Everyday is a new lesson.

Some unexpected turn of events happened this week, and although they left me feeling down, I have been quickly reminded of my strength and perseverance. Also, I have connected with people I did not expect and they have made me feel more at home and more at ease. All is well now as I have expelled the negative energy that was around me.

On a higher note, I am learning so much and very much enjoying life in Japan! Everyday there is a new word, food and/or cultural nuance introduced to me. This week I had an interesting conversation with one of the JT’s. We were asking questions about one another, and of course, she began to ask about my family. In explaining my family and background, I had to note that I am biracial: my mom is white, my dad is black and both are Americans, which makes me an American. She was very confused to hear that both parents, though of different racial backgrounds, are American people. I never gave thought to what an outsider, or non-American, would think in hearing this information. As I’ve learned, Japan is homogenous and although there are several biracial relationships (and procreations), it is still a new concept in this country and its culture.

I would say the most prominent way I am learning the language is through food and ordering food. I went to the supermarket for the first time this week and spent a good 2.5 hours walking around, looking at and smelling food, asking questions and using my Google translating app to decipher what I was picking up. On Thursday, I walked around the food court about 3 times trying to decide what I wanted for lunch. I had just had ramen and sushi, so they were out and there was no way I would eat KFC (plus that crap is so expensive here!). I hadn’t tried “udon” yet, so I was interested in that option, however the menu was only in Japanese, which I surprisingly can’t read yet 🙂 I got in line, though quickly lost confidence because I really had no clue what to say. I gestured for the woman behind me to go ahead, however she wouldn’t because it goes against all Japanese politeness, so I got out of the line so she would go ahead of me. I fumbled with my translator for a minute, then jumped back in line. When it was my turn to order, I said “udon chikin” (yes, chikin is chicken in Japanese). The cook said a few unrecognizable things and shook his head no. Then I started to point at the menu board to which noodle dish I thought I wanted. He literally left his cooking station, walked around the counter area and helped me pick which dish I wanted. By way of my translator, I was able to ask “what flavor is it?” referring to the udon I was pointing at. He said “soy sauce!” I then responded with my limited Japanese: “hai hai!” (yes yes!). This interaction took much longer than you think, and at this point, a line of about 10 people deep had formed behind me and I could tell people were wondering why it was taking me so long to decide. Either way, the cook was super friendly and gave me exactly what I wanted because I ate that udon so quick! I told some of my Japanese housemates this story, which they got a kick out of, but they also told me what I should say in that case: kake nami (meaning udon soup, regular size). Now I can order udon without holding up the line!

Tonight a housemate made “kimuchi” soup, which is apparently Korean, though all the ingredients can be found here too. It’s pretty much a kimchi soup with carrots, mushrooms, ginger and chicken balls. I didn’t expect to like it, but it was delicious and had the perfect amount of spice. I definitely have been fortunate with the generosity of my housemates and their willingness to share food- much of it I have never seen before. For example, I also ate “o konomi yaki” tonight, which are cabbage filled patties (they kinda look like pancakes) with pork and a fruit-like sauce and mayo on top. I know this sounds pretty strange (and you should have seen my face watching her make these things), but she insisted I try, which I did and actually liked a lot. As I’ve expressed, I’m being pushed out of my comfort zone of food, and so far it’s been really awesome!

Lastly, I can proudly say I am getting more comfortable with the subway and train lines. Yesterday I taught 8 classes/lessons in the day and was exhausted by the end. I fell asleep on the way home, though woke up just 2 stops prior to needing to get off. I knew exactly where I was and exactly what subway line I needed to get on next to get home; I did not need to check my phone or the map. Nagoya is already starting to feel like home, and I don’t hate it. I also just received my health insurance card in the mail today, so I’m really official now! Stay tuned, friends 🙂