Preparing to Leave

So, packing for one year is turning out to be quite a daunting task, especially knowing that the clothes there don't fit me quite right and that my shoe size doesn't seem to exist in Japan, or any Asian country I've been to so far for that matter. I wear size 9 1/2-10 shoes and the largest I found in Japan and South Korea last summer was a size 8 or 8 1/2, and they were just basic shoes, not really even very cute. :( So I'm having trouble thinking of what all I might need lol.

All the same, I'm really excited to be going, but the nerves are finally starting to settle in. Every day my departure becomes more and more real. I'm losing almost an entire week because I'll be in Minnesota, but that's necessary. Then, I'll visit my grandparents in Ohio over the weekend for the last time before leaving. I'm really going to miss my Mamaw and Papaw! After that, I only have 1 1/2 weeks left in the States!! 0.0 One year is a long time to go without seeing my friends and family. I know I'll see old friends, make lots of new friends, and have a great time in Japan, but I'm just not sure how I'll feel this Christmas. It'll be my first Christmas without my family. But I'm sure my friends in Japan and at Doshisha will help me and keep me company. :) Plus, my parents are going to try to visit me at some point during the year! At least, that's the plan so far haha.

Anyway, back to the topic, but something tells me I'm going to go off on a tangent a lot on here...lol. Kyoto has four distinct seasons. The summer is muggy and really hot, occasionally reaching 100 degrees, and the air doesn't move too much due to the mountains to the North, East, and West. Winter is cold, dropping down to freezing temperatures (28 degrees was the lowest I've heard of), but not as bad as Indiana so I think I'll be alright. I can't decide if I should take my winter coat or just bring my fall jacket and wear a sweatshirt underneath... Also, it rains a lot during the rainy season, so I've heard. Not really looking forward to that after I experienced it in South Korea last year. 0.0 I've been told that fall and spring have very pleasant weather though, so I'm really looking forward to those seasons, especially the changing leaves and cherry blossoms!

I think I'm mainly going to pack clothes that can layer and be used for multiple seasons. I'm also planning to bring a variety of basic shoes to cover all occasions: tennis shoes, flip flops, snow/rain shoes (still trying to figure this one out lol), dress shoes (black, brown, and white), and maybe one or two other pairs. I think I might be over-worrying about the shoes hehe.

I have a running list of other things I'm planning to bring, but it's still changing on a daily basis. Things like a small hair dryer, my hair straightener, plenty of deodorant (because I don't think the Japanese kind is quite as strong lol), gloves, earmuffs, and scarves, my Bible, my favorite cooking spices that are only sold in the US, measuring cups and spoons, allergy medicine, etc. I don't want to bore you with my list.

Another thing I've realized...I really need to get better at the metric system! I have no idea what my height or weight is in the metric system. Also telling the temperature and cooking using the metric system is quite a challenge for me. I've really got to work on that problem...

Well, that's it for now, I need to finish packing for Minnesota and then study a little before going to bed.

Until next time,
~Bethany

Starting Out

Hello everyone! Bethany here. I thought I should finally start my blog since I've got less than a month until my departure for Japan. Eek!

I'm excited, yet nervous, and a wee bit uncertain of what to expect, but I'm definitely looking forward to all the new adventures awaiting me! Though I'll admit I am dreading the 12 hour flight. Economy class seats aren't exactly known for their comfort... Well, I've done it before so it'll be fine. :)

I've got my Certificate for Eligibility in Japan, my Student Visa, and my plane ticket. All that's left is to pack, prepare for the placement exam upon my arrival, finish some paperwork, and visit as many people as I can before I leave September 8th.

This blog will be where I will post stories about my experiences in Japan, randoms thoughts I'd like to share with everyone, and pretty much whatever I think might be interesting to post. Soon, for those of you who are thinking of stuyding abroad, I will make a post with tips about how to find and apply for scholarships to study abroad, but I'll stop here for today because I've put off studying for long enough hehe. 0.0