Finding Kendra

The one where I describe spring and summer in Japan--what to do, how to survive, and the pros and cons of visiting during them.

The one in which I share with you the materials I haul around with me all day, every day for my lessons and give some tips to go with them.

The one in which I tell you what I did right when I packed for a year in Japan,what I did wrong, and what I would do now that I know better.

The one in which I look back at this incredible year, cry with pride for my amazing students, and wonder at this place I have found myself.

The one in which I wax poetic on the image boosting, soothing, and oh so wonderful properties of Japanese hot springs.

The one in which I break down my day, hour by hour, and tell you exactly what a day in my life as an ALT in rural Japan looks like.

The one in which I talk about what it's like to drive in Japan, the rules of the road, the mistakes I've made, and why I love it so much!

The one in which I break down my monthly budget for you as an Interac ALT in rural Japan and tell you why I spend the way I do.

The one in which I make my case for why you should smile at random strangers during your day, even if you're in a bad mood.

The one in which I tell you about the things I've noticed and the lessons I've learned since I moved to Japan four months ago.

The one in which I go to Tokyo for the very first time, figure things out-ish, share tips to save you from my mistakes, and eat really well!

The one where I apologize for going MIA since arriving in Japan and tell you my first impressions of my new country while promising more.

The one where I finally leave for Japan and bumble my way through airports to move to my very first foreign country!

The one where I am punch-drunk tired and have to write out my thoughts in the middle of the night before I leave because I'm still packing.

The one in which I talk about how it feels to leave my wonderful family behind and strategies to get over the inevitable homesickness.

The one in which I actually realize how close I am to moving out of the U.S. for the first time and panic a little.

The one in which I go to L.A. by myself for the first time, only get a little lost, and tell you how I applied for my Japanese visa!

The one in which I describe the process of applying for an International Driving Permit so I can zip around Japan in style!

The one in which I sit down to tell you all about my Interac placement in Japan, when I will be moving, and how the visa application process

The one where I accept my Interac teaching assignment, book my first one way ticket, and freak out about the fact that I'm moving to Japan.