My roomate Myriah took me to get my "alien registered" today, as she put it! While making our way on the train, I was overwhelmed by the fact that there was Japanese characters everywhere. Very little english. Myriah was doing a fantastic job at showing me which trains go where, how they are colour coded etc, but the whole thing does feel quite daunting.
We made our way to the city ward to get my registration. After finding out that I need to have a picture of myself for the card, we ran across the street to a photobooth and I quickly got my picture taken and then ran back. People everywhere. Bicycles everywhere. We ran back to the ward, and then proceeded to wait for my card. Myriah had to run to her private lesson, so she gave me directions for taking the train back to Shinosaka. I managed to find my way ok, and people were generally very helpful when I needed to clarify that the train was in fact going in the direction I needed it to. I think I must have asked the question "Do you speak English?" - about 30 times!
I guess I was just overwhelmed by the busyiness of everything and not really understanding a thing around me. It was about 11am when I got back to the apartment, and I needed a nap and a little cry. Both felt good.
I knew that I would have days like this, but I also didn't know that I would have days like this - if that makes any sense.
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3 comments:
Our dearest Jane-O!
As I read your blog about your culture shock experience, I felt for you and my first thoughts were....at least she has great looking feet!!
Keep your wonderful laugh through all these experiences as we know you will look back on each day of confusion very soon and have a great chuckle!
Know you are loved, prayed for daily and although your feet look incredible, keep looking up for strength and direction!!
We love you!
Chubbs and the gang!
Thank you guys. And yes, my feet still look absolutely fabulous Gerri.
I feel better already today. I'm just taking it one day at a time.
Mark, about sleeping with your wife and everything - I don't swing that way! Ha.ha. (I hope anyone reading this blog doesn't think differently of me or anything.)
Jane: Egads, you have certainly been busy since you departed. No wonder you're exhausted!!! Anne and I recently arrived home from our trip. Morocco was worthwhile and we especially enjoyed our High Atlas trek, a couple of terrific Riads, Fez and Chefchaouen. Our friends from England met us in Chef and after a few days there it was off to spend a week in their wonderful home in southern Spain. They live on a hillside with an unobstructed view of Casarabonela, a very quaint Spanish village. Their house is awesome and we had a fantastic time there. Anyway, thoroughly enjoy your informative letters. Hope you are well and bringing your usual enthusiasm to those you encounter. All the best... Tim
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