I decided to cut out some details of my life. Maybe I'll decide to update later, but honestly, I don't really lead an interesting life.
Umm...getting tomorrow off (12/23) off because it is the emperor's birthday. This is what I like about Japan, you get a ton of random holidays here and there (at least 1 or 2 each month). When you are in school it feels great (IMO) to have a day off from your hectic schedule. Long breaks are nice but sometimes you just need that one day to recharge. We don't get Christmas off though. Thankfully, I don't have class on that day anyway.
So...I finally got my PS3, and even decided to splurge on the special Final Fantasy XIII edition as well. Instead of a black one (which I like, incidentally), I now have a white PS3 with a pink Lighting ("main" character) character on. It actually looks pretty good, despite it being pink and all. Sure it ended up costing more, but I figured that you don't really have many opportunities to get a special edition console, especially one that has based on your favorite series. Started playing the game and it looks incredible. Game is fun so far but with it being in Japanese I'm not progressing as quickly as I would for an English game.
Speaking of which, I went to Ding Tai Fung in Japan. Food was good but I think the main stores in Taiwan are a bit better. Not that I am complaining about the quality of food I had.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Catching Up: So much..... (part 2)
So being sick sucked but I survived. With it being a new quarter/semester I have new Japanese classes. Pros: I can sleep in on more days now. Cons: I still don't quite remember what classes I have each day. One thing I am not used to about Japanese classes here is that instead of one class you have many classes that meet once a week (for 9-10 weeks) that each focus on one aspect (grammar, reading, listening, etc). I was very against this format at first but have mellowed out. I still prefer the Japanese classes I had in college (with one professor you actually get to know him/her) but since most international students here are busy with grad school stuff they can't really make that much time to attend many classes.
Let's see...went to the nomikai by the Fulbright alum I mentioned before and got to meet many interesting people. I also met some current IUC students, which was helpful since I was able to ask for some tips about the application. Oh yeah, IUC is a language school in Yokohama that I am planning to apply for next year. It is a ten-month program and is one of the best, according to Americans. I think that if I stop Japanese after this year (will most probably not be fluent yet) I will eventually forget it all. Would be best to try and achieve fluency when I still have the chance. Apps have been hell though and I really do not what to think about it. I realize that I am lucky to only have to write one but I hate trying to sell myself to someone. You have to achieve that balance between truth and half-truths, cockiness and humility, and I absolutely despise it.
I then spent the next day touring around Tokyo with 3 other Fulbright people (1 current, two alums, one which was an 82-year old man who is amazingly fit for someone his age). We started in Asakusa, took a river bus, and ended up in Harajuku/Shinjuku later that night. While walking down Omote Sando Doori we passed by a store (Fendi, I believe) that was surrounded by people. Somewhat puzzled, we decided to push through the crowd to the other side. However, halfway through we were cut off by security guards who cleared a path for someone coming out of the store. While we were literally standing in the first row right next to the guards (who were trying to stop people from taking pictures) and could have reached out and touched her, we had no idea who the celebrity was. I think there were two people (both with red hair, if that makes a difference) and ironically, one of them was taking pictures of the crowd. That was probably the closest I will ever be to someone famous in the near future and I have no idea who she was, haha. For dinner, we had dojo, which are apparently small fish that usually live in muddy water. They really were quite tasty though.
Let's see...went to the nomikai by the Fulbright alum I mentioned before and got to meet many interesting people. I also met some current IUC students, which was helpful since I was able to ask for some tips about the application. Oh yeah, IUC is a language school in Yokohama that I am planning to apply for next year. It is a ten-month program and is one of the best, according to Americans. I think that if I stop Japanese after this year (will most probably not be fluent yet) I will eventually forget it all. Would be best to try and achieve fluency when I still have the chance. Apps have been hell though and I really do not what to think about it. I realize that I am lucky to only have to write one but I hate trying to sell myself to someone. You have to achieve that balance between truth and half-truths, cockiness and humility, and I absolutely despise it.
