Let's go to the mall!

Today was our first day off! I have been go-go-going since Monday and I am exhausted. We spent the morning doing laundry, and by we I mean half the house was trying to do laundry. Some of us literally had nothing clean/dry to wear besides the clothes on our backs. Good thing I brought lots of underwear.

We walked down to Omiya station to do some much needed shopping. I had a list of several things I needed...of which I managed to get 2. The station was so overwhelming. There was a 7 story department store! It was so crazy. It was more like a 7 story mall though because each floor had loads of shops. We were all making fun of the English on the shirts, but this shirt takes the cake!

This is Emy holding up a very opinionated shirt... Some designer out there is very passionate about scooters lol. 

You know how sometimes stores just make clothes with random cities on them? St. George is a small town near where my family in Utah lives who's claim to fame is a shopping mall and a Costco. This bag was just SO random.

The third best thing about shopping was this little mochi/dessert stand with a friendly clerk who sold homemade mochi! It was absolutely delicious :) YUM YUM MOCHI. 

After we got back we stopped off at the friendly neighborhood Tobu and got some groceries. Then Brent, Pris/Pho/Phuh/Priscilla and I made some Japanese curry! Oishi desu! 

First week of training complete!! I don't really know what to say yet...so here's a picture of my breakfast!

I was so proud of this meal haha. Rice, ochyazuke, tofu, and a soft boiled egg in the center! I wish I had a close up of this because it was beautiful. 

This is a novelty SPAGHETTI flavored popsicle... it had real meat products and tomatoes in it. Brent had to eat it because he lost the card game. It was hilarious because I asked if he was going to barf because he hates tomato products and he said something like "I'm not going to barf. I'm a real man" and after the first bite he was gagging and almost ralphed. It tasted like sweet cold tomato soup with a terrible after taste. I don't recommend it...

 Pictures from our night on the town! We walked to downtown Omiya and ate at this strange British pub-type place.

Me and my BFF Tobu. I just love Tobu so much.. 

My Neighbor Totoro! (Brent)

Chopstick level: Expert

It was a great night.. until we got lost in Japan in the pouring rain and our map got wet and disintegrated. BUT we made it home safe so it's all good. The power of the buddy system!! 

Finals notes: If you're using a Japanese toilet, DO NOT press the button of the woman's face. AND something about a blue hippo that isn't hungry.

WHEW What a crazy past couple of days! Flying to Narita, meeting all the trainees, spending the last 20 minutes trying to log into webs.com...then realizing my blog was on blogger not webs. Idiot.

We have 18 trainees crammed into a cool Japanese-hostel type building. All these young energetic crazy soon-to-be teachers are a blast! We don't mean to brag but we consider ourselves pretty sensei-sational... har har. I hope my sister enjoys that pun.

Last night I was on a mission to go to this small local Soba restaurant. I spent like an hour talking about eating cold noodles and just generally obsessing over this restaurant. A small Japanese woman was running the entire restaurant it seemed. She seated us, took our orders, then disappeared into the kitchen until our food started coming out. I decided that if I learn any kanji, it should be the food kanji! Definitely the most practical. Here's a picture of my delightful cold soba! It hit the spot like none other.

Today we went to this awesome Ramen shop in Omiya! 

 You had to order outside with this weird vending machine type thing. You entered the money then it printed your meal ticket which you gave to the server. Pretty strange. I got nervous and just chose exactly what my friend chose since I couldn't read anything and I knew whatever buttons he pushed worked out haha.

After the delicious boutao (?) special of fresh ramen, strange mushrooms, pork, and a killer broth we waddled down to the Omiya Shrine. We partook in some rituals (cleansing of the hands and mouth before entering the shrine and an offering in which you clap once, throw your coin in the vessel, make a wish, and clap twice..or something like that) 

Front of Omiya Shrine. 

 Making an offering.

Our sensei-tional group :) Minus Brent who took the photo and the other weenies who didn't come.. just kidding.. 

Next week and a half are hardcore training! Hopefully I have time to do some more fun stuff though!! Everyday is an adventure. 

Last day in the USA

This is the lovely view from the cliffs of my favorite beach. I'm going to miss this place. Tomorrow I am off to Japan! I hear that the plane food is phenomenal (seriously). My immersion into all things Japanese will begin with chopsticks and hopefully a moist towelette:)