My journal entries for school...
Journal 1 - 7/1/08
I was definitely stressed out prior to my flight. Not knowing a language where it`s completely dominant is a new feeling. I thought that I didn`t know an ounce of Japanese but I knew enough to end up at my hotel. I got lost of course, but what`s life without a little adventure. I was definitely one of those typical tourists upon arrival. I couldn`t stop smiling, I knew that I had made it to Japan. It was such a great feeling, like relief yet so anxious. Where I stayed that first night was a definite experience in itself. It was called Hotel Kinki and it was a super small room, well in my eyes since I was comparing it to American sized hotel rooms. Across the alley was maid café and DVD porn shops plus manga and arcades.
We had 12 people with us traveling from Hotel Kinki to Seta station. That was not fun but so much fun at the same time. We were all the same boat: we had no idea where to go but the directions given to us. So we just jumped right into finding our way. We always forgot the amount of people we had plus their luggage because the first person, the leader, would be walking and when we needed to take a break or figure out where we were going, that person would stop in a place where we could (places like behind a pillar or a corner) but that only left everyone else in the train to be blocking traffic. Each person with a huge suitcase, carry on and a personal item trying to get through Osaka station was not an easy task. Everywhere we went, we got so many glares and stares because they knew that we were all foreigners. I don`t think that we are dispelling the notion of loud, ignorant Americans because we are in fact loud and different.
You can tell that we are foreigners because we freak out every time a biker passes us. These bikers just fly by us without ringing their bell or acknowledging their presence. What if we don`t know that they are coming, then we move into their way because we don’t know they are there, what would happen? But then again, are we just being ignorant to our environment? I guess we should be constantly scanning our environment to notice new things as well as being vigilant.
Riding in the taxi from Seta station to the dorm was a fun but terrifying experience. The streets here are so narrow and the drivers drive on the opposite side of the street. So making a right turn means to cross over the oncoming traffic`s side. Lisa and I were completely freakin` out but it`s just because it was all new. I have ridden in a cab in Hong Kong, where the drivers are more savage, however the streets are so much bigger that it`s not as bad.
The walk to campus today was so long! It was like 40 minutes and we are so not used to it at all. The uphill is the killer part. It’s so humid but in the end, I’m sure that we’ll be used to it.
All the cars here are so small. Our super compact car like a Scion xB is their midsize! And for good reason, their streets are so small. I think that it’s good because these small cars probably save a lot more gas than American cars, so they are more green in that sense.
We had an encounter with some Japanese youth today. They came up to us and asked where we were from. I said from San Francisco and they responded with “I like Full House…I like Jesse”. It was so funny to see that Full House had travelled all the way to Japan. They were like ghetto skateboarders that had to be in high school. They didn’t look like college students but too young for middle school.
Another experience I just encountered was a stress relief method that everyone seems to know about. What you do is put a clothes hanger over your head. Masaki showed me then Shingo did it. Shohei seemed apprehensive at first then just did it. I thought that they were all playing a joke on me until Ryo came in and just did it when he saw the clothes hanger. Then I thought that they were pulling my leg.
One main thought: how does everyone know where to go? There are not many street signs and the streets aren’t parallel. I wonder how you would tell someone directions to get to your house since it’s so hard.
I like how there are slippers for different rooms like the bathroom. Whether or not if it’s cleaner, I feel like it’s cleaner. So that’s all that matters to me. On the downside, the slippers that they gave me don’t fit my feet at all. My feet kind of ache a little bit because they don’t fit but it’s all good.
Everyone said that the portions were significantly smaller but it fills me up. I couldn’t even finish my curry from dinner so Lisa had to finish it for me. I think that the portion size is actually really good.
Shopping here is a new experience also. The stores are so organized and the workers are constantly fixing and checking that every shelf has the correct product and enough of the correct product. In addition, you don’t have to wait for a cashier because once they see you at the counter, they will come running over.
Journal #2 - 7/2/08
Today’s walk took only 30 minutes today! I can’t believe that we shaved off 10 minutes from the previous day but it was just as hot. It’s not like we took a different route but I think that we are all adjusting pretty well because we have no other choice. I mean, it’s not like we can NOT go to school. We just have to adjust and be okay with it. And I’m totally fine with that because we are all here for a reason. I still am trying to get used to the fact that bikers don’t say anything as they are passing by. I still think it’s dangerous but again, no one else seems to have a problem with that so I guess that I don’t either.
One major thing that I saw different in the Starbucks was that the trash receptacles were separated for plastic cups, paper cups, trash, and there was a sink for you to rinse out your cup and rinse away leftover stuff. I thought that with the green campaign that America is trying to impose, they should do this. It makes it easier for everyone and it’s really green. I hate the fact that America’s trying to be green but they are only doing it on a surface, mass scale rather than going to the root of the problem. Implementing things like this would greatly improve the task of saving the environment. But no, we are too focused on hybrids and turning off lights than saving trees.
I can already see that we are cutting down on our picture taking. I think it’s interesting on the very first day, we all had our cameras out taking pictures of the route to school than on the second day, major cut backs. I don’t think it’s bad but it’s just interesting to me.
Kyoto was so amazing. The JR station was like 10 floors and skyway included. It’s so huge. I really like it. I mean to make something as boring as a train station as amazing as that is really a feat. There were good shops and restaurants all over the place. We all took so many pictures. I mean, I guess we have great train stations where we are too like Grand Central Station etc, but it’s nothing like that. I just couldn’t believe it. It was a shock to me, I kept wondering if we were in a train station or not.
I think that I’m getting adjusted to the time now because Andrew had to wake me up today. It was good that I slept in because I don’t wanna keep waking up at 5am and just sitting there.
This dorm is nothing how I envisioned it to be. It’s not even close but it’s so much better. I love it here already. Hopefully it stays the same. Everyone seems to be good with each other…err…most people seem to be good with each other. To be completely honest, I am getting annoyed with a person from our group and this feeling seems to be going around for the same person but my mindset is that I don’t have to talk to said person. I’m in Japan, I’m not gonna let someone ruin it for me. I can’t. I worked too hard to get here (sorta, figuratively speaking) but I won’t let someone ruin it. And I’m trying to do the same for everyone else. I know that I’m a loud person so at night, I’m trying to keep it down for the sake of others.
