It has always been a goal of mine to go to Okinawa and see the world's biggest aquarium. And I had mentioned to my Rotary since I have gotten here that I wanted to go. I thought I was just saying it. But my rotary being so nice as they are made it come true. I must say I'm really happy to be on this trip, within a trip (trip-ception).
So last night I was up packing and generally just screwing around because I couldn't sleep and I was talking about feels with Beki on skype, so I ended up only getting around 2 hours of sleep. We were going to leave at around seven in the morning, as we were taking the train to the airport instead of going by car. I was awoken (apparently) many times but eventually got up at around seven. I got panicked and threw on my clothes, finished up some packing and skipped breakfast. So everyone got together and with our luggage boarded the crowded trains for almost two hours of transferring and standing uncomfortably close to too many people. We took the monorail (MONORAIL!!!!) from Hamamatsucho and arrived a few stations later in Haneda Airport. It was my first time there! Well today was full of a lot of firsts, yay! So we checked in, and I find it really strange that I had to not show one piece of ID in the airport and I was able to take more liquids on board then I:m used to (not on purpose). Japan, you trust too easily. Before checking in though we decided to get breakfast. Mine was a delicious strawberry sundae! Yay nutrition! We boarded after scanning a ticket, not unlike the train station, and received another piece of paper that said our seat. We sat down and I had a window seat. It was my two younger host sisters first time on a plane so they were scared and excited. It was cute. i ended up just sleeping the entire time. But we arrived at around 1:30 and in order to make it in time, we rented our car and started on our two hour trip north to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. We picked up some lunch from the convenience store and after eating that and singing in the car, majority of us fell asleep, due to lack of it. We arrived at the aquarium around four and I became so excited. We went in and the first thing we saw was a touch tank. It mainly had starfish and sea cucumbers but it was really interesting. Then we mad our way through the tanks. Seeing giant fish, regular sized fish and super tiny fish, we eventually made our way the the biggest tank. A tank that housed three whale sharks, five manta rays and countless amounts of fish. I was in sheer awe. I had seen a video of this exact tank a few years before and ever since that day I have been determined to go there. It was beyond beautiful. I was speechless. There was also a shark section. And if any of you actually know me, you:ll know that my favourite animals are sharks and manatees. So I was very interested in the shark section. They had many specimens on shark teeth and foetus of sharks and even had the skin of a great white that was caught back in the 80's. I was utterly and completely happy. Oh, but there is more. We left the actual aquarium and made our way through the souvenir shop. I say a plush manatee and thought it was weird that they would sell it without actually having any manatee on display as a lot of Japanese people don't know what manatees are or they just don't know that they do. After the shop we made our way downstairs into another exhibit. I had seen a building that said マナティー館. Me being silly, didn't read it correctly and therefore wasn't excited. I honestly thought it said Manta ray. But As we were walking towards it, my senses came back to me and realised it said "MANATEE"! I was so excited and I broke out into a sprint. I got there and once again was speechless. There were four manatees; two girls and two boys. The creatures I love so dearly were being as lazy as usual and just as adorable. One of the boys came to the surface for air and on his way down bumped his nose into the side of the tank. It was.... so... adorable. FEELS! I watched them from above for awhile before I realised that there was a downstairs and you could see them closer. I went and did so and one of the boys (Ryu) played a lot and so I got good pictures. Along with a picture of him and I. My dream has come true. I am so happy. So happy to the point where words can't describe it. After we found this little area called Turtle Beach. Unfortunately no turtles but it was really beautiful. White sand and warm crystal blue water. We then made our way to a dolphin and whale show. It was really cute. I'm not a fan of dolphins but yeah, it was an entertaining show. Then we decided it was time to go to check into the hotel. We made our two hour trip again and once again majority of us slept. I woke up as my head slammed against the window (not fun) and it was dark. We were almost to our hotel but my host parents were looking for a place to eat. They drove us to the hotel and we checked in and brought our bags to our rooms. This hotel is very beautiful. Very grand. We then walked to an Izakaya (basically a restaurant with good food and cheap alcohol) to partake in Okinawa food. We ordered so much food and I don't even remember half of it. But all was delicious. We stuffed ourselves and talked a lot before getting the shuttle bus back to the hotel (really didn't need to because the hotel was around ten minutes away on foot haha). And now my host family is playing ping pong and billiards as I write this on the public computer, as i did not bring my own. I was kicked off the piano in the middle of the room though. Sad times. But now I am by myself in this huge lobby. I think I'll go to bed now. Tomorrow is when we will be doing all of our water activities and I'm really excited! I'm basically the only person who will be actually swimming as 4/5 of my host family cannot swim. I may or may not write tomorrow! Until next time!
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Thursday, 26 July 2012
10 Down; 4 to Go
So today was painful. I got up and made plans to go see Asta, John, Julie and Shannon. Being low on funds I couldn't make it to where they all wanted to meet. So being sweethearts as they are, they came to a station which I could afford. Asta couldn't stay so I had to say goodbye to her there. (ㅠnㅠ).
Then John, Julie, Shannon and I walked around Kawagoe and ended up going to karaoke after buying some ice cream (god I eat way too much ice cream here). I could only stay for an hour because I had made plans with Roxane to meet her in Tokyo. We sang, talked, put aloe gel on John's back, sang opera and enjoyed the last time we would be together. John, Julie and Shannon decided to stay another hour, and I was kind of jealous. But I was already late for my meet up with Roxane. I said good bye to Shannon and I just. I can't really handle being the last one to leave. To be left behind. Being the last person leaving truly does sucks. It feels like my family is abandoning me. Which, they aren't really. We will meet again, someday. And we will always stay in touch. But I can't help but fell like a piece of me withers away every time I see someone for the last time (for the next three to five years at least).
Anyway, as I made my way to Shibuya I just felt so lonely. I met up with Roxane and we went to a little restaurant (would I really call it that? It was more a bar than anything. Like a sports bar, but for music.). It was really amazing. Very urban. Graffiti and local musicians pictures everywhere. Great atmosphere. We stay and ate then decided to leave. It was getting a bit late so we started home. But before doing so we took our last purikura together! At Shibuya station, Roxane and I had to part ways. It was very touching. My little, weak heart aches. Lots of hugs and teary eyes.
