So, this is how it is.

The program I am doing sends assistant language teachers (from here on out, ALTs) to different areas in Japan. The vast majority of people are in or pretty close to cities... suburbs... The vast majority of ALTs work at schools where the teachers have seen ALT after ALT come through. The vast majority of people do not have to drive to do their job.

My situation is not like that of the vast majority of people.

I live in the inaka (country). My village is surrounded by mountains. The closest grocery store is about an hour away. The closest train station is about an hour away. I am the first person to ever work as an ALT here.

I am definitely in stage 1 of culture shock, because I am in love with my life.