Ukiyo (n) literally "the floating world"- living in the moment detached from the bothers of life. -Themetapicture.
I am getting close to my one month anniversary in Japan, time is going by way to fast.
In the last 3 weeks I have learned a lot, everyday I learn something new or discover a new place. I am especially happy by the fact that I live close to warm water beaches and tons of onsens. I think I have always been pretty good at self-care, but in japan I am able to take that to new heights. I LOVE beaches- something about the infinite views of the never ending bodies of water and the feeling of sand in my toes. Even in this 65-70ish degree weather the ocean water is sooooo warm (Sea of Japan). I am so happy to be so close and I am looking forward to many beach days. Another thing that I have found is numerous amounts of onsens (hot springs), I love hot springs and this was something I was not aware of before moving to this area, so it has definitely been a great surprise. I will be soaking and meditating a lot in these mineral rich waters. Salt water is just one of my favorite things, oceans, hot springs, tears- the medicine for the soul.
Also I have been getting around in my car! I got a car in Japan and it's been wonderful (fooooo freeee people are so kind- Thanks Mary!) I just got Shaken (insurance) for it and it is so interesting how much insurance is actually involved in vehicle maintenance- customer service in Japan is truly superb! Since my car is an older model they are taking it for a week to replace some parts it needs to be in great shape to drive and meanwhile they gave me a cute replacement car, no extra fees all a part of Shaken- whaaaaaaa.
So outside of work what do ? I have two malls close by (less than 10 and 15 minutes away) and I love to go and people watch. I started attending Japanese language classes this week. This week I also started volunteering at the local community center and will be helping facilitate English language conversation classes for adults in my community (Tsuruta). The first class was Wednesday and I already know it is going to be a great time with all the people that will be attending. They are all so unique and interesting can't wait to learn from them ( I will probably learn more from them, than them from me, lol) Any teachers reading this send tips my way! I have been riding my bike when ever I get a chance, visiting new places close by, reading for pleasure, binge watching my favorite shows and meeting new people.
I have also been trying so hard not to buy all the Hello Kitty themed things, but it is sooooo hard. For those of you that know me well, you know how much I love HK and how obsessed I used to be with this cat especially in middle school ( my whole room was hello kitty themed- from my comforter, to my CD player and Kleenex!) It's coming back ya'll those impulses to own HK things...and you know what the best thing is? that it is totally socially acceptable to be a grown-@$$ woman and have an abundance of HK themed things and anything that might seem "childish" in the states. It is so perfect for me. My inner forever child loves that sooooo much! Also japan has PINK cars everywhere! and I wish I could have one back home, they aren't even custom made, like pink is the stock color, it's a very common thing! Everything is just so kawai (cute).
I officially got my hanko recently, and I was stoked AF! So in Japan instead of having the written signature to sign official documents and stuff they have a hanko, which is a red ink personalized stamp! Another thing that I love is custom anything! so this was pretty cool for me ( I have always wanted one of those red wax stamps for sealing mail- like Game of Thrones status) As soon as I got it I rushed to my local Daiso store and bought some HK themed stuff for it.
Apple season has officially started, and I already got apple gifts-yum. I have been eating tons of different kinds of sweets ( I get gifted Japanese sweets like twice a week at work) and of course lots of sushi! Tonight I will be attending my welcome party and I am so humbled and honored to be welcomed with a party. I will post about it next time. That is all the random stuff I have to share for now.
Ajigasawa Beach
I am getting close to my one month anniversary in Japan, time is going by way to fast.
In the last 3 weeks I have learned a lot, everyday I learn something new or discover a new place. I am especially happy by the fact that I live close to warm water beaches and tons of onsens. I think I have always been pretty good at self-care, but in japan I am able to take that to new heights. I LOVE beaches- something about the infinite views of the never ending bodies of water and the feeling of sand in my toes. Even in this 65-70ish degree weather the ocean water is sooooo warm (Sea of Japan). I am so happy to be so close and I am looking forward to many beach days. Another thing that I have found is numerous amounts of onsens (hot springs), I love hot springs and this was something I was not aware of before moving to this area, so it has definitely been a great surprise. I will be soaking and meditating a lot in these mineral rich waters. Salt water is just one of my favorite things, oceans, hot springs, tears- the medicine for the soul.