My lonely heart and I made our way back home. And I just sat on my bed; heart exhausted. Then, I got a message from Shannon on Facebook. She sent all of the exchange students a song which the key lyric was " Though we will surely walk different paths, somewhere on this earth, each of us will be looking up at the same sky" Damn it, Shannon! It makes me cry even now.
Ah, the trials on the heart of an exchange student. But exchange is really fun! I promise!Spoilers: the ending sucks
Ciao!
Then John, Julie, Shannon and I walked around Kawagoe and ended up going to karaoke after buying some ice cream (god I eat way too much ice cream here). I could only stay for an hour because I had made plans with Roxane to meet her in Tokyo. We sang, talked, put aloe gel on John's back, sang opera and enjoyed the last time we would be together. John, Julie and Shannon decided to stay another hour, and I was kind of jealous. But I was already late for my meet up with Roxane. I said good bye to Shannon and I just. I can't really handle being the last one to leave. To be left behind. Being the last person leaving truly does sucks. It feels like my family is abandoning me. Which, they aren't really. We will meet again, someday. And we will always stay in touch. But I can't help but fell like a piece of me withers away every time I see someone for the last time (for the next three to five years at least).
Anyway, as I made my way to Shibuya I just felt so lonely. I met up with Roxane and we went to a little restaurant (would I really call it that? It was more a bar than anything. Like a sports bar, but for music.). It was really amazing. Very urban. Graffiti and local musicians pictures everywhere. Great atmosphere. We stay and ate then decided to leave. It was getting a bit late so we started home. But before doing so we took our last purikura together! At Shibuya station, Roxane and I had to part ways. It was very touching. My little, weak heart aches. Lots of hugs and teary eyes.
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| Translation: Let's meet again! |
Ah, the trials on the heart of an exchange student. But exchange is really fun! I promise!
Ciao!
Monday, 23 July 2012
Friends, University, Last Day of School, Trick Art Museum
I really need to start writing daily because entries are getting piled up.
So starting with chronological order:
On Monday, July 16th, my classmates had decided to hang with me and other classmates as a kind of going away party. Four other girls and I went to eat okonomiyaki first. It was really delicious and really fun! We talked a lot and after eating decided to go take purikura. We went to a local department store and took some. After, we went to the food court and Kana called a bunch of guys from my class and told them to come. So we waited around and everyone eventually came. We then decided to go to a park. I didn't know exactly why we were going but I just followed everyone. It turns out that they wanted to play tag. I thought it was a bit silly at first but it turned out to be really fun! One guy from my class, nicknamed Hatahata, is on the track and field team, so he can run abnormally fast. So because of that and playground equipment, playing tag was really enjoyable. We then played another game not unlike "What Time is it Mr. Wolf". Which also turned out to be really fun. Around 9 o'clock we decided to go home. Myself and five other friends decided to get some ice cream first. So we ate ice cream and discussed a future plan for a BBQ. I'm really excited for that. That day was so much fun!
On Tuesday, I unknowingly had to give a small speech to the entire 12th grade. I thought that I just had to give one to the school on the last day. So, being that time I was already emotional and having nothing prepared, my stress level went through the roof. I began to cry and couldn't stop. It was a mixture of stress and the fact that I hadn't prepared myself to actually say goodbye to everyone that I had met in these last few months. So in about 10 minutes I prepared a rather good speech, if I do say so myself. But, I was crying during the entire thing. it was kind of embarrassing. Everyone was extremely nice afterwards though and said goodbye to me too.
On Wednesday after school, Beki and I decided to meet up for basically the last time. She would be going home that Sunday and we both were too busy to meet up again. Beki has been one of my closest friends here and I hated to see her go. We went shopping and took the silliest purikura and laughed a whole bunch. We hugged for a really long time before I had to catch my train and it was really painful to leave. But, since I am the last exchange student in both districts to leave I have to get used to this feeling. Something just seems harder to stay and watch everyone leave rather actually leaving in itself.
So on Thursday, July 19th, I went to school because we had to clean and then went to my host sisters university! It was my frist time going to a Japanese university. I was going to go to a class, but due to it being just before exams, all of the classes were full. We ended up just going to the cafeteria and staying there for hours. It sounds boring, but it was quite the opposite. I met a lot of people and talked about many different things. From university, to me, to music, to ice cream. After leaving the university, my host sister and I went to Ikebukuro to get some ice cream. We went to McDonald's and I had a McFlurry and my host sister had a milkshake. I haven't said it here, but the sizes in McDonald's here and at home are so different. Its quite amusing really. Fries are the same size but, drinks and burgers seem to be different. Basically, for drinks, a Japanese small is a North American child size, medium is small, large is medium and a North American large doesn't exist. Also, McFlurries are really small. Cute, even.
