Today was exciting and exhausting. I set my alarm for 8:50, but I’m sure I woke up several times between 7:00 and then. When I finally did get up, I tried to make breakfast for myself so I wouldn’t trouble my host family, but okaasan had already started an egg for me and there was little else to do. We watched a talk show where a guy went to onsen to try them out and it was comical while we ate.
After breakfast, I started out for Yagoto (around 10:30). It’s been really (relatively) warm lately (for the last three days) and today it was particularly nice; not too cold (even jacketless weather for a while). Maybe it was just the weather, but I was really happy this morning as I started my adventure. When I got to the train station, my train was just arriving (and getting ready to leave) and I think they actually held the train for me, since it seemed the doors stayed open an extra second during the normal sound-making and door-closing interval. I spent a lot of time in Jusco (a 6-story mall with cheap, stylish clothing). I found a dress I think I like, but I need a second opinion because it might be too short. D: I also found a stationary (cute things) store in the mall (which is more like a department store with different sellers for each department) where I wanted to buy everything (almost) but I couldn’t bring myself to even buy one thing. Jusco is set up like this; 1st floor: groceries, 2nd floor: restaurants (including McDonald’s), 3-6 floors; clothes, linnens, dishware, children’s items, etc. To tell the truth, I can’t remember exactly what was where, but there were a lot of things to see.
After Jusco, I set out in search of the ToysRUs. Japanese ToysRUs is not that different from the US’s, except for having better things in it. The first section you come to on the way in is a group of hina matsuri dolls (since that’s coming up soon). After, there are all sorts of things like hidamari no tame, an entire aisle of Gundam model kits, gashupon toys, excessive accessories for your phone/DS/psp, etc., and so on.
While I was in the Yagoto area, I decided to wander (and try not to get lost). I visited a few shrines I did not understand. One had cats at the entrance that would come up to be pet (or fed, but I didn’t feed them). There is also an unthinkably large cemetery in Yagoto. Quite literally, once you see it, everything to the horizon is tomb stones. I went in and walked around because I wanted to see it closer, and I honestly worried that I had gotten lost at one point. I’ve posted a picture of the cemetery from one view, but it is even bigger than the picture makes it look.
When I had exhausted Yagoto, I decided to ride the chikatetsu to another stop that was free on my commuter pass, and that turned out to be Hara. There are a lot of car and motorcycle dealers there (one of which had three Corvettes). I found the Japanese equivalent of the not antique, but old junk store. They had some clothes I thought I liked, but since there was no dressing room, they didn’t get my money.
Afterward, I met with Keily to go to Mike’s host family’s sushiya for all you can eat sushi. We ended up being late (because we got lost at the station where we were supposed to make our transfer) and I had to call a lot of people to figure out where to go (since Mike has no cellphone). What happened was that we exited the subway station at a point where it met another subway station and it was chaos. We could not figure out where we were supposed to go (since no map showed our subway line) and the eki was huge (with lots of people and stores too). We ended up going to a tourist agency and the station master to figure it out.
As it turned out, Mike’s house was about twenty minutes from the eki (that we finally rode to) by foot. It was quite a long walk, but well worth it. At the sushiya, we met up with about six other ryougakusei and about eight Japanese people (friends of the owners). We had bento and sashimi (as well as spicy tuna rolls) and did a lot of karaoke. It was all you can eat and all you can drink, so a lot of the ryougakusei got smashed, but it was all fun and as far as I can tell, everyone got home safely. I met daisuke, a Japanese student at Nanzan, and he seems easy to talk to (for a person so heta at Japanese as me), so hopefully he will help me with my Japanese and be another person in my group of friends (who occasionally get smashed) to hang with.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
January 30
It was not a very eventful day today. I had breakfast as usual, but I didn’t have time to eat part of an apple (like I usually do) so okaasan gave half to me to take to school. (:
We had our chapter two test today. I didn’t think it was any harder than the first one (though the instructors told us it would be). We’ll see how it works out. One (or two?) of our instructors was/were sick today (or had to visit a relative that was sick) so the third section of the class merged with the first two (sections being defined the same way as they are in the States). As an added bonus, we didn’t have the fourth period of Japanese language class (since the other instructor(s) wasn’t there. I think we’ll be making up for it next week, but everyone was happy at the time.
The chapter two reading (for the lessons as well as the test) was on the subject of phrases not being easily translated directly between languages. One of the questions we had to answer in homework was “What phrase from your native tongue doesn’t have an equivalent in Japanese?” It was entertaining to hear our sensei share some of our answers (and I think the other sensei’s response/questions) on the subject of “what’s up,” etc.
After Japanese, I had my weekly three-hour dead time (the time between Japanese class and Art and Culture class where there is nothing to do because all of my homework is already done and it’s too short of a time to go anywhere really). I did go to the panya at Valor (that I somehow have not been to) and spent about four bucks on the 98en pasteries. I’ve got to say, it’s going to be a goal to try everything in that panya before the end of the semester. Today, I had a mochi biscuit with green sweet beans and seaweed in it (which was great because the mochi was actually cooked to bread consistency), a bacon/curry sandwich (yay, bacon!), a cream-filled donut with corn flakes on it (what?!), and some kind of chocolate sandwich. I’ll admit I splurged quite a bit (by eating about two meals in one sitting), so next time I won’t buy so much, but for crying out loud, Japan knows food.
I was really depressed going into art and culture class today, since it’s a 2.25 hour class, but luckily, the class was actually interesting today. It’s still really hard to sit in one place and just listen to a lecture for that long. Additionally, it’s kind of hard to take the instructor’s Japanglish and try to write notes from it. Today’s lecture was on Japanese pottery and the World Exhibitions for the most part.
After class, it started raining (hard) and I had that nice weather (and the dark) to walk home in. I was worried that okaasan would be thrown into a fluster since she had asked me last night if I would be going out with my friends this evening and I had told her that I didn’t know yet. I didn’t call her today to tell her I would be coming home, but when I finally did come home, she seemed surprised only by the fact that I was there (I always seem to sneak up on her) and I saw a dish at my place setting, so I was reassured that I hadn’t made an imposition.
We had American dinner today; pretty much pot roast (it seemed a bit different somehow), salad (with avacado and crab, yay!), and gohan. For dessert, I had green tea ice cream for the first time ever. It’s not quite as good as green tea creamsicles, but it’s pretty good. (: Okaasan finally let me do the dishes after dinner today. I felt useful for a change.
P.S. I seem to be generating money (knock on wood) very slowly. I’ve been keeping a record of my expenditures and I seem to have a few more cents (yen) in my possession as compared to what I should have. No complaints, of course.
We had our chapter two test today. I didn’t think it was any harder than the first one (though the instructors told us it would be). We’ll see how it works out. One (or two?) of our instructors was/were sick today (or had to visit a relative that was sick) so the third section of the class merged with the first two (sections being defined the same way as they are in the States). As an added bonus, we didn’t have the fourth period of Japanese language class (since the other instructor(s) wasn’t there. I think we’ll be making up for it next week, but everyone was happy at the time.
The chapter two reading (for the lessons as well as the test) was on the subject of phrases not being easily translated directly between languages. One of the questions we had to answer in homework was “What phrase from your native tongue doesn’t have an equivalent in Japanese?” It was entertaining to hear our sensei share some of our answers (and I think the other sensei’s response/questions) on the subject of “what’s up,” etc.
After Japanese, I had my weekly three-hour dead time (the time between Japanese class and Art and Culture class where there is nothing to do because all of my homework is already done and it’s too short of a time to go anywhere really). I did go to the panya at Valor (that I somehow have not been to) and spent about four bucks on the 98en pasteries. I’ve got to say, it’s going to be a goal to try everything in that panya before the end of the semester. Today, I had a mochi biscuit with green sweet beans and seaweed in it (which was great because the mochi was actually cooked to bread consistency), a bacon/curry sandwich (yay, bacon!), a cream-filled donut with corn flakes on it (what?!), and some kind of chocolate sandwich. I’ll admit I splurged quite a bit (by eating about two meals in one sitting), so next time I won’t buy so much, but for crying out loud, Japan knows food.
I was really depressed going into art and culture class today, since it’s a 2.25 hour class, but luckily, the class was actually interesting today. It’s still really hard to sit in one place and just listen to a lecture for that long. Additionally, it’s kind of hard to take the instructor’s Japanglish and try to write notes from it. Today’s lecture was on Japanese pottery and the World Exhibitions for the most part.
After class, it started raining (hard) and I had that nice weather (and the dark) to walk home in. I was worried that okaasan would be thrown into a fluster since she had asked me last night if I would be going out with my friends this evening and I had told her that I didn’t know yet. I didn’t call her today to tell her I would be coming home, but when I finally did come home, she seemed surprised only by the fact that I was there (I always seem to sneak up on her) and I saw a dish at my place setting, so I was reassured that I hadn’t made an imposition.
We had American dinner today; pretty much pot roast (it seemed a bit different somehow), salad (with avacado and crab, yay!), and gohan. For dessert, I had green tea ice cream for the first time ever. It’s not quite as good as green tea creamsicles, but it’s pretty good. (: Okaasan finally let me do the dishes after dinner today. I felt useful for a change.
P.S. I seem to be generating money (knock on wood) very slowly. I’ve been keeping a record of my expenditures and I seem to have a few more cents (yen) in my possession as compared to what I should have. No complaints, of course.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
January 29
It was a kind of interesting day today. Okaasan gave me a hardboiled egg in an egg holder with the rest of my breakfast and I was kind of confused as to how to eat it since the last time I had a hard-boiled egg was in my childhood on Easter. Eating it by hand (as I had as a kid) seemed to contradict the use of the dish, so I was a bit confused and okaasan had a motherly concern fit over me not knowing how to eat it and worrying that I wouldn’t like hard-boiled eggs. It was all fine though. Okaasan told me the dish was from South Africa. She has some interesting dishes.... I got off to a late start, so I had to run-ish to the chikatetsu. I got an “ohayou gozaimasu” from an ojiisan on the way though, so I was feeling pretty personable.
Today’s Japanese lesson was in the long four-part format. The first section was in the listening lab and we had to record ourselves on 1965 cassette recorders. It was entertaining, but humiliating. I’m constantly surprised by Japan.... Luckily, class went surprisingly fast and Tsuda Sensei is fast becoming a favorite. She tends to speak very slowly and say “ja-a-a,” which bothers me, but lately she’s been revealing herself to be an entertaining sensei. I guess you could compare her with State’s Ueda Sensei, but with a bit less hyperactivity.
I went to Valor with Keily for lunch and got bento and croquets (of course). On the way back, we climbed a hill with a 25% grade. It was worth it though, lunch was delicious and cheap; even better than Lawson’s.
After lunch, I decided to go home, but on the way to the eki, I decided to take a detour. My friend had told me the Justco (giant mall) and toysrus (which probably has cute Japanese things in it) were just down the street from the eki, so I set out in search. I found the toysrus, but not the Justco. I also found a cemetery (with shrines) and saw a Japanese hearse. Japanese hearses are like El Camino's with shrines in the bed (instead of the plain covered ones in the US). They are much more ornate than American ones. Tomorrow, I will see if any of my classmates will go with me to investigate the cemetery and shopping stores further.
I went home around three so I could have time to pick up my gaikokujin card and I happened to be coming back just as the elementary students were getting free of class. I followed (and was followed by) a ton of uniformed, hat-wearing, giant bag-carrying kids. I wanted to take a picture, but I figured it might be frowned upon. All along the way from the eki to the neighborhood, there were ojiisan directing the kids. I felt a bit silly walking with them, as if I needed directing too.
I finally gave okaasan her present today, but she said something about my room, so I think she already saw it. Oh well. She seemed happy to receive it.
Soon after, we went to the ward’s office to pick up my foreign resident card. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I can’t speak Japanese. I understand most of the things people are saying now, but I can’t speak back and many times I can’t fully understand what I’m hearing and only pick up on the words, not the meaning. I feel so stupid when they resort to English or I have to rely on okaasan to help me out. I feel like she’s a bit embarrassed to be in public with me because my abilities are so limited. I’m not quite sure what I should do or can do....
We had delicious dinner again today. Okaasan made mega chicken, but unlike the cafeteria, (where it was fried chicken with thick miso sauce) it was really delicious! The chicken was breaded and had what may have been miso sauce, but it wasn’t sweet (which would have been a down side) like the mega chicken at school. It also had scallions on it too, which is great. We also had a pot of tofu, small mushrooms, and some kind of green (maybe that tall cabbage/lettuce I always see in America). Otousan made me try squid, and it wasn’t bad, but it was tough, so I didn’t want any more. When we were finished, otousan asked me which I liked best of fish, chicken, beef, and pork. I surprised ryoushin with my answer (which matches the way I wrote it above). Okaasan at least thought fish would be my last. She asked me also which of the dishes she had made that I liked, and I told her the truth; all of them. She didn’t believe me, but I said hounto ni about five times because I wanted her to know it was true. She had been worrying all the time that I would not like her cooking.
I hope I can find the ingredients in the grocery store (and use a gas oven) to make brownies for ryoushin, because while okaasan feigns a lack of sweet tooth, I’m pretty sure she likes sweets as much as me.
After dinner, I heard the music from the trucks I always hear at home and around the city near Nanzan. I finally got to ask otousan what it was before it went away, and he laughed when he told me. It’s a Japanese song (not French, as I had thought) about snow falling and it’s coming from a truck that sells kerosene (for all the freaking space heaters). I don’t know though, it sounds a lot like the (French Children's) song in the animation show. Yes, Dad, this is the equivalent of your rags man (or the freezer ice cube man), but with a gas-carrying truck instead of a horse-drawn wagon.
P.S. I think I’ve figured out another reverse-culture shock I will have when I return to the States; heavy people. There aren’t many here (percentage wise) and/or those who are heavy are good at hiding it.
Also; general cleanliness. I have rarely seen trash on the ground (cigarette butts if anything) and there’s a general feeling of slightly more cleanliness in public places as compared to the US. Cars are small and cubic, the train is really quiet, and there aren’t people yelling on the streets (except the store owners). People are well-dressed, etc.
P.P.S. I think I’m beginning to consciously miss my friends. This is dangerous since it’s only been three weeks. Maybe if I think of this like summer vacation (eight weeks), I can hold out (on thinking crazy thoughts) until March at least.
And; Japanese people often ask what clubs I was in at my University in the States and what my hobbies are, and I find it really hard to answer. I wasn’t really in any clubs because I was always working on my Chem. E homework. I was part of AICHE, and tried to attend the Chinese Club meetings, but really, I haven’t much to say of them. When it comes to my hobbies, I really don’t know what to say, since I have so many but I don’t do them very often. I don’t do art much anymore (though I haven’t given it up), I haven’t played much violin recently, I’ve only snowboarded twice, I don’t skateboard enough to even mention, I only drive (interestingly) at auto-x (and not even my own car, thank you to the car owner for letting me), watching movies and listening to music are things everyone does (so I don’t think they count as hobbies), I don’t sew often, and learning about Japan would be a bad thing to mention because my language skills are horrible and my knowledge of the country is no better than the average person. Therefore; I never know how to answer Japanese people.
P.P.P.S. A few days ago I had a craving for bacon and a milkshake.
Today’s Japanese lesson was in the long four-part format. The first section was in the listening lab and we had to record ourselves on 1965 cassette recorders. It was entertaining, but humiliating. I’m constantly surprised by Japan.... Luckily, class went surprisingly fast and Tsuda Sensei is fast becoming a favorite. She tends to speak very slowly and say “ja-a-a,” which bothers me, but lately she’s been revealing herself to be an entertaining sensei. I guess you could compare her with State’s Ueda Sensei, but with a bit less hyperactivity.
I went to Valor with Keily for lunch and got bento and croquets (of course). On the way back, we climbed a hill with a 25% grade. It was worth it though, lunch was delicious and cheap; even better than Lawson’s.
After lunch, I decided to go home, but on the way to the eki, I decided to take a detour. My friend had told me the Justco (giant mall) and toysrus (which probably has cute Japanese things in it) were just down the street from the eki, so I set out in search. I found the toysrus, but not the Justco. I also found a cemetery (with shrines) and saw a Japanese hearse. Japanese hearses are like El Camino's with shrines in the bed (instead of the plain covered ones in the US). They are much more ornate than American ones. Tomorrow, I will see if any of my classmates will go with me to investigate the cemetery and shopping stores further.
I went home around three so I could have time to pick up my gaikokujin card and I happened to be coming back just as the elementary students were getting free of class. I followed (and was followed by) a ton of uniformed, hat-wearing, giant bag-carrying kids. I wanted to take a picture, but I figured it might be frowned upon. All along the way from the eki to the neighborhood, there were ojiisan directing the kids. I felt a bit silly walking with them, as if I needed directing too.
I finally gave okaasan her present today, but she said something about my room, so I think she already saw it. Oh well. She seemed happy to receive it.
Soon after, we went to the ward’s office to pick up my foreign resident card. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I can’t speak Japanese. I understand most of the things people are saying now, but I can’t speak back and many times I can’t fully understand what I’m hearing and only pick up on the words, not the meaning. I feel so stupid when they resort to English or I have to rely on okaasan to help me out. I feel like she’s a bit embarrassed to be in public with me because my abilities are so limited. I’m not quite sure what I should do or can do....
We had delicious dinner again today. Okaasan made mega chicken, but unlike the cafeteria, (where it was fried chicken with thick miso sauce) it was really delicious! The chicken was breaded and had what may have been miso sauce, but it wasn’t sweet (which would have been a down side) like the mega chicken at school. It also had scallions on it too, which is great. We also had a pot of tofu, small mushrooms, and some kind of green (maybe that tall cabbage/lettuce I always see in America). Otousan made me try squid, and it wasn’t bad, but it was tough, so I didn’t want any more. When we were finished, otousan asked me which I liked best of fish, chicken, beef, and pork. I surprised ryoushin with my answer (which matches the way I wrote it above). Okaasan at least thought fish would be my last. She asked me also which of the dishes she had made that I liked, and I told her the truth; all of them. She didn’t believe me, but I said hounto ni about five times because I wanted her to know it was true. She had been worrying all the time that I would not like her cooking.
I hope I can find the ingredients in the grocery store (and use a gas oven) to make brownies for ryoushin, because while okaasan feigns a lack of sweet tooth, I’m pretty sure she likes sweets as much as me.