Outdoor, boat shaped onsen in Ajigasawa.
Also I have been getting around in my car! I got a car in Japan and it's been wonderful (fooooo freeee people are so kind- Thanks Mary!) I just got Shaken (insurance) for it and it is so interesting how much insurance is actually involved in vehicle maintenance- customer service in Japan is truly superb! Since my car is an older model they are taking it for a week to replace some parts it needs to be in great shape to drive and meanwhile they gave me a cute replacement car, no extra fees all a part of Shaken- whaaaaaaa.
The replacement car for the week.
So outside of work what do ? I have two malls close by (less than 10 and 15 minutes away) and I love to go and people watch. I started attending Japanese language classes this week. This week I also started volunteering at the local community center and will be helping facilitate English language conversation classes for adults in my community (Tsuruta). The first class was Wednesday and I already know it is going to be a great time with all the people that will be attending. They are all so unique and interesting can't wait to learn from them ( I will probably learn more from them, than them from me, lol) Any teachers reading this send tips my way! I have been riding my bike when ever I get a chance, visiting new places close by, reading for pleasure, binge watching my favorite shows and meeting new people.
Popcorn machine at the mall.
Quick fact: Kids in Japan have to buy these $600-$800 backpacks to last them their whole elementary school career.
Just some HK "skin vape" lol, insect repellent. They have HK errrrthang!
I have also been trying so hard not to buy all the Hello Kitty themed things, but it is sooooo hard. For those of you that know me well, you know how much I love HK and how obsessed I used to be with this cat especially in middle school ( my whole room was hello kitty themed- from my comforter, to my CD player and Kleenex!) It's coming back ya'll those impulses to own HK things...and you know what the best thing is? that it is totally socially acceptable to be a grown-@$$ woman and have an abundance of HK themed things and anything that might seem "childish" in the states. It is so perfect for me. My inner forever child loves that sooooo much! Also japan has PINK cars everywhere! and I wish I could have one back home, they aren't even custom made, like pink is the stock color, it's a very common thing! Everything is just so kawai (cute).
I have been trying all kinds of beauty skincare products, this DHC makeup remover is ranked super high and 1 is sold every 10 seconds in the world! Well the skincare store had a special going on...HK themed DHC cleanser kit. of course it was meant to be.And I got a free mirror and hair-clip! That thing on the far right is a chocolate stuffed bread-delish!
I officially got my hanko recently, and I was stoked AF! So in Japan instead of having the written signature to sign official documents and stuff they have a hanko, which is a red ink personalized stamp! Another thing that I love is custom anything! so this was pretty cool for me ( I have always wanted one of those red wax stamps for sealing mail- like Game of Thrones status) As soon as I got it I rushed to my local Daiso store and bought some HK themed stuff for it.
My stamp case (red rectangular thing) before
My stamp case after! and a Hello Kitty red bow ink pad!Yassss.
Apple season has officially started, and I already got apple gifts-yum. I have been eating tons of different kinds of sweets ( I get gifted Japanese sweets like twice a week at work) and of course lots of sushi! Tonight I will be attending my welcome party and I am so humbled and honored to be welcomed with a party. I will post about it next time. That is all the random stuff I have to share for now.
a Japanese sweet with mochi
My new favorite store bought mochi ice cream.
Condensed milk flavored ice cream with fruit-bomb dot com.
Tasting my first Aomori prefecture apple- Aomori is famous for apples.
So cool, just look at the swirls on this ice cream!
This mango snow ice has also been one of my favs.
A gift from Miamuto-San a guy that always swings by the office with new gifts.
Pink cars everywhere!
A day outside the office, on my way to Mizumoto Hoikuen.
The beautiful sunsets. Can't get enough- ever.
So here is the English-Learners curriculum book- careers in America. Ha.
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