Waseda Vs. Keio: Baseball Showdown

My Paparazzi Shot of our Players

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Standing in Line

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Cheering (the game has not yet started...)

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Waseda Flag

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Me and Su: Towel Pirates

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Cheering Cheerleaders

Just today I went to the biggest baseball game of the fall season: Waseda (my school) vs. our biggest rivals, Keio.

First of all, let me explain how if works. We play 2 games, and the winner of both wins. If we both win one, another game is played. Now, the game I went to today was supposed to be the second game, but the typhoon cancelled the one that was supposed to be on Saturday, so we were actually now watching the first game.

The typhoon, oddly, lasted exactly one day, and now it was extremely sunny and extremely hot. Not what you would be expecting for fall weather. There was not a cloud in the sky, and we all got sun-burned!

We were supposed to arrive and meet out Japanese friends at 7:30am at the location of the match, which meant I had to get up at about 6:00am....which was a bit difficult. I, of course, arrived late, but it was OK because there were still people there. However, we were held up at the konbini (convenience store) and 4 of us were left to find the place on our own. You would think this would be easy, for a stadium is really big, right?
Well, the place we were going was a baseball stadium part, so there were about 5 to choose from. We walked around a bit, and found people clustering around one of the stadiums. However, we could not find out group (which should have been easy, they had on neon orange jackets...) but we didn't see them right off the bat. So, we took a walk around the circumference of the stadium. Then, we suddenly came upon our Waseda players! It was very cool, they were warming up and stretching. It was very Paparazzi! When we showed out Japanese friends the pictures later, they were very excited! I guess getting lost wasn't so bad after all!

Continuing our walk around the stadium, we found the other group (with neon pink jackets) and joined them. They took us to the real line (which was about a block away....) and we were finally in the right place. We stood in the line here for about 2 hours, and then moved up into the stadium. Our Seats were not great (were were maybe looking at center outfield, but we were pretty close up) but they worked for us. As I will explain later, seats don't really matter...

In our seats, we waited maybe an hour and a half before the game started, but we were not just sitting there. There was a complex heirarchy of cheerleaders (both male and female) conducting a series of cheers. Basically, this is practice for the real game. These cheers are not simple the University of Oregon "Ooooooooooooooooooo" or clapping our hands. There were perhaps about a dozen songs that everyone same that had a system of complex hand gestures that everyone seemed to know. It was very serious! It was the first time in years where I realized cheerleaders do have a purpose....to lead cheers! Not just jump around and look pretty. Very different!

Now, I know I am making this sound like a big rivalry, and it is. However, this is no Civil War or Apple cup. It is a FRIENDLY rivalry! It was very strange, but before the game we did several cheers wishing the other team luck and cheering for them! The cheerleaders even switched places for awhile, and we sang some of their cheers! I am telling you, it was refreshing. No mascots beating each other up, no cussing and profane language,. Just singing and cheering.

Right before the game starts, both schools sing their anthems (which we sing every chance we get... not just at games, but EVERYWHERE). The opposite teams stood politely while this happened (no booing, just quietly watching). Then the game began.

Now, I am not sure how many people actually watched the games....all the effort was spent on cheering. Sometimes, you would be so caught up in the songs and movements that you would entirely miss a strike out. When our team was at bat, our cheerleaders dance continuously until we are no longer at bat. I do not know how they did it! Every time a new played was at bat, we would do a cheer with their name in it. When our team was in the outfield, we mostly just chanted our pitchers name. Our Pitcher, Saito Yuki, is pretty famous, and is only a freshman. Because he uses a handkerchief a lot, his nickname is "The Handkerchief Prince." .........it sounds cooler in Japanese, I promise.

The game itself was kind of boring. we went 0-0 into overtime. In overtime it heated up a bit, and our cheers became more constant and long. However, Keio finally won, 0-1.

At this point I felt like....well....you know Peter Pan? The part where you have to clap REALLY hard in order to save Tinkerbell's life when she is poisoned, and then she comes to life? Well, we clapped ourselves to death out there and Tinkerbell still died. We were all a bit dumbfounded, especially since we were supposed to win this game.

But there were no hard feelings, as you would not expect. Even after the players were well off the field, we listened to each others schools songs and cheered for the other team some more. Then, we all stayed seated so the alumni could leave first, and we all left in a nice orderly fashion. I swear, I will never ever see this at an Oregon game.

