I know I haven't updated in awhile. I just haven't really done too many interesting things.
This morning I was woken by my bed shaking. And not just a little shaking, it was shaking somewhat hard - enough so that the noise woke me up and made me thing, "Wtfh is going on?" So I jump down, whip out my laptop and USGS (my faithful friend on anything tectonic related) said that there had been an earthquake of 5.0 magnitude in Narita, Japan. Which is about 35-37 miles away. Nothing fell or anything, but it was still like...o.o" I experienced my first ever earthquake - in Japan. Please see the below link for further information.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/10/140_35.php
I don't think I mentioned this, but I will NOT be going to Fuji. I want to, but financial constraints prevent me from going. It's because I hadn't prepared for a trip to Fuji before I got here (it was kind of last minute and wasn't in the original plans). If I were to go, I would need warm clothes (like winter-warm including gloves, a wind-breaker, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, leggings), a waterproof backpack as weather can be unpredictable at the summit and possibly different shoes. I need something to "protect my ankles" as the guide said and sneakers don't really do the trick. If I were to get that here, it'd be around $300 worth of stuff that I'd have to take back with me - and I hardly have room as it is.
On Tuesday I ended up seeing a movie. Two movies actually. The first was a Studio Ghibli remake of The Borrowers called Karigurashi no Ariettei. It was absolutely adorable and I ended up buying playing cards with the characters on them. So cute~ <3 The second was because I needed a dose of English and so I watched The Last Airbender, which is rather crappy. I'd say the boy was okay and Zuko was okay, but Sokka and Katara suck.
In some of the fancier places, public toilets not only have heated seats, but they also play water sounds to "help" you.
On Tuesday, I met some kids from Illinois here on a Japanese class trip. Their names were Abby and Ian - I enjoyed their company, even if it was only for an hour and a half. I shall miss them, I think.
I've surprised Japanese people by knowing hiragana. ^^" They assume foreigners don't know anything about their language or culture, usually.
I talked to a few high school girls, although I think I made them uncomfortable. Their names were Kika, Eriko and Momoka. Kika talked the most because she was the best at English, but the others talked too. I think it was just because they were shy. We compared high schools and life. They were very surprised America has so much crime. They were surprised that it takes me only 20 minutes by school bus to get to school - but I was surprised it takes them on average 70 minutes by train/walking. They were also surprised Americans don't sleep on trains often.
Don't ever eat hot dogs in Japan. They are ALWAYS suspicious.
I went to the Imperial Palace on Wednesday, which was pretty neat. It was about 37 degrees (99F) there and you were drenched with sweat after just 10 minutes outside, not even doing anything but walking. I took pictures, but to be honest, there just wasn't that much to take pictures of. You were only shown 4 buildings, one of which was a bridge.
I've noticed 2 patches of 3x3 dots on children under the age of 2. I've no clue what it is, but I assume it's some kind of illness test?
In Japan, there is never any sugar to put in tea. You'll always find "syrup" which is sugary water. It's because sugar doesn't dissolve well into cold drinks.
I bought an Obi (sash) for my Yukata. See my FB for pictures.
They literally wash the streets daily in Japan. Storekeepers will wash the ground outside of their shop. By wash, I mean spraying with a hose, scrubbing with a broom and then spraying again. I assume this is to prevent their shop floor from getting dirty.
I like green apple ice cream and cream cheese/raspberry ice cream.
The ramblings of a college student, whether on travel or in the middle of exams.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Ramble Ramble
Went to Ueno Park today, just kind of hung out with a girl I met there. Her name is Natalie and she's pretty much on her own as well. Her boyfriend is here with her, but has class from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. , so....yeah. We wandered around and chatted for about 5 hours before we both headed "home".
Not too much more than that. I tried to go see a movie but was 350 yen short, so I gave up. 1800 yen for a movie is kind of steep and the 3 movies I want to see (Despicable Me, the Sorcerer's Apprentice, and HTTYD) are coming out in August here...Which doesn't even make sense to me because SoApp has Nicholas Cage in it - how do the DUB Cage's voice convincingly?
I realized today that a certain male-man hasn't really even taken me on a date since he got a job (which was in May). >> We don't ALWAYS have to get nachos, you know (which make it about $10 more expensive). I'd really like to see D-M or SoApp before they go out of theaters like half the other movies I'd like to see. We never did see Sherlock Holmes - despite great reviews.
I recently wondered if I maybe have something wrong with me. Apparently near constant random pains in the body ISN'T normal for an 18 year old...
Not too much more than that. I tried to go see a movie but was 350 yen short, so I gave up. 1800 yen for a movie is kind of steep and the 3 movies I want to see (Despicable Me, the Sorcerer's Apprentice, and HTTYD) are coming out in August here...Which doesn't even make sense to me because SoApp has Nicholas Cage in it - how do the DUB Cage's voice convincingly?
I realized today that a certain male-man hasn't really even taken me on a date since he got a job (which was in May). >> We don't ALWAYS have to get nachos, you know (which make it about $10 more expensive). I'd really like to see D-M or SoApp before they go out of theaters like half the other movies I'd like to see. We never did see Sherlock Holmes - despite great reviews.
I recently wondered if I maybe have something wrong with me. Apparently near constant random pains in the body ISN'T normal for an 18 year old...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Insert a Dramatic Sigh
I'd like to make a friend or two while I'm hear, but I'm too scared to use Japanese. Every time I do, they either aren't Japanese or they assume I'm fluent and chatter away and I have to quickly say "yukkuri hanashite kudasai!" (Please slow your speech!). But after that, they just look at me funny...It's really discouraging. I also want a peak at the night life, but even though I'm a legal adult in the states, I'm not here. Plus, the drinking age is 20, which kind of excludes me from bars anyway.
Really, I just want someone to hang with and practice Japanese with. The Yadoya House offered, but it seems more awkward to go to them to "practice" than it does talking to a random person on the street. I was told to talk to school girls, but they're always in groups of about 4 - somewhat intimidating. If I could get two off by themselves, maybe...And Japanese guys are kind of out of the question. They're more intimidating than girls. >>"
Why is it every place I go has something screaming at me to buy it? I bought the Japanese version of the latest FMP novel (it came out on my birthday). I've been trying to read it, but well...You probably get how that goes. I spent 30 minutes on Denshi Jisho tediously searching each kanji radical by radical (somewhat like breaking a word apart to figure out the meaning - Kanji are made from "special" kanji called radicals) and I didn't even finish the first sentence. If the whole thing were in hiragana/katakana, I'd be sooooo much faster. Getting very good with both. Made myself so proud in the restaurant - I read "haafu aisu tiramisu" (Half Ice Tiramisu - my favorite desert ever as it's only 96 calories and it's a good amount) in katakana (the one I'm bad at).
Yui - I mentioned she's one of my favorite singers as she has nice rock music. She also enunciates well - meaning I can sing along in her songs. I'm currently singing along quite well to "Again".
Words I know:
Yamate - Stop!
Yubinkyoku - Post Office (I need this one for money, as it's got internation ATMs)
I'm looking for something night-life related. Any ideas?
Really, I just want someone to hang with and practice Japanese with. The Yadoya House offered, but it seems more awkward to go to them to "practice" than it does talking to a random person on the street. I was told to talk to school girls, but they're always in groups of about 4 - somewhat intimidating. If I could get two off by themselves, maybe...And Japanese guys are kind of out of the question. They're more intimidating than girls. >>"
Why is it every place I go has something screaming at me to buy it? I bought the Japanese version of the latest FMP novel (it came out on my birthday). I've been trying to read it, but well...You probably get how that goes. I spent 30 minutes on Denshi Jisho tediously searching each kanji radical by radical (somewhat like breaking a word apart to figure out the meaning - Kanji are made from "special" kanji called radicals) and I didn't even finish the first sentence. If the whole thing were in hiragana/katakana, I'd be sooooo much faster. Getting very good with both. Made myself so proud in the restaurant - I read "haafu aisu tiramisu" (Half Ice Tiramisu - my favorite desert ever as it's only 96 calories and it's a good amount) in katakana (the one I'm bad at).
Yui - I mentioned she's one of my favorite singers as she has nice rock music. She also enunciates well - meaning I can sing along in her songs. I'm currently singing along quite well to "Again".
Words I know:
Yamate - Stop!
Yubinkyoku - Post Office (I need this one for money, as it's got internation ATMs)
I'm looking for something night-life related. Any ideas?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Tokyo Tower, Odawara and More
I went to Tokyo Tower on Thursday. I very much enjoyed the view, taihen sugoi (very wow). You could see all the way to Chiba, the other side of Tokyo Bay (a distance of about 10 miles). I will say you had to look a bit because it was rather hazy. In Japan, there is usually high humidity as well as high heat, making visibility poor. Took plenty of pictures.
Yesterday (Friday), I went to Odawara. There, I visited Odawarajo (Odawara Castle) and touched the Pacific Ocean. It was actually an open bay (refer to Google maps by Googling "hakone, Japan" and scrolling out some), so I count it as fully touching the ocean. I got a rounded lava rock in commemoration of my visit.
At Odawara, I was quite literally mobbed by elementary school students. I said to one, "Atsui desu ne?" ("It's hot, isn't it?) and that was it. They were asking me tons of questions with varying degrees of success in getting answers, since I didn't know what they were asking for the most part. They grabbed a boy who knew English and he apologetically translated. It was obvious he had learned English in America. He had to think, but he didn't have much of an accent - which all school taught Japanese do. They can't help it - it's the way they're taught through "katakana English". They don't learn the proper sounds, only how to spell it and "sound it out" using Japanese sounds. So their "x" sound, as in "sex", makes them say it "sekkusu" (se-kk-su). And they have trouble with "r"/"l" words because it's the same sound in Japanese for them. One of the things that fascinated the children so much were my blue eyes - blue eyes, even in foreigners, are very rare.
