Bangkok without a Wolfpack

How did I get to Bangkok? I think it was a rental car, or was it a bus? Wait, that's right! It was an 8-hour train ride!

I arrived at the train station, located the border to Cambodia and Thailand, way earlier than expected. The ticket booths were closed until an hour before the train's departure, so I found a seat on the platform and and took in my surroundings. At first glance, the gaudy portrait of Thailand's king reminded me of  the Avatar: Legend of Korra. Geekdom aside, it seemed a lot different than Vietnam and more modern than Cambodia. When the train arrived, a long line formed at the ticket booth, but I made eye contact with another foreigner - an Austrian, maybe - who asked me from afar, how many tickets I needed. What a sweetheart! He bought my ticket and I reimbursed him the money afterwards.

I boarded the train, along with another foreigner from the states, and endured the slow, hot train ride into Bangkok. My glamorous hotel was located in the Chinatown, an upscale district of Bangkok. I couldn't enjoy the hotel for long because I suffered an emotion breakdown over my lost prescription glasses. It sounds silly, but I was mentally and emotionally exhausted and losing my glasses was just another expense/worry that I could not afford at the moment. What's worse is that I felt horrible for stressing over a pair of glasses when I just witness immense poverty in Cambodia! My phone would not connect to the WiFi and had no way to reach my mom or best friends for comfort, so I threw my cellphone across the room, which thankfully didn't break, and escaped to the shower to calm down.

 

The next day, I did some retail therapy at Chatucak Market to buy souvenirs and clothes. The market was large and hectic but the small stores were beautifully operated. I had a really nice time checking out all the trinkets and buying meaningful items for my friends and family. There were also small booth for massages where I received the best foot massage of my life. Thank  you Thailand for perfecting retail therapy! Seriously, thanks!

The next few days I explored every major temple in Bangkok. I also scheduled a tour that included a visit to the Bridge of the River Kwai and the famed Tiger Temple. The tour also included a visit to a nearby waterfall, a short raft cruise, and elephant riding! The tour was amazing but stressful. Everyone was given stickers that indicated their tour and we would switch vans constantly and end up with different people, but I guess that method worked for them.

The one thing that drove me insane were the shady tuk tuk drivers. Bless them, but you would ask them to take to you one place, but they would try to reroute to you visit another place that was "on the way" so that they can receive gas vouchers. You didn't have to buy anything, but you were pressured since you walked into a store with everyone staring at you. The only time it worked out is when I was taken to a jewelry store. Know your customer. There, I bought a tiny elephant necklace. My advice: unless that place is beneficial to you, like you actually want a tailored suit or outfit, get out and find another tuk tuk.

 The last night of the trip, I had a soup that caused a terrible bout of food sickness. It took all my strength to make it to the airport the following morning. I sat in the terminal texting my mom about everything that occurred on the trip. I couldn't tell her beforehand because I knew she would die. I put on a brave face until I reached Naha Airport (Okinawa). There, the customs security opened all of my bags while ask rude and personal questions. I guess a girl can't travel alone? I got extremely miffed when they began searching every pocket of my folded pants for drugs. My underwear was also out in the open for everyone to see, but I was paralyzed with the sensation to vomit. They went so far as to open all of my over-the-counter medicines and finger through the pills. Luckily, they didn't get too far with the ibuprofen because I had prescription Xanax pills hidden in the bottom.

Once I was cleared, I met with my friend who drove me back to Ginoza. Once home, I walked straight to the bathroom and vomited. めんそーれ！

 ***

This trip's blog post has taken me too long to write for obvious reasons. Who wants to remember a trip that was overshadowed with heartbreak? I did my best to make the most of the three counties but let's get real, I could not enjoy this trip. I traveled with my ex-boyfriend for the remainder of this trip because I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to visit these beautiful countries. My only other option was to return to Okinawa and that was not going to fly with the future me. There were too many moments that I thought "wow, (insert place/temple) is beautiful" only to have that thought ruined by his presence. I destroyed my self worth by relying on his pity direction, which is why I had later prove that I was a boss-ass bitch by planning a trip to Hong Kong and (bungee) jumping off of Macau Tower.

On the flip side, so much good came out of this: I realized that I am strong person; I received so many praises on how well I handled the situation; and, this is a loaded statement, but I am no longer held back.

Hold on, I Need a Moment (With Update!)

So, I've been a little out of sorts lately. I'm not exactly sure what is wrong with me, but I just know something is wrong - like my chi is off, my light as dulled, or as though my environment is not very feng shui. 

