Tuesday and Wednesday, all the JETs from Gunma met in Maebashi for further orientation. Our supervisor was nice enough to drive the three of us Ota JETs there, so we didn't have to navigate the trains ourselves.
There was nothing particular remarkable about the first day of the meeting, as they mostly just repeated a lot of stuff that was already covered... The second day was more interesting. They had us do some cultural workshops. I learned how to put on a kimono! This one was my favorite, because I have had so much trouble trying to figure out how to wear the yukata I bought. I discovered earlier that I was missing parts, and that was part of the problem. However, just the act of putting them on is an art not self taught. We had these two little old ladies show us how to do it and then we all helped each other get them on. Chingyi (to the right) looked amazing. I even found a kimono store in Maebashi where I was able to buy the missing sashes I need to keep my own yukata on. I'll let you know how it goes.
I also got a lesson in the shamisen. This is a traditional Japanese 3-string instrument that looks sort of like a small, boxy guitar. However, instead of using your fingers to play, there is a large, flat paddle-like thing that you use to press the strings. It makes it quite awkward and difficult. However, the music is essentially like tabs, so it is very easy to read. Yay for that. I think I will stick to guitar though..
In addition, for the first time we were actually given a very brief, but effective idea about how to deal with American taxes. It's official! I don't have to pay any taxes for at least 3 years if I stay in Japan! Mwahahaha! Man, should stay here until that luxury runs out. This means I must stay completely out of the USA for at least 1 year, but I wasn't intending on leaving anyway. The other night I was calculating my paychecks in my head, trying to figure out how much disposable income I would have left over each month. Just to be safe, I was calculating taxes out of that as well... quite a depressing sum; I am sure glad to get it back! Though, I definitely think I'll be spending more on groceries than I expected... I do try and go to the farmers market to buy my fruit and vegetables, so that helps reduce costs.
Next to the grocery store that I go to (almost everyday) is a hyaku-en shop (dollar store) and a clothing store. I adore this clothing store. They have some cute, fashionable things but they are SO CHEAP! I bought a t-shirt there for about $7 and a cute little skirt for $14. They also have a good selecti0n of slippers/indoor shoes, which is faaaabulous, as non-hideous indoor shoes are hard to find. They have lots of other stuff too, like blankets and pillows and house stuff. Man, I really want to deck out my apartment with cute stuff! But it seems like such a waste since I will eventually leave... I am always caught between wanting to spend money on my apartment and not wanting to waste money on things I can't take home... hmm...
Today our supervisor is taking Taylor and myself to buy a new bike! Yay! I have to pay for it, of course, but that part doesn't matter... I just really really don't want my bike to break. Taylor's actually did! When it's the only way to get around, it can be a scary thing! So, I'm excited. My new bike will even have a little light on the front! I feel like a little kid.
Cheers,
dork Baer
There was nothing particular remarkable about the first day of the meeting, as they mostly just repeated a lot of stuff that was already covered... The second day was more interesting. They had us do some cultural workshops. I learned how to put on a kimono! This one was my favorite, because I have had so much trouble trying to figure out how to wear the yukata I bought. I discovered earlier that I was missing parts, and that was part of the problem. However, just the act of putting them on is an art not self taught. We had these two little old ladies show us how to do it and then we all helped each other get them on. Chingyi (to the right) looked amazing. I even found a kimono store in Maebashi where I was able to buy the missing sashes I need to keep my own yukata on. I'll let you know how it goes.I also got a lesson in the shamisen. This is a traditional Japanese 3-string instrument that looks sort of like a small, boxy guitar. However, instead of using your fingers to play, there is a large, flat paddle-like thing that you use to press the strings. It makes it quite awkward and difficult. However, the music is essentially like tabs, so it is very easy to read. Yay for that. I think I will stick to guitar though..
In addition, for the first time we were actually given a very brief, but effective idea about how to deal with American taxes. It's official! I don't have to pay any taxes for at least 3 years if I stay in Japan! Mwahahaha! Man, should stay here until that luxury runs out. This means I must stay completely out of the USA for at least 1 year, but I wasn't intending on leaving anyway. The other night I was calculating my paychecks in my head, trying to figure out how much disposable income I would have left over each month. Just to be safe, I was calculating taxes out of that as well... quite a depressing sum; I am sure glad to get it back! Though, I definitely think I'll be spending more on groceries than I expected... I do try and go to the farmers market to buy my fruit and vegetables, so that helps reduce costs.
Next to the grocery store that I go to (almost everyday) is a hyaku-en shop (dollar store) and a clothing store. I adore this clothing store. They have some cute, fashionable things but they are SO CHEAP! I bought a t-shirt there for about $7 and a cute little skirt for $14. They also have a good selecti0n of slippers/indoor shoes, which is faaaabulous, as non-hideous indoor shoes are hard to find. They have lots of other stuff too, like blankets and pillows and house stuff. Man, I really want to deck out my apartment with cute stuff! But it seems like such a waste since I will eventually leave... I am always caught between wanting to spend money on my apartment and not wanting to waste money on things I can't take home... hmm...
Today our supervisor is taking Taylor and myself to buy a new bike! Yay! I have to pay for it, of course, but that part doesn't matter... I just really really don't want my bike to break. Taylor's actually did! When it's the only way to get around, it can be a scary thing! So, I'm excited. My new bike will even have a little light on the front! I feel like a little kid.
Cheers,
dork Baer
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