Friday night I went out with a few folks. I went to an izakaya with Matt, Becky, and Oliver. On the way there we met this guy who's an English teacher in Sano that I've never met before named Jack. He's from Lancaster PA, I guess he started as a Lancaster exchange guy (its the sister city of Sano for some weird reason.) It was a decent time, we had some Calpis and Shochu combo thing it hit us all hard somehow.
Saturday I woke up nice and early and went to Utsunomiya again and played ultimate. I took some more photos of it. It was an awesome time. I always have fun out there playing ultimate. Its probably my favorite sport. More photos 写真 CLICK HERE! << リンクです
I gave them my camera to take some pics too and here are some I got....
Nice, Thanks Guys hahah
I'm getting to know the guys there alot better. I finally know some names hah, last two times I was just going with nick names like Poor Boy, Shining boy and Muscle boy. I also got phone numbers and contact info. They said they want to hang out if I'm ever in Utsunomiya. Also the captain was asking me what I was doing after I'm done being an ALT. I told him I didn't know yet, he said I'm always welcome to come out and play.
I guess the ultmate thing is going well. I'm teaching them English ahha, ultimate English and they are teaching me how they play, because even though we have similar plays they call them different things and have slight variations and stuff. Its fun tho.. most of the time I tell them minarau which means I'll learn by watching haha.
On Sunday I woke up EARLY again (damn it I hate waking up early) but Its cool because I RETURNED TO TOKYO! I went with Carrie and Adrian, the whole time it just felt surreal. We went to Ueno, which I've been to and we went all places I've been included randomly going to the same exact Curry place I went last year. Here are a couple shots but for the full photo album CLICK HERE
We visited the Tokyo National Museum, which was as amazing as it was last time... and we also walked around Ueno a bit. We also went into the "Biggest Department Store in Tokyo". We got lost in it.. It was lot of fun running around tho with Adrian and Carrie, they're good peoples. We ate at EXCELSIOR for lunch! haha Its a rip me off version of Starbucks but I think I like it more.
I think after that we headed back. It was a fun day all in all.. I want to have more weekends like this past one. When I was in Tokyo it just felt surreal the whole time, like I was there but I wasn't. I think it's because just about all my friends that were there last time aren't there now and with that thought in mind its eerie. I guess I'll have to make more friends ha. I do miss Tokyo alot though. Probably the best time of my life hands down.
宇都宮大学アルティメットフリスビーHot Scream Here's a video that I made of Hot Scream (Utsunomiya University Ultimate Frisbee Team) With some extras at the end. Please Enjoy! これは私のビデオです、お楽しみください。
Youtubeのバージョン Youtube Version
写真をみるのには（みるためには）、このリンクをクリックしてください。 http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2067022&l=49efe&id=38001190 To see pictures of the weekend please click the link above ^^ This weekend was very fun. On Friday I was supposed to go see a movie with Matt, Becky and Astea, but Astrea didn't show up (she was going to drive us there) because I guess we didn't confirm that we were all going. Anyways at around 7:40 we decided to just go bar crawling. It was a great decision. Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera because I was expecting to go to the movies. I wish I brought it because damn there were some funny moments.
First we tried to look for this Jazz Bar we've heard of, but didn't have any luck. We kept looking and found some really small neighborhood bars. We went into the first one and it was kinda awkward. It was only old people and it was smaller than my house. We sat down and tried to order 3 beers but they only let us order a big bottle and we split it. The owner of the bar (a woman) kept sitting with us and talking. She asked if we knew any Enka (traditional Japanese songs) and Matt said he knew one.. of course she put it on the karaoke and made him sing. It was hilarious but a good experience hahah.
After that we went to a Yakitori place and got some Chicken, that place was kind of boring but we got to talk for a while. Then we explored a bit more and found a nice looking place. It was a small place and there were 8 people signing karaoke. We got in and sat at the bar area. We order a few drinks and the people signing karaoke warmed up to us real fast haha. We all started talking and it was really fun. One of the guys said he was a police officer and he was good at sumo. Of course I didn't believe him so I got off my bar stool and challenged him. I slapped my belly and put my hands down in sumo stance then he came at me haha. It was freekin hilarious.
Later on we found out they were all bankers from Gunma Bank. They must of had a long week and decided to go party. They were alot of fun and we sang some songs with them. They were really insistent on asking if we had girlfriends. Matt told them he did so he was ok. I told them I didn't so the guy that I sumo wrestled against told me to date his sister haha, I don't know if it was a joke or not but it was kind of funny. Anyways after about an hour or two there I went home for the night.
