In school today Mizuki-Sensei brought all of his Kendo gear to show the class. He began to put some pieces on and showed the sword and how to hit with it. He let Bob put on the chest piece and Sensei started to hit him in the middle of class. After he put on all of the clothing, we all walked outside to see Kendo in motion.
First up was Annie, who had gone to Sensei's class twice I believe, and showed how to hit correctly. Everyone got a chance to hit Sensei, and boy was it interesting. It ranged from the girls who didn't want to swing very hard to Bob and Matt, who are at least a foot taller than Sensei looking very awkward trying to hit him on the head.
Later in the day I met up with Kenji, Per, and Masashi about a half an hour away from Shimo-Takaido to watch a Soccer game. It was a game of FC Tokyo vs. some other team I didn't bother to find out. The game lasted about two hours, and was pretty exciting to watch. Unfortunately the home town lost 1-2 but the fans cheered them on anyhow.
Throughout the game there were so many different chants, with hardly any breaks in between. It was fun to see and hear the crowd continuing on and on without rest. After the game had ended, we walked through the crowd of a few thousand people to make our way to the rather packed train station to get back home.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Day 48 - More Time in Shimo-Kitazawa
After class today no one had made any plans so I made my own with Nami. We had spoken about going to Shimo-Kitazawa before and I mentioned I visited there for just a bit the day before. Once we got there we walked around for a while taking pictures and looking through the shops here and there. I didn't find anything to buy but it was fun walking around looking at the things they had. Walking around, we found a little arcade with the game called Tekken. She thought it'd be fun to play, and was it -- she beat me without even trying.
When we got back to Shimo-Takaido we ran into Ashly and Masa who had just come home as well. Just after taking a breather at home we walked back out to go have dinner at Jonathan's. We stayed there for a while talking and making plans for the upcoming week.
When we got back to Shimo-Takaido we ran into Ashly and Masa who had just come home as well. Just after taking a breather at home we walked back out to go have dinner at Jonathan's. We stayed there for a while talking and making plans for the upcoming week.
Day 47 - Shimo-Kitazawa
Today after school the volunteers and a few of us were trying to decide on a place to go. Many of us had things to do at night so it had to be someplace nearby, and if possible somewhere new for the majority of us. We had picked a place called Shimo-Kitazawa, just a few stops away from our home Shimo-Takaido.
We caught the train there by 5:30 or so and walked around what seemed to be quite a large town. It reminded us a lot like our own town but with many more stores and restaurants filling the streets. There were many up-beat clothing stores selling the latest trends in Japanese fashion, and many little jewelry knick-knack stores for girls. We hadn't stayed very long before a few of us split up from the larger sum of the group to go do our own thing.
I followed Annie-sempai to a bubble tea drink shop that made an excellent Taro bubble tea and other sugary delights -- crepes. After finishing up my drink I walked by myself back to the station to get home and back out by 7:00 to meet Kidae and a few of his volunteer friends for dinner.
Kenji and I met Kidae, Erika, and Sayaka outside the McDonalds, and waited for the others to arrive. We walked over to Tatsumi - the Izakaya we ate at for my birthday - because they usually have enough room for eight to ten at any moments notice. We talked and laughed all night, and wound up going to the 280yen Izakaya shortly after our meal for some after drinks. We hadn't ordered more than one drink because the two volunteer girls had to catch the trains home soon after arriving to the Izakaya. After some bai-bai's we walked home to rest up for another day.
We caught the train there by 5:30 or so and walked around what seemed to be quite a large town. It reminded us a lot like our own town but with many more stores and restaurants filling the streets. There were many up-beat clothing stores selling the latest trends in Japanese fashion, and many little jewelry knick-knack stores for girls. We hadn't stayed very long before a few of us split up from the larger sum of the group to go do our own thing.
I followed Annie-sempai to a bubble tea drink shop that made an excellent Taro bubble tea and other sugary delights -- crepes. After finishing up my drink I walked by myself back to the station to get home and back out by 7:00 to meet Kidae and a few of his volunteer friends for dinner.
Kenji and I met Kidae, Erika, and Sayaka outside the McDonalds, and waited for the others to arrive. We walked over to Tatsumi - the Izakaya we ate at for my birthday - because they usually have enough room for eight to ten at any moments notice. We talked and laughed all night, and wound up going to the 280yen Izakaya shortly after our meal for some after drinks. We hadn't ordered more than one drink because the two volunteer girls had to catch the trains home soon after arriving to the Izakaya. After some bai-bai's we walked home to rest up for another day.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Day 45 & 46 - Shimo-takaido
It seems to be the weekends when the skies are gloomy and the rain is pouring. Both days I didn't travel farther than the station entrance in town, eating in local dining areas located within minutes of my apartment. I studied for the first time -- for 3 hours none the less. Of course I didn't even study the material presented to us through the course, but (in my opinion) more useful vocabulary and sentence structures in the textbook I brought from Hawaii.
Anyway, there wasn't much done this weekend but hopefully opportunities will arise when looking forward to the somewhat sunny week.
Anyway, there wasn't much done this weekend but hopefully opportunities will arise when looking forward to the somewhat sunny week.
Day 44 - Harajuku
Yet another day has passed and I spent the afternoon in a familiar place. After classes Joy, Kenji, Dasom, Minji, and I decided to spend the afternoon in Harajuku. Sure this would make my fifth or sixth time in this town but each time I go I'm never bored doing stuff.
We immediately walked into the tendon restaurant to eat, and retraced our steps to walk up and down the crowded streets. After little shopping, Kenji and Joy decided to head back to rest up after a long week. I decided to trek on with Dasom & Minji while we looked through the various clothing stores. It must have been around 5:30 or so when I felt fatigued from all the store hopping we've just done so I let those two be and I headed home alone.
At night a group of us felt like hitting up the Izakaya (for the third time this week?) to have a 'few' drinks. Of course the heavier drinkers showed up and we had a blast pounding away at the 280yen drink menu. I really wonder if I'm becoming an alcoholic -- back home I'd only drink every two months or so, but I seem to be drinking enough to last me until I'm legal in the states.
We immediately walked into the tendon restaurant to eat, and retraced our steps to walk up and down the crowded streets. After little shopping, Kenji and Joy decided to head back to rest up after a long week. I decided to trek on with Dasom & Minji while we looked through the various clothing stores. It must have been around 5:30 or so when I felt fatigued from all the store hopping we've just done so I let those two be and I headed home alone.
At night a group of us felt like hitting up the Izakaya (for the third time this week?) to have a 'few' drinks. Of course the heavier drinkers showed up and we had a blast pounding away at the 280yen drink menu. I really wonder if I'm becoming an alcoholic -- back home I'd only drink every two months or so, but I seem to be drinking enough to last me until I'm legal in the states.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Day 43 - BoA's Concert
Wow was this day a troubling one. After a night/morning of drinking and partying I woke up with a smile on my face because I knew just hours away I'd be sitting down with Kenji watching BoA's concert. Well, when I took a look at the tickets, to my surprise the location was unfamiliar to me. I checked online and after a few minutes, I came to realize this place was no where near Tokyo and the fastest way to get there would be by the bullet train.
Kenji and I figured it'd be best if we didn't go because those train tickets would be ridiculously high for just a few hours in another town. So we went along with our day in misery -- eating what should have been a delicious bowl of ramen became bland and flavorless. This was a day that I wouldn't forget about Japan, my first real concert, and that of a talented beauty - BoA.
It was about 3:00 and we were debating going to back to school or not to see what the others had planned for the rest of the day. I only decided on Kenji's way out the door that I would tag along with him because a few hours out doing nothing beats staying indoors doing nothing. So we rode the trains to school and found that there was an "Ochakai" (tea ceremony) being held in one of the classrooms. So students and the Japanese volunteers alike were sitting around eating and drinking tea.
We ran into a familiar face, Kanako from our Monday conversation class and told her what was going on about the concert. She asked to see our tickets but I told her I left them at home, seeing how we wouldn't be needing them. When she caught wind of the location, she grabbed us and told us it was no more than roughly a half an hour away from Shinjuku. Shocked, we rushed home to get the tickets and out the door to get to the concert.
After waiting for what seemed like the slowest trains in the world we got home, rushed to get ready, and ran out the door to the station. Seeing as we don't know when the trains come exactly, we actually ran all the way from our apartments to the station in the matter of minutes. From Shinjuku we didn't bother finding the right train ourselves and immediately asked the first station worker we found where to go. Rushing from place to place it was a real rush seeing how from the time we left the school we had no more than two hours and twenty minutes to get to the concert.
