What people conveniently forgot to mention about this stunning place is that along with the breathtaking scenery, delectable local produce, and the very accommodating locals comes hot weather with Florida-like humidity (you never feel dry) and giant, and I mean GIANT, evil bugs. Like biting flies the size of my thumb, cockroaches (which I found in my kitchen at night. Did I mention I was barefoot?), and spiders that could probably eat me. I’ve yet to see the dragonflies but I’ve hear they are the length of my hand. Thank goodness they are harmless…I think.
I have developed a phobia of bugs. Every time I leave my small air-conditioned sanctuary I am on the lookout for my not-so-little friends. And so far, I have always found them. Like on the ceiling of the shower…while I’m in it. I have a severe case of the creepy crawlies. It also didn’t help that my telephone rang once and then stopped, or the fact that some random neighbor came over to say hi - after dark, and scared me to death. Let’s just say I’m more than a little on edge.
However, my bags are unpacked and I’ve put letters from home up on the walls. So all-in-all it’s looking more like home, even if it definitely does not feel like it. I registered as a legal alien, opened a bank account, went to the Tom-Tom (a big supermarket in Tomiyoka), and tried to setup my internet and cell phone. It’s funny that I can get a cash card but not a keitai denwa.
I’m sure you’ve probably heard that Japanese cell phones are really cool… I’m just confirming that they are. It’s not that they look super futuristic. In fact, most of them look exactly the same (rectangular flip phone, minimalist design, very thin). However, I’ve never picked up a phone that has a higher megapixel camera than my brand new, less than two-month-old, Canon Powershot.
They do it all! You could browse the web, scan coupons, download music, buy tickets for the shinkansen, and take HD video on its plasma screen, while charging the phone with its solar panel case…underwater. They do just about everything…except translate into English. So while my phone may be able to give me CPR if I drown (the phone will survive since its waterproof), I won’t be able to read the instructions how to do so.
I also have no idea how to read my bill. Or even see how much I am paying if I go over my plan. Which is a definite possibility since I have no way to check if I’m exceeding my minutes. Plus Japanese phone companies don’t count in minutes or text messages; they count data in “packets”. What the hell is a packet? No one could explain it to me. Maybe because they don’t know, or maybe because they think I’m a stupid American and if they talk in Japanese a lot, I’ll stop asking questions. They could have been talking about how dumb I was right in front of me and I would have had no clue. I just smile and say “hai”. I doubt it though; the service is impeccable and everyone has been going out of his or her way to help me.
Anyways, I just let them fill out all of my paperwork and I stamped it with my hanko. A hanko is a small stamp that is used as your Japanese signature. I was given two beautiful wooden hanko, one in Kanji and one in Katakana, which say my first name. Because I was curious, I asked my supervisors what the Kanji for my name means. I was hoping for something pretty like, “cherry blossoms bloom” or “graceful flying crane”. Nope. Apricot. I’m named after a fruit. They even giggled when they told me.
By the way, Japanese women are the only people I’ve met that can be over 40 and giggle and still look adorable. It helps that even if they are over 40 they still look like they are 20 and are the definition of petite. I am a giant in their world. I stand over almost all of the men when I wear high heels and I’m always feeling like the ceilings are too low. The cars aren’t bad surprisingly. Lots of leg room in the backseat (good for you Kirbs) and navi/dvd players in the front (which may help explain the stereotype about Asian drivers...)
Today I also met the mayor of Hirono-town and gave a speech to the Board of Education. It sounds scary but I had a translator, so no big deal. Afterwards I was introduced to the principal of the Junior High School, the principal of the Elementary school, and my speech contestant kids. There are four of them. I will be working with them on their speeches for the regional speech competition at the end of the month. They seemed a little shy but excited to show off their English skills and extracurricular activities. Most Japanese students are very busy with extra studying and clubs so I was lucky enough to be invited to watch one of my speech students practice Kendo, which is a sport I was previously unfamiliar with.
Overall, today was a long day and I’m very excited to start working with the speech students next week after I get back from Fukushima Orientation.
At least he was friendly.
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