After dinner, I heard the music from the trucks I always hear at home and around the city near Nanzan. I finally got to ask otousan what it was before it went away, and he laughed when he told me. It’s a Japanese song (not French, as I had thought) about snow falling and it’s coming from a truck that sells kerosene (for all the freaking space heaters). I don’t know though, it sounds a lot like the (French Children's) song in the animation show. Yes, Dad, this is the equivalent of your rags man (or the freezer ice cube man), but with a gas-carrying truck instead of a horse-drawn wagon.
P.S. I think I’ve figured out another reverse-culture shock I will have when I return to the States; heavy people. There aren’t many here (percentage wise) and/or those who are heavy are good at hiding it.
Also; general cleanliness. I have rarely seen trash on the ground (cigarette butts if anything) and there’s a general feeling of slightly more cleanliness in public places as compared to the US. Cars are small and cubic, the train is really quiet, and there aren’t people yelling on the streets (except the store owners). People are well-dressed, etc.
P.P.S. I think I’m beginning to consciously miss my friends. This is dangerous since it’s only been three weeks. Maybe if I think of this like summer vacation (eight weeks), I can hold out (on thinking crazy thoughts) until March at least.
And; Japanese people often ask what clubs I was in at my University in the States and what my hobbies are, and I find it really hard to answer. I wasn’t really in any clubs because I was always working on my Chem. E homework. I was part of AICHE, and tried to attend the Chinese Club meetings, but really, I haven’t much to say of them. When it comes to my hobbies, I really don’t know what to say, since I have so many but I don’t do them very often. I don’t do art much anymore (though I haven’t given it up), I haven’t played much violin recently, I’ve only snowboarded twice, I don’t skateboard enough to even mention, I only drive (interestingly) at auto-x (and not even my own car, thank you to the car owner for letting me), watching movies and listening to music are things everyone does (so I don’t think they count as hobbies), I don’t sew often, and learning about Japan would be a bad thing to mention because my language skills are horrible and my knowledge of the country is no better than the average person. Therefore; I never know how to answer Japanese people.
P.P.P.S. A few days ago I had a craving for bacon and a milkshake.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
January 28
It was not a very eventful day today. Class was very short, I had an ice cream cone (so much better than in the US) for lunch, and picked up some soap at Valore before riding the chikatetsu home. I did find a plant for okaasan though before I returned. I stopped in a flower shop coming back from Valore. The ojiisan working there saw me looking at the orchid and told me the flowers were on their way out, so he was going to cut them off for me. I told him I was fine though. I couldn’t let him cut them while they were still pretty. I picked out a small plant with really ruffly leaves and ruffly (pink) flowers for okaasan. ojiisan wrapped it in pink paper with a pink ribbon and a (second) pink bow. After I paid and started my trip home, I began to think the plant was too common and not particularly special for okaasan. I’m hoping I made the right decision in buying it for her.
There was a porsche coming down the road that I cross to get to my neighborhood. After I crossed, the driver revved it like crazy. It was kind of weird though, because it sounded bad (not “awesome,” the other bad). There was some massive power (or maybe just noise) in the car, but it didn’t sound good and for all the noise, it wasn’t going that fast. It was nice though to hear a car rev for a change.
I got my bank book today. Japanese banks issue a bank book upon opening an account. I’m guessing it’s the same as the bank books my math instructor and my grandmother talked about having when they were younger. Japan is so technologically far behind and ahead at the same time.... Anyway, mine has pumpkins on it (it is Japan, after all). I’m kind of reluctant to do anything at my bank since every freaking thing is in Japanese (of course) and it is an issue of money. Luckily, I’m pretty much set for quite a bit. It may turn out to be easiest (and cheapest) to work with postal money orders for all of my US funds since it is service charge-free once it gets to Japan and wire transfers to Japanese accounts are super-expensive. Japan will charge you at any chance they get (even for using an ATM on a Saturday). However, if you can work the system (which I am still not very good at), you can avoid a lot of it. Japan is hard....
At dinner today, it was only okaasan and I. I didn't get an explanation, but I was told otousan would not be dining with us. Okaasan made croquets, gohan (mmm), avocado salad, and some kind of greens as soup. I am now officially addicted to (potato) croquets.
There was a porsche coming down the road that I cross to get to my neighborhood. After I crossed, the driver revved it like crazy. It was kind of weird though, because it sounded bad (not “awesome,” the other bad). There was some massive power (or maybe just noise) in the car, but it didn’t sound good and for all the noise, it wasn’t going that fast. It was nice though to hear a car rev for a change.
I got my bank book today. Japanese banks issue a bank book upon opening an account. I’m guessing it’s the same as the bank books my math instructor and my grandmother talked about having when they were younger. Japan is so technologically far behind and ahead at the same time.... Anyway, mine has pumpkins on it (it is Japan, after all). I’m kind of reluctant to do anything at my bank since every freaking thing is in Japanese (of course) and it is an issue of money. Luckily, I’m pretty much set for quite a bit. It may turn out to be easiest (and cheapest) to work with postal money orders for all of my US funds since it is service charge-free once it gets to Japan and wire transfers to Japanese accounts are super-expensive. Japan will charge you at any chance they get (even for using an ATM on a Saturday). However, if you can work the system (which I am still not very good at), you can avoid a lot of it. Japan is hard....
At dinner today, it was only okaasan and I. I didn't get an explanation, but I was told otousan would not be dining with us. Okaasan made croquets, gohan (mmm), avocado salad, and some kind of greens as soup. I am now officially addicted to (potato) croquets.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 27
It was another school day today. I got up as usual, but this time with quiche! お母さん turned on a kid’s TV show and asked if I wanted to watch it because it had easy Japanese. I gave a non-committal answer and it was left on the television. I felt a bit silly glancing at it every once in a while and then felt utterly ridiculous when there was a segment in English for kids. I did, however, get to see the Rube Goldberg part of ピタクラスイチ in its original glory on TV, but I had to go to school right after, so I got the embarrassing experience and nothing more.
Class started late today (as it always does on Tuesdays). It gave me a chance to study for the 漢字 (my weakest point) quiz. I was planning on catching my regular train to class, but I ended up being too late and caught the next one (with Keily). When we got to the めいじょ line and the train opened, a stream of little elementary students, all in uniform and mostly with (surgical) masks emerged. It was quite a sight.
Class was rather uneventful, until we started going over masculine and feminine speech. I chose the tomboy approach. Afterward, we worked with plain and ます／です form. We had a good time because the 先生 at the time decided to imitate the other 先生 so that we could practice the more formal speech. It was entertaining at the least.
After Japanese, I had はんが. It was a bit embarrassing because I had not put much effort into my design and the resulting woodblock showed it. We spent the entire class period carving, and not much else happened.
After the ride home, I went to do my laundry and お母さん instructed me that I had done it wrong on Sunday (of course). I hadn’t opened one of the valves in the water line, so the dirty water didn’t leave and there was the possibility of pipes bursting. Luckily, it didn’t seem to have happened, but I felt stupid for making the mistake (and for not being able to follow what お母さん was saying when she was explaining it.
I’m hoping I can relax and get over my embarrassment for the rest of the evening. I got most of my homework for the week done last night and today between classes, so I have a good chance.
It looks like I can’t get anything right. I went to pick up my clean clothes at the prescribed time, and I couldn’t understand what the machine was saying; it was flashing an analog “u” and “14.” As it turned out, (after asking お母さん) I had not opened the water valve. I was suspicious before when I started the laundry and checked it, finding it to be tight, but I figured since お母さん didn’t say anything when I asked if it was open (easily misconstrued as the statement “it is open” since there is a difference between the statement and the question of only one syllable) that it was alright. Luckily, the problem was easily fixed, and the rest of the washing process went smoothly.
For dinner, we had 焼きそば with shrimp, squid, and vegetables. We also had the Japanese version of split-pea soup. I think I ate too much. For dessert, we had eclairs (with chocolate that actually tasted like chocolate!). Once again, Japan knows sweets. お母さん asked me if I only bought 昼ご飯 at 南山大学, and I told her that I did. In response, she told me to buy sweets while I was there since I liked them and they are easy to come by at the convenience store. I don’t want to seem like a mooch, but I’d rather eat sweets when お母さん gives them to me than at lunch too because I don’t want to overdose (though it’s probably too late).
Japan report; yes, they do wear masks when they are sick. It’s not that weird either, except for one time when I saw a man wearing one and due to the contour of his face, it looked like there was no nose under the mask. Also, some people wear them when they are not sick, specifically when they are on the 地下鉄 (and probably the buses too). The rationale is; in confined spaces of soon-to-be/already sick people, it is a good preventative measure to wear the mask to prevent oneself from getting sick.
Class started late today (as it always does on Tuesdays). It gave me a chance to study for the 漢字 (my weakest point) quiz. I was planning on catching my regular train to class, but I ended up being too late and caught the next one (with Keily). When we got to the めいじょ line and the train opened, a stream of little elementary students, all in uniform and mostly with (surgical) masks emerged. It was quite a sight.
Class was rather uneventful, until we started going over masculine and feminine speech. I chose the tomboy approach. Afterward, we worked with plain and ます／です form. We had a good time because the 先生 at the time decided to imitate the other 先生 so that we could practice the more formal speech. It was entertaining at the least.
After Japanese, I had はんが. It was a bit embarrassing because I had not put much effort into my design and the resulting woodblock showed it. We spent the entire class period carving, and not much else happened.
After the ride home, I went to do my laundry and お母さん instructed me that I had done it wrong on Sunday (of course). I hadn’t opened one of the valves in the water line, so the dirty water didn’t leave and there was the possibility of pipes bursting. Luckily, it didn’t seem to have happened, but I felt stupid for making the mistake (and for not being able to follow what お母さん was saying when she was explaining it.
I’m hoping I can relax and get over my embarrassment for the rest of the evening. I got most of my homework for the week done last night and today between classes, so I have a good chance.
It looks like I can’t get anything right. I went to pick up my clean clothes at the prescribed time, and I couldn’t understand what the machine was saying; it was flashing an analog “u” and “14.” As it turned out, (after asking お母さん) I had not opened the water valve. I was suspicious before when I started the laundry and checked it, finding it to be tight, but I figured since お母さん didn’t say anything when I asked if it was open (easily misconstrued as the statement “it is open” since there is a difference between the statement and the question of only one syllable) that it was alright. Luckily, the problem was easily fixed, and the rest of the washing process went smoothly.
For dinner, we had 焼きそば with shrimp, squid, and vegetables. We also had the Japanese version of split-pea soup. I think I ate too much. For dessert, we had eclairs (with chocolate that actually tasted like chocolate!). Once again, Japan knows sweets. お母さん asked me if I only bought 昼ご飯 at 南山大学, and I told her that I did. In response, she told me to buy sweets while I was there since I liked them and they are easy to come by at the convenience store. I don’t want to seem like a mooch, but I’d rather eat sweets when お母さん gives them to me than at lunch too because I don’t want to overdose (though it’s probably too late).
Japan report; yes, they do wear masks when they are sick. It’s not that weird either, except for one time when I saw a man wearing one and due to the contour of his face, it looked like there was no nose under the mask. Also, some people wear them when they are not sick, specifically when they are on the 地下鉄 (and probably the buses too). The rationale is; in confined spaces of soon-to-be/already sick people, it is a good preventative measure to wear the mask to prevent oneself from getting sick.
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26
It was a school day today. I woke up and had my breakfast, but okaasan made my poached egg particularly runny, so I asked if I could cook it longer, but it ended up exploding in the microwave (somehow, even after I had made the yolk run using a spoon), so okaasan made me a scrambled egg instead.
In Japanese, we had a short test (which I think I aced, we’ll see). Afterward, I had calligraphy. It was particularly trying today because it was so warm in the room, the desks were small, and I couldn’t get my brush to act the way I wanted it to. Directly after shoudo was history. Again, the professor wasn’t bad, (as I have heard) but he was weird as always. He tried to make jokes that just came short and he would stare you (me) down during the lecture. He also could not stop thinking I was from Canada. The professor has very strange mannerisms, but the class was alright and we actually finished early (yay!).
The train ride home was amazing; I didn’t have to wait long for either of my trains and I got the Toyotashi-bound Tsurumai line on my first try (no second transfer necessary). I saw a really cool jacket (made for and worn by a guy, grr) on the train; it was black with zippers at the cuffs, buckles at the collar and fur on the inside of the collar. I really want one.
I had more homework to do than I thought (though it’s not due for a few days) and before I knew it, it was time for dinner (and I had made okaasan and otousan wait). I felt very bad, but I resolved to put an alarm on my phone so it wouldn’t happen again. Okaasan made quiche for dinner with salmon (and no cheese because she thinks my dislike for cheese is really strong) in it. It was delicious (and apparently is also breakfast). For dessert we had strawberries and ice cream.
I’m beginning to find my day strictly scheduled among meeting the chikatetsu, getting all my work done, and fitting into my host family’s schedule. I’m worried my writing will have to take a back seat and also that it will be in my best interest to tell my foreign correspondent partner (an elementary school teacher in the States) that I will not be able to correspond...
In Japanese, we had a short test (which I think I aced, we’ll see). Afterward, I had calligraphy. It was particularly trying today because it was so warm in the room, the desks were small, and I couldn’t get my brush to act the way I wanted it to. Directly after shoudo was history. Again, the professor wasn’t bad, (as I have heard) but he was weird as always. He tried to make jokes that just came short and he would stare you (me) down during the lecture. He also could not stop thinking I was from Canada. The professor has very strange mannerisms, but the class was alright and we actually finished early (yay!).
The train ride home was amazing; I didn’t have to wait long for either of my trains and I got the Toyotashi-bound Tsurumai line on my first try (no second transfer necessary). I saw a really cool jacket (made for and worn by a guy, grr) on the train; it was black with zippers at the cuffs, buckles at the collar and fur on the inside of the collar. I really want one.
I had more homework to do than I thought (though it’s not due for a few days) and before I knew it, it was time for dinner (and I had made okaasan and otousan wait). I felt very bad, but I resolved to put an alarm on my phone so it wouldn’t happen again. Okaasan made quiche for dinner with salmon (and no cheese because she thinks my dislike for cheese is really strong) in it. It was delicious (and apparently is also breakfast). For dessert we had strawberries and ice cream.
I’m beginning to find my day strictly scheduled among meeting the chikatetsu, getting all my work done, and fitting into my host family’s schedule. I’m worried my writing will have to take a back seat and also that it will be in my best interest to tell my foreign correspondent partner (an elementary school teacher in the States) that I will not be able to correspond...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
January 25
There isn’t much to report today. I woke up super-late. It was freezing (even 3º below), so we had to let the tap run in the house so the pipes would not freeze. When I did wake up though, okaasan had made an egg and onigiri for me as well as an apple and Juice. After breakfast, I decided to clean the kitchen a bit for okaasan since I’ve been feeling bad about accepting her and otousan’s kindness so much without having a way to show my gratitude. I thought I was the only one home, but otousan came home while I was cleaning, so I was worried about him finding me cleaning, but he just said thank you and went about his business.
Afterward, I talked on skype (forever) with my family and a few friends. Otousan was intrigued that I could use my computer as a phone. I offered to let him try it, but he didn’t give me a direct answer. I spent a lot of the afternoon researching ukiyoe artists to write my (weekly culture and art) paper on and when okaasan came home, she commented that I had been using the internet all day. I had, however, cleaned the stove and done my laundry (in the entirely-written-in-Japanese machine), (plus the internet work was for school), so it wasn’t a freeloader’s day.
Earlier that day, I had lunch, but the time was much later than noon (when Otousan had eaten). While I was eating, otousan came in to let me know that there was soup also and to turn the stove on to heat it. I think my host family thinks I don’t know how to do anything myself, since I’m always asking if it’s alright to do things. The point was, however, that I had already done all of this (and eaten the soup) by the time Otousan came in to help (the empty bowl was at my place setting when I got to the table, so I made the connections). It was, however, only the second time I had used a (their) gas stove and only the first time I had successfully lit it. P.S. Gas stoves are much better than electric (or at least better than the electric stove at my house in the US) because they are so much faster!
Nothing really exciting happened until dinner. Okaasan made naninaninanizushi; sushi that was not rolled up. It was delicous and beautiful. I couldn’t believe okaasan when she said “this is all we’re eating” (in Japanese, of course) because there was a giant, colorful dish of food in front of me, not to mention more in a large, bamboo bowl. The dish consisted of shredded, scrambled eggs, sushi rice, shitaki mushrooms, bamboo chutes, some kind of root, shredded carrot, ginger, some kind of flavoring (I’m thinking dried fish), nori flakes, and probably more things I can’t remember. I can’t believe how delicious it was. We also had miso (of course) with fried tofu and fish cake in it. The interesting part of the meal, however, was the salmon roe. Okaasan asked if I had had it, and I asked politely if it was okay if I didn’t eat it. She said it was fine, but later, she asked me to just try it. Otousan was laughing (in an understated way) the entire time from when I accepted to when I put the first one on my plate. When okaasan asked me how it was, I told her the truth; that it wasn’t as strange as I thought, but otousan was still amused. I had a few more with okaasan’s suggestion and it was true; not as strange as you would think, as long as you don’t think too hard about what you’re actually eating. Okaasan said they came from Alaska, not Hokkaido, and that it had something to do with not being able to fly over the Soviet Union in the past and having to fly over Alaska. For dessert we had candied beans (I’m guessing the sugar content is on par with a KrispyKream donut), and I went to study after dinner for Monday’s shorttest.
P.S. In Japan, everyone carries a bag, even the guys and little children. Usually, they will be totes, messenger bags, or some other kind of slung bag. American-style book bags aren’t that popular by comparison, but there are still quite a few.
Afterward, I talked on skype (forever) with my family and a few friends. Otousan was intrigued that I could use my computer as a phone. I offered to let him try it, but he didn’t give me a direct answer. I spent a lot of the afternoon researching ukiyoe artists to write my (weekly culture and art) paper on and when okaasan came home, she commented that I had been using the internet all day. I had, however, cleaned the stove and done my laundry (in the entirely-written-in-Japanese machine), (plus the internet work was for school), so it wasn’t a freeloader’s day.