Once we reached the train of a half an hour or so, it actually took more like forty-five minutes to get to the right town. From the station, we ran yet again to find the building where the concert was being held, only to get there a mere five minutes before the concert started. But boy, when we got there, we had the biggest smiles on our faces with disbelief of being able to get there on time. We went through all sorts of emotions throughout the day from disappointment to shier happiness when we entered.
When the concert started, everyone rose from their seats with excitement and started waving, cheering, and singing along to the songs. BoA was absolutely wonderful with an outstanding voice and a presence to be known. From slow familiar ballads to her new poppy singles, everyone couldn't get enough.
During the short breaks between songs BoA would speak to us and tell us various things -- such as the city, and things that happened recently. Although she spoke rather fast and slurred, I was able to pick up the gist of what she said and laughed along with the crowd. Whenever she left the stage there'd always be people shouting behind us for BoA to come back out, or other little phrases. When she was on stage you could often hear the word 'cute' being thrown out there. The funniest thing I heard someone shout was "Mos Burger!", making both me and Kenji crack up to no end.
I was the only one that night to shout something in Korean, Saranghae (I love you!) -- for those of you not in the know, BoA is a Korean singer who does much of her work in Japan. Although embarrassing, I didn't care one bit -- I wouldn't see any of these people ever again.
After a little over two hours the concert ended with a bow and the crowd cheered and chanted again for BoA. Leaving the concert hall was a bit unnerving because of how many people were exiting at once. But once in the clear, we made our way back to the station to catch our train home.
However, to our surprise the trains we were soon to catch had its own agenda. We caught the same train to get here to head back, but it wound up going to Ueno. From Ueno, we caught a train which led us to Akihabara. From Akihabara we caught the same train we would home everyday back to Shinjuku. From Shinjuku we caught our usual train making a total of 100min from the city the concert was held in back home.
Adding up the amount of trains caught for the day, we wound up catching a total of 10 trains throughout the day, going to and from places for the purpose of a very well worth concert.
Kenji and I figured it'd be best if we didn't go because those train tickets would be ridiculously high for just a few hours in another town. So we went along with our day in misery -- eating what should have been a delicious bowl of ramen became bland and flavorless. This was a day that I wouldn't forget about Japan, my first real concert, and that of a talented beauty - BoA.
It was about 3:00 and we were debating going to back to school or not to see what the others had planned for the rest of the day. I only decided on Kenji's way out the door that I would tag along with him because a few hours out doing nothing beats staying indoors doing nothing. So we rode the trains to school and found that there was an "Ochakai" (tea ceremony) being held in one of the classrooms. So students and the Japanese volunteers alike were sitting around eating and drinking tea.
We ran into a familiar face, Kanako from our Monday conversation class and told her what was going on about the concert. She asked to see our tickets but I told her I left them at home, seeing how we wouldn't be needing them. When she caught wind of the location, she grabbed us and told us it was no more than roughly a half an hour away from Shinjuku. Shocked, we rushed home to get the tickets and out the door to get to the concert.
After waiting for what seemed like the slowest trains in the world we got home, rushed to get ready, and ran out the door to the station. Seeing as we don't know when the trains come exactly, we actually ran all the way from our apartments to the station in the matter of minutes. From Shinjuku we didn't bother finding the right train ourselves and immediately asked the first station worker we found where to go. Rushing from place to place it was a real rush seeing how from the time we left the school we had no more than two hours and twenty minutes to get to the concert.
Once we reached the train of a half an hour or so, it actually took more like forty-five minutes to get to the right town. From the station, we ran yet again to find the building where the concert was being held, only to get there a mere five minutes before the concert started. But boy, when we got there, we had the biggest smiles on our faces with disbelief of being able to get there on time. We went through all sorts of emotions throughout the day from disappointment to shier happiness when we entered.
When the concert started, everyone rose from their seats with excitement and started waving, cheering, and singing along to the songs. BoA was absolutely wonderful with an outstanding voice and a presence to be known. From slow familiar ballads to her new poppy singles, everyone couldn't get enough.
During the short breaks between songs BoA would speak to us and tell us various things -- such as the city, and things that happened recently. Although she spoke rather fast and slurred, I was able to pick up the gist of what she said and laughed along with the crowd. Whenever she left the stage there'd always be people shouting behind us for BoA to come back out, or other little phrases. When she was on stage you could often hear the word 'cute' being thrown out there. The funniest thing I heard someone shout was "Mos Burger!", making both me and Kenji crack up to no end.
I was the only one that night to shout something in Korean, Saranghae (I love you!) -- for those of you not in the know, BoA is a Korean singer who does much of her work in Japan. Although embarrassing, I didn't care one bit -- I wouldn't see any of these people ever again.
After a little over two hours the concert ended with a bow and the crowd cheered and chanted again for BoA. Leaving the concert hall was a bit unnerving because of how many people were exiting at once. But once in the clear, we made our way back to the station to catch our train home.
However, to our surprise the trains we were soon to catch had its own agenda. We caught the same train to get here to head back, but it wound up going to Ueno. From Ueno, we caught a train which led us to Akihabara. From Akihabara we caught the same train we would home everyday back to Shinjuku. From Shinjuku we caught our usual train making a total of 100min from the city the concert was held in back home.
Adding up the amount of trains caught for the day, we wound up catching a total of 10 trains throughout the day, going to and from places for the purpose of a very well worth concert.
Day 42 - Nakano
Well today was rather, interesting. After class no one seemed to have plans (to be expected) so Kenji (Clinton) and I decided to yet again go to another new location. And seeing how poorly our last few choices played out, the Koreans decided not to join us for what could be another disaster of an adventure. We picked Nakano which is actually on the same train we take to school, in the opposite direction.
We stopped by Shinjuku to meet up with Benshiro, who decided to join us for the ride. We promised nothing but a different location to see, and he said sure. Of course Kenji and I don't really care at this point whether or not the place is exciting, only because we're down to the last several weeks with a map of places still unvisited.
Arriving in Nakano, the three of us were starving and decided to look around for a suitable restaurant. We happened to walk so far off from the station that we hit a residential with no food places in sight. Walking back toward the station, we found a place with what I think was the best katsudon I've had yet on this trip. I've had a lot of food, in a lot of different places. Everything is outstanding, and far better than Hawaii. So if you take my word, you should be certain the food is really, really delicious.
Once we could think straight, we pulled out our map again to decide where we'd want to go next. We had two options -- 1) go back to Shinjuku and go somewhere else or 2) try walking around the opposite side of the station. Because we have a tendency to pick the wrong side of the station to walk out of the first time, we figured we'd give walking around the other side a shot. And what do you know, we were right. There was so much more to do that we were shocked. After no more than a three minute walk we found a mall strip full of life and stores selling various items.
At the end of the strip was a mall of four floors where we decided to walk around. As we moved from floor to floor we noticed this place was full of nothing but vintage toys and books, magazines, etc. There were anime toys, anime dvds, anime drawing cells, and anything you could imagine. Just as we thought this place was a place for dorks, Ben received a message from Kouji (our local friend) saying this about Nakano "If you walk North from the station you'll find a mall -- it's known to be a nest for geeks." At that point, we couldn't stop laughing no matter how hard we tried. The message summed up everything we had just come across.
Because it was already past six we decided it'd be best if we didn't go to a new place just yet, because daylight was only going to last another half an hour and we were already pretty tired from the accumulated days.
At night however, we did regain enough energy to hit the Izakaya for yet another time. There was a group of about 13 of us this time, and we drank with no intention of waking up early the next morning. Especially for Kenji and my case where we had already planned ahead of time to skip our only afternoon class due to the fact that we have a concert the following night at 6:30.
In addition, when my big beer showed up, I was verbally challenged to drink it all in one gulp and to prove what worth it may provide I tried. And to my surprise, I succeeded. It was pretty fun because as I was drinking, everyone on our table was either shouting "EK" or "Nomu" but the table across from us (who had all been watching at this point) was chanting "Nonde, nonde, nonde... nonde, nonde, nonde.." On a side note, if you couldn't guess (nomu/nonde = drink).
We drank until morning, and after the Izakaya a few of them came over to hang out in my room. There we sang, told stories, and laughed until the early hours. When we finally called it quits and I walked one of my friends back to her apartment it was already around 4:30am and the sun was rising. I knew the day ahead of me was going to be a fun one.
We stopped by Shinjuku to meet up with Benshiro, who decided to join us for the ride. We promised nothing but a different location to see, and he said sure. Of course Kenji and I don't really care at this point whether or not the place is exciting, only because we're down to the last several weeks with a map of places still unvisited.
