It's Been One Week (since you looked at me... Third Eye Blind anyone?)

So, I have officially been here in Toyama prefecture, Takaoka city, for one week. Boy has it been crazy! I have to admit, I haaaaated it when I first got here. After running around doing errands and meeting other coworkers, my supervisor dropped me off at my apartment around 6pm on my first day, and left me to find dinner for myself. Which, normally, would not be such a big deal, if I had not just LANDED IN JAPAN. I found a restaurant right across the street from my apartment, but needless to say I did not enjoy dinner, as I felt completely alone, and everyone kept staring at the "gaijin" (foreigner). I cried a lot that night, and most of the next day. In fact, the next day I was certain I had made a mistake, and I wanted to go home-- right that instant! I was ready to head to the travel agency and book a ticket home, but my supervisor coaxed me into talking with another ALT here whom I met at Tokyo orientation, and she managed to convince me to give it at least a few more days.

A few days later... I was back to square one! I didn't have to go to work on Saturday, so I spent most of my day trying unsuccessfully to get my apartment set up, which involved attempting to sort my trash into about 6 bazillion different categories. With no help from the badly translated English trash guide, I failed miserably, started crying, and again decided I wanted to go home. I just felt so trapped and alone! But luckily, a social event was planned for all Toyama JETs that night, so I went out, hung out with people, got a little drunk, and made it through the weekend. Since Monday, I have felt pretty good actually. I'm starting to get used to the idea of being here a whole year, I'm beginning to get a feel for my area (slowly, sloooowly-- I don't have the greatest sense of direction), and I've made quite a few friends. So, at this point, I can say "I'm going to be okay!" (Which is miraculous, considering how certain I felt about needing to leave only 4 days ago.) Of course, I know that there will be MANY more ups and downs throughout the course of this year. It's not going to be easy. But it probably can't ever get as bad as it was the first three days... And that didn't kill me, so apparently I'll make it through this year after all! (Clearly I'm experiencing an up right now.)

But seriously, Japan is really cool. At least for now, while the novelty is still fresh, haha... I live in a nice little apartment about a 7 minute bus ride from my school in one direction, and about a 5 minute ride from the train station in the other direction. It's been hot as hell here, so walking anywhere for more than a few minutes is pretty much torture. Thankfully, I think I'll be getting a bike this evening, which hopefully will make getting around a lot easier. (On a side note: my vice principal just got back from buying lunch, and he brought me a little haagen dazs ice cream cup! Seriously everyone here is so NICE!)

I don't have internet in my apartment yet, and I won't for at least a month, so in the mean time I abuse the internet here at school. This may seem an inappropriate thing to do, but right now I really don't have much else going on. This week is the Japanese holiday "Obon", a time for remembering ancestors and celebrating family, so there are actually only 2 other teachers here at work today. Thus, I think I can get away with updating my blog at the moment.

Classes start on September 3rd, which I am REALLY looking forward to. Although I am getting accustomed to my surroundings and to living on my own, I think having a routine will help immensely. That way, rather than feeling lonely when I return to my apartment at the end of the day, I can feel a sense of relief and relaxation! Also, the students I've met so far have been fantastic-- so friendly and eager to talk! I think I'm really going to enjoy teaching here. I've already planned my first 2 lessons! And also, I found out I teach once a week at Takaoka Deaf School-- What a surprise! I have no idea how I am supposed to teach if I don't know sign language, but I guess I will find out.

Lastly, before I sign off, a few oddities about Japan:
1) Not all bathroom facilities have "western" toilets-- meaning if they are non-western, you cop a squat! (My supervisor tells me it's good for the thighs.)
2) Next to all toilets, you will find a motion sensor that, when activated, turns on a rushing water sound-- to mask the sound of your business.
3) There are cicadas EVERYWHERE. And they are SO LOUD. Sometimes at night I think the smoke detector is going off, but no, it's just a cicada, right outside my door.
4) I am actually taller than some people here! Haha, maybe that's not an oddity... Just personally amusing to me.

If you are reading this and feel so inclined, shoot me an email! I'd love to hear from back home!

Until next time,
Mandy