HELLO RIE

Even though we had been travelling around Tokyo. That feeling still didn't hit me that we were finally in Japan. That was until it was time to get ready and go to the train station to meet Ono sensei. 

It was finally time. After getting more freshened up, we headed to the train station making our way to Aiko-Ishida. At the train station, Ono sensei (a English teacher as Jishukan) was waiting for us. Seeing Ono sensei, It finally hit me. I was actually in Japan!!! and in the next few minutes I was going to come face to face with my buddy and her family. After meeting Ono sensei at the train station, we headed towards the school bus that would be taking us to school. It was around a 10 min drive but we eventually got there. We were all relieved since we had an opportunity to sit down after hours of walking and standing on the train. As the school was coming near, I was getting more and more nervous. We were going to meet the people that we are going to be staying with for 2 weeks. We had to make a good impression. I know that not only me but the other 5 applicants were felling the same things that I was.

Once we finally got inside, the first faces that I was welcomed with was Mai, Suzu and Ren. Seeing them made me feel relieved and happy. Walking through the corridor, I saw everyone one walking up towards their buddy and greeting them and I was just standing their awkwardly trying to find my buddy. The first thing that came into my mind was "I think my buddy forgot about me" 😂😂😂
2 mins later, I see my buddy running towards me with a big smile on her face. Seeing her made me feel relieved as she 'didn't forget about me'.  After introductions we said goodbye to Mr Ali and the other exchange students and headed home. 

The car ride was not as awkward as i thought it was going to be. To get the conversation started I asked her "what food she likes", "what is her favourite sport", "her hobbies" etc. I thought that we were going home. Instead my host mother took me to the supermarket. Japanese supermarket is similar to our normal countdown that we have in New Zealand. My buddy and her mum took me shopping where they bought some foods that I like. This was something that I was not expecting. During this they got to know my food preferences and the things that I like. 

Afterwards we headed home where I met her dad, her brother and her dog (shokora). It was nice getting to meet the family. I found out that her brother is an Otaku so we bonded by talking about ANIME and MANGA. Her family didn't speak much English but it was cute how they tried their hardest to speak to me even if they were using the translator app. The rest of the night, I got to know my family more as they asked me questions and I asked them questions. Then I headed off to be bed as the day was really intense and was eager for the first day of school. 

Overall, I loved my new Japanese family as they did everything to make me feel more at home. 

❤❤❤