Day １：Japan Touchdown

It's almost 10pm; I am at the Japan Foundation Language Institute in Urawa safe and sound. Yeheee.

This trip seems very promising and exciting as it presents a lot of firsts for me. It is my first time to travel alone to Japan and my first time to go around and find my way to Japan. For most of my time here, I will be left to fend for myself. I have to figure out the train system, directions, signs, and finally pay attention to the Japanese I hear. Why oh why dont I remember my lessons? Oh well, I guess I shouldnt fret too much. I can study a bit as I brought along my books and other materials.

I thought I would have enough time to relax and explore the place as I thought I will arrive by 6pm. But no such luck. Finding my bus (to Omiya) and getting on the train to Kita-Urawa, was easy enough. The only weird thing was my luggage seemed to get heavier every minute. My arms are achy as I pound on the keys right now. Not only did I have to lug my luggage, I also had to carry it down 2 flights of steps and continue lugging it for about 15 minutes in the rain.

Good thing there were some good citizens who pointed the way to the JF Nihongo Center.

It's Sunday today so the place is very quiet and not much going on, but there are a lot of Japanese language students staying in the dorms. My room reminds me of the Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete. It is modest, no-frills and just right. Nothing ostentatious or guilt-ridden. No forefingers wagging, worrying about Japanese taxpayers'money.

I met the person in charge of the program, Mr. Nakajima, and he looks relaxed and casual. I Nakajima, and he looks relaxed and casual. I hope he is like he looks relaxed and casual. I hope he is like that tomorrow as well when we visit the headquarters.

My colleagues from the other overseas offices (Sydney and Mexico) are also very nice. I still have a hard time opening up, probably because I am thinking which language to use... Japanese or English... but they are nice girls. We're all pretty pleased that we're about the same age group. One girl reminded me of a partner from the Ayala Museum. Sobra! Ako kaya? Do they remind me of someone in their countries?

Well, so much for now. I still have to study and prepare my clothes for tomorrow.