I know I haven't blogged in a long time (2 months!) but I haven't really had anything to write about!
３学期 ended in early March and the next term doesn't start until like April 16th, so in other words, spring break is over a month long! At first, I just took a much-needed break from school and relaxed, watching TV or going shopping around Tsukuba every once in awhile. However, last week, I took a little vacation with my friend Zoe (also from OSU).
On Monday, we had a farewell party for our good friend Choi because he had to return to Korea, but unfortunately it had to be cut short for me since I was leaving early the next morning. Tuesday, I woke up at 7 and left with Zoe for Odaiba, in Tokyo Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It was the first time I'd actually seen the water since coming to Japan. Around Odaiba are basically just a ton of shopping malls, but it was fun. Also had a good view of the bridge (looked like Skyarrow bridge from Pokemon BW) and Tokyo Tower! We ate at Odaiba Takoyaki Museum and I had some garlic-flavored stuff that was a different take on one of my favorite foods.
Before meeting up with my bestest buddy Jess, her boyfriend, and Hannah (another OSU buddy studying in Tokyo) Zoe and I also checked out the 科学未来館 science museum. They had some pretty cool stuff in there! Everything was bilingual, too, so that was nice. There's also a giant Gundam in front of a mall that we couldn't go in because it was being worked on. By the time we made it to the gundam, it was too dark to get a good picture.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Still alive!
Hey.
I know I haven't blogged in awhile, so I figured I'd make a post to update the (Western) world on my status.
Honestly, not a lot has been happening lately, so I haven't felt the need to post. With it being winter, combined with all the random time off and canceled classes, I've been hibernating like a bear! My sleep schedule is pretty screwed up and it's actually caused me to get a little behind in my studies. Recently, my computer gave me a scare, so that added to the stress as well. I really don't want to have to buy a new laptop if I can help it. Right now, I'm writing this at 6:45 am on a Monday morning. I've got 7 hours until my only class today, but with the help of some coffee and a balanced breakfast, I'm planning on getting a lot of work done, since I was way too tired to do anythinggg on Sunday. I ended up going to bed at 6 pm...
Speaking of coffee, have I mentioned how common it is here? Most people would associate Japan with green tea, which is a proper assumption, but most people don't realise that coffee comes in about a billion forms in Japan. In particular, I see a lot more instant coffee, because of the popularity of the hot water dispensers known in Japanese-English as "pots" (katakana: ポット). "Stick" type coffee, or powdered coffee that comes in a small plastic sleeve (think pixie sticks) is everywhere because all you need to do is add hot water and you'll have yourself a mug. I also have a jar of Nescafe coffee, which, while it smells TERRIBLE (usually I enjoy the smell of coffee more than the taste), it does the job pretty well. Coffee with milk, known as カフェオレ (which I thought up until this morning was romanized as Cafe Ole, but it is actually spelled au lait, which comes from French) is also super common, even coming in instant form. Not to mention the fact that every vending machine has like 4 different kinds of canned coffee, at least, both warm and cold. Due to these reasons and the general lack of energy drinks, I've started drinking a lot more coffee than I did in the states.
I mentioned milk when talking about coffee. If you've never been to a Japanese super, you have no idea how overwhelming the milk selection is. To this day I still have trouble knowing what I'm buying, but I can at least distinguish low fat from normal. Next time I go shopping, I'll try to remember to get a picture and edit this post so you can see what I'm talking about. Also, my readers from Northeast Ohio will probably remember Lawson. Supposedly, they're famous for their milk, so I've gotta try that since there's one on the way to the grocery store anyway.
It looks like Blogger added some Google+ integration, so those of you in my circles get to see my blog posts now. Yay.
More later, if I don't die from overstudying. XD
I know I haven't blogged in awhile, so I figured I'd make a post to update the (Western) world on my status.
Honestly, not a lot has been happening lately, so I haven't felt the need to post. With it being winter, combined with all the random time off and canceled classes, I've been hibernating like a bear! My sleep schedule is pretty screwed up and it's actually caused me to get a little behind in my studies. Recently, my computer gave me a scare, so that added to the stress as well. I really don't want to have to buy a new laptop if I can help it. Right now, I'm writing this at 6:45 am on a Monday morning. I've got 7 hours until my only class today, but with the help of some coffee and a balanced breakfast, I'm planning on getting a lot of work done, since I was way too tired to do anythinggg on Sunday. I ended up going to bed at 6 pm...