Saturday morning I woke up early because I wanted to go join the team at Utsunomiya to play some Ultimate Frisbee. I was supposed to me Atsuhiro at the station at 10 but I took a wrong train and backtracked, but I eventually made it haha. I was very apologetic but he said it was no problem. I bought him lunch because I felt bad later. Anyways Frisbee was alot of fun and the guys asked if I wanted to go drinking with them again (like last week). Of course this time I accepted! After playing Frisbee all day Atsuhiro invited me to come with him. He said we're going to a public bath, I was like ok! The public bath was awesome, luckily my eye sight sucks without glasses so I didn't have to see all that man junk. After the shower area I went to the spa area and got in a jacuzzi thing it was great especially after running all day. After that I went to the onsen (hot spring) outside and it was great. What's funny is I think Atsuhiro was more apprehensive than I was. I was like whatever we're all men we all have the same stuff, I don't care.
After the public bath we met Oliver at the station. I decided to invite him since he was in Utsunomiya for the day. All three of us walked to the Izakaya (bar) where we were supposed to meet everyone. We got in and it was a really nice place. We had a great time just talking and learning about each other both in English and Japanese haha. Luckily one of the guys had an electronic translator.
After the Izakaya Oliver and I headed home. One of the team members (nickname was Tom) was going the same way. We got on the train and we were on our way. I saw three guys walking to find seats, I offered mine seat to them. I guess they thought that was a nice gesture so they gave Oliver, Tom and me some Strawberry Jam. After that they said we were Jam friends haha it was awesome.
Oliver and I got back to the station around 11:30. There we met up with Adrian, Matt, and Graham. The girls were all out of town this week, they went to soccer tournament in Nagano so we had a "guys night out". After meeting up we tried to look for a bar to go to. We ended up sitting infront of the 7-11 talking to some guy named Mario who was in his 50's and from Paraguay. It was crazy to talk to him in Spanish and Japanese. A few times I had to take a step back and look at the whole situation and laugh because it blew my mind. I tried my best to remember Spanish but after studying Japanese so much its almost replaced it. The 5 of us ended up going to Ken's Bar after that. Had some pizza and then called it a night.
Today (Sunday) I woke up late and then met up with Oliver and Graham to play tennis. First we went to this coffee shop that is supposed to be amazing. They have coffee from all around the world and I mean all around the world. They had coffee beans from something like 30-40 different countries and you could order a cup of any kind you want. You could also buy 100g of the beans from that country. They brew each cup individually. I got Brazilian coffee, and I'm not much of a coffee drinker so I couldn't tell if it was good or not hah.
We finished up there then headed to the courts. It took us a while to figure out where it was ok to park but we eventually found a place. We walked over the courts and volleyed for a long time. Graham and I played a game or two. A Japanese couple was playing a few courts over. I told Graham we should challenge them in doubles. So we walked over and asked if they wanted to play. We spoke a bit in Japanese and told them we we're any good, and the husband said in English I know. I was like damn that's harsh! Anyways after the greetings we played. After volleying we broke up into teams and played 7 games. I was expecting to be Graham and I vs. them, but I was on the team with the Husband and Graham was on the team with the Wife. My team won 7 to 5. It was alot of fun. After that we met a Guy who used to be the Principal at one of my schools. We spoke with him in English for about 20 minutes it was a good conversation. He said he wanted to hang out with us I was like sure, even though you're like 60 or 70. He said he had alot of free time so I hope he calls me hahah.
Tonight I've just been relaxing, I made that video and posted the pictures from the weekend. I also took a bath earlier and did some laundry. I go to my Junior High School tomorrow for the 2nd time. Junior High is good because its different and refreshing. EXCITEMENT!!
My weekend was fun, and pretty eventful. Alot of hanging out with friends, went to Ken's bar (I teach the owners son) and a nice authentic Indian restaurant (all you can eat buffet .. really good). You can see the pictures of Ken's Bar HERE there's also a video on facebook of Matt and Adrian dancing. While at Ken's bar I decided to get in a picture with everyone in the bar. Oliver wanted to join me, so between us we got a picture with EVERYONE in the bar. People back home know how I like to get into pictures with random people so this is a normal thing for me and them. Haha.
So today (Sunday) was pretty adventurous I must say. I woke up at about 7 automatically like normally. Except today, after I woke up, I was laying in my bed and there was an earthquake. It started with a slow low rumbled and worked its way up to medium rumble. I was like.. should I go outside? What do I do.. didn't really know so I just sat there haha. Nothing broke or anything but it was kinda weird because it was a long earthquake. I think that was probably the 4th I've felt since I've been here.
