Mars Rover

My first week of school is coming to a close. I do have to say that the first week of school is pretty much the same anywhere. Lots of pointless classes where the teacher talks about how much you have to get done this year, but then proceeds to waste everyone's time by reading through the syllabus together, then some alien being asks a question that our little prof has already read from the syllabus. Good times kids, good times. I have yet to fully decide on my classes, so once I finish up my class shopping, I'll post on my thoughts. 

Now let's get on to the good stuff, HOUSE DESTRUCTION and cute tinyyyy little Japanese trucks and construction equipment that I like to think of as Tonka toys. 

Tonka trucks

I woke up yesterday to the house next door just being straight up demolished. It was awesome. 

After taking a slow Wednesday morning of sleeping in and a lazy day run (with the occasional loud sound of house destruction), I decided to head to West Shinjuku to complete my first trip from the other day (it also helps that my train pass gets me to Shinjuku for free...). After visiting a bookstore and buying some Japanese textbooks and kind of meandering around, I walked over to the famous Shinjuku-Gyoen (Park). Although it costs 200 Yen to get in and is one of the only parks I know of in Japan that costs money, it was definitely worth it and absolutely breathtaking.

It felt so nice to be in the "wilderness" again. The park has a little forest, lots of ponds, and big open grassy areas. Out of the few parks I've visited here, I really have come to appreciate how the Japanese really work hard to utilize their space. Every park seems to be landscaped to the extreme, filled with ponds, trees in every corner, and footpaths that make you feel as if you're in a Miyazaki film. (I always secretly hope that the path will lead me to Totoro). Not only do the Japanese utilize their park space, but they put gardens on roofs, and even use basements for grocery stores(*spoiler alert). There are somethings I would say that the Japanese are not very waste conscious with, but in regards to their space, they always seem to be thinking of how to save it and how to better use it. 

Nom Nom Nom, Hungry Fishes!!

Lots of old Japanese men chilling in the park

Spider!!

The city in the background..

After 散歩-ing (walking) around and appreciating the sunny day of an island in the middle of a rainy week, I headed off to Hanazono-Jinja (Shrine). Unfortunately the shrine was under construction, so I didn't really hang out too long or take too many pictures.  I also went and explored a famous depachika, food floor within a department that is almost always in the basement. I visited this rich ridiculous one with all these fancy Tokyo-ites walking around in high heels buying expensive pastries and chocolates and overpriced vegetables. You truly have to walk around in one for yourself slackjawed to understand how crazy it actually is. 

My day came to a close peacefully with a melon on a stick and the glances of male hosts eyeing my gaijin status from afar. 

西新宿ーWest Shinjuku

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices! 

Today I ventured out in to the high world of West Shinjuku (get it? tall buildings??).After hanging out with friends for a little while wandering around in general (they headed off to see a movie, which I was too cheap to venture to do) I went off on my own! (Somethings in Tokyo, (obviously) are really expensive. Movies, are one of those things. They went to a movie and were going to be paying 1500 円(approx. $18). (Surprisingly, boxed pizza (for some reason this doesn't hold true at restaurants in general), is also really expensive, a normal large Domino's pizza would be something like $30!!))

      Anyways, after we parted ways, I first headed up to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices. You can head up either of the two towers for free, and they even normally have tours (I tried to go on one, but they are only on weekdays so I'll have to come back).

Taiko!

After coming down from the towers, I heard this loud drumming, and being myself, I followed the sound! I had nothing better to do, and it sounded like a good time. Once I got to the noise, I found some kind of Tokyo kids festival that had performances, including taiko, Japanese drumming!! 

The Festival! 

  Finding a mini-festival in the heart of Shinjuku was an experience in itself, it's these types of experiences that a traveler can hope for, the luck of the draw, the moment that presents itself, whether it be a random trail off the beaten path, or the faint sound of a beating taiko drum that pulls you into an adventure and an unforgettable experience.

Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower (the Egg as I like to call it)

View from the government building of the Egg and West Shinjuku

Shinjuku Chuo-Koen 

 After my drumming, I began a bit of a walking tour of West Shinjuku. I went to Shinjuku Chuo-koen, a park behind the government buildings and explored the shrine there.

I visited the shrine and found a cute couple taking wedding pictures!

Unlucky fortunes

The shrine

 After the Shrine and the park, I headed to the Shinjuku NS building, a building that is known for its 110 meter in the air skybridge, glass roof, and the largest clock in the world!

the largest clock in the world apparently. 

