We're here once more

Six years later, and I'm in Japan once more.
However, this time I'm coming in with a completely different set of circumstances. I'm an ALT now.

This, like the previous blog posts, is mostly to recount what happened, so that I can better remember once this is all over. Staying, of course, with this orientation.

Though I suppose starting with the DC orientation may be correct. So I'll do that.
The DC orientation was held in the Japanese embassy in DC, and for the most part it was informative. A lot about culture shock and what the procedure would be for going to the airport. There was a nice reception at the end which had nice food, and I was able to meet a few people who were going to Akita prefecture as well. It was a long day that ended with me finally closing my suitcases for the flight the next day.
The flight and the airport experience itself wasn't bad at all. The flight went by smoothly, as I watched Ant Man and Endgame, finally, which took a nice half of my time. We landed in Narita, dealt with put checked bags (which was a struggle, given both bags were 40 pounds), and hopped on the bus to go to Shinjuku. Getting to Keio Plaza hotel was great, as the Keio Plaza hotel is really a nice upscale place. I spent the night together with some DC people and got dinner, which was karaage for me, considering it was late and our group was indecisive, no thanks to me.

The first day of the orientation was busy, as we had a welcome reception followed by workshops and lectures about mental health and culture shock and such. There was a welcome ceremony late that day that also had good food. This night I was too tired thanks to jet lag, so I didn't really go out at all, and instead played smash with some of the other DC JETS.

The second day was more intense, though I'm not sure if that's because of the jet lag or because of any kind of increased workload. This day was more about teaching, which of course made me nervous. But after all the tiring courses, it was time to pack up my suitcase and hand it over so they could pack it in the bus. Later that night I was actually able to meet up with Nancy from the last homestay I did all those six years ago, which was great to actually see them again before heading off to Akita.

And now, today, I'm waiting to get on the bus to the airport, so I can fly off to Akita city, and go from there to Nikaho. Today is going to be busy, but I hope it'll turn out ok.

The year starts now.