Speaking of coffee, have I mentioned how common it is here? Most people would associate Japan with green tea, which is a proper assumption, but most people don't realise that coffee comes in about a billion forms in Japan. In particular, I see a lot more instant coffee, because of the popularity of the hot water dispensers known in Japanese-English as "pots" (katakana: ポット). "Stick" type coffee, or powdered coffee that comes in a small plastic sleeve (think pixie sticks) is everywhere because all you need to do is add hot water and you'll have yourself a mug. I also have a jar of Nescafe coffee, which, while it smells TERRIBLE (usually I enjoy the smell of coffee more than the taste), it does the job pretty well. Coffee with milk, known as カフェオレ (which I thought up until this morning was romanized as Cafe Ole, but it is actually spelled au lait, which comes from French) is also super common, even coming in instant form. Not to mention the fact that every vending machine has like 4 different kinds of canned coffee, at least, both warm and cold. Due to these reasons and the general lack of energy drinks, I've started drinking a lot more coffee than I did in the states.
I mentioned milk when talking about coffee. If you've never been to a Japanese super, you have no idea how overwhelming the milk selection is. To this day I still have trouble knowing what I'm buying, but I can at least distinguish low fat from normal. Next time I go shopping, I'll try to remember to get a picture and edit this post so you can see what I'm talking about. Also, my readers from Northeast Ohio will probably remember Lawson. Supposedly, they're famous for their milk, so I've gotta try that since there's one on the way to the grocery store anyway.
It looks like Blogger added some Google+ integration, so those of you in my circles get to see my blog posts now. Yay.
More later, if I don't die from overstudying. XD
Sunday, December 11, 2011
December
Well, I haven't written anything all month, so I guess I'll make a post.
Not a whole lot's been happening lately, although 3学期 has started, so I have more classes to deal with now.
A few weeks ago, I went to Mt. Tsukuba. I don't think I posted about it yet, but it was very pretty to go at the end of fall because the leaves looked great, especially with the view. You can probably see some pics of me on Facebook (like 5 people took the same one >.>). I got a lot of exercise there, since there were so many stairs, but I didn't climb the whole way up. Instead, I took a cable car.
Last weekend, I tried to go to the mall, which is at the first stop on the train, but, in a retarded gaijin moment, I jumped on the rapid, which has fewer stops. In other words, it skipped over the stop I needed, so instead, I decided to ride all the way to Akihabara, the district of Tokyo where they sell cheap electronics. I explored there a bit, but mostly got lost. Eventually I found the station again and decided to go to the mall after all, but my scooter ended up running out of battery and some random guy ended up giving me a lift home. The thing's been acting up here and there since then, which is kind of annoying, so I may have to find some place to take it in for repairs. We'll see what happens.
I'm gonna voluntarily try out 1st period (8:40) class tomorrow so I can finish my day at 9:55. WISH ME LUCK.
Not a whole lot's been happening lately, although 3学期 has started, so I have more classes to deal with now.
A few weeks ago, I went to Mt. Tsukuba. I don't think I posted about it yet, but it was very pretty to go at the end of fall because the leaves looked great, especially with the view. You can probably see some pics of me on Facebook (like 5 people took the same one >.>). I got a lot of exercise there, since there were so many stairs, but I didn't climb the whole way up. Instead, I took a cable car.
Last weekend, I tried to go to the mall, which is at the first stop on the train, but, in a retarded gaijin moment, I jumped on the rapid, which has fewer stops. In other words, it skipped over the stop I needed, so instead, I decided to ride all the way to Akihabara, the district of Tokyo where they sell cheap electronics. I explored there a bit, but mostly got lost. Eventually I found the station again and decided to go to the mall after all, but my scooter ended up running out of battery and some random guy ended up giving me a lift home. The thing's been acting up here and there since then, which is kind of annoying, so I may have to find some place to take it in for repairs. We'll see what happens.
I'm gonna voluntarily try out 1st period (8:40) class tomorrow so I can finish my day at 9:55. WISH ME LUCK.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving
Been awhile. I haven't really done anything blog-worthy until today.
Japan doesn't really celebrate thanksgiving, unlike some of the other American holidays that are big here. Instead, a group of us went to a place called High Five Burger and just ate American-style! It was really good. I should mention that our New Yorker, Tom, spent 4000 yen (like $50ish) and ate a crazy amount of food. IIRC, nachos, a chili dog, a milkshake, triple burger, large fries, and onion rings. TRULY AMERICAN.
