I'M COMING HOME TODAY!!! Be home around 3:30 pm Dallas Time!
See Everyone soon!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
January 22nd (Friday)
Today we spent our morning on trains as we left Hiroshima for Tokyo. We stopped along the way to the towering Castle of Himeji. We spent a few hours there wandering around and exploring the town. Then we found our way back to the train station and took a bullet train back to Tokyo. It took about 4 hours to get back, but once back it felt good to be in a city I recognized.
We stayed in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, which was amazing! We stayed on the 22nd floor and had western style rooms and beds!! After we got situated, we went do a local restaurant for our Farewell Party. The restaurant was in the theme of a pirate ship, which was pretty neat. They had a pretty nice buffet to choose from and one of those pirate ship amusement ride things in the room!
It was sad to part ways with my host family. They will be missed. It was nice thought to get to say thank you one last time. After dinner I went bowling with a few people and my professor in a two story bowling alley next door to the hotel. I didn't do that well but had a good time!
After that we went back to our rooms and took it easy for the rest of the night.
We stayed in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, which was amazing! We stayed on the 22nd floor and had western style rooms and beds!! After we got situated, we went do a local restaurant for our Farewell Party. The restaurant was in the theme of a pirate ship, which was pretty neat. They had a pretty nice buffet to choose from and one of those pirate ship amusement ride things in the room!
It was sad to part ways with my host family. They will be missed. It was nice thought to get to say thank you one last time. After dinner I went bowling with a few people and my professor in a two story bowling alley next door to the hotel. I didn't do that well but had a good time!
After that we went back to our rooms and took it easy for the rest of the night.
January 21st (Thursday)
Today we traveled to the Hiroshima A-Bomb site, Peace Park, and Peace Memorial museum today. It was moving to be in a place that once went through total destruction. The photographs that were displayed in the museums were of actual victims, which I had not seen in the textbooks I’ve studied in before. The Peace Park and nearby monuments were a testimony of what really happened and what they had to do to rebuild and establish prosperity in the region after the bomb. The city was full of life now and is said to be growing at normal rates again, which is amazing as the incident happened some 50-years ago.
In the afternoon we traveled to a nearby island by ferry. We spent time there exploring around and checking out the shrine that was dedicated to the three sea deities of their beliefs. Then walked around the shopping district, which contained a lot of restaurants that served grilled oysters, a local favorite and not mine! Afterwards, we took a train back to the Japanese Inn we are staying at for one last dinner! I took a nice shower and then ate a wonderful meal. I am blessed to have stayed healthy and safe this entire trip and I owe it all to God for the experiences He has blessed me with while being here!
Tomorrow we are headed back to Tokyo. We will make a pit stop at one last castle, then head to the hotel for our Farewell Party. It will awesome to see my host family one last time before I head back to the USA. This trip has been the perfect length as I am officially ready to be back home! I can’t wait to see everyone as I miss you guys very much!
In the afternoon we traveled to a nearby island by ferry. We spent time there exploring around and checking out the shrine that was dedicated to the three sea deities of their beliefs. Then walked around the shopping district, which contained a lot of restaurants that served grilled oysters, a local favorite and not mine! Afterwards, we took a train back to the Japanese Inn we are staying at for one last dinner! I took a nice shower and then ate a wonderful meal. I am blessed to have stayed healthy and safe this entire trip and I owe it all to God for the experiences He has blessed me with while being here!
Tomorrow we are headed back to Tokyo. We will make a pit stop at one last castle, then head to the hotel for our Farewell Party. It will awesome to see my host family one last time before I head back to the USA. This trip has been the perfect length as I am officially ready to be back home! I can’t wait to see everyone as I miss you guys very much!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
January 20th (Wednesday)
We left the Japanese style in this morning and departed on a two-hour bus ride to Nara, Japan. The first shrine that we visited had two of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Half of one of them burned down about a hundred years ago and was rebuilt. We were there until 1pm so I spent a lot of time relaxing in one of the gardens and I listened to my iPod. The peace and quiet was very soothing and this was really the first time since Sunday that I got just sit around and do nothing.