I also met a Japanese man (20 years old). He felt sympathetic to me because of the utter mobbing (amusing, yes, but slightly frightening when you can't move) and we talked for awhile. He had to think hard on some words and he couldn't always get them (I usually helped out if I knew what he was trying to say). His accent was there, but not pronounced (he goes to Keio university, which is actually the university I plan on doing an exchange with UMCP). He plans on becoming a doctor and getting an American Medical license. He asked me if I knew how to get one, but I don't. We also compared difficulty in colleges - Japanese colleges are HARD to get into, but very laid back. American Colleges are difficult to get into AND hard work, which surprised him until I explained how laid back high school is. I even explained the colleges-trying-to-get-you-to-fail concept and the SATs to him. In Japan, there is no "standard" test to get into a college, you pick ONE college and apply. You don't get in, you try next year. All the entrance exams are on the same day. ><
(note: don't know how, but this part got deleted)
My Korean mom's name is Min Jeong and she's really nice. I call her my "Korean mom" because she always gives me food (a banana and some dried mangos) and she gave me cake on my birthday! I even try and practice Japanese with her.
I was going to ask her this, but she left before I got the guts to:
Nihongo o yomu koto dekimasu ka? (Are you able to read Japanese?
(nihongo =" Japanese," o =" direct" yomu =" to" koto =" makes" dekimasu =" able," ka =" ?)
I even ask her what certain words mean. Like "kochikochi", which is "here! Over here!" or "Look, look at this!" And I double checked "amai" which is "sweet".
List of words I've picked up/now know better:
"Irasshaimase" - Welcome! (Always said when you enter a store by EVERY employee)
"Sumimasen" - Excuse me, pardon me, I'm sorry (Literally means "Not living" and is used as a general saying. Say it if you bump into someone, need to get through, need attention)
Gomen Nasai - A much more serious way of saying "I'm sorry". More like "I am SO sorry!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu" - Thank you very much. (always add gozaimasu if you don't know the person)
"Ohayou Gozaimasu" - Good morning! (always add gozaimasu if you don't know the person)
"Unagi" - Eel. Picked it up watching TV. NOT to be confused with "Usagi" ("rabbit")
Daigaku - University, College
Daigakusei - University Student
Hidari - Left (hear it on trains)
Migi - Right (hear it on trains)
I shall add more terms later. I know the pronunciation, even if I can't say it perfectly (I was complimented by Min Jeong for my small accent when I use Japanese). In Japanese, you don't use infliction (stress) on syllables, which is very hard for English speakers because we're all stress. So "migi" would be "mee-gee" but somewhat fast, with no stress. IF a syllable is stressed, it is written so. Example - "Chisaii" (double "ii" means you say it slightly longer) or "kawaii".
I can officially understand what's going on on the TV ("terebi"), even if I don't know what's being said. I'm so proud of myself.
Boyband - Hey! Say! JUMP
Boybands are still big here, as are girlbands. And choreography is ALWAYS used in pop music, but most particularly in these singing groups. The currently most popular boy band is "Hey! Say! JUMP", which just made it to #1 on the Japanese charts. One of my favorite Japanese singers in Yui - She's a rock musician who also plays the guitar and acts. My favorite is her song "Again" but I heard a new one on the radio that I need to snag. I might buy the CD while I'm here (J-CDs are expensive as hell in America because they're imports).
I'm getting MUCH better at reading hiragana and katakana both, as I see it all the time. It really helps on occasion. Kanji that I've memorized are:
小 - "little" (most often seen on toilets, you want "ookii", otherwise the toilet paper stays in the toilet)
大 - "big" (again, most often seen on toilets. You want this one when you use toilet paper)
東京 - "Tokyo"
中ノ - "Nakano"
駅 - Train station
(if you can't view the kanji (meaning you just see squares), that's fine. This is partially for my own record as well as for you to know what I'm up to)
I'm also in Celsius now. It's easier than saying "It's hot! it's 95 degrees outside!!" and having people look at you funny. I just say "Atsui! 35 degrees?!" 32-33 are about 90, which is what it's been here.
I've been loosing weight, but I'd lose it faster if I stopped eating ice cream...>> But I guess that's bad - loosing weight too fast makes you flabby. ><> (I watched Howl's Moving Castle last night, a studio Ghibili film, and I said that at the end and Min Jeong laughed (we watched it together))
---
PS
People stare at you on a train if you start dancing or lip singing to the music. It's pretty fun.
Yesterday (Friday), I went to Odawara. There, I visited Odawarajo (Odawara Castle) and touched the Pacific Ocean. It was actually an open bay (refer to Google maps by Googling "hakone, Japan" and scrolling out some), so I count it as fully touching the ocean. I got a rounded lava rock in commemoration of my visit.
At Odawara, I was quite literally mobbed by elementary school students. I said to one, "Atsui desu ne?" ("It's hot, isn't it?) and that was it. They were asking me tons of questions with varying degrees of success in getting answers, since I didn't know what they were asking for the most part. They grabbed a boy who knew English and he apologetically translated. It was obvious he had learned English in America. He had to think, but he didn't have much of an accent - which all school taught Japanese do. They can't help it - it's the way they're taught through "katakana English". They don't learn the proper sounds, only how to spell it and "sound it out" using Japanese sounds. So their "x" sound, as in "sex", makes them say it "sekkusu" (se-kk-su). And they have trouble with "r"/"l" words because it's the same sound in Japanese for them. One of the things that fascinated the children so much were my blue eyes - blue eyes, even in foreigners, are very rare.
I also met a Japanese man (20 years old). He felt sympathetic to me because of the utter mobbing (amusing, yes, but slightly frightening when you can't move) and we talked for awhile. He had to think hard on some words and he couldn't always get them (I usually helped out if I knew what he was trying to say). His accent was there, but not pronounced (he goes to Keio university, which is actually the university I plan on doing an exchange with UMCP). He plans on becoming a doctor and getting an American Medical license. He asked me if I knew how to get one, but I don't. We also compared difficulty in colleges - Japanese colleges are HARD to get into, but very laid back. American Colleges are difficult to get into AND hard work, which surprised him until I explained how laid back high school is. I even explained the colleges-trying-to-get-you-to-fail concept and the SATs to him. In Japan, there is no "standard" test to get into a college, you pick ONE college and apply. You don't get in, you try next year. All the entrance exams are on the same day. ><
(note: don't know how, but this part got deleted)
My Korean mom's name is Min Jeong and she's really nice. I call her my "Korean mom" because she always gives me food (a banana and some dried mangos) and she gave me cake on my birthday! I even try and practice Japanese with her.
I was going to ask her this, but she left before I got the guts to:
Nihongo o yomu koto dekimasu ka? (Are you able to read Japanese?
(nihongo =" Japanese," o =" direct" yomu =" to" koto =" makes" dekimasu =" able," ka =" ?)
I even ask her what certain words mean. Like "kochikochi", which is "here! Over here!" or "Look, look at this!" And I double checked "amai" which is "sweet".
List of words I've picked up/now know better:
"Irasshaimase" - Welcome! (Always said when you enter a store by EVERY employee)
"Sumimasen" - Excuse me, pardon me, I'm sorry (Literally means "Not living" and is used as a general saying. Say it if you bump into someone, need to get through, need attention)
Gomen Nasai - A much more serious way of saying "I'm sorry". More like "I am SO sorry!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu" - Thank you very much. (always add gozaimasu if you don't know the person)
"Ohayou Gozaimasu" - Good morning! (always add gozaimasu if you don't know the person)
"Unagi" - Eel. Picked it up watching TV. NOT to be confused with "Usagi" ("rabbit")
Daigaku - University, College
Daigakusei - University Student
Hidari - Left (hear it on trains)
Migi - Right (hear it on trains)
I shall add more terms later. I know the pronunciation, even if I can't say it perfectly (I was complimented by Min Jeong for my small accent when I use Japanese). In Japanese, you don't use infliction (stress) on syllables, which is very hard for English speakers because we're all stress. So "migi" would be "mee-gee" but somewhat fast, with no stress. IF a syllable is stressed, it is written so. Example - "Chisaii" (double "ii" means you say it slightly longer) or "kawaii".
I can officially understand what's going on on the TV ("terebi"), even if I don't know what's being said. I'm so proud of myself.
Boyband - Hey! Say! JUMP
Boybands are still big here, as are girlbands. And choreography is ALWAYS used in pop music, but most particularly in these singing groups. The currently most popular boy band is "Hey! Say! JUMP", which just made it to #1 on the Japanese charts. One of my favorite Japanese singers in Yui - She's a rock musician who also plays the guitar and acts. My favorite is her song "Again" but I heard a new one on the radio that I need to snag. I might buy the CD while I'm here (J-CDs are expensive as hell in America because they're imports).
I'm getting MUCH better at reading hiragana and katakana both, as I see it all the time. It really helps on occasion. Kanji that I've memorized are:
小 - "little" (most often seen on toilets, you want "ookii", otherwise the toilet paper stays in the toilet)
大 - "big" (again, most often seen on toilets. You want this one when you use toilet paper)
東京 - "Tokyo"
中ノ - "Nakano"
駅 - Train station
(if you can't view the kanji (meaning you just see squares), that's fine. This is partially for my own record as well as for you to know what I'm up to)
I'm also in Celsius now. It's easier than saying "It's hot! it's 95 degrees outside!!" and having people look at you funny. I just say "Atsui! 35 degrees?!" 32-33 are about 90, which is what it's been here.
I've been loosing weight, but I'd lose it faster if I stopped eating ice cream...>> But I guess that's bad - loosing weight too fast makes you flabby. ><> (I watched Howl's Moving Castle last night, a studio Ghibili film, and I said that at the end and Min Jeong laughed (we watched it together))
---
PS
People stare at you on a train if you start dancing or lip singing to the music. It's pretty fun.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Mount Fuji
Here's my budget - A maximum of 12000 yen ($100) for the entire trip. This includes travel and stuff I need to buy.
