Tips
to my past self(Natori Japan)
It’s
been a rough patch here lately, but in a rare moment of feeling good, having
played good games, gotten encouragement, medicine, exercise, and rest, I feel
like…let’s have some fun. So, I decided it would be interesting as a way of
both looking back and maybe preparing my successor, to give some tips to my
past self. There might be elaboration, there might not be. It’s a surprise! I
will say, don’t try to Terminator 2 this. You can’t prevent tragedies beyond
your control, me. Just follow my advice and have fun with whatever comes your
way.
1. You
won’t have internet for a month. It’s fine. You’ll be fine. Buy a tv and PS4
and relax.
2. Put
your bed as far from the wall adjoining your neighbor as possible. They’re
loud.
3. Stay
away from the window facing a parking lot(the one facing the main street is
fine.) You’ll see why later.
4. Don’t
wait until January to buy your Switch. It’ll help you through some dark times.
5. Not
everyone will like you. That’s cool. Like yourself and the people who are
awesome.
6. Don’t
worry so much. You’ll be fine. You will make mistakes, as a teacher and a
person, but you will be fine.
7. Buy
a bicycle asap and get a basket for the back end, it will really help with
shopping.
8. The
Yamaya and Aeon Mall have foreign sodas, but their supplies won’t last. Stock
up. No, really, even more than you usually would. Stock. Up.
9. The
coin laundry close to your house? Go there, it’s convenient and it gets your
clothes really clean and smelling great. Same for the dry cleaner next door.
10. The
bakery is great, but the conbinis are where it’s at. Don’t wait too long to go
there regularly.
11. Not
all your ideas as a teacher will pan out. It’s okay. Keep on trying.
12. Go
to the Yakiniku store named Tanuki. The three words you need are Gyutan,
Butatan, and Karibi. Enjoy.
13. Next
to the Yakiniku store is the drug store. It’s got good meds and the best candy
in the world. Black Thunder is what you want. The pizzeria across the street is
also pretty good.
14. Go
to the Ramen Shop next to the 7/11 as soon as possible. They’re good folks.
15. Go
to the bath house over the bridge asap. It’s great.
16. If
you’re worried about anything, ask your co-workers. They’re good folks and will
help you with anything from words you need to know to doctors you can visit.
17. In
the spring and summer, bugs will invade your house. Duct tape up the gaps in
the wall and get Mushikonazu spray. It’ll be a rough few weeks, but you’ll
manage.
18. In
the rainy season, the duct tape might cause water to pool. Be watchful.
19. Buy
tissues. They’re useful for everything from sickness to cleaning and you will
get sick.
20. Go
to the clinic when you feel down. Don’t wait. Healthcare here is super cheap
and the clinics are the only way to get reliable meds. Colds and fevers don’t
just blow over, they get miserable.
21. Go
to the dentist on your first holiday. It’s cheap and you can get those nasty
wisdom teeth out.
22. Set
up an exercise routine and try to stick with it. It’s okay to rest when you’re
sick, but jump back into it ASAP.
23. Start
online dating sooner. Someone awesome is waiting for you.
24. Warframe
is a fun free-to-play, but don’t take it too seriously. Don’t let it consume
your life.
25. Gwent
is sadly doomed and Magic the Gathering will release an awesome, but far too
addictive card game. Steer clear of both of them. For your own good.
26. Get
a humidifier to help with the dry seasons.
27. Uniqlo
is your friend for clothes that might possibly fit you.
28. There’s
lots to explore and many cool places waiting for you, but never feel guilty for
just staying home for the weekend. Life isn’t always about racing to the next
adventure. Take time to smell the roses, sleep in, and talk to good friends.
29. The
environment is both dry and cold in winter and hot and humid in summer. Either
way, bring at least two bottles of water, tissues, and a sweat rag with you
whenever you go out. No, really, WHENEVER, even if it’s just for a short walk.
30. Digitally
back up all your files. Just in case.
For more specific tips about my trips, I wanted to add
a special segment. So, here we go.
1. Go
to Ishinomaki in your first year. The train ride is lovely and the manga museum
is magical.
2. The
ocean is close to Natori. You can ride there on your bike. Bring tons of water
and enjoy the serenity of the sea. It is a long ride though.
3. Matsushima
is more than just beautiful coastline. Go to the museums and enjoy. Make sure
you go to the trick art, music box, and history museums, not just temples.
4. Yamadera
is a beautiful mountain, but only go after your exercise routine has built some
muscle, otherwise, you’ll be sore.
5. Zao
is best visited in fall. Don’t go during the summer unless you get a hotel for
the night, as the heat will be miserable.
6. The
fox village is adorable. Take pictures of the English there. You can use it for
class. It’s fun.
7. Hokkaido
is amazing, but don’t be afraid to use taxis. Seriously, if you’re not leaving
your bags and going for a walk, take a cab. The hotels can call one for you.
8. In
Hakodate, Sun City Hakodate hotel is your best friend. Also, it’s close to the
Hot Box, the best burgers in the world. You’re welcome.
9. The
Food village has lots of great stuff. Try and explore more than just three
restaurants.
10. Mt
Hakodate is beautiful, but the lift is almost always out of service in October.
Be prepared for disappointment.
11. Hiraizumi
is a beautiful place to visit. Rent a bicycle and enjoy.
12. If
you’re going to ride your bicycle for a long stretch, make sure it’s not super
windy outside. Otherwise, it’s best to just take the train. You don’t have
anything to prove to anyone.
13. You’re
going to be sick when you go to Tokyo. See the doctor at least a day or two
before you go. If you lose hearing, don’t panic, go to your regular clinic and
get a recommendation to the Nagamachi hospital. You’ll save yourself a lot of
trouble. This is my one gimme for disasters. The rest isn’t your fault or responsibility,
but this…this sucked.
14. You
won’t eat Kaiseki in Tokyo. It’s fine. You’ll still have fun with your family.
Bring your Switch when you go to Kawaguchiko though. You’ll thank me.
15. Summer
festival is fun, but don’t over hype it. It’s no big deal.
16. The
Senbon Zakura flower walk is in Ogawara. Go. Trust me, go. Even if you get
sick, it’s unlike anything you’ll ever see anywhere else in the world.
17. Tanabata
is cool, but just see the decorations when you have other errands in Sendai.
It’s hot and crowded and not your thing.
18. The
Sendai City Aquarium is also cool, but also crowded. Make your best judgement.
And again, taxis can be great friends.
You might be wondering where are the
standard tips like don’t be afraid to explore, or practice Japanese with the locals…well,
I did those things. I came prepared. These are just tips I wish I knew earlier,
because I did get here eventually. This was a fun walk down memory lane. If my
successor(s) see this, these tips can also apply to you. Do your own thing, but
bear these in mind.
