Possible improvement.

I am now on my third day here, and I left the house for the first time today. I admit, it was to sit in my host fathers office for 8 hours whilst trying to entertain two girls and not fall asleep (jet lag and uncomfortable bed are major things right now.) I’m hoping that I will be given a key so during the day I can roam freely and not have to precisely time when I’m returning as to not sit outside aimlessly, but we will see. Apparently, when the mother returns from her business trip she is going to show me some places, including the cinema.

Whilst sat in the office, the host father went hunting for anything he had in English for me to read — he returned with a program and a Scottish newspaper, safe to say he cannot read the newspaper as it was full of crude Scottish humour.

I have my orientation at the agency on Monday, 9.30–4.30 so will be a long and tiring day. However, I am hoping that it will be useful as I should be taught about cultural differences and generally what I’m supposed to be doing whilst out here.

I have already noticed a few cultural differences: slurping, phones at the table, relaxing. Eating things like noodles with chopsticks is pretty damn hard, let alone using the British manners I was brought up with, therefore I am just going to have to get used to the slurping, dropping food back into your bowl and other mannerisms. The father has his phone at the table every meal, if it goes off he checks it. If I were to do that at home I’d receive a slap round the back of the head. The family have a tv but I am yet to see it in use, instead evenings are spent doing activities, homework and playing piano. This is not how I would normally choose to relax, especially after they get up at 6.30am.

I tend to escape to bed as soon as the children have, so that I can attempt to relax and sleep. So far sleep has been very broken and little due to jet lag, very thin/uncomfortable mattress and the heat. Fingers crossed I get used to it soon.

Today’s meals were an anonymous sandwich with sweetened soy milk, noodles in what looked like campbells chicken soup and KFC where I had a salad and chips… have to say the KFC was my favourite meal which is a first.

Here’s for everyday improving, over and out.