Sunday we said good-bye to eachother and got on trains taking us to various parts of Japan. It was sad leaving training, but we were all too excited about seeing where we were going to live and work for the next year to be too upset. I had to change trains in Kyoto and someone was supposed to meet me on the platform, but there never showed up. So there I was, trying to figure out the payphone, with only one telephone contact number. I finally got ahold of someone, and 3 hours later someone else showed up to get me. It could have been worse, I could have not spoken any Japanese. As it was I made friends with some little old ladies sitting next tome and have a great time. My assistant manager, Miyuki, was supposed to pick me up, but she had been waiting outside the station and I was given specific directions not to move from the platform. We waited an additional hour for a train to Fukui (standing the whole time-- why don't the Japanese believe in sitting on thr ground I ask you!), then we had to stand on the train for an hour and a half on the train to Fukui. At the station my manager, Yuki, and the teacher I am replacing, Melanie, met me. They took my to my apartment, which might possibly be the definition of shoebox, and then to a restaurant named Salut (great pasta and a pottery shop) then grocery shopping and back home. The apartment has one room, which serves as bedroom/living room/dining room. My futon takes up most of the free space when I put it out. The front hall serves as a foyer, pantry, laundry room and kitchen. (forget counter space, if I need to chop food I do it on the washing machine). The kitchen consists of a half-fridge, a tiny microwave that doubles as an oven and toaster, a rice cooker, a sink and one burner. I have a balcony to dry my clothes that would fit maybe 2 people. It sounds bad, and the first night I was shocked that it was so small, but I'm starting to get use to it. I don't have any friends to invite over anyways. Everything in the apartment is new and very clean, so it shouldn't be too bad.

Monday I watched Melanie teach and tried teaching a class myself. The class I taught didn't go very well, which made me evern more nervous. The office is also very small. I am going to work 10 hour days 4 days a week, then have 3 days off. I'm not use to the 10 hours a day though, so I am still exhausted. I will be working with a British guy named John, but he is at follow-up training so I haven't met him yet. Melanie and I went to an adorable little coffee shop around the corner from the office called Moji. It is very simple and modern, but incredibly peaceful. I can picture myself going there regularly for lunch or coffee.

Tuesday went better than Monday. I taught a class that went very well. I stuck to the lesson plan, didn't run over time and the kids seemed to have a good time. I don't know why I am so nervous and scared. I love all of the kids (mostly), and love talking and playing with them outside of class. I think that I am mostly concerned about sticking to the lesson plan and making sure that they are learning enough. Tuesday night Melanie and I cooked some spaghetti in the apartment and sat around talking. I think that we would be very good friends if she were staying. Unfortunately she can't stay because I am taking her job. She has been so nice so far though, organizing things for me, introducing me to her friends, and explaining everything to me. After dinner we met a co-worker Yuki (not the manager, I actually work with 2 yukis) at a bar around the corner from the apartment called Bear's Bar. It reminds me of an English Pub (other than the Japanese people and the Karaoke machine in the corner).

Today I re-learned how to ride a bicycle, and I am proud to say that I didn't crash into anyone (although there were some close calls, I haven't ridden a bike in 6 years). There is a beautiful bike path along the river near the apartment. Tomorrow I am going to ride the other direction and see where it goes.