After getting up and stuff I decided to go to Utsunomiya today and meet Shea. So after doing the usual morning routine I headed to the station. After getting there I locked my bike where I normally do behind the vending machines. I just missed the train by 3 minutes. So I had to sit and wait for an hour for the next train to come, it sucked.
After finally getting to Utsunomiya I met up with Shea and we went and bought a 2nd controller for his PS3. Then we headed for his place and got some Gyoza on the way. After getting there Shea played some games then he wanted to go grocery shopping. I offered him all my help because he doesn't really know any Japanese, so I found the stuff he'd like in the grocery store and helped him translate stuff.
After that we headed back (it was raining so it sucked) he played the demo of Star Wars the Force Unleashed. Kind of cool game.
Anyways it was getting late so I decided to head back, and it takes about an hour to get back to Sano from Utsunomiya. Once I got back I went to where my bike was. I unlocked the normal lock that I use and then started to go... then I realized my bike wasn't moving. My bike came with a built in lock on the back tire that you just turn the key and take it out and it locks (preventing the back tire from moving). I never used this lock and just left the key in the lock. So apparently some Japanese person thought it would be funny to steal my lock out of my bike tire and strand me at the station.
After being a bit pissed for a while I carried my bike to a 7-11. I called Becky and Graham and asked for their help. I figured maybe since Becky has the same bike the lock would be the same/similar. I called Graham (since he has a car) and asked for him to help me bring my bike back to my house since I couldn't ride it home. After calling for help I bought a screwdiver set and started to break apart the lock. After taking it apart as much as I could with the screwdriver Becky showed up. She took the screwdriver and jammed the lock apart slightly at the weakest part of thin aluminum. After getting this foothold Graham busted out some pliers he had. We used our hands and the pliers to bend it as much as possible. After Graham and I tried to bend it for about minutes I finally decided I was going to do it. I went super saiyan and used all my strength and bent it enough to get it off.
If it wasn't for Becky's idea to rip it at the aluminum part and for Graham's pliers and man strength, I probably would have still been pissed and walking home.
Now I've decided to keep the lock as a trophy and reminder to A. Not leave the key in the lock. B. Not trust all Japanese People. C. Don't be a fool.
So I owe Becky/Graham alot of thanks. They're pros for coming out to help me in my time of need. I'll have to buy them a dinner/beer soon. If you're reading THANKS GUYS!
I just wanted to let everyone know I made it safely and now I'm in a hotel in Utsunomiya Japan. I move into my apartment on Sunday and training begins Monday.
Here's how it all went down: Read if you're curious (It's kinda long)
Monday: PACKED! Went to the bank, and eye doctors.
Tuesday Night: I went to my Aunt's house because Joytalk was mailing my COE (Certificate of Eligibility to my Aunt's work in NYC because they could guarantee an earlier delivery. After not sleeping all night from stress I "woke up" at 7am to start the day. (THANKS TARA YOU ARE MY SAVIOR) (and you rock!!!!!!!)
Wednesday: Went with my Aunt to her work so I could go to the Japanese Consulate in the city. We took a ferry there and it was pretty nice. I got to see the Statue of Liberty for the first time with my own eyes. I also saw ground zero (World Trade Center) and it was interesting. I haven't been there since Sept. 11 happened and it was good to see that they've started work on the freedom tower.
After getting to her work she gave me a tour and her office is really nice. The people working there seem nice too. I could see myself working at a place like that, but I don't know if I could handle living in the city for a long time.
My package (COE) arrived at about 10:00am. This was what I was praying/hoping for all last night. As soon as I got the COE I made photo copies and started to make my way to the Consulate. It took me 30 mins on the subway but I finally made it. Once there I talked to the woman at the window and she said "You know its supposed to take 4 to 7 business days." I was like I know and I'm really sorry, but I need it done today! She said she'll see what they can do, and then gave me a reciept to pick it up at 3:30 that day. (The consulate closed at 4:00pm)
After I got the reciept I went back outside around 49th St. and Park and just started exploring. I wanted to get used to being alone in a city and exploring it hahah. Found some OK stuff. Ended up going to a book store and getting a drink and relaxing. I got some food at Cosi's (pretty good food stuffs haha) I bought a Japanese English dictionary there. I also wanted to get some more Omiyage but only ended up getting one more thing. After hours of waiting and exploring I went back to the Consulate. While there I talked to a few people and thankfully picked up my Visa! After getting this in my hand I was so relieved.