Afterwards, we went to iias (the mall I've mentioned in previous posts) and watched Moneyball. (American Brad Pitt movie). American movies are popular here, but America doesn't have much in terms of international movies, does it? Some people went out drinking, but I decided to come back, since I'm pretty tired. Also, I'm done with finals now, so I basically have nothing to do for awhile.
I'll post again if anything interesting happens.
Japan doesn't really celebrate thanksgiving, unlike some of the other American holidays that are big here. Instead, a group of us went to a place called High Five Burger and just ate American-style! It was really good. I should mention that our New Yorker, Tom, spent 4000 yen (like $50ish) and ate a crazy amount of food. IIRC, nachos, a chili dog, a milkshake, triple burger, large fries, and onion rings. TRULY AMERICAN.
Afterwards, we went to iias (the mall I've mentioned in previous posts) and watched Moneyball. (American Brad Pitt movie). American movies are popular here, but America doesn't have much in terms of international movies, does it? Some people went out drinking, but I decided to come back, since I'm pretty tired. Also, I'm done with finals now, so I basically have nothing to do for awhile.
I'll post again if anything interesting happens.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
One Piece~
Hey.
So lately, I've been more otakuish than usual. Been catching up on One Piece. It's literally EVERYWHEREEEEEEEEEE so it's a little hard to not want to get back into it. 711 has been doing a promotion, so TONSSSSS of merch is all over the place. Even DRINKS come with free stuff.
Been thinking of checking out more of Akihabara tomorrow, but seeing as how it's 4 am and I'm not even tired, I doubt it will happen. Thought about just buying a PS3, but they're around 30万円 and I'd need a TV too, so that's like 50,000 just to play video games again. Maybe I should buy some PS3 games here and take them back with me and buy a PS3 at home. They're region-free.
I still don't have a camera, so I've been using my phone. My Google account has a few new pics up, and I'll repost some here just because my posts have been barren lately.
I don't think I posted about my birthday party, but it was last monday and it was a lot of fun. The turnout was actually more Japanese than ryuugakusei, which seems to surprise my other Japanese friends. Anyway, I drank too much, but I had a great birthday. Thanks to all my friends who helped make it awesome, and thanks to the friends and family at home that sent me wishes from abroad. Also, I need new crutch tips...
So lately, I've been more otakuish than usual. Been catching up on One Piece. It's literally EVERYWHEREEEEEEEEEE so it's a little hard to not want to get back into it. 711 has been doing a promotion, so TONSSSSS of merch is all over the place. Even DRINKS come with free stuff.
Been thinking of checking out more of Akihabara tomorrow, but seeing as how it's 4 am and I'm not even tired, I doubt it will happen. Thought about just buying a PS3, but they're around 30万円 and I'd need a TV too, so that's like 50,000 just to play video games again. Maybe I should buy some PS3 games here and take them back with me and buy a PS3 at home. They're region-free.
I still don't have a camera, so I've been using my phone. My Google account has a few new pics up, and I'll repost some here just because my posts have been barren lately.
 |
| Body wash exists, but the shampoo does not |
Gonna do more shopping tomorrow if I can wake up in time. If I don't go to Tokyo, I'm at least getting off at the first station so I can go to the mall. ..Maybe I should study too.
If I haven't mentioned it in this blog yet, I just want it to be known that I have really, really amazing friends. I don't know if anyone actually follows this or even knows that it exists, but man, I'm having a great time here and I want to tell people about it. I've met some of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life and they continue to astound me with their overwhelming kindness every day. I only wish my dear BFF could enjoy herself as much as I am...
If I solo Tokyo tomorrow, I'm sure there will be post-worthy adventures then.
１１月１４日: No Tokyo, but I did go to iias (LARGEST MALL IN ALL OF KANTO, BITCHES) and bought more OP clothes at the same place I bought my sweet Ace Jacket. 7000 yen~. At least I'm filling out the point card?
１１月１４日: No Tokyo, but I did go to iias (LARGEST MALL IN ALL OF KANTO, BITCHES) and bought more OP clothes at the same place I bought my sweet Ace Jacket. 7000 yen~. At least I'm filling out the point card?
Monday, October 31, 2011
10 minutes left of Halloween
Well, I figure I'll make a post about Halloween.
It's surprisingly big here in Japan. You wouldn't think so, but it is. There was probably a party every day last week. Today, people even went around campus in costume. TISA's Halloween party on campus had alcohol, food, and even shows put on by the juggling and dance clubs. Even the family restaurants are decked out in cheesy decor. The servers were wearing cat ears and pumpkins and shit. As far as I know, Trick or Treat does not exist, though.