I plan to climb the mountain either Saturday or Sunday in celebration of my 18th birthday (yay complex metaphor). Most likely Sunday, as I need to go out and buy supplies. A quick overview of the mountain. Athletes have completed the climb in 2 hours, but most people need to take it slower as they cannot breathe properly at altitude and so it should take between 4-8 hours to ascend. I'm guessing it'll take me about 6 or 7. I plan to watch the sun set at the summit. The total altitude is 3776 meters (around 11500 feet). Some people need oxygen - I refuse. If I need to rest, I will. It's alright if I don't make the sunset, but I plan on arriving at the mountain around 10 a.m., in order to give myself plenty of time. I MIGHT stay to watch the sunrise, but I'm not that confident in my ability to handle the cold.
Here is my supply list (if you can think of anything else I might need, or if you really think I don't need something, please say so either using FB or through my mom.)
- A plastic poncho - [est 500 yen]
- My jacket (already with me)
- A pair of leggings (to go under my pants as the temperature drops) [est 1000 yen]
- A long-sleeved shirt? (to go under a shortsleeved one) [ 1000 yen]
- Possibly another hat, as my current could blow off if the wind is too strong. (Doubtful) [est 500 yen]
- Flashlight (I've already got spare batteries) [est 500 yen]
- $1 coins (you have to pay to pee on the mountain) [bringing 600 yen worth]
- 2 liters of water (already got it - bought the thing when I first got here)
- Plastic bags (free when I go to stores and so I've got access to plenty)
- Possibly a larger, on-the-shoulder bag (if I bought this, I'm bringing it home with me. I'll put what doesn't fit in my suitcase in it) [est 2000 yen]
- Food (caloriemates, riceballs, and possibly jerky) (est 1500 yen)
- Gloves [est 500 yen]
- I'll bring an EMERGENCY 5000 yen ($50). I do not plan to use it and it will not go to the 10000 yen I plan to spend. However, there is the threat of hypothermia, even during the summer (during the day, average peak temperature is 7C or 45F) and I plan to come back after dark (usually below freezing). There are also STRONG gusts of wind (I'll prolly wear my poncho like a windbreaker). So - this emergency money is for me to get rested and warmed at a hut (where they have a $10 an hour resting fee) until I feel safe enough to continue.
---
Today I saw Tokyo Tower - went up so high I could see Chiba. That's the other side of Tokyo Bay. Other than Tokyo Tower, I didn't do much more than walk around. >< I keep getting late starts because everyone likes to talk to me for about 45 minutes each. ^^""" And I've got 3 different sets of people to talk to.
Tomorrow - Odawara Castle!!! I HAVE to get an early start, so I'll be hacking talking time to 10 minutes a pop. I budgeted about 6000 yen on this ($60) before I came, but I'll try and keep it absolute minimal. The only thing I might buy is a souvenir and a cheap one at that. I also plan to touch the Pacific Ocean from the West Side (I touched it when I went to LA a few years ago).
Sadly, my budget is getting hacked. I really need to cut my spending, so after this, I'm spending a day or two just walking around Nakano - with only 1500 yen per day. I might try to work on my conversational skills in the Yadoya office. As of RIGHT NOW I've only got about $550 left. Out of $1700...>>
I plan to climb the mountain either Saturday or Sunday in celebration of my 18th birthday (yay complex metaphor). Most likely Sunday, as I need to go out and buy supplies. A quick overview of the mountain. Athletes have completed the climb in 2 hours, but most people need to take it slower as they cannot breathe properly at altitude and so it should take between 4-8 hours to ascend. I'm guessing it'll take me about 6 or 7. I plan to watch the sun set at the summit. The total altitude is 3776 meters (around 11500 feet). Some people need oxygen - I refuse. If I need to rest, I will. It's alright if I don't make the sunset, but I plan on arriving at the mountain around 10 a.m., in order to give myself plenty of time. I MIGHT stay to watch the sunrise, but I'm not that confident in my ability to handle the cold.
Here is my supply list (if you can think of anything else I might need, or if you really think I don't need something, please say so either using FB or through my mom.)
- A plastic poncho - [est 500 yen]
- My jacket (already with me)
- A pair of leggings (to go under my pants as the temperature drops) [est 1000 yen]
- A long-sleeved shirt? (to go under a shortsleeved one) [ 1000 yen]
- Possibly another hat, as my current could blow off if the wind is too strong. (Doubtful) [est 500 yen]
- Flashlight (I've already got spare batteries) [est 500 yen]
- $1 coins (you have to pay to pee on the mountain) [bringing 600 yen worth]
- 2 liters of water (already got it - bought the thing when I first got here)
- Plastic bags (free when I go to stores and so I've got access to plenty)
- Possibly a larger, on-the-shoulder bag (if I bought this, I'm bringing it home with me. I'll put what doesn't fit in my suitcase in it) [est 2000 yen]
- Food (caloriemates, riceballs, and possibly jerky) (est 1500 yen)
- Gloves [est 500 yen]
- I'll bring an EMERGENCY 5000 yen ($50). I do not plan to use it and it will not go to the 10000 yen I plan to spend. However, there is the threat of hypothermia, even during the summer (during the day, average peak temperature is 7C or 45F) and I plan to come back after dark (usually below freezing). There are also STRONG gusts of wind (I'll prolly wear my poncho like a windbreaker). So - this emergency money is for me to get rested and warmed at a hut (where they have a $10 an hour resting fee) until I feel safe enough to continue.
---
Today I saw Tokyo Tower - went up so high I could see Chiba. That's the other side of Tokyo Bay. Other than Tokyo Tower, I didn't do much more than walk around. >< I keep getting late starts because everyone likes to talk to me for about 45 minutes each. ^^""" And I've got 3 different sets of people to talk to.
Tomorrow - Odawara Castle!!! I HAVE to get an early start, so I'll be hacking talking time to 10 minutes a pop. I budgeted about 6000 yen on this ($60) before I came, but I'll try and keep it absolute minimal. The only thing I might buy is a souvenir and a cheap one at that. I also plan to touch the Pacific Ocean from the West Side (I touched it when I went to LA a few years ago).
Sadly, my budget is getting hacked. I really need to cut my spending, so after this, I'm spending a day or two just walking around Nakano - with only 1500 yen per day. I might try to work on my conversational skills in the Yadoya office. As of RIGHT NOW I've only got about $550 left. Out of $1700...>>
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Something Similar
For those of you who don't know my Europe-traveling friend, please read her mid-trip report, which I shall post here:
It´s been exactly one month, here´s what has been going on.
Have been to Ireland (briefly), Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), France (Montpilliar...stayed in the train station...and Nice), Italy (Milan, Florence, and Rome), Hungary (Budapest and Sopron), and Austria (Vienna and Salzburg)
Has made friends with Columbians, Canadians, Indians, Dutch, Austrailians, Spanish, Brazilians, Tunisians, Ukrainians, Japanese, Norwegians, and Italians.
Have been to over 20 churches.
Drank homemade Hungarian liquor.
Has walked more than in the past 2 years combined.
Been mistaken for a Spanish girl, an Italian, a Canadian, and a Jew.
Has bought and read about 5 books and given them away to many people.
Been acosted by Spanish and Italian men that won´t go away and have used the I´m married, I´m a lesbian, I don´t like you, I don´t understand you, I´m 14, I have a boyfriend, I have a Columbian drug lord boyfriend, to get them to go away with varrying degrees of success.
Have drank about 10 different kinds of beer and wine.
Have eaten only food that I couldn´t pronounce.
Have been to my first Synagogue.
Made friends with many bartenders.
Showed about 20 people where Maryland was on a map, one of which was an American.
Drank Sangria out of what looked like a dixie cup and out of a crystal wine glass.
Went to a disco in Madrid with young people who were dancing to techno versions of American songs from the late 80s.
Had an offer of marriage from a Spanish cab driver.
Eaten McDonalds once (I was desperate)
Written over 100 post cards.
Accidently bought sparkling water instead of regular at least 5 times.
Fell in love with a Canadian Jew in Florence, a Swiss guard at the Vatican, and an elevator opperator in Vienna.
Watched soccer with more interest ever before in my life.
Have become ridiculously apt at charades.
Have learned how to say "I do not speak (specify language) in Spanish, Italian, French but not Hungarian.
Learned how to say "cheers" in Hungarian actually which is "egészségedre"...I think.
Finally managed to change the time on my watch...actually the Canadian Jew did it....won´t be able to turn it back now.
Gotten lost at least 1 in every city, normally more.
Had to sleep in a train station once.
Worn Deborah Cline´s dress everywhere I´ve been except Ireland (that´ll come next) and Montpilliar (I was sleeping in the train station)
Drunkenly proclaimed America as the best country ever in a public square in Rome at 1 AM on 4th of July.
Eaten an absurd amount of nutella.
Talked American gun laws with an Austrailian.
Gotten so drunk I could swear I could speak Hungarian.
Been to an Olympic size swimming pool in Sopron and a crazy fun lake somewhere in Austria where I was accused of being a mermaid.
Won a free Hungarian beer.
Have only gotten sun burned once...wearing pants still hurts ha.
Have pawned off an essay I needed to write for college on my mom.
Slept in a room with 19 other people and in a tent by myslef.
Mastered all the metro systems in the cities I´ve been to, had to teach an Austrian tourist how to use the one in Vienna.
Given directions by pointing and wild gestures.
Received directions by poiting and wild gestures.
Accidently sat in first class on a train, got away with it for about an hour and got some free food and drink out of it.
Washed clothes twice...possibly 3 times...not nearly enough.
Gotten over not being able to eat out alone.
Taken slightly creepy pictures of people I don´t know....with my camera...without their notice.
Still haven´t gotten over my anxiety with big crowds.
Considered not going home at least 10 times.
As one of our teacher's put it - she has lived more in one month than most people do in a LIFETIME and I totally respect her for it. She has serious guts.
Today there was a crash on the Yamanote line. I don't know exactly how long it was stopped, but it seriously messed with rush hour. The Yamanote line circles Tokyo's center and is primarily a commuter line. It's very similar to the belt way and probably moves MORE people than the DC beltway. And they stopped it due to an accident. The whole entire line. Stopped.
Needless to say we were all f-ed. It was soooo jam packed on the Saikyo line to Shinjuku. This is the closest to sardined I've been. Luckily, some neat girls about my age helped me figure out where to go, how to fit, etc. They left me at Shibuya station.