So my last day of Japanese high school was on the 20th. I had stayed up the night before to make cookies for my class and anyone else who had been nice to me since I came to my current school. The days leading up to my last day were pretty funny because I knew that my classmates were planning something for me. I honestly thought they may just say something to me and my closer friends would give me a card or something. But one day I was just putting my stuff away and one of my classmates yelled to another and said "I'M SORRY! I FORGOT THE PICT-" and she noticed I was there and cut herself off. Almost immediately after my other friend suddenly asked me to go to the bathroom. Now, in Japanese schools, girls (and actually girls everywhere I suppose) go to the bathroom together. Not to actually use it but just to hang out. And usually girls won't ask me, for whatever reason. Though, knowing something was up and my friend was just trying to get me out of the classroom, I played along and went. This happened quite frequently up until that Friday. Anyway, after only getting two hours of sleep due to making cookies and writing thank you letters, I went to school. I was going to be late so I got a taxi. A bunch of students saw me get out of the taxi and gave me weird looks haha. We hung around in our classroom until about 9 and then went to the gym to hear the speech that every Japanese school gets before summer vacation. Like saying to be safe, and don't be bad, and don't dye your hair and such things. Towards the end I was to give a goodbye speech and "graduate" from my school. I was really nervous, because unlike last time, the absolute entire school was there. All 700+ of them. I was freaking out a little and made myself calm down a bit by breathing deeply. As I walked onto the stage with my principle, something in me calmed down, as if I were just going about my regular business. I was presented with my graduation certificate and gave my speech. It was really, really weird. I was so calm talking. My voice and/or legs didn't shake, I didn't screw up or repeat my words (aside from when the mic squeaked) and I just felt so comfortable. I thought "This is how politicians feel". (Why did I think that?). I finished my speech and my friend asked me to "go to the bathroom" again. I went back to the classroom expecting something and.... nothing was there. I wasn't disappointed as such though I felt like I had expected too much. I though "oh well" and I sat down with my friends as my teacher talked to the class and gave out report cards. My teacher told me I had to go see the principle as well as an English teacher who has helped me out a lot throughout my time at school. I went to the principle's office with my teacher and he gave me a gift. I was surprised and very happy. He told me that it was such a pleasure to have me at their school and that I made a lot of students happy. I almost cried haha. I thanked him for letting me enter the school and for being so understanding. We shook hands and my teacher and I excused ourselves. I went to go see the English teacher, but she was busy so my teacher told me to go back to the classroom. I got sidetracked when I met up with a few of my teachers and talked to them, as well I met up with some friends from other classes and we took pictures and stuff. I finally started to make it to the class room and my teacher saw me and asked if I had talked to the English teacher. I said "No, not yet" and she replied with "Well just come into the classroom". I cautiously walked into the classroom and everyone was in a circle with party poppers. Okamoto Ryu (a boy in my class who studies English and will go on exchange to Canada after he graduates) met me in the middle of the classroom and, in broken (but cute) English, asked me if I had enjoyed my time here at school and with this class and asked me to not forget everyone. (He gets an A for effort). Then everyone shot off the party poppers as I began to cry tears of happiness. I was so happy that everyone had enjoyed my presence in class even though we never intimately talked. My closer friends then presented me with a few gifts. I cried harder and couldn't even say "thank you" because I was too choked up. Before my teachers could talk to me, my Japanese History teacher came into the class. He was a nice man who, though hated English, was very funny. He always tried to include me in the class even though I never did the work because, well, I really couldn't. Half of the words that were necessary to understand the content didn't even come up in the dictionary. He took a picture with me and shook my hand. He said he enjoyed having me in class. My teachers (homeroom and sub-homeroom) thanked me and just gave a small word about how they liked me and stuff haha. My sub-homeroom teacher Mr. Shiota is an English teacher spoke to me in English and said "Today I found out something interesting. We have the same birthday." In surprise I said "Oh really? Thats great." After he said that my classmates asked me what he said and I shrugged, teasing them. And then someone said "Sir! You definitely said that you like Hali more than your wife!" and everyone laughed. Ms. Tanuma thanked me for putting up with her class and she said that she was really happy when she found out I would be in her class. Before becoming seniors, she had taught me math and tried really hard for me to understand. It was really sweet. She started getting tears in her eyes (let me remind you, I have been non-stop crying since the party poppers went off) and then we hugged. Everyone then got together and sang the school song for me. I then told them, with tears in my eyes, that I was so happy to have spent my time at school with them. I learned so many things from everyone and will never forget them. I then told them I had cookies and even the people who didn't like me that much were happy because of that! Haha! Winning the hearts of people with food! So everyone lined up and said a few words to me before taking a cookie. Like "Even though it was only a short time, having you in the class was really fun.Thanks". Actually everyone just basically said a variation of that sentence. haha. They tried. Everyone just kind of left after a bit, either because of club or work or just because. After I gave my homeroom teachers a baggy of cookies and a card. We then just hung around for a bit. I then went to go see the English teacher. We talked about my time at this high school and I thanked her for being so helpful when I first came. She asked me what I liked most about Japan, and I replied with food and fashion and stuff like that. But, surprisingly, she asked me what I hated. Usually when Japanese people talk about their country to a foreigner, they'll never wonder what they (the foreigner) hates about Japan, only what they like. So I told her that I don't like the school system and education. And she fully agreed with me. It was great! Nothing will happen with it, but I'm glad I'm not the only person who sees it as a very far from perfect aspect of Japan.I thanked her again and excused myself. I went and asked the receptionist people to call me a cab because I had a lot of stuff with me and it started to rain (they didn't even know my name which was rare haha). I then met up with my music teacher, February and March homeroom teacher, homeroom teacher and principle again. We took pictures together and I gave them cookies. I said goodbye and went to leave. I was then stopped by the calligraphy teacher (who I had only met that day before going up on stage for my speech) and she gave me a piece of calligraphy she had made. I thanked her and we spoke a little before she wished me luck and I left. I got in the cab and with a happy yet sad feeling weighing on my chest, drove away from the best school I had every been apart of. Ok, so I said that for drama. I'm going to go back during summer holidays and take pictures of the school for memories haha.
On Sunday, July 22nd before going to the Ooi Festival, my host sister and I went to Kawagoe to go look at bikinis. I couldn't find one I liked so we met up with my host parents and drove back to Fujimino. We went to the department store and looked at some there. I found a few I liked but because I was wearing my yukata I couldn't try them on. They said they would buy me the bathing suit for my birthday :D
I then met up with my friends and we walked around. We went to a mini-concert where my other friend and classmates were playing. It was really high energy for just a small venue and high school students playing covers. But a lot of the other students got hyper and it infected everyone else haha. After we (Chuntan (nickname), Hatahata (nickname), Yasuko and I) went for food. We had shaved ice, mini cakes in the shape of pikachu, takoyaki, chocolate covered bananas and fried noodles. It was really fun. I absolutely love festivals. They are my favourite thing about Japan. There are a lot more to come too because its summer! I'm so excited.
So yesterday! Myself, Julie, Shannon, Asta and John decicded to (instead of going to the Ghibli museum because the tickets were sold out) go to the Takao Trick Art Museum. It was quite a ways away (almost 2 hours) but it was totally worth it. Its basically a museum full of optical illusions and its awesome to say the least. My camera died so I don't have many pictures but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you anyway. If you are ever in Japan, please go there!!! After the museum we went and ate at a little Italian restaurant. We shared two pizzas and gelato. So yummy. We then went to Minami Urawa, where we had planned to go to karaoke but just ended up playing in the park. Its nice having just the small moments with these friends. Just simple things that make our exchange that much more bearable. The connection we have with each other is just unbreakable. I will miss these people so much.
