Reaching the Training House

Immediately upon leaving the plane, I felt different. I was on my own. I had to figure things out, find my way, all on my own. It's was kind of nice, kind of terrifying, but very different. 

First things first, I had to get my resident card, got my finger prints taken, got my picture taken, filled out forms the whole shebang. Baggage claim and customs were blissfully painless. 

I was met outside customs by my two trainers for my 'boot camp.' I was quite relieved to see them and very happy to meet a group of my fellow trainees. Including me, it's a group of six new teachers. And frankly it's an awesome group. Everyone's so nice! Mostly from America, but we have a Brit and a gal from Ireland. Already I'm looking forward to spending more time with them. Yay! 

Now, to get this group home so we can crash! We're on a train called a Skyliner, and the scenes we're passing are gorgeous. Lots and lots of green, I can hardly describe the trees here. Just beautiful. The sun is beginning to set, but we still have about 30 minutes left on the train before our next adventure- the subway during rush hour! 

Ian, one of our trainers, prepared us, saying "as soon as the doors open, just push your way in!"

I remember the experience very clearly from my first brief visit to Japan years ago. Being packed in, shoulder to shoulder, front to back, completely surrounded. Oddly enough, I actually enjoyed the experience. There's something interesting about completely giving up your personally space, your individualism really, and just becoming one with this swaying blob of humanity. 

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We reached the 'Seminar House' at around 6. This is the house where we'll be doing two weeks of bootcamp-like teacher training. I was ready for sleeps, but first we had to take a tour and meet the staff, all of whom (of course) are quite pleasant. 

The house is obviously old and I'm constantly worried about blowing a fuse, which seems to be a regular occurrence around here. We have a washer/dryer and ironing board, a little kitchen an dour rooms are on the second floor. 

I'm roomed with a lovely lady named Corine, from Britain. She's very talkative, sweet, and supportive so I'm very relieved. 

After a group shopping trip to the nearby market (so much food I have no idea what any of it is!), we were able to go to bed. Fell asleep around 9pm and woke up this morning at 5am (which would never happen in real life).  

We have a short day of training ahead of us, 10:30am - 3pm. So time for more adventures tonight!

I got to IM my mom this morning, which took a load off my mind, but also made me tear up a bit. I haven't cried at all since I got here, which I was worried I'd do a lot of. But again, all I can say is so far so good. My life here has only just begun, but we're off to a good start. :)