I then spent the next day touring around Tokyo with 3 other Fulbright people (1 current, two alums, one which was an 82-year old man who is amazingly fit for someone his age). We started in Asakusa, took a river bus, and ended up in Harajuku/Shinjuku later that night. While walking down Omote Sando Doori we passed by a store (Fendi, I believe) that was surrounded by people. Somewhat puzzled, we decided to push through the crowd to the other side. However, halfway through we were cut off by security guards who cleared a path for someone coming out of the store. While we were literally standing in the first row right next to the guards (who were trying to stop people from taking pictures) and could have reached out and touched her, we had no idea who the celebrity was. I think there were two people (both with red hair, if that makes a difference) and ironically, one of them was taking pictures of the crowd. That was probably the closest I will ever be to someone famous in the near future and I have no idea who she was, haha. For dinner, we had dojo, which are apparently small fish that usually live in muddy water. They really were quite tasty though.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Catching Up: So much..... (part 1)
I know I have been terrible at blogging the past month or so. Here is an attempt to catch up a bit. Entries will probably be shorter but lets be honest, thanks is probably a good thing for everyone.
We last left off at Thanksgiving. On the day I left Kyoto, I began to feel sick (headaches, no appetite). Unfortunately, I also had to go to a lecture in Tokyo that night (which is why I arranged to go back that day). I took to Shinkansen (bullet train) for the first time but basically slept most of the trip because of my headache. It was a nice train ride, but probably not worth the extra $100 it cost (compared to a night bus).
The talk was by Robert Whiting, who just happens the authoritative voice on Japanese baseball in English. His specialty is pro baseball but it was still an interesting talk and I was able to get my book autographed. He also agreed to answer my questions if I had any. Of course I don't know enough to yet to ask him questions but maybe in the future. I was also able to meet a former Fulbrighter from two years ago who was nice enough to treat me to a drink and invite me to a nomikai he was hosting. Connections are always good.
I was feeling miserable most of the day though (body was sore, head hurt) so I knew I was sick. Went to play some volleyball the next day (exercise helps, seriously) but still felt like crap. I had a fever, headache, sore throat, and general fatigue. Yes, I do realize I had all of the symptoms of influenza/swine flu. I realize that with the H1N1 scare it would have probably been best if I went to see a doctor but I am not a big fan of hospitals/doctors in general. For the past few years I have been able to fight off everything with a combination of lots of liquids and rest. From what I have heard from other fellows they did not have very pleasant experiences dealing with medical care in Japan so I decided to forgo the experience, though I was willing to risk it if my condition did not improve. At least I actually went out and got medicine (which I usually don’t), though it might not be something I should pat myself on the back for. Thankfully, after a few days of sleep, Vitamin Water, orange juice, etc… my fever, sore throat, and headache were mostly gone, though I still have a slight cough. Being sick is not fun.
We last left off at Thanksgiving. On the day I left Kyoto, I began to feel sick (headaches, no appetite). Unfortunately, I also had to go to a lecture in Tokyo that night (which is why I arranged to go back that day). I took to Shinkansen (bullet train) for the first time but basically slept most of the trip because of my headache. It was a nice train ride, but probably not worth the extra $100 it cost (compared to a night bus).
The talk was by Robert Whiting, who just happens the authoritative voice on Japanese baseball in English. His specialty is pro baseball but it was still an interesting talk and I was able to get my book autographed. He also agreed to answer my questions if I had any. Of course I don't know enough to yet to ask him questions but maybe in the future. I was also able to meet a former Fulbrighter from two years ago who was nice enough to treat me to a drink and invite me to a nomikai he was hosting. Connections are always good.
