Me and Rodin's thinking man (although not on the day of the typhoon...I was way too afraid for my camera!.
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!!!!!!
2 comments:
A little typhoon! That is blooming great, M! There are 2 people I know that could go off to a museum in a typhoon. Well maybe 3.
Is that like my going bathing suit shopping when we had the snow storm a few years back that was so deep I yelled down the stairs, "Don't let the baby out or we'll never find her!" (I was too serious)?
I hope you got some shots off at the musem and a phamplet to keep as well. That's a pretty nice exhibit you got to see.
Can I start calling you Typhoon M now?
Munch!!!! I am so jealous! I almost flew to Oslo once just to see his paintings in the Munch museum. I was worrying about typhoons in Japan because I saw on TV that they are expecting these to become much worse with global warming. And there you are in one! It would be fun to be stranded in a museum though - remember "Wee Sing"?
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