Friday

 Final day of orientation at NUFS. Almost every day this week we have gotten up at the crack of dawn (really around 7 am) to trek down the block to the school. The sessions have been very informative if a bit tedious at times. The first day was over papers that we had to fill out for our visas and other insurance, the second was over student life and the last day was academics.  Monday we will all take our placement tests. The Wednesday after that we will start classes. I can't wait to start learning more Japanese. I didn't realize how limited it was until I got here.

I bought a bike earlier this week, it was a bit expensive about 10000en or 150 dollars. I didn't realize until after I bought it that I did not remember how to ride. However with a couple of days practice I've almost got it again. Although looking at my scratched legs and bruised arms you might think differently. I found out just how nice the locals are while out practicing. I was trying to ride and I was blocking this older man's way so I stopped and moved for him and said " Sumimasen" or I'm sorry in Japanese. He replied "Gambatte" or "keep at it" and it completely made my day.  I must admit that I looked pretty stupid trying to ride. But he was kind enough  not to laugh at me. Others have been kind as well, like when I crashed head first into a tree and then a low wall and then an embankment. Most stopped to see if I was ok and then kindly kept going without stopping to laugh at me unlike my friends (aka Kim nah its fine though). I'm really pround that my bikes made it through so far with only a minor dint, a paint scratch and a bent basket.  War scars. :)

The school is only a 10 to 15 minute walk way form Proxy Friends, where I'm staying, but with the heat it seems much farther. Having the bike makes the jaunt much easier. Plus all of the stores, except a pharmacy, are near the school or farther so the bike turns a one to two hour shopping trip into about 30 to 45 minutes.

I never realized how much stuff is needed to make a home. I had to buy cups, bowls, plates, silverware, pots, pans, alarm clock, pen holders, trashcans, paper towels, towels, peroxide and band aids, water, food, sheets and so much more. I think the worst one was when I went to make dinner and realized that I didn't have any salt. Thank God for the hyakuen-ya (100 en store) or I would never have been able to get all that I needed. Over all it's been great. I must say that it feels like I've been here for much longer than a week. I know I will miss Japan when I return home, this place has quickly become a home away from home.