I know I’ve only been here for almost 2 weeks but it feels like forever.. In a good way of course! I’ve completed my training and I am now a sensei! Monday was my first day on my own, teaching students English. I only responded in German twice so I’d call that a successful day! I’ve also been asked if I was Korean and half Japanese on two different occasions… But no one ever guesses I’m American.. hmm I wonder why.. For the most part everyone (including my students) think I’m just a regular Joe shmoe who can speak Japanese… Boy were they in for a surprise! When they realize I can’t speak Japanese half run away in terror (not actually) and the others just smile, nod, and slowly backed away. Just kidding, they’ve all been really nice to me and the kids seem to like me.. So far (knock on wood). Oh yeah, my most used phrase is “Hello, my name is Heather (Heza sensei)” in both Japanese and English.. Heza is what they call me and no Cody, you can’t call me that.
I think apartment wise I got really lucky. Besides the size of it, it’s in a pretty good location. I’m down the street from my main school and only about a 20 minute bus ride away from Mito station during rush hour. I don’t go towards Mito station often now that training is over though. Both my schools are in the opposite direction. The great thing about this city is that if I’m feeling like I want to see a lot of people I can hop on a bus and in no time I’m surrounded by people. On the other hand, if I want some quiet, I can hop on a train and take it a couple stops to the “country”. It’s not really a country but it’s not a suburb either. My first weekend in Japan I spent mostly with my buddies trying to get situated… But really all we did was throw away gross food that was left over from the person before me and got rid of the clothes she left behind. I’m hoping I can go out and buy a microwave, rice cooker, book shelf, little table, and TV soon.. and a carpet… a couple stools would be nice too. If you’re wondering what I do have, I have a bed, fridge and stove.
I’m slowly but surely learning Japanese while I’m here. To be honest it’s taking a lot longer than I thought it would. Granted, everything is in kanji! I don’t understand why I went to Japanese school and studied hiragana and katana if when going places I’m not even going to use it! I think the only time I see not kanji is when the school spelled my name. Oddly enough though I think taking the bus and train are a lot easier to do here than in Chicago… and I can’t even read my stop signs here. Besides the reading and writing everything else is great! I’m eating good food.. When I can find food I can eat. I’m not going hungry or anything… But I may have had sushi 3 times last week and curry twice.. woops. But the weather is starting to get nice. It was cold for a bit (and by cold I mean mid to low 60s ?)
I’m impressed that so far I’m not very homesick (sorry Mom and Dad). Possibly because I’ve been so busy trying to adjust to my new life here, but I am really enjoying myself. I have a couple more months to decide whether or not I want to stay for a second year or go back home… Hmmmm what will I decide ??
In the mean time, here are some pictures of cherry blossoms that my friend Angela took on her swanky cool phone (I took some too but hers were better)… As well as Mito City’s mascot, Mito Chan! Hopefully I will post sooner rather than later again.. But for those who don’t know I’m kind of without internet for another couple weeks (fingers crossed).
If anyone is feeling adventurous, come visit! I’d be happy to see friends and family here!
