Day Eight

Everything goes by here so fast. I can’t believe I’ve been here for a week. Immersion truly is the best way of survival because you either sink or swim! So far I have learned how to use money, figure out the train system, work all of my appliances that are in Japanese, figure out enough of the language to communicate, and NOT get lost. I remember when Candace came here and she emailed about trying to find food in the grocery store. Environmental print was her saving grace, as is mine. I have located many name brands that I recognize.

I woke up this morning and finished my book. I went down to Mandy’s afterward because today is her last day here. She is supposed to leave tomorrow but because the weather is so bad she is going on to the airport tonight. While I was down there Yumi and Misaki came over. Yoko had sent them to check on me because I was getting sick yesterday. Yumi pulled out a thermometer and said that she needed to take my temperature. Here they take them under the arm. It was normal. I was feeling better from last night too. I have taken some medicine and got a lot of rest. We decided not to do to the doctor because I am still talking antibiotics from home. She was so sweet though because she brought me water, fruit, and ice cream! It was so thoughtful of her.

Mandy’s friend Melissa was there at the apartment. She is from New York and is 25. She and I talked a lot while Mandy finished packing. Then the three of us headed out for some lunch. After lunch we went to the grocery store and met up with Caroline. We did some shopping for provisions because I am about to experience my first typhoon.

I’m sure if you have been watching CNN you have heard all about the weather here. It is supposed to hit late tonight (Saturday night). Right not it is really windy and rainy. I asked a million questions about where I should go (down low, a ditch??). All I have to connect this with is a tornado or a hurricane. They told me to stay in my apartment and not go outside. They said that the winds will get really strong and could blow signs and things away and they could hit me if I was outside. It reminds me of watching coverage from hurricanes and things. I plan to stay inside with my cell phone right next to me.

To prepare for the typhoon (I made the mistake of calling a tsunami and scared some of the Japanese teachers to death…kind of comical actually when we sorted it all out) I bought some cheese and stuff. I also bought notebooks so that I could prepare lessons while I was cooped up inside. I am so excited about all of the things that I can do in my lessons.

When we came back to the apartment (the grocery store is across the street) I was SOAKED. My light gray shirt was dark and my jeans were wet. I had been wearing my raincoat too if that tells you how strong the wind and rain were. Yoko came over and talked to Mandy about leaving for the airport and I went up to my apartment for a little nap.

It’s about 6:40 here and Mandy left awhile ago. It’s so quiet without someone to talk to. On the plus side, I have found someone to do my hair!! Caroline is going to get hers done this week and I am going to go with her to watch and meet the guy. He studied in London and I’m very excited. Not much else going on here. I’m in for the night…no shopping for me at those cute little shops. I am going to plan lessons, read, and maybe watch a movie.