Arriving in Nakano, the three of us were starving and decided to look around for a suitable restaurant. We happened to walk so far off from the station that we hit a residential with no food places in sight. Walking back toward the station, we found a place with what I think was the best katsudon I've had yet on this trip. I've had a lot of food, in a lot of different places. Everything is outstanding, and far better than Hawaii. So if you take my word, you should be certain the food is really, really delicious.
Once we could think straight, we pulled out our map again to decide where we'd want to go next. We had two options -- 1) go back to Shinjuku and go somewhere else or 2) try walking around the opposite side of the station. Because we have a tendency to pick the wrong side of the station to walk out of the first time, we figured we'd give walking around the other side a shot. And what do you know, we were right. There was so much more to do that we were shocked. After no more than a three minute walk we found a mall strip full of life and stores selling various items.
At the end of the strip was a mall of four floors where we decided to walk around. As we moved from floor to floor we noticed this place was full of nothing but vintage toys and books, magazines, etc. There were anime toys, anime dvds, anime drawing cells, and anything you could imagine. Just as we thought this place was a place for dorks, Ben received a message from Kouji (our local friend) saying this about Nakano "If you walk North from the station you'll find a mall -- it's known to be a nest for geeks." At that point, we couldn't stop laughing no matter how hard we tried. The message summed up everything we had just come across.
Because it was already past six we decided it'd be best if we didn't go to a new place just yet, because daylight was only going to last another half an hour and we were already pretty tired from the accumulated days.
At night however, we did regain enough energy to hit the Izakaya for yet another time. There was a group of about 13 of us this time, and we drank with no intention of waking up early the next morning. Especially for Kenji and my case where we had already planned ahead of time to skip our only afternoon class due to the fact that we have a concert the following night at 6:30.
In addition, when my big beer showed up, I was verbally challenged to drink it all in one gulp and to prove what worth it may provide I tried. And to my surprise, I succeeded. It was pretty fun because as I was drinking, everyone on our table was either shouting "EK" or "Nomu" but the table across from us (who had all been watching at this point) was chanting "Nonde, nonde, nonde... nonde, nonde, nonde.." On a side note, if you couldn't guess (nomu/nonde = drink).
We drank until morning, and after the Izakaya a few of them came over to hang out in my room. There we sang, told stories, and laughed until the early hours. When we finally called it quits and I walked one of my friends back to her apartment it was already around 4:30am and the sun was rising. I knew the day ahead of me was going to be a fun one.
Day 41 - Roppongi
After yet another day of classes, I decided to tag along with Nami and Pinky to visit Roppongi. It was their first time and my second, but I was sure I'd see different things than the first time there. After a somewhat long ride and another million stairs I had to climb to get out of the Roppongi station I made it back to the streets of Roppongi near the Roppongi Hills (department/mall).
Instead of walking along the various streets the girls specifically came to check out the mall as a whole, to see what's there. On our way to the mall, perhaps 100m within distance of the entrance the familiar red and white sign of a Cold Stone Creamery caught our eyes and we decided to wait in the around-the-corner line to get some delicious ice cream.
After we devoured what little ice cream they gave we walked over to the mall to see what there was to do. Walking around, we found various little shops and restaurants and a few interesting sights. First of which was a giant metal spider in the middle of an open area of Roppongi Hills. Once we took a few pictures with this beast of a bug we came across a movie theater, a small art gallery, and a few other sights.
Waling down the back of the complex we spotted a nice groomed park-looking patch of grass with a pond and waterfall, where we took some nice pictures and relaxed. Next to this nice little greenery was the Asahi Television studio who is famous for shows such as 'Power Rangers' and 'Masked Rider'. Just down the strip of this studio was a small little shop that was very, Hawaiian. To my surprise I thought it'd be just another Japanese-owned knock-off Hawaiian store in the middle of Japan, but when when I peaked inside, to my surprise I saw a Hawaiian inside. Haha!
When I got home it was about time for dinner so we walked over to the nearest super market to pick up some groceries to make some good home-cooked donburi's.
Instead of walking along the various streets the girls specifically came to check out the mall as a whole, to see what's there. On our way to the mall, perhaps 100m within distance of the entrance the familiar red and white sign of a Cold Stone Creamery caught our eyes and we decided to wait in the around-the-corner line to get some delicious ice cream.
After we devoured what little ice cream they gave we walked over to the mall to see what there was to do. Walking around, we found various little shops and restaurants and a few interesting sights. First of which was a giant metal spider in the middle of an open area of Roppongi Hills. Once we took a few pictures with this beast of a bug we came across a movie theater, a small art gallery, and a few other sights.
Waling down the back of the complex we spotted a nice groomed park-looking patch of grass with a pond and waterfall, where we took some nice pictures and relaxed. Next to this nice little greenery was the Asahi Television studio who is famous for shows such as 'Power Rangers' and 'Masked Rider'. Just down the strip of this studio was a small little shop that was very, Hawaiian. To my surprise I thought it'd be just another Japanese-owned knock-off Hawaiian store in the middle of Japan, but when when I peaked inside, to my surprise I saw a Hawaiian inside. Haha!
When I got home it was about time for dinner so we walked over to the nearest super market to pick up some groceries to make some good home-cooked donburi's.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Day 40 - Akihabara
After another joyful day of classes, I went to eat with the Japanese volunteers, otherwise known as my Japanese friends by now (Koji, Kanako, Ikuho, Midori) and a few others. We just sat around talking for a while deciding what everyone wanted to do. Bob and I had made plans earlier in the day to go to Akihabara because he wanted to buy an R4 cartridge for his Nintendo DS so he can use the dictionary game.
So Bob, Koji, and I went off to Akihabara after eating in search for his game. When we got there it took all of a few minutes to reach the nearest store that sold what he was looking for. After buying it, we decided to walk around since we were there, and so we spent the next two hours or so popping in and out the electronic stores which fill the streets.
Once it was late enough and we felt the day was fulfilled we caught the train home to rest up for another day.
So Bob, Koji, and I went off to Akihabara after eating in search for his game. When we got there it took all of a few minutes to reach the nearest store that sold what he was looking for. After buying it, we decided to walk around since we were there, and so we spent the next two hours or so popping in and out the electronic stores which fill the streets.
Once it was late enough and we felt the day was fulfilled we caught the train home to rest up for another day.
Day 39 - The Day After
Wow does the day after an all night clubbing experience hit hard. Due to the red bulls I drank, I had the hardest time sleeping. Between 6:00am and 12:00pm I was only about to take about three short naps of 40min a piece. Each time I'd lay in bed my heart would start racing and I wouldn't be able to fall asleep. I watched some shows, I listened to music, and had a large meal. None of which helped me at all because I wasn't able to sleep.
That day I decided to just stay indoors because had I gone out alone or with others, I wouldn't know when the red bulls were going to fade and I might suddenly have to sleep. If I was on the trains and fell asleep it wouldn't have been good for me to wind up in some neighboring town.
Aside from that, rain had been pouring all day long and going out wasn't on the agenda for anyone. So after a day of doing nothing, I was able to fall asleep in high hopes of getting a good rest and go the school the next morning refreshed.
That day I decided to just stay indoors because had I gone out alone or with others, I wouldn't know when the red bulls were going to fade and I might suddenly have to sleep. If I was on the trains and fell asleep it wouldn't have been good for me to wind up in some neighboring town.
Aside from that, rain had been pouring all day long and going out wasn't on the agenda for anyone. So after a day of doing nothing, I was able to fall asleep in high hopes of getting a good rest and go the school the next morning refreshed.
Day 38 - Shibuya Clubbing
This week has been a bit hectic, with things to do here and there -- and emotions of all sorts floating around. I haven't been keeping up with my blogs and I've racked up yet another week's worth to talk about. Fortunately, I found a pocket of time where I can write them. So here they go -- my last week starting with Saturday.
So on Saturday, I started with a morning full of nothing, so I decided to do some things on my own. Later in the night we were all to go clubbing, so like the others, I was just resting during the day. Soon after waking up, I took a walk around town doing some thinking. When walking by the station I felt like getting my hair cut at the 1,000yen 10min barber's shop. I walked inside, and waited all of a few five minutes or so before I was seated. At first I didn't know what to expect because I was about to get my hair cut by speaking Japanese. I didn't bother looking up particular words to define what I wanted, so I thought I'd just play it by ear.
I first asked the woman who was about to cut my hair if she spoke English, and she said "Not at all." That was really comforting, but I thought what the heck; my hair can always grow back. Fortunately the hair style from the man she cut just before me was short and somewhat to my liking so I asked if she could do something similar to his. As she began cutting me hair, she started making conversation with me. It was funny because no one in the shop talked to each other, yet she and I were carrying out a conversation. It was a bit odd feeling because, despite the atmosphere, that was the most comfortable I've felt speaking with a native.
