Walked around Japan at night to see what the night life was like. Can't wait to make Japanese friends that can tell us where the actual good spots are to go.Went to a little spot that we went to earlier and had some drinks and heard some guys talking about the mid-west...and accents of America. Also, noticed that there is a lot of "entertainment spots" for business men...lol...
Need to learn where a good stop is to listen to local music and have a drink...and where is a good club to dance at...
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Just found out that in the "all girls" complex that I'm living in that there are a group of guys living in the top of one of the houses. As I was being told about this info one of the guys came to the window and stared at us...But he came down and introduced himself and told us that he would let us know when they'll be throwing parties...Cant wait to see what a Japanese party is like :)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Just finished the first day of testing... We'll see what level that I get in to... Test was a lot different than I thought that it would be. Tomorrow is the oral part of the test we'll see how that goes. Orientation was interesting and I love the materials that we were given, especially the manga survival guide. There's so much more to do and I can't wait till I finnish all of the tasks so I can start class in Kyoto!!!
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| The the art work! Wondering if I can meet the person who did the drawings and learn some new skills? |
Monday, September 10, 2012
Love the place that I'm staying at all the students in the dorm are nice and the caretaker is very helpful and adorable. I wish that my Japanese was better so that I could have better conversations with her.
When to Kyoto Station and the top of Kyoto Tower the other day. This is really the frist time in my LIFE that I have actually seen a mountain, and seeing them from several 100 meters high is breathtaking.
Kyoto Tower
Loved going there and its an inexpensive trip. But a little scary if your afraid of heights...
Kyoto Station
Lot of various shopping marts. I love all the clothing stores that they have inside, however the prices are a little to much for me. I love that the stores play both Japanese and American music. I walked into a store and heard Lil Wayne on the intercom... that moment was funny to me.
There is a part of the station that sells baked goods. I'm not a sweets person, but after looking at this delectables I think I'm going to have to try them all...lol
The cat is the cutest
I want to buy one of these cakes for my birthday!!!
The view for atop Kyoto tower... Lovely
Whats so interesting to me is the fact that although Japan is made up of several different cites, each of the main cities are connected to each other by smaller cities. I have yet to see any "wooded areas" like we have back home in Michigan.
This really makes me want to climb a mountain..lol
So much city to explore
Road our bikes along the river front some wild but friendly cats. These little guys are so cute but won't stay still for a picture...Makes me miss having a pet
The view of the lake is so calming. I think that this is my new favorite spot. And a great place to practice biking.
Along the river you can see all types of things such as children playing soccer, people on dates, and even a man playing the bongos
Take the placement test tomorrow hope that I get placed in the level that I hope for. I love that we get all this time to rome the city but also can't wait to start classes and meet more people.
Till the next time - Tay
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Things to Know - 1
So I've been in Japan for about four days know and there are a couple of things that I have learned in the short time that I have been here.
First, get used to the fact that you will be stared at in Japan. There are many places were foreigners are common, however the Japanese are fascinated by our differences and you should not feel self conscious or ridiculed by this action, just get use to it.
Second, if you haven't stated practicing your bicycle skill START. Riding bikes is a very common practice in Japan, and one of the vital forms of transportation. I haven't ridin a bike in YEARS and regretting the fact that I have haven't ridin. My biggest fear was getting hit by a car in one of the many allies or running into someone, which hopefully won't happen. Also the bike seats are not that comfortable, but you can buy pillows for your bum. Also you can purchase a used bike (or buy a new one) at bike stores around the city. The used bike that I bought was over 5,000 yen (over $60 U.S. dollars) but the bike stores also charge a 500 yen (over $5 U.S. dollars) for maintenance.
Third, **For Americans** when trying to take money out of the atm we are only allow to take out 200 yen a day, so plan accordingly. Atms are open every day but banks are not, only five days a week. I recommend having multiple atm cards to take more money (meaning that you have multiple accounts). Also some cards charge a tax on taking out money overseas, however some Credit Unions DO NOT.
Fourth, C.R.E.A.M. If you know what this means then you know a vital point in living in Japan. If not c.r.e.a.m. stands for "cash rules everything around me". Japan is a cashed base society, few places take credit cards so carry cash on you at all times.
Fifth, recycling is very prominent in Japan. Not only are cans and bottles recycled but most other things as well. The Japanese recycling system is broken up into three different categories. 1. things made of plastic. 2. cans. And 3. things that can burn, this is food, paper, and ect.
Sixth, if you like wireless internet then I have some bad news. Wifi is not common in Japan. In some places such as Mc Donald's you can find it but I've had no luck.
Seventh, Japan is HOT and HUMMID so prepare clothing accordingly. Also in place such as Kyoto where I am staying I have learned that snow fall in Kyoto is not similar to that of Michigan (thank the heavens). Kyoto does not receive a lot of snow fall, however learned that Kyoto (and safe to assume other parts of the Kansai region) do get incredibly cold so dress accordingly.
Eighth, **For American** LEARN THE METRIC SYSTEM, It makes life a lot easier, and measurements come up in conversations more often then you would think. We are the ONLY ones that use that system and most other foreigners have no idea of scale of our measurements. Also the drinking age is 20 NOT 21 as I assumed.
Ninth, some supplies are hard to find. Deodorant is a hard thing to find I have learn and you have to go deeper in the the city to find it, such as around Kyoto station.
