Overseas trip!!!!

**Breeza** · 09-06-2010 12:55 AM

OMG im going to japan with my class in 2 weeks. im so nervous and excited. Im doing a homestay with a mother and daughter and i dont know how i should act. It's going to be so hard communicating and im really shy

. im pretty sure it'll be ok. The only thing im stuck on is what to get gift to get them. The daughter is 34 and the mother is 67. I have no idea what i should get them....

:S. And another thing i dont know what im going to eat while im there, not just while im with the family but the overall trip because im not really a fan of japanese food... But anywayz any ideas what i should my homestay family???????????

**BabyGirl** · 09-06-2010 07:37 AM

Do they have a Computer ? My son took Japanese for 4 years in High School . He is now 23 and was planning to go to Japan and teach English. He loves Asian food, but planned to take some American Spices with him in case they cooked something he really didn't like. Was going to show them American Foods/ Recipies on the net to print out in their language. He can't cook , Lol !!

**Mes T** · 09-06-2010 07:41 AM

There's lots of Western restaurants in Japan, and I'm sure there is lots of Japanese food that you've never tried before, so you might like it. Don't worry about food! ... Unless the homestay family is cooking it, in which case I'm afraid it'd be best to suck it up and eat it regardless.

They're very particular about politeness over there, VERY!

As for gifts, I've found it's best to give them something that symbolizes your culture... or like some souvenirs with your hometown's name on it. It doesn't have to be extravagant, but it should be unique. Think of something that maybe you wouldn't be able to buy in Japan.

**jns** · 09-06-2010 09:27 AM

Shy should be good, it will come off as quiet and reserved, which are usually considered good.

I don't know what the import regulations to Japan are, truly. but if I lived somewhere maple sugar was available, I would think of getting a gift set or two. Try something that is a specialty of where you live, but keep in mind that food items may have restrictions. Use the internet to find out about the restrictions.

Teriyaki, tempura, sushi, sashimi, soba and udon are the foods I know the best. Teriyaki is usually seafood cooked with sweet soy sauce. Tempura is deep fried seafood using tempura batter. Sushi is rice prepared with sushi vinegar and usually seafood. Sashimi is thin cuts of raw seafood usually dipped in a soy sauce dish. Soba are noodles that I have had on the plane for breakfast. Udon are thick noodles that I have had in a soup. I like wasabi, a strong horseradish paste that is green in color. There are a lot of great soups. Yakisoba is also good, with fried noodles and meat. You can always go for fried rice.

Your hosts may go out of their way to try to guess what you will eat. Be adventurous and try to eat what they eat on a daily basis. It will go far in their opinion of you.

**rcoreyus** · 09-06-2010 09:59 AM

For gifts, something from your local area is usually appreciated. Something like candy that can be shared is good.

I also have trouble with Japanese food (I go there often - going next week). Some things that might better suit western tastes are Tonkatsu (sp?) - a sort of breaded pork - really good. Curries. Italian food in Japan is usually very good. Big department stores have food courts on the ground floor with lots of good things (the Fuji apples there are great).

Japanese culture is very polite - which isn't the same as friendly (though some Japanese are very friendly).

You can get around the major cities with English with no problems.

The family will be trying hard to be nice to you - but may also get things wrong.

Remember to take off your shoes indoors - there is usually a white line on the floor - but if in doubt watch what everyone else is doing.

Are you staying in a city or out in the country?

It should be a great experience - have fun!