I started to get into a rhythm in my everyday life in Japan. I woke up early to shower before the communal showers are fill up, eat breakfast, talk to my roommate for a bit, (sometimes wake him up for class), then bike to school.

I'm not the most outgoing person when I meet new people, which added some stress to making new friends. Many of the international students I met were fluent in at least one language and I was intimidated and awed by it. I wasn't jealous, just worried what they would think when they found out I didn't know a second language, let alone fluent in one.

There was one student that could speak 5 languages! That blew my mind! Like I said before, I had developed a daily rhythm, but I wanted to make friends and that proved to be difficult.

I first started talking to my speaking partner when I received her email on August 9th. She seemed to be really sweet and kind over email. I was looking forward to meeting her because I wanted a good friend and someone to practice languages with.

We were going to meet for the first time at the International Center but I wasn't entirely sure what she looked like even though I had seen a picture of her. I walked into the International Center, a little nervous because I wasn't sure what to expect. I couldn't remember where in the building she had said to meet. I looked in the waiting lounge and walked right past her! I had thought "I think that's her" but because of my ridiculous shyness, I didn't say anything. I went into the computer lab so I can send her an email to her phone (I hadn't had the chance to buy my cell phone yet) to find out where she was.

A few minutes later, Kana and her friend Ayumi walked in. Kana came up to me and in her Japanese accent said "Dustin?" We started talking and I wasn't sure what to talk about so we had a few somewhat awkward moments of silence. I introduced myself in Japanese, which was the most nerve racking, heart stopping, and brain crushing words I've ever had to say. We laughed at my accent, but it was okay because it was my first time introducing myself in Japanese, I was proud for taking that step.We made a schedule of when to meet and chose to meet on Thursday (木曜日).

Eventually Kana and I walked around Hirakata, Japan looking at various shops. My body still wasn't used to walking as much (reminder, when I came to Japan, I was in descent shape) so I was thirsty more often. I was really thirsty that day so I bought a water. I drank that water really quickly and Kana couldn't believe it. I didn't think it was big deal but apparently in Japan, people don't drink a lot of water quickly. :P :P

On the 11th, Kana, Ayumi, Sarah, and I went to the river in downtown Hirakata to shoot fireworks (はなび）。I think I'm pretty lucky because I wouldn't have known about this if Kana hadn't invited me. We had a lot of fun and went to eat Japanese food. I tried Okonomiyaki for the first time and it was so delicious. 日本語でめっちゃおいしいでした!

Another program Kansai Gaidai sponsored was the homestay visit program for students living in the seminar houses. It was free (besides transportation costs we had to pay to the home) so I jumped on that opportunity. Any chance to use the Japanese I learned or make new memories, I was on it.

They had the international students (りょうがくせい) and Japanese students in each family meet in a classroom. After about 10-15 minutes past the starting time, the Japanese student of my family wasn't there. After awhile, she showed up. Very soon I realized that this wasn't going to work. She was a new student and couldn't speak any English at all and I can't talk to her in Japanese either. We ended up canceling, which is unfortunate, but I hope she was able to find an international student that can speak Japanese.

I went to karaoke with some international students and didn't drink. I've figured out that I'm not a big fan of drinking. It was a BLAST being in a room with everyone, singing (some were great, other's not so much), and having a good time. I met Alaina, Emma, and a few other students who I hope to be good friends with. Everyone would sing some songs together I don't need to drink to enjoy myself during those moments.