Shimane, Japan
My name is Melissa and I am a 22 year old American living in rural Japan. I graduated with a degree in International Studies and Japanese Language and now work as an ALT (assistant language teacher) through the JET Program.
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Eathquake in Japan

So as most people are aware there was and 8.9 earthquake off the coast of Northeast Japan. This resulted in a Tsunami that cause massive destruction from Tokyo, to Sendai to Aomori. I live in Osaka prefecture so I am very far away from where this occurred. I did feel the earthquake at around 3:30 on Friday March 11th. I was sitting in my dormitory when the closets started to sway and it began to feel vaguely like we were on a ship. This lasted only 1 to 2 minutes. Following this we all just went about our normal lives and it wasn't until that evening that I found out about the Tsunami and destruction north of Tokyo. My heart is broken. I stayed pretty isolated from the news at first, but it is difficult to avoid now. I can't stand to see my second home in trouble and the people I have come to love suffering. I feel so helpless. Tomorrow I am going to try and find a donation site to donate some water or blankets. I just want to feel like I am doing something. I love you Japan. Stay strong!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Spring is coming!

So life after winter vacation feels pretty dull and anti-climatic. I am currently sick with a cold I am pretty sure I caught in China and I have to get back into the routine of going to class! Me: "Studying what?? You want me to memorize how many new vocab words!?"...yup that pretty much sums up my first few days of class. bleh


But, spring is in the air in Osaka. It is still cold but there is a definite warmth to the air. I know I don't blog hardly ever, but it is a new semester and a fresh start! Lots of pictures are now in the evidence section.

Winter break was amazing. Despite my hair disaster in the beginning :/ And China was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. An emotion and physical roller coaster, but I survived and I am stronger now for it! Oh yeah and you know its spring when the Cherry Blossoms start to appear....sort of! Cherry Blossom and green tea flavored kit-kats yum!