So that's all for now. I am becoming so busy!! Its awesome and it sucks because I'm not used to it! Also I'm still on the wait list for university math. Oh god. University ;___;
I'll write everyday from now on because it is a pain to go through all of these days haha!
Ciao!
So starting with chronological order:
On Monday, July 16th, my classmates had decided to hang with me and other classmates as a kind of going away party. Four other girls and I went to eat okonomiyaki first. It was really delicious and really fun! We talked a lot and after eating decided to go take purikura. We went to a local department store and took some. After, we went to the food court and Kana called a bunch of guys from my class and told them to come. So we waited around and everyone eventually came. We then decided to go to a park. I didn't know exactly why we were going but I just followed everyone. It turns out that they wanted to play tag. I thought it was a bit silly at first but it turned out to be really fun! One guy from my class, nicknamed Hatahata, is on the track and field team, so he can run abnormally fast. So because of that and playground equipment, playing tag was really enjoyable. We then played another game not unlike "What Time is it Mr. Wolf". Which also turned out to be really fun. Around 9 o'clock we decided to go home. Myself and five other friends decided to get some ice cream first. So we ate ice cream and discussed a future plan for a BBQ. I'm really excited for that. That day was so much fun!
On Tuesday, I unknowingly had to give a small speech to the entire 12th grade. I thought that I just had to give one to the school on the last day. So, being that time I was already emotional and having nothing prepared, my stress level went through the roof. I began to cry and couldn't stop. It was a mixture of stress and the fact that I hadn't prepared myself to actually say goodbye to everyone that I had met in these last few months. So in about 10 minutes I prepared a rather good speech, if I do say so myself. But, I was crying during the entire thing. it was kind of embarrassing. Everyone was extremely nice afterwards though and said goodbye to me too.
On Wednesday after school, Beki and I decided to meet up for basically the last time. She would be going home that Sunday and we both were too busy to meet up again. Beki has been one of my closest friends here and I hated to see her go. We went shopping and took the silliest purikura and laughed a whole bunch. We hugged for a really long time before I had to catch my train and it was really painful to leave. But, since I am the last exchange student in both districts to leave I have to get used to this feeling. Something just seems harder to stay and watch everyone leave rather actually leaving in itself.
So on Thursday, July 19th, I went to school because we had to clean and then went to my host sisters university! It was my frist time going to a Japanese university. I was going to go to a class, but due to it being just before exams, all of the classes were full. We ended up just going to the cafeteria and staying there for hours. It sounds boring, but it was quite the opposite. I met a lot of people and talked about many different things. From university, to me, to music, to ice cream. After leaving the university, my host sister and I went to Ikebukuro to get some ice cream. We went to McDonald's and I had a McFlurry and my host sister had a milkshake. I haven't said it here, but the sizes in McDonald's here and at home are so different. Its quite amusing really. Fries are the same size but, drinks and burgers seem to be different. Basically, for drinks, a Japanese small is a North American child size, medium is small, large is medium and a North American large doesn't exist. Also, McFlurries are really small. Cute, even.
So my last day of Japanese high school was on the 20th. I had stayed up the night before to make cookies for my class and anyone else who had been nice to me since I came to my current school. The days leading up to my last day were pretty funny because I knew that my classmates were planning something for me. I honestly thought they may just say something to me and my closer friends would give me a card or something. But one day I was just putting my stuff away and one of my classmates yelled to another and said "I'M SORRY! I FORGOT THE PICT-" and she noticed I was there and cut herself off. Almost immediately after my other friend suddenly asked me to go to the bathroom. Now, in Japanese schools, girls (and actually girls everywhere I suppose) go to the bathroom together. Not to actually use it but just to hang out. And usually girls won't ask me, for whatever reason. Though, knowing something was up and my friend was just trying to get me out of the classroom, I played along and went. This happened quite frequently up until that Friday. Anyway, after only getting two hours of sleep due to making cookies and writing thank you letters, I went to school. I was going to be late so I got a taxi. A bunch of students saw me get out of the taxi and gave me weird looks haha. We hung around in our classroom until about 9 and then went to the gym to hear the speech that every Japanese school gets before summer vacation. Like saying to be safe, and don't be bad, and don't dye your hair and such things. Towards the end I was to give a goodbye speech and "graduate" from my school. I was really nervous, because unlike last time, the absolute entire school was there. All 700+ of them. I was freaking out a little and made myself calm down a bit by breathing deeply. As I walked onto the stage with my principle, something in me calmed down, as if I were just going about my regular business. I was presented with my graduation certificate and gave my speech. It was really, really weird. I was so calm talking. My voice and/or legs didn't shake, I didn't screw up or repeat my words (aside from when the mic squeaked) and I just felt so comfortable. I thought "This is how politicians feel". (Why did I think that?). I finished my speech and my friend asked me to "go to the bathroom" again. I went back to the classroom expecting something and.... nothing was there. I wasn't disappointed as such though I felt like I had expected too much. I though "oh well" and I sat down with my friends as my teacher talked to the class and gave out report cards. My teacher told me I had to go see the principle as well as an English teacher who has helped me out a lot throughout my time at school. I went to the principle's office with my teacher and he gave me a gift. I was surprised and very happy. He told me that it was such a pleasure to have me at their school and that I made a lot of students happy. I almost cried haha. I thanked him for letting me enter the school and for being so understanding. We shook hands and my teacher and I excused ourselves. I went to go see the English teacher, but she was busy so my teacher told me to go back to the classroom. I got sidetracked when I met up with a few of my teachers and talked to them, as well I met up with some friends from other classes and we took pictures and stuff. I finally started to make it to the class room and my teacher saw me and asked if I had talked to the English teacher. I said "No, not yet" and she replied with "Well just come into the classroom". I cautiously walked into the classroom and everyone was in a circle with party poppers. Okamoto Ryu (a boy in my class who studies English and will go on exchange to Canada after he graduates) met me in the middle of the classroom and, in broken (but cute) English, asked me if I had enjoyed my time here at school and with this class and asked me to not forget everyone. (He gets an A for effort). Then everyone shot off the party poppers as I began to cry tears of happiness. I was so happy that everyone had enjoyed my presence in class even though we never intimately talked. My closer friends then presented me with a