Update

Sorry for the delay in posting, classes here are keeping me very busy every day. This post is just going to be a quick update on what has been going on. I will make an actual post in a day or two. So far, here is what has been going on:

1. Studying for my first test- Everyday we cover a new lesson in class (verbs, adjectives, you name it, we do it) that we practice extensively, and then work the sheet(s) of homework we get for that lesson every night. Our first test is over 16 lessons, and I think it will quite straight forward. Practicing and reviewing the material each class really helps get the language down, and I can honestly say that my language skills are much better than they were state-side, after just a month of class. It is much easier to remember things when you have to use them everyday. The way the classes here are organized is very good, and the program has been very successful. I really wonder how much my language skills will have grown by my birthday in two months?

2. Exploring- I get out all of the time and look for new places to see, and things to do. I am leaving shortly to meet Jesse and bike to the mountains. I really look forward to going to Minami Matsumoto this weekend to help work a haunted house. I have never been to the town before, so it will be quite an adventure. I love to ride trains.

3. Meeting new people- I am meeting new people ALL the time. I have done everything from playing Wii with students at a Halloween party, to traveling out of town with people, to going out to eat/drink with friends. I really feel like I am starting to settle in. Hell, I even played some soccer last week at the university with some students. That same day, I was also invited by an older Japanese man to check out a little craft fair. It was a lot of fun, I was given popcorn, cotton candy, and even a pat on the backside from an elderly Japanese woman ;)

This Sunday is also a festival at the university that is supposed to biggest event of the year. I am really looking forward to seeing all of the dancing and other events that they have going on. I saw them practicing the Soran Bushi dance just the other night, and it looked great. That is all I know for now, but I will post back in a day or two.