It's lame that the house I'm staying at has no internet, but that should be fixed soon.
Until then, you'll just have to wait for updates XD
7.30.2010
Internet is downnnnnnn X_X until further notice
Sorry I haven't been updating for the past few days. I've been writing some daily diary entries on word, but since I'm not on my computer now, I can't post anything.
7.23.2010
Some thoughts about the first two days (part 1)
July 24, 2010
6:11am (Japan time)
I've been meaning to write this earlier, but yesterday I was so exhausted from going out in the summer heat and just fell asleep after I ate dinner and took a shower (about 8pm Japan time).
Alright so... I haven't really talked about what happened when I first arrived. First off, my flight got into Tokyo about 45 minutes earlier than expected (I was supposed to arrive around 2:30pm Japan time). I was so happy to get of that damn plane. You don't understand. I was going crazy being cooped up in that plane for a little over 12 hours. It was so uncomfortable that i couldn't sleep (as I mentioned before). For that last hour or so on the plane, I just stared at the flight tracker and the little plane on the map slowly make it's way to our destination.
Another thing worth mentioning is the forms that we have to fill out before entering the country. In order to enter Japan, you need to fill out two forms, one for immigration and one for customs. It's probably something similar to what people do when they arrive in the US from some destination abroad. Anyways, they flight attendants gave it to us during the flight. But guess what? I totally messed both of them up. Thankfully, they had more when we got there. If not, well... then I wouldn't be here at the moment talking about this whole experience.
Going through immigration was pretty much a breeze. All you do is go up to one of the desks and give the person your passport and the immigrations form. Then, you have to get fingerprinted and your picture taken and that's it. The guy that let me through was old and didn't say a word to me. All he did was motion what to do, like how I had to place my fingers in the electronic fingerprint reader machine. It was really easy. I don't understand why the woman in front of me couldn't do it. I saw the old guy's face when she was there. He just kept on motioning, with tons of frustration, on how to place the fingers on the reader, but the woman just didn't seem to get it.
After that, you walk down the stairs to retrieve your checked baggage (if you have any). So, I went downstairs and waited for my bags. I walked towards the first moving conveyer belt full of luggage and wait for about 5 minutes, only to realize that the people standing around me weren't the same as the ones on my flight. The first thing I thought was, "OMG WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BAGS?!?!". I walked towards the baggage info desk and lo and behold there were my bags.
After picking up my bags, I had to go through customs, which was also a breeze. Just stand in line, wait until the guy calls you, and give him the customs form. All the guy did was read it and let me go without checking anything. I was pretty surprised, but then again it wasn't like I had anything illegal.
Near the end of customs was the door way to Japan. Once I exited, I saw Geoff. I was so happy to see a familiar face after that long flight that I kind of ran towards him (my luggage was so heavy omg... for both bags, it was a total of about 50+ pounds. Thankfully one bag had wheels). The first thing I did was kiss him since I hadn't for 2+ months.
After that, we took a hotel shuttle bus to a hotel near his house. The ride was long, but I wasn't tired at all. I guess I was so happy to see Geoff in such a long time that my body didn't want to go to sleep. After the 2 hour bus ride, we arrived at our intended location. When we got out of the bus, Geoff's dad was already there to pick us up and drive us to the house. The firs thing I notice when I get into the car: the driver's seat on the right. While driving, I also noticed that the roads were so small (I'll post up pictures soon). If I were driving here, I would be freaking out to the max and probably hit everything in sight.
The car ride was really nice, though all I did was stare out the window (I did that for most of the bus ride, too). I guess I still thought that going to Japan was just some distant dream and I couldn't believe that I was here. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the house (more small roads omg). My first impression of the house: it's so japanese. The architecture is modern with lots of clean lines and natural colors. Inside is really nice, too, with similar architecture as the outside.
Dinner was at 6:30pm. His mom cooked dinner and it was really good. Haha I really don't have to say much about that, do I?. Sleepiness finally hit my body after dinner, so I changed and went to sleep in Geoff's room (he had to sleep in some other room... haha).
After a good night's rest, I woke up at around 7am on the next day. Geoff made me breakfast, sunny side up egg with pesto rice. It was soo good. *_* (I'll update later with pictures)
After breakfast (and a few hours), we headed out for lunch and then taking the train to a department store (高島屋) in Futakotamagawa (子玉川). We had lunch at this soba place near the train station. First meal out in Japan!! haha It was realllyyy good. Noodles are made in the restaurant (or so Geoff tells me). One thing I noticed was that people smoke in restaurants. In NY, that's definitely a nono, but I guess that's very different here. I saw two people light it up and proceeded as if it was totally normal (which it is for them, but not for me).
The train was really nice and on time (yay for schedules!). It was a short train ride to our destination, which was really nice.
