My entries are a few days behind. I finally found a nook to pick up internet on my computer. It has also taken me a while to figure out my blog because every link was written in Japanese. It was trial an error to figure out how to post a new blog! Hope you can enjoy, even if it is about a week behind. 

I`m in Japan. Wow. I can`t believe it. I am completely clueless about everything! When getting off the plane, I took my time to adjust and absorb my surroundings. Before entering baggage claim, I stood in line to show my passport, give the government my fingerprints and have my picture taken for their computer system. After that, I waited for my bags for at least 30 minutes before realizing they were sitting right in front of me, unclaimed. Not being used to such efficiency, I felt like an idiot for not realizing this earlier!

 

I then, met with the company's representative who told me I was in for a treat. There is a celebrity somewhere in the airport. He had no idea who it was, but I was to be prepared cause the paparazzi were gathering where we were heading. I expected to see hundreds of paps, like you see on TMZ, but there were only about 15 with some locals armed and ready with their digital cameras. As soon as I pushed my ginormous luggage around the corner, there she was, Julia Roberts, just as beautiful in person as she is on screen. I was thrilled to be only about 20ft. from her. And yes, she is very tiny in person. "Welcome to Japan!" I said to the representative. 

 

I met with the other teachers who were waiting patiently in the airport's lobby. They flew from various places, a few from different parts of the states, Canada, Australia, Tanzania, England and Ireland. One thing we all had in common is we never ran out of conversation! Despite the jet lag, we were all bubbly, outgoing, and excited about the adventures ahead. "I am in the right place," I smiled to myself.

 

Training started the next day in Omiya. I had difficulty sleeping, tossing and turning from nightmares. My body is not adjusting well. I was worried the trainers would notice my glazed over eyes and puffiness that comes from serious jet lag. We talked about how exciting it is to be in a new country, but we were also warned there may be a dip around the 3 month mark where everything feels frustrating and lonely. At this point, we are to focus on goals. So my first goal is to continue to see every experience as an adventure. 

 

Since our first day of training was a half day, I was able to go out with the group and explore Omiya. There are a few random things I noticed so far. Because this is only observations in one city in all of Japan, I don't want to generalize Japan by these few things. So here are a few of my observations in Omiya, so far. 

-Young Japanese women LOVE blush! 

-No one jay walks. They all wait patiently for the "walk" symbol to appear before crossing.

-There is NO tipping in restaurants. This is so hard for me, having always been a server. And the one place we did tip, the waitress ran outside and gave the extra money back, apologizing for `distracting` us from our current conversation. 

-Japanese are so HUMBLE! Americans could learn a lesson or two about humility from the Japanese.

-I don`t think all internet cafes are like this, but the one I am currently in is a private cubicle, equipped with a TV and headphones...it seems this is a place not just for emailing, but other `pleasures.' Because the staff disinfects the chairs after one uses the cubicles, It makes me wonder if internet porn is less prevalent in the home.

 

I have so much to learn! As I wait for my Rosetta Stone Japanese to come in the mail, I have to be patient with myself. This is hard. I can`t read or speak a thing. I am one day into my new adventures. I feel like I am on sensory overload, but the one thing I know for sure is this is exactly what I need right now in my life. I already miss the little things like Trader Joes, my local coffee shop, Seattle weather (cool with no humidity). Japan is so uncomfortably warm and humid! I miss my friends. I miss coming home to my friend/roommate to chat about the day. I miss my daily runs through Ballard. I miss a lot for only having been here a day and a half. I also realize this is normal and nothing can replace the experiences I have each day in a foreign country. For this reason alone, I can set aside the things I miss and truly enjoy my adventures.