Earlier that day, I had lunch, but the time was much later than noon (when Otousan had eaten). While I was eating, otousan came in to let me know that there was soup also and to turn the stove on to heat it. I think my host family thinks I don’t know how to do anything myself, since I’m always asking if it’s alright to do things. The point was, however, that I had already done all of this (and eaten the soup) by the time Otousan came in to help (the empty bowl was at my place setting when I got to the table, so I made the connections). It was, however, only the second time I had used a (their) gas stove and only the first time I had successfully lit it. P.S. Gas stoves are much better than electric (or at least better than the electric stove at my house in the US) because they are so much faster!
Nothing really exciting happened until dinner. Okaasan made naninaninanizushi; sushi that was not rolled up. It was delicous and beautiful. I couldn’t believe okaasan when she said “this is all we’re eating” (in Japanese, of course) because there was a giant, colorful dish of food in front of me, not to mention more in a large, bamboo bowl. The dish consisted of shredded, scrambled eggs, sushi rice, shitaki mushrooms, bamboo chutes, some kind of root, shredded carrot, ginger, some kind of flavoring (I’m thinking dried fish), nori flakes, and probably more things I can’t remember. I can’t believe how delicious it was. We also had miso (of course) with fried tofu and fish cake in it. The interesting part of the meal, however, was the salmon roe. Okaasan asked if I had had it, and I asked politely if it was okay if I didn’t eat it. She said it was fine, but later, she asked me to just try it. Otousan was laughing (in an understated way) the entire time from when I accepted to when I put the first one on my plate. When okaasan asked me how it was, I told her the truth; that it wasn’t as strange as I thought, but otousan was still amused. I had a few more with okaasan’s suggestion and it was true; not as strange as you would think, as long as you don’t think too hard about what you’re actually eating. Okaasan said they came from Alaska, not Hokkaido, and that it had something to do with not being able to fly over the Soviet Union in the past and having to fly over Alaska. For dessert we had candied beans (I’m guessing the sugar content is on par with a KrispyKream donut), and I went to study after dinner for Monday’s shorttest.
P.S. In Japan, everyone carries a bag, even the guys and little children. Usually, they will be totes, messenger bags, or some other kind of slung bag. American-style book bags aren’t that popular by comparison, but there are still quite a few.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
January 24
Today was Osu!!!! I had a lot of fun with Kili and Anna, but we weren’t able to find Mike. I started the day with scrambled eggs (made by me!), toast, tomatoes, and juice. While I was making the eggs, okaasan opened the kitchen floorboards to reveal; a freezer!!! I thought that was the coolest thing ever. I told her we didn’t have that in America and she said it was very convenient to have it.
I don’t know what was up, but I was really clumsy today and at breakfast alone, I dropped my toast and a tomato. Afterward, I rushed off to the eki to meet Kili. She was ten minutes late, but it worked out really well, as that was about the time the train arrived. We rode to Yagoto to meet up with Anna, and it was very close to 9:30 (when we planned to meet) when we got off the train and called her. I guess the day was starting too well, and when we got to Osu (at about 10:00 as we planned), Mike wasn’t there. We waited until about 10:10 for him, but he didn’t show, and having no (functional) cellphone, we could not call him.
Osu was a lot of fun. When we got started, many of the stores were not open yet and the place was quite empty (even though it was after 10:00). We spent a lot of time looking at clothes (the coolest of which were made for guys or too small for me), shoes, toys, and people. We went into an arcade and did the fancy photo booth thing where you take pictures with really bright lights and then superimpose cute images on the photos. It was a lot of fun, but the pictures came out really small.
Around (inside and out of) Osu are a lot of jinja. It was very strange to see all the modern fashions so close to the traditional structures. When I went to Osu, I was expecting to find many things I liked and wanted to buy, even go relatively broke. I did find a scarf that looks like a cat pelt (complete with head, legs, and tail) that I’m still kind of considering and a fancy (overpriced) mini top-hat. However, I ended up buying one capsule toy and a couple of snacks. When we were in osu, it started snowing on and off. It was strange snow; not flakes, but pellets. It was really pretty, however. It was after it started snowing when I bought my capsule toy, and coincidentally, it was a teru teru bouzu for snow (there were different ones for rain, wind, sun, etc.). I was very happy with it, as it was my favorite of the ones I could have gotten.
Afterward, I bought a nikuman (delicious!) and another snack I couldn’t identify. It was like a spherical corn-dog, but instead of a hotdog, it had sweet bean paste inside. Soon after, we headed back to the station, but I was still hungry, so we stopped by the seven-11 to pick something up. They had the chocolate sandwich (squishy bread with chocolate syrup/icing inside) I had been wanting to try, but couldn’t find recently in Lawsons. It was pretty good, but I would have preferred another bean paste donut.
The trip home was rather uneventful and I used the computer until dinner. Okaasan made a delicious meal of grilled steak (yes, steak!!!), broccoli, potato, dumplings (I can never remember the Japanese word for it), and yellow peppers. We also had Japanese eggplant (I wish I had room to eat more), gohan (never old), and miso. Of course, I had to embarrass myself again by dropping a piece of potato and almost knocking over the hashi for the eggplant. I don’t know what was up with my coordination today. After dinner, Otousan told me about alcohols in different countries and which kinds went with which types of food. According to him, most alcohol doesn’t go with Japanese food because Japanese food has very mild taste. I also learned that he considered a dutch oven a man’s cooking piece (cowboys’ to be precise) and was surprised to hear my mother in the US is the one who uses our oven.
I don’t know what was up, but I was really clumsy today and at breakfast alone, I dropped my toast and a tomato. Afterward, I rushed off to the eki to meet Kili. She was ten minutes late, but it worked out really well, as that was about the time the train arrived. We rode to Yagoto to meet up with Anna, and it was very close to 9:30 (when we planned to meet) when we got off the train and called her. I guess the day was starting too well, and when we got to Osu (at about 10:00 as we planned), Mike wasn’t there. We waited until about 10:10 for him, but he didn’t show, and having no (functional) cellphone, we could not call him.
Osu was a lot of fun. When we got started, many of the stores were not open yet and the place was quite empty (even though it was after 10:00). We spent a lot of time looking at clothes (the coolest of which were made for guys or too small for me), shoes, toys, and people. We went into an arcade and did the fancy photo booth thing where you take pictures with really bright lights and then superimpose cute images on the photos. It was a lot of fun, but the pictures came out really small.
Around (inside and out of) Osu are a lot of jinja. It was very strange to see all the modern fashions so close to the traditional structures. When I went to Osu, I was expecting to find many things I liked and wanted to buy, even go relatively broke. I did find a scarf that looks like a cat pelt (complete with head, legs, and tail) that I’m still kind of considering and a fancy (overpriced) mini top-hat. However, I ended up buying one capsule toy and a couple of snacks. When we were in osu, it started snowing on and off. It was strange snow; not flakes, but pellets. It was really pretty, however. It was after it started snowing when I bought my capsule toy, and coincidentally, it was a teru teru bouzu for snow (there were different ones for rain, wind, sun, etc.). I was very happy with it, as it was my favorite of the ones I could have gotten.
Afterward, I bought a nikuman (delicious!) and another snack I couldn’t identify. It was like a spherical corn-dog, but instead of a hotdog, it had sweet bean paste inside. Soon after, we headed back to the station, but I was still hungry, so we stopped by the seven-11 to pick something up. They had the chocolate sandwich (squishy bread with chocolate syrup/icing inside) I had been wanting to try, but couldn’t find recently in Lawsons. It was pretty good, but I would have preferred another bean paste donut.
The trip home was rather uneventful and I used the computer until dinner. Okaasan made a delicious meal of grilled steak (yes, steak!!!), broccoli, potato, dumplings (I can never remember the Japanese word for it), and yellow peppers. We also had Japanese eggplant (I wish I had room to eat more), gohan (never old), and miso. Of course, I had to embarrass myself again by dropping a piece of potato and almost knocking over the hashi for the eggplant. I don’t know what was up with my coordination today. After dinner, Otousan told me about alcohols in different countries and which kinds went with which types of food. According to him, most alcohol doesn’t go with Japanese food because Japanese food has very mild taste. I also learned that he considered a dutch oven a man’s cooking piece (cowboys’ to be precise) and was surprised to hear my mother in the US is the one who uses our oven.
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 23
Today was a big, busy day. I started the day as usual with breakfast and daft punk, but I finished early, so I went to the 地下鉄 and caught the train that arrives before my usual train. It was unprecedentedly crowded. I spent the time trying to study a bit more for the “short” (30-minute) test. Luckily, the quiz wasn’t too bad (or so I think for now). After the test, we had four sessions of Japanese in a row. I’m usually good for three, but by the time the fourth professor comes, I am beat. I must have looked lost today because I was focusing on what the professor was saying, and afterward, she asked me if I was okay.
After class, we went in search of the “mega chicken,” a meal so big (for 500円) that Americans have a hard time finishing it. As it turned out, it was true!!! The meal was a giant fried chicken part (who knows which), rice, and miso. I got the “jumbo chicken” (smaller and 60円 cheaper) and I thought they had given me the mega chicken accidentally when I got it. I did learn from the experience though that Japanese fried chicken is overrated.
My next ordeal was to meet with my professor to go over my second entrance exam. Originally, I was supposed to go to room 206, but that room had a sign indicating room 210, and that room indicated 212 (I think) as the proper room. I followed the name on the door (and the name of the person I was supposed to meet with) and found that I was supposed to go to room 212 anyway. As expected, I did badly on the keigo and (unexpectedly, but not surprisingly) on the causitive/passive/causitive-passive portion. The professor told me to review at my home and to ask if I had questions. That means; I’m staying in 400!!!! Wooo!!!
By the end of the meeting, I was late for religions class (which I wanted to try out), so I figured it was too late to try it out, as I would arrive late to class and have to leave early for the other class that I am actually enrolled in. Unfortunately, I miscalculated an hour, and being 1:45, I would have gotten a lot of class time out of going to religion class (held from 1:30 to 3:45) even though my enrolled class started at 3:15. I’m not sure if I have a final chance to try religions before final registration, so I may be stuck with art and culture (so far, very boring). We will see....
Instead of religions class, I went to the 百円 lawson’s (where I bought nothing) with Keily and then to the on-campus Lawsons (where I bought a cream puff). I have to control my sweet tooth somehow. Luckily, I am growing bored of the sweets in Japan.
Art and culture class was expectedly boring. I fell asleep (against my will) in the middle of class. We watched a movie on top-knots (which was actually a bit interesting), but spent the majority of class talking about Perie and modernization of Japan. I couldn’t stay awake. ):
When class finally ended though, I got to have fun. I met up with JiWei at the 名古屋大学駅 (where my phone stopped working) and went to 名古屋大学 for the party. Apparently, it was a safari-theme costume party, but few people dressed up. It was a lot of fun, though it had its awkward parts. JiWei introduced me to a lot of his friends, and I got to practice my Japanese (successfully and unsuccessfully). There was also おいしい Japanese food (as well as other foreign food I didn’t try). There was, of course, a lot of drinking, but everyone was in good spirits, so it wasn’t a big deal. JiWei told me about being homesick and we were both happy to be able to see someone from State (in Japan!). JiWei wants to go exploring in Japan, so I think I’ve found a travel buddy. (:
I learned something about 南山 from one of the Japanese girls at the party today. 南山 is a private university, and as such, the students have money. Even the girls at Nagoya say that the 南山 girls dress particularly dressy, put on a lot of make-up, and wear high heels all of the time. No wonder I feel so under dressed all the time; I’m not a Japanese princess!
Tomorrow is おす with Keili, Anna, and Mike. I am very excited!
P.S. Japanese obaasan wear kimono in public. It’s really cool to see.
After class, we went in search of the “mega chicken,” a meal so big (for 500円) that Americans have a hard time finishing it. As it turned out, it was true!!! The meal was a giant fried chicken part (who knows which), rice, and miso. I got the “jumbo chicken” (smaller and 60円 cheaper) and I thought they had given me the mega chicken accidentally when I got it. I did learn from the experience though that Japanese fried chicken is overrated.
My next ordeal was to meet with my professor to go over my second entrance exam. Originally, I was supposed to go to room 206, but that room had a sign indicating room 210, and that room indicated 212 (I think) as the proper room. I followed the name on the door (and the name of the person I was supposed to meet with) and found that I was supposed to go to room 212 anyway. As expected, I did badly on the keigo and (unexpectedly, but not surprisingly) on the causitive/passive/causitive-passive portion. The professor told me to review at my home and to ask if I had questions. That means; I’m staying in 400!!!! Wooo!!!
By the end of the meeting, I was late for religions class (which I wanted to try out), so I figured it was too late to try it out, as I would arrive late to class and have to leave early for the other class that I am actually enrolled in. Unfortunately, I miscalculated an hour, and being 1:45, I would have gotten a lot of class time out of going to religion class (held from 1:30 to 3:45) even though my enrolled class started at 3:15. I’m not sure if I have a final chance to try religions before final registration, so I may be stuck with art and culture (so far, very boring). We will see....
Instead of religions class, I went to the 百円 lawson’s (where I bought nothing) with Keily and then to the on-campus Lawsons (where I bought a cream puff). I have to control my sweet tooth somehow. Luckily, I am growing bored of the sweets in Japan.
Art and culture class was expectedly boring. I fell asleep (against my will) in the middle of class. We watched a movie on top-knots (which was actually a bit interesting), but spent the majority of class talking about Perie and modernization of Japan. I couldn’t stay awake. ):
When class finally ended though, I got to have fun. I met up with JiWei at the 名古屋大学駅 (where my phone stopped working) and went to 名古屋大学 for the party. Apparently, it was a safari-theme costume party, but few people dressed up. It was a lot of fun, though it had its awkward parts. JiWei introduced me to a lot of his friends, and I got to practice my Japanese (successfully and unsuccessfully). There was also おいしい Japanese food (as well as other foreign food I didn’t try). There was, of course, a lot of drinking, but everyone was in good spirits, so it wasn’t a big deal. JiWei told me about being homesick and we were both happy to be able to see someone from State (in Japan!). JiWei wants to go exploring in Japan, so I think I’ve found a travel buddy. (:
I learned something about 南山 from one of the Japanese girls at the party today. 南山 is a private university, and as such, the students have money. Even the girls at Nagoya say that the 南山 girls dress particularly dressy, put on a lot of make-up, and wear high heels all of the time. No wonder I feel so under dressed all the time; I’m not a Japanese princess!
Tomorrow is おす with Keili, Anna, and Mike. I am very excited!
P.S. Japanese obaasan wear kimono in public. It’s really cool to see.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
January 22
I slept for about nine hours last night and still felt tired. My day went pretty normally until around noon; I met my friend, rode the chikatetsu, checked my mailbox, and went to class. In class, I learned about the Japanese educational system, only after being humiliated a bit. Our first session was held in the “listening lab,” where we studied moras and accents (pure review after taking Dr. Mertz’s class). After that particular part of the lesson, we were forced to sing a kids’ song that involved making frog songs and saying kekekekekeke. Afterward, the class was split (as is the case every day) and we had our other lessons (and got our homework returned). There were many marks (of incorrectness) on my homework, but luckily, we were spending most of the class period going over the answers. The revealing part of class was when my classmate asked about the grading of one of her questions (the assignment was to read a passage and then answer questions, all written in Japanese). As it turned out, her answer was right (and I believe grammatically correct), but since it was not the most direct, desired answer according to the grading instructor, it was marked wrong. It seems more and more that Japanese schooling is focused on memorization and convention. This is going to be hard for me, having come from a system in which individual thought, and essentially loopholes, are encouraged. I’m a bit concerned that memorizing will hinder my ability to learn practical Japanese, but I suppose, if it works for the Japanese, then it should work for the Japanese language.
After class, I went to the hyakuen Lawson’s with Keily and Mike to get lunch. I bought a bento (that was not hyakuen) and donuts (for hyakuen)!!! They weren’t great, but they were donuts, so I ate all four. After lunch, I went with a friend to find book off. Book off is a chain that sells used (and it looks like new too) books, games, CD’s, and DVD’s. If I was still into manga, I would be in heaven. I really wanted to buy some music, but I don’t know which Japanese bands I like (whose music I don’t already have).
Afterward, we tried to find a shortcut back to Nanzan, and ended up taking a big loop that got us nowhere. We had to ask an obaasan (who had to ask two otoko) how to get to Nanzan and none of them seemed to know. They kept saying it was pretty far away (touii), but I’m finding it hard to think anything is really far away, as long as there are sidewalks to get me there. I’m so used to having to take a car to get anywhere that being in the city, I don’t mind walking twenty or more minutes to my destination. Besides which, it’s a really easy way to get exercise.
On the way back to the eki, we stopped at a flower shop (overpriced) to look for a plant for okaasan and then at a second-hand store to see what they had. Unlike American second-hand stores, this one was rather chic and didn’t seem dusty or dirty. In the end, we didn’t buy anything, but I got a few good pictures and an interesting afternoon.
For dinner tonight, okaasan made fish and chips, but I misunderstood her when she asked me if I had eaten it before, so she was surprised that I said I hadn’t. The truth was that I hadn’t had it, but not because I had never had fish and chips. We are in Japan, so of course, it was not English fish and chips, but Japanese fish and chips; breaded and fried oysters, (English) chips, coleslaw (cabbage with nothing on it), miso soup, rice, squash (I think, as I did not eat it), and salad. It was very good, but I had never had oysters (let alone deep fried ones) before. Okaasan also taught me how to set the table like a Japanese person (as I had done it backward. The large plate goes in the middle (duh), but the rice bowl goes on the left and the miso goes on the right. For dessert, we had a rolled yellow cake with white icing, which, of course, was delicious.
After class, I went to the hyakuen Lawson’s with Keily and Mike to get lunch. I bought a bento (that was not hyakuen) and donuts (for hyakuen)!!! They weren’t great, but they were donuts, so I ate all four. After lunch, I went with a friend to find book off. Book off is a chain that sells used (and it looks like new too) books, games, CD’s, and DVD’s. If I was still into manga, I would be in heaven. I really wanted to buy some music, but I don’t know which Japanese bands I like (whose music I don’t already have).
