Sushi

Mmmm.   Need I say more. Available in numerous, affordable combinations, Sushi is never farther away than the school cafeteria or local supermarket.   I've been known to have it for breakfast.





Susan prepares Sushi rolls before a group of international students
at Cafe White in Otaru on Saturday, September 11.  



Studying Japanese

On September 14th, intensive beginning Japanese class started.  We meet for 5 hours a day to practice phonetics and the writing system. Similar to Chinese, Japanese uses a series of character symbols to represent a sound.  Fifteen students including myself are taking the course.  The regular fall semester begins on October 5th at which time I will be in a semester-long Elementary Japanese course.  It has been challenging but I know it is important to learn and understand the language and culture which I have been invited to be a part of for the next year.  Additionally, I will take courses relating to international business and intercultural communication.

Where I am

You've figured Japan by now. "The Land of the Rising Sun" is comprised of 6,852 islands.  Of the largest four, Hokkaido is home to Japan's fifth largest city, Sapporo, and only a 20 minutes train ride west is Otaru.  Once a bustling port town, Otaru now depends primarily on tourism to support its 150,000 residents.

Otaru sits on the northern island of Hokkaido. Through my readings, I am finding that Hokkaido was inhabited only by native people, Ainu, until around the mid-1800s.  At that time, Japan colonized Hokkaido mainly for its land and resources.  Accordingly, the land and structures of Otaru resemble design and architecture not so different of that in the western hemisphere likely because of its contemporary construction.  While compact, the buildings, both commercial and residential, of Otaru hug the mountainous terrain.  Steep mountains frame the city to the south and levels off a bit just before turning to coast waters of the bay.  The land is green now but I'm warned that winter isn't far away which brings cold temperatures and piles of snow.  Thanks to the mountains, snow brings many opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, so I say -Bring on the Snow!

Compact Parking

My friend Yuichi drove me to the bank which warranted this exotic compact parking experience.

I've Arrived!

Overlooking Otaru Atop Mount Tenguyama

After months of anticipation and 28 hours of travel, I've landed in Otaru, Japan. I've spent the first days exploring the city by foot, gathering some necessities, and becoming acquainted with fellow international students at the international house which we are residing for the next year. Today my tutor, Yuichi, escorted me on errands to city hall for alien registration (we laughed at the use of alien), to open a bank account, and to activate a mobile phone. Yuichi speaks good English and spent a year abroad himself in Atlanta, GA. His assistance is priceless!

My room

My room is cozy but has many amenities --private bath, oven, stovetop, desk, wardrobe, balcony, and most importantly -a bed.

Bags Packed

After careful planning, I managed to fit the next year of my life into an 26 x 18 x 11, my backpack, and laptop carrying case.  AND then a duffel bag was added when the big suitcase was 13 lbs overweight.  This was my attempt to pack small --I think I've succeeded.  I'm starting my journey via car leaving from my hometown, Presho, Tuesday morning at 6AM.  The longest of my flights is Minneapolis to Tokyo at 12.5 hours.  I am scheduled to arrive in Otaru close to midnight Japan time on Wednesday.

I am very excited to begin this adventure!

Saying Goodbye

Grandpa Corky, Aunt Celia, Mom Carmen, sister Tiffany, and Me

The goodbyes started on Friday, August 20th when a host friends and family gathered at Hutch's Lounge in my hometown of Presho, SD to bid me adieu. With the help of Elli's iPod, we rocked out until closing time.  A very big thank you goes out to Alicia, Elli, and Diedra who drove for hours to spend the evening with me.  My Grandpa Corky and Aunt Celia made a visit all the way from Oklahoma and Texas, respectively.  The newest member of the Jessop family, Josie, was also in attendance.