Sorry I haven't been posting, I lost the internet connection I was "borrowing" and have been unable to connect until now. My supervisor set up an appointment for me to get internet but it could take up to two weeks, so anyway, after today, don't expect another post for a while.
I am doing really well considering I have been on my feet all day every day since arriving. :P Wednesday and Thursday were training all day in Matsumoto, then Friday (yesterday for me) I had orientation in the morning, then had to travel with 4 other new teachers (my new buddies, I'll talk about them in a minute) to Nagano city to get my visa. I am officially a Japanese resident!! :D Then in the evening we returned to Matsumoto for a welcome party (which in Japanese = drinking party). Everyone was shocked I don't drink but no one gave me a bad time or anything. I had fun meeting a lot of people, so I'm glad I went, even if it's normally an atmosphere I try to avoid.
About the other four new teachers, they are Eric, Max, Jazz, and Brendan. The latter lives in my apartment building, so we have been biking/walking/riding the train, etc. together a lot since it's easier on both of us that way. In any case, the five of us new teachers have gotten to know each other really well over the last few days and I feel sooo much better than when I first arrived. They are all so funny and nice that I haven't felt weird being surrounded by guys (although it is kind of hilarious when going places, because most of them are super tall).
Tomorrow is the second and last day of training in Tokyo with the curriculum I will be using, and we return to Shimosuwa in the evening. Long day ahead... Thankfully, Monday is a totally free day!! ...Except that Brendan and I need to go to city hall, open bank accounts, and get cell phones. Lol. Ah well, those will be a piece of cake compared to all this training! Just for those wondering, actual teaching doesn't begin until around the 8th of April. Well, goodbye for hopefully not too long! Thanks for all the prayers!!
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| My great bike which is supposedly used but looks new! |
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| Yum, McGriddle (and tiny mocha) |
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| My town's station (I'm getting pretty familiar with it) |
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| Smallish street in Tokyo |
Hahaha, like I said on my fb comment, you totally need to start a boy band! With one girl... Sounds like you're getting adjusted pretty well! So happy you were able to find some internet and post an update. Your bike is super cute, btw! What do you have to do until you start teaching? Do you get to observe the classes first? Been praying for you and missing you!
ReplyDeleteLol! Sound like you may be able to draw a manga of all your fun experiences! I am glad that your mom was able to figure out what the bedding is for. :-) You should try to get a group picture with you and the other teachers. That would be very fun to see. The McGriddle looks quite yummy by the way! I imagine it is nice to have a few of the pleasures of home. I look forward to your next post and maybe talking on Skype at some point? Love you, Mika-chan!
ReplyDeleteKcie - Lol, I'll be the manager of the boy band. :P I'm getting adjusted slowly but surely. Basically bought everything I have to have for my apartment at this point. Been doing laundry and figuring out the garbage system, too. :) My bike is great even if it's really heavy and not any good on hills... lol. Yesterday the new teachers at my school (Japanese and foreign, so me included) were introduced to the school's current staff, and then we had a welcome party in the evening. Everyone was really nice and all the ladies wanted to touch my hair. XD Friday is the school's opening ceremony but other than that I don't really know my schedule. I think I start teaching like the 8th or 10th or something.
ReplyDeleteApril - It's totally like a manga. XP Hmm, I'm going to see them all tomorrow so maybe I will try to get a photo of us newbies. They're a lot more handsome than me. :P It is nice to have some familiar things, even if Japanese McD's is quite different in some ways. I can't wait until I have internet and can skype and post regularly!!