I am a fairly active person, but I've noticed that I am becoming a bit more lethargic and reclusive. It's frustrating because I know that's not me, but I can't seem to slap out of it. The good news is that warm weather and bright, sunny skies are upon us in Okinawa, and I have a solo trip to Hong Kong in the near future.

I have a few other surprises planned to help me out of this "funk" so until then, stay tuned! 

Moment #1 

 I forshadowed a bit with the picture of me wearing the mask. Sayonara long-haired Gabie  ;)

Moment #2

I took a small bunny hop to freedom at Macau Tower (the world's highest!)

It may seem cliché and something out of a feel-good movie, but I don't care. It's a fresh start (●` ཅ ´●)

Not so "Easy Peasy" but very "Japanesey"

If I am to do any justice to the Internet community or to those who are interested in the JET Program (or any other program for that matter), then I would have to be frank and state that living in Japan is not easy. 

What?! What's so hard about living in a country that is so technologically advanced that they invent robots that can play the violin just for frickin' fun? If you don't know that answer or need to brush up, read the article "5 Things Nobody Tells You About Living in Japan" and become enlightened.

Japan doesn't sh*t glitter and Pokémon.
 Well, maybe not glitter.

In the U.S. I am a fairly independent person who has no problems whatsoever with everyday situations. This is simply not the case in Japan. Due to the need of constant assistance for the most mundane task, I feel as though I have regressed from adulthood. One reason for this juvenility is the huge language blockade. It’s a “blockade” because if it were something physical, it would look something like Gandalf the Grey standing on the Great Wall of China quoting that epic line:

Although I studied Japanese for quite some time, it didn’t prepare me for in-depth or complex conversations. It’s difficult to develop friendships or work-relationships when the language blockade does not let you pass the superficial. Luckily, the language blockade has not disrupted my relations with students as they thrive on superficial conversations. Japanese children are like tiny, drunk friends that love to comment on appearances. So far, they find my intonations (when speaking Japanese) and gestures cute, but I wouldn’t consider myself as “cute” when I speak English. Therefore, as a result of the language blockade, my personality has not carried over when I speak Japanese. 

Outside of work, the language blockade is affecting everything from making appointments to filling out forms. Stores or companies can refuse to assist me because they cannot explain (nor would I be able to understand) complex contractual terms. However, in cases when I am assisted by a patient employee, things will, and need to be, repeated to make sure that I completely understand. The smallest accomplishments feel like I’ve won the lottery, while failures feel as though my life is forever ruined. It’s a real roller coaster ride of emotions.  The language blockade doesn’t make me want to run back to the U.S, but it does motivate me to work harder on my Japanese in order to communicate more efficiently and so that I can show these Okinawans the true loca that I am. 

Down the Rabbit Hole

On the final day of the JET Orientation, my friends and I met up for our last breakfast together before we were shipped off to our future homes. As an Okinawa JET, we had to rendezvous early to catch a plane from Haneda Airport to Naha International Airport. This was my first time at Haneda Airport. We formed a line to check-in as we were given our boarding passes. During security, I started to feel a little uneasy because security had to scan my bag twice. I think it was because of my knitting needles, but they didn't ask to open my bag and after five minutes of waiting, I was told I could go ahead.

I promise, I'm just trying to make scarves!

Our Japan Airlines (JAL) plane was small, but Disney themed in honor of Tokyo Disney's 30th anniversary. Therefore, the plane was decorated with the whole Disney cast. The flight was ridiculously short, but I spent the time chatting with fellow JETs and a flight attendant who spoke perfect English. Once we landed, I immediately noticed the lack of air conditioning as I was slapped in the face with intense heat. This isn't your typical beach heat. This was hot and stagnant air. Luckily, I decided on a dapper business smart attire of khakis and a button-up shirt, but I felt really bad for the Oki JETs in suits.

The guy in the suit totally regretting his decision to wear that

After baggage claim, I walked into the greeting area where I was greeted by two Ginoza JETs and my Ginoza Board of Education supervisor holding a large welcome sign.  It was nice and slightly overwhelming to greet them, hop into the car and make small talk while feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

 Afterwards, we drove to the BOE for a welcoming ceremony where I gave my welcome speech.  I also signed my apartment papers and set up gas, water and electricity in my new apartment. However, I was told before hand that I would be staying at a local bed and breakfast until I purchased basic living needs for my apartment (see website here). I was at the BOE for about 3 hours until they drove me to the bed and breakfast where I met Nakama-san (a.k.a. obasan; "grandma") and her daughter.

