I had a five-day weekend, and it went a little something like this...

Pre-Halloween:



So myself and a number of exchange students had been eagerly awaiting Halloween for the last month, and now that it was finally upon us, everyone went all-out. The day before Halloween was our last day prior to class, so myself and few classmate of mine decided to dress up for class no matter. My costume was a pair of "Panda-Pajamas" that I found during the week (actually they're quite comfortable), and so that morning I woke up per usual and rode the train in my full panda garb. To my dismay, their were only about 10 people dressed-up on campus, so needless to say I received a number of stares.

On the other hand, that night was our school Halloween party in Shibuya. In this case, all the students went crazy dressing up for the party (which started at 7:30pm by the way). Whoever organized the party did a great job indeed. While the music played there some guys spray painted a design up on the stage, some dancers came out, there was a costume competition, and I think at one point a Japanese rapper came out and performed. I was thrilled because many of these students seem so lifeless during the week and it was nice to see everyone moving around for once. Another plus were the large numbers of students from neighboring schools that showed up. I quite literally was dancing until the sun came up (there are no trains after midnight), and shyly went home at 7am to sleep for 5 hours.

The next day I showed up to the campus for the kick-off to the student festival. One of the main buildings on campus had its window blinds rearranged to form a giant butterfly, which was very cool. As it darkened, everyone gathered for a free concert from the band Monkey Magic and a performance from one of the school dance teams. I must say, the audience may possibly qualify as the most stoic I've ever seen. Perhaps they were just tired from a long night of partying?

Festival:

The days of the school festival saw the school packed with students, many of whom were wearing Halloween costumes (they do realize its only one day right?). I split my time between eating various foods provided by campus circles (clubs) and watching performances (almost entirely composed of hip-hop dance groups). I tried to see the "Ms. Sophia" competition, but apparently you have to show up many hours prior just to get a seat. I heard that the winner of the competition usually winds up being a news personality and its actually a very big deal for students on campus. On one day, myself and a group of students went out to Karaoke (where else?). But this time it wasn't just any karaoke, this one features eat-all-you-can ice cream. And the best party? 1 hour of Karaoke, and eat all you can ice-cream ran a mere 150yen (or 1.30$). How this is an effective business model I can't tell you. In light-of my sparse-available internet connection at home, I spent a few hours at an cafe in Shibuya one night. It was quite nice. I purchased one cup of coffee and then stayed for the next 2 hours abusing the cafe's wi-fi connection. I was up in the 7th floor and had a great view of the hustle-bustle below in the scramble (infamous intersection in Shibuya).

I left Tokyo!:

Saturday I journey to northern Chiba to see my friend Sato and his school festival. He was my host-brother in summer of 2004 and I hadn't seen him yet since arriving in Japan. He had me meet him at 8:45am, so I had to leave my home around 7 in the morning. When I arrived, it turned out that he was busy and I didn't get to hang out with me much until 6pm. At first I was quite sour that I was even there, considering how early I had woken up. But in the end, this was probably my favorite day thus far in Japan. Sato's school was quite small, and as such didn't host too many foreign students. He kindly arranged for one of his club members to shadow me for the first part of the day. It was a huge-change from my Sophia. I actually sat around and talked to a group of 3 English majors in Japanese, because none of them could manage to speak English with. It was quite empowering to see that I could communicate fairly well at this point.

Later that afternoon, I met this student studying in Japan from China. He spoke no English, and I speak no Chinese, so our only option was to talk to each other in Japanese the entire time. This is this first time I've ever had this situation in my life. And I really just don't know how to describe it. I think I may actually prefer it to speaking in English or his Chinese. It is quite difficult to explain, but if you ever get to speak to someone in neither of your native languages, you should definitely go for it. Oddly, I spent the next 4 hours talking with this guy along with other members of the club. And just to elaborate on the differences between Japanese and American schools, not only were classes shut down for a festival, but they were serving drinks (alcoholic) in the classrooms, as in the German Oktoberfest themed room I visited.

Lastly I met up with two exchange students who I met at the school, and together with Sato we went out to karaoke. I'm somewhat envious of their experience in Japan. Being so far away from Tokyo and having the chance to speak so much Japanese, not to mention living on the campus. Sure there is much more to do in Tokyo, but I can't help but find it a bit overwhelming (which it is). I really did enjoy my time in Chiba, and can't detail how much I liked it. I'll probably try and make it out there at least one time a month if possible.

