Two weeks in Japan
Time is flying by. One week of training and observation. One week of subbing and project work. Tomorrow I start teaching my own classes. I'm really looking forward to it and the subbing was nice practice. I have a good schedule, at only 3 of the 9 little schools, and they're relatively close. Things are starting to warm up here, too. It felt so cold simply because the houses are not insulated like at home. At least there are heaters under every bench on the trains.
Strangest thing about being here is the lack of eye contact with strangers. It is impolite to look at other people you don't know, it seems! Everyone looks down as they walk if they are by themselves. I am surprised how much I miss smiling at people as I pass by. On the trains you must do one of the following: listen to your mp3 player, read a book, sleep, or do your make-up. I thought the last option might be a good time saver, but these girls are already completely done up and are just playing, taking 30 minutes to curl each lash. I have been told by older Japanese women that this is also quite rude, so that plan is out. Too bad, since time is always flying.