Afterward, we tried to find a shortcut back to Nanzan, and ended up taking a big loop that got us nowhere. We had to ask an obaasan (who had to ask two otoko) how to get to Nanzan and none of them seemed to know. They kept saying it was pretty far away (touii), but I’m finding it hard to think anything is really far away, as long as there are sidewalks to get me there. I’m so used to having to take a car to get anywhere that being in the city, I don’t mind walking twenty or more minutes to my destination. Besides which, it’s a really easy way to get exercise.
On the way back to the eki, we stopped at a flower shop (overpriced) to look for a plant for okaasan and then at a second-hand store to see what they had. Unlike American second-hand stores, this one was rather chic and didn’t seem dusty or dirty. In the end, we didn’t buy anything, but I got a few good pictures and an interesting afternoon.
For dinner tonight, okaasan made fish and chips, but I misunderstood her when she asked me if I had eaten it before, so she was surprised that I said I hadn’t. The truth was that I hadn’t had it, but not because I had never had fish and chips. We are in Japan, so of course, it was not English fish and chips, but Japanese fish and chips; breaded and fried oysters, (English) chips, coleslaw (cabbage with nothing on it), miso soup, rice, squash (I think, as I did not eat it), and salad. It was very good, but I had never had oysters (let alone deep fried ones) before. Okaasan also taught me how to set the table like a Japanese person (as I had done it backward. The large plate goes in the middle (duh), but the rice bowl goes on the left and the miso goes on the right. For dessert, we had a rolled yellow cake with white icing, which, of course, was delicious.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
January 21
It was particularly hard to get up today as I had stayed up until 2:30 watching the presidential inauguration. As I was watching it, I was wondering why I had thought it was so important to see.
When I went down for breakfast, お母さん gave me a particularly large one; soup (from the night before, and happily met), a (fully cooked) egg, toast, part of an apple, orange juice, and tea. I was a little late in leaving for my train, but I made it just in time; as I ascended the stairs to the platform, the music started that signals the coming of the train. My friend, however, had to run to the platform (though she had beat me) since she was late in leaving also after having watched the inauguration.
When I got to school, I found in the CJS office lots of Japanese calendars up for grabs. I took a large honda one (whose pictures were comprised completely of felt animals with no cars involved) and an Audrey Hepbern one. I was very pleased. I also found a note (that I could not read) in my mailbox and when I brought it to the desk, I found that there was a part of my bank application missing; a deposit into the account. As a result, I made a deposit of a whole ten en for my account.
I was surprised to find that I was not tired in class this morning. Our professor was the reading professor (the only one who isn’t a girl) and his lectures seem more interesting than the super-sweet 先生の and the older 先生の.
After class, I went to コパン for early lunch, and then back to the CJS office to have my ISEP meeting. The meeting was kind of long, and nearly fully redundant. Ms. Montessa talked about meal reimbursement, transcripts, and health insurance.
All of this was okay because the meeting ended early enough and afterward, I went on the Nagoya tour!!!!!! At about 1:30, we left 南山 for Nagoya Castle. I was able to get a few good pictures before we went inside (where picture taking is controlled) and luckily, it did not rain until we had finished the tour. We spent a lot of time at the castle, and we could have spent a lot more, but to be honest, I was tired by that time.
Afterward, a few of the students (five with me included) went to Osu!!!!! 大須 is a giant, covered outdoor mall that sells tons of stuff. I was impressed by all the fashionable clothes, shoes, arcades, and food. I had to leave before I really had time to look closely at things I wanted to buy, but I plan on going back on Saturday.
Right now, my feet hurt from all the walking and I’m really tired.
I went to dinner with 両親 ten minutes late because I was expecting お母さん to call me to dinner as usual. I guess I should just go at seven regardless, or so it seemed from the (only partially understood) exchange between myself and her. Today, I ate a lot, but I finished around the same time as お母さん and お父さん, so it seemed alright. We had fish with daikon (daikon tastes like the delicious version of rutabaga), salad, rice (I love it!), and broccoli greens. For dessert, we had German fruitcake again.
I think I finally experienced my culture shock today (or at least my culture embarrassment). At dinner, お母さん showed me the correct way to hold dishes while eating. Apparently, holding a bowl so that it rests on your palm and is stabilized on the sides with your fingers is considered arrogant. Instead, you are supposed to rest the base on your fingertips (held together) and use your thumb on the rim to stabilize it. I apologized, but お母さん told me not to worry, since I had probably seen people at school eating that way.
After dinner, お母さん and お父さん discussed and decided on the birthday gift for their granddaughter. After that, お母さん pulled out a bunch of calendars she had received and gave one (with traditional Japanese pictures for each month) to me to hang on my wall. Of course, I told her it was pretty, but that I had picked on up from school that morning, but she insisted. It really is a pretty calendar, but it is the tear-off type, so I had to ask お母さん what to do because I didn’t really want to tear it, but it was the case that I had to.
When I went down for breakfast, お母さん gave me a particularly large one; soup (from the night before, and happily met), a (fully cooked) egg, toast, part of an apple, orange juice, and tea. I was a little late in leaving for my train, but I made it just in time; as I ascended the stairs to the platform, the music started that signals the coming of the train. My friend, however, had to run to the platform (though she had beat me) since she was late in leaving also after having watched the inauguration.
When I got to school, I found in the CJS office lots of Japanese calendars up for grabs. I took a large honda one (whose pictures were comprised completely of felt animals with no cars involved) and an Audrey Hepbern one. I was very pleased. I also found a note (that I could not read) in my mailbox and when I brought it to the desk, I found that there was a part of my bank application missing; a deposit into the account. As a result, I made a deposit of a whole ten en for my account.
I was surprised to find that I was not tired in class this morning. Our professor was the reading professor (the only one who isn’t a girl) and his lectures seem more interesting than the super-sweet 先生の and the older 先生の.
After class, I went to コパン for early lunch, and then back to the CJS office to have my ISEP meeting. The meeting was kind of long, and nearly fully redundant. Ms. Montessa talked about meal reimbursement, transcripts, and health insurance.
All of this was okay because the meeting ended early enough and afterward, I went on the Nagoya tour!!!!!! At about 1:30, we left 南山 for Nagoya Castle. I was able to get a few good pictures before we went inside (where picture taking is controlled) and luckily, it did not rain until we had finished the tour. We spent a lot of time at the castle, and we could have spent a lot more, but to be honest, I was tired by that time.
Afterward, a few of the students (five with me included) went to Osu!!!!! 大須 is a giant, covered outdoor mall that sells tons of stuff. I was impressed by all the fashionable clothes, shoes, arcades, and food. I had to leave before I really had time to look closely at things I wanted to buy, but I plan on going back on Saturday.
Right now, my feet hurt from all the walking and I’m really tired.
I went to dinner with 両親 ten minutes late because I was expecting お母さん to call me to dinner as usual. I guess I should just go at seven regardless, or so it seemed from the (only partially understood) exchange between myself and her. Today, I ate a lot, but I finished around the same time as お母さん and お父さん, so it seemed alright. We had fish with daikon (daikon tastes like the delicious version of rutabaga), salad, rice (I love it!), and broccoli greens. For dessert, we had German fruitcake again.
I think I finally experienced my culture shock today (or at least my culture embarrassment). At dinner, お母さん showed me the correct way to hold dishes while eating. Apparently, holding a bowl so that it rests on your palm and is stabilized on the sides with your fingers is considered arrogant. Instead, you are supposed to rest the base on your fingertips (held together) and use your thumb on the rim to stabilize it. I apologized, but お母さん told me not to worry, since I had probably seen people at school eating that way.
After dinner, お母さん and お父さん discussed and decided on the birthday gift for their granddaughter. After that, お母さん pulled out a bunch of calendars she had received and gave one (with traditional Japanese pictures for each month) to me to hang on my wall. Of course, I told her it was pretty, but that I had picked on up from school that morning, but she insisted. It really is a pretty calendar, but it is the tear-off type, so I had to ask お母さん what to do because I didn’t really want to tear it, but it was the case that I had to.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
January 20
Once again, I did not want to get out of bed this morning. お母さん made scrambled eggs with my rye pumpernickel toast (she also made me finish off the grapefruit juice). (: Afterward, I rushed off to school (still worrying about troubling お母さん about the bank account.) As I walked through the neighborhood, I noticed a man on the other side of the street who was walking faster than me. Partially in rivalry and partially in concern over the possibility of missing my train, I made it my mission to beat him to the 駅 (whether he was going there or not). I succeeded (: and met my friend at the 駅 on time.
At school, I picked up my atrocious quiz grade, and realized I was at school very early. On Tuesdays (and, I think, Wednesdays) class does not start until 10:30am. I think I’ll still ride the 地下鉄 early and explore a bit (and try to take pictures) on the way to class, at least for a few more days. Keily and I used the time to investigate the chapel. We couldn’t figure out how to get in, but we walked around the outside (and on what seemed like an unstable roof) and decided it was a very strange building. It looks like a group of eggs surrounding a turret and there are bunker-like buildings (apartments? the nunnery?) around it. To be honest, Nanzan University is a pretty depressing place to look at. It is true that the brick of NC State is boring, but it’s not depressing like the concrete and grey of 南山.
Class dragged on today and we got a new assignment; a journal with a Japanese student. I was really worried about it, since I thought that entailed walking up to students I don’t know until one agreed to write a journal with me. Fortunately, the Japanese (language) students (me included) will write the journals and the instructors will pair us with appropriate Japanese (native) students. This may turn out to be a good situation.
After class (finally) there was a long break, so I went to Lawson’s and bought おにぎり and a cream puff. After, I went to the locker room to talk with the other 留学生 and do homework until my afternoon (はんが) class. This is when David encouraged me to go on the Nagoya Castle tour trip tomorrow. I wasn’t planning on going because of the bank work I had to do with お母さん, but we went to the CJS office to sign up for the trip (tentatively) and I was pleasantly surprised; the staff took care of my bank account despite their claim that yesterday was the only day they would help. This was a triple score; 1 I didn’t have to cause お母さん any trouble (to be explained further) 2 I don’t have to deal with the bank application (very boring/unpleasant) 3 I get to to go to Nagoya Castle!!!!!!!!!!!! I am very excited and happy that I won’t have to miss this opportunity (Although I wish I could have gone on the Tokyo tour today, but my schedule wouldn’t work with it).
As for the bank plans... Last night, I told お母さん that I needed to open a Japanese bank account. She suggested a bank very close to our house (probably the one I pass on the way to the 駅), but I had to admit that 南山 said I had to open a Bank of Nagoya account. This was, of course, inconvenient. お母さんの and my schedules didn’t match up well this week. お母さん said she would cancel a plan she had for Wednesday to take me, and I felt horrible. I told her we could do it the following week, but she was set on this Wednesday. So, feeling horrible, my plan (this morning) was to appeal to 南山 (which had previously said that yesterday during the information session was the only time they would do the paperwork for us, as opposed to us doing our own paperwork) to give me a rain check. I was very lucky to have 南山 take care of the whole thing (even help me with the paperwork previously distributed).
After all of this was はんが class. Like the しょうど class, there were too many students in the section, so, at the beginning of class, the CJS staff came in and nervously asked if anyone would be willing to move to an earlier section of the course. Of course, most of the class raised their hands, not wanting to spend their evenings (until 4:45) in class. The staff was pleasantly surprised. I hope that I will be able to get into the early class as well. Today’s class was relatively boring though (many people fell asleep). We watched a movie (in Japanese) concerning an impressive はんが artist, then went home, or in my case, to the 百円 Lawson’s!!!
Lately, people have been talking about the 百円 Lawson’s, but no one would take there when they mentioned it. After はんが class though, David showed me the way to the store. It is so close to the campus and even cheaper than the Lawson’s at school!!! It’s true though, that they tack on a 5% tax to some items, which makes it a more-than-百円 Lawson’s, but that’s okay. It’s still cheaper than on campus.
At school, I picked up my atrocious quiz grade, and realized I was at school very early. On Tuesdays (and, I think, Wednesdays) class does not start until 10:30am. I think I’ll still ride the 地下鉄 early and explore a bit (and try to take pictures) on the way to class, at least for a few more days. Keily and I used the time to investigate the chapel. We couldn’t figure out how to get in, but we walked around the outside (and on what seemed like an unstable roof) and decided it was a very strange building. It looks like a group of eggs surrounding a turret and there are bunker-like buildings (apartments? the nunnery?) around it. To be honest, Nanzan University is a pretty depressing place to look at. It is true that the brick of NC State is boring, but it’s not depressing like the concrete and grey of 南山.
Class dragged on today and we got a new assignment; a journal with a Japanese student. I was really worried about it, since I thought that entailed walking up to students I don’t know until one agreed to write a journal with me. Fortunately, the Japanese (language) students (me included) will write the journals and the instructors will pair us with appropriate Japanese (native) students. This may turn out to be a good situation.
After class (finally) there was a long break, so I went to Lawson’s and bought おにぎり and a cream puff. After, I went to the locker room to talk with the other 留学生 and do homework until my afternoon (はんが) class. This is when David encouraged me to go on the Nagoya Castle tour trip tomorrow. I wasn’t planning on going because of the bank work I had to do with お母さん, but we went to the CJS office to sign up for the trip (tentatively) and I was pleasantly surprised; the staff took care of my bank account despite their claim that yesterday was the only day they would help. This was a triple score; 1 I didn’t have to cause お母さん any trouble (to be explained further) 2 I don’t have to deal with the bank application (very boring/unpleasant) 3 I get to to go to Nagoya Castle!!!!!!!!!!!! I am very excited and happy that I won’t have to miss this opportunity (Although I wish I could have gone on the Tokyo tour today, but my schedule wouldn’t work with it).
As for the bank plans... Last night, I told お母さん that I needed to open a Japanese bank account. She suggested a bank very close to our house (probably the one I pass on the way to the 駅), but I had to admit that 南山 said I had to open a Bank of Nagoya account. This was, of course, inconvenient. お母さんの and my schedules didn’t match up well this week. お母さん said she would cancel a plan she had for Wednesday to take me, and I felt horrible. I told her we could do it the following week, but she was set on this Wednesday. So, feeling horrible, my plan (this morning) was to appeal to 南山 (which had previously said that yesterday during the information session was the only time they would do the paperwork for us, as opposed to us doing our own paperwork) to give me a rain check. I was very lucky to have 南山 take care of the whole thing (even help me with the paperwork previously distributed).
After all of this was はんが class. Like the しょうど class, there were too many students in the section, so, at the beginning of class, the CJS staff came in and nervously asked if anyone would be willing to move to an earlier section of the course. Of course, most of the class raised their hands, not wanting to spend their evenings (until 4:45) in class. The staff was pleasantly surprised. I hope that I will be able to get into the early class as well. Today’s class was relatively boring though (many people fell asleep). We watched a movie (in Japanese) concerning an impressive はんが artist, then went home, or in my case, to the 百円 Lawson’s!!!
Lately, people have been talking about the 百円 Lawson’s, but no one would take there when they mentioned it. After はんが class though, David showed me the way to the store. It is so close to the campus and even cheaper than the Lawson’s at school!!! It’s true though, that they tack on a 5% tax to some items, which makes it a more-than-百円 Lawson’s, but that’s okay. It’s still cheaper than on campus.
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19
It rained like craziness last night. I slept so well I didn’t want to get out of bed (again). This morning, お母さん made me runny eggs again (which is starting to creep me out) but she had rye pumpernickel bread, so it made up for it. (:
I beat my friend to the 駅 for a change. We decided to go do something interesting on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon since we have no classes after about 10 or 11. We’ll probably go to the 100円 shop or BookOff. I tried to buy my books before class, but the store doesn’t open until 10:30 (what’s up with that?!), so I spent my morning checking my mailbox (which had my badly completed homework covered in red circles in it) and getting to class (with no time to review for the quiz). The quiz was really easy, but since I had forgotten to study, I bombed it. I’m beating myself up for it a bit and I’m not looking forward to my meeting with sensei on Friday, as I haven’t made any reassuring marks in class yet. The meeting is being held (each student has one) to discuss the results of the second placement exam we took and sensei said in advance that a lot of people did poorly. D:
Class itself was fun today. I understood all of the lessons and it was almost like being back in high school. The first day really was overwhelming by comparison. Even the reading instructor was considerably easier to understand. We talked about jet-lag and culture shock, daily routines, etc. Class did not drag on at all.
Today was also the information session on opening a bank account. It was expectedly unhelpful; the paperwork was handed out, mildly explained, and the ultimatum given. We could either do the paperwork then and there, have the CJS officials do the rest, and use the branch nearest the university (estimated 20 minutes by foot) as our branch. The alternative (which I chose because I don’t like doing financial work without all the facts) was to “do it by yourself,” and determine if there is a branch near my residence. Did the CJS have a list of branches besides ‘the one nearest Nanzan?’ No. Did they warn us in advance so we could be prepared at the information session? No. Can we open an account with just any bank? No. Will CJS do a raincheck on doing the work for us while we research our other options for branch locations? Of course not. So, I have to ask お母さん to help me find a Nagoya Bank Branch (if it exists) in Nisshin, determine if I should go there or near Nanzan, and do all the paperwork myself. I expected I would have to do a lot of work myself, but when CJS offers help, I at least expect it to be actual help.
Afterward, I went to the コパン to pick up my art supplies and textbook. For the record; paperback books are expensive in Japan. My “textbook” which highly resembles a small paperback is listed at 1500円 and the novels at the bookstore お母さん took me to were even more expensive. I bought calligraphy brushes (which I already have in the States) grossly overpriced and I still have to buy a case to keep them in so they don’t get ruined because sensei said putting the plastic covers back on will ruin them. I also purchased knives (for はんが) so that should be fun when I start tomorrow.
Once I spent that money, I went to the first floor of コパン to get lunch. I was thinking about getting one of the cafeteria lunches (which are restaurant quality), but I couldn’t find anything really appealing, so I went to the パン屋 to see what they had and I was hooked. I got a Japanese-style fried chicken sandwich and a giant twisty pastry which I was happy to find was comparable to the epitome of fried dough (I couldn’t turn them down for a total of 400円). I have to stay away from the パン屋 or I will not come back thin at all.