Yeseul!:

And finally, I saw my friend Yeseul. She lived in my dorm with me last year and is studying in Kyoto for the semester. It was great seeing a familiar face from school finally and I think she felt the same way. We also met up with Mi (UVa 06') and Tomo for Okinomiyaki (look I even took a picture!). Headed out to Roppongi-Hills (a new building in Tokyo) where we could see Tokyo tower at night (sorry my picture don't do it justice), and then Yeseul and I just ended the night talking. Apparently her new favorite band is Monkey Magic (see above), but she was in Okinawa during the free concert and was coming off a 10 day weekend, so I'm not too sorry that she missed out on the concert.

Tokyo Motor Show

This past weekend I journey out to Chiba to go the Tokyo Motor Show. Its held all the way in Chiba because there isn't much room in Tokyo for an appropriately sized building. I've always wanted to go to the event (having seen photos from it every year paraded about on the internet) and now I have. Only hurdled I had to cross was that half-way there I realized I had left my ticket behind, but fortunately a German (of course) friend had been helping Volkswagen setup their booth and he was able to lend his employee bad (along with meal tickets!) to me.

The event was definitely amazing, especially watching how half the people there reacted to the models (women not cars). I'd say that all in all the event was very mouth-watering and it does make me miss driving (though I'd never dare try and drive in Japan). The themes this year were once again fuel efficiency and another big one was the idea of having these pods that deploy from your car and you ride them into the stores like a mini-scooter. Really it just seemed like an exercise in laziness, but it was fun to watch nonetheless. Other highlights include a Mini display to celebrate the new Clubman that was designed a full-on club, discoball included.

After the show ended, Pablo and I decided to head out to Costco. But there was a slight problem, in the a typhoon had blown in. But what's two miles walking in a typhoon when Costco is at the finish? So anyway, we braved the high winds, and even harder rains to reach Costco. At the end, the only casualties were our umbrellas. Unfortunately, when you go to Costco, you always end up buying much more than you intend to, and I had to find a way to get 6L of cranberry juice, 4 lbs of Peanut butter, 4 tubes of toothpaste, 3L of coffee, and 1L of Vodka all the way back to my home.

Still, it was definitely worth the visit to relax in that mecca of American consumerism after the past 6 weeks in Japan. Also the giant pizza at the end of the trip was appreciated (in Japan, a medium Dominoes pizza runs up to 30$ easily!?!?).

Tales from the D

So in place of a my normal update I've opted to instead tell a little story, I'll do my best to make it at least somewhat interesting.

It is common place here in Japan to see business men and women rushing on their way to work in the mornings. In fact, it doesn't even have to be the morning, simply in general everyone in this city is in a hurry. When a train pulls into a platform, half the people exiting the train will quite literally run across the platform to the train sitting on the otherside (which isn't leaving for another 30 seconds, but that doesn't stop them). I'm a pretty slow moving guy and stand as an obstacle to run around (sometimes --through).

On my morning walk to the station, I go across one railroad crossing and from this point, you can see my station (it is elevated maybe 30 ft) and the trains approaching it. Generally, if a train is approaching the crossing, people will rush to get under the gates before they close so they can (presumably) catch the station's train sooner (I really just don't bother and wait for the trains to pass). Likewise, if they hear the sound of a train braking into the station (be they 10ft, or 100ft away) they will run into the station, dash up the stairs, and dive into the doors of a departing train (I'm not kidding about the diving).

On this particular morning (Friday), I was pretty wiped and tired as I steped outside and began my walk to school. As is normally the case, when I approached the crossing the gates began to close to let one of the countless rush hour trains through. But this is where today differs from my previous experiences. As the first gate lowered, a businessman dashed by me in his suit and ducked the first gate. He sped across the tracks, and as he reached the gate on the otherside I couldn't help but wonder how he would crouch under it without dirtying his clothing. Instead of ducking, this man went full-on Olympian and hurdled (yes he threw up both of his legs) the second gate, arms flailing, landed, and continued to run towards the station.

I was pretty much in awe. Essentially, I had just witnessed a live advertisment for Red Bull. And I don't know about you, but when I'm dressed up, I have enough trouble keeping my shoes from getting scuffed. I can't imagine the thought that goes into avoiding a ripped seam when you hurdle train crossings.

When I reached the station, he was standing on the opposite side of the platform (having missed his train anyway) and was just casually awaiting the next train. I don't know if there is a moral to this story, I just really wanted to share it, and leave it up on here to remind myself about it later (it really does make me smile). I just wish I could get whatever it is he has for breakfast (Wheaties - the breakfast of champions?!).

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.

Weekend (cont)

Sunday


First in the morning I met up with Tomo and Taisuke. Taisuke had been in Canada when I last went to his house, so I didn't see him before. We went out for some Yaki-niku. Which, as you can see was delicious. Essentially its a small scale barbecue.


