Has it really only been 2 weeks?

The past week has really been a whirlwind and I cannot believe it only marks two weeks of living in Japan. It really feels so much longer, though I mean this in a good way! First and foremost, I have started teaching 🙂 The first week I observed classes and we’ve had workshops to learn Seiha’s (my company) curriculum and teaching methods. Each workshop day has been followed by a classroom day so to implement the methods we’ve learned in the workshop. Up until this past Saturday, there has always been another [experienced] Foreign Teacher (FT) in the classroom with me. Saturday was my first day teaching by myself with a Japanese Teacher (JT). All classes I teach are assisted by a JT, yet led by me. Naturally, I was super nervous, but my JT was extremely helpful and gave many tips and suggestions throughout the day. She even drove me to the train station after work, so I didn’t have to make the 30+ minute trek back alone in the dark. Today I felt much more comfortable and my JT didn’t initially believe me when I told her it was only my second day teaching. Needless to say, I’m a natural 😉 Haha, but really, it has been amazing to work with young kids. I really am having a blast and the kids have so much energy (most the time) that it’s hard not to have a fun working day! At this point, the most difficult component of my job is the commute to work. As I’m still in my training month, I have no assigned area and I am now filling in where FT’s are needed. The majority of the schools I have taught in are in the Mei area, which is another prefecture (or district) outside of Nagoya’s prefecture. My average commute is about an hour, which is quite the switch up from my 10 minute walking-commute I enjoyed in Pittsburgh. That being said, I don’t hate it! I never have to be at work before 10am and I’ve seen a lot of the countryside and in-between areas traveling from Nagoya to other cities. After this month, my scheduled schools will become more regular and I will have a specific area in or around Nagoya city.

A cultural difference I’ve been meaning to mention is Japanese fashion. These people have some damn good style! The average Joe on the subway is better dressed than most people you find in any major city in the US. Honestly, it’s inspiring how well people dress here. And not just business attire good; I’m talking funky, trendy and unique all day, everyday.

In addition, the women are small. An example? I’m pretty sure my 32 year-old Japanese housemate wears a size 4 shoe. I was slightly alarmed the first time I saw her slippers in the doorway; I almost asked if someone had a younger brother or sister visiting. I never gave much thought to my [slightly] larger shoe size until I came to Japan and wanted to buy shoes. I was on the hunt for some black booties to go out in this past weekend, so Saturday on my lunch break, I checked out the mall’s selection. (Oh yes, this brings up another point that the schools I work in are all found in shopping malls/centers. The idea is to offer English courses in convenient and safe locations for children. Parents can shop while their students are learning. It’s a great thought minus the fact I am tempted to buy new clothes/shoes every time I go to work!) I tried 5 different stores. At one store, I tried 3 different shoes all indicated “L”– my foot did not fit into any one of shoes. I asked the sales associate if any of the shoes came in a bigger size and she giggled, then said no (very politely of course). Just when I was going to give up hope, I found a store that offered “LL” size shoes. I know the sales associate was surprised when she confirmed the size with me and I said yes. Either way, I bought the damn shoes! Prior to leaving the states, I did read a few articles that mentioned if someone wears larger sizes, especially shoes, to bring the ones you want/need or you will have to buy them online because many stores do not carry large(r) sizes. I can now attest that this is very true!

Lastly, I am still attempting to eat my way through Japan. As some of you may have seen on social media, I am obsessed with ramen. I eat it several times a week. It’s hard to say “no” to a hardy meal that costs approximately $7. I have also tried a noodle bowl made with rice noodles, chicken and veggies, which was equally satisfying. Today for lunch I had my first Chinese dish: pork lo mein served with an onion and egg soup. As imagined, I cleaned the plate. Additionally, my housemates have been cooking different meals for us foreigners. The other night we had “hotpot,” which consisted of cabbage, mushrooms, onions, tofu and pork all stewed in a tomato and chili oily-based liquid. It was delicious! Tonight they made gyoza (Chinese dumplings), steamed bean sprouts, fried chicken balls and french fries. Once again, it was delectable. I am definitely exploring out of my comfort zone of foods here, and thus far, I have enjoyed the journey. Until next time 🙂