Japanatron Logo
After a very hectic week of training at the AEON West headquarters in Okayama, I arrived in Tottori, Japan.  Training week was crazy busy, but kinda funny.  Our dorm was like Gilligan's Island--no TV, Internet, or any connection to the outside world.  We were lucky to have running water in that place.  The 2 trainers were really friendly and supportive, so they turned the training into a beneficial learning experience.  I left Okayama feeling better prepared than I had expected to be.  We each taught 3 full-length classes to real Japanese students.  I have yet to use the monkey puppet I love so much because he's still in LA.  Plus, I'm not sure if I can work him in cuz I'm supposed to encourage the students to talk to each other (and not a freakin' monkey puppet).
Tottori is a quaint town with loads of charm.  I guess you could say it's kinda like a Japanese Santa Barbara with a touch of neon.  The people are very friendly, but they all speak waaaaaay too fast.  I don't know how they understand each other!
 
My coworkers are all incredibly friendly, but I just met them, so of course they're friendly.  Let's stay tuned on that one...
 
Jennifer (the woman I'm replacing) took me on a tour of Tottori today.  Everything is convenient, so I don't think the lack of a car will be an issue.  My apartment to be has a massive gym next to it as well as a small Shinto shrine (how's that for culture?).  The apartment itself is REALLY small (the kitchen is literally in the entrance hallway), but the building is relatively new and modern.  At least I have a balcony with a view of the river.  I move in on Thursday, and for now I'm staying at Super Hotel.  Nice place--their continental breakfast includes bread, sushi rolls, and miso soup.  Yeah, I'm definitely in Japan.
 
I start working on Wednesday (with Jennifer), then I'm on my own on Thursday.  Monday is my day off, and Tuesday is a national holiday (I have a Tues-Sat schedule).  The holiday is kinda bad cuz it's one less day I get to work with Jennifer on transitioning everything.  Oh well.  Tuesday night is my welcome party and Jennifer's farewell party.  I think we're going to a karaoke bar.  At least I am well-rehearsed from the LA farewell party with my coworkers!

Related Articles

January 2004 - My First Flu an...

New Year's 2004 New Year's was great.  I got 10 days off, so my mom, dad, and sister came out to visit.  We toured Tokyo, Kyoto, then ended up in Tottori.  Sara...

August 2004 - Fireflies, Beach...

Ochidani Park There's a gorgeous park in Tottori called Ochidani Park.  For a few weeks during late June, the park is home to thousands of active fireflies at n...

November 2003 - My Name is Deb...

* I was talking to my coworkers one day.  I don't know how this came up, but I was telling everyone how most of my friends back home call me "Dave" instead of "...

June 2005 - April Fools, Jusco...

April Fools! My bosses Akiko and Maiko played an April Fools joke on me.  They pulled me into the interview room and told me that I had to be let go.  I kinda b...