Hello Everyone...
Sunday afternoon here and wanted to catch you all up on my week.. I have now been here 8 days...so pretty much over the jet lag and adjusted to my new time zone..
So a couple of things about my week- I have now completed 5 days in my new job...so far so good. I think everyone is still trying to figure out about me...you know..am I capable..am I smart..am I an American spy..so so many questions going on in the office!
So on Monday I got to leave work early and move into my new...321sq. ft apt. I live in Shinegawa (let me know if you need my address so you can send me amazing things..haha) My apt. is small..but so so nice and conveniently located to so many restaurants/markets/etc. And..a 10 minute covered walked to the JR train station..why is that SOO important..well because it is rainy season in Japan..that is why the covered part is so important.
So I am checked in ..still waiting for my boxes but hopefully those will arrive in a couple of days so I can be fully unpacked and settled.
So like I said I have a short 10 minute walk to the train station...5 stops on the train..and 10 minute walk from Tokyo Station to my office- Otemachi. First part of the week here it was hot..I mean really hot...and the air in my office does not come on until 9am..and I say air condition but really it is hot air being circulated. So it is very common for people to come in with their hair wet from sweat. Well I say people..really just me and the men..The women have on long sleeves..and are just glistening...like not sweating..my over at my desk..using my rag to wipe the sweat from my face...as my bangs are stuck to my forehead..make up already melted off my face by 8:30am...not a pretty sight..let me just tell all of you. So needless to say extra make up and deodorant are packed in my bag.
The train stations in the morning and afternoon..are something you can never really prepare yourself for...There is people coming from every corner of the world it feels like. First couple of mornings I was pretty traumatized..but by Friday..I knew what side to walk on..which way to turn..I was actually fitting in..and not the rude American. It all just works here..people walk in the right direction...in unision. EXCEPT on Fridays- I never saw people break the rules of crosswalks/etc- However, on Friday after work headed to the train station- I saw them..Rule Breakers in Japan. They were crossing not in cross walks and when there was no Green Walk sign..haha it was just a funny observation to me because during the week I never saw this happening
So back to work..on Tuesday I had orientation..in Japanese with another guy...
And then they told me they sent me the material...again in Japanese..however they did walk me around the Emergency Exit Route/Etc. for Earthquakes- And don't worry at my desk I do have my own earthquake backpack and helmet if needed. But I am happy to report..that on Friday..they sent me an English Version of the Orinetation..so I am now set!
Some other funny/interesting things this week
-My washer/dryer (it is an all in one)- Is all in Japanese...I will be posting some pics. I am happy to report I have washed 3 loads of laundry and dried them..and my clothes still fit me. I know you guys might consider this a small thing..But living in a foreign country and conquering that is huge. Also yesterday I wandered around and found laundry detergent..because they only gave me two sample packs when I checked it..I live in a touristy area...so I wandered outside of my home base and found at a much cheaper market..Score!
- Grocery Shopping- So I went to the grocery store. Let me first start in telling you it is near my house...But..you still have to carry what you buy..note to self I bought too much..ROOKIE move on my part. But I won't do that again. So that market I went to..SOOO EXPENSIVE..and man it is tough shopping when nothing is in English. But I was successful in getting eggs, bread, milk, juice, cheese, strawberry jam, peanut butter, lemon cakes, chips, bananas, apples - 2 of them..cost me $4.00, yogurt, granola, water..I think that is it..but yes that is a lot..and I had to carry it..I guess my eyes were too big. Will try to get some photos from the market this week..Headed there actually after I finish up this post...so stay tuned. I told myself today I am going to buy something different each time I go..just to expand my mind and palate..so stay tuned
-Next- The Trash Cans..I know you must be thinking..what is she talking about..But the trash system is very serious in Japan. First..you could walk 10 minutes without seeing a trash can. And no one will throw trash on the ground. Second when you do see them- You won't seen just one- In my office alone..there are 7 all lined up in a row. It literally is one of the most stressful times in my day trying to understand where to throw- Plastic, Paper, Coffee Cup, Food...I know all the office staff is probably trying to figure out why I am over there so long. In my apartment I have - Burnable, Unburnable, and the trash compactor where I throw food in..so much less complicated system.
