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After 13 long hours of traveling, I arrived in Japan to some extreme humidity. Contrary to what you might think, carrying a 22 pound backpack while pulling 2 suitcases is really unpleasant in a hot, humid climate. The plane ride was fine but by the time we checked in for our second flight to Nagoya, we were already having to use some Japanese. On the small plane to Nagoya, we flew right over Mt. Fuji. I could see right into the crater and it was amazing. Here's hoping I get a chance to hike it before the snow comes. Met Professor Nishio (the coordinator/ one of our Japanese Professors)and he took us out for a quick dinner (tempura, edemame, some other stuff that was good and a beer) before dropping us off at our hotel near the airport. It was only about 6 when we got the the hotel but it was already dark outside so we couldn't see too much of the view. Immediately after dropping our bags in our rooms and catching our breath, we headed down to our first "kombini" otherwise known as convenience store. Why anyone would need the added convenience of a vending machine in a convenience store is beyond me but I wasn't about to complain- we bought beer from a vending machine for 250 yen which is roughly $3!! Then we sat nearby over looking the ocean and drank our beers. Strangely, the ocean doesn't smell the way it does in Canada. In fact, it doesn't really smell at all...even though there was a really strong breeze....
We took a walk around a path that was surrounded by rushes. The crickets were so loud they sounded like birds, it was amazing. After that we went back to our rooms and went to sleep.
The next morning I got my first taste of Japanese traditional breakfast- Miso soup, onigiri, pickled somethings and tea. It was delicious but I am still getting used to eating lunch-type foods in the morning. Professor Nishio picked us up and drove us to the school. It is a really beautiful campus about the same size as Cap just not so spread out. We learned what classes we would be taking and waited for our host families to pick us up.
My family is great so far. My mother is so sweet. She took to me a shrine right after she picked me up from school because I said I was interested in them and I told her that while I was in Japan, I wanted to try Okonomiyaki (japanese style pizza) so she made it for dinner! She is a great cook and makes about 5 different kinds of green tea all throughout the day (the best). I have three brothers- Koji, Shoji and Kenji (Ken-chan). They are 7, 5 and 1. Kenji is just about the cutest kid I have ever seen in my life (and if you know how I feel about children, just think how cute this kid must be for me to say that) (he is sitting on my lap right now actually and Shoji is jumping on my bed). I taught Ken-chan to give me a high five today :). I've met my host father only once but he seems very nice. He is a police officer and my host mother is a housewife. She can speak some English which is great for when I get stuck. My room is small but basically what I expected. The heat I did not expect. I hope I get more sleep tonight but so far that doesn't look promising even though it is raining outside.
Today I went to Nagoya. I haven't seen much yet other than the department stores which are about 10 floors each of nothing but clothing (!!!). Trains are an experience but I'm already getting the hang of them. People do stare at us wherever we go but it's not so bad and they are nice if we ask them questions.
Tomorrow is my first official day of school and this weekend is a barbecue festival in Chiryu (where I live) and Sunday we are planning a full day of activities in Nagoya.
I just ate a fish for dinner. I'm talking a cooked full fish sitting on a plate that I had to pick apart with chopsticks. Well...that was an experience. Tasty...but I couldn't help picturing it hopping up off my plate back into the ocean and swimming away seeing as it looked like it was still in the state to be able to do so.........anyway....
More updates to come!
Mata Ne!
Britt
I miss my mattress.