After lunch we drove across the countryside to Nara Park. The journey took about 30 minuets, but it seemed a lot faster than I thought it would be. We visited one of the local shrines and then traveled to the actual park. I knew we had arrived because there were massive populations of deer scattered across the park! The deer were people friendly, especially if you had some snacks. We spent an hour or so walking around the park and playing with the deer and then we walked to the final shrine. We arrived and A massive building was in the middle of a large field. The building was probably as tall as the American Airlines building and about half a football field in length. Inside was a gigantic Buddha, bigger than anything I have ever seen before. The stature is the largest bronze sculpture on the planet weighing around 550 tons. The building that was built around it soared into the air and is claimed to be the largest wooden building the world.
We wrapped up our day by taking a 1-hour bus ride to Shin-Osaka station and then we hopped on a bullet train to Hiroshima. When we arrive we walked for about 5 minuets in a light rain to our Japanese style inn. I took a quick shower and headed down to dinner. It was a basic dinner with some good grub!
Tomorrow we leave bright and early and spend the majority of the day at the Hiroshima Park, the dome, and the peace museum, followed by visiting a few shrines in the evening.
Today had a lot of traveling, which was nice to give the legs a rest. The rest of the trip will be heavy walking and lots of pictures! I come home in a few days so I am getting excited for that and getting sad that I’m leaving Japan.
After lunch we drove across the countryside to Nara Park. The journey took about 30 minuets, but it seemed a lot faster than I thought it would be. We visited one of the local shrines and then traveled to the actual park. I knew we had arrived because there were massive populations of deer scattered across the park! The deer were people friendly, especially if you had some snacks. We spent an hour or so walking around the park and playing with the deer and then we walked to the final shrine. We arrived and A massive building was in the middle of a large field. The building was probably as tall as the American Airlines building and about half a football field in length. Inside was a gigantic Buddha, bigger than anything I have ever seen before. The stature is the largest bronze sculpture on the planet weighing around 550 tons. The building that was built around it soared into the air and is claimed to be the largest wooden building the world.
We wrapped up our day by taking a 1-hour bus ride to Shin-Osaka station and then we hopped on a bullet train to Hiroshima. When we arrive we walked for about 5 minuets in a light rain to our Japanese style inn. I took a quick shower and headed down to dinner. It was a basic dinner with some good grub!
Tomorrow we leave bright and early and spend the majority of the day at the Hiroshima Park, the dome, and the peace museum, followed by visiting a few shrines in the evening.
Today had a lot of traveling, which was nice to give the legs a rest. The rest of the trip will be heavy walking and lots of pictures! I come home in a few days so I am getting excited for that and getting sad that I’m leaving Japan.
January 19th (Tuesday)
We started off today with a traditional style breakfast. I wouldn’t know what is served because I opted for an extra hour of sleep! I have had a traditional breakfast and do not enjoy what is served, so I decided sleep was more important.
We took of to our first site, Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is what I did my presentation over. It was by far the best shrine we have seen so far! Afterwards we went to a Japanese tea ceremony and got to try some of the tea they made on site. The methods they used to conduct the ceremony were different, but it was neat to experience their was of doing things.
We headed over to the kiyomizudera shrine and hiked around there for about an hour or so. We got to go down to a natural spring nearby and drink from it. It was really good so I decided to fill up my water bottle why I was there! Then we headed over to a Zen Meditation garden and tried to meditate. I have never been more uncomfortable in my life as I could not sit in the positions they asked me to sit in, for 2 fifteen-minuet sessions. Then we headed back and had a wonderful dinner that hit the spot! I took a long shower and relaxed in the spa for a while, and then headed for bed.