On another note, dressing up in school colors is not very important in Japan. There were a few in baseball tees, but overall people were dressed casually. This is weird, because I would argue that Waseda has more school spirit than Oregon....

After the game (which ended about 5:00) I headed home to do my dreaded homework because I have a test tomorrow. Bleh. That's about all, next week we go to Nikko!

Museums, Typhoons, and Donald Trump

Me and Rodin's thinking man (although not on the day of the typhoon...I was way too afraid for my camera!
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Me on the train during rush hour.
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Another view of my room: the closet.

Like last week, I think I will again do this blog in two posts, because a lot has happened! I should be updating sooner....I will try my best next week!!!

This week at school went by without much problem. Japanese is going well, and I think i am getting better every day. Recently, I have been a bit Japanesed out, and often revert to English when I don't have to. Hopefully, this will pass soon....

As usual, my history class is homework free, so nothing much to report there. Although, let me tell you, early Japanese history is full of melodrama. Betraying brothers, ghost hauntings, husbands sleeping with their wive's mothers.....BIZARRE. Whatever....

In Art History, we have a test this week!!! I have yet to study at all, but she basically gave us all the info that is going to be on the test, so if I just sit down and study for about 2 hours I should be OK. I keep getting good grades on the papers, and I have no idea why...my homework effort is virtually non-existent. This school year is not about school in the traditional sense...in my opinion. (and, it seems, everyone in my program...)

For a little extra under-the-table cash, I have been helping out a Japanese Business class. Basically, this involves (I kid you not) watching "The Apprentice" and explaining what happened to a group of Japanese students. I guess they are comparing American business and Japanese business....hmmm...I really hope they don't get the wrong idea! I had a bit of a hard time because I have no business related vocabulary, but some of the students knew a little English so I could get the point across. You try explaining "Protege" in another language...it is very difficult. But all went well and I made 3000 yen!!! (about $30). I go again the week after next.

On Friday after the class, I went to a "nomikai" (drinking and dinner party?) with the other Oregon students and one of the Japanese student groups. The restaurant was very strange....it kind of had a "prison" theme (the rooms were separated by bars) but it wasn't very clear....For example, they had bunny and squirrel lawn ornaments, treasure chests, and luggage in these "cells" as well. I have no idea...but it was fun!

On Saturday, I went with Asuka and Su to an art museum in Ueno and saw a special Munch Exhibit!!!! Munch is my FAVORITE, so I was very excited that they were showing his works in Japan! (Munch is the guy that painted "The Scream"). It was basically the best thing EVER! It was also lucky we had Asuka with us because she translated some of the plaques for us, which made our viewing experience even better. I had no idea, for example, that Munch painted with a couple of his paintings with crayons on cardboard! Basically, he is amazing!!!!!!

We also saw the regular exhibits as well, which included some 16th century christian pieces, Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, Manet, and I am sure many others that I just don't remember. They even have original Rodin statue of the thinking man! It was very cool. Basically, so rich Japanese man awhile back bought them all up, and now they are on display. I really wish Sonya (my roommate 2 years running and an enthusiastic Art History major) was here, because I know she would appreciate all this so much more than me!

While I made the museum seem all peaceful and posh, outside was a different story. Little did I know, but there was a full fledged typhoon going on outside!!!! (Ok, Asuka said it was a little typhoon, but for me it was a huge storm! Nothing like it in Oregon or Alaska!) I had my umbrella and my raincoat, but I still became soaking wet! The wind was blowing the rain everywhere, and my umbrella kept threatening to fly out of my hands! It was very scary! Asuka, Su, and I were going to do Karaoke, but Asuka was afraid the trains might shut down and we would be stranded. So, we all went home, and luckily our trains were unaffected (although several others were not!) If that was a little typhoon, I would hate to see what a big one is!!!!!! Papa, as a fireman, had a very difficult day at work...I can only imagine!!!

Alright, that's all for this post, stay tuned for SO-KEI-SEN!!!!!!

Odaiba, 125, and Neighborhood Party

The long awaited "people sleeping on the train photo"

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Me, Su, the Waseda bear, and Okuma Shigenobu

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Me and the Ferris Wheel in the distance

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Su and I at a photo op at Fuji Tv. We have our own talk show.

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Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge

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Race course at Toyota

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Su and I at Venus Fort

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Me at a slot Machine!!!!