Journal #3 - 7.3.08
Lisa and I biked to school yesterday because we had to use the internet. It’s such a novel feeling knowing that you’re in such a technologically advanced country yet we can’t get wifi or internet regularly. But still, at least we have the internet. My parents were getting worried about me because I haven’t e-mailed them since Saturday and I haven’t called yet because I can’t figure out the phones. We are just so used to be in contact with each other on the daily basis whether it’s the phone, email or AIM. Anyhow, Lisa and I put up pictures on facebook so our family and friends could see the great time we are having here. One major gripe I have about those computers is that the keyboard is so different. We are so used to typing on American style keyboards that I kept on making mistakes. I couldn’t find the apostrophe and the @ sign is in a weird place. Plus the fact that the spacebar is so small and it’s right next to the toggle language key that my computer kept on switching to Japanese style typing. But I mean, it’s must because we have the “memory” to type so fast on our types of keyboards.
I have a newfound respect for those Japanese people who bike to school because our calves were burning so much yesterday. I don’t know how Japanese girls with high heels do it everyday and not break a sweat. No wonder why Japanese people live so long: they get so much exercise. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing and Americans probably need more, it’s just that we aren’t used to it. Also, when riding the bike, I just rang the bell upon the approach of some people and they immediately moved over to the right. Why is that so hard to do for other bikers? Just to acknowledge that you are coming… Probably because they think that they can make it through but you never know what’s gonna happen so why not be more prepared? Also, I noticed that old ladies don’t acknowledge the bell. I don’t know if they don’t care or if they can’t hear it but either way, they didn’t move.
I just started my laundry and it’s totally different than in America. It’s a top loader but it shakes the clothes and douses it with water rather than filling it up all the way and stretching the hell out of it. I think it’s innovative. They may have it in America and I haven’t seen it but I think it’s cool and since I haven’t seen it, I wouldn’t know. Also, I had to ask one of the baseball players to help me because I had no idea what the machine said or how to start it since it was all in Japanese. But oh well, it’s all good.
Journal #4 - 7/4/08
Yesterday we had a guest lecturer: Professor Nakamura talking about the buraku community in Japan. I had no idea that Japan had these types of problems. When I think of Japan, I think of the typical salaryman etc, not about hard issues like homelessness and discrimination. But it’s kind of ignorant of me to think that just because a place has certain stereotypes, everybody will follow it. If I were to believe that, then every American our age would be drinking all night, loud and rude, and non-Asian. I mean, some people fit that stereotype, even some in our program; however, more than the majority do not. So that street goes both ways I guess. I do wish that I could go on more field trips because I do want to see everything first hand rather than just seeing it via a poster in class. However, that probably would be out of budget and too much for the facilities to accommodate. But one of the reasons why I came to this program was to see these issues that Japan faces. This feeling probably comes from the fact that I haven’t gone on a field trip yet so maybe it’ll change.
Yesterday’s welcome party was so amazing!! It was so much fun to meet new people and see older (what a term…it’s only been less than a week since I met these people and I’m calling the old faces…) faces. The recurring theme among the Japanese, Ryukoku students is that they want to study abroad. Most in America but some in Australia and other places. Their English was pretty good for the most part but I think that the best part was that they all tried and just jumped into trying to meet us. And I definitely did the same. I mean, I’m only here for so long, what’s the point of being reserved if everyone else is dying to meet you? The Mt. Hood kids seemed to be more reserved than us. At one point, I felt really bad because Keisey was wrestling the Mt. Hood kid and we were all cheering on Keisey because he is in our group and our group seems to have the dynamic of a tight-knitted group. However, the Mt. Hood kids were not cheering on his peer. I mean, maybe it’s because they just met each other considering their program started like 2 days before; however, we already started to get along in the first day. I don’t think it’s because of where they were from but their actual personalities. I do admire them because they are actually learning Japanese but how far can you get in three weeks? I guess if you are immersed fully into it etc, then far.
We also found a shortcut to the dorm thanks to Madoka and Saori. It shaves off about 5 minutes from our walk and it’s a pretty easy walk. I think we’re getting to know the area a little bit better now, little by little.
Journal #5 - 7/5/08
Yesterday I got my first taste of what a Japanese movie was like. We saw a movie called Hana Yori Dango Final which is the finale of a 2 part drama that is really popular in Japan. The movie theatre was different than in America because the screen was up higher and all the seats were level. They provide blankets for you and it’s super clean. The cup holders are different because they are huge but there aren’t cups to fit that size (that were sold in the concession stand). Also, there are hooks on the backs of each seat that allow girls to hang their bags. In addition, the behavior was different at the theatre. There was this one part that the main actress ran into a glass door and I started laughing hysterically and very loud may I add but no one else was. They chuckled a bit but that’s it. I felt like I did something wrong but in America, that’s what people do.
Also yesterday, I got another taste of how much can be used via body language because not knowing Japanese puts me at a slight disadvantage. I went to the post office again to send postcards and all I did was hold out my postcards and she understood. Then she rang me up and I just needed to look at the screen in order to know how much I owed them. I’m sure that’s a super rude way to do it but I don’t know another way to communicate with them. I don’t think of this situation as an us and them situation but it’s just different. No side is better or worse, just different.
I couldn’t go out with them late at night because I’m heading up to Hokkaido for the weekend. Ray and I are gonna go to a concert in Sapporo Dome for a group called Arashi. They are amazing, in my eyes. I’m expecting to see a whole bunch of teenage girls to be there. For the concert itself, I know that it’s gonna be different than an American concert but I have no idea to what extent. Is there gonna be a mosh pit? What are the fans like? How tight is security? Are cameras allowed? We’ll see tomorrow! Plus we have two more extra tickets so we’ll see how that plays into things. Hopefully we can sell them so we don’t have to cover so much of the cost.
Also, when we got back to the dorm, nobody was here. It was a nice feeling, almost calming, to be here alone. I mean Ray was here but that’s all. It was nice just to see the place quiet and relatively clean. Nobody was jumping around or anything, just nice. I think that in a group this big, people should reflect more on things that we do here. I’m not trying to be some kind of meditative person who reflects on everything in life but everything’s moving so fast that I think that reflection is a good way to process what happens. Last night was a good night to do so.
Journal #6 - 7/6/08
Today’s gonna be a long entry to two reasons: I’m writing about my concert that I went to and I’m doing this at night so I have two days to write about.
