The best part...

After a long wait, I have finally arrived in Japan. Unfortunately I was on the flight that had a broken movie system and spent most of my time either listening to music, sleeping, or browsing through a magazine. I have to thank my friend Ida for sending me the first chapter of True Blood a while ago. That alone carried me through the long flight. My seat was in the center, and all the way in the back so I couldn't look outside. Everyone around me was sneezing, coughing, or snoring (especially the guy next to me). I was so happy to hear the "Enjoy your stay in Japan" announcement at the end of the flight I almost sprinted out of my seat!

The first couple of nights of the orientation were spent at two different hotels. Already the food is very delicious. Our breakfast included an all you can eat combination of both Eastern and Western type foods.

The new students were arranged into small groups of five or six in order to ease into the Japanese culture. Typically in Japan, students travel in these groups from Kindergarden and up. Our group name is "Moshi Mochi," which was a joke off of answering the phone in Japanese "Moshi Moshi" and our love for a rice base dessert called "Mochi."

On the third day we met with our host family. It was one of the most nerve wracking ordeals ever. When it was my turn, we couldn't find my host family... turns out she was right by the door. She later told me that when she saw me, she remembered my big eyes from a photo given to her, and knew that I was the person who would be living with her. She too was a bit thrown off when we walked right past her. The meeting was nerve wracking, as I forgot a lot of my Japanese and didn't know what to talk about.

I have to say I absolutely adore my host family. The father is an attorney from Canada, and they have a six year old girl. SO CUTE!!! The mom is currently singing in the other room. She is an amazing cook and is just too cute. I was initially expecting a shorter woman, but my host mom is taller than me! After a party last night, where my host mom got drunk, I feel like we are already closer :) Everyone here calls me "Guzzie-chan. " ^__^

I'll try to write a little bit more soon!