International perspective

Three other countries are supported by the the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science. During the orientation week, I was fortunate to spend time with folks from England (+1 from Ireland), Canada, France, and Germany. The latter two countries didn't mix with the rest of us much so I did not get to know them very well, unfortunately. I had the most fun spending time with the Brits and became good buddies with B', from London, England. He invited me to visit and offered to be my guide. I would love to visit England. If I was going there, I would also want to hit up Italy, Spain, and France (think the trip to the island of Ireland would be too much to add if it was a shorter trip). Maybe I could hit Germany also? I think more time in fewer counties might be better. If I went, I would want a travel buddy. Advertisement for travel buddies* ;-)

During orientation, the most interesting moment I had was in Japanese class. We were learning how to ask and say our birthdays. I asked R' (from Ireland) his birthday. He said that he had a really unfortunate birthday and he didn't feel right celebrating on the actual day. Then he told me the date... September 11th. The instructor came around and asked us our birthdays, as a test. When she came to R', she gasped at his answer. I was surprised at how profound that day was to people from Ireland and Japan... to any other non-US country. The date has such weight because the event is referred to by its date. For example, people are less familiar with the date of the bombing of Pearl Harbor so to name it would not have the same impact, etc. 


According to C' and N', both Brits, M' told them he was especially trying to exaggerate his "Britishness" for me. He fulfilled the stereotype of the modern British gentleman. I'm not use to folks standing at my approach and pulling out my chairs. This was also balanced by the gesture being followed with insults.  


The Germans told me I was "quiet for an American" and then emphasized that they meant it as a complement. 


I was sad when orientation ended and we all went to our separate destinations. Thankfully, K' is also at my university. M' is also near-by.

Some of the others at orientation. We were sharing the home-make ume-shu (plum wine/ sake) my host family gave me. 

--

The international experience not only continued but increased upon my reaching Nagoya. K' has a coworker, J', who invited us to a bi-weekly pub gathering. At this Friday night bar gathering, I met people from Kenya, Sweden, Iran, Bulgaria, Poland, Venezuela, Latvia, France, India, Indonesia, USA and Japan. One of the guys from the US is from Tempe. He was like a piece of home amusingly among the foreign. I have never met so many people from so many countries. It has been really amazing. When I return, I want to find a way to continue interacting with international students.

At the bar, K' and I made a friend from Japan. She offered to be our tour guide the following day. She is incredibly sweet. Making random friends, in random bars, and traveling around the city with them. What a crazy, amazing experience.

Amazing lunch in downtown Nagoya