Hello again! Sorry it took awhile to update, this site's picture loader-upper thing was down for awhile, so I couldn't post!

Saturday and Sunday were very busy!

First, Su and I went to Waseda's 125th anniversary festival! You may wonder, why 125? Well, the school's creator, Okuma Shigenobu, had a hypothesis that if a human being lived correctly throughout their life, they could potentially live to be 125 years old! Although he died at 83, he made a big impact on the school and the world! The clock tower I posted awhile back is exactly 125 shaku (an old Japanese measurement) high, so this is a huge occasion!

All of our Japanese buddies had a series of boothes that sold various country's food. I am pretty sure they were competing to sell the most...My buddy worked at the German booth, and coerced me into buying a cake. It was very delicious! Su, being Korean, tried the Korean food, but didn't like it...however, she bought all the different types of food (Russian, French, German, Korean, Chinese) and gave Germany the best grade.

After seeing our buddies, we visited the other boothes. Su and I got our portraits taken anime style, which was pretty fun! We also watched a string concert for awhile, and even met an Okuma Shigenobu man-statue walking around! We pestered him into taking a photo with us!

At around 3:00, we headed to the station to meet everyone who was going to Odaiba. We then took the train to Shinbashi, and then a monorail to Odaiba. For those of you who don't know, Odaiba is a man made coast thing created by the Tokugawa's as kind of a naval base in fear of all the foreign ships that kept coming. Now, it is an entertainment/shopping district, and houses many big Japanese companies!

When we arrived, our first destination was Fuji TV. Fuji TV is one of the biggest TV companies (on the level of CBS, FOX, ect). Inside, there was an extensive gift shop, and a photo op area where you could take your picture so it looked like you were on that show! We even saw this huge red monster thing, but it had to go on break and we couldn't get our picture with it!

Next, we went across the street to view the rainbow bridge and Japan's Statue of Liberty (yes, the have one too....French give them away like candy!). It was especially beautiful at night, as the rainbow bridge has cool lights on it. We then went inside Aqua City, basically a mall, and ate at the food court, where I had (big surprise) curry. The food court was very posh, and it felt like we were on a tropical island....

Next, we headed to Pallette Town, which is...kind of.....a place, I guess....Basically, it has attractions? I don't know how to describe it!!!! Well, first we went into the "Toyota Mega Web" showroom, which had all the up-and-coming cars for Toyota. Let me tell you, there certainly was some strange futuristic looking vehicles in there! We were even allowed to test drive Toyota hybrid cars, which looked at lot like a smart car. Although the test drive went automatically (we didn't have to steer) it was very fun!

After Toyota, we went just outside to the biggest Ferris wheel in the world! It was very exciting and we were very high about Tokyo, and could see everything! We could even see the fireworks from Disneyland in the distance. It was especially nice to see everything at night.

After the 20 minute ride, we went to Venus Fort, which is basically a Renaissance themed mall. It put me in the mind of a hotel in Las Vegas...For example if you have ever been at the Aladdin Hotel, they have a mall that has the sky painted on the ceiling so it feels like you are outside. This was the same thing! By this time it was pretty late (9:30....yes, it is late for us!) and all the shops were closed. However, to further my Vegas allusion, we found a random casino inside! And I am so allowed to gamble in Japan!

Japanese casino's are a bit different...For example, they had the poker tables and the slot machines, but they also have UFO catchers (aka claw machines) and other video games. There was even a game where you simulated being a bus driver....strange.....

After wasting a bit of money, we had to head home, or we would miss our final trains! (and if you miss your last train, you have to use a taxi. However, taxis are very expensive, especially since they raise their prices at night! Most people sleep in the station rather than take a taxi home!) I got home around midnight, which is pretty late for here. (usually we are all in bed by 10:00....very different!)

The next day, all the neighbors on our short street had a going away party for our neighbor, who is moving to Myrammar (Burma) for work. Since everyone on the street is roughly the same age (30s and 40s) they all have kindergarten to 2nd grade aged children. I am telling you, there were more kids than adults! It was funny to see everyone drink and have a good time! The children kept telling me "Hello, my name is _______. Hello. See you. Apple. Banana!" and then run away. It was very cute!

On another note, I seem to be visiting all these locations every weekend at exactly the right time! Odaiba was practically empty (my guidebook said it was supposed to be super crowded). It is weird to see these huge spaces, but nobody in them. We really have lucked out so far!!