Sorry, guys. My brain is turning into mush and I can't really write this much so early in the morning. I'll write up part two later on the in the day.
Bye for now!
6:11am (Japan time)
I've been meaning to write this earlier, but yesterday I was so exhausted from going out in the summer heat and just fell asleep after I ate dinner and took a shower (about 8pm Japan time).
Alright so... I haven't really talked about what happened when I first arrived. First off, my flight got into Tokyo about 45 minutes earlier than expected (I was supposed to arrive around 2:30pm Japan time). I was so happy to get of that damn plane. You don't understand. I was going crazy being cooped up in that plane for a little over 12 hours. It was so uncomfortable that i couldn't sleep (as I mentioned before). For that last hour or so on the plane, I just stared at the flight tracker and the little plane on the map slowly make it's way to our destination.
Another thing worth mentioning is the forms that we have to fill out before entering the country. In order to enter Japan, you need to fill out two forms, one for immigration and one for customs. It's probably something similar to what people do when they arrive in the US from some destination abroad. Anyways, they flight attendants gave it to us during the flight. But guess what? I totally messed both of them up. Thankfully, they had more when we got there. If not, well... then I wouldn't be here at the moment talking about this whole experience.
Going through immigration was pretty much a breeze. All you do is go up to one of the desks and give the person your passport and the immigrations form. Then, you have to get fingerprinted and your picture taken and that's it. The guy that let me through was old and didn't say a word to me. All he did was motion what to do, like how I had to place my fingers in the electronic fingerprint reader machine. It was really easy. I don't understand why the woman in front of me couldn't do it. I saw the old guy's face when she was there. He just kept on motioning, with tons of frustration, on how to place the fingers on the reader, but the woman just didn't seem to get it.
After that, you walk down the stairs to retrieve your checked baggage (if you have any). So, I went downstairs and waited for my bags. I walked towards the first moving conveyer belt full of luggage and wait for about 5 minutes, only to realize that the people standing around me weren't the same as the ones on my flight. The first thing I thought was, "OMG WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BAGS?!?!". I walked towards the baggage info desk and lo and behold there were my bags.
After picking up my bags, I had to go through customs, which was also a breeze. Just stand in line, wait until the guy calls you, and give him the customs form. All the guy did was read it and let me go without checking anything. I was pretty surprised, but then again it wasn't like I had anything illegal.
Near the end of customs was the door way to Japan. Once I exited, I saw Geoff. I was so happy to see a familiar face after that long flight that I kind of ran towards him (my luggage was so heavy omg... for both bags, it was a total of about 50+ pounds. Thankfully one bag had wheels). The first thing I did was kiss him since I hadn't for 2+ months.
After that, we took a hotel shuttle bus to a hotel near his house. The ride was long, but I wasn't tired at all. I guess I was so happy to see Geoff in such a long time that my body didn't want to go to sleep. After the 2 hour bus ride, we arrived at our intended location. When we got out of the bus, Geoff's dad was already there to pick us up and drive us to the house. The firs thing I notice when I get into the car: the driver's seat on the right. While driving, I also noticed that the roads were so small (I'll post up pictures soon). If I were driving here, I would be freaking out to the max and probably hit everything in sight.
The car ride was really nice, though all I did was stare out the window (I did that for most of the bus ride, too). I guess I still thought that going to Japan was just some distant dream and I couldn't believe that I was here. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the house (more small roads omg). My first impression of the house: it's so japanese. The architecture is modern with lots of clean lines and natural colors. Inside is really nice, too, with similar architecture as the outside.
Dinner was at 6:30pm. His mom cooked dinner and it was really good. Haha I really don't have to say much about that, do I?. Sleepiness finally hit my body after dinner, so I changed and went to sleep in Geoff's room (he had to sleep in some other room... haha).
After a good night's rest, I woke up at around 7am on the next day. Geoff made me breakfast, sunny side up egg with pesto rice. It was soo good. *_* (I'll update later with pictures)
After breakfast (and a few hours), we headed out for lunch and then taking the train to a department store (高島屋) in Futakotamagawa (子玉川). We had lunch at this soba place near the train station. First meal out in Japan!! haha It was realllyyy good. Noodles are made in the restaurant (or so Geoff tells me). One thing I noticed was that people smoke in restaurants. In NY, that's definitely a nono, but I guess that's very different here. I saw two people light it up and proceeded as if it was totally normal (which it is for them, but not for me).
The train was really nice and on time (yay for schedules!). It was a short train ride to our destination, which was really nice.
Sorry, guys. My brain is turning into mush and I can't really write this much so early in the morning. I'll write up part two later on the in the day.
Bye for now!
