#3: Initial Thoughts

I really thought I would update this blog more, but life has just been so hectic! Just as I was starting to settle down, University started and I have classes every day. I love it here but at the same time, some things are a bit tough to adjust to. I'm sure that this is just natural though and I will be fine soon :)

Also, I got my mobile phone sorted. If anyone would like to send me an e-mail (which comes to my phone like a text message), my address is LAURENC@DISNEY.NE.JP

Things I like about Japan so far

♥ Iced coffee is cheap and available everywhere, even from vending machines on the street
♥ No litter or vandalism anywhere
♥ My phone is amazing, I love being able to send e-mails whenever I want
♥ It's not cold
♥ There's lots of shops, and everything is generally cool/cute
♥ The recycling system, once you get used to it, is really effective. I wish the UK would take on a similar project
♥ I feel safe in the Boarding House and everyone is really nice
♥ The staff at Uni are really helpful and are very protective of us :)
♥ I'm learning to be more independent
♥ Ice cream mochi = yum
♥ I might be going to see Franz Ferdinand

#2: よこそう

So after all the months of planning and hard work, I am finally in Japan! My flights were fine, I had no problems and managed to get enough sleep for my body clock to adjust to Japan time.

When I first saw my empty room, my initial thoughts were 'oh god, why have I come halfway accross the world by myself, away from the people I love most?' but once I got unpacked and decorated my room with photos and cards I felt a little better. The girls that live here are all very nice and welcoming too. I love the street that we live on. It's just like I expected it to be.

I have also been to the supermarket. I had no idea what most things were :( except Tuna onigiri. I should have bought more than one though I guess as I'm hungry now! Tomorrow we are having a tour of the area and also going to apply for our "alien registration cards". So hopefully someone can help me out with the food shopping too and I'll start to feel more settled.

I will also post soon with photos of my room! All I'll say for now is that it's very Japanese, with an entrance hall for me to take my shoes off, and a low dining table.

#1: Eleven days to go!

Around a week and a half now until I leave for Nagoya! I am excited, but also feeling quite nervous. I've been studying Japanese for three years but I've heard people in the same situation as me say that once they arrived, it felt as though a whole different language was being spoken. I'm also quite sad about having to say goodbye to my family, friends and boyfriend Mike (of 2.5 years) but it's only 3 months till I will be back at Christmas. So I'm sure it's all going to be fine.

I've started my packing but I have a feeling I'm going to run out of space very soon. I have too many clothes that I wanted to take. So I'm trying to devise a 'capsule wardrobe' right now. I wish Gok Wan could come help me.

I'm finally going to Japan after being obsessed with the place for years & years! I will post again when I'm on the other side of the world :)