After lunch, I had calligraphy class (which is supposed to be broken into two sections, but everyone (except three people) signed up for the first section (since no one wants a long break in their schedule or to have to be at school until five if they can avoid it). The class was really fun actually. It’s kind of frustrating to do the work on tiny desks, but there is a lot of posture and technique to the art, so I am enjoying it thus far. The instructor kept repeating herself (I think she felt like she was teaching a lot of middle school students) in saying (entirely in Japanese) “It’s better to go slowly than to rush,” “use the smooth side of the paper,” and “turn in your best print with your student number and name on it.” Poor 先生...
After calligraphy, was the infamous history class. Everyone I have spoken to (only a few people though) about the class has said that it is not a good one and has recommended I not take it. Unfortunately, I have to. Our class is only about ten people (surprise!), four of which are from Notre Dame, two from the Congo, and so on. The professor doesn’t seem bad yet and hopefully I can keep up. I’ll look on the bright side as long as I can... which is probably out the window, or at least for today it was. We were on the fifth floor of one of the buildings for class and you can see all of downtown Nagoya from there. It really is pretty.
Today’s history class started late (sensei was late) and ended early (since we ran out of things to say). It was only an orientation. We have three grades; attendance, mid term, and a final (5-page) paper. I’m only worried about the midterm for now. Sensei is kind of strange. He keeps trying to make jokes, and he almost makes it, but he just misses being funny.
After class, I went home as usual and spent a lot of time just doing homework. I wish there was more time before Japanese class to study. However, my schedule resembles commuting (hard to study during since I’m changing trains, usually standing, and then walking near cars), Japanese class (which is the one I need to study for), nothingness time, other class (that doesn’t need studying so far), and more commuting. It’s hard to study at night too since it’s so freaking frigid and that’s when I do other important things, not to mention dinner cuts through the middle. I guess the only solution is not to sleep.
I beat my friend to the 駅 for a change. We decided to go do something interesting on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon since we have no classes after about 10 or 11. We’ll probably go to the 100円 shop or BookOff. I tried to buy my books before class, but the store doesn’t open until 10:30 (what’s up with that?!), so I spent my morning checking my mailbox (which had my badly completed homework covered in red circles in it) and getting to class (with no time to review for the quiz). The quiz was really easy, but since I had forgotten to study, I bombed it. I’m beating myself up for it a bit and I’m not looking forward to my meeting with sensei on Friday, as I haven’t made any reassuring marks in class yet. The meeting is being held (each student has one) to discuss the results of the second placement exam we took and sensei said in advance that a lot of people did poorly. D:
Class itself was fun today. I understood all of the lessons and it was almost like being back in high school. The first day really was overwhelming by comparison. Even the reading instructor was considerably easier to understand. We talked about jet-lag and culture shock, daily routines, etc. Class did not drag on at all.
Today was also the information session on opening a bank account. It was expectedly unhelpful; the paperwork was handed out, mildly explained, and the ultimatum given. We could either do the paperwork then and there, have the CJS officials do the rest, and use the branch nearest the university (estimated 20 minutes by foot) as our branch. The alternative (which I chose because I don’t like doing financial work without all the facts) was to “do it by yourself,” and determine if there is a branch near my residence. Did the CJS have a list of branches besides ‘the one nearest Nanzan?’ No. Did they warn us in advance so we could be prepared at the information session? No. Can we open an account with just any bank? No. Will CJS do a raincheck on doing the work for us while we research our other options for branch locations? Of course not. So, I have to ask お母さん to help me find a Nagoya Bank Branch (if it exists) in Nisshin, determine if I should go there or near Nanzan, and do all the paperwork myself. I expected I would have to do a lot of work myself, but when CJS offers help, I at least expect it to be actual help.
Afterward, I went to the コパン to pick up my art supplies and textbook. For the record; paperback books are expensive in Japan. My “textbook” which highly resembles a small paperback is listed at 1500円 and the novels at the bookstore お母さん took me to were even more expensive. I bought calligraphy brushes (which I already have in the States) grossly overpriced and I still have to buy a case to keep them in so they don’t get ruined because sensei said putting the plastic covers back on will ruin them. I also purchased knives (for はんが) so that should be fun when I start tomorrow.
Once I spent that money, I went to the first floor of コパン to get lunch. I was thinking about getting one of the cafeteria lunches (which are restaurant quality), but I couldn’t find anything really appealing, so I went to the パン屋 to see what they had and I was hooked. I got a Japanese-style fried chicken sandwich and a giant twisty pastry which I was happy to find was comparable to the epitome of fried dough (I couldn’t turn them down for a total of 400円). I have to stay away from the パン屋 or I will not come back thin at all.
After lunch, I had calligraphy class (which is supposed to be broken into two sections, but everyone (except three people) signed up for the first section (since no one wants a long break in their schedule or to have to be at school until five if they can avoid it). The class was really fun actually. It’s kind of frustrating to do the work on tiny desks, but there is a lot of posture and technique to the art, so I am enjoying it thus far. The instructor kept repeating herself (I think she felt like she was teaching a lot of middle school students) in saying (entirely in Japanese) “It’s better to go slowly than to rush,” “use the smooth side of the paper,” and “turn in your best print with your student number and name on it.” Poor 先生...
After calligraphy, was the infamous history class. Everyone I have spoken to (only a few people though) about the class has said that it is not a good one and has recommended I not take it. Unfortunately, I have to. Our class is only about ten people (surprise!), four of which are from Notre Dame, two from the Congo, and so on. The professor doesn’t seem bad yet and hopefully I can keep up. I’ll look on the bright side as long as I can... which is probably out the window, or at least for today it was. We were on the fifth floor of one of the buildings for class and you can see all of downtown Nagoya from there. It really is pretty.
Today’s history class started late (sensei was late) and ended early (since we ran out of things to say). It was only an orientation. We have three grades; attendance, mid term, and a final (5-page) paper. I’m only worried about the midterm for now. Sensei is kind of strange. He keeps trying to make jokes, and he almost makes it, but he just misses being funny.
After class, I went home as usual and spent a lot of time just doing homework. I wish there was more time before Japanese class to study. However, my schedule resembles commuting (hard to study during since I’m changing trains, usually standing, and then walking near cars), Japanese class (which is the one I need to study for), nothingness time, other class (that doesn’t need studying so far), and more commuting. It’s hard to study at night too since it’s so freaking frigid and that’s when I do other important things, not to mention dinner cuts through the middle. I guess the only solution is not to sleep.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
January 18
Today was very interesting. I got up and ate breakfast with お母さん, then went with her to her workplace (Foreigners’ Center). We took the Prius to the 地下鉄駅 and rode into the city. On the way to お母さん work, we passed a lot of buildings, but I was surprised (and wished I could do the same in America) to find inside a plant pot, not only plants and water, but goldfish!!!!!!!! I want one. While お母さん taught the foreigners basic Japanese, I wandered around the information office and library. I found a few postings for language exchange in the information office, so I wrote down the e-mail addresses of a few girls who wanted to exchange English and Japanese. In the library, I found an English copy of 電車男 (as told through the messages) and I really wanted to take a picture, but I figured the librarian would be very angry.
After お母さん was finished, we searched the (nearly deserted) city for a restaurant that was open (on Sunday). We finally settled on Starbucks (ironic!) and I had the best green tea latté I know of. We also had sandwiches and I tried to pay, but お母さん wouldn’t let me.
When we were done eating, it began to rain, but お母さん showed me the the book store that sells foreign (English) books. お母さん wanted to show me the foreign books, but I really wanted to see all the Japanese things, since we don’t have them in the states. They had some cute stationary and expensive desk items as well as traditional Japanese prints. We also went to the multi-story (I can’t figure out how many) shopping mall. I was overwhelmed and felt kind of reluctant looking through the clothes at the mall since there were attendants at almost every display greeting me and the price tags were not to even be spoken of.
After we came back, I did a bit of kanji homework and played the piano. At 5:30, we went to dinner with お母さん and お父さんの son, daughter in-law, and grand daughter. It was a lot of fun. We went to an Italian restaurant (and 両親 worried that I wouldn’t eat anything because I don’t like cheese) and had Japanese Italian food. First, there was vegetable soup, then prosciutto salad, pasta with capers, pizza (Japanese style with fish), and the most Asian soufflé ever; it had rice inside. For dessert, we could choose four dishes, so I had tiramisu, coffee cheesecake, and chocolate mousse (I gave my strawberries to 孫娘ちゃん). 両親の son designs car bodies (I couldn’t hear the name of the company when he said it) and 孫娘ちゃん was really cute and has a sweet tooth. お母さん said 孫娘ちゃん was me 18 years ago, haha.
After お母さん was finished, we searched the (nearly deserted) city for a restaurant that was open (on Sunday). We finally settled on Starbucks (ironic!) and I had the best green tea latté I know of. We also had sandwiches and I tried to pay, but お母さん wouldn’t let me.
When we were done eating, it began to rain, but お母さん showed me the the book store that sells foreign (English) books. お母さん wanted to show me the foreign books, but I really wanted to see all the Japanese things, since we don’t have them in the states. They had some cute stationary and expensive desk items as well as traditional Japanese prints. We also went to the multi-story (I can’t figure out how many) shopping mall. I was overwhelmed and felt kind of reluctant looking through the clothes at the mall since there were attendants at almost every display greeting me and the price tags were not to even be spoken of.
After we came back, I did a bit of kanji homework and played the piano. At 5:30, we went to dinner with お母さん and お父さんの son, daughter in-law, and grand daughter. It was a lot of fun. We went to an Italian restaurant (and 両親 worried that I wouldn’t eat anything because I don’t like cheese) and had Japanese Italian food. First, there was vegetable soup, then prosciutto salad, pasta with capers, pizza (Japanese style with fish), and the most Asian soufflé ever; it had rice inside. For dessert, we could choose four dishes, so I had tiramisu, coffee cheesecake, and chocolate mousse (I gave my strawberries to 孫娘ちゃん). 両親の son designs car bodies (I couldn’t hear the name of the company when he said it) and 孫娘ちゃん was really cute and has a sweet tooth. お母さん said 孫娘ちゃん was me 18 years ago, haha.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
January 17
Today is お母さんの誕生日! I got woken up at 7:00, but I went back to bed until about 10:30. After, I took a frigid shower and ate the delicious roast beef and egg sandwich お母さん had made for me. She asked me to turn the TV off when I had finished breakfast, but to leave it on while I ate because, she said, “It’s [listening to Japanese] good for me.” She even made a lunch for me of... おにぎり and リンゴ!!!! お母さん spoils me even on her own birthday.
After she had gone to work, I had my mundane (but fun) day of laundry, skype, piano, and homework. お母さんの washer acts like American お母さんの washer; it shakes violently when it hits high spin. Unfortunately, Japanese お母さん wasn’t home when I noticed it, so, not having a command of how to resume the wash cycle if I stopped it, I did my best to stabilize the machine during its last five minutes. I was very fortunate to find some of my friends online at 1am d: and to find my homework not as hard as it appeared. I must, however, study to be ready for the quiz on Monday and reading class (in which following the sensei is harder to do than the actual work).
Dinner was very special today. We had sushi!!!! お母さん said it was because it was her birthday and she didn’t want to cook. I’m still wondering if she made it herself or bought it. お母さん always tells me to eat (before everyone else) and I feel rude to do so, so I wait anyway. Today, she told me to just relax (all the time), that she and お父さん could be nervous, but that I didn’t need to. (: The sushi was delicious; we had rolled sushi of tuna, たまご, cucumber, and something undetermined as well as sashimi of salmon, tuna, shrimp, and something untranslated. There were two other kinds of sashimi, one a marinated fish and the other mackerel. We also had miso with udon and お母さん told me not to eat more than I could, but I tried to finish my bowl because I hate to waste something she worked over (but in the end she took my bowl with soup in it). We had pudding again for dessert (: and I spoke with お父さん about linguistics of English (American and British) and Japanese.
お母さん offered to take me with her to her job (teaching foreigners basic Japanese) and to the department store afterward. I wanted to go, but I guess I wasn’t showing it, so お父さん told me that I should get all the experiences I can in Japan. I’ll be going with お母さん tomorrow, and hopefully I will find her present in the process... though making it a covert operation will be tough...
I think my host family is getting the idea that I do not go out with my friends enough because I planned to spend the weekend here. I hope they will not worry though, and realize that it’s only the first weekend and I’m trying to get a feel for my class work (homework) before I start spending weekend days with my friends.
I think I am catching on to お母さん. She definitely speaks with some kind of dialect or slur as compared to textbook Japanese and I think she has a few tricks up her sleeve. I’m getting better at catching what she says and during dinner she’s been relaying to お父さん what I’ve said to her, which isn’t bad, just funny when I recognize it. She also knows how to whine as well as the young Japanese girls, which I find both interesting and a bit funny. I think she can turn on the bitterness (perhaps only in the same way that I get bitter to brush things off) based on the tone of some of the things she has said to お父さん. I really admire her though for having such an interesting personality (not to mention her cooking ability and kindness to me).
I have found a few more differences between our countries to share. The hard part isn’t encountering them, but recognizing them once you experience them.
The first is; Japanese people don’t use napkins at meals. I’m constantly fascinated with the types of food and ways of eating them (like slurping!) that Japanese people have and yet, remain neat eaters. お父さん and お母さん told me I could use their paper napkins (“serviettes,” as they had lived in Belgium) since they never used them. They also said not to worry when I excused myself for burping. お母さん said “ガブリエル is very polite but we are not polite.” Gross overstatement on both sides!!!
They don’t use towels (or driers) in public bathrooms either; the solution is to bring your own handkerchief. I guess this is pretty logical and not a bad idea, as the air driers in the US never seem quick enough and paper towels are a waste of trees (though Japan makes up for this with the volume of paper handed out in educational institutions). It’s most probably more sanitary to bring your own towel too.
Another major difference is; mandatory sorting of trash. In Japan, there are many different trash receptacles, but no “trash can.” There will always be at least two bins; burnable and non-burnable. If they are further divided, there will also be bins for steel, aluminum, glass, PET plastic, and paper, if not more. お父さん was surprised to hear that recycling is a choice in the United States.
Additionally, Japanese people are required to take an annual medical check-up. お父さん said part of the exam was to have your waist measured.
There are two phrases that are sticking very well as a result of my experiences with speaking. The first is まもなく (presently, or very soon). I hear it on the 地下鉄 every day as we approach each 駅. The second is もいい, (I’m fine, thank you) which I need to start using instead of 大丈夫 (I’m alright) when お母さん continues to offer me food when I’m full. Also, 服を洗濯する, でも, お皿を洗う. (There is a different verb for washing clothes and for washing dishes) I think I’m figuring out the best way for me to learn Japanese; that is to do my best to learn and remember what is taught in class, then to reinforce it by listening and talking in Japanese. I am finding that I know a lot of things from when I studied and memorized them in class, but that I have to hear them in practical situations to really be able to access them. After I’ve heard them in practice, I have an experience to link them with rather than an isolated attempt to memorize the language. I’m not a fast learner, but I think I can do this...
P.S. I finally found a Miata yesterday. It lives on the street behind our house and I’m determined to get a picture before I leave. The only thing that kept me from taking the picture last time was the darkness at 6-something PM when I got home from the 地下鉄.
After she had gone to work, I had my mundane (but fun) day of laundry, skype, piano, and homework. お母さんの washer acts like American お母さんの washer; it shakes violently when it hits high spin. Unfortunately, Japanese お母さん wasn’t home when I noticed it, so, not having a command of how to resume the wash cycle if I stopped it, I did my best to stabilize the machine during its last five minutes. I was very fortunate to find some of my friends online at 1am d: and to find my homework not as hard as it appeared. I must, however, study to be ready for the quiz on Monday and reading class (in which following the sensei is harder to do than the actual work).
Dinner was very special today. We had sushi!!!! お母さん said it was because it was her birthday and she didn’t want to cook. I’m still wondering if she made it herself or bought it. お母さん always tells me to eat (before everyone else) and I feel rude to do so, so I wait anyway. Today, she told me to just relax (all the time), that she and お父さん could be nervous, but that I didn’t need to. (: The sushi was delicious; we had rolled sushi of tuna, たまご, cucumber, and something undetermined as well as sashimi of salmon, tuna, shrimp, and something untranslated. There were two other kinds of sashimi, one a marinated fish and the other mackerel. We also had miso with udon and お母さん told me not to eat more than I could, but I tried to finish my bowl because I hate to waste something she worked over (but in the end she took my bowl with soup in it). We had pudding again for dessert (: and I spoke with お父さん about linguistics of English (American and British) and Japanese.
お母さん offered to take me with her to her job (teaching foreigners basic Japanese) and to the department store afterward. I wanted to go, but I guess I wasn’t showing it, so お父さん told me that I should get all the experiences I can in Japan. I’ll be going with お母さん tomorrow, and hopefully I will find her present in the process... though making it a covert operation will be tough...
I think my host family is getting the idea that I do not go out with my friends enough because I planned to spend the weekend here. I hope they will not worry though, and realize that it’s only the first weekend and I’m trying to get a feel for my class work (homework) before I start spending weekend days with my friends.
I think I am catching on to お母さん. She definitely speaks with some kind of dialect or slur as compared to textbook Japanese and I think she has a few tricks up her sleeve. I’m getting better at catching what she says and during dinner she’s been relaying to お父さん what I’ve said to her, which isn’t bad, just funny when I recognize it. She also knows how to whine as well as the young Japanese girls, which I find both interesting and a bit funny. I think she can turn on the bitterness (perhaps only in the same way that I get bitter to brush things off) based on the tone of some of the things she has said to お父さん. I really admire her though for having such an interesting personality (not to mention her cooking ability and kindness to me).
I have found a few more differences between our countries to share. The hard part isn’t encountering them, but recognizing them once you experience them.
The first is; Japanese people don’t use napkins at meals. I’m constantly fascinated with the types of food and ways of eating them (like slurping!) that Japanese people have and yet, remain neat eaters. お父さん and お母さん told me I could use their paper napkins (“serviettes,” as they had lived in Belgium) since they never used them. They also said not to worry when I excused myself for burping. お母さん said “ガブリエル is very polite but we are not polite.” Gross overstatement on both sides!!!
They don’t use towels (or driers) in public bathrooms either; the solution is to bring your own handkerchief. I guess this is pretty logical and not a bad idea, as the air driers in the US never seem quick enough and paper towels are a waste of trees (though Japan makes up for this with the volume of paper handed out in educational institutions). It’s most probably more sanitary to bring your own towel too.