Next I went to the Port Authority and took the bus back to Newburgh (about an hour and half) where my Grandmother picked me up. (THANK YOU!) From there we went to my brother Luke's tee ball game. It was good to see him play one last time before I left. After the game we went to a playground and played around for a bit.
Then we went back home and put the boys to sleep. I did some last minute checking and just made sure everything was set. I printed out my boarding pass and emailed Joytalk a scanned copy of my initial visa entry paper. Went to sleep with excitement (JAPAN) and sadness (I will miss my family).
Thursday: Woke up nice and early, 6:00am and got in the shower to get ready for the airport. After getting everything in the car my step dad and I headed out. We talked a bit in the car on the way. After getting there I checked in my luggage and went through security ect. to get to my gate. I got there around 8/9ish, and had plenty of time to browse the stores around for whatever I might need before I go (magazine or last minute omiyage wise) I was going to buy a book about Japan, but I figured that if I just made Japanese friends I wouldn't really need a book hahaha. Before boarding the plane I made last minute goodbye phone calls to a couple friends I hadn't seen. I just went through my contacts and called people.
Next I got on the plane. I was in the back in a window seat. I was hoping I'd sit next to Japanese people and luckily I did. I watched as they looked at this "Attractions" booklet about what movies were going to be playing for the flight. After watching them try to figure it out I asked if they spoke English in Japanese hahah. The woman next to me gave me a double take and was saying えええええええ？！Basically she was really surprised and told her friend next to her I spoke Japanese. After explaining to them what movies were coming on we talked alot more. I introduced myself in Japanese and they we're both still surprised. Both of the women were really nice and very curious about me. I never asked their names, but I know they both live in Chiba and were coming back from vacation, they went to Cancun for 2 days and NYC for 2 days. I showed the woman next to me all my pictures of Japan so we had something else to talk about. Also I showed her my online flash cards and she helped me learn some more Japanese and fixed any mistakes my flash cards had. I showed them my Genki books and it amazed them ahah. They we're looking at the workbook and textbook for over an hour. After talking to them for a while and learning about them and telling them about myself we finally arrived. (13 Hour flight)
Friday:(Kind of the same day, but I flew over the international date line) After getting to Narita I had to go through customs and immigration and get my luggage. I did all of this with relatively ease and then had to buy a bus ticket to go to Utsunomiya. I bought a phone card and called my Contact here from Joytak and then bought my bus ticket. The bus didn't leave for about 45 mins. From there I bought a Pocari Sweat (YES!) and waited. Got on the bus and found out you could only check 1 bag under the bus. So I had to carry one of my huge bags onto the bus and sit it on my lap for 3 hours on the way there (SUCKED). I felt like a stupid foreigner for about 3 hours on the bus. For some reason the bus felt like a time machine. I kept sleeping but time wasn't moving. The 3 hours felt so long.
After finally getting to Utsunomiya I met with my Contact and walked 5 minutes (which took forever because I had to carry all my stuff) to my hotel. I got to meet another ALT, who has been staying here since last monday due to confusion. Then I went to my room, which I was told women we're not allowed on because there we're naked men there hahaha. (My contact and the other ALT were both women) Anyways I went up to my room which I'll post pictures of later. It's a capsule hotel as well as a normal one. Next I took my shower lol, in a public bath area. A little weird but its ok, once I got back I went to sleep.
Saturday: Now I'm awake and its like 4:00am, and I'm not tired, but I should really try to go back to sleep. I sent out emails and stuff telling everyone I made it safely. Now I'm just talking to friends back in the States because its only like 3:00pm.
****************EDIT****************
Ok so after I woke up around 4:00 I talked to people online until about 5/6 then started to explore Utsunomiya. I posted pictures of my exploration on facebook, of if you don't have it you can see them here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2063476&l=a4a2a&id=38001190
After that I came back to the hotel and actually slept because I felt a little sick and was bored. I woke up a little while ago and saw Becky arrived and met the other ALTs. Now its about 8:42pm and I guess I'll go back to sleep since I move into my new house in Sano tomorrow at 8:30 am. (I'm not a morning person!)
Nice, Thanks Guys hahah
We visited the Tokyo National Museum, which was as amazing as it was last time... and we also walked around Ueno a bit. We also went into the "Biggest Department Store in Tokyo". We got lost in it.. It was lot of fun running around tho with Adrian and Carrie, they're good peoples. We ate at EXCELSIOR for lunch! haha Its a rip me off version of Starbucks but I think I like it more.