Clubs, Aliens, and Sore Feet!

My Room!

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A weird sign I saw....

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Shoin Jinja

I am going to write two posts today because I seem to have a lot of pictures!!

Hello all! I am sorry I have not been replying to emails lately, it has just been very busy! Hopefully, if I finish homework, I will reply to some tonight....

This school week has been one event after the next! My Japanese class has finally stepped up a notch, and we are going to have tests soon! I wish they had started at this pace, because now I am in no mindset to study! We have an art history quiz as well over the readings I was supposed to have read, but honestly, I can probably get away with not reading them...hehehe. But I will anyways....maybe.

I have been attending "trans" club (not transvestite, I am pretty sure it stands for translation). It is really fun! You basically talk to Japanese people about a topic in English, the switch to a different topic and speak Japanese. It is nice, because it is easier for me to make friends if I speak English, but I also get to practice my Japanese as well. :) I met someone there who studies English 3 hours a day!!! I was inspired by this, but have yet to take action....

The club meets twice a week, but I think I will only go once a week. Because the club goes until late, I miss dinner at home!!! And it can be expensive eating out every night...

I also was able to have lunch with my Japanese buddy, Erika. (If you don't remember or I didn't tell you, we were all paired up with a Japanese person during orientation). In the beginning, I had a difficult time understanding her! She is studying Spanish, so she doesn't know how to talk in a way I can understand like some of the other buddies do. However, when I had lunch with her, I could understand almost everything she said! I was so happy! I still have a hard time understanding TV, but this is definitely and improvement! Anyways, we made plans to go to all you can eat cake next month! So exciting!

This Friday, (my wandering day) I went on an expedition to get my Foreign Registration Card. This sounds easy enough, but last time Papa took me by car, so now I had to find my way by train!!! Honestly, I was doubtful I would be able to find it. And if taking the trains isn't difficult enough, there is additional searching after you get off the train! I never know which side of the tracks to walk on...but, somehow, I found it! I was so surprised! Anyways, so now I am an official alien of Japan!!!

After I picked up my new card, I wandered around the area a bit and found......Yoshida Shoin's school and now shrine!!! I studied him in history class last year, and I was so happy to find such a historical place! (you should wikipedia him, he is amazing!!!!!!!) Then after the shrine, I heard this random flute music and went to investigate. Then I saw this business man just standing in the trees playing a Japanese flute! It was very odd...

I then got back on the train and went to Sangen-jaya, and couple of stops from Shibuya. I basically just walked around and looked at expensive things! There were not a lot of foreigners here, and the only sign I saw in English said "Do not Steal. The Cameras are Watching." awwww...

By this time I had done a lot of walking, and my legs really hurt!!! By the end of all this, I am going to be an expert walker! Asuka was telling me earlier that when she returned to Japan from Alaska she didn't realize how weak her legs had gotten! So if you come and visit, make sure you have good walking shoes!

Ginza and Tsukiji

Me and Hachiko the Dog

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The wine bar "PEE."

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Us and the street performers at the garden

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Me climbing a mountain

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Me on a bridge in the garden

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Me high-fiving Godzilla

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ME AND SPIDERMAN!

Today I went to Ginza and Tsukiji with some of the exchange students. It was tons of fun! Although a lot of the placed we tried to find we couldn't find or had something off about it, we had a good time.

When we arrived in Ginza, we first went into the Sony building. Here, they have all the up-to-date technology that is yet to be released. It was pretty cool looking at all the shiny gadgets! Also, Spiderman 3 is just coming out in Japan, so there were a lot of spiderman displays! My guidebook said there was a free virtual reality room, but we found out it didn't exist. We were a little disappointed...but then we thought, well, next is the Godzilla statue, and that should be MONUMENTAL!

However, it turns out Gozilla is far from life size. In fact, WE were bigger than Godzilla! Still, it was pretty cool seeing THE Japanese icon on display in the middle of the city. It couldn't stop us from laughing as we turned the corner, half expecting a 10 story version of Godzilla. I guess I should have taken the hint when I asked Mama about it--she didn't even know it existed! She had a good laugh when I showed her the pictures, though.

Next, we went to a nearby park, which was just like any ordinary part. Only there was some kind of train event going on....There was an aweful singer, and a bunch of boothes...

