Jump 'n' Jive

After another long day of observations, this one at the Ito Yodako (shopping) culture center with 2 kids classes, I decided the best thing for my exhausted body was to go out.

I don't actually remember the name of the bar, but Lisa, a fellow James teacher from San Fransisco, invited me to a swing night. I'd already said yes least night, and she'd told some of her Japanese friends, so I figured I could suck it up for a few hours since I did't teach any classes the next day.

We walked into a small, but long black walled bar with a family run sorta feel. A white and black poster of Steve Tyler took center stage on the left wall, surrounded by an assortment of typical American paraphernalia, some more rocker stuff and some "Historic Route 66" signs. There were about 10 people, all obviously friends. Most of them knew Lisa, and she fired off Japanese greetings while I plastered a smile to my face and nodded my head. It's going to take me a while just to get used to hearing Japanese!

It was one of the guys birthday, so there was a cake and singing (the English version. Why not, right?) and then much dancing to English Swing songs ( I think I ever heard a few songs by the Supremes). Some people were jiving, and some were swing dancing. In college I went to some swing dances, but I never really learned it. Everyone was so friendly at the bar though, and someone was always there to give pointers or a quick lesson. Who would have thought I could learn the Charleston in Japan? This would definitely be a place to take visitors, because it's so much fun! I think Kara or Gavin would have an especially good time.

First day at JES

My first day of orientation at James English School was alright. I observed Winnie's classes today. Classes are small, averaging at about 3 people per class. It's much more informal than ELS, but that is only "in home" classes. Tomorrow we are going to one of the 2 culture centers, and there should be an adult group and 2 children's groups. We'll see how that goes.

Yuri, the office assistant, drove me to City Hall so I could register for my gaijin (foreigner) card. This also brought about an impromptu Japanese lesson. I have decided to pass on some of that info to you. Here is today's lesson:

Kawaii = cute; sounds like "Hawaii"
ie: Your baby is kawaii!

Kowai = scary; sounds like "ko-wI"
ie: My government id picture is kowai. or Monsters are kowai.

In other news, Japan does have mosquitoes. And let me tell something to you, they eat me up just as much here as in Florida. The big difference- I got 3 bites Monday night (my first night), and now 2 nights later I still have huge, itchy welts from them. I don't know what those bugs are packin' in those needle noses, but it's way more agitating.

After a day of observation and strong resistance to not itch in public, I walked back to the apt with another co-worker, Lisa. On the way home Lisa introduced me to the Taj Mahal, a Pakistani restaurant that apparently everyone eats at. I ordered the Chicken Sagwala, which it like chicken spinach curry. It was awesome. Honestly, the first place I had curry was in Japan, and it's still the best curry I've ever had. I guess they just make it different in Japan. I also ordered sesame Nan with it. Nan is bread to dip in the curry. I thought it'd be like a pita thing, but it was much larger and softer.

Tomorrow is day 2 of observation, and at night Lisa is supposed to take me a club where they do jiv/swing dancing.

I am in Japan!

I am finally here!

I swam all the way to Japan, hence the photo of me underwater. Haha, the truth is I don't have my camera, so this is the pic you get until my camera is fixed.

The flight over was really long, and I only got to sleep a little bit. The guy on the other side of the aisle had his window open almost the whole time, and do you know how bright the sun is at that altitude??

I met some nice Army boys who were heading home to Guam. They wished me happy birthday, although being on the plane for the entire day makes me feel as though I just skipped my birthday. So next year I will turn 24, not 25.

Navigating Customs and the trains wasn't too difficult. I almost missed the Narita Express to Tokyo because I was stopped by a police office for a random passport check. I've been told they do that a lot here, so today my I am supposed to get my gaijin (foreigner) id card.

Today is my first day of orientation. I will be observing 2 classes, starting at 1 pm. Luckily I had an extra day when I arrived, so I spent most of yesterday unpacking and resting. In the morning my neighbor Erin took me to Aeon town, a shopping center. I know where to go if I need anything from KFC, Baskin Robbins, or Sports Authority. It's like I never left the states! Except, for all the weird seafood in the supermarket, the 100 Yen store, and yummy Mister Donut.

Erin, oddly enough, is from Tampa, and her sister went to UCF. My apt building is filled with foreigners who are teaching English somewhere in Koriyama. Everyone I've met so far has been very friendly and helpful, and totally understands how utterly confused I feel. They all say "We've been there." I'm definitely going to need to learn some Japanese, especially reading the Kanji and Hiragana.