Earlier that morning, I had mentioned to Noriko-san how much I loved the mountains, and how much I would love to climb them. So she took me and the kids out to this meadow that was surrounded by mountains on every side! And there was a little river, and an old bridge, and tons and tons of wildflowers.
It literally took my breath away. I got out of the car, took one step out, and my breath caught in my chest and I forgot about breathing. That’s how beautiful it was. I can’t even describe it in words, so here are more pictures:
I felt so small and insignificant next to the centuries-old mountains. Which, to quote The Hush Sound, are “like sea-glass, so weathered and worn.” And also covered in trees. And moss.
When I first decided on going to Japan, 90% of my reasoning was to see the mountains. I wanted to see the moss-covered stones and the dense trees because to me, the green on green on green is the picture of beauty. Well, I got my wish x9,000,000! I have never seen anything so beautiful. EVER.
With my wicked amazing camera skills, and my equally amazing camera, (LOL), I attempted to capture the beauty of it, but your missing the feeling of intense humility, the pressure of the fog, the smell of the air, the birdsongs, the cold breeze, and the full panoramic view. Oh well, you should just come to Japan. And visit me!!
Japan is a paradise! (So there, Pop. I called it a paradise. Lol)
In other news, I went to my school today! It was nerve-wracking. About 10 Japanese adults were all in a conference room, just for me!!! They gave me a packet of information on the school, my schedule, and a bunch of personal business cards. (In Japan, you hand out business cards when meeting new people.) I also got my uniform fitting. KAWAII, ne???????? A pleated plaid skirt, a sailor shirt, a blazer, black patent leather Mary-Janes….oh we’re in deep now, Jare. And I got a gym uniform! With 2 pair of tennis shoes! So you don’t have to send my shoes, Pop. If you already have, though, thanks!
I pick up my uniform on Friday, and I also get a tour of the school then. Well, a more complete tour.
GUESS WHAT? Not only is Seirantaito both a boy and girl’s school, but I had the best news ever confirmed: Seirantaito is a slacker-school, to put it politely! The kids there just want there diplomas so they can get a decent job. No college aspirations! That means that they just take it easy and have fun all the time!
YAAAAAAAY!
My school counselor told me that. So it’s official. Like, the school is officially a school for kids who just want to clown around.
HOW DID I GET SO BLESSED?
- I never thought there was a family as cool as mine until I met the Komagatas. (Well, they come pretty darn close.)
- I’m living in the most beautiful tropical paradise ever!
- I have my own room and bathroom!
- My host-mom is a good cook!
- My school is co-ed!
- It’s a slacker school!
- I’m actually progressing in my Japanese, really fast!
- I stocked my freezer with green tea ice cream from Haagen-das!
- I’m so happy!
- My little brother and sister get along with me SUPER!
- Back in America, I’ve got the best family and friends and dog waiting for me!
- NOT ONLY AM I ACTUALLY IN JAPAN, WHICH WAS JUST A FAINT HOPE ONLY EIGHT MONTHS AGO, BUT I’M HERE FOR A YEAR AND IT’S MORE THAN THE PERFECT SITUATION!
Kay, so I’m done “happy-ranting”. Lol
Oh, and communication with my host parents is great! We sat down, just the three of us, yesterday, and had a really great talk! They said that it was most likely that their house was in the best condition of my host families, and if I wanted to stay there, I could for the whole YEAR!!!!! Also, they told me that I should use less internet, (one hour per day) because although I was trying to keep it down, I had been spending several hours making these blogs!
So what I do is make them on Microsoft Word when I go to bed, and then it only takes a few minutes to copy and paste them over when I have internet access in the afternoons.
I go to bed at 8:30, and then I have time to myself until I fall asleep at 10:00.
No internet access, but I can “compute” as long as I want up here!
Which is totally fair and awesome!
You know what I just realized? Months ago, I had this idea that I wanted to go to Japan, for a long time. It seemed like a crazy, insane, long shot. I mean I’m 16 years old, 15 at the time, we're not insanely rich or anything, how on Earth was I going to go to Japan?
Guess what?
I’m in Japan. For a long time.
I’m a pretty awesome kid, if I do say so myself.
It be extremely egotistical of me to take full credit. If I hadn’t prayed for it every day since the idea materialized in my crazy head, it wouldn’t have happened. Oh, and the Rotary club and my parents had a little something to do with it too.
LOL.
1 comment:
oh, a uniform?
well, i guess you'll just have to post pictures, i always thought it was just an anime thing. =D
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