Next, we headed South to find one of the few Shrines left in ginza because of the fires, earthquakes, and modernization this part of Tokyo was involved in. My guidebook said it was hard to find, but we must have circled the block twice and saw nothing. I asked some Japanese businesswomen, and they pointed us the way, but we had no idea. So, we skipped it and walked further south to Tsukiji.

Since I had the guidebook, I was the navigator. While we were going the right way, my calculations were a little bit off...we were much further East than I thought we were! When we tried to visit the fish market (the biggest Asian fish market in the world) we came under the realization that it was Sunday and of course it was closed. This saddened us, but we headed to our next destination, the Hama-rikyu Gardens (which belonged to the Tokugawa Shogunate!!!!)

Although it cost about $3.00 to get in, it was worth it. We saw sites like Tokugawa Ienobu's 300 year-old pine tree, Tokugawa Ieyasu's port for when he needed to go somewhere by boat, Tokyogawa Hidetada's poppy field (we all know what THIS was for...he wasn't a worthless shogun for no reason...), and a shrine to appease all the ducks they hunted in the park. It was very pretty, and had a cute little tea house where they serve tea and cake. It seems this park was full of stray kitties, but none of them would come and see me!! Also, the park had some "mountains"......which actually were just glorified hills. The picture above shows me climbing this so called "mountain." :)

As we were exiting the park, there was a street performance type thing near the exit. They had Japanese umbrellas, and on top of them they juggled balls, tea cups, and rice boxes, which was really cool. They then balanced a glass of water on a long pole, which looked nearly impossible!!! It was very cool, and as you can see above, we got our pictures taken with them! They seemed excited that us foreigners had taken such and interest in their show.

After this park, we headed to Shibuya for lunch. There we visited Hachiko the Dog statue (2nd time for me!). For those of you who don't know the story, Hachiko was a dog that walked his master to the station waited, and walked him back home every day. However, one day, Hachiko's master died at work and never came home. So Hachiko waited, waited, and waited for 10 years before he died. Hachiko is kind of a Japanese hero! Anyways, nowadays this statue is used as a meeting point. And who knew Hachiko was the same size as Godzilla?

We then had lunch and walked around a bit as it started getting dark. We all laughed when we saw a bar called "P.E.E." Of course it is an anagram for something else, and they probably don't know the English meaning. Still, we won't be going there anytime soon....

Next weekend, tentatively we will go to Odaiba. Very exciting!

Also, if you haven't noticed, I seem to be making a peace sign in every picture I take! If I don't make the peace sign in a picture, it feels wrong! Japan is really rubbing off on me.....

Anyways, that's about all. See you all next time!!!

Wandering

Me and a building near my school

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The cool garden near my school

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Me doing the Shinto thing (old)

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Me in a bamboo forest! (old)

This week went pretty smoothly in terms of classes!

In Art History, the class I thought the teacher was scaring away people in really was. 20 people dropped the class, but then 10 more joined...so basically we are in the same position as before. We have our first museum assignment this week, and me and the other OUS kids in the class are going on Monday. We are going to the same museum as we went to before, but I have been wanting to go back. Now that I know a little bit about the beginnings of Japanese art history, it should make that section all the more interesting. Also, it was mentioned that there might be a new Tokugawa exhibit up....needless to say, I will be there awhile!

History class seems to be covering similar stuff as art history. This is kind of good, for this way I know for sure I will learn the material! It has also given me many ideas of places to visit during spring break....

Japanese, on the other hand, is moving rather slowly. We have two different teachers, and one of them is useless!!! Well, I think the best way to learn Japanese anyways is just talking to Japanese people, which is what I have been doing....We did learn in class the word for when a person commits suicide by stepping in front of a train, which sadly happens a lot here...usually, if there is a train delay, this is the cause. It is kind of sad, but true...the suicide rate in Japan is pretty high...Su and I had to wait 30 minutes one time...sorry, very depressing!

Yesterday I went to one of the Japanese international club events, where we learned Japanese slang. It was pretty interesting, and there was a Chinese girl there I could practice my Chinese on. However, my Chinese is fading and making way for Japanese. I kept mixing up the vocabulary! So difficult....

