So, I am doing much better today. I think I’ve pretty much recovered but I am still taking it easy and taking the medicine that the Doctor gave me. I have been so bored today! Rie-san came to see me this morning and told me it would be better for me to stay here for the day since tomorrow we move, and we have to make sure I’m healthy before I meet my host family.

Speaking of host family, I will tell you a little about them from what I learned in my information packet. They are the “Mori” family (means forest in Japanese). The Okasan (mother) is a house wife who enjoys cooking and do-it-yourself projects. The Otosan (father) is a journalist, and worked for a famous newspaper here (Asahi) for 40 years. He is now retired and is a freelance writer who writes about political and social issues. He likes talking and mah-jong (Chinese domino). They have a daughter who is in her early 30’s who is an company worker, and also a dog and cat. My commute will be about 50 minutes to and from school each day, which isn’t so bad and I will get to go through Shinjuku (a popular district with young people) everyday! From the picture they gave me they look like a very nice family, and they sound very intelligent and successful. I feel lucky to have got placed with them. There is also another CIEE student who will be staying with the same family, I have only met her once so far but she seems very nice and I think we will get along. Plus, she is also vegetarian!

Today I missed out on cellphone orientation but there will be another one soon that I can go to. I’m feel shut in and restless since I haven’t had much contact with anyone and I haven’t left the hotel room. I can’t wait till tomorrow when I will finally be free~

We have the weekend off too which will be nice since we will need to settle in with our host families. I think I’m most looking forward to having the pets around because I love animals, but I’m glad that I have something in common with the host father too (being a writing major).

I will post pictures soon. I’m really hoping that my host family has internet! Cross your fingers!