Am I excited?
Am I excited to go to a place where not only do I not speak or read the language like a 3rd grader (on a good day)? Am I psyched to know that when I arrive the closest thing to a familiar face I'll have is the KFC mascot? Am I pumped that I still don't have a place to live or know what classes I'll be taking until two days before school all starts? Was it excitement that made me cry myself to sleep a couple times thinking that I'm utterly unprepared? Does knowing that I'll be the fattest girl in Mitaka just tickle me pink?
Um,...no. Not really.
But, am I stocked that I'll finally know what those cheap, instant ramen packs are supposed to taste like? Am I excited that I'll be living in the homeland of Bushido? Not to mention some of the last remaining Lawson's stores! Am I ecstatic to learn what it means to live in a big city, let alone the fashion capital of the East? What about the opportunity to see the ocean, temples, and shrines on a near daily basis?
Yeah, that part is pretty cool!
Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't be going to Japan if I was completely mortified of what might await me there. I have had some great advice from other Bujinkan members, Wittenberg students, and close friends about where to go, what to eat, and whom NOT to get close to. I am just starting to feel really anxious about all the negative aspects to moving (again) to a new city. My main worries at the moment are:
- Where am I going to live?!
- How will I get my Arabic/American food fix?
- Where is the closest dojo?
- How will I understand my professors?!
I've still got a lot of time to practice vocab and basic greetings, put together some omiyage, and snag some family time. Maybe my excitement list will be longer in August. Maybe I'll have found new fears. Either way, I'll keep you all posted and let you know how I'm faring for the next 11-odd months. Thanks for your support in getting me this far!
Ya Iskuntera! 1) You will not be the fattest girl in Japan, but you may be the tallest. 2) I have no doubt whatsoever in your little Japanese abilities! (Watashi wa chisai hashi desu... :P) no one said that it would be pudding in pie to live in a foreign country with a language you are just starting out with and you have every reason to be nervous, but your excitement (or at least your curiosity) should override any fear. I have such faith in you and I can't wait to Skype your face in Japan!
ReplyDeleteLubimaya sestra tvoya ;)
Phia
Hey Alex! I'm honored I was put on the list. :)
ReplyDeleteGuess who's coming to Tokyo with you?? Me! I move to Tokyo Aug. 30 and I dunno where I'm living yet either, so we can bluster around like pin balls TOGETHER! I'm super duper excited, so I'll try and give you some of mine. :)