Today was fun because it was my first time wandering around Tokyo by myself! Usually, we travel in a big herd, and it is hard to focus on things you really want to focus on. It was also refreshing to just be away from people for awhile. I walked around the area where my school is, and discovered a really cool Japanese garden/temple nearby! I cannot wait to have lunch there or something...it was very peaceful! I also explored some of the residential areas, which was interesting to see. Next, because it is on my way home, I went to Shinjuku. There, I visited Kinokuniya bookstore, which is basically like the Powell's of Japan, only with new books. It was huge! They also have a foreign language section, but all the books there were really expensive...never the less, I was there for like 2 hours!!!

This Sunday, a group of us are going to Ginza and Tsukuji! I a excited because Ginza was the first westernized part of Tokyo, and I am eager to see if there are in traces left of that architecture! There is also a garden that once belonged to a shogun which is supposed to be beautiful. AND the Sony building is there, and you can see all the new gadgets to be released! Oh, did I mention the GODZILLA statue? I am super excited for this!!!!!!

Also, Tammy gave me a good idea. If you have a request of a kind of picture you want to see or something, email or make a comment, and I will see what I can do! My first mission: sleeping people on the trains.

That's all for now!

Kindergardeners, More Fireworks, and KARAOKE!

The Crowds of Tsuchiuda

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Me and Yu next to a GIANT street cone at the fireworks! (sorry, I look like a Zombie)

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Tsuki-chan running a relay

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Papa and Tsuki-chan

Well, my 4 day weekend is coming to a close (I have no class on Friday and Monday was a holiday), but I am ready to get back to a predictable schedule!

On Saturday, I went to Tsuchiuda for another fireworks festival. We went with the "Trans" club, which is basically a club that promotes conversing in both English and Japanese. This way, the Japanese can practice English, and we can practice Japanese. This is the club I am going to join! All the people in it seem very nice and many were in Oregon last year. It should be tons of fun!

Our trip began at school and it took 2 hours by train to get to Tsuchiuda, which is actually in Chiba!!! We then joined throngs of people making converging on the fireworks field. Because we went with the club, the had really good reserved seats. We were practically right next to all the fireworks! It was amazing. Now, I know I said the first one I saw was the best ever, but really, these fireworks have no comparison! At one point, they took up the entire sky!

Our way home was very difficult, as now the throngs of people all wanted to get on the same train back! We had to wait in line for about an hour! At this point, we were concerned we would not make the final trains back to our respective houses! My final train runs at about 1:00am, and I am pretty sure I caught the very last one! Cabs in Tokyo are very expensive, so I dodged a bullet!

The next day, we all got up early to attend Tsuki-chan's Undokai. Think Track and Field Day, but with more ceremony and coordination. (and no prizes!!!) Basically, all the kindergarders perform in different sports events (sometimes with their parents) and march around in a nazi-esque manner. All in all, it was fun to see a traditional Japanese event. Also, the kindergarten that Tsuki-chan is in was the same Kindergarten Mama went to! At the event, I met Mama's father and younger brother. Grandpa seemed like a history buff, and is a doctor, I think. The younger brother is a dentist, and very good looking!!! However, he wasn't aware Alaska was in the U.S....I guess this is pretty common.

That night, me and a couple others all went to Karaoke near our school! It was tons of fun! My throat is a little soar today, however. Thats what I get!

Today was homework day. I wrote a paper for my art history class...and it is way over the word count limit. I don't know how she was expecting us to get all that information on one page when I could have easily written 8. (I settled with 2) While I did this, Tsuki-chan and family went to Pokemon Center, a specialty store with...guess what? Pokemon stuff! He came back and showed me his new cards. He would point to one and say "STRONG!!!" he was very excited. When I told him my Dad sold pokemon cards in Alaska, he just about wet his pants. Now he really wants to go to Alaska, even though he says it will be cold. As a result, we are better friends. Thanks Dad!

I have been feeling very tired lately, and my host family thinks I am getting sick! I think I am fine, I just like to sleep, but they are concerned. The rest of the family has a cough, so hopefully I will not catch it!!!

Thats about all, wish me luck at school tomorrow!

More Class, Gossip, and Rude Foreigners!

Me at Meiji Jingu shrine (old)

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Kitty! I miss Vanna

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The Noh Play...

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Prison Break!! Yay!

Hey Everybody! Sorry it has been awhile since I have posted! Here is the news:

I have gone to all my classes now! I am only taking 3 (the minimum....hehehe) and they all seem OK. Japanese history is taught by a elderly Japanese Gentleman who seems to be very intelligent. He is a little strange and funny to watch sometimes, but he knows his stuff and has written like 8 books or so! (most in English!!!) So far, so good!

