It really seems like Japanese people believe that their language is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT IMPENETRABLE. I am fairly good at languages, but picking up the kanji for "water" and noticing it's also used for "Wednesday" is not an advanced-level thing and doesn't really warrant "wow you are so amazing" levels of praise. It's mostly that (1) I need to ( Read more... )

They don't even have mashed potatoes at the KFC here. It's all french fries. Also the biscuit looked wrong. INCORRECT SIDE DISHES, JAPAN.

(Other than that I am fine; emailing with family and friends has been helpful.)

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Sunset tonight, clear and chill and soothing with a first-quarter moon ( Read more... )

I've been commuting an hour-plus each way to a conference in Okazaki for the last three days. Fascinating and exhausting, as is usual for conferences. My head was turned big-time today by Japan's biggest evo-devo guy, who is a ball of knowledge and ideas and seems very friendly. Sooo tired now, though. NOT going to the lab this evening, despite ( Read more... )

At conference all day. Filled with hate despite cool science. (Well, awkward situation with PI is awkward, but ( Read more... )

I have come to realize that Seattle has no true fabric store. Otsukaya is a multifloor paradise of the ridiculous and sublime. It may be the thing I will miss most about Japan.

( Three images )

I went out on Saturday night! I didn't entirely feel like it, but the Metro Club is only once a month. This month was their 20-year anniversary for holding this queer dance in Japan, so I figured it'd be worth seeing at least for a bit ( Read more... )

Gay club night: pretty damned great, lots of English speakers, feet and strangely shoulders are sore, more anon. Snack and then sleep now.

This entry was originally posted at http://jinian.dreamwidth.org/538245.html. Respond wherever you like.

(Note: there are no actual stairs.)

In only one aspect, my dorm life is starting to remind me strongly of William Sleator's creepy YA novel House of Stairs. We have motion-controlled lights, and we are being classically conditioned ( Read more... )

I love, love, love that I can get hot drinks in a can from Japanese vending machines. Love it ( Read more... )