Today I went to Asakusa temple, which sadly was under renovations. The upside was the interior is still accessible, so I still went in and everything. I bought a fortune! And I got the BEST one there is - which is true, because my plans in travel and my greatest wish came true. I took a picture so please check FB.
I bought a cotton yukata! It's deep red with black flowers embroidered in gold. I love it. It's very pretty. In America, it would have run for about $60-$80, but I got it for around $40 (3400 yen). I'm totally wearing it to the hanabi matsuri when I visit them! I also bought some things for mom, dad and Danny's parents. I bought his parents an Asakusa lantern windchime. Hope they like it! Aside from mom, dad, me and Dan - I'm done buying souvenirs. Which is good, because take a look at my suitcase!
Tomorrow I'll probably relax around Nakano OR go to Tokyo tower. I'm on my cycle and I get worn out so much easier when being a girl gets in the way. But I'm grateful I'm not like one of my friends who literally pukes her guts up for 3 days straight (she can't eat much either, she usually lives on tea and broth). I get achy from the waist down (lower back, legs, knees) and I get those burning cramp pains. >< And I like to sleep more. A lot more. To bad Danny isn't here to rub my head while he plays his gameboy. :( I love moments like that - <3
I guess I'll make a little thing like my friend so you guys can read what I've learned and seen.
- I've met people from Germany, France, Poland, Norway, Australia, Britain, China, Canada and Ireland. I still wish I had asked the girl from Norway for her e-mail. She was SO kakkoi.
- The sexiest man I've found was a Japanese guy probably about 5 years older than me with an Aussie accent. AND he was a rickshaw driver. If I hadn't been on a budget, I so would have said yes when he asked if I wanted a tour.
- Despite what anime makes you think, most guys in Japan are rather on the poor looking side. The best looking ones become models. The better than average ones are the ones you're most likely to see on the street - if you see them at all.
- YES, there is an inverted age period. It's very common for about half the people I see to have graying hair.
- I've washed my clothes once in a week, but I only brought 4 shirts, 2 bras and 3 pairs of pants (weeks worth of socks and panties).
- I've yet to be sunburned because I'm pro-sunscreen. BUT I've gotten a light tan on my arms - the cousins will be proud (it's a farmer tan).
- I've been told by a Japanese man that he's not Japanese (I knew he was because he spoke it to his children and his son's iPod was in Japanese. I can read a LITTLE bit, man.)
- I've learned that I love soba.
- In Japan, you get WAY better service than in America. No matter what. And THEY thank you for everything, even after they politely ask if you want your dinner heated and heat it for you free of charge.
- The price is the price.
- Shogunai - This is my new way of living. Essentially, it means "It can't be helped." This can be applied to things like the weather and bodily functions.
- There are NO trashcans on the streets in Japan. If you HAPPEN to come across one, it's for bottles, cans or glass bottles because it's from a vending machine. If you happen across a konbini, you're in luck.
- Smoking in buildings in Japan is completely legal - usually they have a special non-smoking area instead of the other way around. Unless you're in a public place (airport, train station, on the street - all due to trash).
- The highest I've been so far is 45 floors (the total height of TMGB is 797 feet and it had another 50 or so to the roof from the observation deck). I plan to go higher in Tokyo tower - to a height of 820 feet (the total height is 1091 feet).
- A "matsuri" (mah-tsu[as in TSUnami]-ree) is a festival.
- "-ji" is the suffix for temple. So calling it Meiji temple or Sensoji temple is rather redundant.
- Please, for my sake, don't ever call Mount Fuji - "Fujiyama". It's incorrect. Fujisan is the correct reading of the kanji. Essentially, they call it Mr. Fuji, instead of Mount Fuji.
- Japan has a very strong music industry - you only hear American songs at America stores typically.
- Again, service in Japan is excellent. Your food can be delivered to you for no extra charge. Even in McDonalds.
- The Japanese sometimes write vertically. However, the few times I've seen English written veritcally, it's written sideways.
- The best way to order food at a restaurant is to look at the menu and point to what you want if you don't know enough Japanese.
- Nearly all trains and train stations in Tokyo have English signs and announcers. Don't worry, the announcer is British so you understand her.
McDonalds cheats you out of 1/4 inch of soda by having tops that go into the cup.
That's it for now~
It´s been exactly one month, here´s what has been going on.
Have been to Ireland (briefly), Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), France (Montpilliar...stayed in the train station...and Nice), Italy (Milan, Florence, and Rome), Hungary (Budapest and Sopron), and Austria (Vienna and Salzburg)
Has made friends with Columbians, Canadians, Indians, Dutch, Austrailians, Spanish, Brazilians, Tunisians, Ukrainians, Japanese, Norwegians, and Italians.
Have been to over 20 churches.
Drank homemade Hungarian liquor.
Has walked more than in the past 2 years combined.
Been mistaken for a Spanish girl, an Italian, a Canadian, and a Jew.
Has bought and read about 5 books and given them away to many people.
Been acosted by Spanish and Italian men that won´t go away and have used the I´m married, I´m a lesbian, I don´t like you, I don´t understand you, I´m 14, I have a boyfriend, I have a Columbian drug lord boyfriend, to get them to go away with varrying degrees of success.
Have drank about 10 different kinds of beer and wine.
Have eaten only food that I couldn´t pronounce.
Have been to my first Synagogue.
Made friends with many bartenders.
Showed about 20 people where Maryland was on a map, one of which was an American.
Drank Sangria out of what looked like a dixie cup and out of a crystal wine glass.
Went to a disco in Madrid with young people who were dancing to techno versions of American songs from the late 80s.
Had an offer of marriage from a Spanish cab driver.
Eaten McDonalds once (I was desperate)
Written over 100 post cards.
Accidently bought sparkling water instead of regular at least 5 times.
Fell in love with a Canadian Jew in Florence, a Swiss guard at the Vatican, and an elevator opperator in Vienna.
Watched soccer with more interest ever before in my life.
Have become ridiculously apt at charades.
Have learned how to say "I do not speak (specify language) in Spanish, Italian, French but not Hungarian.
Learned how to say "cheers" in Hungarian actually which is "egészségedre"...I think.
Finally managed to change the time on my watch...actually the Canadian Jew did it....won´t be able to turn it back now.
Gotten lost at least 1 in every city, normally more.
Had to sleep in a train station once.
Worn Deborah Cline´s dress everywhere I´ve been except Ireland (that´ll come next) and Montpilliar (I was sleeping in the train station)
Drunkenly proclaimed America as the best country ever in a public square in Rome at 1 AM on 4th of July.
Eaten an absurd amount of nutella.
Talked American gun laws with an Austrailian.
Gotten so drunk I could swear I could speak Hungarian.
Been to an Olympic size swimming pool in Sopron and a crazy fun lake somewhere in Austria where I was accused of being a mermaid.
Won a free Hungarian beer.
Have only gotten sun burned once...wearing pants still hurts ha.
Have pawned off an essay I needed to write for college on my mom.
Slept in a room with 19 other people and in a tent by myslef.
Mastered all the metro systems in the cities I´ve been to, had to teach an Austrian tourist how to use the one in Vienna.
Given directions by pointing and wild gestures.
Received directions by poiting and wild gestures.
Accidently sat in first class on a train, got away with it for about an hour and got some free food and drink out of it.
Washed clothes twice...possibly 3 times...not nearly enough.
Gotten over not being able to eat out alone.
Taken slightly creepy pictures of people I don´t know....with my camera...without their notice.
Still haven´t gotten over my anxiety with big crowds.
Considered not going home at least 10 times.
As one of our teacher's put it - she has lived more in one month than most people do in a LIFETIME and I totally respect her for it. She has serious guts.
Today there was a crash on the Yamanote line. I don't know exactly how long it was stopped, but it seriously messed with rush hour. The Yamanote line circles Tokyo's center and is primarily a commuter line. It's very similar to the belt way and probably moves MORE people than the DC beltway. And they stopped it due to an accident. The whole entire line. Stopped.
Needless to say we were all f-ed. It was soooo jam packed on the Saikyo line to Shinjuku. This is the closest to sardined I've been. Luckily, some neat girls about my age helped me figure out where to go, how to fit, etc. They left me at Shibuya station.
Today I went to Asakusa temple, which sadly was under renovations. The upside was the interior is still accessible, so I still went in and everything. I bought a fortune! And I got the BEST one there is - which is true, because my plans in travel and my greatest wish came true. I took a picture so please check FB.
I bought a cotton yukata! It's deep red with black flowers embroidered in gold. I love it. It's very pretty. In America, it would have run for about $60-$80, but I got it for around $40 (3400 yen). I'm totally wearing it to the hanabi matsuri when I visit them! I also bought some things for mom, dad and Danny's parents. I bought his parents an Asakusa lantern windchime. Hope they like it! Aside from mom, dad, me and Dan - I'm done buying souvenirs. Which is good, because take a look at my suitcase!
Tomorrow I'll probably relax around Nakano OR go to Tokyo tower. I'm on my cycle and I get worn out so much easier when being a girl gets in the way. But I'm grateful I'm not like one of my friends who literally pukes her guts up for 3 days straight (she can't eat much either, she usually lives on tea and broth). I get achy from the waist down (lower back, legs, knees) and I get those burning cramp pains. >< And I like to sleep more. A lot more. To bad Danny isn't here to rub my head while he plays his gameboy. :( I love moments like that - <3
I guess I'll make a little thing like my friend so you guys can read what I've learned and seen.
- I've met people from Germany, France, Poland, Norway, Australia, Britain, China, Canada and Ireland. I still wish I had asked the girl from Norway for her e-mail. She was SO kakkoi.
- The sexiest man I've found was a Japanese guy probably about 5 years older than me with an Aussie accent. AND he was a rickshaw driver. If I hadn't been on a budget, I so would have said yes when he asked if I wanted a tour.
- Despite what anime makes you think, most guys in Japan are rather on the poor looking side. The best looking ones become models. The better than average ones are the ones you're most likely to see on the street - if you see them at all.
