Time Hole

I have to apologize for being MIA this past week. I think I just went through one of those crazy time holes that tend to all too often appear when you're living abroad. Don't you ever notice that you're so busy making sure to experience all the new and crazy things around you (oh, and of course, going to work) that you forget to take a minute to breathe? Suddenly you realize it's been weeks since you've gotten back to all those emails in your inbox and days since you've even noticed all the dirty dishes in your sink. It's not the best feeling to wake up and realize that you're so behind on your To Do list that you have to start three new ones to catch up on your old one, is it?

That's why, amidst all the fun, it's always best to make sure to take time for yourself. Go to the onsen alone, start scrap-booking, get back into letter-writing. Make sure to schedule in some time for you.

I should have taken my own advice this past week. I didn't even have a minute to look at this blog. But my own personal Time Hole has reminded me to take things a bit slower, to breathe, and... yes, to wash my dishes!!!

Culture Shock is real. Don't believe me? Read on...!

So now you know that culture shock is as real (and annoying) as the common cold, but you're still unsure of what to expect during each stage. Well, let's take a moment and analyze your current emotional state. Have you accustomed nicely to your daily routine? Are you used to what you once thought was weird or strange about Japanese culture? Then you're most likely in Stage Four. Are you thrilled to have the opportunity to live and work so far away from home? Does everyday feel like a vacation? Are you spending more time drinking sake and singing karaoke than showing up at work? Well, my dear little newbie, you're still in Stage One. Are you missing the simple things back home? Feeling exhausted, lonely, depressed? Wishing your Great Aunt Thelma would come down with a serious illness so you'd have a reason to go home? Well, I'm sorry to inform you that you're smack dab in the middle of the infamous Stage Two. Are you finally back home after your emotional roller coaster of a year, only to realize you're not feeling the relief or comfort you had expected? Do you feel alienated from your friends? Are you bowing as thank you at the local convenience store? Looks like you've made it all the way to Stage Five. Are you still finding life difficult but making efforts to fit in? Taking Japanese language classes, making friends with local Japanese people, or getting naked at the onsen? Congratulations, you've been initiated into Stage Three.

First Things First: Diagnosing Your Culture Shock

Let's face it. No matter how much you like Japanese food or how well-informed you were before coming to Japan, you're still going to experience culture shock at some point during your stay. And no, it doesn't matter if you used to spend summers in Europe or if you've backpacked through the jungles of Thailand. I assure you, the effects of culture shock with still hit -- all too often suddenly and unexpectedly. But never fear, I'm here to help you, first to understand what this phenomenon called culture shock is all about, and second, to get through it as quickly and smoothly as possible.

This post is simply a recording of the symptoms, or stages, of culture shock to help you diagnose where you are and how you are doing. And if you haven't yet boarded the plane, this post will instead give you some kind of idea of what to expect once you've unpacked. All following posts will be the medicine to help fight the effects -- personal anecdotes, sometimes humiliating, sometimes touching, are here to remind you that you're not alone, and, more importantly, to entertain you while you're feeling alone.

So, here they are, in chronological order -- the Japanized version of the five stages of culture shock:

1. The I can't believe I'm finally in the land of sushi and samurai Stage

2. The There's no place like homes with central heating Stage

3. The Yeah, natto smells like dirty socks, but it's not so bad... Stage

4. The Was there really life before onsens and karaoke? Stage

5. The Screaming and Kicking I don't wanna go home Stage

Stay tuned for a more detailed description of the five stages of culture shock...! Until then, FIGHT-O! p(^_^)q

Welcome to Japan!

Welcome Westerners, to my blog, and to Japan! I hope to give you the inside scoop on overcoming the difficulties of adjusting to your new life in this weird and wonderful country. I don't pretend to know everything there is to know about Japan, its people or its culture, nor do I consider myself to be a Japanese history buff. However, I do have a whole lot of knowledge about the little things -- you know, the stuff they don't tend to write about in history books or travel guides. The everyday things, like, which direction you should face in a Japanese style toilet, what not to expect in a Japanese workplace, and how to get that cute Japanese guy to smile at you (or at least make eye contact!) Through personal anecdotes about my own experiences here in Japan, I plan to make your stay (whether it be temporary or indefinite) in this mysterious country just a little bit easier. ...and a lot more fun! Keep reading for tips on living, working, and even dating, in Japan!