We spoke about Japan and some of the things I've done here. I mentioned I'm a student in Nihon University and spoke a bit about my classes. After the said 10min it would take, I walked out much more satisfied than I thought I'd be.
Later that night, around 9:30pm I walked over to Ashly's room where Benshiro was waiting to take some shots. It was considered the pre-pre-game before the actual club because we wanted to spend as little as we could. I polished off the rest of my sake bottle of 5 or so shots. I was good and ready to go with everyone else heading over for Shibuya's Hachiko (meeting place) to meet the rest of our group.
Once we all met up, we hurried through the rain over to an Izakaya (bar) to pre-game before clubbing. An hour or so has already passed and I was ready for another 5 or 6 shots of sake. Soon after we paid the bill, we walked ourselves over to a night club just a few blocks away. The entry of the club was just ridiculous, 3,500yen. But they do give you two tokens for drinks which saves 1,000yen. Everyone danced in the hip hop room and started getting even more drunk.
It was the first time I had seen so many quiet people loosen up and have a great time. Pop Star (Kidae) and Kenji (Clinton) had drunk enough to be dancing along side everyone else in the group. There must have been about a dozen of us and it was just fantastic. Some people left early because they felt sick or something else, but the most of us stayed until the end (5:00am) drinking here and there. By the end of the night not only had I had all those shots of sake, but two red bull vodka's and a pineapple vodka mix.
After we exited the club, it was a nice sunny morning and so we headed over to the nearest McDonalds to get some morning food in our stomachs. Once we had some food we walked over to the station and made our way home by 6:00am when everyone crashed.
So on Saturday, I started with a morning full of nothing, so I decided to do some things on my own. Later in the night we were all to go clubbing, so like the others, I was just resting during the day. Soon after waking up, I took a walk around town doing some thinking. When walking by the station I felt like getting my hair cut at the 1,000yen 10min barber's shop. I walked inside, and waited all of a few five minutes or so before I was seated. At first I didn't know what to expect because I was about to get my hair cut by speaking Japanese. I didn't bother looking up particular words to define what I wanted, so I thought I'd just play it by ear.
I first asked the woman who was about to cut my hair if she spoke English, and she said "Not at all." That was really comforting, but I thought what the heck; my hair can always grow back. Fortunately the hair style from the man she cut just before me was short and somewhat to my liking so I asked if she could do something similar to his. As she began cutting me hair, she started making conversation with me. It was funny because no one in the shop talked to each other, yet she and I were carrying out a conversation. It was a bit odd feeling because, despite the atmosphere, that was the most comfortable I've felt speaking with a native.
We spoke about Japan and some of the things I've done here. I mentioned I'm a student in Nihon University and spoke a bit about my classes. After the said 10min it would take, I walked out much more satisfied than I thought I'd be.
Later that night, around 9:30pm I walked over to Ashly's room where Benshiro was waiting to take some shots. It was considered the pre-pre-game before the actual club because we wanted to spend as little as we could. I polished off the rest of my sake bottle of 5 or so shots. I was good and ready to go with everyone else heading over for Shibuya's Hachiko (meeting place) to meet the rest of our group.
Once we all met up, we hurried through the rain over to an Izakaya (bar) to pre-game before clubbing. An hour or so has already passed and I was ready for another 5 or 6 shots of sake. Soon after we paid the bill, we walked ourselves over to a night club just a few blocks away. The entry of the club was just ridiculous, 3,500yen. But they do give you two tokens for drinks which saves 1,000yen. Everyone danced in the hip hop room and started getting even more drunk.
It was the first time I had seen so many quiet people loosen up and have a great time. Pop Star (Kidae) and Kenji (Clinton) had drunk enough to be dancing along side everyone else in the group. There must have been about a dozen of us and it was just fantastic. Some people left early because they felt sick or something else, but the most of us stayed until the end (5:00am) drinking here and there. By the end of the night not only had I had all those shots of sake, but two red bull vodka's and a pineapple vodka mix.
After we exited the club, it was a nice sunny morning and so we headed over to the nearest McDonalds to get some morning food in our stomachs. Once we had some food we walked over to the station and made our way home by 6:00am when everyone crashed.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Day 37 - Kamakura
Today was our second field trip through the JLSP program -- Kamakura bound. We each woke up an extra hour earlier to be at school by 7:45 and ready to leave by 8:00. I didn't know much about Kamakura before going so I wasn't sure what to expect. Before heading onto the tour bus, we were partnered up with Japanese volunteers who we'd be speaking to the rest of the day.
An hour and forty-five minutes later we arrive in Kamakura, first checking out a little temple with hundreds of hydrangeas filling the area. It was really pretty seeing all these flowers in bloom, in various colors from white to purple. After a little while spent there we headed over to a temple/shrine where we'd get to experience "Sazen" a Buddhist practice of breathing. Similar to meditation, we sat in rows in uncomfortable positions and were made to stay still and blank our minds.
A monk walked around, and would hit those who bow and asked with a flat long wooden stick. Nami was the first one to ask for it, and she happened to sit across from me. Boy did it look like it hurt. He passed by our rows without anyone else getting hit and moved to the third row, behind me. He must have hit about 4 or 5 people and came back to our row. Because I thought this would be my only experience with Sazen, I thought, oh what the heck. The funny thing is, before we even started, I whispered to Bob sitting next to me, "Dude, I have to fart." Unfortunately I forgot this fact when I was about to be hit. So I bowed, and prepared myself. The monk swung down with that long stick of his and at first contact out came a small but noticeable "bbb~~~". I almost wanted to laugh but I had to prepare myself for the next few hits. And what do you know, when the second swing came down I farted again.
Apparently people from both the rows in back and across facing my row heard my fart. Hahaha, it was truly a story to tell afterward. "Oh ya, the monk gave me a beating and I farted in return." After our Sazen training we jumped back on the bus and drove to a nearby restaurant where I had about 5 types of sashimi. All but the tuna seemed a bit too strong in taste and texture for my liking. When lunch finished we were able to do whatever we wanted for the remaining two hours.
We decided to walk to the nearby island called "Enoshima" which is famous for all sorts of things I'm not quite sure of. When we got there we saw many little shops selling souvenirs and snacks on the way to the shrine. When we reached the bottom of the shrine, we didn't know we actually had to climb about 4 long flights of stairs just to see it. No wonder they put a little money slot box on the bottom of the steps -- it's probably for those who want to pray but not walk all the way to the top.
When we were templed out we walked back to the main streets and found a little train track that took us to our next destination, the Daibutsu or 'Giant Buddha'. For a mere 200yen we were able to walk right up to this giant Buddha. For an additional 20yen we got to walk inside of the Buddha, and see what it looked like.
Running a little late to meet up with the rest of the group (the teachers) we caught the first train we could to meet up at the rendezvous point. After some group pictures we walked back to the bus and slept our way home.
An hour and forty-five minutes later we arrive in Kamakura, first checking out a little temple with hundreds of hydrangeas filling the area. It was really pretty seeing all these flowers in bloom, in various colors from white to purple. After a little while spent there we headed over to a temple/shrine where we'd get to experience "Sazen" a Buddhist practice of breathing. Similar to meditation, we sat in rows in uncomfortable positions and were made to stay still and blank our minds.
A monk walked around, and would hit those who bow and asked with a flat long wooden stick. Nami was the first one to ask for it, and she happened to sit across from me. Boy did it look like it hurt. He passed by our rows without anyone else getting hit and moved to the third row, behind me. He must have hit about 4 or 5 people and came back to our row. Because I thought this would be my only experience with Sazen, I thought, oh what the heck. The funny thing is, before we even started, I whispered to Bob sitting next to me, "Dude, I have to fart." Unfortunately I forgot this fact when I was about to be hit. So I bowed, and prepared myself. The monk swung down with that long stick of his and at first contact out came a small but noticeable "bbb~~~". I almost wanted to laugh but I had to prepare myself for the next few hits. And what do you know, when the second swing came down I farted again.
Apparently people from both the rows in back and across facing my row heard my fart. Hahaha, it was truly a story to tell afterward. "Oh ya, the monk gave me a beating and I farted in return." After our Sazen training we jumped back on the bus and drove to a nearby restaurant where I had about 5 types of sashimi. All but the tuna seemed a bit too strong in taste and texture for my liking. When lunch finished we were able to do whatever we wanted for the remaining two hours.
