In the last two weeks I have experienced some new things. A new host family, new schedule, new home, new haircut, new path to school. I said goodbye to my wonderful host family on the 22nd of November and began to realize that this was the first of many endings and beginnings on my exchange. It's a lot to take in, but I am enjoy every moment of it!
From the beginning of this adventure I have tried to eat what has been put in front of me with only a few exceptions. Two of those being whale and squid. Luckily for me I've been able to avoid the whale completely, but squid is a popular snack, meal, and sometimes even a treat here so I knew sooner or later I would have some. Two weeks ago, on one of my first nights with my new host family, my host mom and I went out for sashimi. IT WAS DELICIOUS. The meal was made right in front of us, which was super cool to watch, by a very kind man who apparently is 80 years old. (He didn't look a day over 55!) Anyway, after talking and eating a whole he put some kind of sashimi in front of me that I didn't recognize, everything had tasted delicious so far, so I shoved the entire thing in my mouth. It was a giant piece of squid. Needless to say, I choke down the thing with the help of some matcha tea and extra rice. It was probably the worst six minutes of my time here. I think that's a good sign though, if that's the worst I'm doing pretty good!
My new host family is fantastic. In the last three weeks I have already had so much fun, I'm very excited for the next two and a half months. I am very grateful that my first host family spoke so much English but I am extremely happy that my second family doesn't. They speak a small amount of my native tongue which, at least in my opinion, is exactly what I need. In my short time with the Okuda family, I've noticed that my Japanese has improved dramatically! I have been able to speak with my classmates, Rotarians, and even strangers much easier than before and I am beyond excited to have small conversations in which both parties are understanding. In the last (almost) four months, I have gone from practically mute among people to slightly less mute! HUZZAH! You never realize how amazing and important communication is until you can't do it anymore. It may feel like I'm moving at a snails pace, but I know that with a lot of trial and error, I'll get this.
I have been so busy. I feel like that sentence probably applies to everyday of exchange, but recently it's been getting to me. Everyday after school I have club activities and studying, and every weekend I am either doing something awesome with Rotarians, exchange students, classmates, or other people. Some of my recent excursions: exploring the area around my new host family's home, traveling to Hinase with my host parents for famous and delicious okonomiyaki, cooking Japanese and other county's special dishes at a cooking event, a super fun district rotary meeting, and attending two musicals. I love to be busy, but it's very tiring. I never liked naps before, now they are probably one of my favorite pastimes!
Quickly about the musicals: one was an elementary schools performance of Snow White and it was adorable. It really reminded me why I want to be a teacher for children! They are so enthusiastic and wonderful. The second performance was that of a professional company, A Christmas Carol (the Japanese musical version), and oh my Buddha it was fantastic. Its incredible to me to see how music truly transcends language. I can't stop singing now!!! That's why I'm going to Karaoke today. I have another busy weekend ahead, so I shall end here. Until next time!