And Then There Was Osaka!

Ok, so for those of you that didn't know, I have left my previous work place, the place that shall never be mentioned again, and moved to Osaka. Finally! Not that I didn't enjoy the company of my coworkers and students at said job, but my quality of life wasn't quite what I was looking for while I worked there. After completing my one year contract, moving to Osaka seemed like the right choice. You know, single girl filled to the brim with hopes and dreams moves to the big city. I'm sure you've heard this story before, in fact you've probably seen the movie twice. 

So, Osaka. I can't begin to explain all the reasons why I love this city, and frankly, I'm just getting to know it. Here's the skinny for those of you that unfamiliar with my current place of residence. Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, much larger than Kusatsu for those of you that were wondering. Even though it is roughly the same size as Seattle, another familiar city, it packs about four times the population in the same about of space. And you know what that means; nightlife, culture, shopping, potential friends : ) and adventures just waiting to happen. Not to mention Osaka is known as the food capital of Japan and I feel like Osakans (is that correct?) are some of the friendliest people you will meet anywhere. Yay Osaka!

What brings me to the big city, you may ask. Well learning Japanese, teaching English, and just having a good time. About a month has passed, and I have done just that. I go to a Japanese language school five times a week. Class is so much fun! Only three of the students, including myself, are native English speakers in a class of, I want to say, about 20. I’ve decided that I approve of Italians speaking Japanese, somehow they make the language sound sexy. It can be interesting being forced to communicate with someone in a language that neither of you speak very well and also surprising how many people of different countries are fluent in English. It sometimes make me wish I was born in a nonEnglish speaking country just so I could be bilingual. It makes me sad when some of my classmates list off how many languages they can speak.

Moving on, I also work three times a week at two separate part time jobs. My switch in employers has been quite the shock. I have gone from working ridiculous hours and a very stressful working environment to two very casual and laid back work places. It certainly has been a welcomed change, but the pay cut has, of course, been depressing to say the least. Oh well, that’s why I was saving at my last job, right? Time to live life and not look back. 

A Much Delayed Post

Hi, know I made promises of keeping this blog alive and here I am over two months into my Japanese life and I've only posted twice. My life here is a lot busier than I had expected and time goes by so dang fast. I work around eleven hours everyday, Tuesday through Saturday, I get home around 11:30 and wake up at 9:30 so I don't have much time to myself during the week. My weekends are filled with attempted adventures and resting in anticipation for the week of work. Who knew that chasing kids around all day could be so much work? -_- So a big old sorry to those of you -cough- everyone -cough- that I haven't kept in contact with like I should have. The time difference isn't helping, I can tell you that much!

On the bright side I have had some adventures in the last two months. I've been to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hamamatsu a few times. I've made friends, been to new places, and I've even seen a whale shark (will post pics later)! Sorry that this post isn't something awesome and amazing, I just needed to break the silence so that I can begin posting again ^ ^;;; Taking requests for conversation topics......

In Japan!

I apologize for taking so long to post something. I know that I said I would post something at least once a week to my friends and family, but I guess that was a lie ^ ^;; 

Getting internet while in my current living situation is kinda difficult. At the internet cafe you have to use their computers and they say that my mom’s e-mail doesn’t exist..... so I have to stand outside of my room on the balcony and hold my laptop precariously with one hand and type with the other - will take picture of it later -.

Ok since this is my first “real” post I think that I need to post some pictures that are representative of my journey so far.

Goodbye pictures:

Ok so these aren’t of everybody I said goodbye too, but in my defense I only had a week to leave and had other things on my mind besides documenting everything I did, like whether or not I was technically legal to work in Japan or not.... ^ ^;;; heh heh heh. If anyone has any goodbye pictures, they should share them with me!

Shinkansen pictures:

These are of my train ride from the Osaka airport to Okayama. First impressions were made and awesomeness ensued.

Yay dorm pictures:

During my training, I was/still am housed in a dorm situation. See the balcony, that is were I get my not so great stoled internets.

Happy coke:

Need I say more?

1st real day in Japan:

花見 (sakurami, sakura viewing). Everyone stared at us!!!! Ten 外国人(gaikokujin, foreigners) walking around, we were invading Japan!! Some people waved and yelled out hello to us, lulz. It’s interesting to have your very existence be a novelty to people.

Okayama Castle. Apparently the real castle burnt down in the 1600s...? So, they built this one in it’s place as a tourist attraction??? Lol, it combines things like ancient Japanese masonry and modern convinces, such as elevators and souvenir shops. There was a lot of Momotaro stuff, apparently the story is strongly associated with this area.

Me being AWESOME!!!

Oh did I forget to mention you could dress up like a geisha?

At least they still had a piece of the old castle, lol. Poor little fish demon....

Ok, so the Japanese lady on the right was literally the funniest person evAR! Will tell the whole story later. I’m getting really tired and start up training round two tomorrow.


To come: craziness, takoyaki making, and karaoke

Six Days and Counting

So... today I got six e-mails from the Organization. Apparently I must buy a whole new wardrobe and NEVAR EVAR own any linen clothing items because they are messy...... -cough- just bought a white linen Michael Kors dress and will wear it anyways -cough- >.>

I feel completely overwhelmed. I have a million things to buy/pack, read, and just do! Good thing I had Emily and Megan to go shopping with and make sure I wasn't home alone tonight.