We decided to walk to the nearby island called "Enoshima" which is famous for all sorts of things I'm not quite sure of. When we got there we saw many little shops selling souvenirs and snacks on the way to the shrine. When we reached the bottom of the shrine, we didn't know we actually had to climb about 4 long flights of stairs just to see it. No wonder they put a little money slot box on the bottom of the steps -- it's probably for those who want to pray but not walk all the way to the top.
When we were templed out we walked back to the main streets and found a little train track that took us to our next destination, the Daibutsu or 'Giant Buddha'. For a mere 200yen we were able to walk right up to this giant Buddha. For an additional 20yen we got to walk inside of the Buddha, and see what it looked like.
Running a little late to meet up with the rest of the group (the teachers) we caught the first train we could to meet up at the rendezvous point. After some group pictures we walked back to the bus and slept our way home.
Day 36 - Shinjuku & Dinner
Another gloomy day, and nothing much to do. After class Pinky, Nami, Clinton and I decided to walk around Shinjuku, to show them the CD place and Korean Town. I picked out yet another 30+ CD's to add to my collection, likewise Clinton and the girls. Just after that we walked to the nearest grocery mart in Korean Town to pick up some supplies. Nami told us she'd be cooking us some real Korean food so we got the ingredients for "Duk bukki" or so I think it's called.
Later that night we went over to her house and made this mochi-textured starch-pasta dish with a very spicy red sauce. It was good, but my mouth burnt for quite a while afterward. After we finished eating, we sat around and watched the movie '21' and went home.
Later that night we went over to her house and made this mochi-textured starch-pasta dish with a very spicy red sauce. It was good, but my mouth burnt for quite a while afterward. After we finished eating, we sat around and watched the movie '21' and went home.
Day 35 - Shibuya
This is truly rainy season because the rain is starting to become relentless, and the skies are never sunny. Today no one really had plans to do anything, and most people just went home. I decided to join Joy to do a little shopping in Shibuya. It wasn't long, but it was something to do to kill time. I didn't buy anything, but it gave me a chance to walk around looking in stores I haven't yet visited.
Day 34 - Meidaimae
It seems like as the days pass, everyone is becoming more and more tired, and aren't doing much like before. Today was one of those days where everyone just went home, to rest up and figure out what to do at night.
What we came up with was walking to Meidaimae from Shimo-takaido after dinner for dessert. Well, apparently when we follow Sena we always take the scenic route and need to ask many people along the way. That was the case because when we got to Meidaimae it was about 45min or so after we left our town, yet after dessert when returning it took no longer than 15min once we knew the right way.
I haven't been writing much in these blogs lately because there haven't been many exciting things happening right now. It's a shame to say, but hopefully soon there will be a bit of activity.
What we came up with was walking to Meidaimae from Shimo-takaido after dinner for dessert. Well, apparently when we follow Sena we always take the scenic route and need to ask many people along the way. That was the case because when we got to Meidaimae it was about 45min or so after we left our town, yet after dessert when returning it took no longer than 15min once we knew the right way.
I haven't been writing much in these blogs lately because there haven't been many exciting things happening right now. It's a shame to say, but hopefully soon there will be a bit of activity.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Day 32 - Asakusa & Ueno
I made plans the other day with Koji to visit Asakusa so he can help me pick out some Japanese charms from the famous temple there. Before getting there, I had to meet him at 11am in the Shinjuku station near a certain gate. I didn't realize just how hard it is to spot someone out of a crowd of walking hundreds. Koji usually wears this plaid red/black checkered shirt so I was searching down everyone who wore something similar. It turns out, four or five people later, I see Koji standing in the middle of an area wearing a plain white shirt. What a guy, the one day I have to find him and he's not dressed his usual self.
Anyway, once we got to Asakusa it was as busy as usual, seeing how it's such a tourist area. We walked up and down the streets searching for souvenirs for my friends. While we were still walking, we became quite hungry and walked around to find a restaurant. We sat at the bar where there were about three chefs cooking okonomiyakis (the restaurant's specialty) and hamburger steaks & eggs. I had the "Half & Half" which was a rectangle okonomiyaki with the regular sauce and accoutrement's and the other with their house special cheese sauce. I must say, it was the best okonomiyaki I've had on this trip so far.
After lunch we continued to look around and made our way to the temple. There I picked out two charms -- one is for good fortune, and the other to help make wishes come true. They're really cool looking, with nice gold printed dragons and kanji on little pouches. We then walked over to the counter where we can get our fortunes. Keeping in mind the last fortune I had was so bad, I wished for the best. This time, although titled "regular fortune" it was significantly better, with a happy spin to everything written.
When we finished up shopping on the main street, we were planning to make our way over to Ueno park, a 30min or so walk from Asakusa. On the way there I stopped by a very interesting clothing store where I was able to find some nice clothes, and a hand-painted cloth scroll stand where I bought a nice sakura scroll for my room.
A long walk after we reached Ueno park and again, did some more walking. Ueno park is beautiful, and a place I want to come back to see again. We didn't spend much time there seeing as we were both already very tired, but saw a good portion of this gigantic park.
At home I had only rested for a half hour or so before someone said "All you can eat Sukiyaki" and I was up on my feet again and out the door. A group of us caught the first train to Shinjuku with empty stomachs and watering mouths for what we hoped would be one of the best meals on our trip. And that it was just the case considering how much we ate, plates and plates of vegetables and tens of plates in meat. They were overeaten to the point where the meat was taking longer and longer to be replaced on the shelves directly behind us. With full stomachs, most of us called it a night to rest up for school the next day.Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Day 31 - Daikanyama
Without making plans with anyone else, Nami and I decided to go to yet another new place today -- Daikanyama. All we knew of this place was that it was somewhere around Shibuya, and before Ebisu. Well, what we didn't calculate very well was how far away it was.
In walking to Daikanyama from Shibuya, we ended up getting lost and 30min or so later we wound up in Ebisu, again. It was pretty funny how that worked, but it was fun none the less. After a short lunch, we asked around to find out where this 'Daikanyama' was located, and walked in the said direction. After overshooting this place twice, and using about two or three different maps, we finally found this little between towns town.
There wasn't much to see, but a few designer stores and a pretty busy train station with cafes lined up along its side. We walked into a few stores, looked around, and decided to move to another town. Instead of walking, we caught the train from Ebisu station to Harajuku, where we'd spend the rest of the day. We walked along Omotesando street, and took a look into a few stores along the way. It was already night so we just did some last minute things like walking into a Purikura (picture machine place) store and made ourselves some funny pictures.
When we were back in Shimo-takaido we decided to eat in so we hit the super market. At home I decided to start the cooking while she got herself ready. I know I'm not the best cook, but man did the food come out a bit odd tonight. I made rice for the wrapped sushi, which evidently I didn't add enough water to - so it turned out a little rock-like. The gyoza I was supposed to be tending to was a bit overcooked and crispy on the bottom. And lastly, the ramen I was making was good, but because it had been boiling so long, much of the water evaporated and it became more like a pasta consistency.All in all, dinner turned out just fine, for it's not the food but the company that matters, eh? Haha.
Day 30 - Juyugaoka
After class today, many of the guys were planning to go to a Palace in Kyokyu (I think that's the name). Instead of going with them, I jumped on the train home-bound with Nami and Ashly. Once I got home, I rested for a bit, and made plans with Nami to go do something.
We decided to go to a new place called Juyugaoka, a small town with a shopping district, and many things to see. When we got there, we were able to cover most of the town in an hour or so. But seeing as how we've only spent so little time there, we decided to walk around some more. In doing so, we ended up getting ourselves a bit lost in the next town over. We must have walked around for a few hours total before finding the train station and making our way back.
It's a funny thing, the train stations. We caught a train we thought would take us back to Shibuya and make our way back from there. But no, instead we wound up heading in the opposite direction and catching trains that headed to the other side of the map. From wherever we were, we caught about two other trains before we gave up and stopped in Ebisu.
When we got to Ebisu, we walked around the town to see what was there, until we got hungry. On the top floor of Ebisu station there were various restaurants which we were able to choose from. After a nice Italian dinner we caught the trains we knew well back home.
We decided to go to a new place called Juyugaoka, a small town with a shopping district, and many things to see. When we got there, we were able to cover most of the town in an hour or so. But seeing as how we've only spent so little time there, we decided to walk around some more. In doing so, we ended up getting ourselves a bit lost in the next town over. We must have walked around for a few hours total before finding the train station and making our way back.
It's a funny thing, the train stations. We caught a train we thought would take us back to Shibuya and make our way back from there. But no, instead we wound up heading in the opposite direction and catching trains that headed to the other side of the map. From wherever we were, we caught about two other trains before we gave up and stopped in Ebisu.
