First night in new apartment in Kitakyushu – HOT

I'm having fun. The only thing missing is Daniel :) and perhaps an air conditioner, but I guess they both go together.

I don't remember the last time I sweated this much. By the way, thanks Mum for the hanky of Western Australia – it's been moping up my sweat! Very useful.

So, I'm sitting in my new apartment, on the fifth floor with all the windows wide open. The washing machine is on in the background (take 2 – in the first attempt it didn't empty the water, but I was mostly guessing with the controls. I'm also presuming that the washing detergent actually is washing detergent. It does have a picture of clean clothes on the container, but you never know). I'm sitting on my new futon, leaning against one of the walls which isn't paper. My kettle just boiled, and while I'm looking forward to drinking something other than water (hopefully jasmine tea) I think I still might be too hot to drink a hot drink. Talking about my kettle – I went shopping and just couldn't resist. It doesn't only heat the water, but keeps it hot indefinitely! Actually it's exactly the same one on from the hotel (see previous picture). I didn't get it because it was the cheapest, but mostly because I thought it was really cool and as I had already figured out (mostly) how to use it. While we're talking about cool features in the apartment.... the bath is great! It's square and very very deep. Provided your legs are kept close you can get everything underwater. At least, I think you can – I only had cold water tonight so it wasn't a very long bath. The apartment is bigger than I imagined, but a little bit warmer. Plenty of room for visitors!! I'm in a hilly area and I've got mountain views in the background. The apartment is very clean and functional although when you open and close doors (cupboards/ bedroom doors) the hallway/walkways change. Disconcerting.

I've got a phone, but at this stage I'm not cleaver enough to work out how to ring Australia (sorry!) all I get is a very nice Japanese voice saying “something something masen” (masen = no) or “something something o kudasai” (kudasai = please do something). Suffice to say it didn't work and I'll try to email tomorrow (Thursday).

Did I mention that it's a bit hot? Although I was thinking that I was going into summer while I packing, I was subconsciously packing for a very mild summer. I don't really have my summer clothes.

Well, the washing machine worked, the jasmine tea is not bad (a bit chloriny, but ok and definitely not fishy) and I've found a breeze. So all in all we're doing ok.

Other items of interest about my day:

Plane flight from Tokyo to Kitakyushu was fantastic. I hadn't realised how many islands made up Japan. Mount Fuji was also an incredible sight.

The staff I'm working with (both Japanese and Westerners) were really helpful and friendly. One of the first conversations we had was about TimTams! Our supervisor Christine, from Hawaii, had previously discovered TimTams and seems quite keen on them. The guys from the UK had never heard of them, but apparently there is something similar called penguins! We briefly introduced ourselves to everyone in the office in Japanese (I didn't quite say what I wanted how I wanted, but I think the message was clear).

Then they gave us money! Travelling allowance! 17,200 yen ($172) Not bad seeing as I didn't spend anything. No wait, I bought a bottle of water and a cup of noodles! Apparently this is common; they budget for something and if it's less they give you the remainder. It seems that I also get travelling allowance for work each day. I get the impression it's so that people keep safe instead of taking risks to save money.

It looks like I might be going to a special school for work. I mentioned to my supervisor that I was keen and had some experience and I got a very positive response.

Anyway, I could go on and on about my apartment and my day, but I'll get going (maybe watch Star Gate with a bottle of water and a hand-held fan). Just wanted to let you know that I had a really great day and looking forward to what's ahead (yes – an air conditioner!!).

11:30pm

Opps, bought noodles for dinner, but forgot to get chopsticks! Attemptimg to eat with a pen. Sound familiar?

Still hasn't cooled down. I have found a spot with an occasional breeze.

Thursday 9am

Slept ok considering how hot it was ;) Had a nice bath once I realised that all that time spent showing me how to turn the hot water on didn't mean that it was left on. Off to fix my alien registration card and hopefully post this on the page.

Have a good one, enjoy the cool weather for me!

Where are these controls??!!! (try looking at it upside down)

What is this? Any guesses?

At least I don't have to travel back on that plane for a while..

Traveling on planes isn't my favourite way to start a journey. They're cramped, long and only serve half sized drinks. I'm rather dehydrated which I think is more a result of the flight rather than the lovely weather of Japan (hot, humid and sticky, with a few drops of rain thrown in for good measure). So, today I have taken it real easy so that I will hopefully be alive tomorrow for the information sessions.

I have nothing interesting to report about today as I only did what I had to with naps taken whenever I could get them. I did go out to find a post office to get some money (thanks for the advice that I can just get money out of an ATM at the airport, "It'll be easy!" Yeah, easy if the ATM's are open! ).

I'm sharing a five star hotel room with the other girl from Canberra. The room is really nice, although it did take us 10mins to work out how to use the jug - rather tricky opening the lid and working out that the unlock button goes on when I thought it would go off. You can't pour water without it unlocked which is when the light is on! But is does keep water hot all the time and I made myself a very yummy cup of noodles. They actually have vegies and seafood pieces in it!

The bathroom is full of fiddly gadgets. The first time I sat on the toilet I was quite surprised to note that it started flushing (apparently this is normal and they obviously don't have any water restrictions). There are also options on the side panel if you would like a spray of water or a jet of water to clean you afterwards. I passed on this one ;)

Unlike the advice about the money, I have to say a huge thank you to Carl and Dan for finding/making something that I can plug into the wall and charge computer, phone etc. I was helping a friend looking for one today and it really didn't help my headache. In the end, she will just borrow mine for the moment.

Well, it's about time for more sleep, I think and hopefully I'll feel much better in the morning. (Yes, I've been drinking lots of water, but it still hasn't gone away :(

Time to go!

Just getting ready to leave and making sure I can actually use this without Dan's help.

If you're interested, I now have a Skype phone number so you can call me on a normal telephone (no computer required). Send me an email if you want it.

Thanks so much to everyone for making the effort to catch me before I left. I really enjoyed spending time with all of you

Time for the final weigh in of my bags! Catch you later.