Another major difference is; mandatory sorting of trash. In Japan, there are many different trash receptacles, but no “trash can.” There will always be at least two bins; burnable and non-burnable. If they are further divided, there will also be bins for steel, aluminum, glass, PET plastic, and paper, if not more. お父さん was surprised to hear that recycling is a choice in the United States.
Additionally, Japanese people are required to take an annual medical check-up. お父さん said part of the exam was to have your waist measured.
There are two phrases that are sticking very well as a result of my experiences with speaking. The first is まもなく (presently, or very soon). I hear it on the 地下鉄 every day as we approach each 駅. The second is もいい, (I’m fine, thank you) which I need to start using instead of 大丈夫 (I’m alright) when お母さん continues to offer me food when I’m full. Also, 服を洗濯する, でも, お皿を洗う. (There is a different verb for washing clothes and for washing dishes) I think I’m figuring out the best way for me to learn Japanese; that is to do my best to learn and remember what is taught in class, then to reinforce it by listening and talking in Japanese. I am finding that I know a lot of things from when I studied and memorized them in class, but that I have to hear them in practical situations to really be able to access them. After I’ve heard them in practice, I have an experience to link them with rather than an isolated attempt to memorize the language. I’m not a fast learner, but I think I can do this...
P.S. I finally found a Miata yesterday. It lives on the street behind our house and I’m determined to get a picture before I leave. The only thing that kept me from taking the picture last time was the darkness at 6-something PM when I got home from the 地下鉄.
Friday, January 16, 2009
January 16
Today started out badly but ended very high. I did not want to get out of bed because I was so warm, but I did. After breakfast, I left for the 地下鉄. There was a girl waiting at the entrance to hand out publicity for a company (a bag of pocket tissues that said 100% off) and she got me. Just as I finished climbing the stairs to my platform, the train left. Luckily, the train I usually take is followed by one more that won’t make me late, but that made me wait 15 minutes. When I got on, one of the English girls that goes to 南山 was there, so we had a pleasant ride, until I got off (which was a station past her stop). Once the train stopped, I had to rush to class (as I was told I would just make it according to the subway schedule). Of course, on the way to the school I had to wait for traffic at a busy (side)street, climb the “mountain” to the school, and find the building and room that class was to be held in, but I got there on time.
Today was the longest day of my school weeks; Japanese from 9:20 to 12:25, then Art and Culture from 3:15 to 5:30. That means; lots of sitting in one place and lots of time in between... to sit in another place. Class was alright (though overwhelming). First, we went over the homework from the night before and reviewed grammar, then the class split into three groups in different rooms and we studied new grammar. When the second instructor (grammar instructor) left, we began reading class (which was very confusing), and afterward, the fourth instructor taught us particle use. I like the grammar and particles best because they are the parts of language learning that are like compiling formulae and thus, they make more sense to me. Kanji and reading don’t seem to be as straight-forward, and that’s probably why I don’t like them as much.
After Japanese, I went with Keily and a few others to the コパン (cafeteria) for lunch. I had my regular of おにぎり and 肉まん, but afterward, I was still hungry, so I spent the 105円 and got a cream puff. Oh my gosh, you do not know food until you’ve eaten in Japan. Japan knows おかし (sweets). This cream puff was great (real custard too), and I bought it from a convenience store! The only down side is that it left me with 3円 (about 2 cents) to my name for a bit. That’s where the tables turn.
I went back into Lawson’s to attempt one more time to use my card. At my friend’s prompting, I read the fine print under the visa logo; “Only for Cards Issued in Japan.” What?!!?!? That had me worried, so I asked Keily where the nearest post office was and though she wasn’t willing to brave the hill to get to it, our friend (whose name I can’t remember still D:) did. It turned out to be a fun adventure. He got caught by a girl handing out packages with candy and real estate magazines in them. We had fun trying to climb the hill on the way back, and we saw some really cute elementary school kids who hadn’t grown into their backpacks yet (I got a picture). However, the best part of the story is... I got money!!!! I was a little confused when I used the machine (because the maximum withdrawal is presented strangely) but I got what I wanted. It was such a relief. Now I can buy the rest of my textbooks and a present for お母さん. The only thing that worries me is that, according to my books, I had -2円 in my pocket before the withdrawal today, but in fact, I have 3円 (plus the withdrawal). I’m not sure how it happened, but I think it’s in my favor.
After lunch, everyone at lunch went to Art and Culture class. We got a bit lost on the way, which resulted in half of us (including myself) having to take the stairs while the other half took the elevator. There were literally 10 flights of stairs to climb and by the time we got to class, we were breathing so hard that the instructor asked us if we were okay. When we got in, there were many (10) handouts to pick up. I confused the class with my history class (based on the contents of the notes) for a bit. Afterward, we listened to the professor speak in as good English as he could and watched a few clips on Japanese art collections. The class was very long and tiring. Afterward, (finally) we were able to leave and I decided to try my commuter pass on the station Keily gets off at for school. Luckily, it was fine and I didn’t get fined. I think this means I can get off at any of the stops between my normal ones at no cost. I’ll see if this is true and try to use it to buy お母さんの gift (as it seems nisshin is too small of an area for fancy stores).
I finally got home around 6:30 and apologized to お母さん for not telling her I would be so late, but she told me not to worry, as it was Friday and she thought I should be out with friends. For dinner, she made a white miso stew-like dish with pork, lettuce, leeks, and udon. She thought I wouldn’t like it because it was very mild, so she gave me rice too. お父さん had his weekend sake (He only drinks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). お母さん bought pudding especially for me since she has picked up on my taste for sweets. I feel so guilty accepting my host family’s kindness. After dinner, お父さん explained how he made his drink (to お母さんの protest) and he left to the upstairs with the drink and bottle. My host family is great.
I ended up taking an inadvertent nap after dinner and I’m going to sleep soon since the night is late now...
P.S. I now have pictures. You can find them at the top right of this page.
Today was the longest day of my school weeks; Japanese from 9:20 to 12:25, then Art and Culture from 3:15 to 5:30. That means; lots of sitting in one place and lots of time in between... to sit in another place. Class was alright (though overwhelming). First, we went over the homework from the night before and reviewed grammar, then the class split into three groups in different rooms and we studied new grammar. When the second instructor (grammar instructor) left, we began reading class (which was very confusing), and afterward, the fourth instructor taught us particle use. I like the grammar and particles best because they are the parts of language learning that are like compiling formulae and thus, they make more sense to me. Kanji and reading don’t seem to be as straight-forward, and that’s probably why I don’t like them as much.
After Japanese, I went with Keily and a few others to the コパン (cafeteria) for lunch. I had my regular of おにぎり and 肉まん, but afterward, I was still hungry, so I spent the 105円 and got a cream puff. Oh my gosh, you do not know food until you’ve eaten in Japan. Japan knows おかし (sweets). This cream puff was great (real custard too), and I bought it from a convenience store! The only down side is that it left me with 3円 (about 2 cents) to my name for a bit. That’s where the tables turn.
I went back into Lawson’s to attempt one more time to use my card. At my friend’s prompting, I read the fine print under the visa logo; “Only for Cards Issued in Japan.” What?!!?!? That had me worried, so I asked Keily where the nearest post office was and though she wasn’t willing to brave the hill to get to it, our friend (whose name I can’t remember still D:) did. It turned out to be a fun adventure. He got caught by a girl handing out packages with candy and real estate magazines in them. We had fun trying to climb the hill on the way back, and we saw some really cute elementary school kids who hadn’t grown into their backpacks yet (I got a picture). However, the best part of the story is... I got money!!!! I was a little confused when I used the machine (because the maximum withdrawal is presented strangely) but I got what I wanted. It was such a relief. Now I can buy the rest of my textbooks and a present for お母さん. The only thing that worries me is that, according to my books, I had -2円 in my pocket before the withdrawal today, but in fact, I have 3円 (plus the withdrawal). I’m not sure how it happened, but I think it’s in my favor.
After lunch, everyone at lunch went to Art and Culture class. We got a bit lost on the way, which resulted in half of us (including myself) having to take the stairs while the other half took the elevator. There were literally 10 flights of stairs to climb and by the time we got to class, we were breathing so hard that the instructor asked us if we were okay. When we got in, there were many (10) handouts to pick up. I confused the class with my history class (based on the contents of the notes) for a bit. Afterward, we listened to the professor speak in as good English as he could and watched a few clips on Japanese art collections. The class was very long and tiring. Afterward, (finally) we were able to leave and I decided to try my commuter pass on the station Keily gets off at for school. Luckily, it was fine and I didn’t get fined. I think this means I can get off at any of the stops between my normal ones at no cost. I’ll see if this is true and try to use it to buy お母さんの gift (as it seems nisshin is too small of an area for fancy stores).
I finally got home around 6:30 and apologized to お母さん for not telling her I would be so late, but she told me not to worry, as it was Friday and she thought I should be out with friends. For dinner, she made a white miso stew-like dish with pork, lettuce, leeks, and udon. She thought I wouldn’t like it because it was very mild, so she gave me rice too. お父さん had his weekend sake (He only drinks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). お母さん bought pudding especially for me since she has picked up on my taste for sweets. I feel so guilty accepting my host family’s kindness. After dinner, お父さん explained how he made his drink (to お母さんの protest) and he left to the upstairs with the drink and bottle. My host family is great.
I ended up taking an inadvertent nap after dinner and I’m going to sleep soon since the night is late now...
P.S. I now have pictures. You can find them at the top right of this page.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
January 15
Today started out like the rest. お母さん made me fried (super runny eggs today). I was worried I would have a hard time eating them because the idea is so unappealing to me, but it was fine really. I really don’t like it when eggs are in that in between stage where the yolk has the consistency of soft cheese (It freaks me out) and I prefer them fully cooked, but this was okay.
I met my friend Keily (I finally got it right!) to ride the 地下鉄 in the morning. She told me that she had lost her commuter pass on the way home and was really worried about it, but that soon after she and her mother started investigating, the card had been found and turned in to the station attendant. Japan is notorious for its people’s tendency to turn in (or at least not keep for themselves) unattended items that are not their own.
Today was the first day of classes. I had only one, but it lasts for about three hours. The class was my Japanese language course, and as it turns out, we have four different instructors each with a specialty (kanji, vocabulary, conversation, etc.) who will teach for part of the three-hour period, then leave so that the next instructor can come to teach.
Today, we did “orientation.” The instructors handed out copious amounts of paperwork and explained it to us... in Japanese. We had to take the placement exam again in class to confirm our eligibility (or for some, to place out of the class). As a result, I am again worrying a bit about the results (as I did not feel confident). Hopefully though, I will not be forced out of my class (and forced into a lower one where I will have to do the 元気 lessons I have already done). The most concerning part of class was the kanji portion. Theoretically, I know about 380 kanji (which will be 580 when I finish the class). I must be honest, I don’t know 380 kanji, and it’s become apparent. I am going to have to spend a lot of time memorizing and practicing. D: I hope I can do it. At one point in the course, the instructors referenced a book on learning kanji. The options for using the book are; use the copies in the library (I’m not sure if they can be checked out or not) use the copies in the instructor’s office (probably not able to check those out) or pay the money to buy a copy. I really don’t want to buy extraneous books, but I don’t want to do my studying on campus, so I’ll have to work something out.
After class, I went with Keily to get lunch and try my card again. Of course, the ATM in Lawson’s (which says it accepts visa) that offers English navigation would not accept my card when inserted upside-down or right-side-up. I tried at the 7-11, but there was no English navigation and I didn’t feel comfortable trying to make monetary exchanges without understanding them completely.
They were playing an awesome song in Lawson’s. I think I’ve heard it before in America (it was a rock song that I think is in English), but the music was too quite (and the people too prevalent and loud) to catch the lyrics. I think I can identify it though if I talk to my friend...
A lot of times, it’s hard to pick out the differences between Japan and America because most of them are not shocking. In fact, it’s easy to overlook a lot of them because many are minute or mundane. Some are so easy to coexist with that they go to the back of your mind. I’ll try to pick out a few though, since it seems to be what people are interested in.
Girls dress very stylishly in Japan. They aren’t all dressed up, as that seems to imply, though many are. However, a lot of Japanese girls and ladies wear non-dressy clothes in combinations that just make them look more stylish. It’s as if they wear their favorite outfits (every day). I imagine they allocate their entire closets and many drawers to clothing.
There is no graffiti or gum on the school campus or anywhere else as far as I can tell. 南山 university is relatively minimalistic; most of the buildings are made out of concrete and unpainted. Very few people seem to wear hats, though I have seen some.
There is a man on the 地下鉄 home (I’m not sure if it’s the same man every time) who listens to the radio on his cell phone (or it at least looks like one); he uses earbuds and turns the phone sideways with the antenna sticking out the side (thus, toward the ceiling). The 地下鉄 is relatively clean; for a subway it’s immaculate, but it’s still a subway so it has to be a bit dirty. All of the stops are spoken in English and Japanese, but the name of the stop is the most important item and it’s easy to distinguish in both languages (not to mention it needs no translating). I don’t get many stares on the subway (except from the occasional baby or old man).
Most cars are cubic, but I’ve seen the occasional porsche, etc. I’ve even seen a Mercedes dealership. I pass an evo, mini, alpha, and porsche, among others, every day on my way to school.
People on the street and in the subway are pretty quiet, except when they are school friends. Girls and boys do hold hands and hug, but it is true that it is less prevalent than in the US and much less involved. In fact, on two occasions, it was kind of weird to see this kind of thing. On the first occasion, a Japanese girl was hugging a Japanese guy, but he was just standing with his hands in his coat pockets, which seemed quite odd to me. The second sighting was a girl holding a guy’s hand on the subway; he didn’t seem very responsive and didn’t exactly hold her hand. It’s very strange and I’ve yet to make any conclusions as to why.
I met my friend Keily (I finally got it right!) to ride the 地下鉄 in the morning. She told me that she had lost her commuter pass on the way home and was really worried about it, but that soon after she and her mother started investigating, the card had been found and turned in to the station attendant. Japan is notorious for its people’s tendency to turn in (or at least not keep for themselves) unattended items that are not their own.
Today was the first day of classes. I had only one, but it lasts for about three hours. The class was my Japanese language course, and as it turns out, we have four different instructors each with a specialty (kanji, vocabulary, conversation, etc.) who will teach for part of the three-hour period, then leave so that the next instructor can come to teach.
Today, we did “orientation.” The instructors handed out copious amounts of paperwork and explained it to us... in Japanese. We had to take the placement exam again in class to confirm our eligibility (or for some, to place out of the class). As a result, I am again worrying a bit about the results (as I did not feel confident). Hopefully though, I will not be forced out of my class (and forced into a lower one where I will have to do the 元気 lessons I have already done). The most concerning part of class was the kanji portion. Theoretically, I know about 380 kanji (which will be 580 when I finish the class). I must be honest, I don’t know 380 kanji, and it’s become apparent. I am going to have to spend a lot of time memorizing and practicing. D: I hope I can do it. At one point in the course, the instructors referenced a book on learning kanji. The options for using the book are; use the copies in the library (I’m not sure if they can be checked out or not) use the copies in the instructor’s office (probably not able to check those out) or pay the money to buy a copy. I really don’t want to buy extraneous books, but I don’t want to do my studying on campus, so I’ll have to work something out.
After class, I went with Keily to get lunch and try my card again. Of course, the ATM in Lawson’s (which says it accepts visa) that offers English navigation would not accept my card when inserted upside-down or right-side-up. I tried at the 7-11, but there was no English navigation and I didn’t feel comfortable trying to make monetary exchanges without understanding them completely.
They were playing an awesome song in Lawson’s. I think I’ve heard it before in America (it was a rock song that I think is in English), but the music was too quite (and the people too prevalent and loud) to catch the lyrics. I think I can identify it though if I talk to my friend...
A lot of times, it’s hard to pick out the differences between Japan and America because most of them are not shocking. In fact, it’s easy to overlook a lot of them because many are minute or mundane. Some are so easy to coexist with that they go to the back of your mind. I’ll try to pick out a few though, since it seems to be what people are interested in.
Girls dress very stylishly in Japan. They aren’t all dressed up, as that seems to imply, though many are. However, a lot of Japanese girls and ladies wear non-dressy clothes in combinations that just make them look more stylish. It’s as if they wear their favorite outfits (every day). I imagine they allocate their entire closets and many drawers to clothing.
There is no graffiti or gum on the school campus or anywhere else as far as I can tell. 南山 university is relatively minimalistic; most of the buildings are made out of concrete and unpainted. Very few people seem to wear hats, though I have seen some.
There is a man on the 地下鉄 home (I’m not sure if it’s the same man every time) who listens to the radio on his cell phone (or it at least looks like one); he uses earbuds and turns the phone sideways with the antenna sticking out the side (thus, toward the ceiling). The 地下鉄 is relatively clean; for a subway it’s immaculate, but it’s still a subway so it has to be a bit dirty. All of the stops are spoken in English and Japanese, but the name of the stop is the most important item and it’s easy to distinguish in both languages (not to mention it needs no translating). I don’t get many stares on the subway (except from the occasional baby or old man).
Most cars are cubic, but I’ve seen the occasional porsche, etc. I’ve even seen a Mercedes dealership. I pass an evo, mini, alpha, and porsche, among others, every day on my way to school.
People on the street and in the subway are pretty quiet, except when they are school friends. Girls and boys do hold hands and hug, but it is true that it is less prevalent than in the US and much less involved. In fact, on two occasions, it was kind of weird to see this kind of thing. On the first occasion, a Japanese girl was hugging a Japanese guy, but he was just standing with his hands in his coat pockets, which seemed quite odd to me. The second sighting was a girl holding a guy’s hand on the subway; he didn’t seem very responsive and didn’t exactly hold her hand. It’s very strange and I’ve yet to make any conclusions as to why.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
January 14
I woke up at 7:05 today to DaftPunk and a room that had been heated for five minutes (so much better). I did have bizarre dreams though that I don’t even want to remember. お母さん made me scrambled eggs with ham in them. They were runny and お母さん thought they were salty, but I liked them a lot.