few gifts. I cried harder and couldn't even say "thank you" because I was too choked up. Before my teachers could talk to me, my Japanese History teacher came into the class. He was a nice man who, though hated English, was very funny. He always tried to include me in the class even though I never did the work because, well, I really couldn't. Half of the words that were necessary to understand the content didn't even come up in the dictionary. He took a picture with me and shook my hand. He said he enjoyed having me in class. My teachers (homeroom and sub-homeroom) thanked me and just gave a small word about how they liked me and stuff haha. My sub-homeroom teacher Mr. Shiota is an English teacher spoke to me in English and said "Today I found out something interesting. We have the same birthday." In surprise I said "Oh really? Thats great." After he said that my classmates asked me what he said and I shrugged, teasing them. And then someone said "Sir! You definitely said that you like Hali more than your wife!" and everyone laughed. Ms. Tanuma thanked me for putting up with her class and she said that she was really happy when she found out I would be in her class. Before becoming seniors, she had taught me math and tried really hard for me to understand. It was really sweet. She started getting tears in her eyes (let me remind you, I have been non-stop crying since the party poppers went off) and then we hugged. Everyone then got together and sang the school song for me. I then told them, with tears in my eyes, that I was so happy to have spent my time at school with them. I learned so many things from everyone and will never forget them. I then told them I had cookies and even the people who didn't like me that much were happy because of that! Haha! Winning the hearts of people with food! So everyone lined up and said a few words to me before taking a cookie. Like "Even though it was only a short time, having you in the class was really fun.Thanks". Actually everyone just basically said a variation of that sentence. haha. They tried. Everyone just kind of left after a bit, either because of club or work or just because. After I gave my homeroom teachers a baggy of cookies and a card. We then just hung around for a bit. I then went to go see the English teacher. We talked about my time at this high school and I thanked her for being so helpful when I first came. She asked me what I liked most about Japan, and I replied with food and fashion and stuff like that. But, surprisingly, she asked me what I hated. Usually when Japanese people talk about their country to a foreigner, they'll never wonder what they (the foreigner) hates about Japan, only what they like. So I told her that I don't like the school system and education. And she fully agreed with me. It was great! Nothing will happen with it, but I'm glad I'm not the only person who sees it as a very far from perfect aspect of Japan.I thanked her again and excused myself. I went and asked the receptionist people to call me a cab because I had a lot of stuff with me and it started to rain (they didn't even know my name which was rare haha). I then met up with my music teacher, February and March homeroom teacher, homeroom teacher and principle again. We took pictures together and I gave them cookies. I said goodbye and went to leave. I was then stopped by the calligraphy teacher (who I had only met that day before going up on stage for my speech) and she gave me a piece of calligraphy she had made. I thanked her and we spoke a little before she wished me luck and I left. I got in the cab and with a happy yet sad feeling weighing on my chest, drove away from the best school I had every been apart of. Ok, so I said that for drama. I'm going to go back during summer holidays and take pictures of the school for memories haha.
On Sunday, July 22nd before going to the Ooi Festival, my host sister and I went to Kawagoe to go look at bikinis. I couldn't find one I liked so we met up with my host parents and drove back to Fujimino. We went to the department store and looked at some there. I found a few I liked but because I was wearing my yukata I couldn't try them on. They said they would buy me the bathing suit for my birthday :D
I then met up with my friends and we walked around. We went to a mini-concert where my other friend and classmates were playing. It was really high energy for just a small venue and high school students playing covers. But a lot of the other students got hyper and it infected everyone else haha. After we (Chuntan (nickname), Hatahata (nickname), Yasuko and I) went for food. We had shaved ice, mini cakes in the shape of pikachu, takoyaki, chocolate covered bananas and fried noodles. It was really fun. I absolutely love festivals. They are my favourite thing about Japan. There are a lot more to come too because its summer! I'm so excited.
So yesterday! Myself, Julie, Shannon, Asta and John decicded to (instead of going to the Ghibli museum because the tickets were sold out) go to the Takao Trick Art Museum. It was quite a ways away (almost 2 hours) but it was totally worth it. Its basically a museum full of optical illusions and its awesome to say the least. My camera died so I don't have many pictures but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you anyway. If you are ever in Japan, please go there!!! After the museum we went and ate at a little Italian restaurant. We shared two pizzas and gelato. So yummy. We then went to Minami Urawa, where we had planned to go to karaoke but just ended up playing in the park. Its nice having just the small moments with these friends. Just simple things that make our exchange that much more bearable. The connection we have with each other is just unbreakable. I will miss these people so much.
So that's all for now. I am becoming so busy!! Its awesome and it sucks because I'm not used to it! Also I'm still on the wait list for university math. Oh god. University ;___;
I'll write everyday from now on because it is a pain to go through all of these days haha!
Ciao!
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Fuji TV and Asakusa
I'm loving this family more and more. Just, I don't really know how to explain it. They accepted me so well, like they had knew me from the start. They are a bit strict at times but what family isn't?
Since I've arrived here they are always trying to do things with me and have brought me into their family.
So I will tell you all the wonderful things that have gone on since arriving last week!
So the first day was a bit uncomfortable (like all of the moves were) due to crying and the fact that I and basically moving into a strangers home. But having met this family (not just the parents) before on a couple of occasions the blow was softened. I was really comfortable with this family from the start. Once again , they remind me so much of much family. I really like that haha. The rest of the week (until Wednesday) was just basically: go to school, come home, laze around and wait for food. Though I must say I really like being home alone for the first time in a long time. I've missed that. So on Wednesday night host mama, and two host sisters and I went to their aunts house for dinner. I'm not sure what the aunt's story is but it seems that she lives alone in a big house with a bunch of cats;Crazy Cat Lady. She is a very nice lady who is the spitting image of my host mother. We ate and had a great time. The feeling I get when I'm at that house is so warm and cozy. Before we had left to go to dinner my host mom told me to bring some underwear. I was really confused and she explained that I could take a bath at their aunt's house. I declined as it felt a bit awkward. I saw the bath once I got there and immediately regretted my decision. It was such a nice bath ( *o*). So that night was very nice. Then on Friday everyone lazed around at home and watched "Spirited Away" on TV while eating ice cream. Just very cozy.
