タンと申します

A picture of my self-introduction in very bad Japanese, and that's with George and Liz's coaching before hand.

To say that the Japanese are very fond of self-introductions is a huge understatement. They are very very fond of it, and so we've all had to do over fifteen self-introductions since arriving here, a substantial number considering we've only been here for four weeks! Basically, if there's a stage then you walk onto the stage and give a little spiel about yourself to the crowd, and in the classroom you'll have to stand up and face the other students. Listening to forty people give you the same information for the benefit of some academics and some people you'll never see again can be so tedious and mind-numbingly boring. It was informative the first couple of times when we didnt know each other but by now we can all do each other's self-introductions.

The introductions at the Ohmeikan was the first to involve alcohol, so it was a little raucous at times! Anyway, I got up there and forgot all the Japanese that George and Liz had taught me- i couldnt even remember the word for eight but Liz, bless her, came to the rescue and shouted out 'hachi' from the crowd. Finally got through it, and then downed the beer in one. Blaaargh!

(My new red kimono: its a kiddie one but I would never wear the long, floor-length ones that are made for adults. Customised this one a little and now Im completely in love with it. Translation: My name is Thanh)