TODAY(actually yesterday)

So from now on Saturday, the 30th will forever be known as TODAY.

Why? Because it was probably my first really really frustrating day in Japan that had nothing to do with speaking Japanese at all.

Here's what happened.
Andrew and I were going to spend the whole day exploring Ueno Park. Then the nearby areas Yanaka and Ameyoko. I was very excited because there are a lot of temples, shrines, and museums in this area. I knew it would be fun.

So I told andrew we should meet at Ueno station. Only, I just said let's meet inside the station since I didn't know any of the exits. He said fine and we both were on our way. The problem of course was that Ueno station is HUGE. Possibly the biggest sytation ever...I think like 16 tracks, plus the Shinkansen, plus something else all meet here. Its crazy! It's got two floors and everything. So I got there and realized there might be a problem. I wasnt sure what to do so I waited at the Park gate Exit from the station figuring that would be the most logical place to go. I wait for a while then look around the station some and then wait for another long while and then look once more around the station. Then I get them to announce Andrews name. And by now...its been almost two hours, Im a little stressed, frustrated, worried, and angry. So I wait another 15 minutes after the second announcement and then go home. I felt like I wouldnt have been able to enjoy the park much and I just needed to do something else.

When I got home I got online and talked to andrew. He explained he had come by subway and was waiting outside central gate. He even but a train ticket to go inside the station and look but left right before the first announcement. We were both really frustrated but when I told him about the announcement I started laughing. The whole thing was actually really funny.

Here's the announcement:
"Mr Andrew Wert From America....Mr Andrew Wert from America....Ms Jessica Caldas is waiting for you...Ms Jessica Caldas is waiting for you at Park Gate....Ms Jessica Calds is waiting for you at Park gate..."

After I finished getting unfrstrated andrew offered to buy me lunch. So he met me here in Senzokuike and we got lunch at MOS burger...the famous Japanese fast food restaurant? It was pretty good. I felt much better and things were okay but we both decided to refer to the frustingness as Today and it made us laugh even more about it when we talked about it.

I feel better about the experience now because I have learned never to just say..."inside the station" for any Japanese train station. I also know once we have cell phones everything will be much easier.

On other small notes:
Okaasan said during the school year I can go out to dinner or drinking with my friends anytime as long as I let her know. Otoosan said I was elegant. I think they have the supplies for speghetti at the grocery store. Everything is just pretty good.

Much love!

Some easy days in which to relax…Plus…Culture Note #1

So the past few days have been fairly chill. I had to go to Sophia a couple times to take care of some minor details and now that’s all done. I also finally got to see Andrew’s dorm, Wakeijuku, and have uploaded the pictures I took there in an album. I also uploaded some random pictures I’ve been taking...nothing particular though. I also showed Andrew some of Kamata and Senzokuike. He liked both places and we both managed to spend a fair amount of money in bookstores (manga is very cheap here) and gamestores (Andrew’s favorite new game just came out). The best book store is, by far, Book Off. It’s basically a used bookstore where you can buy manga at 150 to 250 yen. Fabulous! (That is some seriously cheapness right there!) Okaasan and I have been doing a fair amount of bonding and I may be making dinner next Thursday (Speghetti…thanks mom! And to all you Morris Folk…yes I am actually going to do it this time). Thursdays are past night but Okaasan just buys jar sauce. I thought I could maybe show her how to make the sauce…even though I’ve never done it. Okaasan also says my Japanese is getting a bit better and I know what she means. I’m defiantly listening better and can understand more. Speaking is still difficult but I think classes will help that. Speaking of which, Classes start on Monday and I am PUMPED! I’m totally excited. Expect a very long post that day.

That’s about all for now...except for…

Culture Note #1
I figured a part of my blog should sort of be trying to impart some Japanese culture knowledge on my beloved readers (meaning friends and family). Today’s culture note is:

The Most Commonly Used Japanese Words
(from what I’ve heard in the past two weeks)
-and please excuse my romanji…it’s not perfect

1) Kawaii- meaning cute. Seriously, Manami says it all the time and walking down most streets with stores you can here this constantly. Sure, it’s mostly used by women but even Naoto will say it(though mostly to make fun of okaasan and manami).

2) Suki or suki desu ka? (pronounced ski)-This means to like or do you like…maybe only foreign exchange students whose host family is trying to get to know them here this. But I somehow doubt it. It seems like the whole family is constantly talking about what they do or don’t like.

3) Sugoi- meaning amazing. And everyone thinks everything is amazing. My ability to use chopsticks is amazing. The Asahi building is amazing. Manami’s handmade skirt is amazing and most embarrassingly my drawings are amazing. I like this word though and I like that my family is amazed by everything. It kind of reminds me of…well…me.

