So once you are in a new city, how do you settle in?
I say, go by the flow or rather feel the rhythm of the city. This is an advice given to me by my dear friend Asawari who was my roommate back in 2008. I didnt really understand what she meant back then, but I do now.
Since 2008, I think I have understood the rhythm of at least 6 different cities in 3 different countries, 6th one being the current one.
I am in a new country, I am in Japan and frankly although it is just barely 2 months that I am here, I feel very much at home. I thought I would have a few emotional breakdowns given the stress of it, but that really didnt happen.
To begin with here are a few pointers you need to know about where you live in:
1. Understand how people go on about their everyday life, what they do for fun or what you can do for fun.
2. Unpack in your new apartment as soon as possible and personalize it. Every single time, you walk into your home, it should feel your own. If you can do that, trust me you have made things a lot more easier for yourself.
3. Food is one important factor, it can make all those mood swings go right outside the window and just lighten up your mood instantly. Find a way to cook your favorite food or figure out a restaurant that sells one.
4. Make friends - that can be a challenge, but hey even someone to say hi to initially can be good you know.
5. Volunteer - if you love animals like I do, go find an animal shelter to volunteer.
6. Books - there is always something magical about books, especially the favorite ones. I have made a little travel collection of books, though they occupy a good amount of space, I dont mind that. I have made it a habit to read a few books repeatedly every year during winter and that just makes everything alright.
7. Language - if you are in a country like Japan where you have to know their language to get around, it can be a little challenging but learning a new language can be very exciting. Imagine knowing a new language and you can show off in front of your friends and make them jealous (LOL), just kidding, but I have really found it to be a fun experience learning Japanese.
8. Settling in - if you get a furnished apartment that is great, if not, there is always Amazon. There are always people blogging and writing about their experience in buying stuff online or from a particular store, just google for information and I am sure it wont be that difficult.
Okay, I think I have listed some good 8 points :D
Until next time..... see ya..
I say, go by the flow or rather feel the rhythm of the city. This is an advice given to me by my dear friend Asawari who was my roommate back in 2008. I didnt really understand what she meant back then, but I do now.
Since 2008, I think I have understood the rhythm of at least 6 different cities in 3 different countries, 6th one being the current one.
I am in a new country, I am in Japan and frankly although it is just barely 2 months that I am here, I feel very much at home. I thought I would have a few emotional breakdowns given the stress of it, but that really didnt happen.
To begin with here are a few pointers you need to know about where you live in:
1. Understand how people go on about their everyday life, what they do for fun or what you can do for fun.
2. Unpack in your new apartment as soon as possible and personalize it. Every single time, you walk into your home, it should feel your own. If you can do that, trust me you have made things a lot more easier for yourself.
3. Food is one important factor, it can make all those mood swings go right outside the window and just lighten up your mood instantly. Find a way to cook your favorite food or figure out a restaurant that sells one.
4. Make friends - that can be a challenge, but hey even someone to say hi to initially can be good you know.
5. Volunteer - if you love animals like I do, go find an animal shelter to volunteer.
6. Books - there is always something magical about books, especially the favorite ones. I have made a little travel collection of books, though they occupy a good amount of space, I dont mind that. I have made it a habit to read a few books repeatedly every year during winter and that just makes everything alright.
7. Language - if you are in a country like Japan where you have to know their language to get around, it can be a little challenging but learning a new language can be very exciting. Imagine knowing a new language and you can show off in front of your friends and make them jealous (LOL), just kidding, but I have really found it to be a fun experience learning Japanese.
8. Settling in - if you get a furnished apartment that is great, if not, there is always Amazon. There are always people blogging and writing about their experience in buying stuff online or from a particular store, just google for information and I am sure it wont be that difficult.
Okay, I think I have listed some good 8 points :D
Until next time..... see ya..