My art history class, the one I have been anticipating, was a little of a let down. The class was only supposed to have 30 people, but because it was a popular pick, they increased the max to 90!! My teacher was not pleased, and took it out on us a little (SO sorry your class is so popular! Really, you should be flattered....) So she changed the syllabus to accommodate us. She said she did this so she can adequately handle a class of our size, but really, all the assignments she added for us will give her MORE work. Personally, I think she is trying to scare some people off to get the class size down (and it seems to be working, 2 of my friends have already dropped!) She also made the class seem like it is harder than it actually is...whatever.

Overall, I think my term is going to be pretty easy... (knock on wood!) I have no class on fridays as well! Because monday is a holiday, I basically have a 4 day weekend! Unheard of! I am so happy. :)

On Tuesday night, I attended the International Student Welcome Reception (or something like that) where the president of the school (which is a much bigger deal than in America) made a speech and welcomed us all. (by us all, I mean EVERY foreigner attending the school). They set out free food, and beer (which they serve us a lot! its pretty weird...) and we then socialized together. However, the crowd was so rowdy that everyone was talking during the prez's speech! I was mad about this, because I don't think they quite understood how important he was! Stupid foreigners...he must think we don't even belong in Japan! mer...

Last night, I had dinner at our neighbor's house. The neighbor (I don't remember her name! Hanayo, maybe?) was very nice, and has 2 kids, 6 and 3. Her 3 year old daughter has been the only kid (besides Tsuki-chan, who is used to exchange students) who hasn't been suspicious of my presence. We played "guess which hand this wad of tape is in" and "Put candy in my hand, then back in the box," which proved to be entertaining.

In the meantime, Mama, the neighbor lady, and I (kinda) gossiped about the other neighbors. Mama really loves gossip, and tells me juicy news every chance she gets. Basically, our street (which had about 6 other houses) often gets together and has parties/barbecues together, since they are all about the same age and all have children. However, Mama and the neighbor lady always get roped into hosting the party at their houses, which they don't mind, but think it would be good if the parties rotated to every house on the block. Some of the neighbors don't want to have it at their houses, which is weird. Some also don't like the nice neighbor lady, because she is kind of loud and from the country....(but she is really nice!!! so strange....) Also, when my host family first bought their car 3 years ago, the neighbors across the street were a little mad because the car stuck up into the street a little bit (there is not much room!). But now those same neighbors have recently bought a car and are doing the exact same thing!!! Weasels! So much drama!

In other news, I have encountered the first food I do not like: Okinomiyaki. Okinomiyaki is basically a "pizza-pancake sandwich thing" that has way to much stuff in it!!! (Eggs, Mayonnaise, cheese, mushroom, mochi, barbecue sauce like topping, and probably more!). It is too much to eat at once. I was full after only one, but they kept giving me more! I gave up after 3, and they were surprised (they ate like 5 each!!!). I do not understand why Japanese people are so skinny yet they eat so much!

I went and saw the movie "Miss Potter" with my mama and friend Su. It was an excellent movie, and everyone should see it! But let me tell you, Japanese theatres are a bit strange. First, they are VERY expensive. If you think the 9.00$ movies in America are bad, it costs like 20.00$ here. We went to a matinee and on discount Wednesday, and it cost about $10.00. Also, the theatre experience is very formal, almost like you are going to see a play. In addition, nobody leaves until the end credits have completely ended. Very strange!

I also saw a Noh play at school. I was kinda roped into it by our program director...if you know how I feel about noh (its a no noh!) you might understand how I feel. It is basically the most boring form of theatre EVER created. When the demon figure leaves across the bridge on the stage, that means the play is about the end. Unfortunately, the demon figure kept going halfway across the bridge, the went back. It never ended!!! Don't ever watch Noh unless you want to take a nap. Seriously.

The Mosquitos here are VICIOUS. and powerful. I got bit all over my feet, and they itch like crazy! In Alaska, a mosquito bites you, it itches for a day, then you are fine. Here, the mosquito bites you, and you itch for like a week! I even had to buy special anti itch stuff because it was driving me crazy! One mosquito got into my room, and it was like a ninja assassin! I couldn't kill it, and it fled under the bed and palgued me all night. EVIL!

