Saturday, February 27, 2010

New Post

So I really haven't updated this in about a month, but the thing is, not much really has happened this month since the last time I updated this. Sure, I've had classes, and finally found a place to practice, but those are the most exciting things that have gone on in the past couple of weeks. While I did get my bank card, I don't get any of the scholarship money until Monday, which is fine. Once I get that, I'm going to start getting souvenirs and whatnot for people, since I will have money. Also, on Sunday (tomorrow), I'm going to meet up with someone in Kyoto, and possibly work it out to get Shakuhachi lessons while I am here. I really hope that works out for me, I really would love to learn the instrument.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Pictures

Started putting pictures up on photobucket, since the internet is alright for right now.

http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/TehMagicks/Japan/

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Forgot about this

I forgot to mention that today, while it was very sunny, there were snowflakes falling nearly all day, on and off. What the hell Japan? I don't understand you.

First week of School

So I'm done with my first week of school here, and figured that I should update this blog. So I'm in four classes: Spoken Japanese 1, Reading and Writing Japanese 1, Body and Communication, and Basic Ceramics Techniques. So far, they're all really fun. We're learning the basics in Spoken 1, and right now, we have a crash course in Hiragana, with a test on monday. I'm pretty good recognizing them, but having to write them not so much, so I'm working on that. With Body and Communication, we're looking at non-verbal forms of communication. We learned some Japanese Sign Language in the Osaka dialect, which is pretty cool. Then in Ceramics, I learned some wedging techniques, as well as the slab technique and the wheel. While I can't make anything on the wheel yet, I can at least say that I know how to use the wheel.

Also this week, I got a bicycle, which is cool. But the thing about a bicycle is that they're serious business. In Japan, they are considered Light Vehicles, and as any vehicle, are bound by the laws of traffic. You can also be arrested for riding your bike drunk (BAC of .03 as opposed to .08). There are also not a whole bunch of sidewalks in Hirakata, so you're going to have to ride on the street next to the cars, which is kinda scary.

And as for food in Japan, it's just so delicious. While I've been eating mostly Ramen while eating in, I've gone to get some Indian food (really spicy, and really good), Conveyor Belt sushi, and Okonomiyaki (egg and cabbage pancake with meat and various other things in it). So far, I've like just about everything I've tried. I also bought some Tofu today, so I can cook for cheap, but still have some kind of meat-like food when eating. I've just got to figure out how to cook the stuff now.

I've also likely found a place for me to practice, so hopefully this week I can practice somewhere on campus.

That's it for this post, if you have any questions, just leave a comment or something.