Month 1 in Review...

I thought it would be fun...to reflect on each month we are in Japan. Whether it be places we visited, things we did, lessons I learned, emotions I felt, etc. Without further ado - here is Month 1 in review.

Places Visited

• LOTS and LOTS of stores - of every kind. Grocery, home improvement, dollar, furniture, etc. 
• I have quickly learned that Japan LOVES point cards...LOVES them. We now have a spare wallet with all of the point cards...and no clue if half of them will even be worth it!
• Neighborhoods around our place - whether running, walking, or eating! 
• Otsu 
• Lake Biwa
• Nagoya Castle
• Tokyo

Cafes Enjoyed

• Nagoya Area

• Cafe Cosmonaute
• Le Plaisir du pain
• Cups Cafe
• Sora Cafe 2
• Tokyo
• Toranomon Coffee
• Sarutahiko Coffee
• Owl Cafe (though not actually a cafe)

Kit Kat Flavors Tasted 

Kaz and I are rating each of the Kit Kats as we eat them - so look for a much more detailed post in the future. 

• Uji Matcha (Kyoto Green Tea)
• Matcha (normal Green Tea)
• Strawberry
• Dark Chocolate
• Hojicha
• Pistachio & Raspberry ("Special" Line)
• Strawberry & Maple ("Special" Line)
• Green Tea & Kinako (powder) ("Special" Line)
• Butter ("Special" Line)
• Strawberry ("Fruit" Line)
• Red Bean Sandwich
• Blueberry ("Fruit" Line)
• Passion Fruit ("Fruit" Line)

Victories

• Getting a bit more comfortable with public transit - have taken subway, local trains, and one bus on my own. 
• Slowly getting the hang of grocery shopping (haven't really talked much yet); using GoogleTranslate; hang drying laundry. 
• Surviving lots of deliveries and shipments - and getting our place "settled" for the most part. 
• Obtained work permit; have begun to work two days a week at Nagoya International School. Beginning to build up a caseload and meet people (everyone has been so nice and helpful).
• Started Japanese lessons last week - will take for two hours/twice per week. 
• Putting myself out there and meeting new people.
• Learning about Japanese culture - went to a bamboo vase making class and also celebrated Setsubun. 
• And more...

Goals

• Buy tickets for transit by talking - not just ordering through a machine. Explore more bus routes and even venture to a bigger city on my own. 
• Allow myself time to read basic katakana and hiragana at grocery store. Ask where something is. Begin to figure out how much something costs without looking at cash register - listening only.
• Continue to learn about students who are multiple-language learners. Expand my knowledge base!!
• Continue leaning Japanese - becoming quicker at reading hiragana/katakana; beginning to learn kanji; increasing vocabulary; increasing speaking confidence and willingness to fumble through what I want to say.
• Continue stepping outside of comfort zone and meeting new people.
• Continue learning about Japanese culture...especially through art!
• Focus on being a bit more accepting of emotions that arise. The first few weeks were definitely the "honeymoon/whirlwind" period that people talk about. As I write this, homesickness has begun to creep in - cycling in intensity depending on the day. 
• And more...

Sunny Moments
In addition to those listed above...

• Keeping in touch with family and friends through email, texts, blog comments, videos, and Skype calls.
• Blogging!
• Surviving one month in Japan!

Cloudy Moments
In addition to those listed above...

• Homesickness creeping in...
• Difficulty communicating...
• Having to deal with a severely sprained ankle - in a place that relies on walking...and also in a place where I can't just go to a doctor to get in checked in case. Though very thankful that one of the wives I've met over here is a doctor!! 

Much love to family and friends!! <3