A Day at TUJ

Well, I've been in Japan since yesterday, though I wouldn't count it as much of a 'day' seeing as I arrived at 5pm and went to bed at 8pm (which was pretty much as soon as I got into my dorm room and had managed to set up my PC, inform my FB stalkers that I was indeed still alive, and flip a quick e-mail to my mother.

Yesterday I spent 15 hours traveling from Spokane, WA to Tokyo, Japan. From Spokane to Seattle, we were crammed into a small, thirty-four seat puddle jumper. After that, I sat down in SEA and gave a quick call to my mother and grandmother just before they announced that they would begin seating in ten minutes. It took another ten or fifteen minutes before they even began seating my area.

Before I had left home, we'd been offered an upgrade on my ticket to change seats and have a whole five extra inches of leg room for an additional 120 dollar fee and turned it down. Now I realize just how precious those five inches are. The seats on my international flight was even more crowded, and because others lack the courtesy of thinking about those behind them when they lean their seat back. My knees were against the back of the seat before me and I had trouble pulling my tray down for any of the many, many meals and snacks we had.

I must say that next time I'll take the offer. I don't think I could stand another long flight like that.

Last night, I went to bed around 8pm and slept off and on until 7am. The rooms here are wonderful and the heater we're provided does WONDERS to keep you warm. I was nervous about the blankets we're given, but the comforter is thick and warm, especially when paired with the fluffy throw and a decent pair of pajamas.

Today we spent the day in and around the TUJ campus doing orientation. It was long, repetitive and horribly boring, but somehow mildly useful. While I am still uncertain about my ability to commute to the school on my own (tomorrow I will be leaving with a small group in the morning so I don't get lost like I did tonight), I have learned that being an idiot can get me arrested, 'borrowing' a bike can get me arrested, being a gaijin (foreigner) can get me arrested, the Japanese police are VERY bored, Roppongi isn't the place to go get drunk/try to pick up dates--you'll most likely get drugged and robbed, at least at night, and that Softbank is giving TUJ students a sweet deal on the iPhone.

I've also learned that I can take Japanese and Chinese at the same time. I may have to take advantage of that when I return in August.

Tonight I tried studying for my Japanese placement test, but prompty gave up when I realized just how tired I am. It's 11pm now, and all I can think of is sleep. So I will have to take it tomorrow and hope for the best. Review would be good for me, it's been a while since I've seriously studied Japanese.

Tomorrow we have the English and Math placement test in the morning. Not looking forward to the latter, I'm just so tired of math. However, the English will be pleasant, though I dislike the idea of writing another essay. Yuck.

I'll also be taking my Japanese test tomorrow afternoon. Thursday morning is my academic advising... There are more chances to take the Japanese test, but I want to take it before my advising, quite honestly. And those extra two days probably won't do me any good. The test is multiple choice and oral, and again it is the latter I worry about. While I may not be able to remember how to write some kanji, I know what they are when I see them, and if there are options, it shouldn't be such a big deal at all.

Wish me luck!

On another note... and backtracking throughout the day again....

I made a few friends today. Alex is a pretty cool guy from Chicago and Katy is a nice girl just a couple doors down from my room. I'm heading to school with them both tomorrow, so hopefully the three of us can figure it all out.

During the lunch break around TUJ, Alex and I wandered around the area in search of something we could eat with little interaction with the Japanese, nervous about having to order off of a purely Japanese menu at such a busy lunch rush time. When time was running short, however, we decided on a small cafe that seemed to be very popular with business men who wanted to sit, drink coffee and smoke rather than students like us, but it was nice.

I had a Ham and Cheese Toast, which was pretty much a toasted sandwich with ham, cheese and cucumbers. Usually, I hate cucumbers, but on this, it was really rather delicious. If I could afford to spend nearly 900yen on a sandwich everyday, I might gladly eat there more often, but I must say I prefer the cheap 100yen foods scattered all over Tokyo.

Ironically, while I'm over 4000 miles away from home, tonight I went to McDonald's for dinner. Everyone always says that it tastes different, but I must say... what I got tasted EXACTLY like it did back home. The portion is just smaller for the same price.

Now I'm sitting in the lounge of my dorm, listening to some dormmates play Left 4 Dead in the background, debating on finishing the 500ml can of coke I bought while contemplating the idea of staying up later to study.

I think it may just go into my fridge for the night so I can pass out. Get about 7 and a half hours before I get up for another long day at the school. Soon I will have more free time to enjoy Japan, though. I'm looking forward to having a chance to go to Tokyo tower especially. Though it may be a bit before I have time or money to spend on going there. I'm trying to make my current funds stretch out until I have my financial aid in my hands/bank account. I've been attempting to be relatively careful about my spending on food and items so far, but the transportation tickets will easily build up a bit this first week. Once we start class I'll be able to get my commuter pass, so I will be happy to have that. No more 620 yen a day after that.

Anyway, I think it's time to commute to my room and play dead for the night. Finally got new batteries for my alarm clock so I don't have to worry about not waking up in time for the tests tomorrow.

Good night!
おやすみなさい！