4) Takai-can mean either tall or expensive. And both meanings are used a lot. But this kind of makes sense since a lot of things in Japan aren’t cheap.

5) Atsuii and samuii-meaning hot and cold. Used for weather, drinks, etc. There is always a declaration of this in the afternoon and morning for the weather and if you’re eating something a little too hot there is always an “atsuii desu ne!”

6) Totemo- Means very.... Put it before any adjective and there you go.

7) Daijoubu?- Pretty much means are you alright or is this okay. Like when I feel in the noodle shop.

8) Ii tenki desu ne.- on sunny days okaasan will look out the window and say this. It means “good weather”.

9) Kireina- beautiful. For people, parks, water, drawings, etc etc. Like Kawaiia and sugoi it is a very common adjective. I’m okay with this though because I also think everything is beautiful.

10) Aaaah, or oooooh..or the like- not really words but I have found that a lot of conversation is done in noises...knowing noises, amazed noises, question noises. I even do this a lot. It gets to be kind of fun.

Well…these are the words I have heard the most. I don’t know if its just because Im new or something but I wouldn’t find it hard to believe that most Japanese people use theses words a lot. At least from game shows and even the news I often here these words as well. Its really fun though.

Peace and Love!

Harajuku in the rain!

Yesterday was a good day.
It has been raining for a couple days now so I havnt been taking too many pictures but I promise to get more soon^.^

So I had to be at Sophia at 10:00 yesterday and ended up getting there at 9:45. Andrew and I sat next to that same Justin guy and another dude and we all sort of chatted about classes and stuff. I found out I may not be able to take the cinema class or either the women's history class because the cinema class has extra cumpulsory hourse during the history class. We'll see though...that may not be exactly right.

So after turning in the registration sheets we grabbed something small to eat in the cafeteria with Justin and the other guy(cant remember his name...it was complicated). We talked for awhile and I invited them to Harajuku with us but they both had stuff to do so Andrew and I went on to Harajuku.

Now....the best day is to go on sunday but I know Ill be going again so I wasnt worried. I just wanted to check it out. Harajuku is amazing! There are so so so many shops. and the clothes is pretty inexpensive too. They have these crepe stands all over the place as well...delicous! And then after you get past this street you get to the other main street that has all the really high fashion expensive stores. Still...its great to see them even if I cant afford any of it. Maybe I'll splurge one day and buy a LeSportsac bag by TokiDoki...(I know Caitlin knows what I'm talking about).
There's also this really amazing store called KiddyLand which has a lot of cute stuff and toys and games and such. I imagine Ill be doing some christmas and birthday shopping there.

For lunch andrew and I tried Wendy's. I always feel a little silly eating at American fast food joints but since Im eating a lot of japanese food I dont feel too bad. It was good...nostalgic even. After lunch andrew and I wandered arpound for a bit. We found an art gallery that Ill have to remember to go back and visit and saw a lot of the actual city part of harajuku. Then..on the way back to the station we found our first 100 yen store! It was pretty much amazing and I imagine Ill be doing a lot of gift shopping there as well. It was really great. There's also Snoopy Land and other great stores. It was so much fun!

I managed to stay up till 9:45 last night. This is a slight imporvement. Im going to beat Jet Lag if its the last thing I do! and if it isnt jet lag anymore but only constant tiredness then Im going to beat that too!
^.^
Peace ntill I can think of something else to write!

School stuff and other updates

Things have been good since my last post (of course).
Jet lag is still definatly kicking my butt hardcore but I plan on not letting myself go to sleep until it is at least 10:00 here...

Anyway. On Monday I went to Sophia to get the Japanese Placement test results. I met Andrew there so we both got our results at the same time. I mwas placed in Japanese 150...thats a little higher than the first class so its perfect for me. Andrew was placed in the class above that so good for him too. After getting our results Andrew and I went to Akihabara. We were really hungry so we decided to find some food first. Its funny...everywhere you go in Japan there are little noodle shops and food stalls all over the place...EXCEPT akihabara. It was very frsutrating and we spent at least an hour trying to find someplace to eat. My stomach was eating itself. We finally found a good noodle house and each got some ramen. They were huge servings though but delicous! After that we didn't have too long to walk around so we didn't actually get to see too much of Akihabara. Sad. But I'll go back another time...no big deal.

Unfortunatly I was still full from lunch at dinner time and could hardly touch the delicous meal set before me. It was really sad!

