Finally Settled In...
Since the last time I posted, I have explored the city, gotten lost on the campus, and eaten some delicious food. It's been a few days since I arrived, classes have started, and I have found myself settling into my new school routine! In a nutshell, it is as follows:
7:00 - 起きる (I wake up)
7:30 - 朝ごはんを食べる (I eat breakfast) Very early in the morning, my host mother works a shift at a bakery. She brings home some of the sandwiches and pastries she made for us to eat each morning.
9:00 - 学校に来ている (I arrive at school) I study in the Learning Commons for a few hours with a cup of coffee. I sit by the TV, since it's permanently set to BBC. I like to stay informed on current events - and the evening news I watch at home is good Japanese practice - but I want to make sure I understand all the important news.
11:00 - 一番目クラス (first class) We have no class at this time on Monday and an international student briefing on Wednesday.
12:30 - 昼ごはんを食べる (I eat lunch) Guys, American cafeterias are overpriced! Look at this, I can get a bowl curry rice, pickles, salad, cheesecake, and unlimited tea/water for roughly $4.50 (￥507)! That's not even mentioning how much better the quality of the food is...
13:15 - 日本語クラス (Japanese class) I'm one of only three students in my level. The professors switch out each day, and there is usually a TA or two working with us, so we get lots of individual help!
15:15 - 三番目クラス／ひまな時／クラブ訪問している (third class, free time, or club visits) Throughout the semester, we will be visiting many Japanese culture clubs during this period. Here's some pictures from this week's club visit: Calligraphy!
My calligraphy skills are not very good, but I had a lot of fun! I picked the word 紅葉 to practice writing. During this time, I also go walking around the city. Today I was at the temple right next door to my campus.
17:00 - 勉強する (I study)
19:00 - 晩ごはんを食べに帰る (I come home to eat dinner) I sit with my fellow international student and host sister - a German woman - at the kotatsu (short table; in winter there is a heater underneath and blanket "drapes" to warm your legs).
20:30 - シャワーを浴びる (I shower)
22:00 - 寝る (I go to bed)
I'm going on a field trip with the international students this Saturday to Kinkaguji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion); I'll be telling you all about how it goes next week!
