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Michael- One Month in Japan

One Month in Japan

Today marks a month since I came to Japan. It really has gone quickly and some how I knew it would. I figured after I'd been here for awhile everything would start to settle down, but it hasn't quite happened yet. I feel like I always have a full calender and from what I've seen from people in Hippo this is a normal occurance. I'm partially excited because there is so much to experience and only a year to do it in, but also starting to feel the wear and tear. Sadly, the weekends are far to precious to catch my breath. This past weekend was once again an extended weekend due to a holiday on Monday- there tend to be quite a few. I personally think it's because people work so hard with so much overtime that the holidays are built in to help them survive. Personally, my weekend was jammed back with brass band concerts, sightseeing, and festival.

Outside the Asakusa Shrine One Weekend
On Saturday night, we attended one of our usual clubs for what is quickly becoming my favorite hippo activity - the potluck. It doesn't happen to often, but I love when it does. I think it's a great opportunity for club bonding - it's kind of like a family reunion. Sure we do some SADA and mimicing, but then everyone sits around a table and eats. I get to try lots of different foods, but also it's time when people are just interacting and communicating. Overall, language is still the biggest barrier for me though I'm starting to catch more and more. My host mother writes words that I learn on the calender and also records the date that I recite certain things at Hippo meetings. It's great to have a support system.
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