I was feeling miserable most of the day though (body was sore, head hurt) so I knew I was sick. Went to play some volleyball the next day (exercise helps, seriously) but still felt like crap. I had a fever, headache, sore throat, and general fatigue. Yes, I do realize I had all of the symptoms of influenza/swine flu. I realize that with the H1N1 scare it would have probably been best if I went to see a doctor but I am not a big fan of hospitals/doctors in general. For the past few years I have been able to fight off everything with a combination of lots of liquids and rest. From what I have heard from other fellows they did not have very pleasant experiences dealing with medical care in Japan so I decided to forgo the experience, though I was willing to risk it if my condition did not improve. At least I actually went out and got medicine (which I usually don’t), though it might not be something I should pat myself on the back for. Thankfully, after a few days of sleep, Vitamin Water, orange juice, etc… my fever, sore throat, and headache were mostly gone, though I still have a slight cough. Being sick is not fun.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Kyoto Thanksgiving: Day 3
On Sunday (11/29), almost every Fulbrighter participated in the Kyoto Shimin Ekiden. Basically, we ran in relay marathon with 3 teams of 4. We didn't actually have enough Fulbrighters so we had 2 people (Marisa, who is a JET right now, and Taka, Reed and Rebbecca's Japanese friend from Kyodai) fill in for us. Everyone ran a different distance (3 km, 4.5km, or 7.5 km) but Reed and I ran the last and longest leg. Oh, and we decided that it would be best if all the teams ran together regardless of speed, so we stayed together.
Overall, it was a great experience (besides waking up super early). The organizers were really excited that we were participating because it made it an "international" event, haha. We were referred to as the exchange student teams the entire time and we even got to meet the major of Kyoto! He chatted with us a little even though it was pretty obvious that it was slightly awkward and that he had no idea what to say to us. I almost got to shake his hand too! Sadly, just as I stuck my hand out, he pulled away at the last second. Shot down, sad, but everyone else had a good laugh at it.
Even though we came in last place, I am proud of how we did. Most of us (Except maybe Tori) are not runners and seriously, Japanese who participate in ekidens are hardcore. We were getting smoked by little kids (some younger not even in middle school) and old men and women in the 60s. It was a little embarrassing running the last leg because they had to wait for us to finish (Reed and I apologized when we passed workers), but it was still a great experience. Reed, for all of his talk about how worried he was, is in great shape, barely breaking a sweat after our run.
We were all exhausted after the ekiden so we didn't do that much afterward. We did, however, splurge and eat delicious parfaits. Too many pictures to post right now but I will be sure to make a note of it when I finally do get around to posting the, probably on facebook.
Overall, it was a great experience (besides waking up super early). The organizers were really excited that we were participating because it made it an "international" event, haha. We were referred to as the exchange student teams the entire time and we even got to meet the major of Kyoto! He chatted with us a little even though it was pretty obvious that it was slightly awkward and that he had no idea what to say to us. I almost got to shake his hand too! Sadly, just as I stuck my hand out, he pulled away at the last second. Shot down, sad, but everyone else had a good laugh at it.
Even though we came in last place, I am proud of how we did. Most of us (Except maybe Tori) are not runners and seriously, Japanese who participate in ekidens are hardcore. We were getting smoked by little kids (some younger not even in middle school) and old men and women in the 60s. It was a little embarrassing running the last leg because they had to wait for us to finish (Reed and I apologized when we passed workers), but it was still a great experience. Reed, for all of his talk about how worried he was, is in great shape, barely breaking a sweat after our run.
We were all exhausted after the ekiden so we didn't do that much afterward. We did, however, splurge and eat delicious parfaits. Too many pictures to post right now but I will be sure to make a note of it when I finally do get around to posting the, probably on facebook.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Kyoto Thanksgiving: Day 2
Day 2 was not as eventful. For lunch, we all went to eat kaiten zushi (rotating sushi). I loved how when you order something off the menu it would come to you on a little shinkansen train though. Reed came by later with Lisa Gano (he had met up with her earlier) and even though he had already eaten a bowl of ramen beforehand, he still ate quick a bit of sushi. Impressive, but expected.
Spent a large portion of the day walking and talking. At night, we went to Kiyomizudera, one of the most famous temples in Japan. It was huge! Usually it is only open during the day but they had a special night showing going on where they illuminated the leaves. It was VERY pretty, but there were so many people there that it was very annoying. Plus, unless you have a good camera and/or a good photographer, you can't really catch the beauty on film. All my pictures turned out to be crap but thankfully, we had Keaton who took some great pictures. Since it was so crowded we didn't really get to explore the entire temple. I feel like I would like to go again, but definitely when it is less crowded.
