This is a little remote control that controls the light in my room... just like the one in my parents' room. It reminded me of my dad.
Disconnected. It’s interesting, really. It’s only been 3 days since I came to my homestay, and I feel strangely disconnected, alienated, distant from all of those other students I used to be with every waking moment. Then again, when I was with them I felt too crowded and looked forward to time alone. I guess it really depends on how many people I choose to make friends with. It would be very easy to not talk to anyone, go to my classes, eat alone, go home and do homework. However, I don’t want to do that. I know the imbalance I am feeling will level out in time, but right now it makes me a little nervous to feel so isolated. I think another major part of this is that I have no internet access at home. I cannot for the life of me figure out the network. Any computer geniuses reading this? It is frustrating when you hear bits and pieces of important news about family members and loved ones, but you have no way to follow up on the info. So that is where I am right now; slightly out of balance.
However, today was a good day, and I am still very happy. I found my way to school with ease finally, and I am also now comfortable using the Japanese train system. Also, I can already tell the difference in my language skills, though they are very small. Homestay was definitely the right choice. I am learning more about everyday practical speech, as well as more complex kanjis. All I have to do is keep my interest up, which should not be hard. ALSO, I found two really good topics for my two senior thesis papers, with research I can do here, hands on in Japan. It is really terribly exciting! More on that to come.
I am also going to take a lot of pictures tomorrow of my commute, home, and maybe even a picture or two of my okasan/ otosan. I don’t want to invade their privacy, so we’ll see. I also found the post office and figured out how to use the Japanese postage system! If you have any requests for Japanese things, please send them and I will send them your way! If you feel so kind as to send me a letter or a picture or other wonderful things, email me for my mailing address. As of right now, the only thing I miss dearly as of right now is garlic. It only comes in salt/powder form here in Japan and it is a little depressing. However, this might be strange to send in the mail, so unless you feel very driven to send me some, go ahead and hold off on that…
I am just going say it: A certain pair of shoes given to me by certain dear loved ones right before I left have been simply amazing to have in Japan. With all the walking I am doing, I don’t know what I would have done without those shoes. Oh, and the ease of taking them on and off is miraculous- most people are jealous, let’s just say.
On the topic of comfort, the Japanese know how to do it. I take my ofuro every night, though it was hard to get used to at first. An ofuro is a Japanese bath. You sit outside in a cold tile room ( remember, no central heating in my house) and wash yourself down like you do when you are camping. Water on, water off, soap up. Water on, rinse, water off. Repeat. This is really a miserable process. Though the water is nice and hot, the room is about 40-50 degrees. However, your reward for cleaning oneself is sitting close by in a deep, steaming, hot water-filled, bathtub. As mentioned, this bathtub is about a foot deeper than a conventional American hot tub or Jacuzzi, so the waterline comes up to your shoulders sitting up, and the water is kept at 42 degrees Celsius (108 F). It’s hot and wonderful and when you get done soaking, you get out cover it up to retain the heat, and it’s the next person’s turn. It only seems unsanitary until you know how obsessive compulsive the Japanese are about cleanliness. One must be COMPLETELY clean before getting in the ofuro. It’s a magical experience.
Well this is all I have for now,
I miss you all, and hope you are all keeping well.
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