Better late than never... right!? I've now been in Japan for about 10 days, about time I update my blog! I have been so crazy busy, so here's updates from my first few days. We haven't had much wireless internet service or free time, so it's been kind of tricky updating, but here goes...

I want to start by saying that Japan is awesome! The people are so kind, understanding, and amazing, to sum it up. The kids (unlike many American children seem) want to learn and work hard. They have such an internal drive and determination to be successful, which is awesome! We could take a few pointers from them.

Day 1
June 29 (30)
I got through the airport in no time, after getting patted down and wanded for having my peanut butter confiscated because it was a “jelly-like substance.” Bummer, but oh well I guess. If that’s the worst thing that happens during my trip, then I’m doing pretty well I guess. I got through security in about an hour or so, so I waited for awhile for the plane to board. 12 hour plane ride was very long. It got long when the flight attendants turned off the lights for people to nap. They served us 3 times during the flight, trying to fatten us up or what?! Ha. Four movies were played, I watched part of “Just Go With It” and “Going the Distance.” Originally, the seat between me and Jenny was open, but Rachel moved there because her microphone wasn’t working. We arrived at the airport, stressfully went through customs, and got a few minutes to grab a bite to eat and explore. Quickly discovered the complicated, button-filled bathrooms. Talk about confusing?! I exchanged money at the airport, I didn’t really understand the whole exchange system (supposedly 71 yen is equivalent to 100 American cents, today, anyways). This concept will probably confuse me all the way until the end of my trip here, but it is the way it is. We were going to get Subway, but decided that we weren’t that hungry, so rather just walked to the Subway in the end of the airport, looked around a bit, and walked back. Took a city bus to the hotel, where we were given our room keys and yen (about $8) for dinner. There were funky toilets, slippers/robes, and hot water heaters in our room. The bed stands also had tons (and I mean TONS) of crazy high-tech buttons for lights, room service, and such. We had a large group meeting where we met our AC’s and Guy Healy himself. Walked around the hotel a bit with Rachel, Janelle, and Jenny, and checked out the breakfast area on the 13th floor. Then hung out in their room for a bit. Then went to bed at about 9 o clock, my roommate, Amanda was already crawled into bed and about to fall asleep. Didn’t sleep the best, was wide awake and apparently talking to my roommate at 1 in the morning. Hopefully the jet lag gets better and I get accustomed to the time change tomorrow. Was going to try to skype my parents at 9pm, 7am their time, but we didn’t have wireless internet service at the hotel. I bought a 105 minute calling card for 1000 yen from a vending machine at the hotel.

Day 2
June 31st
Day 1 of orientation
Woke up at about 6am to shower, pack up, and get ready to go to the first camp. Breakfast consisted of French fries, bread, meatballs, juice, honeydew, oranges, and other random things. Was good, but very random. Had a fabulous view from the top of the hotel, you could see the beautiful view from the top of it. Left the hotel at 8:30 for a 3.5 hour bus ride to our first camp and orientation, Shizuoka. Ate lunch then had a “Welcome” from Guy Healy. Was literally dripping sweat it was so extremely hot! People were busting out their laptops because we had wireless service in the room for the orientation.

Will write more soon!