Absolutely no point to this post whatsoever. Just letting everyone know that Day 4 of orientation was long and boring and uneventful. Actually, that's a lie. I did pick up my inkan, which is my personal seal stamp. It says ローレン on it. (Lauren). With that I was able to make a bank account. So... hooray. I have a bank account. Only - I have to wait a week for the card to arrive, so I can't really use it yet. Whatever. It only has 100yen in it because I didn't want to add more to it yet.
You can deposit moneys at an ATM here. Cool, right? I don't have to take the train every time I want to deposit moneys.
The tip of my toe is numb and has been numb since early High School, only I'm noticing it more and more now. I think it's more nerve damage than it is diabetes or whatever.
Wow, seriously off topic. Starting to ramble. This is bad. Poor blog /patpat.
So, er, yeah. Got my inkan, made a bank account, then went to the school for a video about safety when riding a bicycle, and then had an orientation on how to use the computer and the email. Snore.
Tomorrow my first class starts! AMG.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Orientation, Day 3
I really don't feel like talking about too much right now, but I already put off the post about last night. Which was... very very fun ^_^ We went out to eat with our landlord, and at first I thought we were going to his house, and was therefore very nervous, but instead he treated us to an authentic restaurant! And the atmosphere was very casual and fun.
The landlord's wife pretty much forced alcohol on me, but I wasn't complaining! In fact, I was highly amused. I ordered a coke first because I didn't know any other drinks in Japanese! But then later on they kept asking me. "Biiru o nomitai? Sake?" Want a beer? Sake? Pretty much wouldn't take no for an answer, and I was too flustered to say, omg yes! Which is... honestly what I was thinking...
After a few drinks, everyone really loosened up, and I spoke in extremely awful broken Japanese (basically just throwing words out there with random particles I find relevant). It was a lot of fun. And I was very happy to be slightly communicating.
This morning, on the other hand, was not so fun. We took our Japanese placement exam, which included of a test & a 5 minute interview with the Japanese instructor. Honestly I could have done so much better on the test if I had studied (but I was too busy having fun last night!). I knew all the jukugo, which was great, but messed up on the rest. The last question was an essay, How did you study before coming to Japan? Or something like that. LOL. Umm! I can't even tell you how I did on that. Just... lol.
It doesn't really matter too much on how I did, though. Still in the same class they expected us to be in =] Plus 3 Japanese culture classes. 1 of those is a class that every student at Kinjo can take, only it is taught in English. So. Yay.
After orientation was over, me and Natalia and a newgirl Iona (who is not new at all, but a second semester student from England) went to Sakae and Ai-chan (Iona) showed us around. My feet are absolutely killing me. Turns out my new shoes are definitely not made for walking. I'm kind of afraid to take off my socks to see what has become of my feet. Damn carnivorous shoes.
But that is all for now! I'm exhausted. Probably going to watch the episode of Being Human I missed at home. Ja ne ^^
The landlord's wife pretty much forced alcohol on me, but I wasn't complaining! In fact, I was highly amused. I ordered a coke first because I didn't know any other drinks in Japanese! But then later on they kept asking me. "Biiru o nomitai? Sake?" Want a beer? Sake? Pretty much wouldn't take no for an answer, and I was too flustered to say, omg yes! Which is... honestly what I was thinking...
After a few drinks, everyone really loosened up, and I spoke in extremely awful broken Japanese (basically just throwing words out there with random particles I find relevant). It was a lot of fun. And I was very happy to be slightly communicating.
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This morning, on the other hand, was not so fun. We took our Japanese placement exam, which included of a test & a 5 minute interview with the Japanese instructor. Honestly I could have done so much better on the test if I had studied (but I was too busy having fun last night!). I knew all the jukugo, which was great, but messed up on the rest. The last question was an essay, How did you study before coming to Japan? Or something like that. LOL. Umm! I can't even tell you how I did on that. Just... lol.
It doesn't really matter too much on how I did, though. Still in the same class they expected us to be in =] Plus 3 Japanese culture classes. 1 of those is a class that every student at Kinjo can take, only it is taught in English. So. Yay.
After orientation was over, me and Natalia and a newgirl Iona (who is not new at all, but a second semester student from England) went to Sakae and Ai-chan (Iona) showed us around. My feet are absolutely killing me. Turns out my new shoes are definitely not made for walking. I'm kind of afraid to take off my socks to see what has become of my feet. Damn carnivorous shoes.
But that is all for now! I'm exhausted. Probably going to watch the episode of Being Human I missed at home. Ja ne ^^
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Orientation, Day 2
Today's orientation was long, but essentially uneventful. They basically went over the rules and procedures of the school. We were, however, lectured on how to protect ourselves from the perverts out there, and also the lingerie thieves. It was... pretty hilarious. But yes, boyfriend/dad, I promise to take the warnings seriously =]
I only have two pictures to show you from today.
