Nearly three weeks ago, I made the painful decision to part ways with my contracting organization and officially end my time on the JET Program four months early. My board of education proved they could not communicate with ALTs or guarantee safe working conditions. Although I wanted to continue working in Japan, there was tooContinue reading “JET Program: How I Broke My Contract Early in the Wake of COVID-19”
Tag Archives: Travel
Returning to America in Three Days
For the longest time, I was certain I could ride out this terrible pandemic from the “safety” of Japan. However, situations can change drastically in the blink of an eye. While writing this post, I am still in denial that I am leaving in only three days.
Travel Won’t Solve all of Your Problems, but You Should Still Do It
In recent years, traveling has become more accessible than ever before. We can fly, drive, or take a train to all kinds of exotic and exciting destinations in just a few short hours—for a price, of course. Until college, the furthest away I had ventured from home was a nine-hour car ride to Florida. MyContinue reading “Travel Won’t Solve all of Your Problems, but You Should Still Do It”
Birth Control Abroad
Image from @rhsupplies on Unsplash Disclaimer! I am not a medical professional. The following post is based on my experience and personal research alone. Many people are on birth control for one reason or another. In addition to preventing pregnancy, these hormone therapies can regulate menstruation, treat a host of medical conditions like PMS, andContinue reading “Birth Control Abroad”
Why I’m not Returning to the United States During the Coronavirus
Since my last post, the general attitude towards COVID-19 in the United States has shifted from annoyance to fear. Sure, I still see quite a few people on my social media feeds posting memes about the virus and declaring the world is just overreacting, but with the sudden widespread cancellation of flights, schools, and importantContinue reading “Why I’m not Returning to the United States During the Coronavirus”
Autumn in Japan: Experience Momiji
If you’ve managed to survive the sweltering, sticky, 蒸し暑い (mushi-atsui) Japanese summer, you’re in for a great reward. Depending on your region, the arrival of October and November means you’ll soon enjoy cooler temperatures, delicious foods, traditional festivals, and changing leaves. Seasonal treats and sweater-weather aside, the bright hues of Japan’s trees during autumn areContinue reading “Autumn in Japan: Experience Momiji”
Tips for Improving Your Health and Losing Weight in Japan
It’s no secret that the people of Japan live longer and healthier lives than the citizens of many other developed nations, and there are reasons for this that go beyond genetics. If you’ve ever wanted to change your lifestyle or shed a few pounds, moving to Japan is the perfect opportunity to focus on selfContinue reading “Tips for Improving Your Health and Losing Weight in Japan”
Hakuba Mountain Hiking: I Didn’t Make it to the Top, and That’s Ok
During one of two long weekends in September, I visited Hakuba (白馬) a popular ski resort area nestled in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture. If the name sounds familiar, you may remember the town received international recognition for hosting several events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Although famous for its pristine, snowy landscapes,Continue reading “Hakuba Mountain Hiking: I Didn’t Make it to the Top, and That’s Ok”
Greetings From Japan!
Wow, I can’t believe you’re glancing through or even possibly reading my blog. Thank you! It means quite a lot to me, actually. My name is Margaret, as you probably inferred, and I work and live in Niigata City, Japan. I am employed by my local Board of Education through the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET)Continue reading “Greetings From Japan!”
Map of Margaret 