my first day.

I woke up at 3 am, still reeling from the day before. After some reassurance and pep talks from home, I got outside and took a walk around my new home. I came back to an empty kitchen incredibly hungry so I decided to knock on my neighbor's door, a Japanese woman who spoke French. After taking me to the only food store in town (a local convenient store) she invited me to see the yuris, the flowers that grew on a mountain. We drove to a nearby ski mountain which they cover with flowers and walked around taking pictures with the rest of the Japanese tourists. After a nap at home, I went to the elementary school next to my house for the Sports Day the village was having. For the rest of the day I threw balls into baskets, raced with legs tied to five other women, played tug of war, and watched games I didn't even understand. After winning tissues, rubber gloves, trashbags and other exciting prizes, everyone packed up to return home. My neighbor, Naoko, cooked me a delicious dinner and we talked and looked at pictures of France. Who would have thought that I would improve my French while being in Japan?!? Monday is the first day of school and I am expected to speak at the opening ceremony. With any luck I won't trip up to the podium, offend the whole village, and teach classes that I am completely not prepared for!! Shikataga nai!


my first friend!!!
pretty katashina
tug of war
thats me at the back!