99 Islands in Sasebo

Ikumi, my first friend in Imari invited me to go to Sasebo with her. She took me to the top of a mountain to view the 99 islands(they don't actually know if there are 99). We went at sunset which was absolutely beautiful! Sasebo is also known for the american navy base so there were more foreigners there than I usually see. Can the view get any better than that?

A night of Karaoke

Karaoke....one of the most popular ways to spend time in Imari. Everyone is crazy about singing! Chris(a friend from a nearby town but originally from Liverpool, England) came to Imari for the night so we couldn't resist. Chris, Matt and I went to great karaoke bar for an all you can eat and drink night of fun! We had a great time! Matt has a great karaoke voice which entertained us all evening!

A night in Fukuoka

We enjoyed an evening out in Fukuoka. There is a picture of me and Katie on the subway. The other is the 4 of us(me, Annick, Towana and Katie) waiting to get on the subway.

Sightseeing in Nagasaki

Karen works in Imari. She lives a bit far from me but we talk often. In this photo we were visiting the only Chinese temple outside China that was built by Chinese people. The Chinese embassy is completely responsible for this place.

Outside my apartment!

I took these pictures right outside my apartment. I see this view everyday. This is my new favourite place to be. I always stop here. Originally, I thought the flowers were all wild here but recently I saw someone working here. Everything is so well taken care of!

My Enkai!!

Is this special treatment or what?? A few weeks after my arrival, the board of education had a welcome party for me!! The meal was outstanding.There were sit down dishes and variety of food at different tables. All the beverages were provided for everyone. There were speeches made to me and videos were shown! I took this picture before the evening began.

Karatsu Beach Party

There was really nice BBQ on the beach just outside of Karatsu. I only took a couple of pictures early in the evening. I was told many people surf at this beach(when the jelly fish season is over!) I live about 40 minutes from this beach. I will definitely be going back there!

The Pear Orchard Field

This is an orchard field about 15 minutes from my place. When I arrived in Imari, I was asked to be in an english tourism video about Imari. I thought that I only had a small part in the video but I had the main role!! It will be on tv in Imari in October. We still have to shoot the second and third part of the video sometime later this year!

My first tourist attraction-A famous museum in Yoshinogari

The orginal plan was to go to a festival in Fukuoka but the Typhoon from the day before cancelled the festival. Instead the four of us(me, Matt, Nettah, and Nicole) went to this great museum which is a representation of the Yayoi Period.

First Welcome Party

Me and Lizzie at the first welcome party. She lives in Saga city about 1 hour and a half away from me(unless you get lost on the train and then it could be 4 hours!).

First Welcome Party!

The first welcome party. Here are few people from Saga. Left to right: Geoff, Raina, Tina, Leticia, me, Matt and the bottom is Steve. Matt also lives in Imari. His experience with travelling has definitely helped me survive out here in the inaka!

This is my home!!! Imari is famous for pottery and porcelain! The lady in the picture is a teacher that I work with once a week. She was translating on this day for my supervisor! This part of the city is about 10 minutes from my apartment

Krista in Japan

Finally! A blog to start posting my adventures in new places. I still can't really believe that I in Japan!! Though everytime I walk into any store and can't explain myself, I am reminded that I am very far away. I miss you dearly. I look forward to explaining all the pictures when I return. For now, please enjoy! Let me know what you think of the pictures when you get a chance.