- YES, there is an inverted age period. It's very common for about half the people I see to have graying hair.
- I've washed my clothes once in a week, but I only brought 4 shirts, 2 bras and 3 pairs of pants (weeks worth of socks and panties).
- I've yet to be sunburned because I'm pro-sunscreen. BUT I've gotten a light tan on my arms - the cousins will be proud (it's a farmer tan).
- I've been told by a Japanese man that he's not Japanese (I knew he was because he spoke it to his children and his son's iPod was in Japanese. I can read a LITTLE bit, man.)
- I've learned that I love soba.
- In Japan, you get WAY better service than in America. No matter what. And THEY thank you for everything, even after they politely ask if you want your dinner heated and heat it for you free of charge.
- The price is the price.
- Shogunai - This is my new way of living. Essentially, it means "It can't be helped." This can be applied to things like the weather and bodily functions.
- There are NO trashcans on the streets in Japan. If you HAPPEN to come across one, it's for bottles, cans or glass bottles because it's from a vending machine. If you happen across a konbini, you're in luck.
- Smoking in buildings in Japan is completely legal - usually they have a special non-smoking area instead of the other way around. Unless you're in a public place (airport, train station, on the street - all due to trash).
- The highest I've been so far is 45 floors (the total height of TMGB is 797 feet and it had another 50 or so to the roof from the observation deck). I plan to go higher in Tokyo tower - to a height of 820 feet (the total height is 1091 feet).
- A "matsuri" (mah-tsu[as in TSUnami]-ree) is a festival.
- "-ji" is the suffix for temple. So calling it Meiji temple or Sensoji temple is rather redundant.
- Please, for my sake, don't ever call Mount Fuji - "Fujiyama". It's incorrect. Fujisan is the correct reading of the kanji. Essentially, they call it Mr. Fuji, instead of Mount Fuji.
- Japan has a very strong music industry - you only hear American songs at America stores typically.
- Again, service in Japan is excellent. Your food can be delivered to you for no extra charge. Even in McDonalds.
- The Japanese sometimes write vertically. However, the few times I've seen English written veritcally, it's written sideways.
- The best way to order food at a restaurant is to look at the menu and point to what you want if you don't know enough Japanese.
- Nearly all trains and train stations in Tokyo have English signs and announcers. Don't worry, the announcer is British so you understand her.
McDonalds cheats you out of 1/4 inch of soda by having tops that go into the cup.
That's it for now~
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Later That Day...
So, yet again I'm back early. This time was to save myself. I could have spent days in Akihabara - but I would be so broke if I stayed there anymore than the two hours I did. It's like an anime convention. Only bigger and it stays around all year. Plus it has everything anime under the sun. Anime beach towels, anime cups, anime figurines (this one is common), posters, magnets, keychains, EVERYTHING. However - it's all in claw machines. Yes, you read correctly. CLAW MACHINES. Like I said on Facebook - It's the world's BIGGEST and MOST EFFECTIVE otaku trap. I ended up blowing about 1500 yen trying to win my boyfriend a Rei figurine and a Monster Hunter creature-thing. He'd kill me if he found out though. He purposely told me not to buy him anything he could get off the internet or from an anime convention...><
I finished most of my souvenir buying for people other than myself...^^" The only people I have left are my parents, boyfriend and my boyfriend's parents. And I might get something else for my brother if something pops out at me. A lot of what I bought for people is general type things like folded fans, little figurines, wall scrolls, etc.
I stayed well within my food limit today. I only spent about...1500 yen today on food. But I blew it a bit in Akihabara, stupid attractive claw machines. The claws are waaaaaay under powered for a figurine. And I literally watched a guy rig the game. He was trying to make sure it wouldn't fall off the ledge, so that the under powered claw would HAVE to pick it up. But I definitely got the claws into the holes on the box and it let go because it couldn't hold onto it. X/
I loooove pricing here. EVERYTHING includes tax and at restaurants, tipping. So no calculating tax or anything, just add up the price and you're good. Plus, even at the huge tourist attractions, none of the prices are unreasonable. I've only gone "whoa" once, and that was on a kimono. At gift shops, typically the most expensive item is between 4500 and 3000 yen. Most of the stuff is between 1000 and 2000 yen. Isn't that great? I bought all the "set" gifts for under 4000 yen and I think they're all quite nice. Very nice artwork. AND everything at gift shops are made in Japan.
How nice. The maintenance worker is here. He's nice, but he doesn't talk much. Once a week he comes by and cleans. Twice a week he picks up trash. Plus, he's cute. And he knows how to really work the AC unit. Some nice cold air blowing on me in this humid little room. Lin had the balcony open to save electricity, but I'm too American to truly enjoy outdoor cooling.
I'm going to try and find something to do this afternoon. I might go out and see a movie or something. Already bought dinner (konbini meals). Perhaps google knows if there are any eigakan in Nakano?
----
Edit - about an hour later
----
Holy crap! I found this spectacular place called Nakano Broadway.
It's got nearly everything an otaku could want. There's book shops, model shops (including a Games Workshop store - Warhammer and LotR), airsoft shops, cosplay stores, manga stores, figurine stores, pagan-belief type stores (with rock magic and incense type), arcades, etc. I even saw some AMERICAN nerds there. Like, with the tucked in shirts and nasally voices. ^^" I had to leave before I bought more stuff. I don't even know how I'm getting my current stuff home... ^^""""
I finished most of my souvenir buying for people other than myself...^^" The only people I have left are my parents, boyfriend and my boyfriend's parents. And I might get something else for my brother if something pops out at me. A lot of what I bought for people is general type things like folded fans, little figurines, wall scrolls, etc.
I stayed well within my food limit today. I only spent about...1500 yen today on food. But I blew it a bit in Akihabara, stupid attractive claw machines. The claws are waaaaaay under powered for a figurine. And I literally watched a guy rig the game. He was trying to make sure it wouldn't fall off the ledge, so that the under powered claw would HAVE to pick it up. But I definitely got the claws into the holes on the box and it let go because it couldn't hold onto it. X/
I loooove pricing here. EVERYTHING includes tax and at restaurants, tipping. So no calculating tax or anything, just add up the price and you're good. Plus, even at the huge tourist attractions, none of the prices are unreasonable. I've only gone "whoa" once, and that was on a kimono. At gift shops, typically the most expensive item is between 4500 and 3000 yen. Most of the stuff is between 1000 and 2000 yen. Isn't that great? I bought all the "set" gifts for under 4000 yen and I think they're all quite nice. Very nice artwork. AND everything at gift shops are made in Japan.
How nice. The maintenance worker is here. He's nice, but he doesn't talk much. Once a week he comes by and cleans. Twice a week he picks up trash. Plus, he's cute. And he knows how to really work the AC unit. Some nice cold air blowing on me in this humid little room. Lin had the balcony open to save electricity, but I'm too American to truly enjoy outdoor cooling.
I'm going to try and find something to do this afternoon. I might go out and see a movie or something. Already bought dinner (konbini meals). Perhaps google knows if there are any eigakan in Nakano?
----
Edit - about an hour later
----
Holy crap! I found this spectacular place called Nakano Broadway.
It's got nearly everything an otaku could want. There's book shops, model shops (including a Games Workshop store - Warhammer and LotR), airsoft shops, cosplay stores, manga stores, figurine stores, pagan-belief type stores (with rock magic and incense type), arcades, etc. I even saw some AMERICAN nerds there. Like, with the tucked in shirts and nasally voices. ^^" I had to leave before I bought more stuff. I don't even know how I'm getting my current stuff home... ^^""""
Monday, July 12, 2010
Not Much
Supposed to rain rather hard today. Figure I'll post a little on last night. The Polish girl came back just to check her e-mail and grab her stuff. Polish girl was going to stay here until the last week of August (she's taking a summer language course), but she's moving in with a friend because it's closer to the school.
The French girls left; they couldn't handle this place. I think part of it was because it's so small. It's really not that unclean. It's more like...Lin is living here and it's tiny so her stuff spills out everywhere.
So now there are are 3 empty beds. Meaning just Lin and I. Sooo I left my laptop out because she leaves hers out. Once more girls come and during the day I'll still lock it up, but I just think it's kinda odd that 3 long term people bailed on poor Yadoya and they're fully booked. :( I actually like them; they're very nice. The guy that collects trash always knocks before he comes in (because it's girls only) and never touches anyone's stuff. The young woman and her dad are also very very nice. They even offered to help teach me Japanese and I think I'll try to take them up on it. I'm getting tired of being laughed at.
So yesterday I never left Nakano, but I went to Freshness Burger and bought a lime soda (totally gross, by the way), a hot dog (Dad, you would have died. Even I couldn't finish it because of the chunks of...fat? I'll go with super chewy white blobs that crunched like onions), and then a 7-Up that I didn't know they sold because they didn't advertise it. That's something I've noticed - Japanese restaurants don't post their entire menu. Only part of it. You have to ask for a hand-out. And usually the handout doesn't have English.
Then I went to Baskins Robbins and got laughed at. :( Not to my face, though. I heard them laughing as I walked upstairs with my ice cream. This is the second time...
Then I went to this magical place called the 100 Yen Store. Very similar to the dollar store except everything in the 100 Yen store is 106 yen (including tax). The only excepts are the very few items marked otherwise (I saw a huge beach towel for 350 yen). AND they sell everything from food (no meats, all prepackaged) to kitchenware to school supplies. I bought a notebook (to help me keep track of observations, write down train transfers, directions, etc), some little sticky hooks (that I put over my bed so I can dry clothes inside), some tape (to help pack souvenirs) and two small towels. One I'm using as a floor towel when I get out of the shower and the other is a hand towel for the bathroom.
Today - Headed to Ginza (famous for it's high-class shopping), the Tsukiji fish market (lunch?), and the Pokemon Center (for Dan). If I have time, which I probably will, then I'll head over to Akihabara and Kanda. Akihabara is famous as an electronic hub. Kanda is famous for it's many bookstores.