The bed and breakfast was a traditional Ryūkyū style house with wooden floors, a veranda, paper doors, and hurricane-proof everything. I was greeted by the daughter who was an English teacher on maternity leave. She helped me with my things and set up in one of the rooms. This was the first time complete alone. I thought I was going to cry as I lied on the tatami floor in front of the air conditioning unit.  My moment of reflection was cut short when obasan came by and opened the doors to my room, plopped down, and struck up a conversation. She brought some Okinawan donuts, known as aandagi, that she made for me. I instantly felt better. I had originally thought that that I was just staying in one of the rooms, but it turned out that I had the entire house to myself. Obasan came back again during the night to take me to watch Eisa practice. Eisa is Okinawa's traditional dance using drums and a sanshin (similar to the shamisen).

A Traditional Ryūkyū home to myself

The next days were a complete whirlwind of errands with different people from the board of education:

1. Stamp (inkan) Registration
2. Completing my Residency Card
3. Opening a bank account to Ryūkyū Bank (RyūKin)
4. Buying a cellphone (au IPhone)
5. Aeon (a.k.a. Jusco; like a Japanese Walmart) and recycle shops for appliances
1. Fridge
2. Microwave
3. Rice Cooker
4. Washer
5. Stove top
6. Nitori (think Japanese Ikea)

Because I didn't have the car, I was only expect to go to the board of education instead of my schools and, of course, I got to leave early. So far Okinawa has proved to be very laid back! They even have a concept like "Cuban Time" known as 「沖縄 タイム」or  "Okinawa Time," where people always run late. I think I'm going to love it here!

The JET Orientation: Three Days of Workshops

The three days of orientation should be reworded as the "Three Days of Discussing Culture Shock and How Every Situation is Different Orientation." The workshops that were beneficial were "Driving in Japan" and the teaching workshops that focused on your specific school grades (ex, middle school). I can't say that I remember much, because I mostly just stared into outer space. However, I had one defining moment. My friend Alexis and I attended a "Self Study for Intermediate Japanese." Aside from the handout, the workshop was useless.  However, what made the workshop amusing was the presenters. 

This graph shows how much you'll be hating life in Japan

There were two presenters, but I was only focused on the British girl. In the beginning of the presentation she expressed how difficult it was to learn Japanese (true). However, it wasn't just what she said. It was her body language. If I could paint a mental picture, she was slightly hunched over looking sadly at the powerpoint. This is where I turned to my friend and said, " I think she hides under a table at home and cries (over learning Japanese)." Too bad, I should have kept my damn opinion to myself. Why? Because everything the presenter said after totally supported my "you hide and cry" assumption. She talked about how everyone is better than her at Japanese, how she sets really low goals and, most importantly, how her school won't let her speak Japanese to her kids. 

Every time she brought up another point, I would start to laugh which would only set Alexis into a fit a laughter. At one point, I had held it together up until the "my school doesn't let me speak Japanese" and that's where we both lost it. I had to bend over to pretend I was messing with my bag, while my whole body shook with controlled laughter. I attracted some attention some fellow British JETs behind me, who also thought the workshop was horrendous.

I can't go into more detail about what happened after, but let's just say when you are retelling stories, but sure to look around. Ha!

The JET Orientation: Arrival

After that ridiculous flight, you can imagine that I was jump off of the plane and teleport to the hotel. If you think that'll happen, then I'm sorry (but not sorry) to burst your bubble. After leaving the plane, we were escorted to customs. Prior to landing, the flight attendants give customs forms and a second forms for my residency card

Residency cards are issued at Narita Airport during customs. Don't worry about the long times at customs because they opened a separate (and large section) just for JETs. Also, don't worry about your appearance during customs. Your picture for your residency card is exactly the same picture used for your visa (with some slight difference in saturation).  I wasted time and make up on the plane. Don't judge me!

After I received my residency card, I went to baggage check to receive my bags. 

Grab that big ass cart because you are going to need that bad boy to take all of your belonging to transportation.

After passing through baggage security, there was endless checkpoints of JETs in green T-shirts for me to follow so that I could ship off my largest bag to my board of education.

You'll receive an envelope with baggage tags and all sorts of other goodies prior to your flight. Don't lose that ish!

Afterwards, we boarded a bus to the hotel. The bus ride can take around two hours to four hours depending on the traffic. My bus ride was around two hours, so I used that time to casually chat with friends and unwind. The hotel for the Tokyo orientation is the lavish Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The hotel is frickin' immense. There, I followed signs to another room where where I received orientation materials, and my room key. My roommates were fellow OkiJETs. Tka, who also flew in from Miami, and Lora, who came from Nashville. They seem to place us by destination, both original and future. I took a shower to wash of the travel stentch and got ready for dinner. Dinner, on the arrival night, is not provided, but since this wasn't my first time to Tokyo or Japan, I didn't feel intimidated. Lora opted for combini food while Tka and I went with my friend Alexis to a nearby Indian restaurant for some curry and nan. Afterwards, we went back to the room and I knocked out. 