The glass ceiling of the NS Building

After venturing around in there a bit,  I hit up Pentax Square to see the photo exhibit and play with fancy cameras. Somehow, I then ended up in this underground walkway tunnel that was connected to a lot of the underground areas of all these big buildings. The tunnel, conveniently, takes you to the Shinjuku station (I learned today that Shinjuku is the second biggest train station in the world, which is not surprising at all, it's like an underground world in there!) So with that convenient timing, and the day coming to a close, I headed on home to rest and prepare for my first day of classes!

Spotlight: お父さん：Father

So I've decided that a new fun blog adventure will be spotlight the Japanese person/place/thing! (I know my picture isn't a technical spotlight, butttttt, it's more fun this way). Today's spotlight will be (imagine a loud epic drumroll).... my host dad (aka Father Woods).

 Father Woods is first and foremost I would say a family man. He may come off as  a businessman working at a bank with a family, but knowing him as long as I have (a whole week, pfft.) I would say he's a family man working at a bank. He was born here in Tokyo, actually in the same neighborhood that we live in now. His Mom-GWoods-lives beneath us. He went to the same elementary school that his kids went to, and he's supportive of his kids. I'd say when you first meet him, he gives off an aloof/standoffish vibe...(though I think that was my nerves), yet again after spending lots of time with him, I think it's definitely an act. 

He works a lot, and at first he is hard to understand (both as a person personality wise, and speaking wise, he has a very typical manly Japanese voice which I can't explain through blogs, but it's very deep and very hard to get..). Yet, as time passes, he becomes more and more accessible to me. For example, today was my little sister's 文化祭（bunkasai-school festival). My family, like a true family, took me with them. Momma Woods and Poppa Woods walked around with me, we explored rooms, learned about world problems, and they even took me to a traditional tea ceremony. Momma Woods showed me the proper way, "Just do what I do!" (in Japanese of course) to drink the tea and eat the snack, etc. etc. (I'm sorry I don't have any pictures from bunkasai, but it wasn't really a picture appropriate time). Anyways, over the course of watching my sister's awesome bamf guitar performance, seeing their family friend's dance performance, and just wandering along somehow I feel like Poppa Woods and I have become closer. Due to what I assume is a bit of coincidence, and a bit of sneaky planning on Momma Woods part, Poppa and I had to go to the store together (we rode our bikes to Bunkasai, so we were riding our bikes all around to the store and what not) after bunka. (Momma had a dinner with sister and her friends, thus, we were on our own for dinner with Youseke). Anyways, Poppa Woods and I were a bit awkward to start, Poppa seemed not to know what to do with this blond gaijin (foreigner), and I didn't know what to do with Poppa Woods. 

Let the lost puppy story begin: So after awkwardly leaving Momma Woods, our only link to each other at the time, we got on our bikes (Poppa helped unlock mine, which was lost Lucy moment number one not being able to get her weird Japanese lock undone or her weird Japanese kickstand up) we were off to get lost on the way to the store! After finally finding "a place" for our bikes (we stuck them in the motorcycle spot, my Poppa Woods is a rebel), we went into the store. It was hilarious. Imagine this kinda aloof Japanese man wandering around trying to figure out what foods he should buy for his vegetarian gaijin "daughter" with the gaijin daughter in tow following him around like a lost puppy. At this point, we haven't really talked a whole lot, just a, "I can't get my bike unlocked" and a "Put your bike here" (In the motorcycle area), and a "Potato salad or Noodle salad?" question. So there we were, him wandering through the store several times, holding his hand to his chin, rubbing it and muttering to himself, probably something along the line of, "what do I do with this blond girl", and me following him around like the sun, while rubbing my chin also half thinking/laughing "How do I help him, should I talk to him...man we look ridiculous". Finally we got all our affairs of food substance in order, and we rode back together in a contented silence, with his occasional backward glances to make sure he didn't lose his gaijin charge comforting us both to the new found relationship that started from a few awkward moments and our lost puppy dog days.  

Eating together (well Youseke was there too) was actually fun. We even asked each other questions!

Me: "Is boxing popular in Japan?"

Him: "Lucy, when did you become a vegetarian" oh and "Do you like cooked or uncooked vegetables better?" (Though it seems like that would be for food cooking, I think he honestly was just trying to have a conversation, in which we had to act out the act of cooking because I didn't know the word he was using..hilarious).  

I have to say, Poppa Woods made me nervous when I first met him, I could barely understand him, and he seemed a bit aloof, but I think like me, he was just nervous or just adjusting to the new gaijin in his home. Missing our common link, Momma Woods, was a good thing for our relationship (not that Momma Woods is bad, because she's basically a BAMF, be excited for her spotlight in the future, it's just that she talked to him, and I talked to her, so neither of us felt weird because there was always at least some kind of talking going down). Poppa Woods and I (hopefully for him) had a good time today. I hope that we can have more awkward puppy moments, more trying to explain the difference between cooked and uncooked veggies, and more supermarket exploration moments because I honestly had a good time with him and our day. He may be quiet, but it's a comfortable quiet that you come to appreciate in a very fatherly way. 