We only have three real days left in Japan. I’ve definitely had a wonderful time here and I look forward to what is left of the trip! Tomorrow we will spend the morning in Nara and then hop on a bullet train to Hiroshima! I’m really excited to get to go there!
We took of to our first site, Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is what I did my presentation over. It was by far the best shrine we have seen so far! Afterwards we went to a Japanese tea ceremony and got to try some of the tea they made on site. The methods they used to conduct the ceremony were different, but it was neat to experience their was of doing things.
We headed over to the kiyomizudera shrine and hiked around there for about an hour or so. We got to go down to a natural spring nearby and drink from it. It was really good so I decided to fill up my water bottle why I was there! Then we headed over to a Zen Meditation garden and tried to meditate. I have never been more uncomfortable in my life as I could not sit in the positions they asked me to sit in, for 2 fifteen-minuet sessions. Then we headed back and had a wonderful dinner that hit the spot! I took a long shower and relaxed in the spa for a while, and then headed for bed.
We only have three real days left in Japan. I’ve definitely had a wonderful time here and I look forward to what is left of the trip! Tomorrow we will spend the morning in Nara and then hop on a bullet train to Hiroshima! I’m really excited to get to go there!
January 18th (Monday)
Today I woke up early and had my final breakfast with my host family. I was sad to realize I probably wont get to see them again anytime soon, however I am sincerely grateful for their wonderful hospitality. I took off to Tokyo station on a crowded subway and already began to miss the family.
From Tokyo station we took a bullet train to Kyoto, which was about a 3-hour ride. It was a neat experience however I expected everything to be a blur, which it wasn’t. After we arrived in Kyoto we took a bus to the Sanjusangendo Shrine where there was 1000’s on life size statues of some person to protect their religious idols. They also held archery contests that lasted days on end here a long time ago. After the first shrine, we left and went to the Nijo Castle where a former emperor used to hold his residence. With towering walls and a large moat, it was quite a site to see. Then we went to the Kikakuji Shrine where the Golden Palace is located. We got there just in time as the sun was setting, which made for some wonderful pictures.
About 30 minuets later we arrived at our Japanese style inn and unpacked for our two-night stay. It is a tradition inn with tatami mats and futon sleeping pads. We ate dinner as a group in the large dining room and ate some great sushi!
After dinner I went up to the top floor where they had a large spa. It was nice to slow down and really enjoy the hot water bath!
From Tokyo station we took a bullet train to Kyoto, which was about a 3-hour ride. It was a neat experience however I expected everything to be a blur, which it wasn’t. After we arrived in Kyoto we took a bus to the Sanjusangendo Shrine where there was 1000’s on life size statues of some person to protect their religious idols. They also held archery contests that lasted days on end here a long time ago. After the first shrine, we left and went to the Nijo Castle where a former emperor used to hold his residence. With towering walls and a large moat, it was quite a site to see. Then we went to the Kikakuji Shrine where the Golden Palace is located. We got there just in time as the sun was setting, which made for some wonderful pictures.
About 30 minuets later we arrived at our Japanese style inn and unpacked for our two-night stay. It is a tradition inn with tatami mats and futon sleeping pads. We ate dinner as a group in the large dining room and ate some great sushi!
After dinner I went up to the top floor where they had a large spa. It was nice to slow down and really enjoy the hot water bath!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
January 17th (Sunday)
Wow, what a day! Started off around 10:00am =)
Got to eat a great breakfast and took a nice walk around the neighborhood and Japan University with choco, the family shi-tsu. After the walk, we hung out at the house until around 2:00 and then went to a local driving range to play some golf. I borrowed one of the son's golf clubs and went with my host father to his weekly lesson and hit some golf balls for about a hour or so! It was very relaxing to just do nothing really energy demanding today! The local professional and my host father were very impressed with how far I could hit the ball =)
After golf we came home and relaxed some more and then had a big party for the host father and eldest sons birthday/ my farewell party. I gave a speech thanking them for their wonderful hospitality and support for an enjoyable experience. I am truly thankful for the wonderful time I have had with them and the blessing I have received. I will miss them very much as I continue to travel throughout Japan!