Today I had to got to Sophia to get advised. I asked Andrew to meet me early so we could eat before hand. Of course I for some reason got there early (whats wrong with me?) and so I ordered a small chocolate drink at that coffee shop. There's this perfect spot to sit in the shop where you can see all the people leaving and entering the train station. Definatly I spot I'll return to. Anyway...Andrew showed up and since it was raining I bought an umbrella. We ate at a cool little resaurant that had a lot of meals with hamburger meat(they cook it a lot like steak here). Of course..the shop was really tiny and I manage to completely wipe out in the middle of it. All the business men eating lunch were like "Daijobu, Daijobu!?(are you alright)". I was mightily embarrased but the good food made up for it. I spent a lot of time laughing over that one.

Advising was pretty boring but I've decided what classes I want to take:
Japanese Cinema
Topics in Japanese Art History
Survey of Japanese Literature 1
Japanese Women's History
Religion and the Arts
(plus my Japanese class)

I'm excited and if it turns out ot be too many I can always drop one.
Well....It was raining today so I didn't really go anywhere else except Sophia. I did spend some time fater advising talking with Andrew and two other students(mark and Justin).

Things are good.
I also showed Manami and Okaasan my art. They are very amazed. I guess...I dunno...Its funny to me^.^

well..not much else to report.
Much love to all!

Asukusa and Odaiba

Wow…this weekend has been really amazing! Oh…and let me say that this weekend started on Friday. If you want, grab something to eat or drink because this is going to be one very long entry.

Let’s start with

Shinjuku

As you know Andrew and I met on Friday at the Yotsuya station (where Sophia is) before heading to Shinjuku. I of course got there way too early and decided to order coffee at a nearby coffee shop (kissaten in Japanese). Of course…this decision took up about 20 minutes because I had to build up the nerve to go into the tiny shop and order the dang thing in Japanese. I did finally do it-I managed to mispronounce it as well- and I must say that is the most satisfying Ice Mocha I’ve ever had….and it had whipped cream.

It didn’t take long for me to finish the mocha and it took Andrew another 30 minutes to show. I wasn’t too mad though..just mostly worried. I saw a very cute group of children go by and I did some other people watching.

Finally Andrew and I go to Shinjuku. Now, I’ve decided to go east of Shinjuku station for our first exploration. The goal of the trip is to buy cell phones. We have no idea where to go. My host family did tell me In should get Willcom or AU..aparently docomo is very expensive. I have done a little reading in my tourguides though so I know there is supposed to be a Virgin Megastore somewhere nearby. I decide they might have cellphones or at least be able to direct us to the nearest place that does(they have English speaking staff). So Andrew and I wander around for a bit. We take in the sights and visit this store called Don Quihote. It’s a giant 5 story mess of crammed goods, everything from underwear to gameboys to adapters. I almost buy an adapter and then second guess myself..thinking I must actually have one that works(because it looks similar to the one I almost bought).

Andrew and I get a little hungry so we decide to try out McDonalds which turns out tasting better than the ones back home. It is a little more expensive here but actually seems more healthy, plus they have Teriyaki burgers.

After McDonalds we walk around looking for cell phones stores just in case Virgin doesn’t work out. We find only one and since it seems like no one speaks English there we decide to try and find Virgin. We get a little lost because my map reading skills are terrible. A nice Japanese guy helps us out and directs us to the nearest police station. (these are small boxes all over Tokyo with policemen and maps in them…very helpful). After a lot of walking we finally get to the area where Virgin Megastore is supposed to be. No luck. Either we missed it, didn’t see it or my book is lying. It was just a little frustrating.

Now. Those who know me know that I can sometimes be very impatient. I was starting to get impatient and irritable but I really didn’t want to walk away from Shinjuku empoty handed. Andrew and I decide to go back to that first and only cell phone store that we found. I hesitantly try to speak Japanese to one of the salesmen who runs to get help from someone who can speak English. He also helpfully brings me some English language brochures on different plans for AU and Willcom. I’ve decided Willcom is the best. I get free texting and free willcom to willcom calls(my entire host family has willcom and Andrew is probably going to get it too). It’s fairly cheap and the phones are cute.

The guys grabs the phone I want and takes me to the checkout where I start filling out paperwork. Then he starts making phone calls and the guy who can speak English shows up. Turns out since I don’t have my alien registration card I can’t get tha phone yet. Dang it, dang it.

To ease my frustration, Andrew and I check out a nearby bookstore and I buy a really really cute kids book which will probably actually teach me a thing or two. It makes me feel better.

Andrew and I then part ways. The end of Friday…well, sort of.

More pics of Shinjuku:

I got home and I was extremely tired. I sit around with Okaasan and Manami and we talk, they talk, etc etc. It was actually really nice and kind of relaxing in a weird way. Plus, Okaasan said something really nice about me (Manami had to translate though). She said I had a very beautiful appearance (I think she may have meant mature or something of the like) but that I had a pure heart-like a child. Isn’t that nice? I thought so. We also had a fun time trying to say words with “v” in English. Turns out I’m teaching them as much as they are teaching me and words that begin with v are very hard to pronounce for Japanese people. We laughed a lot that night. It was really fun.