When we got to Ebisu, we walked around the town to see what was there, until we got hungry. On the top floor of Ebisu station there were various restaurants which we were able to choose from. After a nice Italian dinner we caught the trains we knew well back home.Monday, June 16, 2008
Day 29 - Ashly's Birthday
[note] Most of my blogs/journals are written in groups as you may have noticed. Don't mind it because I'm usually too busy/tired to write them on a daily basis. --> Likewise with the pictures, I was finally able to sort & upload at least a few for each of the blogs.
Today was Ashly's birthday and to celebrate we had arranged dinner in a restaurant called the Lock Up. The name was interesting enough, but the atmosphere we were to expect was what got us to go. After school most of the people who were planning to go went home -- and the girls from our building picked out a cake to give her later on in the day. I went with Luna to Shinjuku to show her where the cheap 10yen CD place is.
While I was there, it seemed as though they re-stocked what they had, and I was able to find so many different artists I didn't see just the day before. I picked out yet another 33 CD's including my favorite 'Younha' and a few other well known artists. Another 530yen spent and more space taken up in my suit case.
When I got home we gathered everyone to surprise Ashly with the cake the girls purchased, since we didn't do the morning surprise we did for Daniele. Minutes later we were ready to head out to the Lock Up in Shibuya. We met the others at Hachiko and counted a total of 20 going to the party. Once we reached the restaurant, we noticed it wasn't just any restaurant. It begins with a staircase down into a dark black-light lite hallway with surprises around the corners. Ashly, Nami, and Joy walked ahead first, and we were just behind them. As they turned the corners, we heard nothing but screaming because there were animated monsters behind cages there to scare the unaware.
Once we got seated in the jail-looking prison of a restaurant, we began ordering our drinks. They had the regular cocktails, and some very interesting special drinks. Some include having a pudding eye-ball in the middle of the drink, or drinks with flavored alcohol you pump in with a fake plastic syringe. I had a few drinks and tried what they called 'the pill'. I swallowed it just thinking it was alcohol, but soon to find out it was about 96% alcohol mixed with sugar. Never the less, I didn't feel it so it was a waste of the 100yen it cost me.
We sat around and drank/ate for a few hours and were surprised by the entertainment they provided. In the middle of dinner, the lights cut and the girls started screaming again -- and flashes of light lite the room enough to see people dressed in costume face to face with everyone including the birthday girl.
After the lights came back on the guy in the mask presented a birthday cake with whip cream that would soon be smeared among the girls closest to her. Some laughs and many napkins later, it was getting late and many people decided to leave. We ended up staying there until about 15~20min before midnight (last train leaves at midnight). As soon as we paid, we were rushing to the train tracks, which seemed now a mile away when running out of time. When we got to the station, some people ran into the trouble of having to buy tickets when the lines to buy them were quite long.
Clinton and I, who had money remaining on our passes were already beyond the gates and wanted to jump on the train that just arrived. But, good guys as we were we waited impatiently until everyone was able to cross. Fortunately, when they did, the 'last' train showed up and we squeezed on with the hundreds of others waiting until the last minute to go home.
Today was Ashly's birthday and to celebrate we had arranged dinner in a restaurant called the Lock Up. The name was interesting enough, but the atmosphere we were to expect was what got us to go. After school most of the people who were planning to go went home -- and the girls from our building picked out a cake to give her later on in the day. I went with Luna to Shinjuku to show her where the cheap 10yen CD place is.
While I was there, it seemed as though they re-stocked what they had, and I was able to find so many different artists I didn't see just the day before. I picked out yet another 33 CD's including my favorite 'Younha' and a few other well known artists. Another 530yen spent and more space taken up in my suit case.
When I got home we gathered everyone to surprise Ashly with the cake the girls purchased, since we didn't do the morning surprise we did for Daniele. Minutes later we were ready to head out to the Lock Up in Shibuya. We met the others at Hachiko and counted a total of 20 going to the party. Once we reached the restaurant, we noticed it wasn't just any restaurant. It begins with a staircase down into a dark black-light lite hallway with surprises around the corners. Ashly, Nami, and Joy walked ahead first, and we were just behind them. As they turned the corners, we heard nothing but screaming because there were animated monsters behind cages there to scare the unaware.
Once we got seated in the jail-looking prison of a restaurant, we began ordering our drinks. They had the regular cocktails, and some very interesting special drinks. Some include having a pudding eye-ball in the middle of the drink, or drinks with flavored alcohol you pump in with a fake plastic syringe. I had a few drinks and tried what they called 'the pill'. I swallowed it just thinking it was alcohol, but soon to find out it was about 96% alcohol mixed with sugar. Never the less, I didn't feel it so it was a waste of the 100yen it cost me.
We sat around and drank/ate for a few hours and were surprised by the entertainment they provided. In the middle of dinner, the lights cut and the girls started screaming again -- and flashes of light lite the room enough to see people dressed in costume face to face with everyone including the birthday girl.
After the lights came back on the guy in the mask presented a birthday cake with whip cream that would soon be smeared among the girls closest to her. Some laughs and many napkins later, it was getting late and many people decided to leave. We ended up staying there until about 15~20min before midnight (last train leaves at midnight). As soon as we paid, we were rushing to the train tracks, which seemed now a mile away when running out of time. When we got to the station, some people ran into the trouble of having to buy tickets when the lines to buy them were quite long.
Clinton and I, who had money remaining on our passes were already beyond the gates and wanted to jump on the train that just arrived. But, good guys as we were we waited impatiently until everyone was able to cross. Fortunately, when they did, the 'last' train showed up and we squeezed on with the hundreds of others waiting until the last minute to go home.Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Day 28 - Revisiting Shinjuku
Today marks day 28, the fourth completed week on this trip to Japan. It's hard to think about, seeing how we only have another few weeks left -- but if I don't keep track of my time, I may not be doing everything I had hoped to while in Japan.
After class today, it was not raining nor sunny, but it was a bit overcast and the air was muggy with humidity. As the day continued we felt the heat beating through the clouds above and the moisture collecting around us made everyone sticky. I had thought I was getting away from Hawaii weather, but it seemed to have chased me to Japan.
Sena, Clinton, and I decided to walk around Shinjuku for a little while before heading home because everyone was either tired or sick today. I, who only had a few hours of sleep this morning was in desperate need for some well counted hours. Walking around Shinjuku station we came across a floor that was probably within sight every day I've been there. On this floor, was nothing but food. Food from wall to wall, ranging from anything fried to anything made as sushi. The desserts were just as numerous with mochi from ear to ear and cakes as far as I can throw one.
After mentally pulling myself out of that heaven of a place we walked around the town a bit in search for various things. First, an electronic store (not hard) for Sena who needed new head phones. On our way to find a music store for Clinton, Sena asked if we can follow her in search for Korean Town in Shinjuku that she's heard of. We thought of nothing better to do so we went along. Fortunately on the way to this K-Town, we came across a little music/video store. It looked a bit run down, and boxes were full of cd/dvd cases. When we looked down at the advertisement sign we noticed "CD 10Yen" and we laughed. No way could these fairly new singer-singles be 10yen each. We looked closer at the cd's and noticed it was the real deal. Each cd was tagged with a sticker from 10yen to 100yen depending on the release date.
Clinton and I, astounded by the feat decided to stick around the little store for a little while rummaging through three completely full boxes of artists. We ended grabbing everything we recognized in the slightest only for the thought of, "even if I won't listen to it" or "I'll give this one a shot".. followed by "it's only 10yen, what can go wrong?". While standing at the cashier's desk, I noticed one of the workers still labeling new cd's and I peaked to see what he was putting out in the front. When he saw me he covered the box with his body jokingly and gave a smile. I then picked up a Yuna Ito (singer born in Hawaii) cd and asked him how much. He proudly said 20yen and I told him I'll take it as well.
In the end I wound up buying 36 cd's that totaled to 690yen. 690yen, that's an incredible deal. Most of the cd's average for 1,050yen, so I saved well over 35,000yen. Not only that, after he tallied up my price he grabbed a stack of 6 cd's in front of him and put them in my bag at no cost and said "thank you for coming".
Now I'm staring at the many cd's I purchased with only a few thoughts on my mind. "Just how many more times will I be back to buy more cd's?" "How many cd's should I buy others? I mean they're just 10yen each." "I could possibly resell them on eBay and make quite a fine profit." "How much space do I really have in my suitcases?"
After class today, it was not raining nor sunny, but it was a bit overcast and the air was muggy with humidity. As the day continued we felt the heat beating through the clouds above and the moisture collecting around us made everyone sticky. I had thought I was getting away from Hawaii weather, but it seemed to have chased me to Japan.
