This past winter break was my first time back in the U.S. after living in Japan (and traveling Asia) for almost a year and a half. Of course, knowing how my culture shock in Japan went, I researched ways to help out with reverse culture shock. I updated myself on American culture and hoped that … Continue reading
I remember walking into one of my elementary schools for the first time since moving here. I entered the teachers’ office with a big “ohayogozaimasu.” I was introduced to the teachers and administrative staff and was then taken to the gymnasium for an assembly. The students were neatly seated in organized rows with teachers getting … Continue reading
Okay, I’m kind of exaggerating in the title, but still. As a picky eater (picky as in sensitive to textures and taste, not unwilling to try new foods), I’ve had a semi-hard time when it comes to preparing food at home. While I can easily find food that I like around the city, sometimes I … Continue reading
It was a warm but pleasant Sunday afternoon. After a long day of swimming and barbequing at the beach, a couple of ALTs and I decided to go a popular onsen/sento in the city. We gathered our supplies and change of clothes and headed off. For reference, onsens (hot springs) are public bathing areas where … Continue reading
By Ashton Priest So you move to a foreign country. You leave behind the known and venture into the unknown. For months, you get into the groove of your job, you adapt to the culture of your new home, and you essentially live out your new life. Not that you forgot about your life in … Continue reading
By Ashton Priest My fiancé came to visit me in late March. When he landed, I was greeted with a hug, a kiss, and a notice that he had not exchanged his dollars to yen.. on a Saturday. Though frazzled, I managed to find a local hotel that did do USD ($) to JPY (¥) … Continue reading
By Ashton Priest If you mix a procrastinator with culture shock and the winter blues, then you’ll get me. I’m a major procrastinator. While it’s not the worst thing to do, procrastinating leads me to put off or even abandon aspects of life, including cleaning. Everyone from my parents to my friends will attest to that. … Continue reading
By Ashton Priest There are times in life where we gain life experiences from observing others and other times where we must experience it firsthand in order to grasp it. And this past winter, I was reminded of why I put Kyūshū as one of the top locations on my JET application. It’s not that … Continue reading
By Ashton Priest It had been a long day at one of my elementary schools. It was a rainy day, so everyone was lethargic, including me. I looked at my schedule and saw 5年1組, which only meant one thing: it would be fun. I don’t like to say I have favorites, but when a class … Continue reading
By Ashton Priest Warning: This does get a bit TMI, but it is essential for the story. Have you ever seen fear in a child’s eyes? I hadn’t until a week or so ago. Continue reading
Good Morning Aomori 