indieflickpunk
Denver
Why I want to go to this place
I’m actually moving here in about 3 months and I’m really excited. I’m really making a push to learn Japanese but any help would be amazing!
Comments:
indieflickpunk
Denver
I hope we get to! I’d love to get out with some people that know the city a little bit, especially someone who is working for the same company. I’m supposed to be at the school near the station, but I’m not sure of the name. Is there anything I should know before I get out there?
uncategorical
Okayama
Um not much except bring your own deodorant (the stuff here is not so great:) Also your laptop (if you have one) is a must! Err shoes maybe if your feet are big… other than that you should be fine! I have no regrets about what I brought, you can get pretty much everything over here… I was going to get you in touch with Kev, but hes got no net at the moment so that doesn’t work…do you have any burning questions??
indieflickpunk
Denver
Mike, one of the people who interviewed me said the same thing about the deodorant. Luckily I do have a good laptop and I couldn’t leave without it.
Well, the most burning question I have is kinda silly, but how close is the nearest ski resort? I’m dying to go snowboarding and it would be awesome to go in Japan. (And will you come if I go?) I guess I might have to take up surfing unless there’s a halfpipe nearby. Next is how do you like the job and what tribulations have you found during it? I’ve dabbled in teaching at the University here but I’m sure there are some stark differences between the two. How easy is it to get around without knowing Japanese and where can I go to learn? I read somewhere that it’s inappropriate to wear jeans and a t-shirt around town, is that the case or more of an oversimplification? Oh and should I invest in a international driver’s license before I come out? (I’m assuming they are relatively small) Oh, by my calculations the room I’m getting is about 108 square feet, which is about 10.5’x10.5’ is that right? Is there a different region coding on DVDs there (or I guess a better question is do American DVDs work on players out there and vice versa).
Sorry, I don’t mean to inundate you with questions.
Oh and what’s you’re name? Mine’s Greg, but everyone here calls me Rex.
uncategorical
Okayama
Hey again, Ok so let me get back to you about the ski resort question… Ill ask around for you.. I know there was some talk of going but Im pretty sure there’s nothing all that close. (I’ll def. come if you make the trek!) Ok second question… :) Im loving the job… the team are all really friendly and the students are great. The grammar is really hard to get your head around at times so I would recommend brushing up on that before you come. I didnt and Im still struggling with some of the more obscure points that you have to teach….apart from that no complaints! In terms of getting around without Japanese its fairly easy… it can take a bit of getting used to, but there’s always someone that will help you…Theres an international centre that has Japanese lessons for around 200 yen per lesson. Ive signed up but haven’t dragged myself out of bed in time for class yet… I think your apartment is closer to the int. centre though so it should be easier for you… Ive only been to Kev’s apartment once, but its heaps better/bigger than mine and Im more than happy with my size. I remember he has a nice size balcony, a decent size tatami room/bedroom, a kitchen, a hallway (yes a hallway… this is unheard of:) bathroom, toilet etc.. I think you’ll be happy!
Dont bother with the international dirvers licence… if you have a look in your contract, you’ll find that your not allowed to drive… sucks but no biggie once you’ve got yourself a push bike and can work the public transport system. I know that Australian dvd’s dont work here and Im pretty sure its the same for US ones, again let me check for you, but Im pretty sure its a different region. (ok if youve got a good dvd player on your laptop though…) Oh and in terms of jeans and t-shirt… all good…wouldnt worry too much about casual… its pretty much like home…
by the by, my names Claire… nice to meet you:)speak soon…
indieflickpunk
Denver
Hey Claire,
That was rather thorough! Thank you so much! I’m not too concerned with grammar, I had a lot of it beat into my head when I was younger, but I suppose there may be some things that I take for granted. I don’t suppose you go into direct objects and gerund phrases and the like… but maybe I’ll be surprised. I take it you’re from Australia, and not the US, but what part? I nearly went to Queensland for college, but my scholarships kept me here.
As for snowboarding I had already done a little research and it should take about 6 hours to get to the nearest mountain (although the best places are supposed to be in Hokkaido), so it would probably either be a really early day or a weekend trip. Thus, I will probably have to store my new board here. But we definitely should try and make plans to get to some different places. I would like to travel up to the Mie prefecture to see one of my friends, and I’m of course interested in Tokyo and Fuji-san.
I’m kinda jealous that you’re already out there and I’m anxious to meet you, but I suppose even as I get older (my birthday is next Tuesday) that I still need to learn patience.
Why did you decide Japan? Do you have any regrets so far? And, it’s a little early, but is there anything you want me to bring out there?
Greg
