Monday May 17th
7:30 Wake up. Shower. A delicious breakfast is always laid out for me.

8:55 I usually bike to school - about 5 min - but today I'm lucky and get a ride from my host mum! I've been told to go early to check my mail box.

9:00 First period. Japanese class. My classmates are mostly Chinese and therefore can read the Chinese characters used in Japanese text. They're way more advanced than me and I struggle to grasp what I can. Though the class is difficult, the teachers are great and do their best to accommodate me. I'm learning a lot.

10:30 There's a half hour break between first and second classes. I used to find the classroom I needed to be in for next period and maybe chat with some friends (or strangers!) in the hallway.

11:00 Second period. I'm assisting an English class. Though I didn't bring many of the things that I should have brought to Japan: a map of Canada, information brochures about the University of Waterloo and Renison College, souvenirs, recent family photos; I do have a postcard of the Candian Flag, some Canadian Currency, old family photos, and some good stories to tell. I was to do a presentation on differences in family values in Japanese and Canadian societies. I use the opportunity to also give a bit of a talk on Canada and myself.

12:30 Lunch time! I go to the cafeteria and, after getting stopped by a few people on the way to chat, I go to the glass display case with real live examples of todays menu. I pick whatever I like or, if all equally unappetizing, I go with whichever meal has a name that I can at least partially read. As I walk between the tables to the kitchen voices go quiet, heads turn, and as I pass the girls wisper "kakkoii kakkoii!" (cool cool!) in excitement. So, as you can see, there are some similarities between my life in Japan and my life in Canada. I wish!

13:20 Third period. Today is the first day of our "study pal" meetings. Yoko, the girl I was paired with, I had actually met the week before. She helps me with my Japanese homework.

15:00 Fourth period. We met in the first week with the principal who suggested we write a report back each week to Renison college about our experiences. The other exchange students, Anita and James, with the exception of Mike, were also free in fourth period. So after some discussion we decided we would each write one report and I would write the first week's report. So that's how I spend my fourth period.

16:30 School is over! But don't celebrate yet. I agreed to help Yoko with her English. The "study pal" thing is supposed to be a symbiotic relationship. So for the next hour and a half or so I teach English. You don't realize how complicated a language can be, even when learning one, until you try to teach one. Why do you go "by" car, but "on" foot? Try to figure out a general rule for the word "with". It is amazing how much knowledge we take for granted.

6:30 I'm exhausted and heading home. Often Kentaro, my host brother, invites some friends over or invites me out to some kind of gathering, but today I eat at home. My host mum always makes some delicious meal and I often have a glass of beer with dinner. Pair this with virtually no exercise and I have been getting a little less toned during my time in Japan!

11:30 I excuse myself to my room where I check email, study study study, and eventually turn the lights off around...

2:00 zzz