This is a new world for me. I think I may have finally found my place in it. I've tried a few things that were quite different, but somehow, I wasn't afraid of it.

I've visited the public baths, gone to Osaka Castle, traveled by train and subway to many places, and walked my neighborhood.

My first impressions of Osaka were:
"Everything is small!"
"Everyone rides bikes"
"People are quite tall here too!"
"Very clean"
"Women always dress fashionably"
"People bow... and give verbal reassurance quite often"
"It's like being in New York... but everything is in Japanese"
"Some fruit is expensive, and they don't have frozen vegetables or fruits... or it's very rare"

The people here amaze me. They are both creative and hard working. Quiet, reserved, and wildly amusing and fun! Incredibly intelligent and funny. I have noticed a relaxed atmosphere and a desire for things to run smoothly. They work hard, and they are quite shy... but when among friends, they are so free and relaxed. Everyone I meet is excited to hear about me and where I come from. The more I learn the more I love.

But it is hard. I can barely speak Japanese, and it makes me feel anxious sometimes. I feel frustrated with myself because it's been a month and a half, and I still can't carry on a conversation in Japanese. But the people I talk to are very reassuring, and they appreciate the effort.

Well, I guess that's it for my first post. I'll write more later!

I hope to be able to show some photos (once I get a camera). Then you can see what I'm talking about!