Annnnddd It's Already June.

Let's not talk about how it is already June...

Anyway this week was pretty normal. School, hanging out with friends, getting into a 2 year anniversary party at this Umeshu bar. Wait what? Oh yeah, so that was pretty awesome actually. 

This is what a semi-swanky party looks like at a bar

Okay so I had had plans for a while to take a friend to this Umeshu bar (still don't really know the real name, just we all call it the umeshu bar) I had been to a few times before. So the two of us arrive at the bar, and to our surprise a party was going on! So we sorta hovered around the door for a while wondering if we could get in. And since the door was glass, we were noticed haha. Anyway so this guy comes out and we tell him that we didn't know about the party, blah blah blah, and he tells us that the two year anniversary party of the bar being open was that night but since we came all the way there he told us that we could get in for 5,200 yen for all you can eat/drink. And they had some like super rare/expensive umeshu that was all you could drink as well. We responded that since we were college students that was a bit expensive to which he told us we could then get in for 4,500. We still weren't really sure about spending that much money, so we left the building and talked about going somewhere else. But in the end since we had finally come there, and we both had money and didn't mind spending it that night, we went back in.

So here we are at this semi(?) exclusive party. And since it was all you could drink/eat we did exactly that, drink and eat. Since we both really like umeshu and food, we were pretty happy. We were especially happy about the expensive/rare umeshu that we got to drink since it was pretty delicious. There was also live music going on too! We also ended up talking to a lot of random people (got so many business cards that night) and were even a part of their commemorative photo (even though we had nothing to do with the bar haha). We also learned that the guy who had told us to come in was the owner of the place! As the party was ending we decided we really liked one of the more expensive umeshus and thought we would ask if they had any for sale. Sadly we were told that they didn't have it for sale, but then the owner was like, "Why don't you take home this bottle for free!" At first we did the whole, what nooo we can't take it for free thing, but in the end we actually got to take this more than halfway full huge bottle of umeshu that costs around 3,300 yen a bottle!!!

The owner, my friend, me, and umeshu!~

So even though it was a bit pricey to get in, we ended up getting a free bottle of umeshu! I'm so glad we went that night! Haha :)

The next day I didn't have class (thankfully) so I went out to eat a late lunch with Becky in Harajuku at our favorite pancake place Sunday Jam! I got the Green Pancakes which included pancakes, zucchini, avocado  pesto, garlic butter, and sauce. So. Good.

Just looking at the picture makes me want to eat it right nowwww!

Friday I had class, which is becoming so hard not to skip. Let's just talk about how usually I would have summer vacation right now, so going to class when the weather is beautiful is so hard. It's also hard when the class you have to go to is pretty much complete bullshit. One of my one credit Japanese classes is such a mystery. Literally, no one in that class has any idea what the hell is going on. We once had to graph what we thought a chameleon's feelings would be...yeah. But the teacher is super nice so at least there is that.

I had plans to go bowling later in the evening with friends, but I was free after 2:30 so I just hung out with friends in the Niji lounge. And then we started playing hide-and-seek. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned it before, but one day I just decided I wanted to play hide-and-seek, and since then sometimes when we are all free we just play hide-and-seek in random places around campus. Sometimes we even play in the club room, which is hilarious, because there aren't real places to hide to everyone just hides in the silliest ways and the person who is "it" just pretends not to see them. Hilarious.

Sometimes we play outside!

When we play inside we have to get creative like this.

And this.

Even when we play outside we have to get creative!

This was the most intense hiding place/position ever. 

Since we played hide-and-seek a couple of times we worked up quite an appetite, so we went to eat abura soba which is probably pretty bad for your health but incredibly delicious. I'm going to miss abura soba so much...
And then we went bowling!! I was pretty exhausted by then, so I didn't play my best, but it was a lot of fun!
And since the game center was on the floor below the bowling alley, we took purikura too! My goal was to take purikura 20 times in Japan!

I'm pretty sure this was either the 15th or 16th time!~

After hanging out there for a while we somehow had energy to walk to Shin-Okubo and eat papingsu!~
Pretty great start to the weekend!
Tonight I'm having dinner with people from Earlham and the professor who will be teaching our comps course next semester!
And Sunday is the famous baseball game between Waseda and Keio!

