communication adventures, etc!

its interesting not having ANY reliable form of communication in the communication mecca of the world...very strange. but actually, good.

i cannot remember the last time i went without a phone or internet for this long...and thats really sad. the other day, i am so ashamed to say, that i had a breakdown in the starbucks across from my school (a student told me that it is literally the most busy starbucks in the entire world!) because my computer died as i was sending an email out. seriously?! i cried over no internet?!

the cutest/nicest girl in the world saw me crying and was so incredibly sweet to me...she asked me why i was so upset. as the words "i have no internet..." started to leave my lips, i cringed...i felt so stupid.

I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF TOKYO! I GET TO LIVE IN ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING CITIES IN THE WORLD! AND I CRY OVER NO INTERNET?!

its actually starting to hit me how amazing my life is right now. everyday i walk through the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. my classroom overlooks those giant tv screens that tokyo is so famous for, i meet new and interesting people everyday! i am a sensei!

so anytime i get frustrated that i cannot connect with the world, i stop and look around...i will have internet eventually. i will have a phone, as well. learn patience and stop being such a stupid spoiled american. because i did not come to japan to be on the internet all the time...geez.

(sorry this is a long post, but because of this internet situation i would love to update everyone because i of course miss so many people back in the states and everyone would like to know about japan)

teaching has been a whirlwind...the students are amazing. my staff is amazing. they threw a farewell/welcome party for three departing teachers and for my welcome. it was so beautiful! it was held at this amazing japanese restaurant downtown...we had such delicious food! oh, and i discovered my new favorite drink of all time...an apricot sour. yummy!

after they got me full on food, and drunk on sour drinks...i gave a little speech and was presented with a bouquet of flowers. the other departing aeon teachers gave speeches as well...

then, off to karaoke!

which was hilarious because my karaoke sense of humor does not translate well in japan...haha...imagine: my song choices were the doobie brothers and lionel richie. oops...next time i will opt for mariah carey or something, i guess.

i finally unpacked, so my tiny apartment doesnt seem so tiny anymore (i have a walk-in closet, which is unheard of in japan! haha!)...

and not to freak anyone out, but i really want to write a guide book for white girls in japan. some starting advice:


1. never forget your umbrella during rainy season
2. never wear a white tee shirt without your umbrella during rainy season
3. the "kindness" of japanese men offerring their umbrellas is not always so innocent

ah, yes...advice number 3...i ALMOST got into a bad situation. this guy thought it would be okay to try to grope me. but nothing bad happened...creepy dudes are everywhere in the world, apparently. even in japan.

other than that...life is amazing! everything is new and exciting! its also funny how vegetarian i am NOT anymore...last night i feasted on some delicious octopus balls! yummy!