Tenth, Some foods in Japan are expensive. Fruit is one of those item. The cheapest price that I have seen for a single apple was under 200 yen. A bag of grapes was over 1200 yen. Red meat (pork and beef) is rather expensive, but chicken is not.
*****Next part of this is for people who are attending Doshisha University*****
If you're female stating in a dorm at Doshisha Richard's House is the BEST, that being my un bias opinion...lol. Not sure yet what the best male dorm is but will find out and post it later.
The rooms are narrow but long, and come with a bathroom, which doesn't give you much room to move around but are every nice and convenient. The rooms also come with a refrigerator and a simi-kitchen, which is also very convenient to have. We were also given a plate, bowl, fork, and a spoon. If there is anything that you need up the street there are several local 100 yen stores that sell supplies, such as "Lawson's".
Many of the 「コンビニ」or convenient stores sell fresh made food. The Great thing about Lawson's is the fact that they sell day old food for 20-30 yen.
Beding is provided if you sign up for it but I recommend that you either buy a pillow or bring your own.
Also buy hangers, and also buy a LAN cable for internet access, I recommend over eight feet or over 3 meters so you can lie down on your bed with your computer. The dorm does proved you with a land cable, however its rather short.
People in the dorms are eager to make friends so don't be shy. Also don't assume that everyone speaks english because they don't.
Doshisha gives you ample amount of time to explore the city (almost a month in advance) so have fun and wander around
テイラーの感想
Taylor's thoughts
First, get used to the fact that you will be stared at in Japan. There are many places were foreigners are common, however the Japanese are fascinated by our differences and you should not feel self conscious or ridiculed by this action, just get use to it.
Second, if you haven't stated practicing your bicycle skill START. Riding bikes is a very common practice in Japan, and one of the vital forms of transportation. I haven't ridin a bike in YEARS and regretting the fact that I have haven't ridin. My biggest fear was getting hit by a car in one of the many allies or running into someone, which hopefully won't happen. Also the bike seats are not that comfortable, but you can buy pillows for your bum. Also you can purchase a used bike (or buy a new one) at bike stores around the city. The used bike that I bought was over 5,000 yen (over $60 U.S. dollars) but the bike stores also charge a 500 yen (over $5 U.S. dollars) for maintenance.
Third, **For Americans** when trying to take money out of the atm we are only allow to take out 200 yen a day, so plan accordingly. Atms are open every day but banks are not, only five days a week. I recommend having multiple atm cards to take more money (meaning that you have multiple accounts). Also some cards charge a tax on taking out money overseas, however some Credit Unions DO NOT.
Fourth, C.R.E.A.M. If you know what this means then you know a vital point in living in Japan. If not c.r.e.a.m. stands for "cash rules everything around me". Japan is a cashed base society, few places take credit cards so carry cash on you at all times.
Fifth, recycling is very prominent in Japan. Not only are cans and bottles recycled but most other things as well. The Japanese recycling system is broken up into three different categories. 1. things made of plastic. 2. cans. And 3. things that can burn, this is food, paper, and ect.
Sixth, if you like wireless internet then I have some bad news. Wifi is not common in Japan. In some places such as Mc Donald's you can find it but I've had no luck.
Seventh, Japan is HOT and HUMMID so prepare clothing accordingly. Also in place such as Kyoto where I am staying I have learned that snow fall in Kyoto is not similar to that of Michigan (thank the heavens). Kyoto does not receive a lot of snow fall, however learned that Kyoto (and safe to assume other parts of the Kansai region) do get incredibly cold so dress accordingly.
Eighth, **For American** LEARN THE METRIC SYSTEM, It makes life a lot easier, and measurements come up in conversations more often then you would think. We are the ONLY ones that use that system and most other foreigners have no idea of scale of our measurements. Also the drinking age is 20 NOT 21 as I assumed.
Ninth, some supplies are hard to find. Deodorant is a hard thing to find I have learn and you have to go deeper in the the city to find it, such as around Kyoto station.
Tenth, Some foods in Japan are expensive. Fruit is one of those item. The cheapest price that I have seen for a single apple was under 200 yen. A bag of grapes was over 1200 yen. Red meat (pork and beef) is rather expensive, but chicken is not.
*****Next part of this is for people who are attending Doshisha University*****
If you're female stating in a dorm at Doshisha Richard's House is the BEST, that being my un bias opinion...lol. Not sure yet what the best male dorm is but will find out and post it later.
The rooms are narrow but long, and come with a bathroom, which doesn't give you much room to move around but are every nice and convenient. The rooms also come with a refrigerator and a simi-kitchen, which is also very convenient to have. We were also given a plate, bowl, fork, and a spoon. If there is anything that you need up the street there are several local 100 yen stores that sell supplies, such as "Lawson's".
Many of the 「コンビニ」or convenient stores sell fresh made food. The Great thing about Lawson's is the fact that they sell day old food for 20-30 yen.
Beding is provided if you sign up for it but I recommend that you either buy a pillow or bring your own.
Also buy hangers, and also buy a LAN cable for internet access, I recommend over eight feet or over 3 meters so you can lie down on your bed with your computer. The dorm does proved you with a land cable, however its rather short.
People in the dorms are eager to make friends so don't be shy. Also don't assume that everyone speaks english because they don't.
Doshisha gives you ample amount of time to explore the city (almost a month in advance) so have fun and wander around
テイラーの感想
Taylor's thoughts
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