Memoirs of a Gaijin

Well after a 10 hour and 45 minute flight across the Pacific ocean we finally arrived in Japan. While I’m amazed at my hardly tearful goodbye to my family who I haven’t spent more than two weeks away from, I know that this will undoubtedly be quite the challenge for me. I mean come on, it’s hard to ignore the ridiculous humidity, being stared at like some alien (pun intended), and the symbols that somehow translate into meanings that people understand. I knew what I’d be in for when within my first few hours in Japan we all managed to not find our luggage, put on shoes outside of the genkan, and incorrectly fill out numerous forms. The theme of this trip: mistakes. Mistakes are the only way I am going to learn how people live in Japan, how to speak Japanese, and how to mold into their society. And with that I say bring it. : )

But I must note how thankful I am for Junko and Daisuke! Without them I can’t imagine how Lydia and I would have survived the two hour, 300 yen bus ride and a place to lay our heads. Junko’s apartment is like any other Japanese apartment-smaller than Willamette dorm rooms with a large toilet.