Monday, July 30, 2007

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!

1 comment:

Dave said...

Hi Julz! Glad to hear you're safe and living it up in Japan. We're at Christie's using the computer for a minute. I fly back tonight but at least I had a good trip. Mom and Dad and everyone here send their love. Talk to you soon.

-your big bro