Getting Here...

I am safe in Japan guys!

Getting here... now there was a crazy ordeal. I had three big bags, plus my laptop bag, carry on, and purse. A lot to carry! Auntie Alice helped me get everything into the airport. We had to do a little shuffling on the floor to keep weights even, but they didn't charge me for my overweight bag, or the extra one. That's almost $200 of fines that they just waved! Woo! Of course I was crying when I said good bye to Auntie Alice and walked through the security check point. I ended up putting on my sunglasses indoors so that people wouldn't see me with red eyes. I also still had my hair tied up... the security lady had to come by and pat down my head. Super awkward. I did it like that because of the lady on the news who had to have her her afro searched in airport security. Just can't win...

First leg of the flight into Hong Kong was uneventful. The scenery when landing was beautiful, i wish I could have gone out and explored the city, it seems like it would be very nice. The airport was HUGE and beautiful. i grabbed some lunch (McDonalds) and generally just killed time... 7 hours worth of time. While I was sitting around using my computer a random Chinese woman asked to take a picture with me. She was really excited to meet me and kept telling me how beautiful I am. She was sweet. i guess I have to get used to standing out. After i got all caught up on my nerdist podcasts, and my laptop died (I didnt have an adaper for the new outlets) I decided to go buy a few books. I now have abraham lincoln: vampire hunter. I hope its good!

Right before boarding the flight to Osaka I met up with a fellow Amity NET named Rachel. The flight to Japan was horrible. So bumpy and turbulent. i tried to sleep it out... but that didn't work out. i ended up losing my lunch in my blanket during the landing that would never end. So of course as soon as i got off the plane and hooked up with Rachel i hit up a bathroom and cleaned up a bit. Getting through security and immigration was a breeze though.

Then the day of waiting began. We explored the airport a bit and changed clothes in the bathroom. Another NET was somewhere in the airport, so we found a wifi hotspot and contacted her. After Rachel and I met up with Abby we  just sat in the lobby playing cards and listening to music for HOURS. I was so bored. It didnt even feel like I was in Japan because i had been In airports or planes for three days. But the three of us really bonded and got to know each other before everyone else showed up. Which they eventually did around 3:45.  We still had to wait for our trainer to come pick us up, so we got to know each other and played spoons for a while.

Once the trainer came, we all shipped our bags and started the trek to the training enter in Okayama. Got to ride the shinkansen (bullet train) for the 2nd time! It took no time at all to get there. Which is good because my duffle bag didn't have wheels and is heavy as hell. The trainer definately teaches kids, cuz she was treating us like some. It was frustrating, because i hate being talked down to, but that might be the only way she knows how to lead?

So now I'm staying in the dorms of the training center (where I have no internet, I'm at a hotspot writing this now) getting used to the time change and the area. Allison is my roommate. The rooms are a good size. Its pretty nice. We also have a communal kitchen area where we can cook all our meals. All the Amity NET (Native English Teachers) trainees that are here with me are really awesome. Great people that I am having a fun time getting to know and explore the city with. We get today (Sunday) and tomorrow as time off and then we start our training week.

So a rocky start... but so far so good. I am looking forward to this! And I am still a little nervous... Wish me luck ya'll! Pictures to come later... when i have better internet and more time.

<3 寒(Sam)