First off, we woke up at 4.30am to catch our 9.05am flight out of Kansai to Hokkaido. It was interesting to see the different demographic of people that was that early. It was mostly older people heading to work or something. But overall, the train station was pretty empty. The Haruka train was definitely empty because it was so early. It think that everybody also assumes that the earliest train is late because we didn’t depart til 20 minutes after the allotted time. And nobody seemed to be curious about the delay. The train system is different to go to the airport because it was like a train, not the subway. They checked your ticket rather than just letting you on off and slipping it into the slot upon exit.
The flight there was totally booked. It was funny because the girl that sat next to us was heading to Sapporo for the concert as well. It was nice to see that we weren’t the only crazy ones. The flight was pretty much the same as any other flight.
When we got to Hokkaido, the first thing that we noticed was the change in weather. The humidity level was so much lower and the weather was cooler. It was more like home in Hokkaido because of the weather. We booked the airport hotel and we had such a hard time finding the hotel because some signs pointed us in the direction and some didn’t so we didn’t know if we were still going in the right direction. But we got there and everything so it was all good. Then we dropped off our stuff to eat and I had a miso ramen in the airport. The ramen was so different in Hokkaido. It was so delicious but it tasted like there was more egg in it. The texture was the same, just the taste was different. It’s so interesting to try regional foods because when you think of ramen, you just think ramen, not the regional type of ramen.
The concert itself was so organized. There were signs everywhere that directed people on where to go. The section to buy goods was so organized. I just pointed at everything I wanted and she spoke limited English so that was great. When we got in, we had to wait about 1.5 hours because the doors opened early. The place was HUGE. I couldn’t believe it!!! There were so many teenage fangirls but there were also a lot of older woman and younger kids there. I think that the older women were there because of Mago Mago Arashi, a TV show hosted by Arashi where they go to help older people whose grandkids are too busy to help them. So I think that through this show, they get lots of the older crowd to enjoy them. Younger kids went probably because their moms wanted to go. The arena seats (those on the floor level) were folding chairs. I expected this section to be completely trashed at the end of the concert because I had this notion that everyone would go completely crazy. But at the end of the concert, it was all in order which is surprising to me because Arashi went through the arena seating. The fans didn’t even try to rush out etc. Another thing that puzzled me was the fact that everyone knew in which motion to wave their pen lights. They sold pen lights to wave around in the air and the fans knew when to wave the lights and which sequence of motions to do it. Arashi didn’t even say anything on ways to do it but they just knew.
In addition, their concert was different than an American concert because they were talking during the middle as a “break” perhaps. Either way, it was very entertaining I think because everyone else seems to be having a great time and laughing etc. I didn’t know what was really going on but it was nice to see that they are entertainers as well as artists. Speaking of entertainers, another major event was that Arashi was hanging from a hot air balloon type of apparatus and they “flew” over the audience. That was so entertaining! To see them flipping and singing from so high in the air was amazing. They seemed to have so much energy and fun up there. For those of us in the back, we could see them via the huge TV screens in the front and the cameramen everywhere. Thank god for those screens because I would not have seen them even with my binoculars. The atmosphere at the concert was very energetic but everyone contained themselves. Even those next to me were contained. It was all a very good experience and I would love to do it again.
On the way back to the hotel, we were trying to read the maps and this woman heard us speaking English and asked us if we needed help. She was so helpful and we were on our way. I personally don’t think that it’s intruding because it’s helpful but I feel that in America if someone were to ask you that, their reaction would be different. It would almost be like mind your own business. But for me, I don’t feel that way because she can help us and she did when we needed the help.
Today, we got home all by ourselves. It’s such an empowering feeling to know that you have done something all on your own. I mean we didn’t even need help! I’m not saying that we won’t in the future but I feel that you learn a lot when you have to do something yourself rather than relying on someone else. There are some things that we absolutely cannot do but some things are nice to experience for ourselves.
We had our social night today. It was a speed dating thing that Terry and I had planned but ran into major problems because we couldn’t figure out a way for everyone to talk to each other. But if a rotation were to be implemented, then someone people couldn’t talk to each other. Thus we just had each tables, with two tutors each, talk amongst themselves. We felt that this way some people could interact with others etc. Then after 5 minutes, we switched out the American students so everyone had a chance to speak with the tutors. We figured that this would be the best way because the objective was to get to know the tutors better. I feel that we don’t need to rely on them so much because we have a certain grasp on things. For example, we can go to Seta and the 100 yen store alone now, we don’t need them. But on that hand, we don’t get to know them as well because we don’t need them. Of course, we still need them for a lot of things but I’m just saying that we aren’t as dependant as the first day we got here.
We gave out some gifts to various tutors today because we brought them omiyage from the Arashi concert. It was a weird feeling because we only got things for the tutors we knew that liked Arashi. So if some didn’t get something, I felt bad but it’s not like we spoke about it or they even liked them. But the reactions of those who got omiyage were amazing. They were so happy almost shaking. Rumi was so loud. She was like EHHH?!?! And couldn’t believe it. Kento almost fell over upon receiving his mobile phone strap. I love making people happy. It’s such a good feeling when you know you have made someone else very happy.
Journal #7 - 7/7/07
Today was the first day that I went onto a field trip and it was such a cultural experience. Although today was “historic preservation”, it wasn’t really historic preservation but rather their objective was trying to get people into the historic houses of Kyoto. It’s more of a program to share the enjoyment of living in a traditional Japanese house rather than a new, Western style house. These houses are so cheap for Japanese people to rent because the owners want to rent to artists who will help the trade. Artists such as obi manufactures or other types of artisans that promote Japan are those who rent it. It allows people to get back to traditional manufacturing rather than machine manufactured products. Consumerism is reigning supreme and these artists are trying to bring it back. In the beginning, the owners didn’t want to rent these houses because they didn’t want to pay more for renting it out. If the bank saw that it was vacant, then they wouldn’t have to pay. In addition to allowing Japanese artisans to stay, this program is doing an exchange like program with Peekskill (a town near NY). This allows American and Japanese artists to live in artisan communities and to experience a new culture. I think that this is a great program because it allows people to open their eyes.
Another SHOCK I had today was that I hit my head in the store because I was too tall. It was this small honey and jam store enroute of the tour of the historic neighborhood of Kyoto. The lady that worked there was so shocked and she kept on asking me if I was okay. I was definitely fine but it was more embarrassing more than everything. Then when I was waiting for the whole group, I went back to check on Melissa and the lady saw me again and started to freak out again. Then she ran to the back and got me an ice pack. I didn’t need it but it was helpful because it was so humid and hot today.