Until Later
The French girls left; they couldn't handle this place. I think part of it was because it's so small. It's really not that unclean. It's more like...Lin is living here and it's tiny so her stuff spills out everywhere.
So now there are are 3 empty beds. Meaning just Lin and I. Sooo I left my laptop out because she leaves hers out. Once more girls come and during the day I'll still lock it up, but I just think it's kinda odd that 3 long term people bailed on poor Yadoya and they're fully booked. :( I actually like them; they're very nice. The guy that collects trash always knocks before he comes in (because it's girls only) and never touches anyone's stuff. The young woman and her dad are also very very nice. They even offered to help teach me Japanese and I think I'll try to take them up on it. I'm getting tired of being laughed at.
So yesterday I never left Nakano, but I went to Freshness Burger and bought a lime soda (totally gross, by the way), a hot dog (Dad, you would have died. Even I couldn't finish it because of the chunks of...fat? I'll go with super chewy white blobs that crunched like onions), and then a 7-Up that I didn't know they sold because they didn't advertise it. That's something I've noticed - Japanese restaurants don't post their entire menu. Only part of it. You have to ask for a hand-out. And usually the handout doesn't have English.
Then I went to Baskins Robbins and got laughed at. :( Not to my face, though. I heard them laughing as I walked upstairs with my ice cream. This is the second time...
Then I went to this magical place called the 100 Yen Store. Very similar to the dollar store except everything in the 100 Yen store is 106 yen (including tax). The only excepts are the very few items marked otherwise (I saw a huge beach towel for 350 yen). AND they sell everything from food (no meats, all prepackaged) to kitchenware to school supplies. I bought a notebook (to help me keep track of observations, write down train transfers, directions, etc), some little sticky hooks (that I put over my bed so I can dry clothes inside), some tape (to help pack souvenirs) and two small towels. One I'm using as a floor towel when I get out of the shower and the other is a hand towel for the bathroom.
Today - Headed to Ginza (famous for it's high-class shopping), the Tsukiji fish market (lunch?), and the Pokemon Center (for Dan). If I have time, which I probably will, then I'll head over to Akihabara and Kanda. Akihabara is famous as an electronic hub. Kanda is famous for it's many bookstores.
Until Later
An Okay Day
Today was okay. Got somewhat samishii, but that was only when I was finished with the shrine and didn't really have anything to do. Not tomorrow though, I'm going to double up on sights. Because it's really depressing that I keep coming back to the room so early. I think part of the problem is I have no conversational Japanese and to help prevent me from feeling lonely, I need conversational Japanese...I can ask simple questions and make simple replies. Because I get under pressure. I can sit here and talk to myself in Japanese. Simple things, sure, but still. Full sentences, not words...But when under pressure, I can only spout out words.
Any way, Meiji shrine was pretty cool, despite the rain. The rain wasn't that bad, I only had issues taking pictures. But I want to share my experiences through photography, so it still kind of sucked.
While I was out, Norway girl, British Tattoo Girl and Polish girl checked out. Norway girl I knew would be (even though I kind of wanted her contact info), Polish girl was supposed to check out Friday (not Monday, so she was a bit of a shock) and British hardly talked, so I had no clue when she'd be leaving. So now we've got 2 somewhat obnoxious french girls. They talk in French near constantly, then start to whisper if you look at them. They complained about how "dirty" the room is, when it's not the room that's dirty. It was British girl and Chinese girl (mostly). Chinese girl lives here, so I can understand her making something of a mess. I talked to her a bit and she cleaned up her space some, but again, she lives here and the room is tiny...So that should explain enough. But no, they complain that's it's dirty and tiny. I would expect so at 1800 yen a night.
I wish I knew more Japanese. I really do. I almost (ALMOST) wish I had spent this money on a crash course, but not really. Nothing is like the real thing. I recognize a LOT of words and phrases, I just can't remember what they mean. Or there's something in a sentence I don't know. Or I don't know the specific conjugation of the word, but I recognize the root. Japanese has varying degrees of politeness - which essentially is like English contractions. Instead of saying "desu" (the equivalent of to be), a Japanese might say "da" to her friends. You also have different ways of addressing people and yourself. "Watakushi" is the most formal form of "I" and "Ore" (only for males or really, really boyish girls [possibly lesbians]) is the least formal. I guess I'm really enjoying my trip, but just getting my point across isn't all that cool.
I wanna make some friends, but you can't just make friends with people on the street. I'd have to go to a club and hang out with people, but I'm underage. (Drinking age and the age of being an adult is 20 here) I guess, I dunno. It probably could have been beneficial to try and program, but programs are usually upwards of $2000, which sadly, doesn't include food or plane tickets or transportation. But good news. While typing this, I started talking to the Chinese girl. She knows English, and doesn't have too much of an accent, but she knows Japanese much better and I usually have to add the Japanese word for what I'm trying to say. The conversation went like this:
"How long are you living here?"
"Ribbon ear?"
"Eto...sundeimasu?"
"Ah, koko wa? Ichi-nen."
"Ichi-nen? 1 year?"
"Hai, 1 year."
"Ah, cool. What's your name?"
--Blank stare--
"Anata no namae wa?"
"Lin"
"Lin?"
"Yes."
"Amanda"
"Amanda? Nice to meet you."
This makes me a little happy. Japanese isn't our native language, yet we had to use it to understand each other.
Mount Fuji - I might go, but the bus to get there is 2600 yen one way. I think I can try and figure out how to get there by train, but I dunno. I'm thinking just taking the bus is easier because then I don't have to transfer to the mini bus once I arrive at Kawaguchiko Station. Buuuut, with the bus, I have to reserve my seat and I'm pretty sure I need to call for that. Mom - I'll tell you this later as well, but a guided tour of Mt Fuji is around $150. Sorry... X/ If I go, I'll hoof it by myself.
I think I'll go out tonight. I'm not sure where, or with what money, but I want to go out tonight. Somewhere...maybe I'll find a movie to go see. Because sitting inside, on my trip, makes it feel like such a waste, despite the rain. I won't take my camera tonight though, probably. Lugging my bag around gets really tiring. Eh, on second thought, I might. It'll help keep me from spending money.
That's an issue I've been having. In this city, there are two things to do. See stuff and buy stuff. Guess what happens when you see stuff? There are cute little gift shops. I bought about 2400 of stuff today. Finished buying gifts for all the cousins, now I have to work on the adults/families.
That's it for now.
Any way, Meiji shrine was pretty cool, despite the rain. The rain wasn't that bad, I only had issues taking pictures. But I want to share my experiences through photography, so it still kind of sucked.
While I was out, Norway girl, British Tattoo Girl and Polish girl checked out. Norway girl I knew would be (even though I kind of wanted her contact info), Polish girl was supposed to check out Friday (not Monday, so she was a bit of a shock) and British hardly talked, so I had no clue when she'd be leaving. So now we've got 2 somewhat obnoxious french girls. They talk in French near constantly, then start to whisper if you look at them. They complained about how "dirty" the room is, when it's not the room that's dirty. It was British girl and Chinese girl (mostly). Chinese girl lives here, so I can understand her making something of a mess. I talked to her a bit and she cleaned up her space some, but again, she lives here and the room is tiny...So that should explain enough. But no, they complain that's it's dirty and tiny. I would expect so at 1800 yen a night.
I wish I knew more Japanese. I really do. I almost (ALMOST) wish I had spent this money on a crash course, but not really. Nothing is like the real thing. I recognize a LOT of words and phrases, I just can't remember what they mean. Or there's something in a sentence I don't know. Or I don't know the specific conjugation of the word, but I recognize the root. Japanese has varying degrees of politeness - which essentially is like English contractions. Instead of saying "desu" (the equivalent of to be), a Japanese might say "da" to her friends. You also have different ways of addressing people and yourself. "Watakushi" is the most formal form of "I" and "Ore" (only for males or really, really boyish girls [possibly lesbians]) is the least formal. I guess I'm really enjoying my trip, but just getting my point across isn't all that cool.
I wanna make some friends, but you can't just make friends with people on the street. I'd have to go to a club and hang out with people, but I'm underage. (Drinking age and the age of being an adult is 20 here) I guess, I dunno. It probably could have been beneficial to try and program, but programs are usually upwards of $2000, which sadly, doesn't include food or plane tickets or transportation. But good news. While typing this, I started talking to the Chinese girl. She knows English, and doesn't have too much of an accent, but she knows Japanese much better and I usually have to add the Japanese word for what I'm trying to say. The conversation went like this:
"How long are you living here?"
"Ribbon ear?"
"Eto...sundeimasu?"
"Ah, koko wa? Ichi-nen."
"Ichi-nen? 1 year?"
"Hai, 1 year."
"Ah, cool. What's your name?"
--Blank stare--
"Anata no namae wa?"
"Lin"
"Lin?"
"Yes."
"Amanda"
"Amanda? Nice to meet you."
This makes me a little happy. Japanese isn't our native language, yet we had to use it to understand each other.
Mount Fuji - I might go, but the bus to get there is 2600 yen one way. I think I can try and figure out how to get there by train, but I dunno. I'm thinking just taking the bus is easier because then I don't have to transfer to the mini bus once I arrive at Kawaguchiko Station. Buuuut, with the bus, I have to reserve my seat and I'm pretty sure I need to call for that. Mom - I'll tell you this later as well, but a guided tour of Mt Fuji is around $150. Sorry... X/ If I go, I'll hoof it by myself.
I think I'll go out tonight. I'm not sure where, or with what money, but I want to go out tonight. Somewhere...maybe I'll find a movie to go see. Because sitting inside, on my trip, makes it feel like such a waste, despite the rain. I won't take my camera tonight though, probably. Lugging my bag around gets really tiring. Eh, on second thought, I might. It'll help keep me from spending money.
That's an issue I've been having. In this city, there are two things to do. See stuff and buy stuff. Guess what happens when you see stuff? There are cute little gift shops. I bought about 2400 of stuff today. Finished buying gifts for all the cousins, now I have to work on the adults/families.
