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.