Step One of a Twelve-Step Program

Sounds of traffic. Dim light peeking around the curtains. My nephews playing in the next room.

My first step towards a new chapter in my life begins today, as I will board a plane for Japan this afternoon. Daniela's story in Japan has already begun, having left 9 days earlier, on July 26th. She spent a few days in Tokyo for her ALT orientation, and is now living in the apartment in Tsuchiyama, Shiga Prefecture set up for us by JET. Although her classroom teaching won't start until September, she is already going to work to prepare lesson plans. I'm very proud of her since it can be hard to get a position with JET.

I quit my job on Friday. I will miss my students and fellow teachers at the afterschool program where I worked for two years. However, this trip to Japan points towards my future interests in studying Japanese culture, history, and art. This blog will allow me to reflect on everything that I learn in Japan, from daily life and experiences to firsthand knowledge of Japanese art and architecture.

So now, everything is packed. I have a few things to do before I go to the airport, but all in all, I'm ready. Ganbarimasu.