That's it for now.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Oh Boy
Today I didn't do much, which actually upsets me some. I ended up waiting in Nakano for the Tokyu Department store to open so I could buy hand soap (which isn't in the room I'm staying in), laundry detergent and bread. Then, I had to wait for my laundry to finish. So I got out to Shinjuku around 1 p.m. And then I didn't really know what to do with myself. I wanted to shop, but obviously shopping is hard when you're on a budget. So after wandering for about 30 minutes, I came to a KFC. I ran into a language barrier though and ended up ordering a 7 piece bucket - for myself (which I ended up bringing home. It shall be my dinner and breakfast).
I got really samishii kimochi in my kokoro, which was the reason I got the 1590 yen meal. It can be very isolating when you're out and about and you can't strike up a conversation with anyone but gaijin, and even then, most gaijin in Japan are other nationalities, so English isn't their first language.
One thing I noticed about my fellow gaijin in Japan is that they almost never make eye contact with other gaijin. I noticed tourist looking ones do, but gaijin that look like they live here never do. I'm not sure if it's because they're used to being looked at or if they don't feel like looking back in return. I dunno, I guess I feel a fellow gaijin should kind of look out for less experienced gaijin...
Something strange - in Japan, if rain is in the forecast, expect most Japanese women to be carrying an umbrella over their heads, all ready for rain (even if there isn't any rain for over an hour), but not really any guys. I'm not sure if it's just because guys don't care until it's actually raining or what.
Shinjuku Station - the most confusing station in the world. It's got 6 main exits, all with similar names (East Exit, Central East Exit, Southeast Exit and then the Southeast exist is further North than the Central East exit) and then there's a humongous network of tunnels. There's a tunnel that runs the half-mile to the TMGB. It's got a ton of levels and it services over 20 different train lines (including subway).
Getting used to walking on the left side of the road. Still working on looking right first when crossing the street, but I'm remedying that by looking both ways the whole time I'm crossing.
Tomorrow, I plan to head over to Yoyogi park and Meiji Shrine - rain or shine. No matter how tired I am. I'll post etiquette now though, to help me memorize it.
Upon arriving at the shrine, you'll see a Torii Gate (google it).
Bow once before entering and once before leaving.
Approach the Temizuya (fountain) and perform the following
---First, rinse your left hand using the ladle and fountain water.
---Second, rinse your right hand.
---Third, pour water into your left hand. Rinse your mouth with that water.
---Fourth, rinse your left hand again.
---Fifth, rinse the dipper by allowing the remaining water flow out from the dipper.
To pay respect, place some coins in the offertory box, bow twice, clap twice, make a wish and clap once more.
I will be unable to take pictures inside the shrine, but I can take them outside.
Done for now. Enjoy.
I got really samishii kimochi in my kokoro, which was the reason I got the 1590 yen meal. It can be very isolating when you're out and about and you can't strike up a conversation with anyone but gaijin, and even then, most gaijin in Japan are other nationalities, so English isn't their first language.
One thing I noticed about my fellow gaijin in Japan is that they almost never make eye contact with other gaijin. I noticed tourist looking ones do, but gaijin that look like they live here never do. I'm not sure if it's because they're used to being looked at or if they don't feel like looking back in return. I dunno, I guess I feel a fellow gaijin should kind of look out for less experienced gaijin...
Something strange - in Japan, if rain is in the forecast, expect most Japanese women to be carrying an umbrella over their heads, all ready for rain (even if there isn't any rain for over an hour), but not really any guys. I'm not sure if it's just because guys don't care until it's actually raining or what.
Shinjuku Station - the most confusing station in the world. It's got 6 main exits, all with similar names (East Exit, Central East Exit, Southeast Exit and then the Southeast exist is further North than the Central East exit) and then there's a humongous network of tunnels. There's a tunnel that runs the half-mile to the TMGB. It's got a ton of levels and it services over 20 different train lines (including subway).
Getting used to walking on the left side of the road. Still working on looking right first when crossing the street, but I'm remedying that by looking both ways the whole time I'm crossing.
Tomorrow, I plan to head over to Yoyogi park and Meiji Shrine - rain or shine. No matter how tired I am. I'll post etiquette now though, to help me memorize it.
Upon arriving at the shrine, you'll see a Torii Gate (google it).
Bow once before entering and once before leaving.
Approach the Temizuya (fountain) and perform the following
---First, rinse your left hand using the ladle and fountain water.
---Second, rinse your right hand.
---Third, pour water into your left hand. Rinse your mouth with that water.
---Fourth, rinse your left hand again.
---Fifth, rinse the dipper by allowing the remaining water flow out from the dipper.
To pay respect, place some coins in the offertory box, bow twice, clap twice, make a wish and clap once more.
I will be unable to take pictures inside the shrine, but I can take them outside.
Done for now. Enjoy.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Bunches of Stuff
So lemme start from the beginning.
I got to Shinjuku on Saturday morning no problem. I began searching for Shinjuku gyoen, just walking around like how I remembered the map. I eventually found the park, but not the gate so I walked around the edge until I found a gate. The park opened at 9:00 a.m. and I got to the gate at 8:50 a.m. so I waited a bit. I saw two English speakers, one of which I know for sure was gaijin, the other not so much.
The park opened and I wander around for about 2 and a half hours. Only saw about 1/3 of the park though. It's a really big park. I got eaten alive by mosquitoes. There's a bite about every 2 square inches on my leg, and I'm really allergic so they swell up. >< I met an old guy who looked at me and told me good morning in Japanese, and I got to respond. And then every Japanese person I saw after that I said "Ohayou gozaimasu" with a smile.
(shall update more later)
Saw some really freaky cats. One was bringing it's kill to the group and called them to it. Never seen this behavior before and I know cats really well.
So there was this wonderful old man. He was around the age of 75, give or take. And he noticed I was lost and beckoned me in the weird Japanese beckoning way (it's pretty much like shooing someone away or beckoning someone in America upside down). Anyway, he beckoned me over and we struggled to make conversation for about 15 minutes. I'm okay with Japanese and I understand a lot more than I can say (cause I'm under pressure) and he knew a little bit of English so we worked out a system. I listened a lot more than talked, but it really helped my listening skills. Now I just listen for any word I can recognize and thanks to the help of Norway-girl (whose name I really hope to get before she leaves tomorrow), I now know and can remember how to say "Please slow your speech" (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai). The little old man ended up showing me around Shinjuku station and giving me general directions to Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. He also got me some Japanese maps in English. And then, he took me to the terminal and said "Ganbare" and left. Ganbare is the rough Japanese equivalent to "good luck" but it can also mean "try your hardest" as well.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (or TMGB as I shall refer to it) is free if you want to go up to the observation decks. Plus, it's air conditioned. So, between both the North and South Towers, I easily spent about two hours up there relaxing after my hard walk in the park. The view is from the 45 story and you take an elevator (erebeitaa) that makes your ears pop twice.
The interesting story I have about the Japanese society and the TMGB is that I actually lost my sunglasses. And I got them back. In America, you're pretty sure you'll never see your stuff again, but you always go back and check the lost and found. Here, you usually will get it back. And they act like it's an emergency. So - I left the TMGB and went to grab my sunglasses, which I left in the North Tower. I had just left the South Tower, so I wasn't even where they'd be. But I all but ran back to the South Tower and when I got to the top, and saw the elevator director, I said "Sumimasen, megane" (Excuse me, glasses) and I made the motions for glasses (a sad fact is that even though I've practiced getting rid of stressing syllables, my Japanese speaking ability is still hard for the natives to understand...But I'm better than someone who hasn't practiced at all). She nodded and asked a question in Japanese and then said "lost?" I responded "Hai" (yes) and she called it in on her radio. They had indeed found my glasses and I went back down to retriever them (the conductor even let me onto the very next down elevator, instead of making me wait in line). I got to the bottom floor and an employee escorted me to the lost and found (which is always run by the police. In Japan, if you lose something, the people who find it take it to the nearest police station). I got my sunglasses back and signed the release form. It was a happy ending.
I'm also iffy on staying up late. I could stay out later...but I get tired because I wake up early. Going out early is good too, though, because it beats the heat.
I got to Shinjuku on Saturday morning no problem. I began searching for Shinjuku gyoen, just walking around like how I remembered the map. I eventually found the park, but not the gate so I walked around the edge until I found a gate. The park opened at 9:00 a.m. and I got to the gate at 8:50 a.m. so I waited a bit. I saw two English speakers, one of which I know for sure was gaijin, the other not so much.
The park opened and I wander around for about 2 and a half hours. Only saw about 1/3 of the park though. It's a really big park. I got eaten alive by mosquitoes. There's a bite about every 2 square inches on my leg, and I'm really allergic so they swell up. >< I met an old guy who looked at me and told me good morning in Japanese, and I got to respond. And then every Japanese person I saw after that I said "Ohayou gozaimasu" with a smile.
(shall update more later)
Saw some really freaky cats. One was bringing it's kill to the group and called them to it. Never seen this behavior before and I know cats really well.
So there was this wonderful old man. He was around the age of 75, give or take. And he noticed I was lost and beckoned me in the weird Japanese beckoning way (it's pretty much like shooing someone away or beckoning someone in America upside down). Anyway, he beckoned me over and we struggled to make conversation for about 15 minutes. I'm okay with Japanese and I understand a lot more than I can say (cause I'm under pressure) and he knew a little bit of English so we worked out a system. I listened a lot more than talked, but it really helped my listening skills. Now I just listen for any word I can recognize and thanks to the help of Norway-girl (whose name I really hope to get before she leaves tomorrow), I now know and can remember how to say "Please slow your speech" (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai). The little old man ended up showing me around Shinjuku station and giving me general directions to Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. He also got me some Japanese maps in English. And then, he took me to the terminal and said "Ganbare" and left. Ganbare is the rough Japanese equivalent to "good luck" but it can also mean "try your hardest" as well.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (or TMGB as I shall refer to it) is free if you want to go up to the observation decks. Plus, it's air conditioned. So, between both the North and South Towers, I easily spent about two hours up there relaxing after my hard walk in the park. The view is from the 45 story and you take an elevator (erebeitaa) that makes your ears pop twice.
