Orientation

Published on 24 January 2023 at 06:40

Well, classes are about to start, and I can't wait. It's Nick again, and I really miss everyone back home. It's hard being so far away from everything that's familiar and comfortable. And right now, it's a struggle to get excited about the new, alien environment. Part of what has been hard is the lack of things to do. Saturday, we had a few tasks; Sunday, nothing; Monday, a few meetings; and today a few more. Most of our day is spent doing, well, whatever we want; and that really makes us think about what we want. What I want more than anything is to see you, my friends and family (and future family). But the boredom is about to end, and with the added structure of classes and studying, busy excitement is just around the corner. Just 129 days to go.

Bored yes, but we have done a few things. We have had several orientations, some much better and more informative than others. We have made new friends and gotten to see a little more of the city. We have learned how the cafeteria works and gotten some epic swag from a second-hand store. We have also almost frozen as a snowstorm blew through Hirakata (our home city) tonight. I miss you all, and so does Miranda.

Picture BLAST

Housing Orientation with one of our epic Resident Advisors!

Enjoying the slippers that Dad got us for Christmas. Thanks Dad :)

This is the view of the city from right outside our dorm building. Reminds me of home.

This is one of the many, many gardens and "green areas" around campus. It's really relaxing and pretty. Also, there has been a surprising number of flowers everywhere, especially with how cold and windy it is.

Us enjoying a Mos Burger with a fellow study abroad student. Yummy, but strange. Also, very little salt on the fries...

So many flowers, and it's so cold.

This is the shopping district we went to on Monday.

Here we are enjoying the student lounge in the international student building.

Our first breakfast in the cafeteria. Don't worry, we did get food!

More time spent walking around the city. Everything is super neat and clean and polished. There's no trash anywhere, or any graffiti, or anything that looks ugly or out of place.