For the first time in since my travels to Japan, I've surprisingly started to feel homesick... not sure if homesick is the right term in this case. As I mentioned in my previous post, it's the first time that I've felt so alone.
I oddly never felt like this at all when I did my studies in Kyoto for a year, but looking back on it, I suspect it might be because I was living in a shared dormitory, where there was support available not only from my dormitory tutors, but also from the convenience store across the street from the dormitory, who helped us out whenever we had any problems Japan related. Furthermore, there were also people from my home university that were staying in the same dormitory, so I didn't feel lonely during those times. I did feel frustrated at times initially, though that was more to do with classes, and having to meet the requirements of my home university to graduate, something other international students didn't have to worry about.
This time around, while waiting for my training to begin on Tuesday, I don't have any of that support. I haven't even met my recruiter in person yet, or any of the other ALTs, but that will happen on Tuesday anyway.
I decided to call my parents in the afternoon, and sure enough, they knew why I was calling. I know Mum was trying to reassure me that I can go back home at any time, but I feel like all of this would be for nothing if I did so, and I also think Mum understands that. She also gave some advice that I should try to be productive, and keep my mind busy, so I don't pick up any bad habits.
Taking her advice, I decided to go out and have a look around Mito station. I ended up going to Bic Camera to get a charging cable for my 3DS, and USB flash drive, which I planned to use for work related matters, and I also went to the 100 yen store to get some notepads, a folder, and some chopsticks. I also decided to check out the game center afterwards. However, while I wanted to play Groove Coaster, both machines were occupied, so I settled for a game of Time Crisis 4 before I returned to the hotel.
Other than practicing my presentation for training, I've been searching around for how to get to and from Mito if needed, and about the bus service to Tokyo that I read about. In addition, I've been checking in to accommodation in Kyoto during the Christmas/New Year period. My girlfriend and I briefly talked about how to spend Christmas/New year together (whether it be in Kamisu or in Kyoto), but we hadn't reached a decision yet - we'll most likely decide once I get an idea on the exact dates.
Tomorrow, aside from practicing the presentation (again), I might take another look around the area, and maybe go to the northern side of Mito.
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