Food Revelation number one:

Vegetables and milk taste different here in Hokkaido. Some milk isn't so nice, I'm still testing different brands. But veggies, the veggies are better. In New Zealand, most pumpkins are fuzzy (as in the flesh is fibrous or fluffy) and sweet, two things I dislike in anything I consider to be savoury. But here the pumpkins are more savoury and the flesh is firmer. I also like their tomatoes, they are less sweet too. I may eat more of those and hopefully I can learn to eat meat too.

Life in Japan so far

Not bad. Decent country town, cheap spacious house, the water tastes different. So does milk and oddly enough, tomatoes and pumpkins. A cuppa here is not the same for the aforementioned reasons, so might put my love for tea with milk on hold soon. Green tea is obviously fine. I was going to make a blog about my time here but frankly, I can't be bothered. I've had a helluva lot to adjust to in this last busy month and it's all a bit of a blur, really. Our assistant has been absolutely invaluable and has been particularly instrumental in helping me with everyday life in Hokkaido. Thank you so much, Komori san, I will shower you with gifts and praise whenever I can. You are a legend and deserve a medal for your patience. I think that will do for now. 

Noboribetsushi

Everyone here is really kind so far in Noboribetsu. They invited me to a festival in a couple of weeks. It's what is called the Hell Festival so it should be very interesting. Anyway at the moment I have a cold so it's hard to stay home instead of exploring my town like I want to but that's ok. I will be patient. I'm writing this post on my new cellphone but I don't really like the way it works so I might go back to using my laptop. Anyway, take care!

In Tokyo. Mushiatsui. Sticky hot weather.

The stickiness is ok (my skin feels softer) but everything else is a bit overwhelming right now. The Keio Plaza Hotel is very nice though. Good food, comfortable place, very nice decor. There are so many of us here. I'm still not sleeping well so it's exhausting getting through each day of orientation, but of course I still feel glad I am here.
Wish me luck in Hokkaido, where I will be working. :)