I heard the cowboys play at noon on sunday, so that will be 3am here, so I am going to wake up early and skype with someone to catch the game =) GO COWBOYS!
Then I will leave here around 8am for a train to Tokyo station, where we will leave for Kyoto on a bullet train at 10am. The next part of the trips starts tomorrow and I am very excited!!
Miss and love all and sorry if I can't chat as much this upcoming week, as I am not sure on the internet availability.
Got to eat a great breakfast and took a nice walk around the neighborhood and Japan University with choco, the family shi-tsu. After the walk, we hung out at the house until around 2:00 and then went to a local driving range to play some golf. I borrowed one of the son's golf clubs and went with my host father to his weekly lesson and hit some golf balls for about a hour or so! It was very relaxing to just do nothing really energy demanding today! The local professional and my host father were very impressed with how far I could hit the ball =)
After golf we came home and relaxed some more and then had a big party for the host father and eldest sons birthday/ my farewell party. I gave a speech thanking them for their wonderful hospitality and support for an enjoyable experience. I am truly thankful for the wonderful time I have had with them and the blessing I have received. I will miss them very much as I continue to travel throughout Japan!
I heard the cowboys play at noon on sunday, so that will be 3am here, so I am going to wake up early and skype with someone to catch the game =) GO COWBOYS!
Then I will leave here around 8am for a train to Tokyo station, where we will leave for Kyoto on a bullet train at 10am. The next part of the trips starts tomorrow and I am very excited!!
Miss and love all and sorry if I can't chat as much this upcoming week, as I am not sure on the internet availability.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 16th (Saturday)
I got to sleep in this morning, WOO HOO!, and walked over to the local bakery. I picked out some good looking food and brought it back to the family for breakfast. My host mom went to a Japanese Theater, so Yuki and I went around Tokyo by ourselves. We took a train to Tokyo station and walked over to the imperial palace and got to look in side for a little bit. Then we headed over to Tokyo tower and got to ride an elevator o=up to the observation deck! After checking that out and taking a lot of great pictures we meet our host father for dinner at a Ramen House his company owns. It was a good experience trying the new foods from Japan!
After that we went home and took off to a public bath, called a spa. It was interesting to see that many people cramming into one spa, but very relaxing. I came home and had some good Japanese food for dinner!
In total, I walked around Tokyo for about 6 hours and I am EXHAUSTED! Thats the reason this diary is so cut and dry and I apologize. I'm going to bed early tonight and sleeping in late tomorrow, hopefully...
After that we went home and took off to a public bath, called a spa. It was interesting to see that many people cramming into one spa, but very relaxing. I came home and had some good Japanese food for dinner!
In total, I walked around Tokyo for about 6 hours and I am EXHAUSTED! Thats the reason this diary is so cut and dry and I apologize. I'm going to bed early tonight and sleeping in late tomorrow, hopefully...
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15 (Friday)
Today was pretty neat. I got to have a traditional Japanese breakfast, which included cold salmon, rice, onion soup, and hot tea. It was pretty tough to finish it though :( I am thankful for the experience though! I also got to sleep Japanese style on a Futon on tatami mats. Pretty neat as well!
We had our last class today. We had a Japanese student attend and we help an interview in Japanese to find out more about each person. It was good hands on practice which was very interesting.
After class I got to chat with my entire family over the internet and show them some of the highlights of the first part of my trip. It was very nice to get to communicate with everyone before we start the next half of our trip. I am very excited for the next part as we get to travel all around Japan and be in one big group again!
We had a former Austin College Graduate speak in a lecture about finding a job/home in Japan. He is working for Goldman Sachs and is responsible for some of the assets in Japan. It was interesting to hear that he built relationships on the Student Investment Fund at AC which got him the job with Goldman Sachs. As many know, I will joining the Student Investment Fund this spring semester! I am very excited to begin learning first hand how to invest and such.
