than the Maruchan packets I am used to back home. One of the other JETs and I were attempting to have a conversation with one of the other customers. The guy kept laughing and speaking fast. I didn't understand everything he said but got some of it. Long story short he ended up paying for all of our meals! (five people). That was definitely an experience that I won't forget! On our way back I tried to help the group make karaoke reservations for 10 people at 10:00 p.m. I then tried to ask for a discount and they gave us one. It is really motivating to be able to use Japanese...so I need to study more so I don't have to constantly pull out the dictionary. One of my goals here before I come home is to have a grasp of basic conversational Japanese. I hope I can keep up this motivation to try to speak to native Japanese speakers.

Tomorrow morning we head to Fukui!!!

My random thoughts my first day in Tokyo/Japan...

I am feeling the jet lag but trying to force myself to stay awake and go out instead of retreating to the hotel room...

Today was full of speeches, workshops, ceremonies, etc. It was a lot of good info but it was also A LOT of info and papers...more paperwork.

-I went to a workshop about JETs of Asian descent...it made me think about how in the US I identify myself as Japanese but here I am introducing myself as American, or from the US. I have met a few other people who are half Japanese and I am sure that throughout this year we will be constantly reevaluating our identity. I am going to be very aware of race issues (Japan is a very homogenous country) and think about nationality vs. ethnicity.

-I am excited to get a cell phone here. They have mentioned all kinds of features like watching TV on them or downloading coupons and taking your cell phone to the store and showing the clerk to redeem them, and so much more.

-I consider myself a shy person...I am trying to be more outgoing and start conversations meeting other JETs and preparing to meet all the school staff and students. It does get exhausting meeting so many people and asking and answering the same questions but it has been nice getting to know a few people more closely (mostly from the same prefecture).

-Here there are a lot of signs in English...so it is easy to get around. The program is then that I am not motivated to read the Japanese so I need to put my blinders on and pretend the English is not there.

-Everything here in the hotel is so efficient. They really have smooth systems in place. Everything with this JET orientationa is organized and well thought out.

-I keep observing the bowing. We learned that different degrees of bows signify different degrees of respect and are used for different occasions and with different hierarchy of people.

-It is easy to spend money when I am not used to the currency. I need to be more careful to convert and actually know how much I am spending.

-I would like to have more language confidence. I think I am nervous to offend someone by not being polite enough (I think that I wrote about this earlier) but hopefully I can be more confident and willing to make mistakes.

-I think this journey is all about finding balance in all things.

Our prefectural group is going out to explore Tokyo now. I will probably regret it if I dont (I can not find the apostrophe on this Japanese keyboard) go...so even though I am tired I will go check it out.

I hope all is well ;-)

I am here! Nihon ni imasu!

So...the night before the flight I slept for about three hours...partly due to excitement, partly due to trying to purposefully change my sleep schedule and partly due to having to do last minute random stuff.

My mom took me to the airport and we waited 1 1/2 in the check-in line. It was hard to say bye to my mom, but a little easier than when she drove off from St. Olaf freshman year. Everything went pretty smoothly throughout the trip although someone was sitting on my seat in the airplane when I first got on and there was a lot of turbulence. It was a huge plane - to give you a better perspective...I was in row 61 and there were 7 seats to a row. After the plane ride I realized that I did not get up once in 13 hours to stretch or use the bathroom. But I think that I slept for about 9 hours of the flight...

We went through customs and immigration smoothly (you have to have a picture taken and get fingerprints done when entering Japan), got our bags (mine were heavy - I did not realize that the carts were free and I did not have any yen so I carried them), carried them through the airport and sent one bag that will be shipped directly to our prefecture city and got on our bus to the Keio Hotel in Tokyo where the national orienation will be. On Wednesday we will jump on another bus to our prefectural orientation (Fukui City). There were a lot of former JETs there in bright yellow shirts to lead the way. There was actually an Ole I knew on the bus and I met another one at the hotel...small world.