Oh! And did I ever mention I'm doing another night hike in Tokyo!? This time I planned it! We are walking from Waseda to Tokyo Skytree, then to Tokyo Tower, and then back to Waseda!~

Watarium and Samgyopsal!

So today was a pretty awesome day for the most part. After class and lunch I went to the Harajuku area with Becky to hang out. It had been a while since I was last there, so I was glad to go back! To be honest I miss living in that area...anyway got a pair of summer shoes and bought too many clothes. OH and also, discovered that there are now Slurpees at the 7-11s in Japan!!! (at least the one in Harajuku!) Like, I can't even describe how surprised I was. When I first got to Japan I was like "There are so many 7-11s but no Slurpees..." which made me really sad. When I talked to my host dad about it before, he said they used to sell Slurpees back in the day but they weren't popular so they stopped selling them. But apparently they are back, and cheap! Okay, so actually they Slurpees here aren't as good as the ones in the States, but still it was pretty good. And perfect for summer.

Beautiful.

After we finished shopping (which took forever since I found a million things I wanted to try on) we went to the Watarium art museum in Jingumae (located on the street I used to live on!) I had been there before for a different exhibit, but there was a new exhibit featuring the work of this artist called JR that I wanted to check out. And I'm so glad we did since we got to participate in the art project! With the museum ticket (which was only about 600yen for us students) we got to take one picture (and have it printed) taken to be a part of the Inside-Out Project!! So cooool!~

Here are some links about it: http://www.insideoutproject.net
http://www.jr-art.net

After that we met one of the new spring study abroad students and one of our Japanese friends to go eat at our favorite samgyopsal restaurant (our fifth time there!!)!! We hadn't been there since before February, so it had really been a long time. But even so, the chef there still remembered us! And as usual, he gave us free food. A delicious fluffy egg thing with vegetables in it. I can't even describe how good it was. We also just chatted with him for like 20 minutes or more after overeating. I really love that place. One of my goals was to become a regular at a restaurant in Tokyo. Even though we aren't technically regulars since we don't go there often enough, the staff treats us like regulars and are super nice. Definitely going there some more before I head home!~

Samgyeopsal and Purikura

I can't believe I leave Tokyo tomorrow....I'm going to miss it here so much! I'm also pretty sad that I was sick these last few days... :(  there were a lot of people I wanted to hang out with before I left, but I guess I can see them when I get back.

The weather changed pretty drastically today (went from being in the high 40's to high 20's). It even snowed a bit in the morning! Which of course made my cold worse (since I get sick for some reason whenever the weather changes like that...) took some more medicine and rested. But I had dinner plans with friends, so I tried my best to feel better before then.

Somehow I braved the cold (outside and the one I caught) to meet Becky, Miwa, and Kota. We went to the neighborhood samgyeopsal restaurant (4th time) and ate delicious Korean food. And of course the awkwardly cute workers were there and we got to talk to them a bit. And we ended up getting free food again! It was this delicious baked egg dish. Soooo goooood. I love that place. And not just because they give us free food (although that does help. I'm curious to see how long it will go on for). We told them we would be gone for a while though, but that we would come again when we got back! One of my goals for Japan was to become a regular at a local restaurant, and I think I'm definitely accomplishing that there.

After eating we went to a cafe in Harajuku and got cake and talked some more. And then we did purikura after. So much fun! While I was hanging out I didn't feel that bad, but now that I'm back I'm a bit tired/weak...but doing laundry now and want to get started on some packing? Hopefully my laundry will dry by tomorrow...lol

We Can Do Cheese

Thursday I started English teaching again. It's pretty cool to teach English to a jazz singer. I only had one class Thursday but it was over three hours long and yeah...just too much. Went out to eat with my friend Jhanus and some Japanese friends who are in the club we are in (and who also might be coming to the Philippines/Korea with us?)