After dinner I pretty much went to sleep because I was so tired. Jet lag is defiantly still kicking my butt.

-----Okay...I just realized I’ve been sort of talking in this weird present past tense that I don’t even understand so I’m switching to complete past tense now…it’s wierding me out a little----

On Saturday I went to Yokohama with the family.

Twice a year the family visits the grave of Otoosan’s mother. She died two years ago. Yesterday they invited me to go with them…of course I said yes!

So we drove to Yokohama. Let me say…driving anywhere in Japan is a weird kind of experience of its own. No one wears seat belts(except me and otoosan) and it seemed like every second someone was going to crash into someone else. Plus the roads are kind of bumpy. At least, this was my impression of everything. I defiantly prefer the trains.

Anyway. We drove to the cemetery but it wasn’t apparent at first that we were at a cemetery. There are all the buildings in a little area. They’ve got blank gravestones and flowers and buckets with families names on them. When a family visits they get the bucket with their name on it, flowers, incense, and a ladle. You get some water from one of the random faucets and then you walk to the grave which is either on a big hill of them or further back…

It was really interesting. The grave we visited was on one of the hills.

When we got there they first changed out the flowers. Then Otoosan and Manami cleaned the gravestone. Then everyone gets a batch of incense (even me) and one by one we kneel in front of the grave, pout the incense in the little area for it, and then pray. It was pretty cool and the Ogihara’s were pretty relaxed about it too. I wanted to take pictures but decided to wait till the spring, when they go again. I think if they let me, the pictures would be amazing.

After wards we returned the bucket to the little building and then bought some Takoyaki, little balls of something with octopus in the middle. They were delicious! After that they decided to eat in Chinatown. Apparently Yokohama’s Chinatown is very famous. So we went and it’s much prettier and cooler than San Fransisco’s Chinatown. Maybe it just seems more authentic anyway. There were people selling everything in little carts on the street and the food they were selling was especially amazing. We ate at a small restaurant with a revolving stage of food. You know...the ones normally reserved for sushi? Well…it had lots of traditional Chinese dishes on it. It was really cool. We just picked up what we wanted! I even got one of those sticky buns I love! After eating we walked around Chinatown some more. After that we drove home and on the way saw more of Yokohama. The tallest building in Japan is in Yokohama (Landmark Tower). There’s a lot here I want to see but I was surprised by a really long wall of Graffiti. I really want to go back even if the only thing I can do is see that wall.

I wasn’t as tired Sunday night as I had been Friday but since I was still full from lunch dinner didn’t agree very well with my stomach. I ended up going to bed early just because my stomach hurt so much. Plus I was defiantly at least a little tired.

Jet lag wins again!

Sunday was defiantly the best of all!

First Asakusa, and then, Odaiba!

Originally, the family had intended to take me to Tsukiji fish market after asking me what my number one sightseeing spot was. They were, by the way, impressed that I knew anything about Tsukiji at all. It seems that Tsukiji was closed today so they asked me where else I wanted to go. I had a million places in mind but nothing stuck out particularly. SO I said that Manami should choose since today is her birthday (oh..today is her birthday by the way). So they all ended up sort of deciding together.

Our trip started with lunch at Asakusa. We went to a small sushi shop where everyone eats standing up. It was really neat and I tried most everything. It wasn’t too expensive either which really impressed me. It was really delicious. After that we started out walk through Asukusa. This area is crawling with foreigners so I felt a little odd and touristy but I still enjoyed the expeience a lot. The area is supposed to have this traditional feel because of the huge temple that everyone visits. You walk through the main gate first.

After that there is this huge Bazaar of shops. They sell everything and it all seems pretty cheap. It was cool with all the people and the shopkeepers and everybody doing a billion things at once. Very atmospheric.

After you walk through this huge street of people and shops you get to the shrine. People are buying their fortunes (Mikuji) and washing themselves in smoke. I didn’t buy a fortune this time around but I did wash in smoke. There is also this pagoda which I would’ve liked to take a closer look at but I guess I’ll do that next time. Anyway…you go inside the shrine and there’s this large fenced off area which I can only guess is the sacred part of the shrine. People throw small amounts of money in front of the area for more good fortune. It’s really interesting. The ceiling inside was covered with some beautiful murals and all the architecture is just what you might imagine. It was just amazing.

After this we walked to the ferries. They decided we would take a ferry to Odaiba(by the way…otoosan has driven home by now). On the way to the dock we passed a street performer juggling. Neat!