Journal 8 - 7/8/08
Last night was really fun in my opinion. Everybody had their assignments to do so there wasn’t any partying but everyone was bonding through their posters. It was a nice change to just have the “real” everyone there with intoxication. It’s not like was take it overboard, but I just don’t want to portray the stereotypical Americans during our stay. We did have that meeting yesterday morning and we agreed that since we have a change in tutors, we should not party as much to make a better impression of ourselves.
In addition, last night was also had a “Japanese BBQ”, or that’s what I’m calling it. We had half a bamboo and somen noodles which are similar to the Chinese noodles called “mei fun”. You put a little bit of noodles down the bamboo while running water down it and you try to get it with your chopsticks. It was so amazingly fun. I mean, it looks elementary and lame, but it was so much fun. Everybody was laughing and having a great time.
I just had another cultural experience that left me feeling dumb. I think I accidently hit a button on the keyboard that’s the Japanese to English/English to Japanese toggle key and the screen was completely weird though it was in English. I had to ask Amina for help and she knew exactly what to do. FIXED!
Also, the language barrier was really felt today during lunch because I wanted katsu-don but they didn’t have anymore. The cafeteria lady was speaking to me about it and I had no idea what she was talking about. I got some chicken donbori which was different than last time but still good.
This morning was such a dread because thunder and lightening were right outside our dorm. It was scary because the thunder was so loud that the walls quivered too. Some people thought of not going to class but I figured it would be okay by the time we left.
I think that the word association exercise was definitely helpful because people got to share their feelings anonymously. I have noticed in the past couple of days that people are a little more focused on their studies.
Assignment one was due today and presentations were given. I think that this was a good exercise because it allowed me to listen to testamonials of people who travelled to places that I wanted to go to. For example, I wanted to go to the botanical gardens and Lisa presented it sounds great. So I think that Sandra, Cecelia and I are gonna check that out on Friday.
We went to the okonomiyaki restaurant down the street again for dinner. It was a lot of fun because we just hung out in a private room; however, I think the owners are annoyed with us because they gave us glaring looks upon exiting. But I think that it was a good bonding experience for all of us.
Journal 9 - 7/09/08
Today we went on the field trip for environment. It was very interesting to see that the industry pollutes the environment more than cars in Japan. Personally, I’m not sure if cars emit more than the industry in America but they make it seem so with the whole Green car campaign. I’m still not sure whether hybrids are worth it because of the initial cost of a hybrid over a smaller, economical non-hybrid car and the fact that so much energy is used to manufacture and dispose the batteries. So in the long run, will it help? I think that solar panels will work because they can generate more energy than consumed thus provide more energy overall. However, solar panels aren’t attractive because of their initial cost. I almost hit my head again while walking to the office. This country has really low ceilings.
Another factor that pointed out my “foreign-ness” was the fact that I’m too tall for any of the clothes here. I went to the Uni-Qlo and I got an XL like normal only it was way too short! I couldn’t believe it. I wanted that shirt so bad; however, I couldn’t buy it because it would have looked weird. The shirt was so cool because it was of this bald kid that hit his head just like me at the honey and jam store.
Another factor that surprised me was that the Caucasian people today were staring at me. I get enough stares from the Japanese people and now Caucasian people?! Is it because I’m taller than everyone? Is it because I can speak English? I have no idea but I feel like why should they be staring at me when I’m phenotypically closer to the Japanese race than them? I’m not being racist but I just feel that I’m a tourist just like them so why stare at me? It’s not like I stare at them.
We had a lecture from Professor Lee today and it was a joint session with her Japanese students. It was interesting to see how they interact in a class and how we do. They didn’t take notes and they didn’t ask any questions. They probably thought that we were challenging the professor. And it was interesting to see that they didn’t think of Americans as us but rather white girls with blonde hair and blue eyes. We probably surprised them so much but it’s good for them to see how we are different I think.
Journal #10 - 7/10/08
Today we had a lecture from Professor Wright which I personally did not enjoy because of his lecture style. I felt like he was lecturing a bunch of middle school children rather than collegiate students. His lecture style was typical; however, I felt there was too much repetition among the subjects. He gave us many examples of dry landscape but not enough of other kinds. I personally felt more attracted to the scenery with water; however, I do understand that other people can have different opinions. I also felt like it was a “scam” when he was telling us a story about a woman thinking he was a monk and he exorcised her toilet. I mean, what is that about? I think that is morally and ethically wrong because he wasn’t even a monk that could perform that but then he just took the woman’s money. If he is supposed to live a good life, etc, why would he do that?
After this, we went to Fushimi Inari which was totally awesome because the sight at the top over Kyoto was such a sight to see. I mean, you wouldn’t think that there would be a mountainous type hill in the middle of a roaring city, but there is. A bunch of us took a path that wasn’t the main one and we ended up taking a 30 minute detour into a residential area. It was different to see another part of the city. It was totally rural, even more so than us here in Seta. But we just turned around and went back. The stairs were crazy but it was so worth it. Although everyone says that it’s a major tourist trap, I didn’t care because it was amazing. I’m sad that Prof. Fujimoto didn’t come but it’s alright. That would’ve been fun. It was also interesting to see which paths people took. Some took the left and right etc but we all ended up in the same place with different stories. Everyone did the same thing: climbing up Fushimi Inari, but we all have different experiences.
Then after wards, we went to the okonomiyaki restaurant and it was good as usual. This time the workers didn’t seem as mad that we were there like last time.
Today was my birthday! The tutors were amazing! They bought me a cake and so did the other students. It was such a great way to celebrate my birthday! I’m glad that I have found people that I can really be friends with here.
Journal #11 - 7-11-08
Today we went to the Botanical Gardens in Kyoto. We managed to take the bus there and train all by ourselves which was such an empowering feeling. I love it. The map makes the place look so much bigger than it is. I’m not saying that it wasn’t big but it just seemed bigger. I got more mosquito bites here, but it’s okay. It was all worth it. Then afterwards, we went to Shijo to go shopping and eat. We ate at this place that serves all sushi for 105 yen a plate. It was so yummy. And you can also order things. Then it comes out on this makeshift shinkansen train and stops right in front of you. Then you push the button to send it back in. It was so cool.
Then afterwards, we headed back to the dorm and went karaoke-ing. It was so much better than the States because it was cheaper and much more easy to navigate. There are also a bunch of rooms and they have a digital controller with all the songs. So you can search the songs via the mini-computer/remote type thing. Plus there were a lot more songs than in the States. I’m referring to Playground which is the place that I normally go to in San Francisco’s Japantown.