Tonight we had a Japanese style dinner, like normal, which had noodles, beef, and soup. It was very good, "Oshii desu!" as we say in Japanese.
The weekend is finally here! Yuki is planning on taking me to Tokyo Tower and some Hot Springs around here! (After I sleep in past 8 am, of course!)
We had our last class today. We had a Japanese student attend and we help an interview in Japanese to find out more about each person. It was good hands on practice which was very interesting.
After class I got to chat with my entire family over the internet and show them some of the highlights of the first part of my trip. It was very nice to get to communicate with everyone before we start the next half of our trip. I am very excited for the next part as we get to travel all around Japan and be in one big group again!
We had a former Austin College Graduate speak in a lecture about finding a job/home in Japan. He is working for Goldman Sachs and is responsible for some of the assets in Japan. It was interesting to hear that he built relationships on the Student Investment Fund at AC which got him the job with Goldman Sachs. As many know, I will joining the Student Investment Fund this spring semester! I am very excited to begin learning first hand how to invest and such.
Tonight we had a Japanese style dinner, like normal, which had noodles, beef, and soup. It was very good, "Oshii desu!" as we say in Japanese.
The weekend is finally here! Yuki is planning on taking me to Tokyo Tower and some Hot Springs around here! (After I sleep in past 8 am, of course!)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 14th (Thursday)
Today did not have a lot of action in it. Fortunately, I used this time to recharge the batteries, which I needed badly as we are going on 7 days in Japan. I woke up and managed to make all the right trains and and to class on time without have to ask directions or run! It was nice to walk at a nice pace to some good worship music and a great sunrise in Makuhari.
After class I got to work some kinks out on my computer and practiced using the "GotoMeeting" interface so I can effectively lead a quick photo session on the first half of my experience in Japan. Just a note to everyone back home, I will be hosting a photo session/chat at 9pm CST (Texas Time) and 7pm PST (Oregon Time) on Thursday night, which will be noon here in Tokyo on Friday :) I hope everyone will check their email and join if you would like to.
After a quick lunch we had a lecture over Japanese Enka, which is their version of Folk Music. It was very interesting and had a ton on information on the history and culture Enka is founded upon.
I headed over to the nearby outlet mall that I had been wanting to check out ever since we drove past it when we toured Makuhari. Unfortunately, everything was not favorably price for college students traveling on a tight budget :( I did have a good time walking around in the fresh air.
Today and tomorrow do not include a lot of walking, which is nice to give the legs a rest and recharge for next week. We will have AN AWESOME SCHEDULE AND TONS TO DO! I cannot wait!
Hope to see everyone tomorrow, rather tonight for ya!
=)
After class I got to work some kinks out on my computer and practiced using the "GotoMeeting" interface so I can effectively lead a quick photo session on the first half of my experience in Japan. Just a note to everyone back home, I will be hosting a photo session/chat at 9pm CST (Texas Time) and 7pm PST (Oregon Time) on Thursday night, which will be noon here in Tokyo on Friday :) I hope everyone will check their email and join if you would like to.
After a quick lunch we had a lecture over Japanese Enka, which is their version of Folk Music. It was very interesting and had a ton on information on the history and culture Enka is founded upon.
I headed over to the nearby outlet mall that I had been wanting to check out ever since we drove past it when we toured Makuhari. Unfortunately, everything was not favorably price for college students traveling on a tight budget :( I did have a good time walking around in the fresh air.
Today and tomorrow do not include a lot of walking, which is nice to give the legs a rest and recharge for next week. We will have AN AWESOME SCHEDULE AND TONS TO DO! I cannot wait!
Hope to see everyone tomorrow, rather tonight for ya!