Obviously it's only been a week, and I only had my first "real" interactions with him today, but I already feel like I kinda get him. I'm so excited to watch and see how our relationship develops and grows over the course of the next year! 

The plans for the beginnings of the Spotlight Scholarship Program (SSP) will be to try and focus on lots of new people and things that I might not know well, and then come back and respotlight them in a while to see and think back on how our different relationships and my understandings of the people and things have changed and grown over the course of the year. I'm thinking that eventually I'll see into all the dark spots with my little flashlight! (Lameeee analogy. Point 1: Lucy).  

大仏-Big Buddha!!

Big Buddha Big Buddha Big Buddha. Big Buddha Number 1, Number 1 Big Buddha. (Set to the tune of Big Booty)

Yesterday we ventured out early for our day long adventure to Kamakura-a city by the sea, home to a shrine, and to the Daibutsu (Senor Buddhaman). Riding the train for over an hour to only find out there was a secret shortcut (only secret to gaijin like me) was an experience in itself. Upon our arrival we hit up the shrine where unfortunately my camera battery pooped out on me. The shrine itself was an amazing experience. Before entering the area, you have to cleanse yourself. You wash first your left hand, then your right, then your mouth, followed finally by the handle. After cleansing yourself, you can buy luck charms, check your fortune, explore the temple, and just appreciate the view. If you received a bad fortunae you would have to tie it to the sign, where after the day was over, the shrine would bury/burn the old fortunes to dispell the bad luck. After that, we explored kamakura during which I realized that I have a serious addiction to street food. Anyone from Venezuela can contest that I so so so badly always wanted to eat their street food, Date`s anyone? Unfortunately due to parasite precautions we weren`t supposed to eat street food, so I would also complain about how good it looked, so now being here in Tokyo, I`m taking full advantage.

Hitting up big Buddha was awesome. We all paid 10円 to go inside of Buddha. My only question is, if it`s good luck to touch Buddha`s belly, how lucky am I now that I`ve been inside his belly?? After fully accomplishing ridiculous pictures of me touching his head, and of ballerina poses, I convinced some people to go to the beach despite the weather. The entire time we`ve been here, it has been ridic hot, like sitting in a sauna hot, but yesterday, all of a sudden, the weather changed dramatically. It became a rain laden, windy ice cube that none of us were properly dressed before. Visiting the beach in ridiculous weather was hilarious. Everyone was in such good spirits and we all just really appreciated being in Japan. Peter and Matt raced, jumping pictures were taken, and I just ventured out into the water with my watershoes and just really enjoyed the moment.

Although tiring, yesterday`s adventure was probably my favorite as of yet being in Japan. Being with everyone from the group and all of our new Japanese friends was a great experience. I feel like I`ve known these people for ever, so being able to adventure with them, have ridiculous experiences, and just really appreciate being in Japan together is something that I`ll never forget.

Today was a bit less dramatic, whether that be good or bad. We had a 5 hour Japanese "survival" class today again. Although these classes are somewhat helpful, who actually wants to sit in class for that long? Luckily we have excursions, which normally involve food! Which knowing me, of course this one did. We had Indian food (cheese naan!) and then hit up a cafe later to get some ice cream float type tapioca parfait things. Delicioso. After class, we finally got out cell phones. Mine is pretty and green.

From now on, I'm gonna try and put more pictures in, but we'll see. So above here is my survival class with my professor. He was adorable!! I loved his little dances, his peeing　どうも、his やきゅう、 and his impressions of Old ladies, dads, and otaku kids. Basically just him in general=epicness.

Here is my little baby phone! I have yet to name 'er/'im yet. I know y'all are waiting in suspense, so I'll try and get it done soon!

一人で旅行

Traveling for the first real time by yourself on anything, whether it be flying, driving, or even riding the train, is a freeing experience, a feeling of accomplishment overwhelms you, signifying that you can accomplish things on your own, with your own capabilities. I loved the first time I flew by myself, I loved the first time I drove by myself, and I loved the first time I officially went to school from my home by winding streets, multiple trains and a bit more walking. The feeling of being a traveler is sadly just slightly wearing off. I love traveling, and I don't intend to be a stagnant puddle here in Tokyo (seeing as there are many rivers to follow, parks to explore, and people to meet), but I do have to say, it feels kinda of nice to be a pretend Tokyo-ite. I like riding the train with the feeling that I live in Tokyo, that I know where I'm going and am capable of navigating Tokyo hitori de (by my lonesome). Putting in my earplugs like the real Japanese around me, I got a sense, a taste of what living here full time would be like, and it was a great feeling.

