Since getting here, I have had two days off to acclimate myself to the time change before training week begins. We've been shopping and sight seeing and hanging out all weekend, so it doesn't really feel like I am here to work yet. Weird...
Sunday morning we all met up and went to an International Center near by. There we were able to get some wifi. Everyone was calling home and updating facebook (I wrote my first blog entry). After that we dropped our stuff back at the dorms and went off to go sight seeing! Most of the NETs know only a little (some know nothing) about Japan, the language, or the culture. So me and two other girls have kind of taken the translation/tour guide lead. Once everyone understood how to ride the train we were off to Kurashiki! There is an old town there, with a river walk, art museums, and a large shinto shrine. It was very pretty, and a lot of the new to Japan NETs really enjoyed thier first look into traditional Japanese culture. Good times were had.
After wandering around there for a bit, me and two friends decided to beat the heat and wandered around the mall while we waited for everyone else. Since none of us have phones, we have to designate a meeting time and place so we can all stay together. Its annoying, I don't like not having a cell phone! But I cant get one until I move into my apartment and register as a foreign resident. But I digress...
We all met up again and headed back to rest a little. Then a few of us ran out for dinner. We picked a random hole in the wall that had pictures of the menu items on the wall for those who cant read Japanese. It was one guy running the whole thing and he made the food right there for us. It was really good!! Then came time for the bill... there was a lot of confusion, cash, and coins floating around... e was really patient with us and we eventually got it all figured out, haha. What an ordeal. I am sure he wont forget about us any time soon. After that I got some more internet time in. The two boys in my NET group dont stay in the dorm cuz its full. So they get a nice hotel with free breakfast and wifi. Of course we all hate them. After chilling there for a bit we went to the convenience store, grabbed a few 6 packs and headed to the dorm common room to break the ice over a game of kings cup.
After kings we stumbled over to the karaoke place on the other side of the station. We sang and drank for two hours and my voice was completely wrecked. But boy was it fun! We even made some Japanese friends! Japanese people love trying to talk to us. The 12 of us stick out like a sore thumb walking around town. And we always get stares, waves, and English greetings. It is taking some getting used to, but comes from a good place... for the most part.
Karaoke was the end of the night for that night. The next day (today) we all met up and headed back to the International Center for some quality internet time. Living in a place with no internet and not having a phone... what am i supposed to do with myself?! How did people survive before the 2000s? Anyway after that we all walked to the edge of the city we are in (Okayama). Right on the outskirts is a castle and this big BEAUTIFUL garden. I didnt go to the castle, but I spent hours wandering around and relaxing in the garden. Pictures of that to come later.
We just walked back and grabbed some curry for dinner. I'm not sure whats happening tonight... but the real work starts tomorrow. So i guess preparing for that? I am going to be really busy this next week... so updates will come when I can...
matta ne!
~寒
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