Japan Time

Saturday, November 15, 2008

"back to the street where we began..."

Well, after an intense week, I finished training this afternoon and took the shinkansen to Kakegawa, where I was met by my school manager. We took the train to Fujieda, picked up the rest of my luggage from the school, said a brief hello to some of the teachers, and moved into my apartment!
I will post photos of my apartment soon, BUT, let me just say...
it's bigger than I expected! Which is pretty awesome, considering this is Japan, where it seems like most things have been run through a shrinking machine. It's definitely not the size of my apartment in Saginaw, but still perfectly fine for one person.
Tomorrow I am heading to Shizuoka (the nearest city) with the teacher I am replacing to meet up with some of her friends for dinner. I am looking forward to it.
I was inspired by Real Simple (my new favorite magazine) to start a gratitude journal. I really want to make a conscious effort to cherish my time here. My three months in Japan in 2005 went by so fast (I know this year will, too) and I wish I would have kept a better record of the simple little things I experienced everyday that made my semester amazing.
Also, I know there will be days that I will wish more than anything that I was back in the States, and even during those tough times, I want to keep some thankfulness in the back of my mind.
Sometimes, I think the world would be a better place if we were all just a little more thankful to be alive.
And with that, I'll leave you with three of my favorite photos from Nagoya (more to come) and my gratitude from yesterday:

"American movies in my hotel."

"So many encouraging blog comments from home."

"Warm weather in the middle of November!"

"The random guy on the street corner that says 'Hello' to me every night."

"Feeling more relaxed during my lessons and slowing down my speaking speed."

"The nice businessman in the elevator this morning."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see pics of your apartment! After you get settled, let me know when you'll be around and I will call you on SKYPE :) How has the food been? Do you have a lot of stores around where you are living or do you have to ride a Dorthy bike everywhere ;) I am so excited for this amazing experience you have been blessed with. I know you are going to touch so many lives along your journey, including mine. Have a great day!!!
-Mal

Wendy Min said...

I like Real Simple too. I think that's a great idea about the journal! Can't wait to see pictures of your place!

pamjean48818 said...

Saw your apt. photos on your photostream @ Flickr... Another Mini-Bri-Home Japanese Style! Congrats! and LOVE Always.