Friday I woke up and finalized plans for Kyoto and Osaka with my host mom. I'm so glad she helped research travel packs for me! After that I played with building blocks with my host brother. Sometimes when we play together I don't know who is haivng more fun...haha. My host family is in Nagano for the weekend. I could have gone with them but really needed to plan stuff for the Philippines and Korea/save money.
For lunch went to a curry place with Becky called Curry Up in my neighborhood. Some of the best curry I've had here. Next we went to a cafe called Lapaz which is also in my neighborhood. The drinks/cake was a bit pricey, but the atmosphere there is great and the bathroom is crazy (it's all white and has cool architecture  I felt like I was Alice in Wonderland). Got some homework done there thankfully. After that continued to walk around my neighborhood (Harajuku, Omotesando, Jingumae area). Really love where I live. Checked out some 2nd hand shops/thrift stores that had some of the ugliest sweaters I've ever seen. Too bad the best ones were like over $20...oh Japan. Thrift stores here are always thrifty...For dinner we went to this samgyapsul place (kinda like Korean BBQ). Started talking with the workers there which was fun. They ended up giving us free face masks, nori, and put cheese on our dokbokki even though it wasn't on the menu when we asked if they could (at first the waiter was like no we don't have cheese dokbokki, but then the chef was all like you want cheese? we can do cheese). Oh, and before that we stumbled across a vintage American toy shop! Polly Pocket and Barbies! It was a bit creepy though...haha

Delicious cake

This cafe is so cool!~

All the ugly sweaters

Saturday class was horrendous as usual. Afterwards met up with everyone at Dre's to plan for Philippines and Korea. So excited. Haven't bought the ticket yet but know which one I want. We reserved a hostel in Seoul though! These next two months are going to be crazy! Also went to the gay bar (LOL) again with Jhanus and some other friends from our program. Made some new friends and got to see our bartender friend for a bit! After that ate at a family restaurant and went to karaoke. So tired. Went to bed around 6:30, got up at 2 (and woke up like five times in between that). Trying to finish some more homework today so it's not all pilled up later...also going to the samgyapsul place again for dinner? Haha. Today I've been in Japan for four months. Crazy. I've made so many great memories so far. AND MY BROTHER IS COMING TOMORROW YAY!~

Small and Not So Small Steps

Let me start off this post by saying how grateful I am for my host family. They have done so much for me in these past two days; I feel like I will never be able to repay them. And it has only been two days. I hope I am conveying how grateful I am. Things are still awkward at times. But as I've said, it's only been two days.

Today I woke up at 7. Breakfast was a nice bowl of cereal and pears (nashi)! Yummy. After breakfast I left with my host mom to go to the Shibuya ward office to update my residence card, get national health insurance, etc. We took what is called the はちこバス (hachiko bus) which is only 100 yen to ride. On the way to the bus stop, we walked by a fashion shoot! It took maybe a bit more than a half hour or so to get everything done that needed to be done there. I also saw someone from my program there, which was pretty awesome! I felt bad since my host mom had work, and I didn't know if I was making her late. I was going to ask her about it, but I didn't think it would make much of a difference since I know she wouldn't have left me behind there. And I'm glad she was with me since I would have been completely lost by myself. There she gave me a key to the apartment, and found some maps of the area for me (and even circled the area where the apartment is). I tried to convey how grateful I was for everything, but I'm not sure if I was able to. It's hard/tiring trying to figure out what to say/not say and when to say things too. I'll continue to do my best!

After we were done at the ward office we went to a cafe real quick (where my host mom bought me an ice coffee; they spend too much money on me!), and then showed me where Yoyogi Park is. Since she had to go to work, we parted there. Today I was by myself (other than being alone in the hotel room) for the first time in Japan, so I was pretty excited. Yoyogi park is beautiful. I only explored a little bit (I wanted to make sure I had enough time to get back to my host apartment since I was meeting my host mom there at 12:30), so I can't wait to go back again! There was a pond, a rose garden, and trees everywhere. I'm so glad I'm close to such a nice place. A huge shrine is right next to the park, but I didn't go there since I want to go there with my host family and spend a good amount of time exploring the shrine/grounds. I did, however, make time to walk down Takeshi-dori (a famous street in Harajuku) for a bit.

