(no subject)
Act 1: Initiation
Scene 6: Movement II
So, went to my appointment with the real estate agent, armed with the interested properties. The best ones were "NO FOREIGNERS!". That rather pissed me right off (didn't show it, obviously. It wasn't the agency's decision anyway). There's supposedly anti-discrimination laws in this country... but whatever, no point in thinking about that (<-that's probably why they get away with it). The two Shinjuku West apts and the Nakano-Sakaue apt on Ome Kaidou (<- name of the street) were instant write-offs as a result. Others ended up taken, which happens, that is a lot easier to just accept. However, the cheapest one in Nakano East was still up for grabs. Checked it out, it is right smack beside the railway tracks of one of the absolute busiest lines (Chuo Rapid Line and Sobu Local Line). Gave it a sound test though, with the windows and doors closed. The bedroom is on the opposite side of the building, of course (they're not that stupid). I think the constant/near-continuous passing trains will be refreshing even - I get disturbed when it is too quiet. My experience living beside Streetcars and GO Trains also makes this at least semi-familiar territory (like living beside the subway around Rosedale or some other outdoor segment). The location offers a pretty nice convenience although includes about a 10 minute walk to 2 different stations. No big deal for me though, less than 10 minutes on my legs as well. Right in the midpoint between Nakano and Higashi (=East) Nakano stations, that puts me within reach of the JR Chuo Rapid Line, the JR Sobu Local Line, the Metro Tozai (=East-West) Line, and the Toei Oedo Line. This provides me with 3 different routes to both the Iidabashi office (all of which require 1 train line (and 2/3 require only 1 train)) and the Ueno office (all of them require 2 trains, but 1 railway company). The fastest routes seem to put me at 5 stops to either office (exclude walking time, about 20 mins to Ueno (with good connections (oddly, this route requires 3 trains instead of 2, but these lines are so frequent that great connections are practically guaranteed)), and probably only about 10 to Iidabashi). Pretty good deal there, quite nicely situated, wouldn't you say? Seems to be a great neighborhood too, Nakano has a great reputation. It might not be a place to go to per se, but it is a place to live in. It also puts me 15-20 minutes from Shibuya or Roppongi areas as well. 2 stops from Shinjuku.
I want it, but I have yet to confirm if I can jump on it. I need to talk to the manager of my current building, since I will have to cut my contract short. I think this can be done, but it might not. The other concern is that I may be stretching myself just a little thin financially. It will be worth the costs. I'm hoping I can squeeze a small advance on next month's pay. I'll have to throw myself back into more debt again >.<. The good news is that my rent will be completely unchanged in the end. Moving is so fucking expensive in this country. It is costing me about 3 grand (that includes 1st month's rent and insurance stuffs). I thought the cost was less before, but I neglected the hefty agency fee (I hate that, but I guess the middleman needs to make a living somehow (I'd rather it be spread out over a longer period of time though, you know, something around 5 easy payments?).
Things are becoming more challenging at work, I'm starting to feel like I'm falling behind, and catching up is complicated, partly due to the fact that I'm on a train too much during the day and that I am always using a dictionary at least a little when reading Japanese (can't do that on a packed train).
Much easier when I have more hours to sleep and study. I'd like to squeeze in some exercise if I can, too.
Scene 6: Movement II
So, went to my appointment with the real estate agent, armed with the interested properties. The best ones were "NO FOREIGNERS!". That rather pissed me right off (didn't show it, obviously. It wasn't the agency's decision anyway). There's supposedly anti-discrimination laws in this country... but whatever, no point in thinking about that (<-that's probably why they get away with it). The two Shinjuku West apts and the Nakano-Sakaue apt on Ome Kaidou (<- name of the street) were instant write-offs as a result. Others ended up taken, which happens, that is a lot easier to just accept. However, the cheapest one in Nakano East was still up for grabs. Checked it out, it is right smack beside the railway tracks of one of the absolute busiest lines (Chuo Rapid Line and Sobu Local Line). Gave it a sound test though, with the windows and doors closed. The bedroom is on the opposite side of the building, of course (they're not that stupid). I think the constant/near-continuous passing trains will be refreshing even - I get disturbed when it is too quiet. My experience living beside Streetcars and GO Trains also makes this at least semi-familiar territory (like living beside the subway around Rosedale or some other outdoor segment). The location offers a pretty nice convenience although includes about a 10 minute walk to 2 different stations. No big deal for me though, less than 10 minutes on my legs as well. Right in the midpoint between Nakano and Higashi (=East) Nakano stations, that puts me within reach of the JR Chuo Rapid Line, the JR Sobu Local Line, the Metro Tozai (=East-West) Line, and the Toei Oedo Line. This provides me with 3 different routes to both the Iidabashi office (all of which require 1 train line (and 2/3 require only 1 train)) and the Ueno office (all of them require 2 trains, but 1 railway company). The fastest routes seem to put me at 5 stops to either office (exclude walking time, about 20 mins to Ueno (with good connections (oddly, this route requires 3 trains instead of 2, but these lines are so frequent that great connections are practically guaranteed)), and probably only about 10 to Iidabashi). Pretty good deal there, quite nicely situated, wouldn't you say? Seems to be a great neighborhood too, Nakano has a great reputation. It might not be a place to go to per se, but it is a place to live in. It also puts me 15-20 minutes from Shibuya or Roppongi areas as well. 2 stops from Shinjuku.
I want it, but I have yet to confirm if I can jump on it. I need to talk to the manager of my current building, since I will have to cut my contract short. I think this can be done, but it might not. The other concern is that I may be stretching myself just a little thin financially. It will be worth the costs. I'm hoping I can squeeze a small advance on next month's pay. I'll have to throw myself back into more debt again >.<. The good news is that my rent will be completely unchanged in the end. Moving is so fucking expensive in this country. It is costing me about 3 grand (that includes 1st month's rent and insurance stuffs). I thought the cost was less before, but I neglected the hefty agency fee (I hate that, but I guess the middleman needs to make a living somehow (I'd rather it be spread out over a longer period of time though, you know, something around 5 easy payments?).
Things are becoming more challenging at work, I'm starting to feel like I'm falling behind, and catching up is complicated, partly due to the fact that I'm on a train too much during the day and that I am always using a dictionary at least a little when reading Japanese (can't do that on a packed train).
Much easier when I have more hours to sleep and study. I'd like to squeeze in some exercise if I can, too.