Always Indebted

One thing that I still can`t get used to here is how much people insist on doing for me. They do so much for me, and I can`t do much to repay them since I am here for such a short time. It is very difficult to repay favors, especially since I am a gaijin (foreigner). At first it was hard for me to even get my host family to let me do my own dishes. One of my students kept me after class for an hour, so she insisted on taking me to lunch. In my mind, staying after class is part of my responsibilities as a teacher. In her mind, she owed me something for making me stay. She paid for everything. I expected that since in Japan they usually don`t split the bill, but I still felt awkward. I almost haven`t used any money since I came because people do so much for me. Even when I go to the grocery store it is hard to buy my own stuff. `Oh, do you want that? Here put it in the do you want that? Here put it in the basket.` By that point it is too late to try to buy it on my own. I feel so spoiled. I mention I would like to try something, and I can`t even use my own money to buy it. Another example is the trains. I have been here over a week, and I still haven`t been able to ride the trains. My host family asked if I was nervous to learn to use the trains here. I told them I was a little nervous, thinking that it was no big deal. Well, they decided that one of my students would drive me to class every day for the first week (45 minute car ride), and then other students would accompany me on the trains for the next week so I can get used to it. It is very kind of them, but I don`t think it is completely necessary. Honestly I think I would be find after riding the train once or twice, but they insist on doing everything they can for me. It is really sweet of them, but at the same time, I wish I weren`t always having to accept these favors that I can`t really repay. It is awkward. I can see why Japanese people seem to have a strong sense of responsibility and obligations.