Thankfully I was able to make it back by myself without getting lost or asking for directions! Yay me! And there is a conbini across the street from where I live, so I was able to make copies of my passport etc. there. Since I got back a bit before 12:30, I had time to skype with my sister which was really nice. Once my host mother came back from work, we went to pick up my little host brother from day care (by taxi lol). So many cute kids there! So far my host brother has been pretty shy towards me, but today he held my hand for a bit! One small step forward to becoming closer! The three of us headed of to the Ginza area where we were going to have 書道(Japanese calligraphy) class. Since we got there early we went to another cafe where my host mom treated me again (I tried to pay but she wouldn't let me). We then gathered at the place where the lesson was being held. There were two other mothers with kids (today was the kids lesson and they let me join). The sensei taught me some things about shodo, and then showed me how to write a couple of things (my host mom let me use her paper/ink). It was a bit nerve wracking meeting new people (I tried to make a good impression), but it was also a lot of fun! I hope I can go again. (Also, after the lesson we went to a store where my host mom bought me an え (e for Emma) stamp so I can use it to stamp my calligraphy papers. I tried to buy it, but she wanted to get me a gift. I feel bad that they have been spending so much money on me...). Also, the sensei and her uncle apparently have had exhibitions in New York for their work, which is pretty amazing!

For dinner we met my host father and one of his friends in Akihabara at a Spanishish izakaya type restaurant.  And there was so much food. I felt about awkward while eating (since the sensei and my host father's friend were there), so I tried my best to have good table manners. Probably more than 12 dishes were brought out. And beer and wine. Seriously, it was so much food. I was stuffed. But it was all delicious! My host mother, brother, and I left before my host father (since he was still drinking with his friend). I could tell my host mother was pretty tired, so I thanked her again for everything she did for me. Since it started raining when we arrived at our station, we took another taxi home.

I was pretty tired when I got home, but I watched some tv with my host brother. When my host dad came home he was a bit drunk, but he, my host mom, and I drank a little bit more (oh god drinking lol) and talked. I couldn't understand everything my host dad was saying since he was a bit drunk (there were some random things about Japan's relationships with China and Korea, and Amercan and Japanese values), but we talked about things I want to do here (like traveling) and he said we will do them all! They said that they would introduce me to their family members, and invited me to do yoga with them on Saturday (although I'll probably have class). My host father also mentioned that when we travel, I only have to pay for the transportation; he will pay for food and everything else. I was really touched by this. Just that fact the he said such a thing made me really happy, but I feel like I could never accept that. I told them that I really wanted to become close with them all, so I hope we can. Oh and my host mother made sure I got to show my calligraphy to my host dad. It was fun to show him what I worked on.
They showed me some pictures of my host brother when he was a baby, and I showed them post cards my brother sent me and one of my mom's art postcards. While my host mom and brother were taking a bath, my host father told me about how he thinks Waseda is great. His father went there, and he wanted to go there himself, but said he wasn't able to due to not being a grate student (or something like that). When he said this I said "でも、会社の社長でしょう？” which basically translates as "but you're a company president...(so you must be smart (sort of))" When I said this he seemed really impressed and happy. He told me that my response was something a Japanese person would say! Which in turn made me happy.

I think we were able to bond a lot more tonight, although we still have a long way to go. Also, it's hard to tell how sincere a person is when they have been drinking. But I'm going to stay positive and hope I'll form a really great connection with my host family. Even though it's been a bit (very) tiring (using Japanese, trying to be polite, etc.), I really like my host family. I'm still a bit worried about offending them, or doing something wrong, or not seeming grateful. But I can only do my best!

Tomorrow I get my cell phone! And I get to see my friends again! I miss them!~

Also, my host mom showed my how to do laundry, and they have a washer/drier combo which is pretty rare in Japan! Though I hung up my clothes to dry anyway lol.

Also, I know I write a lot, but there is so much more I could say or comment on. Posts these lengths take some time to write, however, so I don't go into as much detail as I could since I don't have the time.