Party at the Hospital!!!

On Friday.  June 8, 2012.

My host mother, Ritsuko-san, took me to the Hiroshima University Hospital to participate in an international exchange students party.  At this gathering, there were students from Nepal, Indonesia, other parts of Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, and many more.  When I first walked in, I had to make a name tag for myself.  I tried to pick the brightest color because...I like colors.  Then I took a quick glimsp of the room...

Three tables of food, six small groups of people chatting, open cafeteria with chefs working, wall of windows, medium lit ceiling, rather quiet atmosphere, and humid from head to toe. 

Ritsuko-san noticed the table with the most food left, so we headed straight to that table.  :)   Near that table were two other girls.  I first bowed and introduced myself (slowly).  Then, I stopped, they were very shy and didn't speak much.  Ritsuko helped translate only a little bit and then told the two girls to practice their English.  The two girls and I stood in awkward silence and finally one of them asked me questions.  It was basic questions, they were able to listen and understand, but speaking is very difficult.  Our conversation consisted of what I think of Japan so far and why I was in Japan.  I soon found out that one of them played clarinet in high school.  I practiced my Japanese as well by asking where they are from.  These two girls are from Fukuoka and they are both medical students.  Wow, my FIRST realization that I'm no longer at the music school.  YES!

Moving on around the table I spoke to two other girls from Nepal.  They were bio-chemical and technology science majors.  Woah!  Another Nepal girl I met was a medical student as well.  I was so impressed.  Funny thing was, when I told them I was a music student, they were impressed too!  I said that our majors were so different.  One of the girls responded with something I will never forget, she said, "yes...but sometimes, different is very good." 

>_<

Just like anyone's student teaching, or first year of teaching, it is so difficult to find people our own age.  Yet, I believe it is very important to maintain a balanced social life. 

So, I did.   :D

I later met another medical student, her English was very good.  We had a great conversation going on and really enjoyed sharing each other's backgrounds.  We exchanged contact information so that we can stay in touch the next 7 weeks.  I think we are planning to eat okonomiyaki and she will show me the Kendo dojo.  Awesome!

YES!  My first friend in Japan!!!  :D