FUJI TV
On Saturday, we had planned to go to Asakusa because there was a famous shrine that I have yet to visit. It, unfortunately, was raining but my family insisted we go somewhere else. My host father, mother, sister and I ended up going to Odaiba by car and visiting a TV station. We got to see all of the memorabilia from shows that they have shown on that station and got to see the set of the morning show that is always on when I wake up and a few of my favourite variety shows. There was also a bunch of signatures from foreign guests that have been on their show which included Big Bang, Will Smith, Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, and Tommy Lee Jones. It was really cool.
We also took this great picture.
Laughs were had. After we visited the station they brought me to see the giant gundam. Now, I'm not a big fan of the gundam series BUT when you see an 18m high, possibly controllable, space accessible fighting machine you can't help but get excited.
As we drove home my host mother, sister and I all fell asleep. That day, it turns out, was my host mother's birthday. We bought her flowers and went to an Italian restaurant to celebrate with the family and their aunt and uncle and aunt's friend (not really sure her connection). We had great food and sang happy birthday (the whole restaurant did!).
Then, after eating, we decided to go rent some movies. I ended up getting the two newest Ghibli movies ("The Borrower Arrietty" and "From Up on Poppy Hill") and Paranormal Activity 2 and 3. We went home and my host sister and aunt's friend decided to watch Paranormal Activity. Everyone aside from my host father and us three left the apartment (either to go home or go to the other house) and started to watch. It honestly isn't a scary movie as such and it just has cheap scares. Either way, when the movie got quiet, we all got a scare when my host mother decided to call us. I screamed a lot louder than I should have. My host father went to bed halfway through the first movie but the three of us who were left over decided to watch the other one as well. We ended up going to bed around 3.
ASAKUSA
The next day, Sunday, was sunny and hot. So, after cleaning the house, we decided to go with the former plan from Saturday and go to Asakusa. We took the train and as we did we looked at things to do in Okinawa. I'm so excited to go with them! We got to Asakusa and it felt as if I was in Kyoto again. Lots of Japanese souvenir shops and shopping streets with ceilings. We visited the shrine and ate some fresh senbei (rice cracker).
We also did omikuji (fortunes) and I got the best one! Score!
We prayed and before the praying area (I don't know what to call it. An alter?) there was a quite large pot like structure. People would place incense in it and the would move the smoke to some part of their body which was either in pain or if they just generally wanted it to get better. In the process of this, the smoke got in my eyes. Very much so. So I guess my eyes will get lazer vision now.
Sweet. As we were walking on the street before the actual shrine area we could see the Tokyo Sky Tree. The, now, tallest structure in the world.
We decided to go get some food and my host sister and I got Maguro Soba (fresh tuna and noodles). It was apparently a shop specialty as you got three different flavours when you ate it. First it was just regular soba and broth. Second, you got a different taste when you add the wasabi and tuna to the broth. Third was when you add some soba oyu (hot soba broth) and add the rest of the contents into the broth which turned into a very lovely soup.
We left the populated area and when to a very interesting building which looked upon the city. Very nice views.
We then went home and I napped. I was so exhausted. I was awoken and was told that we were going to their aunts house again. Yay! I got my bath stuffs and excitedly waited! We (host mother, host father, two host sisters, host aunt and uncle and I) all ate together and conversed. Then the time finally came. I was able to get in the bath! And what a wonderful bath it was. I can't wait to go there again. Their aunt is so sweet.
I'm not very good with words and the way I have worded my feelings may be a bit awkward. However, I am so glad to be in this family. Everyone is so kind and tries to make me comfortable. I'm glad to have all these wonderful people as my last host family. It really nice having a family that actually wants to do stuff with me.
And now its Tuesday and school is getting shorter and shorter as we approach summer break. I literally have to be in school for a maximum of 2 hours. I must say, its quite lovely.
I also went to Disney with the exchange students last Thursday and on the 16th I'm hanging out with all of my school friends. I'll either make a video (probably not) or write a blog entry about it. Look forward to it!
Since I've arrived here they are always trying to do things with me and have brought me into their family.
So I will tell you all the wonderful things that have gone on since arriving last week!
So the first day was a bit uncomfortable (like all of the moves were) due to crying and the fact that I and basically moving into a strangers home. But having met this family (not just the parents) before on a couple of occasions the blow was softened. I was really comfortable with this family from the start. Once again , they remind me so much of much family. I really like that haha. The rest of the week (until Wednesday) was just basically: go to school, come home, laze around and wait for food. Though I must say I really like being home alone for the first time in a long time. I've missed that. So on Wednesday night host mama, and two host sisters and I went to their aunts house for dinner. I'm not sure what the aunt's story is but it seems that she lives alone in a big house with a bunch of cats;
FUJI TV
On Saturday, we had planned to go to Asakusa because there was a famous shrine that I have yet to visit. It, unfortunately, was raining but my family insisted we go somewhere else. My host father, mother, sister and I ended up going to Odaiba by car and visiting a TV station. We got to see all of the memorabilia from shows that they have shown on that station and got to see the set of the morning show that is always on when I wake up and a few of my favourite variety shows. There was also a bunch of signatures from foreign guests that have been on their show which included Big Bang, Will Smith, Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, and Tommy Lee Jones. It was really cool.
 |
| There I am :D |
 |
| The famous Rainbow Bridge in the background. |
 |
| The building was 25 stories high :| |
 |
| For Tonya! They had a bunch of photos and actual stuff from the show on display! |
 |
| Also for you Tonya |
We also took this great picture.
 |
| Yes. We are bugs. |
Laughs were had. After we visited the station they brought me to see the giant gundam. Now, I'm not a big fan of the gundam series BUT when you see an 18m high, possibly controllable, space accessible fighting machine you can't help but get excited.
 |
| Can I b Gundam nao? |
As we drove home my host mother, sister and I all fell asleep. That day, it turns out, was my host mother's birthday. We bought her flowers and went to an Italian restaurant to celebrate with the family and their aunt and uncle and aunt's friend (not really sure her connection). We had great food and sang happy birthday (the whole restaurant did!).
