Class was a little long today. We got to practice our speeches (more like a tech check) and I got a little carried away with the extendo-pointer disguised as a pen. Afterward, I had to waste time (and use e-mail to overcome the limits of my circumstances) because I could not use the fully functioning computers in the J building (all classrooms were full until 3 due to classes). I had to use the CJS computers (which only allow internet explorer use and no other programs), then wait in a crowded room for a computer to free up so I could format and print my paper for tomorrow.
Hanami was awesome today after a long day of school (and an unexpectedly long nap). I was debating whether to go at all because of a few reasons, the biggest of which being the cost, but in the end, I decided to go. I was a little confused about the directions my friend gave me, so I asked my host father about getting to Tsurumai Koen, and whether it even existed. However, it all worked out and I was only late (despite a 40-minute miscalculation) by about two minutes. At the park, Mike’s host father had brought dango, sushi (sashimi and Setsubun types), onigiri, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and lots of beer, all set on mats in picnic style. I didn’t drink, so I compensated (upon suggestion) by eating lost of delicious food.
After a lot of eating (and drinking) some of us (there were about 14 in all) went to the nearby dirt field (grass is too expensive to maintain) to play frisbee. After that, we raided the nearby playground, which was fun for us though we’re about twice the demographics' age. In particular, there was a slide made up of cylinders that spin as you go down (like a factory ramp), which makes it more fun (and reduces the friction considerably).
We were going to look at the koi afterward (Grey told me all about his immortal goldfish), but Mike’s dad called us back and we hung around the picnic area. We didn’t really do much hanami, but we ended up meeting a lot of interesting Japanese people. There were a few college-age Japanese musicians who played American songs (and asked for tips in the American way). Mike’s otousan also seemed good at getting Japanese ladies to introduce themselves to (and take pictures with) us. When some of the people were really drunk, Mike and I smashed beer cans with our shoes. The most fun part though was when we were invited to sit and talk with a bunch of 24-ish Japanese people. They tried to teach us Japanese slang, gave us pocky, and invited us to see their band on May 4 at the Tightrope venue. Everyone was really drunk and when the Japanese people and the exchange students found things (usually obscure bands and movies) that they both liked, they got really loud. It was a lot of fun though, and I really do think I’d like to see their band and talk with them more, whether they’re sober or not. Perhaps this kind of thing could happen in the US, but it seems more safe in Japan, and there’s a certain celebrity-esque heightened interest in foreigners that seems to make Japanese people easier to mingle with (in a few situations including this one).
When it was time to go, I found that the entrance to the subway was closed, and got a bit nervous. I told Mike and his dad, and they agreed to wait for me while I checked another entrance. I thought I might have to ride the train back (not a problem, unless I ran out of time) so I checked the train schedule, but while I was doing that, a Japanese man (without me telling him anything) pointed me in the right direction to the other subway entrance, which was just beyond the train station. I had to go downstairs to check (far into the earth), so I called Mike when I found out I had not missed my last train. I was very grateful to his dad for offering to wait (and drive me in the case of me missing my train) and I found myself speaking surprisingly more quickly and clearly in Japanese on the phone (when I told them) than usual. When I called my host mother though, I started messing up again. d:
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