#6 Twenty-Five Days

Yesterday morning I received confirmation that on the 20th August 2012 I will be getting a flight to Japan. That is roughly 25 days time. I have been given a list of things (teaching materials) to bring with me, to add on top of the things I already have. My suitcase has been semi-packed for the past few weeks, but it's time to check I have everything I need in there and buy whatever's left. I have also been given a lot of materials to read over, as well as some questions to fill out, which will keep me busy up until I go.

I have also received confirmation that I will be not be teaching full time, but rather working in an office, helping out with examinations and occasionally subbing in schools. I will also be staying around Tokyo, which I am definitely happy about, especially on my first visit to Japan. This may change, but for now this is what I can expect.

View from Tokyo tower, with the streets laid out to look like Tokyo Tower.

#3 Trip Planning

Because my company book my flights, I do not yet know when I will be leaving, only that it will be "late August". This leaves me with roughly two months to go, and I think it could be nigh time to start a to-do list so I can be as prepared as possible before I go. So in traditional Irish fashion I will essentially make a list and think about it, instead of actually doing it. Huzzah!

To-do:

• Perfect Japanese (Yes I speak Japanese, but not very well or very frequently...)
• Stock up on appropriate clothing/footwear
• Sort out bank account - currency issues
• Find out about voltage, plugs etc.
• Learn to use chopsticks proficiently

This meal may prove challenging with my current chopping/sticking skills