Sena, Clinton, and I decided to walk around Shinjuku for a little while before heading home because everyone was either tired or sick today. I, who only had a few hours of sleep this morning was in desperate need for some well counted hours. Walking around Shinjuku station we came across a floor that was probably within sight every day I've been there. On this floor, was nothing but food. Food from wall to wall, ranging from anything fried to anything made as sushi. The desserts were just as numerous with mochi from ear to ear and cakes as far as I can throw one.
After mentally pulling myself out of that heaven of a place we walked around the town a bit in search for various things. First, an electronic store (not hard) for Sena who needed new head phones. On our way to find a music store for Clinton, Sena asked if we can follow her in search for Korean Town in Shinjuku that she's heard of. We thought of nothing better to do so we went along. Fortunately on the way to this K-Town, we came across a little music/video store. It looked a bit run down, and boxes were full of cd/dvd cases. When we looked down at the advertisement sign we noticed "CD 10Yen" and we laughed. No way could these fairly new singer-singles be 10yen each. We looked closer at the cd's and noticed it was the real deal. Each cd was tagged with a sticker from 10yen to 100yen depending on the release date.
Clinton and I, astounded by the feat decided to stick around the little store for a little while rummaging through three completely full boxes of artists. We ended grabbing everything we recognized in the slightest only for the thought of, "even if I won't listen to it" or "I'll give this one a shot".. followed by "it's only 10yen, what can go wrong?". While standing at the cashier's desk, I noticed one of the workers still labeling new cd's and I peaked to see what he was putting out in the front. When he saw me he covered the box with his body jokingly and gave a smile. I then picked up a Yuna Ito (singer born in Hawaii) cd and asked him how much. He proudly said 20yen and I told him I'll take it as well.In the end I wound up buying 36 cd's that totaled to 690yen. 690yen, that's an incredible deal. Most of the cd's average for 1,050yen, so I saved well over 35,000yen. Not only that, after he tallied up my price he grabbed a stack of 6 cd's in front of him and put them in my bag at no cost and said "thank you for coming".
Now I'm staring at the many cd's I purchased with only a few thoughts on my mind. "Just how many more times will I be back to buy more cd's?" "How many cd's should I buy others? I mean they're just 10yen each." "I could possibly resell them on eBay and make quite a fine profit." "How much space do I really have in my suitcases?"
Day 27 - Ginza
As the forecast for today said, it was bright and sunny! With that in mind the bunch of us couldn't decide on a place to go. 'Go somewhere we'd like to revisit?, or visit someplace new on such a nice day?' we thought. Of course I'm geared to go to new places as though I'm on auto-pilot so I suggested why not anywhere new, no matter where and which line. Joy had the great suggestion of catching any train and exiting where we thought the city looked robust of life.
On the trains we decided to play a dumb standing game to see who'd be the first who needs to take a step in order to balance themselves. There were five of us standing parallel to the windows and we rode the train with the feeling of being on a surfboard/snowboard. That got boring quickly, so we made it so we are facing either the front or back of the train. Okay, of course the other four are facing the front of the train so I decided to face the back so I could watch everyone play. When the train hit the last stop at Shinjuku, all but two of us had lost by taking a step in order not to fall.Once in Shinjuku, we killed a few minutes while Ashly decided what she wanted to do with herself, stay out a bit longer, or return home when she knows she'll have guests an hour from then. When she did decide, the rest of us had decided by then that we all haven't been to Ginza this trip yet so we'd catch the train to visit.
t was such a beautiful city when we exited the station; there were tall buildings everywhere - luxurious stores filling the streets like I've only seen once before in New York. It seemed like every store we passed was more expensive than we could afford so we mainly walked around. There was a particularly large book store that we walked into, where everyone bought either manga (comic book) or a magazine. I was particularly interested in the cooking books, because the food looked so easy to make (despite being written in Japanese) and delicious -- but I'll buy one the next time I'm in a book store if I really want one.
There was also this giant toy store where we spent an hour or so walking through finding all sorts of little things we'd like to buy. Nami has this little dress doll thing that she's been buying these tiny clothes for, but keeps getting the same type each time. She asked me to pick one for her, so instead I bought it for her. In exchange, she picked out these little prize-box panda toys that I said I'd be happy with and so she bought them. She took extraordinarily long in the store after we had already been waiting to leave for a while. Later tonight I found out the reason why she took so long was because she bought me a baby Stitch stuffed animal. Thank you Nami! :D
After the toy store we were all quite hungry so the search for a restaurant began again. We thought the prices in the main area of the city were just too high for what seemed to be tiny portions, so we were debating if we should eat back at home or not. It then occurred to me that if we steered off the main strip that there must be smaller, cheaper restaurants around. So we did just that and wound up at a place called 'Watami'.Watami was designed like any other Izakaya (bar) with a restaurant filled with smoke, beers clanging all around, and menus with various, small interesting-looking dishes for cheap prices. As a small group we figured if we purchased a bunch of dishes, we'd be able to try each of them -- so we ordered about 7 different dishes or so including German potatoes, okonomiyaki, fried fish, yakisoba, and others.
After paying for a total inexpensive bill of 2,400yen we began our search for a dessert shop nearby. We must have walked for what seemed like 20~30min easily, and wound up in no-man's land. Instead of thinking, "well it's a lost cause, let's turn back" we thought, "I don't want to walk all the way back, let's just keep walking" and wound up far, far from the original station we came out of. It's okay though, we still had around two hours left before the trains would stop, so we were able to find a station in time. Surprisingly though, when we were about to catch our trains, we noticed we couldn't find the train we caught to get to Ginza. Instead, we found a train more familiar to us, the Yamanote.
Interestingly enough, we had walked so far from Ginza we ended up in Tokyo City, the last stop of the Yamanote line. By the time we reached home it was just past 11pm and the time to 'study' Japanese began~
Monday, June 9, 2008
Day 26 - Thunder Storm
Today began like any other. I was tired, I didn't want to go to class, I had nothing in particular I wanted to do. After class it was raining again so everyone decided either to go to a restaurant straight from school or head home - I headed home with the others.
On the train, Kidae decides that we should go to his house and we'll have dinner. So I thought that wasn't a bad idea so the few of us headed over. Soon after, the other Koreans show up with Clinton which filled up the small apartment. He made us food and I felt really bad because when I asked if I could help or make something from my house he told me not to.
It was fun, and lots of laughs with the Koreans well outnumbering us and speaking above all else. After a few hours of killing time the weather became pretty bad and thunder began to roar. We waited for the weather to calm, before going home. Other than the few hours spent with some great and funny company, there wasn't much done today. The weather also looks as though it will be down tomorrow so I'm not sure what everyone has planned. But later this week the sun should be shining so we'll have to think ahead and plan something fun for the latter half of the week.
On the train, Kidae decides that we should go to his house and we'll have dinner. So I thought that wasn't a bad idea so the few of us headed over. Soon after, the other Koreans show up with Clinton which filled up the small apartment. He made us food and I felt really bad because when I asked if I could help or make something from my house he told me not to.
It was fun, and lots of laughs with the Koreans well outnumbering us and speaking above all else. After a few hours of killing time the weather became pretty bad and thunder began to roar. We waited for the weather to calm, before going home. Other than the few hours spent with some great and funny company, there wasn't much done today. The weather also looks as though it will be down tomorrow so I'm not sure what everyone has planned. But later this week the sun should be shining so we'll have to think ahead and plan something fun for the latter half of the week.Day 25 - Odaiba
Seeing how I didn't do anything yesterday, I wanted to go out with everyone and explore somewhere new. The weather was very cloudy, but it didn't seem like it would rain. Clinton had already decided on going to a place called Odaiba which is located about a half hour+ outside of Shinjuku city.
When we got there, we found ourselves surrounded by tall buildings, and several 'famous' malls. The first of which we walked to was called Aqua City, just beyond the Fuji Television Building. There were about 7 floors of restaurants and stores and so we decided to eat lunch there. I had what is called an Oyakodon, and for those of you who don't know what it is, it's basically chicken and eggs. It sounds simple, but boy was it delicious.
After eating, we walked around the mall a bit and decided to walk over to see the other malls. Apparently a few of the malls are somehow connected, or I am just imagining things and they're the same mall. So we were walking toward what we thought was another mall, but stopped at the sight of a performer with a balloon playing with a kid. After a few minutes, we found his act to be interesting so we decided to watch a bit more. As the act progressed, he began to mimic scenes from movies such as Snow White, Jaws, and Titanic. All of which were very funny, kids and adults alike were laughing to his somewhat lame act.