The ferry was the only thin Okaasan made me pay for. It wasn’t too expensive and it turned out to be very much like a tour of all the bridges Japan has to offer on this one river. We started at Asakusa with the AzumaBashi bridge and moved through all the ones I took pictures of and more. We ended with the Rainbow bridge in Odaiba. We had to make a short changeover at another dock as well but it was all fun. There is this huge, I mean HUGE, shopping mall in Odaiba where Okaasan let me and Manami walk around and shop. We met up again later and took the train home. What a great trip! And the Odaiba mall is really inexpensive as well. It was all really cool!

For dinner Otoosan cooked. Seriously, the best Ramen of my life. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go back to instant Ramen. It was amazing!

And so that has been my weekend up until now. I plan on staying up late tonight…

Oh..I should probably explain the internet situation, right?

Well…there is wireless around the house but its all password protected so I can use the family’s connection. I won’t be connected all the time but most likely occasionally at night and in the morning. It should be pretty regular! This is good.

I really think Japan is so mazaing. Shopping today is great fun but it made me realize how much willpower Im going to need to exert here. Don’t worry Mom and Dad. I’ve hardly spent any money at all. I know that it will get harder and harder though. All the fashion here is amazing! Its exactly my kind of clothing and style. I can’t believe it most of the time. Manami said she is going to take me to Harajuku next weekend. Oi…I hope I have some money to spend then (actually I should have more than a little^.^)!

Also…Manami gave me some old magazines of hers. The latest one has Paris Hilton on the cover. Funny, right Sara? Only, Manami hates Paris Hilton. I told her about how you love Paris, Sara. We laughed about it^.^

And remember what I said about Otoosan being nice? Well…it is totally true! He reminds me so much of Grandma and Grandpa in the way he gives me food even if I say I don’t want or need it (not that I say that too often). He’s really very kind that way!

And my host brother’s name is Naoto. He’s also very nice. Who am I kidding. They are all great. And Im doing better at saying things in Japanese if I can and also saying what they say in Japanese if they forget to or just because. I’m asking a lot more questions as well. I feel like a child sometimes but I am when it comes to Japanese so it is okay!

Everything is great! Though I’m defiantly a little homesick…I talked to Alice on skype this morning and almost cried. It was funny^.^

Much Love and I miss you all!!!

Oh...and as you can see I've added pictures to the album^.^

Kamata

Well..i decided I should write about my trip to Kamata yesterday.

first and foremost my information about the area was indeed wrong. Kamata is just the sort of center of Ota which is actually the big areas name. My family lives in a small part of Ota(called Higashi Yukigaya). I really like where my family lives.

So....
Kamata is only a few trainstops away from Senzouike(the trainstop near my families house). But on the way there I had to get off at a random station. I asked my host mom about it(in Japanese no less) and she replies(in english becsuse I couldnt understand what she was saying in Japanese) that the station i got off at was the train house. I guess that makes sense.

anyway..I continued on to Kamata. This is where the Ota City Hall building is wich is where I get my alien ID card. I also had to get pictures taken. Okaasan said that there would be a picture booth nearby outside a convience store. Im a little worried about this because Im thinking one of those cutesy pictures booths...surely you all know the ones with cute backgrounds and stuff where 20 people try to all squeeze in? well...I thought she nust be talking about one of those but no! turns out in Japan they have picture booths where you can take color or black and white passport or id photos for only 700￥(around 6 dollars). Crazy, right!? I thought it was great anyway and so convienient. America should definatly have them. In anycase...I got my picture and applied for my ID and things were great. I also saw another Sohpia exchange student at the office. She lives nearbye! so maybe we will get to be friends and can hang out or something....wouldnt that be great?

So i spent some time walking around kamata. i found my first shopping arcade(a mall sort of area) and this internet cafe. Theres this kind of pretty river and a lot of shops. Also..the thing i saw most was hair salons. seriously there was one on every corner! and they have kentucky fried. Im tempted to try it out...see wha it tastes like but I never really ate it at home so I wouldn`t even know what it should taste like.

I also got my first couple of tissue packets. In Tokyo business` will hand out tissue packets with ads on them outside stations and buildings and such. I already got three diffenrt kinds..after 2 hours! it is very funny to me.

it didnt take long for me to get hungry and tired so I decided to go home and buy a snack at the local grocery store. They had these koala treats that I love! I boght some and a water and went home and anpped until Okaasan got home. I was tired because I keep waking up at 3 in the morning!(i did better this morning).

Aparently thursdays is pasta night according to okaasan so we had spaghetti and it was good. then I showed her some pictures though I only had the ones in the album sara gave me. She wants to see more so hopefully when my computer is powered up again I can show her more. also..Sara and Mom and Dad...maybe you guys could send me some more? they especially want to see the family...the dogs and cats...atlanta city and my university.