I am very excited for classes to start. They basically guaranteed that we'd be put into Japanese 201 (the lowest level), but we have to take the placement test anyway I guess =P They meet 5 times a week, so we can be sure to learn Nihongo super fast! Yay! There were two other classes we're taking for sure, which is Japanese Culture (Flower arrangement, tea ceremony, etc.) and Contempory Topics (more modern stuff). And then there's a third class we can take that's Japanese Culture taught in English that isn't necessarily for exchange students. So, that should be fun.
Oh! And they mentioned a paid teaching assistant position! For teaching English. How exciting is that?!
Tonight my boarding house is going to our landlord's for dinner. His name is Yogo-san and he doesn't speak any English. This will be interesting ^_^
Ja ne, for now!
I only have two pictures to show you from today.
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I am very excited for classes to start. They basically guaranteed that we'd be put into Japanese 201 (the lowest level), but we have to take the placement test anyway I guess =P They meet 5 times a week, so we can be sure to learn Nihongo super fast! Yay! There were two other classes we're taking for sure, which is Japanese Culture (Flower arrangement, tea ceremony, etc.) and Contempory Topics (more modern stuff). And then there's a third class we can take that's Japanese Culture taught in English that isn't necessarily for exchange students. So, that should be fun.
Oh! And they mentioned a paid teaching assistant position! For teaching English. How exciting is that?!
Tonight my boarding house is going to our landlord's for dinner. His name is Yogo-san and he doesn't speak any English. This will be interesting ^_^
Ja ne, for now!
Orientation, Day 1
Yesterday was pretty eventful... And exhausting. The day ended at 4pm, I took a nap, had dinner, and then fell right back asleep. On the bright side, I was so exhausted that I actually slept until my alarm! Victory! I'm going to set it for 6am every week day (unless I happen to have an especially early class) and sleep in on weekends, just so everyone knows my schedule. 6am is 5pm for my friends at home, and it gives me enough time to get ready for the day without rushing.
Yay for schedules. Speaking of schedules, I believe we are registering for classes today ^^ but this post isn't about today, it's about yesterday. I was way too tired to write about it, and I didn't want to turn this blog into a chore.
Everyone in my building met up in front and we walked down to the train station with two girls from Kinjo's international club. From there we met the other group of students (we're about 20 in all; I have a specific number somewhere but I don't feel like fishing it up). We separated into "regions" I guess, which I thought was very typical. Chelsea & I were with the Polish girl Natalia (who is very cool, we're friends) and we walked around Obata and did important document stuff.
Like buying an inkan (Y3,000! But, necessary to open a bank account.) And applying for our alien cards. And all that jazz. Very exhausting in itself.
When that was all done, we went and had a grand tour of Kinjo Gakuin! And may I say, it is the most beautiful campus I've ever set foot on. I am very happy that I chose this school! Oh, and we had lunch with all the other students, and had to give a (very awkward) self introduction.
In retrospect, I probably could have said more. But... tanoshikatta...
There are some pictures under the break! Check them out ^_^ More are on my facebook, just because some of them get a little repetitive, hehe.
Yay for schedules. Speaking of schedules, I believe we are registering for classes today ^^ but this post isn't about today, it's about yesterday. I was way too tired to write about it, and I didn't want to turn this blog into a chore.
Everyone in my building met up in front and we walked down to the train station with two girls from Kinjo's international club. From there we met the other group of students (we're about 20 in all; I have a specific number somewhere but I don't feel like fishing it up). We separated into "regions" I guess, which I thought was very typical. Chelsea & I were with the Polish girl Natalia (who is very cool, we're friends) and we walked around Obata and did important document stuff.
Like buying an inkan (Y3,000! But, necessary to open a bank account.) And applying for our alien cards. And all that jazz. Very exhausting in itself.
When that was all done, we went and had a grand tour of Kinjo Gakuin! And may I say, it is the most beautiful campus I've ever set foot on. I am very happy that I chose this school! Oh, and we had lunch with all the other students, and had to give a (very awkward) self introduction.
Watashi no namae wa Lauren desu. Lori to yonde kudasai. Amerika no Uesuto Baajinia Daigaku kara kimashita. Watashi no ichiban suki na tabemono wa.... sushi desu ^_^. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu~
私の名前はローレンです。 ローリとよんでください。 アメリカのウエストバージニア大学から来ました。 私の一番好きな食べ物は。。。 すしです ＾＿＾。 よろしくおねがいします～
My name is Lauren. Call me Lori. I come from America's West Virginia University. My favorite food is sushi ^_^ Please treat me well~
In retrospect, I probably could have said more. But... tanoshikatta...
There are some pictures under the break! Check them out ^_^ More are on my facebook, just because some of them get a little repetitive, hehe.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Super PRT, Pt.2
Holy bajesus. I am so exhausted. Not only am I jetlagged, but I had to have fun all day. How awful!
(Just kidding?)
2 hours after my last post (... 3 hours?), Chelsea and I boarded the train once again, but this time it was to go to the ever-so exciting downtown Nagoya! Yay! We were to meet an old exchange student from WVU, Maki Okachi! Thank goodness for her and her directions, because it was crazy crowded. Think stereotypical Tokyo - only we weren't being physically pushed into cars, and there was no molestation going on. Just... a lot of people.