I was definitely stressed out prior to my flight. Not knowing a language where it`s completely dominant is a new feeling. I thought that I didn`t know an ounce of Japanese but I knew enough to end up at my hotel. I got lost of course, but what`s life without a little adventure. I was definitely one of those typical tourists upon arrival. I couldn`t stop smiling, I knew that I had made it to Japan. It was such a great feeling, like relief yet so anxious. Where I stayed that first night was a definite experience in itself. It was called Hotel Kinki and it was a super small room, well in my eyes since I was comparing it to American sized hotel rooms. Across the alley was maid café and DVD porn shops plus manga and arcades.
We had 12 people with us traveling from Hotel Kinki to Seta station. That was not fun but so much fun at the same time. We were all the same boat: we had no idea where to go but the directions given to us. So we just jumped right into finding our way. We always forgot the amount of people we had plus their luggage because the first person, the leader, would be walking and when we needed to take a break or figure out where we were going, that person would stop in a place where we could (places like behind a pillar or a corner) but that only left everyone else in the train to be blocking traffic. Each person with a huge suitcase, carry on and a personal item trying to get through Osaka station was not an easy task. Everywhere we went, we got so many glares and stares because they knew that we were all foreigners. I don`t think that we are dispelling the notion of loud, ignorant Americans because we are in fact loud and different.
You can tell that we are foreigners because we freak out every time a biker passes us. These bikers just fly by us without ringing their bell or acknowledging their presence. What if we don`t know that they are coming, then we move into their way because we don’t know they are there, what would happen? But then again, are we just being ignorant to our environment? I guess we should be constantly scanning our environment to notice new things as well as being vigilant.
Riding in the taxi from Seta station to the dorm was a fun but terrifying experience. The streets here are so narrow and the drivers drive on the opposite side of the street. So making a right turn means to cross over the oncoming traffic`s side. Lisa and I were completely freakin` out but it`s just because it was all new. I have ridden in a cab in Hong Kong, where the drivers are more savage, however the streets are so much bigger that it`s not as bad.
The walk to campus today was so long! It was like 40 minutes and we are so not used to it at all. The uphill is the killer part. It’s so humid but in the end, I’m sure that we’ll be used to it.
All the cars here are so small. Our super compact car like a Scion xB is their midsize! And for good reason, their streets are so small. I think that it’s good because these small cars probably save a lot more gas than American cars, so they are more green in that sense.
We had an encounter with some Japanese youth today. They came up to us and asked where we were from. I said from San Francisco and they responded with “I like Full House…I like Jesse”. It was so funny to see that Full House had travelled all the way to Japan. They were like ghetto skateboarders that had to be in high school. They didn’t look like college students but too young for middle school.
Another experience I just encountered was a stress relief method that everyone seems to know about. What you do is put a clothes hanger over your head. Masaki showed me then Shingo did it. Shohei seemed apprehensive at first then just did it. I thought that they were all playing a joke on me until Ryo came in and just did it when he saw the clothes hanger. Then I thought that they were pulling my leg.
One main thought: how does everyone know where to go? There are not many street signs and the streets aren’t parallel. I wonder how you would tell someone directions to get to your house since it’s so hard.
I like how there are slippers for different rooms like the bathroom. Whether or not if it’s cleaner, I feel like it’s cleaner. So that’s all that matters to me. On the downside, the slippers that they gave me don’t fit my feet at all. My feet kind of ache a little bit because they don’t fit but it’s all good.
Everyone said that the portions were significantly smaller but it fills me up. I couldn’t even finish my curry from dinner so Lisa had to finish it for me. I think that the portion size is actually really good.
Shopping here is a new experience also. The stores are so organized and the workers are constantly fixing and checking that every shelf has the correct product and enough of the correct product. In addition, you don’t have to wait for a cashier because once they see you at the counter, they will come running over.
Journal #2 - 7/2/08
Today’s walk took only 30 minutes today! I can’t believe that we shaved off 10 minutes from the previous day but it was just as hot. It’s not like we took a different route but I think that we are all adjusting pretty well because we have no other choice. I mean, it’s not like we can NOT go to school. We just have to adjust and be okay with it. And I’m totally fine with that because we are all here for a reason. I still am trying to get used to the fact that bikers don’t say anything as they are passing by. I still think it’s dangerous but again, no one else seems to have a problem with that so I guess that I don’t either.
One major thing that I saw different in the Starbucks was that the trash receptacles were separated for plastic cups, paper cups, trash, and there was a sink for you to rinse out your cup and rinse away leftover stuff. I thought that with the green campaign that America is trying to impose, they should do this. It makes it easier for everyone and it’s really green. I hate the fact that America’s trying to be green but they are only doing it on a surface, mass scale rather than going to the root of the problem. Implementing things like this would greatly improve the task of saving the environment. But no, we are too focused on hybrids and turning off lights than saving trees.
I can already see that we are cutting down on our picture taking. I think it’s interesting on the very first day, we all had our cameras out taking pictures of the route to school than on the second day, major cut backs. I don’t think it’s bad but it’s just interesting to me.
Kyoto was so amazing. The JR station was like 10 floors and skyway included. It’s so huge. I really like it. I mean to make something as boring as a train station as amazing as that is really a feat. There were good shops and restaurants all over the place. We all took so many pictures. I mean, I guess we have great train stations where we are too like Grand Central Station etc, but it’s nothing like that. I just couldn’t believe it. It was a shock to me, I kept wondering if we were in a train station or not.
I think that I’m getting adjusted to the time now because Andrew had to wake me up today. It was good that I slept in because I don’t wanna keep waking up at 5am and just sitting there.
This dorm is nothing how I envisioned it to be. It’s not even close but it’s so much better. I love it here already. Hopefully it stays the same. Everyone seems to be good with each other…err…most people seem to be good with each other. To be completely honest, I am getting annoyed with a person from our group and this feeling seems to be going around for the same person but my mindset is that I don’t have to talk to said person. I’m in Japan, I’m not gonna let someone ruin it for me. I can’t. I worked too hard to get here (sorta, figuratively speaking) but I won’t let someone ruin it. And I’m trying to do the same for everyone else. I know that I’m a loud person so at night, I’m trying to keep it down for the sake of others.