After successfully navigating the mess that is the Tokyo train system, I made my way to school in perfect time for a little bit of a Japanese history lesson to understand the historical significance of Yokohama (our destination for the day) as well as Kamakura (you'll find out soon why...). While I may be better versed in modern Japanese history (Meiji Era on..) I knew basically nothing about the Heian Era, or the Shoguns, or why the capital moved from Nara to Kyoto. Spending a little time reviewing the basic history of Japan really helped provide a big picture overlook at how old and how much history this country has, how lucky I am to be here to be learning about the things I love so much while experiencing them. Getting to be here taking the classes about this country in this country I know is going to be an amazing experience that I'm looking forward to.

After flying through over a 1000 years of Japanese history, we all traveled over to Yokohama to walk around and explore the area. We first went to Chinatown (中華街), and hit up a bit of lunch. After a hot hot hot walk up the hill, we had a fabulous view of the city and the bay.

The 家族

I’ve been in Tokyo now for a little over a week. Unfortunately I didn’t start this blog then, but I’ll probs recap when I get a bit more of a break (who am I kidding, breaks aren’t gonna be happening anytime soon with classes, circles, and arubaitos on the horizon) buttt. So far, I would say Japan meets my expectations more or less. For some reason I imagined some intense land of people full to the brim, always busy and always full, and although it is that, it’s not quite the 100 percent all the time that I thought it would be. I’m thinking the large expectations have helped to adjust more or less. Also, everyone told me it would be really difficult to be a vegetarian here, liars, all of them. At times it is a little tricky, yes, but with rice and yasai(vegetables) and tofu, a vegetarian is clearly golden and meat free. (Watch out for scary cow tongue onigiri though, those kind of jump out at vegetarians and meat eaters alike)

As for the host family.

My forest family (their last name means forest) is great. The boys and I are still at a bit of a forest unknown wandering stage, but no blaming here. It literally has only been a full day, and the boys are busy as bees. Mom and I are bonded. When all of us study abroaders were first waiting anxiously in that little waiting room at school, imagining our host families and letting our hearts beat rapidly at the sight of any Nihonjin, each family member would come in, and their corresponding counterpart would be called up, introduce, bow, and sometimes a handshake, when my turn came, there was no bow, there was no handshake, it was open arms and a hug of love and family. Mom can be a bit shy, but as we’ve spent lots of train bonding time (bumping into each other and sweating together really makes you good friends), as well as crazy registration lines, and even Hippo meetings of language learning, dancing and singing, you become fast friends. Mom even came to my opening ceremony today just because she wanted to see it. Little 14 year old Mio-chan is slowly but surely warming up to me, and it makes me happy to see. She’s a chill girl, none of that super frilly stuff, down to earth and legit. I honestly like her. 16 year old Youseke is still a bit of an anomaly, but I’ll crack him one day…I hope. haha

In the 30 hours or so in my house, I’ve already managed two great ridiculous feats. One was achieved through countless practice sessions of screaming, bed jumping on, and capturing of cockroaches in Venezuela. This time, I barely skipped a beat. Somehow when I was first unpacking, one was in my suitcase. I think maybe from the transport system? I’m almost positive that this house doesn’t have cockroaches, nor did our hotel. I calmly (well as calm as one can be with dealing with cockies), captured that sucker and gently let him go out the window. Bam. Problem 1. Solveddd. What up.

The second is a bit more….troublesome. More like hilarious be on America’s funniest home videos type business. First just let me tell everyone, the toilets in Japan are straight up ballin’. They are ridic fancy, most have sound accompanients, so you can politely hide your business, and most have buttons to flush and fancy little like remote type things. It’s difficult to explain, I”ll try and get a picture of one when my family is afuera. So anyways, to the point, my family has a super fancy bidet version of the ballin’ toilets, so I was taught the right button to flush, but when the time came on my own, the pressure was on, and I performed poorly. I hit the bidet button instead of the flush button, next thing I know, this spout comes out and starts spitting out water like a baby without their diaper on!! At this point, the room was starting to get wet, and I had no option but to try and block the water until it died down or risk ruining my family’s opinion of me and bring shame and dishonor upon myself Mulan style. To make matters worse, little did I know, you had to stop the bidet with another button, so there I was waiting paitently blocking the water trying to save the bathroom from floods, thinking it was gonna stop. Luckily after about a minute I started examining the t.v. remote for the bathroom and saw the stop button and pushed it. You can imagine my relief at finally being able to move away from the Demon toilet. Let me just tell you, if anyone ever questions the fun-ness of bidet’s, you just can’t. Bidets can provide hours upon hours of countless fun.