-Welcome Drinking Party- Also I need to update everyone..so Shocker I work with all men in my dept.- Only lady here..
But to welcome me in very Japanese fashion...They took me out to a local Japanese bar with food and drinking for my welcome drinking party. It was a blast..they actually took me to a place with Fried Chicken..They were so proud of themselves and to tell you I was so thankful for Fried Chicken, French Fries, Korean Pancakes, Caesar Salad- that had an raw egg cracked on top of it (it was pretty good). In Japan raw eggs are on a lot of things and very safe to eat here. They say raw eggs in Japan won't kill you like they do in the Unites States. We went to Kanda for the drinking party- why do I tell you this..because I got on a train at a different station and still made it home. For those of you that now how directional challenged I am this is some pretty big news for me.
-Dressing in the office- So like I told you..it was really hot here the beginning of the week. Men in the summer are allowed summer dress which means they do not have to wear a coat and can wear short sleeve dress shirts. I have been dressing with sleeveless but cardigan...which in case you forgot...no air until 9am...Well the other day mid week..I saw a Japanese lady who I have now met and have lunch with this week...Wearing sleeveless...and then the next day..wearing PINK..oh my gosh...everyone wears blue, black, gray, navy, white..so to see her wearing this was music to my ears..and huge sigh of relief. So I decided I will be like her..the next day I wore sleeveless...and then the next day wait for it..I wore GREEN..haha..! I may not be a leader here but when I see something I like you better believe I will be the quickest follower ever.
So going to wrap this up..stay tuned will post some this week...
I have some fun things coming up...Dinner with wine, girls lunch...so more to come.
Also just want to say a huge thank you to my family and friends for supporting this journey...and for taking time to talk this week and figuring out our new normal with talking schedules. They are all the most amazing people ever...and I miss them dearly. There is no way I would be as driven and fierce of a women without them...they not only have my back..but they stand beside my holding me up.
Much love to you all
K
Sunday afternoon here and wanted to catch you all up on my week.. I have now been here 8 days...so pretty much over the jet lag and adjusted to my new time zone..
So a couple of things about my week- I have now completed 5 days in my new job...so far so good. I think everyone is still trying to figure out about me...you know..am I capable..am I smart..am I an American spy..so so many questions going on in the office!
So on Monday I got to leave work early and move into my new...321sq. ft apt. I live in Shinegawa (let me know if you need my address so you can send me amazing things..haha) My apt. is small..but so so nice and conveniently located to so many restaurants/markets/etc. And..a 10 minute covered walked to the JR train station..why is that SOO important..well because it is rainy season in Japan..that is why the covered part is so important.
So I am checked in ..still waiting for my boxes but hopefully those will arrive in a couple of days so I can be fully unpacked and settled.
So like I said I have a short 10 minute walk to the train station...5 stops on the train..and 10 minute walk from Tokyo Station to my office- Otemachi. First part of the week here it was hot..I mean really hot...and the air in my office does not come on until 9am..and I say air condition but really it is hot air being circulated. So it is very common for people to come in with their hair wet from sweat. Well I say people..really just me and the men..The women have on long sleeves..and are just glistening...like not sweating..my over at my desk..using my rag to wipe the sweat from my face...as my bangs are stuck to my forehead..make up already melted off my face by 8:30am...not a pretty sight..let me just tell all of you. So needless to say extra make up and deodorant are packed in my bag.
The train stations in the morning and afternoon..are something you can never really prepare yourself for...There is people coming from every corner of the world it feels like. First couple of mornings I was pretty traumatized..but by Friday..I knew what side to walk on..which way to turn..I was actually fitting in..and not the rude American. It all just works here..people walk in the right direction...in unision. EXCEPT on Fridays- I never saw people break the rules of crosswalks/etc- However, on Friday after work headed to the train station- I saw them..Rule Breakers in Japan. They were crossing not in cross walks and when there was no Green Walk sign..haha it was just a funny observation to me because during the week I never saw this happening
So back to work..on Tuesday I had orientation..in Japanese with another guy...
