January 7

The flight was very long, but it wasn’t bad because I slept a lot. I actually don’t think I have jet-lag, or if I do, now is the time I don’t want to sleep. I was nervous for a bit at the RDU airport, but after that, I wasn’t nervous until Japanese customs, which was a breeze. りょへい and many other exchange students were there to greet me. One of the student’s host mother was there and invited all of the girls to come to her house to try on kimono and get their hair done.

The trip from the airport to the dorms was mostly uneventful. Driving on the left didn’t seem that strange, but all the scion-like (noseless) vehicles were surprising. I did find a few BMW’s though. The industrial sector looks no different from America’s, but what is striking is the amazingly sloping and twisting lanes in the residential area. The traffic cones and reflectors have lights in them.

My temporary living place is a four-story apartment. I have three roommates, though I’ve only met one. She speaks mostly Japanese and I’m finding my Japanese is in the pits, but ‘m doing my best to be a good guest. Im very concerned about being as clean as the the others though; everything is cute and neat.

I’m also concerned about money and eating. It will be less of a concern when I am with my host family, but for now, I must budget, yet try to maintain the order of my roommate.

After I was a bit settled, we went to the third floor (we’re on four) to talk with the other Japanese and exchange students. Again, was reminded of my rustiness at Japanese, but it was fun to meet (and forget the names of) my cohorts.
I was reassured about the placement exam by the other exchange students; they told me kanji was not an issue and that grammar was the important part. Luckily, I brought 元気 II with me.

Tomorrow, I hope I can find my way around the campus and get two square meals. We’ll see how it pans out.

I had to ask how to make the bed.