Pain Killers (and other Drugs) in Japan

It's not easy to get medicine in Japan.

First, there's the language problem. A lot of medicines don't have English labels. 

Next, drug stores in Japan are mostly-filled with Japanese medications. There are only a handful of well-known international medicine brand. 

Lastly, over-the-counter-drugs in Japan have lower dosages when compared to other countries. You have to see a doctor and ask for a prescription. That's another difficulty. 

I've been sick in Japan a couple of times. I tried going to the pharmacy and self-medicate but I still end up at the doctor's office asking for prescription. So, I suggest that when you're unwell and don't really know what Japanese medicine to take, do not self-medicate. Just go to the doctor's office. It will save you lots of time. 

But there's one medicine that I need to take almost every month. It's Ibuprofen. Simple language: Pain killers. I usually suffer from menstrual cramps. I can't use that as an excuse for missing work so pain killers it is.

An Overview of an ALT's Job

credits: http://www.lifeaftertheboe.com/

Most English-speaking foreigners I know are or were Assistant Language Teachers or ALT's. ALT's are foreign English teachers in Japanese public schools. This is the most common ticket of foreigners to live and work in Japan.

If you're planning to apply as an ALT in Japan, here are some truths about the job. Whether the following are good or bad is entirely up to your perspective.

1. ALT's are ASSISTANTS. 

An assistant's job in any field is to provide support to the main character. This is what basically being an ALT means. You have to provide support based on how the main teacher needs you. Some ALT's are needed to just repeat words in the classroom, like a tape recorder. Some ALT's are asked to come up with 5-10 minute warm-up or review games. Some ALT's are asked to think of games, make worksheets, sing songs and talk about their culture. Your task as an ALT depends largely on what the main teacher will ask you to do.

On my first weeks as an ALT, I had a hard time adjusting to the role of an assistant. Before coming to Japan, I was in control on my own classes. It took time for me to accept that I'm now just an assistant. I can make suggestions but it's the main teacher who will ultimately decide what I should do in the classroom.

Things You'll Learn Living Abroad

It's been almost 3 years since I moved to Japan.

I was halfway through my 26th year then and now I'm halfway to my 30th year.

Wow! Time flies fast indeed.

I've grown a lot in the last three years than all my early 20's combined, I think. Living abroad forced me to grow up, improve, change and take a hard look at myself. It sounds like it's really enlightening to live abroad. It is. But not without lots of tears, homesickness and frustrations. I never been so sad and depressed until I move abroad. I've never been so broken and so humbled until I live abroad.

But it's not all sorrow and sadness. Living abroad is also freeing. I didn't have to live up to anyone's expectations. I'm free from my own culture. I'm free to discover who I really am and who I wanted to be. It's when I live abroad that I became honest with myself. I didn't realize how I needed to be away from home to feel at home with myself. Living abroad is not only discovering a new place but also a journey to self-discovery.

Things to Do in Golden Week

Hattasan Soneiji Temple, Fukuroi

Golden Week in Japan is a collection of 4 holidays in a week. It starts from April 29, then May 3 to 5. A lot of companies also cancel work from April 30 to May 2 completing a full week as a holiday. Hence, the term "GOLDEN WEEK."

Golden week is one of the three busiest times in Japan. The other two are during Obon and New Year's Celebration. Tourism is at its peak both locally and internationally. I tried booking a tour for Fuji Five Lakes 2 weeks ago but the agent said it's already full until May 6th. It's probably the same with other tour agencies. If not fully booked, prices are expected to be more expensive. Airports and train stations are anticipating a large influx of tourists. If you're a foreigner who's planning to come to Japan, this is not the best time to go.

If you're not up for travelling during this time, you can do these things instead.

Where to See Wisteria in Japan

Kawachi Tunnel in Kitakyushu
photo credits: http://www.tourismontheedge.com/

I saw a comic strip a few months ago. I wish I've bookmarked it

It goes like this:

(Man and woman on a Japanese train)

Man: So we're travelling for hours to see flowers???
Woman: Yes. 
Man: This better be good. 
Woman: (looks at him annoyingly)

(Man and woman arrived in a wisteria tunnel)

Man: (cries with joy over the sight of wisteria) 
Woman: (looks at him puzzled)

The artist then explained how it was truly his reaction when he first saw a wisteria tunnel. It was so beautiful. I definitely agree with him. I could even say that it's more beautiful than the cherry blossoms. The dropping flowers of wisteria gives a fairy-tale quality to a place. It just looks so whimsical.

So where can you see this whimsical wisteria?

In Hamamatsu, you can find wisteria on the grounds of Gyokoji Temple, Iwata. I visited this place yesterday and the wisteria are in full bloom. Perfect timing!

wisteria in Gyokoji Temple, Iwata