=)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
January 13th (Wednesday)
Today I had to be at the bus stop at 8:20am, which meant that I had to be up an extra hour early. Okaasan was a trooper and got up to fix me up a light breakfast and then I was off to catch a train. The weather has turned to the cold side and it has begun to snow on the west coast of Japan. Hopefully it doesn't hit Tokyo this week while we are here!
Today we took a bus tour of Kamakura, Japan. We drove about an hour and forty-five minuets to Kamakura where we started off checking out the Engakuji shrine. This shrine was one of five main one in Kamakura and was not that busy, which was a great opportunity to take some really good photos! We could also climb many, many, many, flights of stairs to a view point on the western mountain range, which was absolutely beautiful. There was a great view of the city with the mountains in the background.
After the first shrine, we continued into Kamakura to see another big shrine, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the nearby lake. I grew tired of it quickly and took to the shopping district close by and walked for about a hour up and down the side streets embracing the daily culture.
We departed the Hachimangu Shrine to see the Great Buddha! It was amazing to see this world-recognized landmark! I took lots of pictures and even got to go inside the Buddha!! Truly on off the highlights of the day!! We then walked over to a garden outside the Hase-Dera shrine and the sun was setting which made for some perfect pictures!!
That was the last stop on the bus tour of Kamakura as we drove home along the coast line and to a sunset! A perfect finish to another perfect day! The karaoke machine on the bus provided some entertainment as we got to watch everyone perform their favorite songs in Japanese! Along the way home we got to see Tokyo Disney and the Tallest Ferris wheel in Tokyo from the highway.
When I got home my family took me out to eat at a Chinese restaurant where I got to try some things I have never had before, which is a theme of this trip when it comes to mean time =)
Tomorrow we have class and a lecture over Japanese Enka (folk-lore) and the temperatures should make getting to class very fun =(
That's all for today! Hope you enjoyed! See ya tomorrow!
Today we took a bus tour of Kamakura, Japan. We drove about an hour and forty-five minuets to Kamakura where we started off checking out the Engakuji shrine. This shrine was one of five main one in Kamakura and was not that busy, which was a great opportunity to take some really good photos! We could also climb many, many, many, flights of stairs to a view point on the western mountain range, which was absolutely beautiful. There was a great view of the city with the mountains in the background.
After the first shrine, we continued into Kamakura to see another big shrine, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the nearby lake. I grew tired of it quickly and took to the shopping district close by and walked for about a hour up and down the side streets embracing the daily culture.
We departed the Hachimangu Shrine to see the Great Buddha! It was amazing to see this world-recognized landmark! I took lots of pictures and even got to go inside the Buddha!! Truly on off the highlights of the day!! We then walked over to a garden outside the Hase-Dera shrine and the sun was setting which made for some perfect pictures!!
That was the last stop on the bus tour of Kamakura as we drove home along the coast line and to a sunset! A perfect finish to another perfect day! The karaoke machine on the bus provided some entertainment as we got to watch everyone perform their favorite songs in Japanese! Along the way home we got to see Tokyo Disney and the Tallest Ferris wheel in Tokyo from the highway.
When I got home my family took me out to eat at a Chinese restaurant where I got to try some things I have never had before, which is a theme of this trip when it comes to mean time =)
Tomorrow we have class and a lecture over Japanese Enka (folk-lore) and the temperatures should make getting to class very fun =(
That's all for today! Hope you enjoyed! See ya tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 12th (Tuesday)
Today started out wonderful, as every day has been so far. Woke up to some french toast and strawberries! How did she know?!? I truly am blessed to have such a kind and caring host family half way across the world. I got off to a slow start getting ready as I just barely made my train. I decided to take a different route to the OVTA (Overseas Vocational Training Association), which was much cheaper, but a little bit slower way. I ended up meeting someone from our group who was on the same train and we walked to the building together! We found a Japanese man who spoke English and we found out that he just got back from doing research at Duke University for 3 years on enzyme metabolism.