Once we got to the hotel they efficiently gave us lots more paperwork (yay) and once I settled in with my roommates we went to find a place to eat. After walking around a little in the horrible humidity we decided to go back to the hotel and ask where some restaurants were. Pretty much we just had walked out of the wrong side of the hotel. We found a nice Japanese restaurant...already had some things lost in translation, we ate in a Japanese style room (where you take your shoes off) and I ate some delicious sukiyaki nabe udon. Then I came back and tried out the Japanese toilet (it has buttons that wash and dry ;-) and tried to figure out the phone card (and found out Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of Toledo and 14 ahead of Minnesota).

I am pretty disoriented but I have been trying to remember my initial observations/reactions - one of my observations this far are that all the Japanese women I have seen dress really cute! Also, I feel off balance because everything (cars, pedestrians, escalators, etc.) is the opposite way than in the US. Everyone is very helpful and polite always saying arigatoo gozaimasu. I should go to sleep because we have two FULL days of orienation...

oyasuminasai

just hours away...

Well...I have lots of random thoughts going through my head right now.

I will be at the Detroit airport in less than 12 hours. At orientation at the Consulate General's house today we were told we have to be at the airport by 1:00 p.m. for a 3:40 p.m. flight. We arrive in Japan at 5:35 p.m. on Sunday, August 3rd. So with the time change it should be about a 13 hour flight. I'll keep myself busy by sleeping (and reading the General Information Handbook and Language Materials that I was given today because mine got sent to St. Paul and lost in the mail). I'm trying to pull an all nighter to get last minute stuff done (i.e. laundry, re-packing, etc.) and to try to adjust my body clock to the new time zone.

I've been very busy at home this week...I didn't get everything that I would've liked to done but there's not much I can do about it now. I would've liked to see Toledo friends more, talk to MN friends more on the phone and I planned on calling all my family. I guess I was a little too ambitious.

At the orientation we received a lot of information about the next few days so I'm a lot less anxious. We will meet at the airport and from there as long as I have all the luggage tags and JET sticker I should be fine if I can just follow the group from the plane, through customs and to the bus to the Keio Hotel in Tokyo. It sounds like we have a welcome party the night we arrive and then orientation for three days in Tokyo and then two days following in our prefecture (like a state). My prefecture is Fukui. I met four people going to Fukui and befriended one of the girls who will hopefully go out with me to experience the Tokyo nightlife. There was one other guy I met who would be in Fukui city...he said he'll live in an apartment building with other JET's. I, on the other hand, will not. I think I'll like that better so I don't cling to JET's but instead try to meet more locals and be immersed in the culture. There was also a guy from the Twin Cities who was also a music teacher! There were a few other people from Toledo - even one from my graduating class at Central (Chris Rudski).

At orientation we introduced ourselves. We had to share our biggest fear and what we are most looking forward to. I said my biggest fear was the search for my father (I guess, maybe fear of rejection) and I am most looking forward to being in a school setting again. I haven't been in school since March when I finished my student teaching...so it's about time. And this time around I'll actually get paid. My student loans have been deferred because I've been in school for student teaching but there are due to be paid this August. I'm going to try to pay back $9,000 in school loans this year. It might be ambitious but if I write it down here it might be more likely to be paid off!

I'm a little worried that I have too much stuff to take...I just bought omiyage (gifts) for students. Since I don't know them yet I just bought candy, pencils and stickers. The candy is pretty heavy...and I have lots of books and shoes (also heavy) so I'm going to try to rearrange all my bags so I can fit the luggage requirements (two check-ins under 50 lbs., a carry on and a personal item). I'm also worried about exchanging money and carrying all cash.

In general one of my goals this year is to be more confident to speak Japanese and be willing to make mistakes (plus, then I would probably have lots of funny stories). I'm so hesitant to speak because I think that I may offend people by using the plain form of speech when I should use the polite form, or speaking too polite when I should use a more casual form or using the Tokyo dialect (which I learned about today - the one we are taught here) when I'm in a place that speaks another dialect (I guess it's viewed as sort of uppity).

Sorry I'm babbling on...I'll try not to do this in future blogs...but this is just how my brain has been working the past few weeks. I'll try to write in my blog once a week to record my thoughts and observation on my year in Japan. Please hold me accountable for this! Feel free to e-mail me anytime and if you would like my address just let me know and I'll send it to you.

Next time I'll write I'll be in Japan ;-)...Yikes