Spent a large portion of the day walking and talking. At night, we went to Kiyomizudera, one of the most famous temples in Japan. It was huge! Usually it is only open during the day but they had a special night showing going on where they illuminated the leaves. It was VERY pretty, but there were so many people there that it was very annoying. Plus, unless you have a good camera and/or a good photographer, you can't really catch the beauty on film. All my pictures turned out to be crap but thankfully, we had Keaton who took some great pictures. Since it was so crowded we didn't really get to explore the entire temple. I feel like I would like to go again, but definitely when it is less crowded.
Kyoto Thanksgiving: Day 1
Was planning to write about Thanksgiving earlier, but then I got sick, which was quite a bummer. Still not completely well so these might be shorter than usual.
Went to Kyoto from Tokyo on a night bus. Few things I noticed, the bus is segregated between genders. Guys in the front, girls in the back. Therefore, seats are assigned (which I didn't know earlier, so May, who was traveling with me, and I could not sit together). The reason is most probably because of chikan (perverts). You never know what might happen in the dark. I was able to sleep relatively well (seats tilt back ~25 degrees) but the fact that the bus stopped every 1.5 hours at a rest stop and turned on bright lights was annoying.
Arrived in Kyoto, meet up with Reed (who skipped lab), Andrew, and Tori. Basically, we spent the rest of the day meeting up with everyone else and shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. Sadly, we did not have a turkey. We really tried, but with no oven, there was nothing we could do. Japan, why are there no full-sized ovens in your country!? In the end, we settled for nabe (basically hotpot) and sukiyaki, while Chiara brought Mac and Cheese and Courtney and Matt brought stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a green bean casserole. Food was delicious and afterward, surprise surprise, we had drinking batsu-gemu (punishment games). There was this clapping/name game that was fun (but too hard to describe) and this acting game. Basically, you had a director who could pick people to act in any kind of scene. Whoever laughed first lost and drank, but would also be the director for the next round. What we learned, May is hilarious and Reed is either a great actor or good at keeping a straight face. We did go out afterward but there was nothing that memorable. Oh, but Sake bombs do have a nice taste.
Highlight of the night was no doubt when Rebbecca took out Toku while cleaning up. I can't do the scene justice so I won't even attempt to describe it (and to be fair a lot of background information is needed to totally understand the situation as well) but it is fair to say that among this years Japan Fulbrighters we all know what "Rebbecca-ing" someone means now.
Went to Kyoto from Tokyo on a night bus. Few things I noticed, the bus is segregated between genders. Guys in the front, girls in the back. Therefore, seats are assigned (which I didn't know earlier, so May, who was traveling with me, and I could not sit together). The reason is most probably because of chikan (perverts). You never know what might happen in the dark. I was able to sleep relatively well (seats tilt back ~25 degrees) but the fact that the bus stopped every 1.5 hours at a rest stop and turned on bright lights was annoying.
Arrived in Kyoto, meet up with Reed (who skipped lab), Andrew, and Tori. Basically, we spent the rest of the day meeting up with everyone else and shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. Sadly, we did not have a turkey. We really tried, but with no oven, there was nothing we could do. Japan, why are there no full-sized ovens in your country!? In the end, we settled for nabe (basically hotpot) and sukiyaki, while Chiara brought Mac and Cheese and Courtney and Matt brought stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a green bean casserole. Food was delicious and afterward, surprise surprise, we had drinking batsu-gemu (punishment games). There was this clapping/name game that was fun (but too hard to describe) and this acting game. Basically, you had a director who could pick people to act in any kind of scene. Whoever laughed first lost and drank, but would also be the director for the next round. What we learned, May is hilarious and Reed is either a great actor or good at keeping a straight face. We did go out afterward but there was nothing that memorable. Oh, but Sake bombs do have a nice taste.
Highlight of the night was no doubt when Rebbecca took out Toku while cleaning up. I can't do the scene justice so I won't even attempt to describe it (and to be fair a lot of background information is needed to totally understand the situation as well) but it is fair to say that among this years Japan Fulbrighters we all know what "Rebbecca-ing" someone means now.
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