Then manami and okaasan showed me their pictures. They have both been to america a few times visitiing old exchange students. I hope they want to visit me after I leave. Mom...would you like that?

hah...well..I managaed to stay up till 10:30 last night. Ive been so tired but Ive been trying to get on the right schedule.

Now Im off to Sophia to meet andrew and then we go to Shinjuku to go shaopping(cell phones and such).

Oh..one last thing.
I think...aside from the night I got into town this si the first morning Ive been really really homesick again. I just really wanted to go downstairs and find my house so that I wouldnt have to worry about speaking Japanese. It made me sad to feel that way too becaus eI like it here. I know its normalthough...I just really missed my family this morming. It may have been becaus ebeforeI went downstairs I read the V for Vendetta comic. Since it is in english it is very soothing to read. No stress if Im only trying to read english!
anyway..I feel better now but I thought I should mention it.

Much Love!

Imperative information!

I`ve decided to take my address off the blog. most of you should have gotten an email with the new correct address....if you would like to send something to me and dont have my address then email me and we`ll see!

My host family name(which should go with mine on any letters or packages):
Ogihara

My skype name(everyoe should have skype):
zinkalove

seriously...everyone should get skype and post there names here so i can talk to you and hear your voices. it is the coolest thing! and its free when other people have it..its all free! seriously..everyone get it!

My email address@:
zinkalove@yahoo.com
zinka@uga.edu

Fun, Frustration, and....Fantasticness?(I love alliteration)

Okay!
Mom and Dad..first and foremost I want to let you know I am not dead or lost or anything crazy. Im in Japan and Im fine. I love you both and miss you terribly! That goes for about everyone.

So now its time for a really quick update since Im paying for this interenet cafe time...

As you all know things in San Fransisco were wonderful! Catherine dropped me and Andrew off at the airport and we thanked her and said goodbye. Easy as pie. Of course..we had no idea that airports hate my life(it is very possible they hate all life and are out get everyone...however). We get inline to get our boarding passes and manage to beat a great rush...fantastic. But when we get to the desk Northwest claims our reservations have never been made and we have to be put in standbye though the flight is already oversold. I begin freaking though thankfully Andrew remains calm. His mom(who I called frantically and I now wish to apologize too) called delta who called us and we tried to figure things out though Mr.Rish the supervisor at the desk was completely unhelpful and rude. It really upset me how uncaring he was. I mean...even if there is nothing he can do he could at least be nice about it.

In any case..things got straitened out but if any of you were wondering why i didn`t call you at the airport that is why. It put us a little behind schedule.

The flight wasnt bad. I watched Mulan and just my luck and the food was actually good though they were extremely tiny portions. We got trhough the airport alright and the Sophia student who picked me up was named Motoi. She was nice and spoke english which was good because I was exhausted and couldnt even think! She took me to the station near my host familys house and okaasan(my host mom) picked me up there. She seemed nice right off the bat but the first thing she asked me was if I was tired. Only she used a word for tired I didnt know(I onlyknow nemui which is actually sleepy) and then she started speaking english. I was very frustrated with myself for being unable to at least attempt Japanese. When we got to the house she introduced me to my little brother, Otoosan(hose dad), and her mother. Manami(my host sister) wasnt home. Then she said I could go to sleep. She did this all in english so I think she thought and may still think I know hardly any Japanese...this isnt far from the truth I guess but it was frustrating. I felt very much like a disapointment and failure so when I went to my room I did..sadly and embarrasingly...start crying. Not for long though. Just enough to calm down. I decided I could try harder in the morning.

By the way. My host families house is great! As is my room. They are all very nice.
I was worried Manami would be the kind of person who is never home but it turns out she has a part time job she works late and she is in college as well. She was there the next morning. her and okaasan are the only ones who speak english and I was happy because they did still try to speak Japanese to me. They are very good about saying everyhting　japanese first though Manami is better at speaking slower when I ask. They are all so nice. Althogh he hardly says anything to me Otoosan is always the one who gives me yogurt with my breakfast. and manami and okaasab\n are so cute together. I think they think Im cute too. They both loved my gift and it turns out Manami went ot the CNN center as a child so she found that picture in the book.

They have also had host students before which is why I think they must be comfortable around me despite my shyness and lack of ability. Okaasan and Manami are going to Seatle in october so Ill be alone with Otoosan and the brother(I feel awful I cant remember his name right now)! Also...next semester a student from san fransisco who stayed with them before is goig to be staying with us in the spring for the whole semester. I think its very cool!

Plus they have this incredibly adorable dog whose name is June(i think).
So all in all the family is great! Oh! Last night was my first dinner with Okaasan(everyone else was at work). We talked a lot in japanese(good for me!) and the food was delicous! SO good!