7.22.2010
Travel Logs: On the Way to Japan
July 21, 2010
10:41am (NY time)
I’m at the airport!!! The first thing I noticed when I got to the gate was that there were quite a few Koreans (speaking in Korean of course… as usual). Everything went well since I checked in last night. I think it took about 15 to 20 minutes tops, including checking my bags in and going through security. I’m so nervous… it’s kind of ridiculous. Last night, I thought that I would just wake up from this dream and I would be sitting at home alone again, just like any other day. It’s really awesome that this trip isn’t going to be a dream; it’s for real this time, baby, and I just can’t wait to get there.
Wow. There are so many Asians around me XD. I guess it should’ve been expected. Normally, when I go on plane rides, I’m usually off to Florida, Chicago, South Dakota (yeah… don’t ask), Minneapolis… no where outside of the country (except Canada, but seriously that doesn’t count as outside of the country).
It’s kind of scary that I’m going to be all by myself. And sitting next to a stranger on the plane… UGH… I hope the person isn’t weird, super intrusive, or anything that you wouldn’t want a stranger to be, especially in such close proximity in places that are as cramped as a plane.
I’m happy I was able to bring the cookies I baked on Monday in my carry on. My parents were super worried that the security would go all up in arms and… I don’t know… banish the cookies from the airport. I told them that it was perfectly fine, but knowing my parents, they would get worried over the smallest thing.
I bet my mom is still worrying her little butt off at the moment as she’s driving back home and heading off to work. My dad is probably checking the time and approximating where I am in this whole process of airport procedures and security. My sister is probably in one of her classes in summer camp, possibly thinking about me or probably focused on how much fun she’s having. Probably sometime this week, she’ll sleep on my bed because she’ll miss me.
Wow… more Koreans just sat down in front of me… speaking Korean… they’re probably from Korea (South of course)? Maybe they live in Japan? But wouldn’t they be speaking in Japanese? So many questions…
Ew… the airport announcement thing just said it’s 11:00am… but on my computer, it’s 10:57am…
The airport is wrong.
I think I’ll be boarding soon… patiently waiting. I’m surprised my computer is still alive… but the battery still sucks. Approx 20 minutes ago, it was 91% charged. Now it’s at 58%. XD I probably have time to update once in the air… but that’s about it. I’ll probably spend most of my time sleeping, watching movies, or playing games.
Crying child… >_>
Ok, I think I should stop here so I can preserve the battery life somewhat. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make a short log on the plane.
Bye for now!!
July 21, 2010
5:05pm (NY Time)
Wow… I can’t believe I’ve been on a plane since around 11:20am. And guess what? I’ve only managed to sleep only 30 – 40 minutes so far XD. Ugh… battery is really low for some reason… 28%. Well I’ll try to write as much as I can before it dies.
So the person that ended up sitting next to me was this girl from Korea. That’s all I really know, other than the fact that Japan is just a stop in her journey (back to Korea probably). She’s pretty much slept through the whole ride so far. The only times she has waken up was for snacks, lunch, and a bathroom break. When I first sat down, she wasn’t in her seat yet, but when she did come and sit down, she actually said something to me and asked me where I was from. Mind you, that’s been the only conversation we’ve had so far. I’m happy that the person sitting next to me didn’t turn out to be a weirdo or anything that would have made me feel uncomfortable.
Other things to talk about before my battery dies…. Oh… this lady that is sitting behind me was totally laughing obnoxiously. She was probably watching something funny, but still… KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN WOMAN. I’m glad she shut up after she spilled something on the guy next to her… it was either on him or on his seat. Well, whatever it was, I’m glad she’s keeping her trap shut.
So far, the flight hasn’t been so bad (other than the woman). But… ugh… I was expecting for the flight to have How to Train Your Dragon, but it doesn’t!!! Also…. This one row on my touch screen thing doesn’t work. So, you can picture me stabbing a 4x5 inch screen trying to press the movie option. I soon found out that the remote in my armrest can also be used to control the menu… D’OH. Oh well… Another sucky thing… some of the movies don’t work, or well “aren’t available” (“at the moment”... or ever for that matter). I saw that they had the Trick movie (it’s Japanese), but it didn’t work. I got excited over nothing. Ugh.
According the flight tracker, I have 7 hours and 18 minutes to go… X_X. I guess I’ll try to keep myself busy or sleep until I get there. It’s odd… I haven’t had the urge to go the bathroom yet XD… or maybe I just don’t want to wake up the girl sitting next to me.
Until then, bye bye!
10:41am (NY time)
I’m at the airport!!! The first thing I noticed when I got to the gate was that there were quite a few Koreans (speaking in Korean of course… as usual). Everything went well since I checked in last night. I think it took about 15 to 20 minutes tops, including checking my bags in and going through security. I’m so nervous… it’s kind of ridiculous. Last night, I thought that I would just wake up from this dream and I would be sitting at home alone again, just like any other day. It’s really awesome that this trip isn’t going to be a dream; it’s for real this time, baby, and I just can’t wait to get there.
