Not only will I try to post photos from places that I will visit, but I will also try to discuss the new foods that I know I will be trying and any other crazy random happenstances. I'll also do my best to talk about the new things that I learn about such as the different holidays in Japan and how they celebrate it!
Once I am in Japan and have internet connection, I'll try to post an update once a week. Possibly sometime between Saturday night-Tuesday morning is my prediction for the best window of free time to make a post. I was told that I will be working Tuesday thru Saturday, which leaves Sunday and Monday as my weekend days, but you never know what will pop up!
While I am still in America I'll post if something interesting happens, but right now things are pretty uneventful.
Now for some info that I'm sure you're all wondering about!
When do you leave? April 8, 2011. However it will already be April 9 in Japan so I'll be losing a day when I arrive in Japan even though my total flying time is only about 13 or 14 hours.
How long will you be in Japan? I am currently contracted for 1 year. However, if the company likes me and I enjoy the job then I could be offered a renewal after 6 months. So it could be only 1 year or it could be a few years.
Which company do you work for? I was hired by Amity who is owned by AEON. AEON and Amity have different programs for Native English Teachers (NET) Amity focuses on teaching children under the age of 18. AEON includes adult classes. Here is a link to Amity's site for those who wish to apply: http://www.amityteachers.com/
Where will you live? The city is named Kurashiki. It is in Okayama Prefecture. To put it in American layman's terms, Prefecture = State.
City, State = City, Prefecture
Detroit, Michigan = Kurashiki, Okayama.
That's the best way I can explain it. Sorry if you didn't understand.
Most of the other practical questions such as flight and payment and living arrangements are answered on Amity's website which I linked above. But I will be taking photos of my apartment when I arrive!
For now: Right now I am preparing for Japan by seeing my doctors and dentist etc... and I have just purchased a travel book about Japan. "Eyewitness Travel; Japan" You can find it at www.dk.com I guess they have a whole series of travel books. I spent nearly an hour reading this book and comparing it to another travel book and this was the one that I chose. It has a LOT of photos for everything including photos of foods and drinks. It has maps and hotel/restaurant/night life/everything ever guides and maps and subway maps... it has a LOT and I know I will get a lot of use out of it.
I also need to go shopping for more business clothes since the dress code is business professional. And wearing 2 suits for 5 days of classes isn't going to fly.
And I need to buy a year's supply of deodorant... apparently Japanese deodorant is like water. hmm... I was told to buy the same amount of toothpaste too... So I'm a little curious as to what Japanese toothpaste is like. I guess I will find out!
That will be all for now! If you have any questions or just want to speak your mind, feel free to leave a comment!
Sayonara!