If you think that partying it up in Tokyo that first night is a great idea, remember that you are expected to be at the Orientation at 9 in the morning and breakfast is only available the hours before. You'll be surprised how fatigued you are just from the flight.

Be Prepared!

I had my placement and as much I would love to say that I spent the four months until departure preparing for my time in Japan, I did not. Instead, I decided to laze around, shop, hang out with friends, watch all of my shows, and play an endless amount of video games.  I worked with my mother, who is a bookkeeper, to get my finances in order and she did the rest. Thank's mom!

One of the things that kept our minds at ease was that I had great communication with the Ginoza Board of Education. They worked with me to find an apartment and order my inkan (personal seal). They also booked a bed and breakfast until my apartment was ready, and they sent me a photo of the office staff. However, remember the JET motto: Every Situation is Different (ESSID). One of my friends just got one email, and it wasn't even sent to her. The email was sent to one of her professors. Either way, with the open communication and my mothers epic packing, I was ready to attend the Miami JET Orientation, which was scheduled the day before I left to Japan.

The Miami orientation was held at the Consul General official residence in a very posh location in Coral Gables, Miami.  At the orientation, they had a question and answer session for JET parents. My mother, being a loca, read the entire JET Information Handbook from cover to cover. Therefore, she did not feel compelled to go. If I can give anyone advise, have your parents read your information handbook. It's available via PDF on the Official JET website as well. After reading the handbook, and placing various post-its, she could quote the book verbatim. Go Mom!

Either way, the orientation continued with workshops on how to teach classes and a presentation on culture shock. The group was also divided between men and women so that we would ask any particular lady questions. Therefore, if you have any questions on gynos, blood testing, birth controls and Plan B, that would be the time to ask. Afterwards we had a reception (food and alcohol included) where I was able to catch up with my my FIU professors and met some of the other Miami JETs.

(Far Right) Posing like a boss 

The JET Program: Placement (Okinawa)

The semester finally came to an end, my thesis was approved, I graduated from FIU with my Master's in Asian Studies, and I attended commencement. 

Might as well play the part if we are made to look like wizards

It had been two months since I received the "You have been short-listed" email from the consulate and my patience was wearing thin. Everyday, I received countless questions about my placements:

Do you know where you're going?

What's your placement?

Do you know what grade you're teaching?

Do you know where you'll live?

Are you going to live close to Tokyo?

So, what part of Japan are you going to?
Do you know if they'll put your in an apartment or a house?

Do you know anything?

I know everyone was curious, but I couldn't help but feel a little annoyed when my response was constantly, "I don't know." In reality, I was anxious to know about my placement. I requested Kagoshima and Wakayama in my JET application, but I was worried that they might place me in Hokkaido or Aomori. It's not that I have anything against those places (I really don't) and I am sure they are beautiful but as a Miami girl, I have never experienced cold weather. I doubt I could survive it. Seriously, the coldest it gets is 60 degrees and that's for four days out of the year. Four days people!

It was another random day in June when I received a text from my friend telling me to check my email. I really need to start checking my email more often. She received an email concerning her placement. She was placed in Hyogo Prefecture, her number one choice. She was not given a city with that email, which meant that she would be a prefectural JET and would teacing high school. I refreshed my email, but I didn't see anything new. I figured the Miami JET coordinator was going down the list of names, and it might take a little while to reach me. I probably looked like a complete loca refreshing my email over and over, but whatever. 

My email finally refreshed, and there was the email. I was placed in Ginoza-son, Okinawa Prefecture (middle school and/or elementary)!

I can see the map filled with nuclear launch travel markings 

My initial thoughts were, "They send people there?" With the huge military presence in Okinawa, I couldn't imagine why they would send JETs to Okinawa. I was also a little upset because I wasn't placed in mainland Japan, which I have extensively traveled in my previous trips to Japan. It wasn't until later, and at the convincing of my boyfriend, that I realized that this was an amazing placement. 