Wow. There are so many Asians around me XD. I guess it should’ve been expected. Normally, when I go on plane rides, I’m usually off to Florida, Chicago, South Dakota (yeah… don’t ask), Minneapolis… no where outside of the country (except Canada, but seriously that doesn’t count as outside of the country).
It’s kind of scary that I’m going to be all by myself. And sitting next to a stranger on the plane… UGH… I hope the person isn’t weird, super intrusive, or anything that you wouldn’t want a stranger to be, especially in such close proximity in places that are as cramped as a plane.
I’m happy I was able to bring the cookies I baked on Monday in my carry on. My parents were super worried that the security would go all up in arms and… I don’t know… banish the cookies from the airport. I told them that it was perfectly fine, but knowing my parents, they would get worried over the smallest thing.
I bet my mom is still worrying her little butt off at the moment as she’s driving back home and heading off to work. My dad is probably checking the time and approximating where I am in this whole process of airport procedures and security. My sister is probably in one of her classes in summer camp, possibly thinking about me or probably focused on how much fun she’s having. Probably sometime this week, she’ll sleep on my bed because she’ll miss me.
Wow… more Koreans just sat down in front of me… speaking Korean… they’re probably from Korea (South of course)? Maybe they live in Japan? But wouldn’t they be speaking in Japanese? So many questions…
Ew… the airport announcement thing just said it’s 11:00am… but on my computer, it’s 10:57am…
The airport is wrong.
I think I’ll be boarding soon… patiently waiting. I’m surprised my computer is still alive… but the battery still sucks. Approx 20 minutes ago, it was 91% charged. Now it’s at 58%. XD I probably have time to update once in the air… but that’s about it. I’ll probably spend most of my time sleeping, watching movies, or playing games.
Crying child… >_>
Ok, I think I should stop here so I can preserve the battery life somewhat. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make a short log on the plane.
Bye for now!!
July 21, 2010
5:05pm (NY Time)
Wow… I can’t believe I’ve been on a plane since around 11:20am. And guess what? I’ve only managed to sleep only 30 – 40 minutes so far XD. Ugh… battery is really low for some reason… 28%. Well I’ll try to write as much as I can before it dies.
So the person that ended up sitting next to me was this girl from Korea. That’s all I really know, other than the fact that Japan is just a stop in her journey (back to Korea probably). She’s pretty much slept through the whole ride so far. The only times she has waken up was for snacks, lunch, and a bathroom break. When I first sat down, she wasn’t in her seat yet, but when she did come and sit down, she actually said something to me and asked me where I was from. Mind you, that’s been the only conversation we’ve had so far. I’m happy that the person sitting next to me didn’t turn out to be a weirdo or anything that would have made me feel uncomfortable.
Other things to talk about before my battery dies…. Oh… this lady that is sitting behind me was totally laughing obnoxiously. She was probably watching something funny, but still… KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN WOMAN. I’m glad she shut up after she spilled something on the guy next to her… it was either on him or on his seat. Well, whatever it was, I’m glad she’s keeping her trap shut.
So far, the flight hasn’t been so bad (other than the woman). But… ugh… I was expecting for the flight to have How to Train Your Dragon, but it doesn’t!!! Also…. This one row on my touch screen thing doesn’t work. So, you can picture me stabbing a 4x5 inch screen trying to press the movie option. I soon found out that the remote in my armrest can also be used to control the menu… D’OH. Oh well… Another sucky thing… some of the movies don’t work, or well “aren’t available” (“at the moment”... or ever for that matter). I saw that they had the Trick movie (it’s Japanese), but it didn’t work. I got excited over nothing. Ugh.
According the flight tracker, I have 7 hours and 18 minutes to go… X_X. I guess I’ll try to keep myself busy or sleep until I get there. It’s odd… I haven’t had the urge to go the bathroom yet XD… or maybe I just don’t want to wake up the girl sitting next to me.
Until then, bye bye!
7.20.2010
Almost there
I'm so excited!! I'm also surprised that the weeks I spent sitting on my butt at home flew by so quickly. I think I'm pretty much packed... I would say.... 75% done. I feel like I'm missing a few things, but I guess everyone feels like that when they're traveling.
Packing also reminded me how much clothes I have. X_X I have a large duffle bag that holds about 85% of all of my clothes. The rest is in my other bag that has gifts and non-clothing items. I really think I'm forgetting some things... and it's totally bugging me.
Anyways... my flight is in the morning and the weather reports say that there's a chance for rain in the morning. What luck. Hopefully bad weather won't delay my flight. Regardless, I'm pretty stoked that I'll be in Japan.
Sadly, I haven't really reviewed Japanese like I planned... I guess I can try to make up for lost time on the plane ride. XD
I hope the person sitting next to me isn't weird... or talkative... or mean...
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