kombanwa minna-sama!
Hello all from Japan!
It is around 10pm Japan time here on the 24th, and I am on one of the computers that is provided at the youth hostel we are staying at. We arrived at the airport around 4pm on the 23rd, and basically chilled out and exchanged money until our bus got to the airport around 7pm. While we were waiting, some of us rented phones, some got food, and others tried to nap (I would have napped since I didn’t get much sleep on the plane, but I wanted to make sure I could pass out later.
We got to the youth hostel around 8pm (it was raining outside unfortunately) and went up to the 18th floor where it was located. It is in a large, multi-purpose high rise that has a couple of convenience stores, some offices, and the subway in the basement. The main lobby is on the 18th floor, and the 19th floor can only be accessed by stairs from the 18th floor (since both floors are the youth hostel). We are staying on the 19th floor, which has two wings—one for males and one for females—separated by a main lobby where the dining area and computer area is.
I am staying in a room with Liz, Colleen, Sarah and Crystal. It has 4 lockers on either side of the room when you first enter, then the two bunks, and a small table area (with a roll-out for the 5th person in our room). It actually is really nice and has a great view). The funny thing is that we have curfew—you have to be on the 18th floor by 11pm, because the fence will roll down on the entrance and WILL NOT open until 6am the following morning (NO EXCEPTIONS!). Also, 11pm is lights out—meaning that all of the main lights will go out and you can’t turn them on again unitl 6am as well.
Before going to bed, I went to take a shower in the public shower area. Basically, you put your clothes in a cubby, and go naked into the bathing area (I cheated and brought my towel). You then have a choice of a sititng shower area (sit on a stool and shower with stalls only separated by a small divider), or a western-style shower. I opted for Western, but I will try the sit-down one before I leave! They also have a small bath that you can sit in—only catch is NO towels or swimwear! Basically, you can’t be too shy : P
I didn’t really sleep well the first night—still adjusting I guess—so I voluntarily got up at 6am (can you believe it mom?). I finished some homework, ate breakfast and got ready to go. We bought rail passes and used the subway to get to Rikugi-en, which is a Zen garden. It was really pretty and had unique landscaping. We also sat down and had class in one of the verandas. I was silly enough to not bring my coat, and sitting in the shade in windy, mid-50’s degree weather was a BAD idea. At least the sun came out later!
Afterward, we travelled to a department store where there were 8 floors of clothes, jewelry and other goods—as well as 2 basement floors of foods to choose from. After picking out lunch (I cheated and got spaghetti), we went to the roof to eat (BEAUTIFUL!). After going through the stores and realizing how poor I am (Gucci anyone?), we went back to the Hostel for a few hours off—I did some homework and took a nap.
Then we went down a road full of restaurants and were pretty much told to go ahead and choose somewhere to eat. Me and 4 others went to a Ramen place (REAL ramen, not that cup stuff : P) and I got a bowl of noodles and broth with pork on top, white rice on the side and pot stickers. VERY good! It was pretty awkward trying to order since everything was in Japanese, but luckily they have big pictures to point at lol.
Lastly myself and my dinner group went to the convenient store to buy dessert (I ended up buying a cocktail and a can as well heehee). After that and a little more exploring, I am now in my current position on the computer!
Sorry for such a long blog—hopefully you guys find it interesting! I will have post pictures in the next entry!
おやすみなさい！ (goodnight!)
Dani ^_^
