A Month Deep

So I've been in Japan for a month now. So I'll take a few lines here to reflect on some differences that I've noticed.
1). There are no paper towels in the bathrooms
2). I'm losing lots of weight (unintentionally)
3). If I blink, all my money is gone on the weekend.

But overall, I'd say I'm ecstatic for the next 10.5 months here, and so here is my weekend in a flash. Time spent at my host-family's house is a bit lonely. Understandably, the two kids have to study constantly to pass their entrance exams and by the time I get home at 7-8pm, I generally have little to do but study as well. Still, they've been nothing but nice, and I'll make an effort this weekend to spend a bit more time around the house... maybe show them some pictures of my family (haven't gotten around to this yet... woops!)

Saturday:


I met up with Ryo, Hikoya, and Wakana. All members of USHSD which I did 2 years ago. We spent the evening in Shibuya, which is fast becoming my favorite place in Tokyo. The giant televisions, the myriads of young people (dressed absolutely ridiculously), the shopping, the restaurants, and last but not least the karaoke ensure that I enjoy myself every time. Anyway, we chatted for a few, then stopped at a noodle restaurant for dinner. And then afterwards, it was off for some karaoke once again. My present line-up of 'must do' songs is:

Toto - Africa
Queen - Don't Stop me Now
The Beatles - Yesterday
Little Mermaid.... Part of your World

Sunday:


Sunday was spent at Disney Sea. I wasn't intending on going to Disney anytime soon (its really big in Japan), but the girl who rode next to me on the plane, messaged me out of the blue saying she had discount tickets, and how could I possibly resist the offer.
It was Disney, so I was equally as excited to be there as the 5-year olds next to me. Overall it was a great day spent. Especially since I was able to speak a lot more Japanese since when I had ridden the plane with Ayumi. Still, Disney Japan only has slight differences compared with Disney in the US. For one, the average age of the guests is probably early to mid 20's. And you still know you're in Japan once you go to say, the cafeteria and find yourself being served Curry or Noodles. Still, 9 hours later, I was definitely glad that I had gone.




As for this week, we've (Pablo[Mexico], James[England], Lola[France]) established that Wednesday is KaraokeWednesday. Students don't have classes Wednesday afternoons and karaoke costs a mere 100yen per 30 minutes, so the idea is that it will make a nice midweek stress reliever from our 3 hour a day Japanese regiment.