Journal #3 - 7.3.08
Lisa and I biked to school yesterday because we had to use the internet. It’s such a novel feeling knowing that you’re in such a technologically advanced country yet we can’t get wifi or internet regularly. But still, at least we have the internet. My parents were getting worried about me because I haven’t e-mailed them since Saturday and I haven’t called yet because I can’t figure out the phones. We are just so used to be in contact with each other on the daily basis whether it’s the phone, email or AIM. Anyhow, Lisa and I put up pictures on facebook so our family and friends could see the great time we are having here. One major gripe I have about those computers is that the keyboard is so different. We are so used to typing on American style keyboards that I kept on making mistakes. I couldn’t find the apostrophe and the @ sign is in a weird place. Plus the fact that the spacebar is so small and it’s right next to the toggle language key that my computer kept on switching to Japanese style typing. But I mean, it’s must because we have the “memory” to type so fast on our types of keyboards.
I have a newfound respect for those Japanese people who bike to school because our calves were burning so much yesterday. I don’t know how Japanese girls with high heels do it everyday and not break a sweat. No wonder why Japanese people live so long: they get so much exercise. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing and Americans probably need more, it’s just that we aren’t used to it. Also, when riding the bike, I just rang the bell upon the approach of some people and they immediately moved over to the right. Why is that so hard to do for other bikers? Just to acknowledge that you are coming… Probably because they think that they can make it through but you never know what’s gonna happen so why not be more prepared? Also, I noticed that old ladies don’t acknowledge the bell. I don’t know if they don’t care or if they can’t hear it but either way, they didn’t move.
I just started my laundry and it’s totally different than in America. It’s a top loader but it shakes the clothes and douses it with water rather than filling it up all the way and stretching the hell out of it. I think it’s innovative. They may have it in America and I haven’t seen it but I think it’s cool and since I haven’t seen it, I wouldn’t know. Also, I had to ask one of the baseball players to help me because I had no idea what the machine said or how to start it since it was all in Japanese. But oh well, it’s all good.
Journal #4 - 7/4/08
Yesterday we had a guest lecturer: Professor Nakamura talking about the buraku community in Japan. I had no idea that Japan had these types of problems. When I think of Japan, I think of the typical salaryman etc, not about hard issues like homelessness and discrimination. But it’s kind of ignorant of me to think that just because a place has certain stereotypes, everybody will follow it. If I were to believe that, then every American our age would be drinking all night, loud and rude, and non-Asian. I mean, some people fit that stereotype, even some in our program; however, more than the majority do not. So that street goes both ways I guess. I do wish that I could go on more field trips because I do want to see everything first hand rather than just seeing it via a poster in class. However, that probably would be out of budget and too much for the facilities to accommodate. But one of the reasons why I came to this program was to see these issues that Japan faces. This feeling probably comes from the fact that I haven’t gone on a field trip yet so maybe it’ll change.
Yesterday’s welcome party was so amazing!! It was so much fun to meet new people and see older (what a term…it’s only been less than a week since I met these people and I’m calling the old faces…) faces. The recurring theme among the Japanese, Ryukoku students is that they want to study abroad. Most in America but some in Australia and other places. Their English was pretty good for the most part but I think that the best part was that they all tried and just jumped into trying to meet us. And I definitely did the same. I mean, I’m only here for so long, what’s the point of being reserved if everyone else is dying to meet you? The Mt. Hood kids seemed to be more reserved than us. At one point, I felt really bad because Keisey was wrestling the Mt. Hood kid and we were all cheering on Keisey because he is in our group and our group seems to have the dynamic of a tight-knitted group. However, the Mt. Hood kids were not cheering on his peer. I mean, maybe it’s because they just met each other considering their program started like 2 days before; however, we already started to get along in the first day. I don’t think it’s because of where they were from but their actual personalities. I do admire them because they are actually learning Japanese but how far can you get in three weeks? I guess if you are immersed fully into it etc, then far.
We also found a shortcut to the dorm thanks to Madoka and Saori. It shaves off about 5 minutes from our walk and it’s a pretty easy walk. I think we’re getting to know the area a little bit better now, little by little.
Journal #5 - 7/5/08
Yesterday I got my first taste of what a Japanese movie was like. We saw a movie called Hana Yori Dango Final which is the finale of a 2 part drama that is really popular in Japan. The movie theatre was different than in America because the screen was up higher and all the seats were level. They provide blankets for you and it’s super clean. The cup holders are different because they are huge but there aren’t cups to fit that size (that were sold in the concession stand). Also, there are hooks on the backs of each seat that allow girls to hang their bags. In addition, the behavior was different at the theatre. There was this one part that the main actress ran into a glass door and I started laughing hysterically and very loud may I add but no one else was. They chuckled a bit but that’s it. I felt like I did something wrong but in America, that’s what people do.
Also yesterday, I got another taste of how much can be used via body language because not knowing Japanese puts me at a slight disadvantage. I went to the post office again to send postcards and all I did was hold out my postcards and she understood. Then she rang me up and I just needed to look at the screen in order to know how much I owed them. I’m sure that’s a super rude way to do it but I don’t know another way to communicate with them. I don’t think of this situation as an us and them situation but it’s just different. No side is better or worse, just different.
I couldn’t go out with them late at night because I’m heading up to Hokkaido for the weekend. Ray and I are gonna go to a concert in Sapporo Dome for a group called Arashi. They are amazing, in my eyes. I’m expecting to see a whole bunch of teenage girls to be there. For the concert itself, I know that it’s gonna be different than an American concert but I have no idea to what extent. Is there gonna be a mosh pit? What are the fans like? How tight is security? Are cameras allowed? We’ll see tomorrow! Plus we have two more extra tickets so we’ll see how that plays into things. Hopefully we can sell them so we don’t have to cover so much of the cost.
Also, when we got back to the dorm, nobody was here. It was a nice feeling, almost calming, to be here alone. I mean Ray was here but that’s all. It was nice just to see the place quiet and relatively clean. Nobody was jumping around or anything, just nice. I think that in a group this big, people should reflect more on things that we do here. I’m not trying to be some kind of meditative person who reflects on everything in life but everything’s moving so fast that I think that reflection is a good way to process what happens. Last night was a good night to do so.
Journal #6 - 7/6/08
Today’s gonna be a long entry to two reasons: I’m writing about my concert that I went to and I’m doing this at night so I have two days to write about.
First off, we woke up at 4.30am to catch our 9.05am flight out of Kansai to Hokkaido. It was interesting to see the different demographic of people that was that early. It was mostly older people heading to work or something. But overall, the train station was pretty empty. The Haruka train was definitely empty because it was so early. It think that everybody also assumes that the earliest train is late because we didn’t depart til 20 minutes after the allotted time. And nobody seemed to be curious about the delay. The train system is different to go to the airport because it was like a train, not the subway. They checked your ticket rather than just letting you on off and slipping it into the slot upon exit.