Usually, by this time, I expect to freeze, but it's still 60-70 outside.... As of now, I've been in Japan for two whole months already. Crazy stuff.
It's surprisingly big here in Japan. You wouldn't think so, but it is. There was probably a party every day last week. Today, people even went around campus in costume. TISA's Halloween party on campus had alcohol, food, and even shows put on by the juggling and dance clubs. Even the family restaurants are decked out in cheesy decor. The servers were wearing cat ears and pumpkins and shit. As far as I know, Trick or Treat does not exist, though.
Usually, by this time, I expect to freeze, but it's still 60-70 outside.... As of now, I've been in Japan for two whole months already. Crazy stuff.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Gas stations?
Yo.
Much like at OSU, I tend to enjoy going outside at night, whether it's to run errands or just to get fresh air. Tonight, I had to pick up a couple things, so I went to a hyaku en shop. It's finally actually getting a little chilly out BTW (but I was still fine with just a t-shirt before the sun went down).
Anyway, on the way to the closest grocery store, you'll pass a gas station. Funny thing I've noticed is that this is PRETTY MUCH THE ONLY GAS STATION IN ALL OF TSUKUBA. Probably a gross exaggeration, but it's the only one I've seen.
4月 UPDATE: Interestingly, the gas station has become self-service
now. Huh.
In America, gas stations are everywhere. Also, attached to them is usually either a convenient store or restaurant of some kind. On the contrary, Japan's gas stations are for gas and various car servicing things. This is probably because convenient stores are literally everywhere and they don't need to be in gas stations too. I'm sure there are at least 10 711s on the same street, not to mention Lawson, Coco Store, and Family Mart. You can't go 2 meters without bumping into a konbini of some kind, but gas stations seem to be really rare by comparison. Interestingly, I can both pay my phone bill and take money out of my US account at 711.
In addition to that, vending machines. If I haven't mentioned it yet, vending machines (自動販売機） are also everywhere. While in America, they are usually inside, most of the machines I see here are outdoors. Some even sell hot drinks. Unlike America, though, snack machines are super uncommon (if they even exist?) and I almost always exclusively see drink ones. Today, I stopped at the cheapest one I've ever seen (100 yen per can instead of 110, shityes). Also, I forgot this existed here, even though I have a picture of the stupid grape one.
Did I mention I got a free rice cooker? It has changed my life. I also bought more utensils, so once I find out which brand of curry to buy, it's totally カレーライスの時間.
Much like at OSU, I tend to enjoy going outside at night, whether it's to run errands or just to get fresh air. Tonight, I had to pick up a couple things, so I went to a hyaku en shop. It's finally actually getting a little chilly out BTW (but I was still fine with just a t-shirt before the sun went down).
Anyway, on the way to the closest grocery store, you'll pass a gas station. Funny thing I've noticed is that this is PRETTY MUCH THE ONLY GAS STATION IN ALL OF TSUKUBA. Probably a gross exaggeration, but it's the only one I've seen.
4月 UPDATE: Interestingly, the gas station has become self-service
now. Huh.
In America, gas stations are everywhere. Also, attached to them is usually either a convenient store or restaurant of some kind. On the contrary, Japan's gas stations are for gas and various car servicing things. This is probably because convenient stores are literally everywhere and they don't need to be in gas stations too. I'm sure there are at least 10 711s on the same street, not to mention Lawson, Coco Store, and Family Mart. You can't go 2 meters without bumping into a konbini of some kind, but gas stations seem to be really rare by comparison. Interestingly, I can both pay my phone bill and take money out of my US account at 711.
In addition to that, vending machines. If I haven't mentioned it yet, vending machines (自動販売機） are also everywhere. While in America, they are usually inside, most of the machines I see here are outdoors. Some even sell hot drinks. Unlike America, though, snack machines are super uncommon (if they even exist?) and I almost always exclusively see drink ones. Today, I stopped at the cheapest one I've ever seen (100 yen per can instead of 110, shityes). Also, I forgot this existed here, even though I have a picture of the stupid grape one.
| Red Bull sucks here so I'll settle for this. |
| For now, furikake. Nothin like a hot bowl of rice when it's cold. Well, except for soup. Or noodles. |
Lastly, there was a health examination today for all the exchange students. I had to pee into a paper cup before I went this morning and then fill this little bottle from said cup. It was disgusting. Also, apparently I have high blood pressure and need to go back again tomorrow. Fun. At least I get to practice my Japanese?
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