During class we discussed some basic conversational skills and phrases, what we did over the weekend with our host family, and some others things we have experienced while in Japan. We took an hour break for lunch, which I got on Skype and talked with Matt-Lisa-Brenden, Trey, and then had a good talk with Matt Washington. Then I ran to McDonald's and to the SCEC Building for a lecture on Yakuza, which is the Japanese Mafia. The lecture was very interesting as we covered all the top members and how everything was corrupted.
After the lecture was over I had some time to kill so I went with a group of people to check out the Pokémon Center! It wasn’t something I was dying to do; however is was that or be bored. We hoped on a JR Rapid line to Tokyo Station and transferred to another station, which ended up taking an hour or so for the whole journey. After checking out the Pokémon Center for a while I decided to make my way back to Funabashi-Nichidae-Mae, my home station. I got home and had a deep conversation with my host mother. Her Dad is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, so keep him in your prayers! We had a great dinner and then I took a great Japanese shower.
Yuki and Marin got home a little later and I showed them my iTunes collection and Yuki wrote down about 10 bands he wanted to get. Then Okaasan played the piano for a while, and she is very good! Definitely showed me up :(
Tomorrow I have to get up early and go on a bus tour of Kamakura and see the BIG BUDDAH! Going to be awesome! Miss everyone back home and cant wait to see you all again!
During class we discussed some basic conversational skills and phrases, what we did over the weekend with our host family, and some others things we have experienced while in Japan. We took an hour break for lunch, which I got on Skype and talked with Matt-Lisa-Brenden, Trey, and then had a good talk with Matt Washington. Then I ran to McDonald's and to the SCEC Building for a lecture on Yakuza, which is the Japanese Mafia. The lecture was very interesting as we covered all the top members and how everything was corrupted.
After the lecture was over I had some time to kill so I went with a group of people to check out the Pokémon Center! It wasn’t something I was dying to do; however is was that or be bored. We hoped on a JR Rapid line to Tokyo Station and transferred to another station, which ended up taking an hour or so for the whole journey. After checking out the Pokémon Center for a while I decided to make my way back to Funabashi-Nichidae-Mae, my home station. I got home and had a deep conversation with my host mother. Her Dad is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, so keep him in your prayers! We had a great dinner and then I took a great Japanese shower.
Yuki and Marin got home a little later and I showed them my iTunes collection and Yuki wrote down about 10 bands he wanted to get. Then Okaasan played the piano for a while, and she is very good! Definitely showed me up :(
Tomorrow I have to get up early and go on a bus tour of Kamakura and see the BIG BUDDAH! Going to be awesome! Miss everyone back home and cant wait to see you all again!
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11th (Monday)
This morning started off great with a wonderful breakfast prepared by Okaasan ("Mother" in Japanese). We ate scrambled eggs, Japanese style, with ham and rolls. I headed off to the train station and had to figure out how to get to Tokyo Station! It was about a 45 min train ride and ended in me asking for a lot of help from some very friendly locals :) Once I got to Tokyo Station, I meet up with the rest of the group and we got ready for our trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine! Today was also the "Coming of Age Day" which is celebrated by everyone who turns 20 years old this year! Many people that celebrate dress in Kimono's which is a traditional attire. After the checking out the shrine we spent a few hours walking around Takeshita Dori, a HOT shopping district with various designers stores and some knock off booths in some back alleys :) We grabbed some lunch at a "Italian" Restaurant, which was clearly not Italian as I thought it would be, but had a good time. I ordered what I thought was spaghetti, but my host mom clarified it was noodles with Tuna Sauce :( I knew it kinda tasted funny!
After hanging out in Harajuku, which is the small city the shrine and Takeshita dori was, we hopped on a train to another shrine in Asakusa! I bought our family these delicious bean cakes, which turns out was an awesome gift to bring home from Asakusa!
