JAPAN!!

Konnichiwa,

I made it to Japan Ever since the plane landed I have been buzzing around like a bee. I started work on Monday and everyone at work is sooo nice. I get to the meet my kids on Tuesday at the welcome back party were all the teachers have to sing and do a skit for all the students and parents. I feel bad for all the parents and kids who have to listen to my singing (More on that later).

Japan is fantastic. I really do not feel like I am in a foreign country-but more like a separate part of the US considering there are Shell stations and 7/11's everywhere and a Starbuck's 2 blocks from my apartment (very excited about that). My apartment is quite nice and big in Japan standards, I have my own room and the size is 6 tatami mats (try and figure that one out : ) There are subtle differences such as the toilet sprays water from the top whenever you flush to refill the toilet and wash your hands (which I think is quite smart) and all the building signs are in Japanese. My new favorite store is Apita-it is a grocery store and a mall all rolled up in one, its quite and experience-it has everything you need (expect an adaptor,ugh) and its only 2 blocks from my apartment.

I will put up pictures (toilet) as soon as I find an adaptor for my computer, I promise.

Ohh, so tired

I was going to write a witty long blog today ( I leave tomarrow) about all the things I am going to love about Japan i.e. wearing flip-flops everywhere..., and my fears of having to carry two 70 lb. bags around Japan, but I got home at 11pm after a fun last night in the States (thanks Kathy :), and have been packing ever since (including a 1 hour search for my camera that was aready packed, ugh). I have to wake up in 5 hours to leave for San Francisco, waozaa.

I will write again and hopefully add some pictures when I have landed safely in Japan and can find internet service.

Ciao for now,

Bren

4 days and counting

I'm leaving in 4 days and I have only packed 1/4 of my clothes. I still need to finish packing, disconnect my cell phone, exchange $ for some Yen, buy some more t-shirts, jeans and flip flops-my teaching wardrobe (I'm 5'11, I won't be able to find any clothes in Japan, according to everyone I know). I should get on this soon possibly tomorrow-we'll see. Plus, I have to say goodbye to my sis, she is moving to the bay area tomorrow. So much to do, so little time!!

My first blog

About 4 weeks ago, I signed a contract to teach preschool in Japan for a year. Thus the purpose of this blog. It sounds like a great idea in theory-so we will see how this goes. Many people have asked me to blog my adventures abroad so here I am-giving this blogging thing a shot. I hope to update my blog as much as possible with stories and pictures (just give me some time to figure this whole blogging thing out) from my adventures in the exotic land of Japan.

***Just to update everyone-I finished my teaching credential in May and during my job search came across this opportunity in Japan and within 5 days I faxed back the signed contract. And with that, my adventure begins... (in 5 days).