The computer at the house I am staying has no internet access, so I am using a computer at school (many people in Monbetsu do not have the internet because it is very expensive). It sometimes takes me a couple of days to respond to the e-mails that I receive. I arrived in Japan on August 4, but spent two weeks with my relatives. They live near Tokyo. During those two weeks, I had lots of fun and learned some japanese. I arrived in Monbetsu on August 19. I was very surprised because everything in Monbetsu was very different from what I expected. I got very homesick. During the first week I was here, I did many things and met many people. I am having a difficult time remembering everyone's name. The day after I arrived, I attended a Rotary meeting. The meeting was boring, and the food was not very good. Afterwards, I met the principal and the teachers of the high school I am attending. I was also fitted for my school uniform. A couple of days later, I met the mayor and was interviewed for the newspaper. August 21 (Saturday) was my first day of school. I had to give a speech in japanese to all the students and teachers. I do not know if anyone understood a word I said (my japanese is very weak), but they all applauded loudly anyways. All my classmates and teachers are very nice. Some teachers can actually speak English very well. They are helping me alot by teaching me japanese, and informing me of what is going on.I do not like any japanese foods. Fortunately, my homestay parents are very nice and only give me American foods to eat. I live in a big house and have a huge room. I also have a very ugly and annoying bulldog named Tetsu. I am the only exchange student in Monbetsu. I am also the only foreigner living here. In October, the District will have an orientation for alll the exchange students living in the island of Hokkaido. I am looking forward to that. Although my first few days were exciting, there isn't alot to do in Monbetsu. I am still very homesick, and am counting the days until I can go back home. It is still very difficult for me to speak japanese, but I can sometimes understand when people talk to me. Sincerely: Claudia Sanchez *I haven't done anything stupid, yet. |