I met up with my friend at the 駅 as we had planned after going down the wrong street for a few seconds. She got off a station before me, but I think she got to class faster. Before we departed, she told me to keep January 30 open in my schedule because one of the other student’s host family owns a sushiya and it is “all you can eat and drink sushi night (said to be 1000円 and possibly only 500円 with student discount). I am very excited, I hope it is true and that I can go. When I got off at 名古屋大学駅, I was a victim of advertisement; I accepted a magazine that a Japanese girl was handing out to people as they exited. It’s alright, I suppose, because it seems to be a fashion magazine and I might be able to use the pictures for something (if not the text for studying).
I paid my bill today (oh how I miss the money) and started a long (to put it lightly) day of “internet” and “library” orientation. The staff walked us through turning on very old dell computers, reformatting floppies, and using a remedial version of e-mail (that we have to use because the instructors won’t use real internet e-mail addresses). In true Japanese style, there are applications for everything, one being access to the e-mail system outside of 南山 computers (gee) but I can’t fathom the worth being higher than the cost of trying again to make a transaction in Japanese with my remedial knowledge.
After the orientation, I planned to buy all ($80) of my books, so I stopped by the ATM on campus. Big surprise; it did not accept my card. I ended up being able to buy only one book, but luckily, it is probably all that I need until Friday (or hopefully, Monday). Bank of America is really failing me.
At 13:00, everyone went to the CJS building to get their course packets (the ones that didn’t cost money). After I got my few papers, I went again to check my mailbox (twice a day!) and found I had a memo (that I could not read). When I took it to the desk, the lady told me that I would have to give documentation when I had opened a bank account (no, really?). Of course, orientation for opening a bank account isn’t until the 19th, but, in addition to the multiple packets they handed out at orientation, the office thought it necessary to use a memo in my box to remind me (now).
After those ordeals, I spent a few hours roaming the campus with the other 留学生 until 15:00 when we went to the コーヒーホア welcome party. There were lots of Japanese snacks (heaven) and we played three games. The first was one where everyone sang a song and at the end, one person (the announcer) would say a word and everyone else would have to make groups of people; the number of people per group would have to match the number of syllables in the word announced. The people who couldn’t form groups had to stand in front of everyone else and do self-introductions. I had to do one and part of my introduction was to smile (最後スマイル). All the Japanese girls said I had a cute smile. D: They also liked my earrings a lot (they are chococat). The second game was for pairs; you would have to stack your fists with the other person (alternating fists) and depending on what the announcer said, the bottom fist would have to go to the top, the top would have to go to the bottom, or the bottom would have to slap the top. The coordination was kind of hard, so I kept thinking I had to move my fists every time. The third game was nanimo basket (fruits basket) which is kind of like Japanese musical chairs. There is one less chair than the number of people, but the number of chairs never changes. Instead, the person standing calls out a category and everyone who fits that category has to run to another seat. The person left standing has to choose the next category. It was a lot of fun. I met a couple of particularly friendly Japanese girls and we exchanged e-mail addresses (since my phone is so erratic).
Afterward, I rode the 地下鉄 with a few of the Japanese girls, then with two of the 留学生. I almost missed my exchange because I was talking with the Japanese girls, but I made it to my line on time. When I finally got of at 日赤駅, it was very dark outside and I was worried about losing my way once I entered my neighborhood (because I use a particular wooden house as my land mark to turn), but I didn’t get lost this time.
When I got home, my package from America was here (mainly my inkan, a day early). The Japanese government had opened it for me, but everything was inside (thankfully). At dinner, we had 魚 (grilled in soy sauce, but not overpowered), miso (which I am finding has many varieties), daikon with carrots (really tasty!), gohan (every night, but never old), salad (with curry), and for dessert; sweet beans in syrup with sweet potato and mochi (I just can’t escape it!) balls in it. It was ironic that we have sweet beans because earlier that day, I had been talking with another exchange student who said she hated sweet beans, but continually had to eat them because they go by so many different names and each time it was offered to her, it had a new name and she accepted, not knowing that she didn’t like it.
I met up with my friend at the 駅 as we had planned after going down the wrong street for a few seconds. She got off a station before me, but I think she got to class faster. Before we departed, she told me to keep January 30 open in my schedule because one of the other student’s host family owns a sushiya and it is “all you can eat and drink sushi night (said to be 1000円 and possibly only 500円 with student discount). I am very excited, I hope it is true and that I can go. When I got off at 名古屋大学駅, I was a victim of advertisement; I accepted a magazine that a Japanese girl was handing out to people as they exited. It’s alright, I suppose, because it seems to be a fashion magazine and I might be able to use the pictures for something (if not the text for studying).
I paid my bill today (oh how I miss the money) and started a long (to put it lightly) day of “internet” and “library” orientation. The staff walked us through turning on very old dell computers, reformatting floppies, and using a remedial version of e-mail (that we have to use because the instructors won’t use real internet e-mail addresses). In true Japanese style, there are applications for everything, one being access to the e-mail system outside of 南山 computers (gee) but I can’t fathom the worth being higher than the cost of trying again to make a transaction in Japanese with my remedial knowledge.
After the orientation, I planned to buy all ($80) of my books, so I stopped by the ATM on campus. Big surprise; it did not accept my card. I ended up being able to buy only one book, but luckily, it is probably all that I need until Friday (or hopefully, Monday). Bank of America is really failing me.
At 13:00, everyone went to the CJS building to get their course packets (the ones that didn’t cost money). After I got my few papers, I went again to check my mailbox (twice a day!) and found I had a memo (that I could not read). When I took it to the desk, the lady told me that I would have to give documentation when I had opened a bank account (no, really?). Of course, orientation for opening a bank account isn’t until the 19th, but, in addition to the multiple packets they handed out at orientation, the office thought it necessary to use a memo in my box to remind me (now).
After those ordeals, I spent a few hours roaming the campus with the other 留学生 until 15:00 when we went to the コーヒーホア welcome party. There were lots of Japanese snacks (heaven) and we played three games. The first was one where everyone sang a song and at the end, one person (the announcer) would say a word and everyone else would have to make groups of people; the number of people per group would have to match the number of syllables in the word announced. The people who couldn’t form groups had to stand in front of everyone else and do self-introductions. I had to do one and part of my introduction was to smile (最後スマイル). All the Japanese girls said I had a cute smile. D: They also liked my earrings a lot (they are chococat). The second game was for pairs; you would have to stack your fists with the other person (alternating fists) and depending on what the announcer said, the bottom fist would have to go to the top, the top would have to go to the bottom, or the bottom would have to slap the top. The coordination was kind of hard, so I kept thinking I had to move my fists every time. The third game was nanimo basket (fruits basket) which is kind of like Japanese musical chairs. There is one less chair than the number of people, but the number of chairs never changes. Instead, the person standing calls out a category and everyone who fits that category has to run to another seat. The person left standing has to choose the next category. It was a lot of fun. I met a couple of particularly friendly Japanese girls and we exchanged e-mail addresses (since my phone is so erratic).
Afterward, I rode the 地下鉄 with a few of the Japanese girls, then with two of the 留学生. I almost missed my exchange because I was talking with the Japanese girls, but I made it to my line on time. When I finally got of at 日赤駅, it was very dark outside and I was worried about losing my way once I entered my neighborhood (because I use a particular wooden house as my land mark to turn), but I didn’t get lost this time.
When I got home, my package from America was here (mainly my inkan, a day early). The Japanese government had opened it for me, but everything was inside (thankfully). At dinner, we had 魚 (grilled in soy sauce, but not overpowered), miso (which I am finding has many varieties), daikon with carrots (really tasty!), gohan (every night, but never old), salad (with curry), and for dessert; sweet beans in syrup with sweet potato and mochi (I just can’t escape it!) balls in it. It was ironic that we have sweet beans because earlier that day, I had been talking with another exchange student who said she hated sweet beans, but continually had to eat them because they go by so many different names and each time it was offered to her, it had a new name and she accepted, not knowing that she didn’t like it.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
January 13
I woke up at 7:00 am to the sound of the heater starting in my room. In case I haven’t explained this yet; in Japan, since electricity is so expensive, people will only heat the rooms they are currently using (unless it’s a school, where they don’t heat it ever). Therefore, when you go to bed, you hit the おはよう button, set the hours, and the heater will turn off, then turn on only after the hours you set (which should be the number of hours you sleep). It was only later that my phone woke me up with daftpunk.
Getting up was a beast because being cold is bad, but it was worth it because I had another day of... Japan! お母さん made me another poached egg (this time with spinach), toast, juice, and tea. After, she lent me her gloves (which she won’t let me give back until March) and I went off to find my 地下鉄 by myself. I saw lots of elementary students with their uniforms and giant backpacks (very disproportional to the carriers), as well as middle and high schoolers in their uniforms. I wanted to take pictures, but I knew better than to be labeled creepy. I didn’t get as many stares as I thought I would (except later in the day when I went with some other 留学生 to 南山の図書館). I was fine until I had to decide whether to ride the めいじょ line counter-clockwise or clockwise (this is where I make my transfer), but I managed to catch the right one without delay. I found out quickly from climbing and descending the hills to class that my shoes are too big, and now my black and white striped socks have a nice brownish-red stain on one. ):
I got to school with an hour to spare (the commute takes 45 minutes in its entirety). I used the time to make copies of my passport (which was cheaper at 10円/copy than I thought). Afterward, we had a long day of orientation. We had two “sessions” that consisted completely of Japanese people reading the student handbook (in English) to us. The only interesting part was the dispersion of the placement test results. I was a bit worried for a while, but I was very happy to have been placed in the course I wanted (400-level).
I ate again at Lawson’s コンビニ for lunch. I can’t get over how cheap prepared food is in Japan. I had a giant おにぎり and a 肉まん for 220円. 本当においしかった! During lunch, I sat with a really nice Korean girl (Michelle) and other students from the IES program. Unfortunately, the other girls were just swooning over pretty boy magazines (creepy!).
After lunch, we met our academic advisors. I’m worried about meeting mine (which you have to do to register for courses, even though we filled out paper, yes, paper registration forms today) since he asked us to send e-mails in Japanese if possible. D: On the subject of courses, I found out that one of the ones I was counting on requires a higher level of Japanese, so I had to change my schedule to include Japanese History, which sounds like a fine course, but I have heard that the instructor is quite erratic with his grading methods. Either way, I hope I can get two or three liberal arts requirements out of the way (one of which I hope counts toward my art minor). I’ve heard that the coursework is very hard and everyone around me seems very smart (even if some of them are おたく or just plain weird), so I’m a bit worried.
On the commute home, I found Tealie (I want that to be her name, but it’s a little different) in one of the 駅. As it turns out, we take the same trip to class (big coincidence, since you can commute from so many different places). We decided to meet up tomorrow morning for the commute.
Once I got home, お母さん took me to get my alien registration, certificate of information, and health insurance. First though, we had to go the post office to cash my international postal money order. I tried to do it alone, but the ladies behind the counter had never cashed one before, so they made me wait for over half an hour (even after お母さん came in to help) as they decided what to do. I’m still a bit worried because they didn’t seem to know what they were doing. I’m guessing they don’t have enough information to charge me again, but I wouldn’t put it past Japan to take some money when they can.
After that big ordeal, we went to the ward’s office (where お母さん inadvertently made an 赤ちゃん cry) to take care of the paperwork. Mostly, it consisted of me writing my name over and over and over.... お母さん seems to have enrolled me in a full year plan (instead of half) but assured me that because I’m a student, I don’t have to pay. We’ll see; I’d like to believe it, but some things are too good to be true (though the certificate of information was cheaper than noted).
When we got home, I put my finances in order and had a minor melt-down as I began to think I had lost 1000円 (about $12 at this exchange rate). Luckily, I had misinterpreted a particularly large bill I have to pay and had put aside the 1000円 (extra) for the bill. It was a huge relief when I figured it out.
We had 中国料理 for dinner. お母さん made dumplings, thick (spicy) soup, rice (as always, but always appreciated), and strawberries. What Americans don’t understand is what strawberries should taste like. They are sweet and really soft (even when not completely ripe), unlike American ones. Of course, that’s probably part of why they are so expensive. At dinner, お父さん leant me a translator (やった!), but it only displays in kanji, so it won’t be that easy.
お母さん has informed me that the houses behind and beside ours are empty. As a result, there are mice in them. She and お父さん are worried about them being in our own house, so they asked me not to eat in my room or, if I do , to put down plastic. They are much too nice to me. I would be happy to adapt my schedule and life to theirs, which I must partial do anyway, but they continue to try to accommodate me. How will I repay them?
Lately, I’ve been getting temporary cravings for American food. They go away quickly, but among the ones so far are; Italian bread, acorn squash with lots of butter (which I don’t even like in the States), and baked potatoes. Also; there is reason to heated toilet seats (which Japan has). Usually, that kind of thing grosses me out (particularly the seat heaters in the Saab, which is a car, not a toilet), but honestly, when it’s 2ºC (and you don’t heat your house), you don’t want to sit on 2ºC.
Also: I saw an alpha romeo today. Though I can recognize that logo, it's weird not to be able to recognize all the emblems on the cars. I will try to take more pictures so you (probably Andrew) can try to figure them out. I'll be putting a link to my albums up soon.
Getting up was a beast because being cold is bad, but it was worth it because I had another day of... Japan! お母さん made me another poached egg (this time with spinach), toast, juice, and tea. After, she lent me her gloves (which she won’t let me give back until March) and I went off to find my 地下鉄 by myself. I saw lots of elementary students with their uniforms and giant backpacks (very disproportional to the carriers), as well as middle and high schoolers in their uniforms. I wanted to take pictures, but I knew better than to be labeled creepy. I didn’t get as many stares as I thought I would (except later in the day when I went with some other 留学生 to 南山の図書館). I was fine until I had to decide whether to ride the めいじょ line counter-clockwise or clockwise (this is where I make my transfer), but I managed to catch the right one without delay. I found out quickly from climbing and descending the hills to class that my shoes are too big, and now my black and white striped socks have a nice brownish-red stain on one. ):
I got to school with an hour to spare (the commute takes 45 minutes in its entirety). I used the time to make copies of my passport (which was cheaper at 10円/copy than I thought). Afterward, we had a long day of orientation. We had two “sessions” that consisted completely of Japanese people reading the student handbook (in English) to us. The only interesting part was the dispersion of the placement test results. I was a bit worried for a while, but I was very happy to have been placed in the course I wanted (400-level).
I ate again at Lawson’s コンビニ for lunch. I can’t get over how cheap prepared food is in Japan. I had a giant おにぎり and a 肉まん for 220円. 本当においしかった! During lunch, I sat with a really nice Korean girl (Michelle) and other students from the IES program. Unfortunately, the other girls were just swooning over pretty boy magazines (creepy!).
After lunch, we met our academic advisors. I’m worried about meeting mine (which you have to do to register for courses, even though we filled out paper, yes, paper registration forms today) since he asked us to send e-mails in Japanese if possible. D: On the subject of courses, I found out that one of the ones I was counting on requires a higher level of Japanese, so I had to change my schedule to include Japanese History, which sounds like a fine course, but I have heard that the instructor is quite erratic with his grading methods. Either way, I hope I can get two or three liberal arts requirements out of the way (one of which I hope counts toward my art minor). I’ve heard that the coursework is very hard and everyone around me seems very smart (even if some of them are おたく or just plain weird), so I’m a bit worried.
On the commute home, I found Tealie (I want that to be her name, but it’s a little different) in one of the 駅. As it turns out, we take the same trip to class (big coincidence, since you can commute from so many different places). We decided to meet up tomorrow morning for the commute.
Once I got home, お母さん took me to get my alien registration, certificate of information, and health insurance. First though, we had to go the post office to cash my international postal money order. I tried to do it alone, but the ladies behind the counter had never cashed one before, so they made me wait for over half an hour (even after お母さん came in to help) as they decided what to do. I’m still a bit worried because they didn’t seem to know what they were doing. I’m guessing they don’t have enough information to charge me again, but I wouldn’t put it past Japan to take some money when they can.
After that big ordeal, we went to the ward’s office (where お母さん inadvertently made an 赤ちゃん cry) to take care of the paperwork. Mostly, it consisted of me writing my name over and over and over.... お母さん seems to have enrolled me in a full year plan (instead of half) but assured me that because I’m a student, I don’t have to pay. We’ll see; I’d like to believe it, but some things are too good to be true (though the certificate of information was cheaper than noted).
When we got home, I put my finances in order and had a minor melt-down as I began to think I had lost 1000円 (about $12 at this exchange rate). Luckily, I had misinterpreted a particularly large bill I have to pay and had put aside the 1000円 (extra) for the bill. It was a huge relief when I figured it out.
We had 中国料理 for dinner. お母さん made dumplings, thick (spicy) soup, rice (as always, but always appreciated), and strawberries. What Americans don’t understand is what strawberries should taste like. They are sweet and really soft (even when not completely ripe), unlike American ones. Of course, that’s probably part of why they are so expensive. At dinner, お父さん leant me a translator (やった!), but it only displays in kanji, so it won’t be that easy.
お母さん has informed me that the houses behind and beside ours are empty. As a result, there are mice in them. She and お父さん are worried about them being in our own house, so they asked me not to eat in my room or, if I do , to put down plastic. They are much too nice to me. I would be happy to adapt my schedule and life to theirs, which I must partial do anyway, but they continue to try to accommodate me. How will I repay them?
Lately, I’ve been getting temporary cravings for American food. They go away quickly, but among the ones so far are; Italian bread, acorn squash with lots of butter (which I don’t even like in the States), and baked potatoes. Also; there is reason to heated toilet seats (which Japan has). Usually, that kind of thing grosses me out (particularly the seat heaters in the Saab, which is a car, not a toilet), but honestly, when it’s 2ºC (and you don’t heat your house), you don’t want to sit on 2ºC.
Also: I saw an alpha romeo today. Though I can recognize that logo, it's weird not to be able to recognize all the emblems on the cars. I will try to take more pictures so you (probably Andrew) can try to figure them out. I'll be putting a link to my albums up soon.
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12
Today is 政治の日 (せいじのひ). Those who will turn twenty this year are celebrating their coming ability to smoke, drink, and gamble. Since it is a national holiday, the ward’s office is closed (so I will have to wait until Wednesday to register as an alien, get health insurance, a re-entry permit, and an “application for certification of information recorded on foreign resident registration.” Yes, that is the actual name of the document. Remember, Japan is the nation that introduced me to the “application for eligibility” for my visa application (application for eligibility for another application).