The last thing on our agenda was to go watch a Sumo Tournament in Ryugoku Stadium, in the north side of Japan! It was awesome to see first hand the tradition and culture that takes place at the event!
There are surprises around every corner here, and I love it! My family is awesome and the group I am here with is really great! I have meet some fellow AC students I never would have meet before and now will have some strong friendships coming home!
Tomorrow I have class in the morning and a lecture on the Japanese Organized Crime, or Mafia, called Yakuza. Should be awesome! I've had a very long day and need some rest!
That's all for now! Chat soon!
After hanging out in Harajuku, which is the small city the shrine and Takeshita dori was, we hopped on a train to another shrine in Asakusa! I bought our family these delicious bean cakes, which turns out was an awesome gift to bring home from Asakusa!
The last thing on our agenda was to go watch a Sumo Tournament in Ryugoku Stadium, in the north side of Japan! It was awesome to see first hand the tradition and culture that takes place at the event!
There are surprises around every corner here, and I love it! My family is awesome and the group I am here with is really great! I have meet some fellow AC students I never would have meet before and now will have some strong friendships coming home!
Tomorrow I have class in the morning and a lecture on the Japanese Organized Crime, or Mafia, called Yakuza. Should be awesome! I've had a very long day and need some rest!
That's all for now! Chat soon!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
January 10 (Sunday)
Today started off early! Got some great rest at the Yoshii house. I took the dog on a walk around the block to a local french bakery were I got some awesome pastries! We had a big breakfast and then Marin-san and Keiko-san took me to a neat house full of china-ware and tea pots. The store owner was super nice, like everyone here, and served us tea and sweets because we stopped by! haha. Then we drove some more to a huge local market with a lot of vendors! I tried a Chocolate Bananna, sweet chestnuts, eel tempura, shrimp tempura, and some other stuff I have no clue of. Then we proceed to see a shrine in Narita, Japan! It was very crowded as many people were coming to see it for good luck! Then we went to a local restaurant. We had some good food, I dont know what, and then went to a dessert shop and had something that tasted good too! haha Then we drove back home where we hung out, eat a nice dinner, i dont know what haha, and I passed out due to Jet Lag!
I absolutely love it here and the yoshii family! Their hostility towards me has been a blessing!
Tomorrow I have to wake up super early to catch a train to Tokyo station and meet with my fellow Roos!
Thats all for now! See ya tomorrow!
I absolutely love it here and the yoshii family! Their hostility towards me has been a blessing!
Tomorrow I have to wake up super early to catch a train to Tokyo station and meet with my fellow Roos!
Thats all for now! See ya tomorrow!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9th
Today was a very eventful day! I woke up and went down to the cafeteria in the American Annex and has some Japanese style eggs and toast along with miso soup and grapefruit juice! Then I got on skype for a while and chatted with trey, matt, and lauren! Miss ya guys already! Then I had orientation all morning and then we took a walk around Makuhari, which is the city where the IES Center is. Got lunch at a McDonalds and then went back to class for more orientation.
I meet with Kieko Yoshii, my host-mother, around 3:30. I just want to say how awesome she is! She was the first host mother there :) We rode the train home and then had a wonderful dinner, salmon/pork/tofu fondoo! :) I LOVE IT HERE! What a beautiful home they have! The father is big in Golf and said that we could play sometime next weekend!
Their english is very good, which helps us, but we have agreed to go Japanese here on out to make my transition faster! I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful family and I am blessed to be in such good hands!
I meet with Kieko Yoshii, my host-mother, around 3:30. I just want to say how awesome she is! She was the first host mother there :) We rode the train home and then had a wonderful dinner, salmon/pork/tofu fondoo! :) I LOVE IT HERE! What a beautiful home they have! The father is big in Golf and said that we could play sometime next weekend!
Their english is very good, which helps us, but we have agreed to go Japanese here on out to make my transition faster! I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful family and I am blessed to be in such good hands!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