Yesterday was also orientation and the placement test at sophia. The university is great looking and the test wasnt so bad...I think Ill be alright. There are all levels of speakers in the foreign exchange studetns so I dont feel so bad about my ability. I also saw one of the students form orientation today when I went to register for my alien registration card thing...turns out she lives near(well...closer than most) so maybe Ill get to know her once classes start and we can hang out.

I havnt explored much yet but today Ive been walking around Kamata, where I had to get my alien registration(I love that!). It turns out that Ota is like a sort of suburb of this district which is a sort of suburb of tokyo. Or something. Tomorrow Im meetng andre in shibuya so we can buy cell phones and walk around. We may also go to harajuku! Im so excited. Classes dont start till october first so I hve time to rest and look around,

oh! Rachel! the adapters you gave me suck! none of them are what I need so thats why Im not sure if I have internet at home or not. its okay tyhough. as soon as I find out youll all know! Right now Im an an internet cafe and the keyboard is a little wierd so sorry if its sloppy! Im gonna buy the right adapter and then ask my parents about internet. well see.

things are great here...Ill write more soon...I promise!
(boy am _I terrible at Japanese though..speaking at least^.^)
Muc love!

Time to actually be in Tokyo!

So..it's monday morning and in about 17 hours I will be in Tokyo and It will be 5:05 pm on Tuesday. The whole concept of time change just boggles my mind and makes me feel a little giddy. It's almost as if time travel really exsists...

Well then. San Fransisco is an AMAZING city. I love it here. The weather is beautiful, the city is clean and cool and gorgeous, as you walk down the streets you can hear a multitude of languages, and the signs are all indifferent languages as well. Everyone seems nice and friendly and it's just really fun and pretty. I definatly want to come back since there is so much I didn't see(The Murewoods, Nappa Valley...etc etc).

But how about what I did see?(oh..and let me apologize now for any mispelled locations and misnamed locations)
After Catherine picked us up at the Airport on friday she took us to In-and-Out burger. The food was delicously good fast food. Then we dropped off our stuff and visited Twin Peaks. We got to see the whole city from that view and I was pretty much amazed.



That afternoon Andrew and I were let out on our own near Union square. We walked around a bit, looked in some stores and took in the general splendor of downtown. We tried to visit the MOMA but as it turns out they close the admissions at 5:30. We got there at 5:45. Still, we visited the Metrion and the garden there and it was very nice. Next we decided to check out Chinatown since it was on the way to the wharf.


We went to the main entrance and began walking...and walking, and walking. I had no idea China Town was so huge! It was alos getting late in atlanta time and my legs were killing me so we stayed on the main street though there are so many other streets to see as well. I had fun walking through Chinatown and managed not ot buy anything...which is good for me. After awhile I decided that I was a wee bit tired so we called Catherine and she picked us up. She decided to take us around some more of the city so we visited Coit Tower (which also has an extroardinary view and some very nice murals) and we also got to drive down Lambard street(the very windy steep hill that I would love to live on if I lived in San Fran). It was nice to drive around and when we got home I immediatly went to sleep.


Saturday was more adventure on our own. In the morning Scot drove us around a bit...he showed us Japan Town(I unfortunatly didn't get any pictures since we were driving but that's alright). We tried to go to a museum where there was a Monet exhibit but the line was so long and he didn't feel up to waiting for hours which is good because I didn't want to wait either and would have felt rude saying so. So we saw the outside of the museum and then drove the the ocean. He showed us the Cliffhouse which is a restaurant that's been sitting on the edge of the cliff for a really long time(something like 30 years). It's been rebuilt 3 times and still looks pretty cool. We watched the surfers for a while and tried to look for sea lions. The beach was really wonderful looking. It makes me really want to learn how to surf.


We drove past Golden Gate park and saw Golden Gate bridge(or rather, drove on it) on our way to Sausolito. This place was pretty nice too and we ate lunch at a little restuarant near the water. Then scot let us off on our own and Andrew and I rode the ferry to Fisherman's wharf. The ferry ride was relaxing and it made me want to sail which made me think of dad. There are some gorgeous sailboats on the water, and there are so many of them! When we got to fishermen's wharf there was a large crowd of people so we checked it out and there was
a breakdancing competition going on. It was awesome! these guys could seriously dance. After that we checked out Pier 39 where all the sea lions sit in the sun. They were silly and a little wierd. It was great to see them climbing all over each other. After that Andrew and I decided to walk to lambard street so I could get some pictures and then we caught the Cable car back to union square. From there we rode the Muni(the train system) over to west portal and waited for scot to poick us up. The day was great! I feel asleep during a movie we watched that night...alas.


