I'm sitting in the office right now, with a painful shoulder ache, unconsciously ignoring the three men across from me having some sort of conversation in Japanese. I can't tell if anyone actually works here, but maybe that's because I certainly don't. Wait: I keep hearing the words 'shogakko' and 'chugakko' which respectively mean elementary and junior high school, so that must be something.

Yesterday (today?) was (is?) my birthday. I'm really not sure because I received many comments both Monday and Wednesday, but almost none on the actual day itself. I wouldn't be surprised if I am in fact completely wrong and my birthday is really in a couple of weeks.

These past weeks have been, for lack of better words, crazy. There is too much that I want to say but not enough time to write it all. I also lack the energy, to be honest. I guess my actions over the last couple of weeks can be summarized by blank stares, awkward silences, and many cultural faux-pas. However, to say that I am not having an amazing time would be a lie. The people here are incredible generous and kind and the town itself is quite majestic.