This morning, I woke up around seven (big surprise) and we had breakfast of; tea (I still have to work up the courage to ask for the milk), 卵 (poached), りんご, and 固いパン. I liked the 固いパン though, especially with orange jam. My host family is always trying to feed me more, which I find a little strange since they are Japanese, but I am happy for it.
After breakfast, お母さん tried to show me how to use the washing machine (behind the kitchen), but in the end, she decided to explain to me when I decide to use it. Later today, we will be going to get my commuter pass. My family will help me navigate the 地下鉄 (thank you thank you thank you) so I can get to class on time. By the way, if the trains or subways go on strike, class is canceled. woo
My host family is being very accommodating, even with speaking Japanese; they will only switch to English on occasion or when I don’t understand.
I’m really having fun now that I am with my host family. We went to the 電車駅 where I got my (very expensive) commuter pass. Between the time that my host parents got the form for the pass and the time we actually went to the 駅, there was a new form to be filled out instead. I was short 10000円, so お母さん lent it to me, but I felt horrible. お母さん didn’t even say anything about it. Since today is a national holiday, I can not go to the post office to cash my check and return the favor until tomorrow. I have to take two trains to school and three trains back. Luckily, I can find my way to the station, so it’s less of a worry because I don’t have so many doubts about the trip to school, only the one back. After おくつおかあさん showed me the way to 南山 (so close to 名古屋大学!) we visited her friend, whose name I can’t remember. She fed us tea (I put milk in it this time!, but too much...), おかし, もち (fried and wrapped in のり, so I could stomach it), and green tea. We watched CNN in English (Oh my gosh!) and learned about the inauguration. 中村さん lived in South Africa when お母さん did. She has two cats, one of which is ナナちゃん and both of which are not very interested in people. おかあさんの friend lent me a cardigan because I was wearing short sleeves under my jacket. She wouldn’t let me give it back though after. I’m not sure what to do now.
Afterward, we went grocery shopping and walked home. I did one more walk to the 駅 by myself to make sure I could do it tomorrow. On the way, I took lots of pictures of the neighborhood. Japanese homes are so pretty, though old! When I got back, we watched Obama (spoken in Japanese by a female anchorperson) and I mapped out the 地下鉄。 Dinner was delicious (and super-filling). We had vegetable miso, grilled (basil?) fish, rice (I love it!), spinach, and a root I can not remember the name of. For dessert, we had ice cream. :D Now, we are watching drama!
This morning, I woke up around seven (big surprise) and we had breakfast of; tea (I still have to work up the courage to ask for the milk), 卵 (poached), りんご, and 固いパン. I liked the 固いパン though, especially with orange jam. My host family is always trying to feed me more, which I find a little strange since they are Japanese, but I am happy for it.
After breakfast, お母さん tried to show me how to use the washing machine (behind the kitchen), but in the end, she decided to explain to me when I decide to use it. Later today, we will be going to get my commuter pass. My family will help me navigate the 地下鉄 (thank you thank you thank you) so I can get to class on time. By the way, if the trains or subways go on strike, class is canceled. woo
My host family is being very accommodating, even with speaking Japanese; they will only switch to English on occasion or when I don’t understand.
I’m really having fun now that I am with my host family. We went to the 電車駅 where I got my (very expensive) commuter pass. Between the time that my host parents got the form for the pass and the time we actually went to the 駅, there was a new form to be filled out instead. I was short 10000円, so お母さん lent it to me, but I felt horrible. お母さん didn’t even say anything about it. Since today is a national holiday, I can not go to the post office to cash my check and return the favor until tomorrow. I have to take two trains to school and three trains back. Luckily, I can find my way to the station, so it’s less of a worry because I don’t have so many doubts about the trip to school, only the one back. After おくつおかあさん showed me the way to 南山 (so close to 名古屋大学!) we visited her friend, whose name I can’t remember. She fed us tea (I put milk in it this time!, but too much...), おかし, もち (fried and wrapped in のり, so I could stomach it), and green tea. We watched CNN in English (Oh my gosh!) and learned about the inauguration. 中村さん lived in South Africa when お母さん did. She has two cats, one of which is ナナちゃん and both of which are not very interested in people. おかあさんの friend lent me a cardigan because I was wearing short sleeves under my jacket. She wouldn’t let me give it back though after. I’m not sure what to do now.
Afterward, we went grocery shopping and walked home. I did one more walk to the 駅 by myself to make sure I could do it tomorrow. On the way, I took lots of pictures of the neighborhood. Japanese homes are so pretty, though old! When I got back, we watched Obama (spoken in Japanese by a female anchorperson) and I mapped out the 地下鉄。 Dinner was delicious (and super-filling). We had vegetable miso, grilled (basil?) fish, rice (I love it!), spinach, and a root I can not remember the name of. For dessert, we had ice cream. :D Now, we are watching drama!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
January 11
Today was the first day I woke up to an alarm. Again, I spent a lot of time sleeping, but I also wrote a letter to thank あずみさん.
Today, I met my host family! I was finally able to talk with お母さん around 9:oo am. She was so excited, I was encouraged. I had been having trouble with my 携帯, so when 管理人 came knocking on my door at 3:00pm, I truly びっくりした. He seemed flustered too. He hurried me down four floors to my host お父さん, who was waiting with a 白い車. After that, things got better and better.
My host parents are すごく親切な人! お父さんが英語が上手ですよ! お母さんもすごく親切だ! The house reminds me of home so much it’s scary. There are objects everywhere (as much as in our bonus room at home) and plants everywhere (just like our dining room). I have my own room (separate from the rest of the house, but nice, and a western-style bathroom to myself (not like the ones at school). After おくつお父さん drove me home and got me settled, I met お母さん. We sat down to tea (which I regrettably did not have milk in (yes, Jason, I’m turning) though they did, and they asked what I ate for breakfast, when I ate it, etc. They even filled out my commuter application and said they would go to the station with me to get it.
We spent a lot of time synchronizing 携帯, but it was a nice experience. My phone now seems to work in both ha and 3g mode, yay! Working with お父さん, I could tell we were having a generation-technology lag, the kind that is universally recognized, but it was okay! Both お父さんとお母さん have phone straps (お母さん has many), and the same 携帯, though お母さんのはピンクだ. They used to have a corgie, but he died (exactly a month ago) of cancer at six years old. 本当にかわいい犬だった. “good boy” と言う犬だった. お母さんが自分で書いたえを見せました. 本当にすごいだ. Luckily, my fear that I had broken the gas heater was remitted when お母さん turned it off. I can’t get over how 親切 they are. They have given me everything; slippers when I entered, my own closet, towels, a jacket for when I get out of the shower, a mat to sit on, internet, extra blankets... I hope I can coordinate myself well enough to treat them to an outing when the time comes.
At 7:00 pm, we had dinner. お母さん made a mixture of American, South African, and Japanese food (since she and お母さん管理人 had lived in 2/3 of the countries. We had chicken with mushrooms (slightly spicy), miso, salad (made me so happy), and the German equivalent of fruitcake (ironically a Christmas gift). 全部おいしかった. Afterward, I played the piano for a bit, tried to figure out paperwork again, and (drumroll) used the internet!!! It was such a relief. 家族 let me use it until 10:00 pm (happy!) so I checked my e-mail (no problems, thankfully), facebook (yay), and did some catching up. Afterward, I took a shower (the room is unheated, sot was a super shocker) but at least it was clean and now I’m clean too. The question now is; where and how can I do my laundry?
Today, I met my host family! I was finally able to talk with お母さん around 9:oo am. She was so excited, I was encouraged. I had been having trouble with my 携帯, so when 管理人 came knocking on my door at 3:00pm, I truly びっくりした. He seemed flustered too. He hurried me down four floors to my host お父さん, who was waiting with a 白い車. After that, things got better and better.
My host parents are すごく親切な人! お父さんが英語が上手ですよ! お母さんもすごく親切だ! The house reminds me of home so much it’s scary. There are objects everywhere (as much as in our bonus room at home) and plants everywhere (just like our dining room). I have my own room (separate from the rest of the house, but nice, and a western-style bathroom to myself (not like the ones at school). After おくつお父さん drove me home and got me settled, I met お母さん. We sat down to tea (which I regrettably did not have milk in (yes, Jason, I’m turning) though they did, and they asked what I ate for breakfast, when I ate it, etc. They even filled out my commuter application and said they would go to the station with me to get it.
We spent a lot of time synchronizing 携帯, but it was a nice experience. My phone now seems to work in both ha and 3g mode, yay! Working with お父さん, I could tell we were having a generation-technology lag, the kind that is universally recognized, but it was okay! Both お父さんとお母さん have phone straps (お母さん has many), and the same 携帯, though お母さんのはピンクだ. They used to have a corgie, but he died (exactly a month ago) of cancer at six years old. 本当にかわいい犬だった. “good boy” と言う犬だった. お母さんが自分で書いたえを見せました. 本当にすごいだ. Luckily, my fear that I had broken the gas heater was remitted when お母さん turned it off. I can’t get over how 親切 they are. They have given me everything; slippers when I entered, my own closet, towels, a jacket for when I get out of the shower, a mat to sit on, internet, extra blankets... I hope I can coordinate myself well enough to treat them to an outing when the time comes.
At 7:00 pm, we had dinner. お母さん made a mixture of American, South African, and Japanese food (since she and お母さん管理人 had lived in 2/3 of the countries. We had chicken with mushrooms (slightly spicy), miso, salad (made me so happy), and the German equivalent of fruitcake (ironically a Christmas gift). 全部おいしかった. Afterward, I played the piano for a bit, tried to figure out paperwork again, and (drumroll) used the internet!!! It was such a relief. 家族 let me use it until 10:00 pm (happy!) so I checked my e-mail (no problems, thankfully), facebook (yay), and did some catching up. Afterward, I took a shower (the room is unheated, sot was a super shocker) but at least it was clean and now I’m clean too. The question now is; where and how can I do my laundry?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Rant/Assessment
Disclamer: I am writing this blog as a log of my experience in Japan, not as a documentary of the the country. This means, in addition to describing the place I am in, I will be expressing my emotional experiences through words. At times, this means material may be bias or even offensive. These posts represent impressions I get from my experiences, not necessarily lasting opinions, thus, accept them for what they are and recognize that we can not always have positive thoughts about everything.
I’m finding myself frustrated by japan. The one thing I miss is the internet. If I had an ether net cable, I could connect here, but that doesn’t seem to make much difference. Japan is a very group oriented place, meaning; personal/individual belongings are not as important as benefitting the group. One might see this as an obviously positive system; ego is suppressed and progression is accelerated. The problem with this outlook is that with a group, any task takes much longer than when done individually due to the time coordination requires.
japan is very paper (and document) oriented, despite foreign conception of a high-tech country. It is true that electric innovations are fare more prevalent than in the US (vending machines for everything, expansive 携帯 functionality), but paper, fax, and copies continue to rule. Internet and e-mail are secondary to documentation. This makes doing anything frustrating (and usually involves service charged).
For example, we are required to check a bulletin board “several times per day” and check physical mailboxes two times per day. This increases time spent in simply going physically to these times. If e-mail or a website was employed instead, this hassle could be avoids (as could copy charges). However, Japan has decided to make the internet an expensive commodity (yet to be explored by me) and CJS will not give us accounts for about another week. Luckily, I was brought to my mailbox during orientation (Friday) when I received a memo about my host family coming to meet e (Sunday). The note had been there since Wednesday. I will have to handle this myself, as orientation was an all-day event on Friday and the CJS office is closed on weekends.
Japanese people are also required to cease use of a particular car (though it is perfectly fine to buy a new one afterward) after a certain number of years, as it is considered a major inconvenience if one breaks down in traffic. I have seen a few BMW’s, an Audi, and a Mercedes, but mostly; Japanese people drive Scion-like Nissans or Toyota’s (Nagoya is famous as the birthplace of Toyota). The vehicles on the streets are fairly common and very homogenous.
I am developing the theory that the strict rules of conduct in Japan are the reason for Japan’s strangeness. In particular, the raging cuteness of advertisements and products as well as drunk behavior. My theory is that it is unnatural for people to be kept so tightly bound to tradition and regulation, and that, the only way people can find happiness in this struggle (remember, Japan has the highest student suicide rate in the world) is to indulge in the opposite type of behavior. Women seek simple pleasure in making themselves, their homes, and their belongings cute, even childish (something very unrestrained). Both genders seem to enjoy getting smashed, at which time girls tend to break the Japanese “no touching” rule. They will hold each other’s arms (like a distanced hug), touch each other’s hair, and lean on each other. People become very boisterous.
I am starting to see Japan as comparable to Dubai; there is rapid growth because the individual is being stifled, and while this accelerates progress, it does not seem to improve the quality of mental health in life.
I’m finding myself frustrated by japan. The one thing I miss is the internet. If I had an ether net cable, I could connect here, but that doesn’t seem to make much difference. Japan is a very group oriented place, meaning; personal/individual belongings are not as important as benefitting the group. One might see this as an obviously positive system; ego is suppressed and progression is accelerated. The problem with this outlook is that with a group, any task takes much longer than when done individually due to the time coordination requires.
japan is very paper (and document) oriented, despite foreign conception of a high-tech country. It is true that electric innovations are fare more prevalent than in the US (vending machines for everything, expansive 携帯 functionality), but paper, fax, and copies continue to rule. Internet and e-mail are secondary to documentation. This makes doing anything frustrating (and usually involves service charged).
For example, we are required to check a bulletin board “several times per day” and check physical mailboxes two times per day. This increases time spent in simply going physically to these times. If e-mail or a website was employed instead, this hassle could be avoids (as could copy charges). However, Japan has decided to make the internet an expensive commodity (yet to be explored by me) and CJS will not give us accounts for about another week. Luckily, I was brought to my mailbox during orientation (Friday) when I received a memo about my host family coming to meet e (Sunday). The note had been there since Wednesday. I will have to handle this myself, as orientation was an all-day event on Friday and the CJS office is closed on weekends.
Japanese people are also required to cease use of a particular car (though it is perfectly fine to buy a new one afterward) after a certain number of years, as it is considered a major inconvenience if one breaks down in traffic. I have seen a few BMW’s, an Audi, and a Mercedes, but mostly; Japanese people drive Scion-like Nissans or Toyota’s (Nagoya is famous as the birthplace of Toyota). The vehicles on the streets are fairly common and very homogenous.
I am developing the theory that the strict rules of conduct in Japan are the reason for Japan’s strangeness. In particular, the raging cuteness of advertisements and products as well as drunk behavior. My theory is that it is unnatural for people to be kept so tightly bound to tradition and regulation, and that, the only way people can find happiness in this struggle (remember, Japan has the highest student suicide rate in the world) is to indulge in the opposite type of behavior. Women seek simple pleasure in making themselves, their homes, and their belongings cute, even childish (something very unrestrained). Both genders seem to enjoy getting smashed, at which time girls tend to break the Japanese “no touching” rule. They will hold each other’s arms (like a distanced hug), touch each other’s hair, and lean on each other. People become very boisterous.
I am starting to see Japan as comparable to Dubai; there is rapid growth because the individual is being stifled, and while this accelerates progress, it does not seem to improve the quality of mental health in life.
January 10
Today, I have the day off. I hope I can find another 留学生 to go exploring with . I still haven’t gotten used to this cold weather, especially when taking a shower. D:
I’m very concerned about having enough money to pay for everything on time. Today, I found out the university is closed, so I will have to wait until Monday to take care of copies and paperwork. I hope my host family will help me a lot with alien registration and my commuter pass.
I spent most of the day trying to budget, schedule, and prepare for paperwork. The other “most of the day” was spent sleeping (when I had a weird dream about going to Jason’s house and perfect snowboarding powder snow). I spent a few hours sitting in the common room (it’s so cold outside one doesn’t want to go without a friend/reason) and I was rewarded with going to dinner with りょうへい and the other 留学生. We had a variety of things brought to us; cabbage, lettuce with tofu, daikon with mayo, 卵 oyster and 大根 in miso, kebab meat (that looked like shrimp テンプラ), kebab chicken (spheres), kebob bacon-like salt meat (おいしかった!!!), and fried chicken cartilage (very bad). It was fun though and cold! We stopped at a ペソコン store before (not very exciting) to get an adapter, and スパー after. I was wondering about the chocolate chip melon bread...
When we got back, we watched a long hospital drama in the common room and got kicked out before it ended (it was that long!). It was funny while it lasted though, especially when the mother and son were trapped under giant chairs in the derailed 電車 and instead of pulling the chairs off of them, the doctors drilled holes in the chairs (as though disassembling them). When they drilled the son’s chair, blood spurted out in super-drama effect. We made our own dialog for the show.
Tomorrow, I will meet my host family. I hope they speak English.
I’m very concerned about having enough money to pay for everything on time. Today, I found out the university is closed, so I will have to wait until Monday to take care of copies and paperwork. I hope my host family will help me a lot with alien registration and my commuter pass.
I spent most of the day trying to budget, schedule, and prepare for paperwork. The other “most of the day” was spent sleeping (when I had a weird dream about going to Jason’s house and perfect snowboarding powder snow). I spent a few hours sitting in the common room (it’s so cold outside one doesn’t want to go without a friend/reason) and I was rewarded with going to dinner with りょうへい and the other 留学生. We had a variety of things brought to us; cabbage, lettuce with tofu, daikon with mayo, 卵 oyster and 大根 in miso, kebab meat (that looked like shrimp テンプラ), kebab chicken (spheres), kebob bacon-like salt meat (おいしかった!!!), and fried chicken cartilage (very bad). It was fun though and cold! We stopped at a ペソコン store before (not very exciting) to get an adapter, and スパー after. I was wondering about the chocolate chip melon bread...
When we got back, we watched a long hospital drama in the common room and got kicked out before it ended (it was that long!). It was funny while it lasted though, especially when the mother and son were trapped under giant chairs in the derailed 電車 and instead of pulling the chairs off of them, the doctors drilled holes in the chairs (as though disassembling them). When they drilled the son’s chair, blood spurted out in super-drama effect. We made our own dialog for the show.
Tomorrow, I will meet my host family. I hope they speak English.
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