As I previously mentioned, I hate the cold. Second, I would be placed in a part of Japan that most people do not visit. Third, Okinawa grows a lot of their own fruits and vegetables. So this is great if you are a vegetarian (4 years straight, woot!). Fourth, Okinawa is close to Southeast Asia and China, a great starting point for traveling and it's relatively cheap too. I have been all over Japan and it was time for me to expand internationally. Lastly, great beaches and water sports! I love the beach, and I had planned to get scuba certified in Miami last year but a hurricane ruined those plans. Therefore, what better place to get scuba certified and work on my Miami tan than in Japan! Oh, and Mr. frickin' Miyagi was from Okinawa. Ok, Mr. Miyagi isn't real. The character from the Karate Kid movies was Okinawan, hence his mastery of karate since it originated from Okinawa, but there is actually a Miyagi Jima (Miyagi Island) in Okinawa! Get ready for me Okinawa!

The JET Program: The Interview

I was freaking out on the day of the interview! I spent the entire morning getting ready and making sure that I looked perfect. The Consulate General of Japan in Miami is in Brickell, which is about a good 30-40 minute drive depending on Miami traffic. Fortunately, I had been to the Consulate many times and, since my boyfriend at one point worked at a restaurant near it, there was no problem for me to find parking. Once at the Consulate, I rode the express, Tower of Terror elevator and waited my turn with fellow JET interviewees. They were running a little behind schedule, which was no problem for me, so I chatted up the JETAA representative who was there to help. I want to say that on the outside I looked calm and collected, but on the inside I was freaking. Thank God/Oprah/Tom Cruise/and Baby Jesus for the material of the dress and clinical strength deodorant. 

I recommend this brand for stressful moments

Before I knew it, I was called in for the interview. I sat in a chair facing three panelist. I was about to be grilled

Every question that was asked was expected and easy to answer. You'll need to know yourself, your application and your statement of purpose. I heard that there is usually a good cop/bad cop scenario in the interviews, but I didn't have that experience. I tried to be lighthearted and funny. For example, when they asked what I would like do in Japan, I told them I know Mt. Fuji is on everyone’s list, including mine, but that I read an article stating that they might have bungee jumping off of the Tokyo Sky Tree [see article here]. If so, I would be the first to sign up. They laughed at that, and I felt a bit more relaxed

They went through my application asking basic questions and then asked for a teaching demonstration on Halloween, my favorite holiday. I was to teach towards elementary children. I assume that I was supposed to use more Japanese, but I stuck with just basic English since I am teaching English after all. I began to draw on the board, but that didn't really seem to work, so I kicked aside the marker board and began to act out. I had the panalist repeat words after me and I gave out "candy" if they correctly said "trick or treat." I also gave a lot of praise because they'll attempt to mispronounce English words. As dumb as I felt, I'll admit I did a pretty great job. 

My teaching demo high was brought to a crashing low with the Japanese portion of the interview. My self-introduction was fairly easy. However, I also had to read a short paragraph. I sped through it but in my nervousness I did not pay attention to what I was reading. Afterwards, I sat outside and called my friend who had her interview earlier in the week and had lunch at a nearby restaurant. I did my best, but it was the toughest interview I had ever experienced. 

The JET Program: The Email

It was a Tuesday afternoon while I watched students give oral presentation as a graduate assistant for my professor's class, when I noticed my phone light up. It was a text message from my friend who also applied to the JET Program:

CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!!!

Without shame, I refreshed my email. There was a message from the Miami Consulate General stating that I had made it past the first round of applications and was asked to select an interview date. I could barely contain my joy as I not-so secretly text my loved ones about the news. The interview was on weekday, and my boss let me skip a day of class and work for the interview without any repercussions [谢谢!]. With the time and date set for my interview, I prepared for possible questions. I didn’t know anyone who previously interviewed, but I searched through forums and had a little secret help. 

Bitch! Refresh faster!

Next up, my interview outfit. I had enough BCBG suits in my arsenal from my days at Bloomingdale's. However, did I just want to be another person in a suit? It’s not that I don’t like suits or business attire but I really wanted to stand out.. Plus, the bulkiness of a suit on my petite body can be off putting. 

If I was going to be professional, it was going to be my way. Therefore, I searched online for the perfect “Michelle Obama” dress. I instantly fell in love with a long-sleeved knee-length dress in my favorite color of royal blue. It was conservative enough, but also hugged by body so that I didn't feel too matronly. I ditched my usual 5-6 inch pumps for low and sensible heels and added accessories and spanx. The next issue was my hair. At this time, my hair was about waist length and pinning it into a bun was a mission. It wasn’t just the length of my hair, but the thickness too. Moreover, the tattoo behind my ear doesn’t exactly scream “classy and professional.” Therefore, I had to fix my hair into a side and low ponytail with curled ends and a braid around the hairband. With the interview questions prepared and my outfit selected, I was ready for the JET interview. 

Ready!