And then they told me they sent me the material...again in Japanese..however they did walk me around the Emergency Exit Route/Etc. for Earthquakes- And don't worry at my desk I do have my own earthquake backpack and helmet if needed. But I am happy to report..that on Friday..they sent me an English Version of the Orinetation..so I am now set!
Some other funny/interesting things this week
-My washer/dryer (it is an all in one)- Is all in Japanese...I will be posting some pics. I am happy to report I have washed 3 loads of laundry and dried them..and my clothes still fit me. I know you guys might consider this a small thing..But living in a foreign country and conquering that is huge. Also yesterday I wandered around and found laundry detergent..because they only gave me two sample packs when I checked it..I live in a touristy area...so I wandered outside of my home base and found at a much cheaper market..Score!
- Grocery Shopping- So I went to the grocery store. Let me first start in telling you it is near my house...But..you still have to carry what you buy..note to self I bought too much..ROOKIE move on my part. But I won't do that again. So that market I went to..SOOO EXPENSIVE..and man it is tough shopping when nothing is in English. But I was successful in getting eggs, bread, milk, juice, cheese, strawberry jam, peanut butter, lemon cakes, chips, bananas, apples - 2 of them..cost me $4.00, yogurt, granola, water..I think that is it..but yes that is a lot..and I had to carry it..I guess my eyes were too big. Will try to get some photos from the market this week..Headed there actually after I finish up this post...so stay tuned. I told myself today I am going to buy something different each time I go..just to expand my mind and palate..so stay tuned
-Next- The Trash Cans..I know you must be thinking..what is she talking about..But the trash system is very serious in Japan. First..you could walk 10 minutes without seeing a trash can. And no one will throw trash on the ground. Second when you do see them- You won't seen just one- In my office alone..there are 7 all lined up in a row. It literally is one of the most stressful times in my day trying to understand where to throw- Plastic, Paper, Coffee Cup, Food...I know all the office staff is probably trying to figure out why I am over there so long. In my apartment I have - Burnable, Unburnable, and the trash compactor where I throw food in..so much less complicated system.
-Welcome Drinking Party- Also I need to update everyone..so Shocker I work with all men in my dept.- Only lady here..
But to welcome me in very Japanese fashion...They took me out to a local Japanese bar with food and drinking for my welcome drinking party. It was a blast..they actually took me to a place with Fried Chicken..They were so proud of themselves and to tell you I was so thankful for Fried Chicken, French Fries, Korean Pancakes, Caesar Salad- that had an raw egg cracked on top of it (it was pretty good). In Japan raw eggs are on a lot of things and very safe to eat here. They say raw eggs in Japan won't kill you like they do in the Unites States. We went to Kanda for the drinking party- why do I tell you this..because I got on a train at a different station and still made it home. For those of you that now how directional challenged I am this is some pretty big news for me.
-Dressing in the office- So like I told you..it was really hot here the beginning of the week. Men in the summer are allowed summer dress which means they do not have to wear a coat and can wear short sleeve dress shirts. I have been dressing with sleeveless but cardigan...which in case you forgot...no air until 9am...Well the other day mid week..I saw a Japanese lady who I have now met and have lunch with this week...Wearing sleeveless...and then the next day..wearing PINK..oh my gosh...everyone wears blue, black, gray, navy, white..so to see her wearing this was music to my ears..and huge sigh of relief. So I decided I will be like her..the next day I wore sleeveless...and then the next day wait for it..I wore GREEN..haha..! I may not be a leader here but when I see something I like you better believe I will be the quickest follower ever.
So going to wrap this up..stay tuned will post some this week...
I have some fun things coming up...Dinner with wine, girls lunch...so more to come.
Also just want to say a huge thank you to my family and friends for supporting this journey...and for taking time to talk this week and figuring out our new normal with talking schedules. They are all the most amazing people ever...and I miss them dearly. There is no way I would be as driven and fierce of a women without them...they not only have my back..but they stand beside my holding me up.
Much love to you all
K
Pics with my Co-Workers at my Welcome Drinking Party
Pics of Where I live- Shinegawa- Oakwood
Breakfast Sunday Morning- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Grilled Bacon
Home Sweet Home!
Evening Commute...Intense (Chris O'Bryan you would love this)
See whyI am so proud of myself....
No comments:
Post a Comment