Finally, I can upload this entry. Apparently, I misplaced my journal entry a week ago in my travel pack – anyways here it is, and I apologize for the delay.
This weekend (the weekend of the 7thof September) has been an interesting one. We’ve had our first week of class and there are quite a few of them – 9 classes in fact, but thankfully some of those classes replace each other in the time slots available so we don’t have more than 3 classes a day usually.
I was placed in Japanese one – of which I am alright with – it is better to get the basic language skills down before moving into an advanced class. A majority of the classes happen once a week, and as a result most of the classes were basically introductions of the material and professors. All the professors seem very kind and unique with their own quirks. I am currently looking forward to Cool japan due to the different pop culture aspects of the class.
Separate from class I have been slowly exploring the area around our campus in Japan. We’ve recently been to Ikebukuro as a small group and explored the huge mall called Sunshine city. It was massive and expanded across a couple of blocks. A couple of us, myself included, went to the Pokémon center located inside and found many goodies, and life-sized figures of Pokémon characters.
I am trying to interact with the Japanese people, and due to in partially my own shyness and lack of proficiency in the language, I haven’t made much progress. I’m determined to keep marching on however, no matter how much time it takes, to make some Japanese friends!
More recently we’ve returned from our excursion to Karuizawa, a known vacation spot to people in Tokyo (and an expensive one too!). It was really fun, and it helped me realize that – wow, I’m actually in Japan. It was a stark difference from the city scape to the greenery around Karuizawa (which was located in the mountains). We took three-hour bus trip to our lodgings and had a break at a huge garden. The garden was one of my favorite spots we’ve been to so far because we had a lunch where we were able to grill all of our own foods. Afterwards we were free to explore the grounds and do activities such as paddle boating and archery. My friend and I went around a flower garden and later took a walk around a beautiful lake. Afterwards we got ice cream and some shaved ice and sat down to watch the water. There were many cute ducks that came right up to you, and also huge terrifying carp.
Sadly, we had to leave the place and continue on.
The night passed with a party and fireworks. Later on, a small group split off (myself included) and began a session on learning how to juggle. The next day we began with going to a museum and learning about the ancient nomadic people of japan. We were given the opportunity to emulate their jewelry and so we all ended up carving a necklace! Afterwards we went to lunch at a buffet (which was delicious) and finally we tried an onsen (hot spring).
I was at first nervous about the onsen, for in order to even be let into it, you have to be nude. Eventually I got over it, and about 5 other girls also decided to go into the onsen. It was an outdoor bath surrounded by tall fences so no one could peer in or out. Afterwards we all got cleaned up and changed and went ahead to a waterfall. At that point many people became tired and as a result a more subdued party occurred that evening with everyone being a little quieter than usual.
The next day was the last day that we were at Karuizawa before we returned back to our place in Tokyo. The items that were on the agenda were curling (the sport) and going to old town Karuizawa. The curling was fun, and even through many of the Japanese students looked cold. Unfortunately, the team that I was on lost, but nevertheless the game was fun! As we went into the old town, we were able to dine at a traditional soba place, which was once again delicious!! I didn’t buy many things however, due to the prices. Afterwards we left back to the university.
Our next excursion is Asakusa, known for its huge temple and shops lying around it. It will be a day trip, but I look forward to it all the same!
Stay tuned for the next blog entry!
Japan Study Abroad 