#nanikore

I never cease to be amazed at the contradictions that surround me; tradition clashes with modernism daily. 

People ask me: "So how's your Japanese?" 

There's really no way to reply to this other than…. "Absolutely terrible. It would take me years of living here to come even slightly close to speaking fluently." 

The fact of the matter is, I spoke hardly a word of Japanese before I moved here and I'm thankful that I've, relatively easily, been able to pick up enough to get by. 

My first six months here have been a huge challenge. I am lonely. I have never lived by myself. Back home I have a rowdy family and friends and they have always surrounded me every second of every day. Now I'm completely alone in a shoebox apartment with only my thoughts the majority of the week. This is both a blessing and a curse.

Having said this I have met some truly awesome people who I'm sure will be lifelong friends and hanging out with them on weekends is what keeps me sane.

だいじょうぶよ！^^ I do love it here!