The flight there was totally booked. It was funny because the girl that sat next to us was heading to Sapporo for the concert as well. It was nice to see that we weren’t the only crazy ones. The flight was pretty much the same as any other flight.
When we got to Hokkaido, the first thing that we noticed was the change in weather. The humidity level was so much lower and the weather was cooler. It was more like home in Hokkaido because of the weather. We booked the airport hotel and we had such a hard time finding the hotel because some signs pointed us in the direction and some didn’t so we didn’t know if we were still going in the right direction. But we got there and everything so it was all good. Then we dropped off our stuff to eat and I had a miso ramen in the airport. The ramen was so different in Hokkaido. It was so delicious but it tasted like there was more egg in it. The texture was the same, just the taste was different. It’s so interesting to try regional foods because when you think of ramen, you just think ramen, not the regional type of ramen.
The concert itself was so organized. There were signs everywhere that directed people on where to go. The section to buy goods was so organized. I just pointed at everything I wanted and she spoke limited English so that was great. When we got in, we had to wait about 1.5 hours because the doors opened early. The place was HUGE. I couldn’t believe it!!! There were so many teenage fangirls but there were also a lot of older woman and younger kids there. I think that the older women were there because of Mago Mago Arashi, a TV show hosted by Arashi where they go to help older people whose grandkids are too busy to help them. So I think that through this show, they get lots of the older crowd to enjoy them. Younger kids went probably because their moms wanted to go. The arena seats (those on the floor level) were folding chairs. I expected this section to be completely trashed at the end of the concert because I had this notion that everyone would go completely crazy. But at the end of the concert, it was all in order which is surprising to me because Arashi went through the arena seating. The fans didn’t even try to rush out etc. Another thing that puzzled me was the fact that everyone knew in which motion to wave their pen lights. They sold pen lights to wave around in the air and the fans knew when to wave the lights and which sequence of motions to do it. Arashi didn’t even say anything on ways to do it but they just knew.
In addition, their concert was different than an American concert because they were talking during the middle as a “break” perhaps. Either way, it was very entertaining I think because everyone else seems to be having a great time and laughing etc. I didn’t know what was really going on but it was nice to see that they are entertainers as well as artists. Speaking of entertainers, another major event was that Arashi was hanging from a hot air balloon type of apparatus and they “flew” over the audience. That was so entertaining! To see them flipping and singing from so high in the air was amazing. They seemed to have so much energy and fun up there. For those of us in the back, we could see them via the huge TV screens in the front and the cameramen everywhere. Thank god for those screens because I would not have seen them even with my binoculars. The atmosphere at the concert was very energetic but everyone contained themselves. Even those next to me were contained. It was all a very good experience and I would love to do it again.
On the way back to the hotel, we were trying to read the maps and this woman heard us speaking English and asked us if we needed help. She was so helpful and we were on our way. I personally don’t think that it’s intruding because it’s helpful but I feel that in America if someone were to ask you that, their reaction would be different. It would almost be like mind your own business. But for me, I don’t feel that way because she can help us and she did when we needed the help.
Today, we got home all by ourselves. It’s such an empowering feeling to know that you have done something all on your own. I mean we didn’t even need help! I’m not saying that we won’t in the future but I feel that you learn a lot when you have to do something yourself rather than relying on someone else. There are some things that we absolutely cannot do but some things are nice to experience for ourselves.
We had our social night today. It was a speed dating thing that Terry and I had planned but ran into major problems because we couldn’t figure out a way for everyone to talk to each other. But if a rotation were to be implemented, then someone people couldn’t talk to each other. Thus we just had each tables, with two tutors each, talk amongst themselves. We felt that this way some people could interact with others etc. Then after 5 minutes, we switched out the American students so everyone had a chance to speak with the tutors. We figured that this would be the best way because the objective was to get to know the tutors better. I feel that we don’t need to rely on them so much because we have a certain grasp on things. For example, we can go to Seta and the 100 yen store alone now, we don’t need them. But on that hand, we don’t get to know them as well because we don’t need them. Of course, we still need them for a lot of things but I’m just saying that we aren’t as dependant as the first day we got here.
We gave out some gifts to various tutors today because we brought them omiyage from the Arashi concert. It was a weird feeling because we only got things for the tutors we knew that liked Arashi. So if some didn’t get something, I felt bad but it’s not like we spoke about it or they even liked them. But the reactions of those who got omiyage were amazing. They were so happy almost shaking. Rumi was so loud. She was like EHHH?!?! And couldn’t believe it. Kento almost fell over upon receiving his mobile phone strap. I love making people happy. It’s such a good feeling when you know you have made someone else very happy.
Journal #7 - 7/7/07
Today was the first day that I went onto a field trip and it was such a cultural experience. Although today was “historic preservation”, it wasn’t really historic preservation but rather their objective was trying to get people into the historic houses of Kyoto. It’s more of a program to share the enjoyment of living in a traditional Japanese house rather than a new, Western style house. These houses are so cheap for Japanese people to rent because the owners want to rent to artists who will help the trade. Artists such as obi manufactures or other types of artisans that promote Japan are those who rent it. It allows people to get back to traditional manufacturing rather than machine manufactured products. Consumerism is reigning supreme and these artists are trying to bring it back. In the beginning, the owners didn’t want to rent these houses because they didn’t want to pay more for renting it out. If the bank saw that it was vacant, then they wouldn’t have to pay. In addition to allowing Japanese artisans to stay, this program is doing an exchange like program with Peekskill (a town near NY). This allows American and Japanese artists to live in artisan communities and to experience a new culture. I think that this is a great program because it allows people to open their eyes.
Another SHOCK I had today was that I hit my head in the store because I was too tall. It was this small honey and jam store enroute of the tour of the historic neighborhood of Kyoto. The lady that worked there was so shocked and she kept on asking me if I was okay. I was definitely fine but it was more embarrassing more than everything. Then when I was waiting for the whole group, I went back to check on Melissa and the lady saw me again and started to freak out again. Then she ran to the back and got me an ice pack. I didn’t need it but it was helpful because it was so humid and hot today.
