First Impressions

Hey yall!

Im typing on my host familys computer, so please excuse any strange punctuation or the like (aka no apostrophes).

SO!!!  Im in Japan.  Its pretty awesome!  The plane ride was long, but there were lots of exchangers.  Me and another exchanger traded seats with others so we could sit together, which made the ride much more bearable.  When we had to transfer to Haneda airport, I got my first glimpse of Tokyo through the bus window.  Its very different.  I dunno what else to say.  I honestly dont remember a lot of it because I was so tired, but I remember it was very green.  Like, plants growing on walls and hanging over fences and trees everywhere.  Then we got to Haneda, and I was COMPLETELY ALONE.  Do you know how terrifying it is to be alone in a strange airport in another country?  I figured my way around, but it was terrifying.  

Finally, late at night, I met my host family.  They are super nice and I like them very much.  I slept most of the ride home, then took a shower and went to bed.  The showers here are different, too- you sit on a stool and use a nozzle to wash yourself, and theres a bowl for filling with water and pouring over yourself.  Once youre clean, you get in the bath and soak, but since it was so late, I didnt do that.  Then I went to bed.

Today, I woke up early (jetlag >-<) and we went to the store to get my school uniform.  Its alright, if not a little hot.  I can post a picture later.  We had lunch at a sushi restaurant (yay!) and picked up some supplies at Notori, the home market.  And now Im here, typing this!  

Just a few things I want to say:  

Japan is incredibly different from the US.  Everything is very compact, for one, but they also drive on the other side of the street, which makes me panic a lot :)  Theres so much more, but I dont know how to say it all in one post, so ask me if you want further info about a topic.

Japanese is HARD.  Ive been nothing but confused since I got here.  Luckily my sister speaks good English, so that helps.  However, I am picking it up.  Ive learned a handful of new phrases and words just today, and I can understand more and more each conversation.  Once school starts on the 31st, I will probably pick up even more, but until then I use a mix of Japanese and English to make my way around.  Oh, and neither of my host parents speak English, so that makes for REALLY fun conversations (no joke)!!  And despite me not knowing Japanese, my English is already deteriorating...  When I speak now, my first instinct is to use a Japanese accent with English because more people understand that.  And I dont say thank you anymore, I say arigatou ^^  

A thing about exchangers and me personally:  These have been some of the hardest two or so days of my life.  One part of it is culture shock- EVERYTHING is overwhelming.  Japanese, baths, combinis, LOTS.  Its a lot to take in at once.  But the hardest part right now is homesickness.  I cried for a while both last night and this morning because I miss my family an incredible amount.  Its getting better, but its still sorta hard to look at pictures of everyone without tearing up a bit.  Dont get me wrong- Im not thinking about going home, but I wouldnt mind a hug from my mom right now.  So guys, know this:  I love you and miss you SOO much, and I definitely want you all to come next June so I can show you what Im learning!!!  

Alrighty then!  Its about 4pm here, if youre curious, and 5am back in NC.  Jetlag is killer.  See you later, and if I know you, please leave a comment/question!!!  

Mata ne!