Hello there loyal readers! (the two that have read this…haha) Not a whole lot has happened since the last blog entry seeing how I am still in the United States of America, but I have learned a lot about my placement in Japan! During my time in St. Louis, I received a packet in the mail from Japan, which contained information about my contracting organization, some ALT’s who are in the city of Tanabe (where I thought I was placed) and some ALT’s who are from Hongu, which is where I am really placed. IF you refer to the map, point A is where I thought I was, and point B is where I really am. *Note all the mountains....Hongu is, to say the least, a very rural area of Wakayama. The population is about 4,000 and there are only a few stores that only stay open until about 7 pm. Now this is a huge difference to Tanabe which boasts a population of about 80,000 people, a little closer to what I am used to. At first I didn’t know how to react. Should I feel fortunate to have been placed in an area of Japan where I will be able to see how real Japanese people, unaffected by the big city lights, really live? Or should I feel nervous about being placed in a more desolate area where it may be a little tougher to overcome homesickness? Well if you know me at all you could have guessed that I decided to look at the glass half full and here’s why: This will give me the opportunity to truly experience Japan unlike that of someone placed in a very urban area. Being surrounded by people who pretty much only speak Japanese will help me tremendously as I try to learn the language. I will also save a lot of money on car insurance…joking. But I really will be able to save money. Living in big cities in Japan, as in any big city, can be costly. But since I will be living in a rural area my rent won’t be as much and my expenses won’t be as high because there won’t be anything to do…haha. So as of right now, I am very excited to have been placed in Hongu!
This past Saturday at 7 am, yes, 7 AM, I Skyped with my predecessor (the person whom I will be replacing) and I got some insight as to where I will be teaching and living. She said I will be teaching at 6 schools, 3 elementary and 3 junior high schools. She said I will have to drive which means I will have to buy a car; mind you they drive on the opposite side of the road in Japan! This means I have to get an international driving permit and then a Japanese license if I decide to stay in Japan. I also learned that I will have a traditional Japanese style house all to myself! So I am currently looking for a roommate…any takers? Haha..jk. But I do have a whole house to myself! And guess what the best part is? My rent is only 3,000 yen which is equivalent to about 34 USD. Yeah, $34. Insane, I know. And the house even comes with free passes for the local zoo….in my backyard because apparently there are wild monkeys roaming around. Awesome, I know. My predecessor did list some disadvantages to the house with the worst thing being the bathroom facilities. Apparently there is a western style toilet which rests above a squatting toilet. No flush system. Someone comes and removes the “waste” about every two months. She is kind though because she will leave behind the incense she has in the bathroom. Also, the shower is bit outdated I hear. I have to heat the water before I want to take a shower or else I will be freezing! The house also has 2 bedrooms, a den, a kitchen and a washer! She didn’t mention a dryer but I won’t worry about that…yet. And apparently there is a huge complicated system for garbage disposal. There are different colored bags corresponding to different types of disposal such as plastic, waste, glass, etc. And every day of the week corresponds to a different color. Confusing, I know.
In terms of paperwork for Japan. it’s about 90% done. I am just waiting for my residency certificate so that I won’t have to pay taxes and I am set. I have applied for my visa so that should be taken care of. I am flying via American Airlines flight number 153 departing on July 24th at 12:55 PM. It’s so close! I guess I should start to think about what I am going to pack (I should probably start a list.)
P.S. I have started saying bye to several people and it's not fun at all. I think the fact that I will be gone for a really long time is starting to sink in. :-/
Until next time! Sayonara!
