Hello Everyone!
This blog is made especially for those few friends who refuse to get Facebook or rarely go on Facebook. Of course, if you've somehow stumbled upon this page I welcome you as well. I definitely won't have time to write often, so its faster if you have FB. :D
---------
It's almost been a full month since I arrived in Komatsu, Japan. I got here on December 2nd and I've been busy non-stop. When I arrived at Narita, in Tokyo area, I was quickly ushered to my domestic flight to Komatsu. Yes, my city has an airport because there's the Defense Force base that shares that space. Here are some photos of my descent onto the land of Japan:
When I arrived at Komatsu Airport, I was actually about 15 minutes early. My supervisor hadn't arrived yet, so I started taking photos of the awesome vending machines that they have.
As I was doing this, a woman frantically ran in. She stared at me for about 10 seconds, but then decided to run to the window that looks into the baggage claim.
I had no idea what my supervisor would look like, however, I figured this woman was most likely my supervisor. When she came back towards me, I stared at her and then we both sort of chuckled and figured out that we were looking for each other. She thought I was Japanese--which you will get a lot if you are any kind of Asian in Japan--and was afraid of offending me if I really was Japanese.
The first week was all about getting my apartment furnished and my new life in order. The Daiso saved my wallet from getting thin, which was a good thing especially because I couldn't get money out of the Japanese bank until I got my cash card. FYI, its a cash-based society, so you definitely need to take money out of the bank a lot. I'm actually pretty close to a bank, but I was disoriented about directions all the time until recently--until I got my car...but that story will come in the next post. My first week was really short and most of the days were spent out of the school. During this time, I did do a self-intro in front of all the teachers and I met the English club.
If my supervisor weren't as amazingly kind as she is, I would be screwed here. I felt extremely dependent the first couple weeks. I had no car, no bike, weak legs, and limited cash to spend. I couldn't really get around anywhere on my own. Another ALT from the JET program is selling me his bike. He also re-taught me how to ride a bike and its been great exercise for sure. I can't get up the hills without standing on the pedals. If I were to walk to the high school I work at, then it would take me about 25 minutes to get there. However, riding the bike takes about 10 minutes. It's been a scary riding without some sort of eye protection during the rain and with such strong winds blowing against you.
I got to hang out with some native English speakers right when I got here. I went to Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa prefecture and I got to hang out with Cecilia, who lives in the same building as I do, and Stacy, who is an area leader for JETs. We had Okinawan food! Since my first weekend, I've gone to Kanazawa almost every weekend because there are more things to do there and more people to meet up with.
The second weekend in Komatsu gave me plenty of opportunities to meet other JETs in the area. I had a really fun Welcome Enkai, welcome party, at an izakaya in Komatsu. There was a lot of food, and I was too busy eating, so I don't have any pictures. But I do have pictures from the Karaoke event that took place afterward!
I know I am really behind at writing about my adventures in Japan. But, I'll have at least 8 months to write more blogs. :D I'm off to a Boxing Day party~ Until next time!