Sunday was just as good. It was made especially better by the fact that my aunt and uncle were in town for a conference and they had seen me on the wharf. I got in contact with them so that was good.

In the morning we went to church with Scot and Catherine. It turns out Robin Williams has been going to their church for some weeks now and he sat a row or two behind me and andrew. It's a little surreal to see someone that famous but he was really cool and chill and very discreet which was nice. I didn't actually talk to him because I didn't want to be rude. Scot was preaching that morning which was a nice treat for me.
After church Andrew and I ate lunch with My aunt Patti and her friend. It was a very fancy restaurant. I really enjoyed the desert...my first creme brulee ever! it was delicous!

After that Andrew just sort of walked around downtown some more. We were planning to go to the MOMA but went to a cartoon museum instead. It was a neat little museum around the corner from the MOMA. There was a lot of information about lesser known comic artists and indie comics and children's illustrators and such.

Nect we went and saw a movie. Now I had been dying the see the black dahlia and I was expecting it to be great. I wanted so much for it to be a fantastic movie. It was terrible. I've not been so disapointed by a movie since Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire(though I eventually got over that disapointment). Seriously...DO NOT go see the black dahlia. It is really not worth it at all.

To cheer ourselves up after such a disapointment Andrew and I bought some Cds. It was dark by now so I got to see the city at night. It's still really cool. There was this band playing on the street and they had this great sound..chill but with a good beat. Even the guy in the wheelchair was dancing. It was great.

We rode the train back to Scott and Catherine's and that was our night.
Now it's morning and I'm getting ready to go to Tokyo.

here's the link to my photobucket account so you can see more pictures:
http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/whenintokyo/

So long San Fransisco!

I can't believe I'm in...California!

9/15/06
8:05 AM
That was for you Sara.
Right, so, I’m on my way to the sunshine state for a weekend of fun. I’m maybe not as nervous as I will be when I’m on my way to Japan. I mean, I am still in America.

Of course…last night I didn’t sleep well. But not because I was nervous, oh no, because I was sick. That’s right…no cold or cough all summer and then the day before I leave I catch something. It wouldn’t be so bad if it were only a snuffly nose or something of the like but I woke up at 2 this morning and could hardly hear anything. My ears were clogged and I couldn’t get them to pop. I tried everything. Eventually I did fall back asleep…around 3 and woke up an hour and 15 minutes later to get ready for the airport(that’s right-4:15). After taking a shower I feel much better...I can hear and Mom gave me some day quill so that’s good. I just really hate that I’m going to be THAT sick person on the plane-The one who coughs and sneezes and gets everyone else sick. Alas.

Despite the cold I am beside myself with excitement. I’ve never been to California…as I think I’ve mentioned. It should be fun and mom and Caitlin gave me a list of things I should see. Yay! Speaking of Mom…yes, she cried at the airport but was surprisingly restrained. I’m sure she cried more when she was driving home….All I want to say is that I love you mom and dad. A year isn’t so long and I’ll write all the time so no worries!

This morning has also demonstrated my complete lack of knowledge and multitude of foolishness when it comes to airports. BOTH of my check-in bags were overweight. Luckily I was allowed to move the extra weight from one into the other. Yes! Still…I’m concerned about my carry on though dad assures me it’s perfectly fine. It weighs…a lot. Probably more than my suitcase…alas…I am an over packer.

Then…as Andrew and I were trying to get on the tran to our concourse I nearly get my leg chopped off by the door. I had no idea they closed so fast and they seem to have no detectors…so I I had been caught I may have been dragged…who knows! I laughed though. I find it’s best to laugh at yourself because then the others who see you and think you may be an idiot also see you at least have a good sense of humor.

Of course…Andrew and I manage to miss concourse A and must get off the Tran and walk back to the concourse. It was fun. I got to run down those walking sidewalk things. Finally we make it to our gate and here I sit waiting to board the plane. Now I’m getting more nervous and excited…maybe no one on the plane will notice I’m the one coughing, sneezing, and generally dirtying up the air in there.

Much Love!

6:25 PM(Atlanta), 3:25 PM(San Fransisco)
I made it! and San Fransisco is beautiful. I was definatly the person coughing and sneezing on the plane..until I fell asleep for 3 hours. Score! I also managed to get a ton of water bottles from the stewardess..I swear it was more than 10 but Andrew says it was more like 8. Whatever...they should have just let me take a gallon of my own water.
Oh..and my carry on fits into the overhead compartments...of course...I think I may be doing really bad things to my back because of how heavy it is but oh well.

Apparently Catherine(Scot's wife) is going to let me and Andrew loose downtown on our owns this afternoon. Should be interesting. she is giving us directions for the train ride back to her house and a map so we should be all good. Yay for California...It's like a completely different country out here!

Peace^.^