I met up with friends from when I came to Japan 2 years ago through the high school diplomats program. I managed to overcome embarassing name forgetting and we headed out to some Iranian restaurant where you sit on rugs. Things started out normal, but the store owner turned out to be completely insane. Apparently that is all part of the appeal of this restaurant though. The guy dressed every up in Iranian clothes (I got a pink skirt), made customers serve other customers, and generally embarassed everybody (but equally, so it was okay). Eventually a bellydancer also showed up (the owner had a fondness for me, who he dubbed "mr. washington") and I somehow also ended up dancing. The meal ended with some tasty desserts, spontaneous fake birthday celebrations, and a hookah. I really just don't know how to describe this restaurant. It was just completely unconventional and unexpected that I couldn't help but have a good time.


Monday

I was invited to dinner at Takuya's(maybe a few posts down) house. I was naturally excited because when you're invited for dinner, people tend to go all out. We had okinomiyaki, which I guess is best described as a cabbage-seafood-pancake. There was also some yakisoba to go along with it. Then there was of course some drinking and conversation, and best of all his grandfather made an appearance once again. Yet again, I managed to eat all my food before I had time to take a picture of it ( sorry I just can't help it).



Tuesday

I (foolishly) went out again today. It was with a friend's friend. We headed out to Ikebukuro and ate Takoyaki (squid balls) and then went to karaoke (for someone that doesn't like to sing, I sure end up at karaoke alot). Maybe the best part of this karaoke was that is cost about 15$ for the 3 hours that we were there and it was nomihoudai (drink all you can). The nomihoudai business model works well with japanese people (who biologically can't drink much), but when a western person goes in you can really get your money's worth. Afterwards it was off to the arcades and, long story short I missed my train and ended up going to my friends dorm for the night.

School Week One: Mission Accomplished

Alright First things first.

Classes.

I have Japanese for 15 hours a week. Thats 3 hours a day... five days at week. Basically, I have 10 different sessions a week, divided among five different sensei. In addition I get to study from 5 different text books. The basic setup is:
Grammar/Reading 5x
Speaking/Listening 3x
Kanji 2x

The greater part of my week was Japanese class and Japanese class homework. But I suppose that is what I'm here for, so its all good. My other class for this semester is an Intro to International Relations course. I'll discuss this stuff later, but for now, its on to the weekend. I'll also try and snap of picture of the rush hour train I ride to school in the mornings. The number of people on this train is pretty hard to describe without a picture.

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Thursday, I stopped by the archery club to see one of their practices. I hadn't expected it to be such a serious club. Everyone was very quite as they warmed up and really focused for the 2 hours that they practiced (I watched maybe the first 30 minutes and snapped these pictures). It takes about 3 months of training before they'll even let you start shooting with the rest of the club and I felt that if I was to join a club, then I'd need to find something less serious. Nonetheless a picture will follow (take note of the giant bows).



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Saturday
I joined the 'Walking Circle.' We spent 5 hours Saturday walking between two distant train stations. We divided up into groups of about 10 students and then followed an easy scavenger hunt map around the city. I really enjoyed the club because it moved at a relaxed pace and was composed of mostly Japanese students, and in 5 hours, that is a lot of conversation practice. We stopped at various checkpoints to rest and eat. Some of these pictures are from the checkpoints (I like the one with the little girls swinging their batons).
After a long hard walk. We 'rewarded' ourselves for a hard days work by going to this restaurant that is an eat/drink as much as you want establishment. You pay by the hour and it was relatively cheap. After that, it was on to karaoke. (Which Japanese students are ecstatic about). All this was done before midnight (since there are no trains after midnight) which was all in all very strange. I'll leave you with a few more pictures and cap off the weekend with sunday and monday tomorrow.

Cultural Anecdote for the Moment

The Japanese language is full of borrowed english words. For example, a 'paso-kon' is a personal computer, 'toreningu' is training, and a no-o-to is a notebook. Anyway, my host family doesn't speak english but often times they surprise me with the random english words that they use. But seeing as to how their exposure to these words is limited, they usually don't know all the connotations for a particular word. Anyway, my mom decided to send them a letter, thanking them for 'hosting' me at their house. Problem is, in Japan, the word host is usually used at say, a hosuto-baa (Host Bar). You know... the bars where businessman go after a long day at work and spend all their money getting drinks from (possibly) scantily clad hostess'. Anyway, they were somewhat shocked when they recognized the word 'host' in the letter and associated it with this negative connotation of a host-bar waitress. It was quite difficult for me to convey any positive connotations, like the idea of a gracious host at say, a party for example. It was really just interesting to note because this is the kind of mix-up that comes from being in Japan and makes me realize how much there is to consider when conversing with someone in another language.