First Week in Japan

So I’ve been chilling around in Japan for a week acting like a tourist before my program actually starts.  Went to a lot of random places in Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Nara.  Typical stuff like museums, World Heritage Sites, and temples.  Of course I think they are interesting, but I find myself always in my own world.  I had to keep telling myself to look and actually take in what you are seeing because if I didn’t I would just look without seeing and walk away.  They are interesting in the sense that they are supposed to be interesting.

 

That doesn’t mean I didn’t find enjoyment in them, but I found enjoyment in simple things that I will remember more.  For example there are many kids taking school fieldtrips and one of the things they have to do is ask tourists questions to practice their English.  This one group walked up to a couple behind them and was like “えと May I have a picture?”  I thought it was really funny and kids were good natured so I was laughing.  They noticed me and asked me to join in their picture.  Now I am in some random middle schoolers’ field trip picture.  I found that really cool, perhaps even cooler than the centuries old temple in the background of the picture. 

As usual I do what I normally do when I’m not at school and haven’t talk to people.  I seem to grow super inverted when I’m outside of school.  I don’t try to approach people and talk to them though the best time to do that is probably while in a different country so I can interact with locals.  When I exited the restaurant today I realized it was 7:30ish so it was already dark.  Though I guess I am a morning person, meaning I can get up early and do work without being cranky, my favorite time is probably right after the sun goes down.  It isn’t too cold but it is dark outside, perfect for a walk.  Since this is my first time being out that late in Kyoto (gasp so late right haha) I decided to go for a walk.  Even in this busy city it was pretty quiet while I was walking.  Only a few people on bikes cruising around.  I guess it doesn’t matter which country I am in as long as I can walk around like this I am satisfied.

While walking I realized that I haven’t talk to people.  I mean that is usual when I’m abroad but I’m usually with my dad so there is someone I normally communicate with.  At school obviously I’m talking to people but for this entire week traveling alone I have really only ordered food and said some basic stuff to the train people.  I don’t think I could stand it if I was in that state for too long.  Good thing school is starting back up so I will probably have the motivation to make friends and talk to people.  Until then it is just packing and heading back to Tokyo.