Today the Jishukan students will sit many exams. To get out of their way, the other Aorere students and I went on a school trip. On this trip, we went to many places and learnt more about the religion in Japan. This was really interesting but also really really hot.
We took many pictures and did some shopping for our families in New Zealand. ​
Thank you Ono Sensei for taking us on this trip.

When I finally returned to school I was exhausted but I had to go to badminton. However, the Badminton club is so nice and everyone made me feel welcome. They even let me sit and rest when I was too tired to play. 🏸
Overall today was a great day!​

Walking to the bus stop this morning was already so tiring. Unfortunately, from here, it only got worse.
​35 degree weather is not my friend! 

My class is so interactive. They love talking to me and teaching me how to play Japanese games. This makes me love them as I've never felt left out or bored. On this particular day, we laughed a lot and played many games.💜

When we return to Aorere College the other exchange students and myself will perform a traditional Japanese dance. To learn this we attended a physical education class where we learnt the dance. Learning the dance was quite easy, however, I'm nervous about performing it to Aorere College when I return.​

Today we finally used all the work Miyamoto sensei taught us in New Zealand. We all introduced ourselves fully in Japanese. This was quite scary and I hope Jishukan understood what I was saying.
Later that day we said our goodbyes to Mr Ali who will leave for a while and come back before we leave. I hope he stays safe throughout his travels.

​I initially didn’t think the 3 hours would cause any jet lag. I was wrong. I woke up this morning at 5:00 am and started to prepare myself to leave the apartment.
Later on, we got on a train and headed to Shinjuku. Here we had breakfast/lunch. I had chicken ramen. It was very authentic and very delicious (oishii).
Throughout the rest of the day, we went sightseeing around Tokyo. It's really crowded but extremely beautiful.
 
​Then the time came…
We caught a train, then walked, then got on a bus and finally we were at Jishukan secondary school. Walking through the school I was amazed at the beauty of the school but I was also very very nervous. What if they don’t like me? Do I look bad? I wonder if they can speak English? With multiple questions constantly swirling I entered the room where they were waiting. I’ve only really seen 1 picture of Junna (which is the one from my previous blog) and there are 5 girls on this exchange; because of this, when I walked in, I honestly didn’t know which student was Junna. I walked through the student making eye contact with everyone hoping I could somehow know it's her. Then while walking past I felt someone touch my arm. I looked over to see a kind looking girl and her mother both smiling at me while saying my name. During the lessons in term 2, we learnt that Japanese people might not be very affectionate and to watch what they do before initiating anything. However, when I saw these beautiful people I couldn't help myself and went straight in for a hug. Luckily they were ok with it. Leaving the school and saying goodbye to the Aorere students and Mr Ali was quite sad, but I knew I’ll see them tomorrow. 
After about a 15 minute drive, we were home. Entering the house I meet Junna's older brother and cat. They were so kind and the brother even carried my 22kg bag up some very steep stairs. Sorry. 
Later on, the dad came home from work and I meet him. He’s very considerate and was holding an English learning book the whole night to communicate with me. 
For the rest of the night we ate pizza, played Japanese games and I tried to get to know the family as much as I could. 
By 9:00 pm I could feel my eyes closing and by 10:00 pm I couldn't take it anymore. I said my goodbyes and when to bed.
I really love my new Japanese family and I'm excited to see what happens tomorrow.

We are off. I arrived at the airport at 5:30 am. Being at the airport with my bags felt unreal as I knew not long from now, I wouldn’t be with my family. When the time came to say goodbye, even though I tried, the tears couldn’t be held back. 
About a week ago, Mr Ali told us to not sleep the night before the flight, so we could sleep on the plane. To abide by this, the night before the flight I slept 2 hours. Unfortunately, during the 11-hour flight, even though I felt so tired, I couldn’t sleep. I don’t know if it was the different environment or excitement but damn was I tired! 
Lesson learnt, before a flight, sleep!

We landed. Even though I was still at the airport, as soon as I stepped off the plane I felt the weather change. However, after taking off all our layers of clothes, we started to feel better. 
In Japan, there are 3 types of toilet. The western toilets (ones we use), squat toilets and Japanese style toilets. When arriving at the airport we all went to the toilet and saw some interesting Japanese style toilets. These toilets are advanced, and initially, we were hesitant. However, it was definitely a learning experience that we'll all need to know.
 
We are lost. Getting out of the airport it was intense. This consisted of a lot of walking and taking 3 different trains just to get to our apartment. This wasn’t easy with the humid weather and our luggage. After getting off our last train we were how heading to our apartment. This became really difficult and we went in circles about 4 times. 
 
We found the apartment. After going up the wrong building and meeting an angry older man, we found the apartment. Putting my bags down and sitting comfortably felt better than it ever has
 
We ate and went to sleep. After settling in Mr Ali and the others went to seven-eleven to get food while Gabby and myself stayed home. During this time, we took showers and I become so tired. When everybody returned, all I wanted to do was sleep. So, I did.
 
Overall, today was long and full of different emotions. But hands down even after all the things I experienced; the hardest part was saying goodbye to my family. 
I know their reading this, so I love you guys and will miss you heaps!x 
Goodnight Japan😴