Then, after eating, we decided to go rent some movies. I ended up getting the two newest Ghibli movies ("The Borrower Arrietty" and "From Up on Poppy Hill") and Paranormal Activity 2 and 3. We went home and my host sister and aunt's friend decided to watch Paranormal Activity. Everyone aside from my host father and us three left the apartment (either to go home or go to the other house) and started to watch. It honestly isn't a scary movie as such and it just has cheap scares. Either way, when the movie got quiet, we all got a scare when my host mother decided to call us. I screamed a lot louder than I should have. My host father went to bed halfway through the first movie but the three of us who were left over decided to watch the other one as well. We ended up going to bed around 3.
ASAKUSA
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| Pagodas are cool |
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| Busy street |
 | ||
| Also this guy |
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| This boy reminds me of Sokka (so does his Dad) |
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| This shrine is gaijin friendly :D |
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| C'mon lazer eyes! |
 |
| So old and so new. |
We decided to go get some food and my host sister and I got Maguro Soba (fresh tuna and noodles). It was apparently a shop specialty as you got three different flavours when you ate it. First it was just regular soba and broth. Second, you got a different taste when you add the wasabi and tuna to the broth. Third was when you add some soba oyu (hot soba broth) and add the rest of the contents into the broth which turned into a very lovely soup.
We left the populated area and when to a very interesting building which looked upon the city. Very nice views.
As we were going home my host father suggested we ride a rickshaw. I
have been in Japan for 11 months, been to Kyoto twice and not once have I
ridden one. I was a lot more excited then I should have been. It was
just a 10 minute ride but our (girl) "driver" was very nice and brought
us to a place where they based the food area of "Spirited Away" on.
We then went home and I napped. I was so exhausted. I was awoken and was told that we were going to their aunts house again. Yay! I got my bath stuffs and excitedly waited! We (host mother, host father, two host sisters, host aunt and uncle and I) all ate together and conversed. Then the time finally came. I was able to get in the bath! And what a wonderful bath it was. I can't wait to go there again. Their aunt is so sweet.
I'm not very good with words and the way I have worded my feelings may be a bit awkward. However, I am so glad to be in this family. Everyone is so kind and tries to make me comfortable. I'm glad to have all these wonderful people as my last host family. It really nice having a family that actually wants to do stuff with me.
And now its Tuesday and school is getting shorter and shorter as we approach summer break. I literally have to be in school for a maximum of 2 hours. I must say, its quite lovely.
I also went to Disney with the exchange students last Thursday and on the 16th I'm hanging out with all of my school friends. I'll either make a video (probably not) or write a blog entry about it. Look forward to it!
Monday, 2 July 2012
The Final Move
So yesterday (Sunday) I left my fifth host host family of 3 months into my sixth and final one. My previous host family (Fukaya) reminded me so much of my own family that it was really hard to leave. There were traits of my brother, sister, mother and father in just about everyone of the 7 members. That, and before I moved in with the Fukaya family, my host family was well... lets just say we didn't mesh as well as planned. I needed a family to support me because at this point I was a a very emotional and vital stage of my exchnage. And they just couldn't provide that. Anyway, in a sense the Fukaya family saved my exchange. At the time that I moved in with them, I really needed comfort. And thats exactly what they gave me. I was so happy with them. I really enjoyed my time with them and I definitely miss them.
However! I am now with the Shimada family. There is a mother and father, as well as three daughters. All around my age (14, 17, 20), so I really like it here. They are very sweet and I'm glad that they get to be my last family because I feel like they will support me with all of the ups and downs to come about leaving Japan. Also, in August they are taking me to Okinawa! I'm so excited! And for that reason today was the start of my diet! Haha I can't wait!
So I will be updating this blog a lot more often. I have forgotten how much I love doing it (even though it does not show through the number of blog entries I have). Please look forward to it!
However! I am now with the Shimada family. There is a mother and father, as well as three daughters. All around my age (14, 17, 20), so I really like it here. They are very sweet and I'm glad that they get to be my last family because I feel like they will support me with all of the ups and downs to come about leaving Japan. Also, in August they are taking me to Okinawa! I'm so excited! And for that reason today was the start of my diet! Haha I can't wait!
So I will be updating this blog a lot more often. I have forgotten how much I love doing it (even though it does not show through the number of blog entries I have). Please look forward to it!
Thursday, 28 June 2012
The Japanese Hospital Experience (Minor)
Today I went to a Japanese hospital for the first time. If you have a hokensho (保険証: Insurance card) you can basically go to any hospital in Japan. This particular hospital's director is a Rotarian so all was good. I went and showed them my card and they gave me an information sheet to fill out. Like any other hospital in Canada, you had to give your name, age, birth date, current medications and any other illnesses or allergies that you have. Pretty straight forward. I gave the sheet back and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Almost an hour. Which was odd because the last time I went to a Rotarian operated medical centre, I was in and out in 20 minutes. This Rotarian doesn't like me, I guess haha. So this (cute) male nurse asked me questions about my medical history, what my symptoms were, and again about which medications I'm taking. Once again, pretty much the same as any other hospital visit. He then took my temperature (Fun fact: Japanese people, be they doctors or regular people, will only (unless you are a baby or something) take your temperature from your underarm. A very ineffective way, if you ask me) and asked me to pee in a cup. I hate peeing in cups. So after said action, I waited some more and then finally the doctor saw me. He basically told me everything I knew and did nothing (the nurses did everything, yay nurses!!!) except tell me I needed medication (I already knew this). So then we were dismissed and waited some more before we had to pay. Then we went to the pharmacy and waited again. I got my medication, paid and left. Now in Canada if I were to get the same medication, I would probably be on the antibiotic for a couple of weeks. Here, however, I only have to take it for three days. Yay! I hope it'll work. So all in all, a good experience. And only ended up costing me about $15!
Now I need to get ready to go to school. -__-;; What a pain lol
TL;DR: Japanese hospitals make you wait a long time. But they are cheap!
And waited.
And waited.