I have gotten better at riding the crowded trains! Every morning I have to leave during rush hour, which at first was very difficult for me. Now, I have the hang of it! BE AGGRESSIVE! It is funny because in the morning, everyone sleeps on the train. Because it is so tightly packed everyone just leans on each other (it is so tightly packed you cannot even move, let alone fall down) and naps. It looks like a bunch of puppies sleeping in a pile! Very strange...

Well, that is about all the news I have....I think. More to come!!!

Fireworks, Bicylcles, and Class

Me at the beach (from the Kamakura pictures)

Mama in a Kimono for the portrait

Fireworks!

Hello all!

I have quite a bit to report today- a lot has been going on!

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On Saturday night, my host family and I went to the Chofu fireworks festival. Basically, *I think* (it was explained to me in Japanese) that a bunch of different firework companies put on a show to both test and compete with their fireworks. It was amazing! The fireworks were so advanced, they could make smiley faces, cats, and spirals in the sky! I have never seen any fireworks like it!

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Instead of taking the train to Chofu (which is like 3 or 4 stops from where I live) we rode bicycles for 30 minutes. While this sounds easy enough, you have to remember that I am in busy Tokyo! Unlike in the US, bicycles are only allowed on the sidewalk, which means as you ride, you have to dodge and weave through people and obstacles. To be honest, I am surprised I didn't run anybody down! In addition, all the bikes in Tokyo are not mountain bikes with multiple gears (I haven't any of these!) but commuter bikes that would be considered "dorky" if you rode one in America. I have never been on a bike ride that was so aggressive!!

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Now, I know I always say I hate bikes who think they are cars (basically, bikes who ride in the street) but now I don't know....It might be better than bikes who think they are people.

On Sunday, I slept in for the first time since I have arrived. I usually get up at 7am or 8am, but on this day I woke up at 10am! Now, if I was in the US and it was Sunday, I probably wouldn't be awake until 1pm or 2pm. Crazy huh?

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My host family then went to go take a portrait for shichi-go-san (a holiday that celebrates children who are 7, 5, or 3. Tsuki-chan is 5). They all got dressed up and looked really cool! Mama wore a really pretty kimono, as pictured above.

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I then went to a party that one of my friend's host family was throwing. Unlike my young family, her family are an older couple. They were very excited about the party and purchased several party game books. We played one game where we passed a mikan (orange/tangerine thing) with only the tops of our hands, and raced to see whos team was the fastest. The second game we played was telephone, which I failed at miserable, considering all the phrases where in Japanese. The message became totally giberish by the time it passed through me!!!

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Monday, today, I had my first class! I have to leave by 7:30 to get their on time. (It starts at 9!!!). However, I couldn't get on the rapid train because I am not aggressive enough and in the end didn't fit in. (to do this correctly, you have to push the people allready on the train as hard as you can until you have a space. If you don't fit, the cunductor guy will push you in) So I had to take the local train, which makes like 10 stops (to the rapid train's 3 stops!). I then have to transfer trains and then walk about 15-20 minutes to the school. Luckily, my speed walking skills I learned from my Dad payed off, and I made it with 1 minute to spare!!! Attendance is very strict at Waseda, and if you are late twice, it is counted as an absence! 3 absences=an F!!!!

Basically, I am going to have to take on the Tokyo mentality if I want to be on time!!!!

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The only class I had today was my Japanese class (3 hours). We spent the class introducing ourselves and taking tests which I *think* covered all the material we are going to cover in the future. I didn't do too well on the kanji test...for some reason, I could only think of the Chinese Kanji! But there were a lot of groans, so I don't think I was the only one. The grammer test went well, and the listening test went OK. Overall, I think I am in the right class. I thought maybe I was too high, but now I think I am all right. And I am definately not the worst person in the class, which is good! My teacher is nice and funny, and I am surprised how much I understand her. I think my listening skills are getting better! I could never understand what my Oregon teacher was saying, but I was understanding the punch lines to her jokes!

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After class, I had lunch with Su at the cafeteria, which was surprisingly cheap. We then walked around and did small errands (buying textbooks, Atm, post office). I then practiced taking the bus (in case I am ever late again!!!).

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When I came home, Mama was hosting a planning commitee for Tsuki-chans UndouKai (which is a sports festival). There were a dozen kids running around like monkeys!!! They kept running up to me and asking "Dare?" (who). I learned from someone yesterday that in Japan, some families don't really discipline their children until they are like 8, which now made a lot of sense.

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Well, thats about it...until next time!!!