Journal 8 - 7/8/08
Last night was really fun in my opinion. Everybody had their assignments to do so there wasn’t any partying but everyone was bonding through their posters. It was a nice change to just have the “real” everyone there with intoxication. It’s not like was take it overboard, but I just don’t want to portray the stereotypical Americans during our stay. We did have that meeting yesterday morning and we agreed that since we have a change in tutors, we should not party as much to make a better impression of ourselves.
In addition, last night was also had a “Japanese BBQ”, or that’s what I’m calling it. We had half a bamboo and somen noodles which are similar to the Chinese noodles called “mei fun”. You put a little bit of noodles down the bamboo while running water down it and you try to get it with your chopsticks. It was so amazingly fun. I mean, it looks elementary and lame, but it was so much fun. Everybody was laughing and having a great time.
I just had another cultural experience that left me feeling dumb. I think I accidently hit a button on the keyboard that’s the Japanese to English/English to Japanese toggle key and the screen was completely weird though it was in English. I had to ask Amina for help and she knew exactly what to do. FIXED!
Also, the language barrier was really felt today during lunch because I wanted katsu-don but they didn’t have anymore. The cafeteria lady was speaking to me about it and I had no idea what she was talking about. I got some chicken donbori which was different than last time but still good.
This morning was such a dread because thunder and lightening were right outside our dorm. It was scary because the thunder was so loud that the walls quivered too. Some people thought of not going to class but I figured it would be okay by the time we left.
I think that the word association exercise was definitely helpful because people got to share their feelings anonymously. I have noticed in the past couple of days that people are a little more focused on their studies.
Assignment one was due today and presentations were given. I think that this was a good exercise because it allowed me to listen to testamonials of people who travelled to places that I wanted to go to. For example, I wanted to go to the botanical gardens and Lisa presented it sounds great. So I think that Sandra, Cecelia and I are gonna check that out on Friday.
We went to the okonomiyaki restaurant down the street again for dinner. It was a lot of fun because we just hung out in a private room; however, I think the owners are annoyed with us because they gave us glaring looks upon exiting. But I think that it was a good bonding experience for all of us.
Journal 9 - 7/09/08
Today we went on the field trip for environment. It was very interesting to see that the industry pollutes the environment more than cars in Japan. Personally, I’m not sure if cars emit more than the industry in America but they make it seem so with the whole Green car campaign. I’m still not sure whether hybrids are worth it because of the initial cost of a hybrid over a smaller, economical non-hybrid car and the fact that so much energy is used to manufacture and dispose the batteries. So in the long run, will it help? I think that solar panels will work because they can generate more energy than consumed thus provide more energy overall. However, solar panels aren’t attractive because of their initial cost. I almost hit my head again while walking to the office. This country has really low ceilings.
Another factor that pointed out my “foreign-ness” was the fact that I’m too tall for any of the clothes here. I went to the Uni-Qlo and I got an XL like normal only it was way too short! I couldn’t believe it. I wanted that shirt so bad; however, I couldn’t buy it because it would have looked weird. The shirt was so cool because it was of this bald kid that hit his head just like me at the honey and jam store.
Another factor that surprised me was that the Caucasian people today were staring at me. I get enough stares from the Japanese people and now Caucasian people?! Is it because I’m taller than everyone? Is it because I can speak English? I have no idea but I feel like why should they be staring at me when I’m phenotypically closer to the Japanese race than them? I’m not being racist but I just feel that I’m a tourist just like them so why stare at me? It’s not like I stare at them.
We had a lecture from Professor Lee today and it was a joint session with her Japanese students. It was interesting to see how they interact in a class and how we do. They didn’t take notes and they didn’t ask any questions. They probably thought that we were challenging the professor. And it was interesting to see that they didn’t think of Americans as us but rather white girls with blonde hair and blue eyes. We probably surprised them so much but it’s good for them to see how we are different I think.
Journal #10 - 7/10/08
Today we had a lecture from Professor Wright which I personally did not enjoy because of his lecture style. I felt like he was lecturing a bunch of middle school children rather than collegiate students. His lecture style was typical; however, I felt there was too much repetition among the subjects. He gave us many examples of dry landscape but not enough of other kinds. I personally felt more attracted to the scenery with water; however, I do understand that other people can have different opinions. I also felt like it was a “scam” when he was telling us a story about a woman thinking he was a monk and he exorcised her toilet. I mean, what is that about? I think that is morally and ethically wrong because he wasn’t even a monk that could perform that but then he just took the woman’s money. If he is supposed to live a good life, etc, why would he do that?
After this, we went to Fushimi Inari which was totally awesome because the sight at the top over Kyoto was such a sight to see. I mean, you wouldn’t think that there would be a mountainous type hill in the middle of a roaring city, but there is. A bunch of us took a path that wasn’t the main one and we ended up taking a 30 minute detour into a residential area. It was different to see another part of the city. It was totally rural, even more so than us here in Seta. But we just turned around and went back. The stairs were crazy but it was so worth it. Although everyone says that it’s a major tourist trap, I didn’t care because it was amazing. I’m sad that Prof. Fujimoto didn’t come but it’s alright. That would’ve been fun. It was also interesting to see which paths people took. Some took the left and right etc but we all ended up in the same place with different stories. Everyone did the same thing: climbing up Fushimi Inari, but we all have different experiences.
Then after wards, we went to the okonomiyaki restaurant and it was good as usual. This time the workers didn’t seem as mad that we were there like last time.
Today was my birthday! The tutors were amazing! They bought me a cake and so did the other students. It was such a great way to celebrate my birthday! I’m glad that I have found people that I can really be friends with here.
Journal #11 - 7-11-08
Today we went to the Botanical Gardens in Kyoto. We managed to take the bus there and train all by ourselves which was such an empowering feeling. I love it. The map makes the place look so much bigger than it is. I’m not saying that it wasn’t big but it just seemed bigger. I got more mosquito bites here, but it’s okay. It was all worth it. Then afterwards, we went to Shijo to go shopping and eat. We ate at this place that serves all sushi for 105 yen a plate. It was so yummy. And you can also order things. Then it comes out on this makeshift shinkansen train and stops right in front of you. Then you push the button to send it back in. It was so cool.
Then afterwards, we headed back to the dorm and went karaoke-ing. It was so much better than the States because it was cheaper and much more easy to navigate. There are also a bunch of rooms and they have a digital controller with all the songs. So you can search the songs via the mini-computer/remote type thing. Plus there were a lot more songs than in the States. I’m referring to Playground which is the place that I normally go to in San Francisco’s Japantown.