Note to family

Here is a run-down of my first week in Japan:

Sunday (August 4th 2013): Arrival in Tokyo.
Monday-Tuesday: Intensive 2 day orientation at Tokyo.
Wednesday: I will be travelling to my prefecture and placement. (Ibaraki: Mito)
Thursday - onwards: I'm not completely sure how things will pan out. I imagine I will be getting everything set up. This includes a Japanese bank account, phone contract, apartment, internet in my apartment etc, induction at new job, exploring my new home town...

please note! that from when I arrive in Ibaraki, it will tricky for me to access the internet; possibly for the first 2 weeks. With this in mind please don't freak out when you cant get hold of me. Try not to call me on my phone as it will cost A LOT of money! (And there is a time difference) - keep this in mind!!

I will blog and send whatsapp messages as often as I can. But please be patient.

Cold feet whilst getting ready for the big move

In my preparation for moving to Japan I have decided to set up this blog to document my time away. I thought this would be a good way for friends and family to check in on me, rather than writing out a million emails. 

I have exactly one week left, so I am planning on relaxing, packing and saying goodbye. Although I have been somewhat preparing for this since November last year, it still feels completely surreal, and I don't think it will sink in until I get there.

These are my fears about doing JET and moving to Japan:

-I have never lived outside of England

-This is my first proper 9-5 style job (quite embarrassing to admit to as I'm almost 25)

-Japan is VERY different

-I will be living alone for the first time

-I will living somewhere somewhat 'rural' - (I'm from London)

All these together seem pretty daunting, but there's a hell of a lot to look forward to as well; I think I should just take it one day at a time, and all should be fine.