So, I'm moving to Japan

[Alis]

My soul searching after quitting the residency program last year came to an abrupt end when my husband was offered a year long contract in Fukuoka.

freaking scala developers can get a job anywhere in the world...

Funny thing is, I had already decided what I wanted to do next with my career, and where I wanted to do it, and I was pretty happy with my decision. But this is a lifetime opportunity for him (he has always dreamed about working abroad) and I can put my career on hold for a year for his sake. He will have to put up with much more when I do start my residency program.

I'll be moving on may 2nd. I don't know what the heck I'm gonna do there, I barely speak any Japanese and outside the medical field there's not much I know how to do ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


But I guess you only live once, and it's only a year, so I'm taking the plunge. What's the worst that could happen?
That North Korea bombs the s--- outta Japan? WW3? Japanese Encephalitis? EARTHQUAKES?!

I thought about doing a video blog, but I'm too afraid of being awkward and cringy. Guess I'll only post my stuff on my social media. I'll keep you posted if I find something cool, and let me know if there's anything gamer and geeky that you want me to check out for you.


PS: I'm scared as f---

[Solana]

Ooh, best of luck to you! I'll try not to bog you down with too many questions. Do let me know if you go to the aquarium, please?

[Alis]

I'm SO gonna go to the aquarium. I'm not usually really into attractions that involve animals in captivity but fom what I heard that aquarium is one of a kind. I think I'll visit Osaka in July

Feel free to bog me whenever you want, I'll totally appreciate it!

[Solana]

Awesome. The Atlantis mostly ruined me for aquariums (as it hosts the world's largest outdoors one) but Japan's... it's even mentioned in Endless Ocean 2 as a project to bring in customers. And when I get my next gig and do my Bali/Singapore trip, I'm definitely going to hit the one there. (Although the Sea Life one up here has a huge pool for the stingrays, and it was so hard to not vault the rope and jump in. Unfortunately, I didn't want to be escorted out, especially since my cousin volunteers there and I'd asked about him. "Is that your cousin?!" "Uh... nope, never seen her before.")

Ooh, or if you go to any of the bird cafes, pictures please!

[Rune Lai]

It'll likely be rough, Alis, but it's also something you'll probably be able to talk about for years to come. I'd definitely try the various animal cafes.

Earthquakes are overrated. The really strong ones are rare, and Japan has one of the best emergency alert and evacuation systems in the world. If you were going to be hit by an earthquake anywhere, Japan is probably the most prepared place you could be.

[Roas]

Well, good luck.

I can tell you from personal experience that it's never what you think it's going to be. Fortunately for you, Japan is more westernized than China was, so at least in terms of certain societal/civic feels you'll probably feel comfortable and not suffer super culture shock, though it will be there. I do know that laundry may be a little rough, as normally Japanese homes are not built with space for driers. It's hang up your wet stuff or go to a laundry mat. That's just one of those cultural differences I read about, and if you are a clothes horse like me and go through a lot of laundry, it would be a pain.

Good thing is, Japan is still rich with its own culture that is unique and interesting, unlike China which has had its own unique and storied culture wiped away by years of communist rule. In Japan you'll still find good local cuisine as well as more Western cuisine as well, and food will be fresh and less sketchy like what I saw in China. I mean....when eating in China you had to be aware that Hep B was a risk....seriously.

But you'll probably be fine over all, and like you said it's not forever. So, again, best of luck and enjoy some stuff there that never gets localized for the West.

[Alis]

I didn't know there were bird cafes! I went to a cat cafe in tokyo two years ago, it was a little "meh" but I'll check the bird cafe for sure.


And Roas, yes! I heard about the tiny dry space for your clothes. Well, for everything basically. My apt will be about 20 m2, which is the standard size apparently. Clothes will be an issue for sure.
I can't imagine living in China, I don't know how you handled. I thought I might visit but since I'll do all my travelling alone I don't if I'm quite there yet travel-savyy wise to get by. I'll definetely visit South Korea though, since it seems to be fairly westernized and the language barrier and cultural shock might not be that overwhelming as in China's case. But good thing I got all my hep B shots, just in case I ever drop by.

[Solana]

One of my managers at the store went to South Korea with her sister last year and had an amazing time. She didn't speak much Korean, but her sister had studied it and they're huge fans of K-pop. The food was supposed to be really good, too.

I plan to visit Japan someday, but my first plan is to do a Bali/Singapore trip once I get employed again.

[Alis]

Well mah dudes, I'm here. Last few days have been freaking insane, it was Japan's Golden Week and Tokyo was madly crowded.

Ill be in Tokyo until May 9th, and then Fukuoka it is.

I just dropped by the Tales of Shop and bought the Berseria World Guidance, there was some crazy stuff there. Im posting from my cell phone so I don't have the option to attach images but you can check them in my Tumblr if you want


alislandale.tumblr.com/post/173631636812/the-tales-of-shop-in-akihabara-i-bought-the

[Rune Lai]

Niiiiiice! That shop looks amazing! I'm always jealous of Japan's merch selection.

[Solana]

Ooooooooooh, sweet!