We found her though, and went to Bikku Kamera (Bic Camera~?). It was a 5 floor building full of everything and anything. Our minds nearly imploded by how much stuff there was. We were mostly impressed by the toy floor, but only because we are slight otaku ^^;
Under the link are pictures from Nagoya. The pictures of the anime toys are not shown just to save some space. You can check out my facebook for that! =D
(I am also way too tired to tell anymore stories. Orientation starts tomorrow and I still need to fill out forms and stuff.)
(Just kidding?)
2 hours after my last post (... 3 hours?), Chelsea and I boarded the train once again, but this time it was to go to the ever-so exciting downtown Nagoya! Yay! We were to meet an old exchange student from WVU, Maki Okachi! Thank goodness for her and her directions, because it was crazy crowded. Think stereotypical Tokyo - only we weren't being physically pushed into cars, and there was no molestation going on. Just... a lot of people.
We found her though, and went to Bikku Kamera (Bic Camera~?). It was a 5 floor building full of everything and anything. Our minds nearly imploded by how much stuff there was. We were mostly impressed by the toy floor, but only because we are slight otaku ^^;
Under the link are pictures from Nagoya. The pictures of the anime toys are not shown just to save some space. You can check out my facebook for that! =D
(I am also way too tired to tell anymore stories. Orientation starts tomorrow and I still need to fill out forms and stuff.)
It's like Super PRT!
Chelsea and I took the train today!! A massive feat, being our second day here. But it was actually very simple. We didn't mess up and it was a very smooth, nice ride. Glad I looked up how to do it online, but Steve gave us instructions over e-mail too.
So we took the train, and I got my converter from him, and I am happy!! Here are some pictures from the station~
We managed to get back to our station and then did a little shopping. Got some notebooks at a local drugstore, along with some dish soap, laundry detergent, and a bread bun that looked tasty. (Can't read to find out what was inside though.) Then we went to the grocery store and bought lunch! Sushi, onigiri (for later), and takoyaki.
In other news, I am ridiculously tired. Fell asleep at a normal time last night, around 10pm, but I once again woke up way too early. This time 4:30am, but I managed to stay in bed until 5:30, when I just became restless. Computer was dead, so I went downstairs and banged on Chelsea's door, just so I could use her computer xD Curse you again, jet lag!
But guess what. Now I have my own computer and don't have to bother her anymore! *So happy!*
It's only 1:30pm at the moment. I feel as if our train & shopping adventure took the whole day, but it definitely didn't... I want to take a nap. Don't know what we're going to do the rest of the day, but I do know that I need to fill out some forms for my alien registration cards and stuff. No fun.
Orientation starts tomorrow. Excited to start doing school-related stuff, not so excited about the whole I-can't-really-speak-Japanese thing. Ah well.
So we took the train, and I got my converter from him, and I am happy!! Here are some pictures from the station~
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We managed to get back to our station and then did a little shopping. Got some notebooks at a local drugstore, along with some dish soap, laundry detergent, and a bread bun that looked tasty. (Can't read to find out what was inside though.) Then we went to the grocery store and bought lunch! Sushi, onigiri (for later), and takoyaki.
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In other news, I am ridiculously tired. Fell asleep at a normal time last night, around 10pm, but I once again woke up way too early. This time 4:30am, but I managed to stay in bed until 5:30, when I just became restless. Computer was dead, so I went downstairs and banged on Chelsea's door, just so I could use her computer xD Curse you again, jet lag!
But guess what. Now I have my own computer and don't have to bother her anymore! *So happy!*
It's only 1:30pm at the moment. I feel as if our train & shopping adventure took the whole day, but it definitely didn't... I want to take a nap. Don't know what we're going to do the rest of the day, but I do know that I need to fill out some forms for my alien registration cards and stuff. No fun.
Orientation starts tomorrow. Excited to start doing school-related stuff, not so excited about the whole I-can't-really-speak-Japanese thing. Ah well.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
In Japan... Finally
Aw, jeeze. Finally a post. Sorry. I've been waiting to try to get a plug adapter for my laptop (using Chelsea's right now). There aren't any electronic stores nearby, so I have to either find someone to take me to the mall tomorrow, or wait until Monday for some helpful people to take me. Until then, I'm shaking from being forced away from my laptop for so long. (I have a problem...) Seriously though, the culture shock isn't as bad as last night, but my social life (parents & boyfriend) really helps put me at ease. Also, the familiarity that is my Asus. I've been so fidgety and panicky. Should subside once I'm able to get back on my home-sweet-home computer.
So I'm ridiculously sleepy, but I'll try my best to talk about everything that happened =] Waiting for it to be a decent time in the States so I have a chance to aim with the boyfriend.
Let's add a page break~ This is a looong one.
So I'm ridiculously sleepy, but I'll try my best to talk about everything that happened =] Waiting for it to be a decent time in the States so I have a chance to aim with the boyfriend.
Let's add a page break~ This is a looong one.
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