During one of the skits, he tried walking around to get one of the older crowd members to join him for something, but was refused. When he walked toward us, I had a feeling he might want me to go, but fortunately he picked Kidae - Pop Star we call him - and had him follow along. He's a shy person at heart so it took some encouragement from the crowd clapping, and the four of us watching cheering him on before he made a fool out of himself. :D It was rather funny if you ask me.
In another mall we checked out a miniature 'Hong-Kong' which was between the 6th and 7th floor of the mall. Just outside of this Chinese-rendition of a Japanese mall was the Sega game center where on the televisions displayed the various games they have awaiting inside. Perhaps the next time I come I'll be playing there for an hour or so.
Just in the mall across from this one there was a floor named "Muscle Park". Inside had a lot of people standing around waiting to play various fitness games such as balance/timing games, or a course designed to strictly use only your upper body. This too looked so much fun, but with only five of us and not knowing what to do, it might not be that much fun. Seeing how Odaiba is some place not everyone has visited yet, we hope that when we come again, we'll have a larger crowd and be able to take part in these fitness games.
The last place we went to was called MegaWeb, yet another mall but about a 20min walk from the last. It was well worth the walk because it was different than the other malls we went to. First we walked into a car showroom where both Clinton and I got to feel what it'd be like to drive sitting on the right side of the car. That is something I don't think I'd ever be able to get used to. Once we left the store we walked into a different section of this mall and it seemed to have turned into Las Vegas' Rome-looking atmosphere. The ceilings were painted like the sky and it was like walking through the streets of Europe.
On our way out, we found yet another performer, surrounded by tens if not over a hundred people. If you had to think abut it in perspective, I guess you could say it was like any time there is a performance in Ala Moana. He had all eyes and ears, and did some similar things the last performer we saw did. The final act though, involved juggling flames while on a unicycle. I'm sure it seems like one of those cliche acts that you can imagine everyone can do, but when you're no more than 15ft away from the unicycle, the act is really brought to life.He finished up by juggling a dagger, an apple, and a flame - and eventually started eating the apple away. And just before he dropped to the ground he tossed the apple into the sky and landed it right on top the tip of the dagger. The crowd applauded and roared incredibly, and paid him just as nicely. As I walked up to give him some money for the show I just watched, I noticed plenty of 1,000yen bills. He must've made a decent amount of money for the 20~30min he performed.
On our way home we decided to take a different route, with different trains. There was supposed to be a different train that travels through the city instead of underneath it, for no higher a price than what we paid before. Although very slow, this train was worth taking because there were seats that faced each other where we were able to sit and talk/relax, while overlooking the ocean and the city heading toward Shimbashi. Once we got to Shimbashi, we took the regular trains home and called it a night.
Day 23 - Disaster Museum
Today started out like any other, waking up, getting ready to go to class, actually going to class, and not doing much at all. But today wasn't just an ordinary school day, we had our first of three field trips in Japan. The place we were heading to was called the Disaster Museum, where we'd learn how to act in real life tragic-weather situations.
We travelled down the Chuo line (the line we catch every day to Ichigaya -school-) for the first time for about eight stops over and got off in a location unknown to all of us. When we got off we walked for about 15min and wound up at a building shaped like a pyramid. When we walked inside all we saw were images of disaster incidents and props lined up displaying the do's and do not's of disaster situations.
For the two and some hours we were there, we got to experience different real life situations. At first we watched a 3D movie displaying the tragic earthquake in Japan from years ago. Our first real life situation was standing in a rain tunnel wearing wet-dog-smelling rain jackets and having hurricane winds and rain thrown in our faces. Although we were told to be serious about all we do here, we all couldn't help but laugh and have a good time doing it.
Next we experienced what it'd be like in a building situation where a fire errupts and we'd have to evacuate quickly and safely. We crouched down into a dark hallway where smoke was all you could see. Covering our mouths with either a towel or your shirt -I used my several year old smelling hat- we made our way through this maze-looking floor and out the exit to 'safety'.
Following the smokey experience we tried our hands at putting out a simulation fire on a giant television screen with fire extinguishers filled with water. I was in the first group to go, and we weren't quite sure how it was going to commence. Well, apparently the longer you wait before you put out the fire, the longer it'll take to put it out. The four of us were standing in front of the screen smiling for the cameras and then noticed the fire was ablaze behind us. We turned around, and used our 30-second tanks to it's fullest and failed to put out the fire. The following two teams in our group were able to put out the fire within 15-seconds of the fire starting. Well, that just put us to shame because we weren't aware of how the simulation would work, and they didn't tell us when to begin.
Moving on to the next simulation, it was what we were all waiting for, the 'Jishin' or earthquake simulation. I realize at this time that I forgot to mention the fact that we didn't have a translator in our group, so not all of us fully understood what the lady was telling us to do. I could pick up key words and phrases and commands, but not quite all of it if you could guess. So being the first group again, the four of us stood in the simulator and she gave us a list of instructions. It included turning off the stove, watching out for falling objects, and opening up the door to exit safely. Well, we weren't quite sure how this was going to work so we figured we'll just wing it.
We waited until the worker turned the machine on, and so the floor started to rumble. A few seconds later, what felt like I was standing on top of a moving roller coaster, I was on the brink of falling down when the actual earthquake started. The four of us grabbed the pillows in front of us, put them over our heads, and immediately ducked under the table they provided for our 'real life' situation. It turns out that the earthquake we had just experienced would qualify as a 7 on the richter scale.
Later at night Clinton, Joy and I went to Roppangi, the crazy party town in Japan. It was a few stops over from Shinjuku station, and just bursting of life. Still within the station, we had to climb no less than about 5 or 6 very tall staircases just to exit (which makes me wonder just how deep underground the train was located). Once we were walking around the city, we noticed there was bar after bar, club after club, and restaurants in every which direction. There were also more people trying to get you to go to their clubs with flyers than I have ever seen before.Looking at the different restaurants, we couldn't decide on where we'd want to eat. So we kept walking around until we felt hungry enough to just sit down where there were seats and have a good meal. Fortunately there were only three of us so finding a place to eat wasn't as hard as say with our normal 7+ person group. The first place we wanted to eat in looked really great, with a huge platter of meat you cook yourself for just about 1500yen. We walked into the store and we knew it had to be good because there were people filing the restaurant. We also knew that this was bad for us hungry kids who need a quick fix. With a 45min wait time we said thanks anyway and made our way to another place.
Where we ate had great food, for extremely reasonable prices. I had ordered a large bowl of ramen, fried rice, and gyoza as a set for less than 800yen. The food there was probably some of the best I've had, even though the restaurant wasn't as nice-looking as some of the others I've been to. After some good hearty food in our bellies we walked around the city some more seeing more of what Roppangi's night life had to offer. We saw more neon lights as the time went on promoting strip joints and night clubs and thought we'll come back another night with everyone accompanying us.
After a long day of excitement we went home and crashed soon after. The weather looks good for this weekend so hopefully I'll be doing something interesting then.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Day 22 - Shibuya, again..
I had laid in bed for just a few minutes last night before someone started ringing my door. It must've been about 12:30am or so, so I couldn't imagine who it'd be. When I open the door I look I see no one there, and then a sudden roar or laughter came from the near stairway. It was both Clinton & Dasom very cheery so late at night.
They hung out in my room for about 20~30min or so before heading back to their own apartments. I know they only did it because they were bored and we didn't have class the next morning, but I still needed my sleep. This morning I expected to get up around 8am or so like I would normally on say a weekend. But surprisingly my "just in case" alarm set for 11am went off and I woke up abruptly.
I still lingered around the apartment seeing how I hadn't planned on leaving until 1:30pm anyway to catch my only Japanese class of the day, but I like waking up early just so I can try being productive. Walking to the train station I noticed it was nice a bright, and looked as though the internet forecast was correct.Well after class rain was coming down hard again which left us with no big options to travel very far on such a day. We as a majority decided to walk around Shibuya (again) and see if we could find anything different to do. Of course the girls had an agenda -- to shop at 'Bathing Ape' a designer store I had previously visited in Harajuku. Aside from that, we walked into a few more stores and had dinner at an Italian restaurant which served very tiny portions considering the price we paid. Be it the meal was 750yen and we don't have to leave any tip, it seems like for the food we got it was a bit overpriced.
Seeing how it was already 8pm or so when we had finished dinner & a little more walking, we figured we'll call it a day and headed home, planning to rest up for tomorrow's field trip with the rest of the JLSP students to the 'Disaster Simulator' place.
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