Tokyo Orientation

Tokyo Orientation is over today, so I'll share some of the highlights with you.

Day One I woke up to the hot Tokyo sun burning me up through the window. The day's events included what seemed like an infinite amount of welcome speeches and ceremonies, workshops and meet-and-greets (I have completely forgotten everyone's name whom I met!). I had a mock-elementary school visit session complete with number games and singing-for a moment I was six again ha ha.

I also went to a session on cooking and eating in Japan, which went through all the Kanji for things like 'use-by date' and 'cook in microwave'(my specialty).

We had a massive banquet reception complete with buffet :-D in the evening, and I headed to bed exhausted.

Yesterday was a little more fun. I decided to ditch the hotel breakfast and venture out to find my own-I found a rice ball (onigiri) and a starbucks coffee, and managed pretty good with my Japanese. A few more speeches later I ventured out again for lunch and bought okonomiyaki (Dad's favourite) and got it heated up at the convenience store (I'm in love with the convenience store, or 'combini'!)

Afternoon workshops consisted of 'Thriving as a rural Jet' (verrrrry handy considering I'll be the only fireigner in my town!), and a prefectural meeting. I've met so many people who know my predecessor and speak highly of my town, so I'm feeling more and more confident about it.

Last night we went to the Australian Embassy for a welcome, and sipped on Australian wine through the night. Afterwards, a few of us headed to Sky Bar (which was on one of the top floors of the hotel), and had a few cocktails, it was such a relaxing night.

And that brings me to now! I'm sitting in my hotel room, all packed and ready to fly again! I'm really looking forward to seeing my apartment ad school, so I'll definitely keep you updated!

Thanks for reading about my adventures!

Sam :-)