So, school began October 2, 2000. Got up, felt good. Decided I needed to practice taking the train so I insisted on going alone. I needed to figure it out. So off I went, looking spiffy and feeling good. Twenty minute walk to Kaita Station from the Takayama Rez. Its a straight shot so no problem. I was nearly there when I noticed my ankles were hurting. New shoes, but no problem.

Train from Kaita to HIroshima Station. Was nervous and a little miffed cuz got there too late for train I wanted. Had to wait twenty minutes. Was alone so Felt maybe I was wrong, maybe was wrong train, surely lots of people had to go into Hiroshima for work etc! But it was ok. Correct train. Yay! Got to Hiroshima Station@And was so completely lostDDDWandered about helpless as a child for over an hour. In the station, out of the station, ended up somewhere down the street from the station. I dont know how. Got on wrong bus. Asked bus driver if it was the bus to Jogakuin. Yes, he said. He looked at me though (thank GOD) and said not University though. Gaaaah! Got directions (but do not understand directional Japanese so well, and man assumed that could speak fluently as he rattled off at like twelve words per second). Anyhoo, got off the bus, walked in the direction he had pointed and promptly asked someone else. Understood half of what woman said, walked in correct direction and got to the underground. FOund policeman and asked him. He started to tell me then said he'd take me which he kindly did. Yay! Was completely embarrassing though as I had been there twice before...

Was at my marker, Hiroshima Grandvia Hotel at my left, so knew exactly where busstop was, got to busstop in time to see the correct bus approaching. By this time my ankles really really hurt. Felt like a big stupid child so ignored them and got excited to go to school. Got off bus and was in agony. Literally limped up the hill from the gate of Jogakuin and to the meeting place. My tutors came and we had lunch. They were thrilled to death by my gift of Jelly Belly. But hell, I like candy too. Ive always been fascinated by the popcorn and roasted marshmallow flavors in particular. Took time to look at heels and was in shock by horrid gaping wounds. There were actually wounds on my ankles where the skin had rubbed off completely to the red fleshy bid'ness beneath.

So, clearly bad shoe selection for being lost and walking to school, should not have worn new shoes. Showed Aya and Mayu and the were horrified and took me to the nurse. I was embarrassed to say the least. But I sat down and for the first time in I cant remember how long, I squealed, cried out like a seven year old as my horrid massive red wounds were being swabbed with God knows what but OW OW OW. Aya and Mayu hid their eyes and squealed. They told me I was strong. "tsuyoi" they said and "sugoi". I felt like crawling into a dark corner of the world to die, or at least nap.

and yet, the embarrassment doesnt end there!!!

It was because my shoes were too small, she said. I wanted to laugh. My parents and I tried different sizes of shoes on for like an hour. And they were too small??? Well its an hour of my life I'll never get back. SO was even more embarrassed. But then came to realization like a bucket of water on a sleeping man. WIth bizarre wounds could not put shoes on... so the nurse gave me the shoes off her own feet. Now clearly this was an amazing display of selflessness. Was so embarrassed. But gratefully (as had no choice) accepted the loan of white orthopedic sandals. Well, was wonderful for about five minutes, despite the fact that I looked blind because clearly white sandals look stupid with black socks and dark grey pants, black backpack, dark shirt. But! Went to meeting with advisor, Suenaga sensei with bizarre shoes and we arranged stuff. Suenaga Sensei's office is how I'd like my office to be if I ever merit an office. Books upon books upon books, and more on the floor, and in piles on the table and mixed with papers and pamphlets. Yeah, and there was a magnet of Michaelangelo's David on his (?)wall(?). He was wearing a cowboy hat, a purple shirt and some Calvin Kleins. I took note of this because, did I expect it in the office of dignified Japanese teacher? [answer=no]. We got up to leave to meet other faculty members, and I felt really sorry for Mayu and Aya. They must've been sooo bored. I was so surprised when we got up to leave. Suenaga sensei was in the hall and we were following (slowly as had all our baggage, etc) when Mayu (shock shock!!) went right for the David magnet and peeled them whities right off. I admit, Id been curious too-were they permanent, was he a dressup magnet?- but I dont think I would have done that. ANd of course, in that time honored tradition of stuff going wrong only when it embarrasses you, Mayu quick as that put them back on (just a peek mind you) and somehow someway they leapt right of their magnetic nether-region and Mayu and Aya scrambled to find and replace. Mind you Suenaga sensei is standing like two feet away just out of eyeshot (or...was he...?). He peeked back in, just as the girls snapped it back in place. He knew, I swear he knew. Funniest thing though, was as we were stifling our giggles, dutifully following him, Mayu whispered, "did you see?" I am still laughing.

Then we had to have me meet people.

Now, I wonder...How does this happen..?..my feet began to hurt. Again. Feeling utterly moronic I waited as long as I could before I, again started having to walk funny. When asked I had to admit the shoes, given to me with the utmost kindness, were crippling me. SO shoe fiasco continued when I finally declared could not walk in shoes. Took them off and saw about ten variously sized rubbery bumps where the arch of the foot is. They HURT. Why would someone want that? Why? Was reminiscent of medieval punishment for theivery!!
"Yea Verily I doest command thee, wearest thee these hellish shoe-beasts five years hence!"
So they decided twas neccessary to scour the faculty offices for extra shoes. Ended up wearing man's black slippers that looked to be the exact same make my Dziadzia used to wear. So, was embarrassed and thanked them. Felt like dog, some man being robbed of his office slippers for some crippled gaijin girl he'd never met and had only been in the country like five minutes. Gaah! What must he think of my country by my example!!! ...oh wait... I guess I'm a pretty apt portrayal of average america...

So, clopped about in shoes to big for me ("aaah" my feet said. If they leave me one day, I can't say I'd blame them). Then, had to go home. Went (thankfully) with Harumi BY CAR.... Ate dinner and fell asleep with the light on. Woke up in the morning, and was shocked. Ever had one of those nights of sleep where not only does it feel like you got no sleep, you felt morning was a surprise?