More First Impressions of Tokyo and Japan

Hello Again

Wow I am writing a lot sooner than I thought I would be able to but I have a twenty minutes free before I start sessions again and this may be my last access to internet for a while!

We are doing another day of Orientation in Tokyo today. This morning I got to explore the city a bit and tonight all of the Canadians are going to a big welcome party at the Embassy and afterwards all of the people from Gifu Prefecture are planning on going out together. Should be a good time doing Karaoke and getting into all types of trouble in Tokyo!

Orientation has been going well except it is a lot of information to take in at once. It has been incredible meeting so many people from all around the world! I love it! Mel, Nes, and all those ESL teachers out there you should hear the teaching ESL lectures here at the orientations--P.P.P model, Krashen language acquisition, comprehensive input... I was pulling out my hair. The "Engrish" is hilarious too! Some of the speakers are so cute!

Some observations on Japan and Tokyo:

Everyone is so efficient and time oriented (so unlike Australia a few years ago!)

Plastic Foods in Cities will be soo much of a help (restaurants have them displayed everywhere here so you will know what to order.)

Bikes are everywhere-- and never locked

Umbrellas are everywhere too!

Rice is so much better here!

Japanese Words of the Day: (Perhaps wrong on spelling)

Inaka- Countryside

Geinkie-Foreigner

Kotatsu- Heated Table

Junken- Our version of Rock Paper Scissons

Sensei-One who comes before others-- applies to Teachers, Doctors, Statesmen

Japanese Facts of the Day:

5 or 6 Years ago students in Japan all went to school on Saturdays

Tonight we are going to use the subway! Wish me luck!

Arriving in Japan

Ohiyo Gozaimasu!
Well, I made it here safely! I think I'll definately be in for a round of culture shock in the next few days/weeks/months/year! But should be a great time I'm thinking!
I didn't have Jet lag at all and the flight wasn't too long. It was reatlly cool travelling with 38 other people from Edmonton/Calgary all the way to Narita. We got into Vancouver late and thought we would miss the flight to Narita but after a mad dash through Van we made it (plus the plane was running late luckily for us!)
We arrived in Tokyo around 3:30, cleared customs and all quite easily and were herded around like cattle by all of the wonderful Jet volunteers! Since our brains had all gone to mush by this time it was quite fortunate that we had people to take care of us all the way to the hotel and registration etc.
Last night 13 of us Canadians went out for some traditional Japanese floor. I definately will need to go to the Japanese etiquette classes today! We got a huge welcome from the restaurant which was really cool. We also had a friend of one of the guys who was a native Japanese speaker so he showed us the way. Dinner was great! We tried so many dishes and hot sake. Not sure that I'm a fan of hot sake yet but we'll see. In love with Edimome beans and some of the chicken, vegetables and peppers. We also ground our own wasabe (looks like a little root).
Anyways time for orientation! There are 1000 people here today which is really cool as we've basically taken over a 5star hotel in Tokyo.
Lots to learn and see!
Take care everyone!!

Not too long now!

I can't get over how fast time has been flying this past month. Life at camp in Wynchemna is awesome but absolutely exhausting. I may regret it later but almost all Japan preparations have come to a near standstill. Thank God for Mom and Dad helping with getting everything ready back home! And Kaki for listening and responding to all my constant crazy Japan questions!
Less than a month until I start life in Japan. Still cannot speak much at all. It was my day off but my planned Japanese studying got replaced by a much needed nap. Oh well, c'est la vie. (ahhh I must pay a quarter, camp rules, nothing but english in writing or speaking this month!)

I'm really excited about everything this month. (Sorry for the lack of a better word and overuse of 'excited') In camp we've been teaching the kids to kayak, rollerskate, luge, play volleyball, baseball, football, set up tents, line dance, go hiking, and so much more! Wednesday we are taking them to the Calgary Stampede. Yes, I do believe we have lost our minds and am praying we don't lose any children that day!

Other news, I went to the doctor and did some tests to see if I have diabetes or not. I find out tomorrow the results.... either way I just hope it doesn't interfere too much with my upcoming plans. Duane also came down on friday to visit; I was missing him so much already so it was awesome to see him again!

Life is good (haha another quarter as I don't let students say 'good' in my classes either) but it's time to put the campers to bed and hope that too many don't try to sneak out tonight!

Ciao for now
~Me