The interesting story I have about the Japanese society and the TMGB is that I actually lost my sunglasses. And I got them back. In America, you're pretty sure you'll never see your stuff again, but you always go back and check the lost and found. Here, you usually will get it back. And they act like it's an emergency. So - I left the TMGB and went to grab my sunglasses, which I left in the North Tower. I had just left the South Tower, so I wasn't even where they'd be. But I all but ran back to the South Tower and when I got to the top, and saw the elevator director, I said "Sumimasen, megane" (Excuse me, glasses) and I made the motions for glasses (a sad fact is that even though I've practiced getting rid of stressing syllables, my Japanese speaking ability is still hard for the natives to understand...But I'm better than someone who hasn't practiced at all). She nodded and asked a question in Japanese and then said "lost?" I responded "Hai" (yes) and she called it in on her radio. They had indeed found my glasses and I went back down to retriever them (the conductor even let me onto the very next down elevator, instead of making me wait in line). I got to the bottom floor and an employee escorted me to the lost and found (which is always run by the police. In Japan, if you lose something, the people who find it take it to the nearest police station). I got my sunglasses back and signed the release form. It was a happy ending.
I'm also iffy on staying up late. I could stay out later...but I get tired because I wake up early. Going out early is good too, though, because it beats the heat.
Friday, July 9, 2010
More on Japan
Soooo, I've got some more interesting things to talk about.
There's a mall about 5 minutes (walking) from where I'm staying and it's actually pretty fun to walk around. I swear, I must of looked like the biggest tourist ever because people were staring. And not just the little double-take. Flat-out staring. But I was warned of this. Tokyo gets a lot of foreigners, but we're spread out and I'm not actually in a touristy area.
I found two possibly good gifts today. One of which is for my mother (haven't bought anything yet). I'm not sure if I'll get it at the store I found it at or browse until I find a better one. Then I found gorgeous cloth fans. And I do mean pretty. Plus, they're not ridiculously priced, either. (About $11 for what looks like it'd easily be $40 in America)
Vending machines - They aren't kidding when they say they're everywhere. So far I've found drinks, cigarettes, ice cream and perfume. OH and ramen ticket machines. I might eat at one of those places for dinner, depending on the price. I bought a mini coke from one. It tastes the same, but I will warn thee. Drinks in Japan are not always what they seem. I bought a little thing of "water" (said that in English characters) and it turned out to be similar to Pocari Sweat (a lightly sweetened drink kind of like gatorade but with no real flavor) except for the fact that it tasted a little like citrus. Another misleading Japanese drink - lemonade. I bought a little cup of lemonade and it's literally lemon water. Except this lemon water also had mango flavoring mixed in and you talk about sweeeet. I don't mind sweet, but not when it's 85F and nearly as humid as a rainforest.
I hit my first language barrier. The man in the 7-11 was trying to ask me if I wanted the plastic removed off the umbrella I was buying (because it started to drizzle) and I understood that. But I didn't quite know how to respond because I've never actually been asked that kind of question. What store clerk in America would do more work than they have to? So in the end we stared at each other for a couple seconds and then I said "Eto...watashi wa...chotto nihongo" (literally: "um...I...little japanese language"). Then it wasn't so bad. He double checked that I did indeed want the plastic off and away I went.
Moms in Japan seem to be the primary care-taker of children. I've seen many moms carrying around their infants in carry-pouches or strollers or on bikes. I was told Japanese men have very little to do with childcare, but I actually disagree to some extent. Yes, I've only seen a few men helping with their children, but I think it depends on the family, just like it depends on the family in America. We still have stay-at-home moms, just like Japan. And not all parents in America do joint care either. I know my mom was my main caregiver as a child. Because of her, I never got sick until around 2-3 years old. I dunno, I guess I feel the Japanese aren't really any worse than the rest of the world.
So, there's a reason they call June-July the rainy season in Japan. Because it rains daily. Good thing I invested in that umbrella!
There's a mall about 5 minutes (walking) from where I'm staying and it's actually pretty fun to walk around. I swear, I must of looked like the biggest tourist ever because people were staring. And not just the little double-take. Flat-out staring. But I was warned of this. Tokyo gets a lot of foreigners, but we're spread out and I'm not actually in a touristy area.
I found two possibly good gifts today. One of which is for my mother (haven't bought anything yet). I'm not sure if I'll get it at the store I found it at or browse until I find a better one. Then I found gorgeous cloth fans. And I do mean pretty. Plus, they're not ridiculously priced, either. (About $11 for what looks like it'd easily be $40 in America)
Vending machines - They aren't kidding when they say they're everywhere. So far I've found drinks, cigarettes, ice cream and perfume. OH and ramen ticket machines. I might eat at one of those places for dinner, depending on the price. I bought a mini coke from one. It tastes the same, but I will warn thee. Drinks in Japan are not always what they seem. I bought a little thing of "water" (said that in English characters) and it turned out to be similar to Pocari Sweat (a lightly sweetened drink kind of like gatorade but with no real flavor) except for the fact that it tasted a little like citrus. Another misleading Japanese drink - lemonade. I bought a little cup of lemonade and it's literally lemon water. Except this lemon water also had mango flavoring mixed in and you talk about sweeeet. I don't mind sweet, but not when it's 85F and nearly as humid as a rainforest.
I hit my first language barrier. The man in the 7-11 was trying to ask me if I wanted the plastic removed off the umbrella I was buying (because it started to drizzle) and I understood that. But I didn't quite know how to respond because I've never actually been asked that kind of question. What store clerk in America would do more work than they have to? So in the end we stared at each other for a couple seconds and then I said "Eto...watashi wa...chotto nihongo" (literally: "um...I...little japanese language"). Then it wasn't so bad. He double checked that I did indeed want the plastic off and away I went.
Moms in Japan seem to be the primary care-taker of children. I've seen many moms carrying around their infants in carry-pouches or strollers or on bikes. I was told Japanese men have very little to do with childcare, but I actually disagree to some extent. Yes, I've only seen a few men helping with their children, but I think it depends on the family, just like it depends on the family in America. We still have stay-at-home moms, just like Japan. And not all parents in America do joint care either. I know my mom was my main caregiver as a child. Because of her, I never got sick until around 2-3 years old. I dunno, I guess I feel the Japanese aren't really any worse than the rest of the world.
So, there's a reason they call June-July the rainy season in Japan. Because it rains daily. Good thing I invested in that umbrella!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Been Awhile
It's been awhile but today is my first full day in Japan. I arrived at the Yadoya around 7 p.m. (Japan time) and 6 a.m. (Eastern shore time). The room was really hot but that's because they turn off the AC during the day when no one is here. Took me about 20 minutes but I figured it out a bit. The place is really small. And by really small, the whole room is probably the size my bedroom. This includes the beds, fridge, lockers, TV, bathroom and kitchen. But I already knew it was tiny.
The two girls I'm staying with are really messy. The one girl is sleeping in like, a cave, with so much junk (clothes, things they bought, etc). The other one snores and hits against the cardboard barrier in her sleep. Too bad I'm a light sleeper.
I've been to the conbini twice. The first was Lawsons, and I dropped by for drinks (apple juice that really does taste like apples) and food (sandwiches, haven't finished the third. The first was ham with raw onion and the second was ham with some kind of egg paste. I also bought some Japanese pringles (a habit when I go out of the country, I like something from home to keep me sain.).
My second visit was about 20 minutes ago. Went wandering around and eventually ended up right across the street. This conbini is called Sunkus (I think) and I bought some essential things like tissues, shampoo, bandaids and scissors. I'll leave the left overs here when I leave, though. I can't bring all of it back on the plane with me.
Speaking of the plane, that was the longest day of my life. I couldn't sleep on the last leg, no matter how hard I tried and on the first two parts, I kept drifting off. So all-in-all on my 32 hour day, I got probably 4 hours of sleep. On top of the 3 hours of sleep that I got the night before I left.
The trains from the airport to here aren't that bad. I totally enjoyed the Narita Express (bought with the Suica and NEX package). And the transfer wasn't that hard. Just follow the signs (which are both Japanese and English) and you'll be fine.
I'm completely blown. While my allergy medicine isn't legal here, they didn't check for it at all. I totally could have brought it and saved myself the pain of using nasal spray. Which, by the way, is the most disgusting stuff ever.
I'm done for now. I'll post again with what I did today tonight (tomorrow morning of East Coast USA).
The two girls I'm staying with are really messy. The one girl is sleeping in like, a cave, with so much junk (clothes, things they bought, etc). The other one snores and hits against the cardboard barrier in her sleep. Too bad I'm a light sleeper.
I've been to the conbini twice. The first was Lawsons, and I dropped by for drinks (apple juice that really does taste like apples) and food (sandwiches, haven't finished the third. The first was ham with raw onion and the second was ham with some kind of egg paste. I also bought some Japanese pringles (a habit when I go out of the country, I like something from home to keep me sain.).
My second visit was about 20 minutes ago. Went wandering around and eventually ended up right across the street. This conbini is called Sunkus (I think) and I bought some essential things like tissues, shampoo, bandaids and scissors. I'll leave the left overs here when I leave, though. I can't bring all of it back on the plane with me.
Speaking of the plane, that was the longest day of my life. I couldn't sleep on the last leg, no matter how hard I tried and on the first two parts, I kept drifting off. So all-in-all on my 32 hour day, I got probably 4 hours of sleep. On top of the 3 hours of sleep that I got the night before I left.
The trains from the airport to here aren't that bad. I totally enjoyed the Narita Express (bought with the Suica and NEX package). And the transfer wasn't that hard. Just follow the signs (which are both Japanese and English) and you'll be fine.
I'm completely blown. While my allergy medicine isn't legal here, they didn't check for it at all. I totally could have brought it and saved myself the pain of using nasal spray. Which, by the way, is the most disgusting stuff ever.
I'm done for now. I'll post again with what I did today tonight (tomorrow morning of East Coast USA).
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