Almost an hour. Which was odd because the last time I went to a Rotarian operated medical centre, I was in and out in 20 minutes. This Rotarian doesn't like me, I guess haha. So this (cute) male nurse asked me questions about my medical history, what my symptoms were, and again about which medications I'm taking. Once again, pretty much the same as any other hospital visit. He then took my temperature (Fun fact: Japanese people, be they doctors or regular people, will only (unless you are a baby or something) take your temperature from your underarm. A very ineffective way, if you ask me) and asked me to pee in a cup. I hate peeing in cups. So after said action, I waited some more and then finally the doctor saw me. He basically told me everything I knew and did nothing (the nurses did everything, yay nurses!!!) except tell me I needed medication (I already knew this). So then we were dismissed and waited some more before we had to pay. Then we went to the pharmacy and waited again. I got my medication, paid and left. Now in Canada if I were to get the same medication, I would probably be on the antibiotic for a couple of weeks. Here, however, I only have to take it for three days. Yay! I hope it'll work. So all in all, a good experience. And only ended up costing me about $15!
Now I need to get ready to go to school. -__-;; What a pain lol
TL;DR: Japanese hospitals make you wait a long time. But they are cheap!
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Japanese Cinemas!
It has been too long for an entry on this. I want to write more! I'm switching host families this Saturday so I should have internet. I actually promise this time I'll write a lot!
Starting with this!
Today I went to a Japanese Cinema for the first time!
I saw "逆転裁判" (Gyakuten Saiban/ Phoenix Wright). I went by myself because my school is in the middle of exams so everyone is still studying. I went to Ikebukuro to walk around and eventually go to the movie.
So I lined up (the box office was on the exterior) and checked the times for my movie. I said which one I wanted to see and confirmed the time. Then the worker showed me a laminated piece of paper of the seats in the theatre. I was a bit surprised at first but then I thought to myself "This is very Japanese; very organized". So, the worker suggested a seat for me and asked if it was ok, I said it was alright, paid, and received my ticket. Today was Thursday so for whatever reason my ticket was only about 10 dollars! Yay!
I was a bit early for the movie so I walked around, ate at TGI Fridays and then decided to take my seat.
At this particular cinema the 7th and 8th floor were movies. Each floor had two movies showing. I thought it was neat and an interesting use of space. I went to the 7th floor and looked at the confections. I decided to get a small popcorn because, unlike Canada, it was reasonably priced. The funny thing about Japanese theatres is a small popcorn is actually small! Anyway, I gave my ticket to the lady, she directed me to the room and I walked down the aisle. I was in K-14, located in the middle of the row, in the middle of the theatre. Yes! Best seat. I sat down, and listened to the theatre provided music and waited. I'm going to assume that all Japanese theatres play the main theme to whatever movie you go to before screening, because they were playing "2012Spark" by Porno Graffiti (Mom, please excuse the band name) on repeat. The movie started and like regular theatres commercials and a courtesy message were shown before the movie. Also, Japanese anti-pirating commercials are silly and full of lol. The movie started and I went into intense focus mode to actually try and understand what was being said instead of just remembering what happened in the game. The movie, like most Japanese movies, was quite long. Just a little but over two hours. But luckily the seats were comfy (for those who know, its like Topsail theatres in regards to the slope of the seats but the chairs are comfy and there is lots of leg room), and the floor was actually clean. I was very surprised. But once again; very Japanese. The movie ended and everyone left, all taking their garbage and leaving in an orderly fashion.
Thus ending my first Japanese Theatre Experience. I got a lot of looks from the fellow movie goers before and after the film. I'm guessing because it was in Japanese and I'm well... not. All in all it was a great experience! I saw a poster for the "Berserk" movie so that will be the next one I see! (I'm such a nerd! )
Once again I apologize for the very late blog entry.
Starting with this!
Today I went to a Japanese Cinema for the first time!
I saw "逆転裁判" (Gyakuten Saiban/ Phoenix Wright). I went by myself because my school is in the middle of exams so everyone is still studying. I went to Ikebukuro to walk around and eventually go to the movie.
So I lined up (the box office was on the exterior) and checked the times for my movie. I said which one I wanted to see and confirmed the time. Then the worker showed me a laminated piece of paper of the seats in the theatre. I was a bit surprised at first but then I thought to myself "This is very Japanese; very organized". So, the worker suggested a seat for me and asked if it was ok, I said it was alright, paid, and received my ticket. Today was Thursday so for whatever reason my ticket was only about 10 dollars! Yay!
I was a bit early for the movie so I walked around, ate at TGI Fridays and then decided to take my seat.
At this particular cinema the 7th and 8th floor were movies. Each floor had two movies showing. I thought it was neat and an interesting use of space. I went to the 7th floor and looked at the confections. I decided to get a small popcorn because, unlike Canada, it was reasonably priced. The funny thing about Japanese theatres is a small popcorn is actually small! Anyway, I gave my ticket to the lady, she directed me to the room and I walked down the aisle. I was in K-14, located in the middle of the row, in the middle of the theatre. Yes! Best seat. I sat down, and listened to the theatre provided music and waited. I'm going to assume that all Japanese theatres play the main theme to whatever movie you go to before screening, because they were playing "2012Spark" by Porno Graffiti (Mom, please excuse the band name) on repeat. The movie started and like regular theatres commercials and a courtesy message were shown before the movie. Also, Japanese anti-pirating commercials are silly and full of lol. The movie started and I went into intense focus mode to actually try and understand what was being said instead of just remembering what happened in the game. The movie, like most Japanese movies, was quite long. Just a little but over two hours. But luckily the seats were comfy (for those who know, its like Topsail theatres in regards to the slope of the seats but the chairs are comfy and there is lots of leg room), and the floor was actually clean. I was very surprised. But once again; very Japanese. The movie ended and everyone left, all taking their garbage and leaving in an orderly fashion.
Thus ending my first Japanese Theatre Experience. I got a lot of looks from the fellow movie goers before and after the film. I'm guessing because it was in Japanese and I'm well... not. All in all it was a great experience! I saw a poster for the "Berserk" movie so that will be the next one I see! (I'm such a nerd! )
Once again I apologize for the very late blog entry.
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