Empty Space

A Long Pause.

2012-02-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

So it's been over a year since I've been to Japan. I miss it a lot, the experiences, the places, and just learning about something new, everywhere I turned.
I don't think I can continue blogging about my experiences after Tokyo, I just don't have the time, school has started again.
So maybe I will change the direction of this blog and make it about my projects that I have completed so far and am working on. I can't guarantee that I will be able to keep it updated all of the time, but I will try my best.
Last semester I passed my review. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Industrial Design (ID) program at SJSU, every year (From when you started in the program) we have a portfolio review. A review is basically a presentation of our work so far. Projects, drawings, and other pertinent skills needed within the field. The goal of this is to make sure that we are preforming at the level we should be and to prepare our portfolio for an internship in our Junior year and to basically prep them for entering the job market after graduation.
It's a lot of work, but something I enjoy immensely. My one issue has been my drawing, I've never done it before and I never sketched when I grew up. So I've basically thrown myself into a field where sketching is highly important. I've been trying to work on it, but it's still so difficult and daunting, especially when I look over and see what some of my other classmates can do. It's something I need to work on.
I still have a lot of work ahead of me and I know now it will be a struggle, but I am fine with that. I want this. Though I know personally that I don't want to get a job right out of school. I want to teach English somewhere for a year or two, just to explore and to help pay off student loans. I know, kind of lame that I want to wait after school, but I just want a break.
Anyways, I am going to get back to my homework, which I have made a conscious effort to get on top of and do early. We will see how far this goes, but I want to try to continue this trend, it is important to me.
I leave you with a picture of my first project ever in the program.

Rectilinear by Me. Photo taken by: Ariya Behjat

Maybe my next post will explain the project and my approach to it. Maybe I'll even include a page or two of my portfolio. Either way I will try my best to make sure this blog stays active.
Now off to have coffee and sketch.

Tokyo Pt. 1

2011-05-27T00:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm in the process of moving out and prepping for my trip to LA as well as my summer move to Yosemite. But I'm still trying to make time to post.
There aren't as many pictures from Tokyo because by this point we were tired and had traveled so much we were a little pooped.

Funny

Enjoy

The night bus from Osaka to Tokyo was hell It was so cramped, 8 hours sitting in the middle of night is not much fun. I don't think I got much sleep the whole trip, kept waking up. I would probably recomend taking the train or flying, much shorter, though more expensive, but probably worth it because you'll be able to see more and get their much much faster.
We made it to Tokyo the next more and boy let me tell you, I was so excited. It's a place I had dreamed of visiting since anime was first introduced into my life in middle school. We didn't get to see much as we were driving in because the windows had curtains on them, but from what little I did get to see, I was thrilled.

Akihabara

After getting off the bus and doing some stretching, we had the joy of trying to figure out which train to take to what station to hop on another train to take us to another station. Rather fun morning, a little delirious too. But eventually we figured it out, rather easier than we thought. And for those of you who didn't know we stayed a stop away from Akihabara, it was rather interesting.

Questionable back messagers in Akihabara

We got to our hotel rather earlier than expected, so we had to figure out something to do. We ended up walking around in Akihabara for a while, taking in the first sites of Japanese geekdom. After I remember eating something, then sleeping in a coffee shop waiting for the time we could check in. Rather blank about that, probably didn't help that I didn't sleep much.

Sake makes you smile

After getting some well needed sleep, we decided to go out for the night, first stopping at a sushi restaurant that we had eyed earlier in the day. It was such a good idea, though I drank enough sake for two people and spent way more than I needed to on sushi. So worth it. We pigged out on a good bit of sushi and decided after to go out to a night club or two. Though by this point Jade wasn't feeling her best (she had been sick since a few days before I arrived), she was such a trooper about it. Anywho we went to a club, met some awesome people and ended up taking a taxi with them, and ended up having to walk to our hotel in the middle of the night, during winter. So cold.
I'll be posting probably one more blog about Tokyo, then two or three more on our second part of Osaka. Sorry if this post feels a little half-assed, but we didn't do as much in Tokyo and didn't take as many pictures. But I did enjoy every moment of the trip. Well I hope you guys enjoy!

Osaka Pt. 3

2011-05-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hep-5 Wheel

School is finally over and I can finish blogging about Japan! My goal is to try and get the last few blog posts done this week. I have a busy end of the week coming. Moving out of my current apartment and bringing my stuff back home, then turning around in a matter of hours and driving to Pacifica to begin a road-trip to LA with some friends. It's going to be a long week before work starts, but shall be rather enjoyable. Well here goes Osaka!
After the amazing night out with Jade we decided to have a relaxing day of walking around and sight seeing. We went out to explore Umeda, which is the business district of Osaka. Though it is the business district there are quite a few malls and to my surprise an all male department store called Hankyu's. And don't take me lightly when I say all male, I mean 5 or 6 straight floors of the latest male fashion. Only in Japan my friends. I quite literally think men shop more then women there. So we explored each floor, taking our time to make fun of the nicely dressed Japanese men and take in the latest winter fashion for men.

Jade and I

After an hour or so of the department store we figured that we were pretty hungry. Jade had previously eaten at a place where the was a deep-fryer in the middle of the table and all you had to do was take your skewered piece of food, batter it up, and put it in for an allotted amount of time. And let me just say that this was probably one of our fatest moments in Japan (though we did binge on Sushi a lot). We deep fried tatertots, shrimp, beef, chicken, octopus, mushrooms, and almost anything else we could get our hands on. At some point we decided to turn it into a food eating contest, we tied of course, because we're both equally fat. But either way we enjoyed ourselves and I got to experience something new and different.

From the elevator of Hep-5

After stuffing our faces, we decided to explore Umeda a little more; meaning we walked next door to the mall named Hep-5. There were a lot of stores in here, more than I expected. Also this is the mall with the giant Farris wheel sticking out of the top. But Jade and I walked around absorbing the different stores that had different fashions and products. We stumbled upon a brightly colored store and it was almost impossible to rip Jade away from it, until she saw the price tags of course. Japanese clothing is rather expensive.

Walking around

Bright store

My yummy food and wine!

Me and a glass of wine!

Jade eying that wine

After walking more, we were hungry again (yeah, we're fat). We wanted to find another interesting place to eat. After being really indecisive and kind of indifferent, I let Jade choose, which was probably the best decision. She chose a bar/restaurant called Bar de Mar (I have a feeling it's supposed to be Bar del Mar). Either way it was an interesting restaurant that severed Japanese-Spanish fusion food. Jade and I ordered a glass of wine to tide us over until we could figure out what we wanted to eat. Sitting at the bar, we soaked in the atmosphere of people enjoying time with their friends, families, and coworkers. We came to the conclusion that going to places like this was an interesting way to study the culture, because it is a place where people truly let loose and show their personalities. We had such a good time talk and enjoying the food, to be honest, looking back on it, I really miss times like that with her, it was such a bonding experience. Back to the food, IT WAS AMAZING. GO GET JAPANESE-SPANISH FUSION NOW. It is totally worth it. Jade got a type of octopus salad/salsa thing, it was so yummy. I decided to try a spicy chicken soup, it was cold out, it was so good and it actually left my nose running a little. Usually spicy food in Japan isn't too spicy.

Bartenders and karaoke!

Once the amazing noms had been nomed, we decided to hit up a bar, once again we ended up in the same district as the night before, but at a different bar, called Lebniz, a German name that apparently had no meaning to the owner. When we came in we were a little apprehensive because most of the people in there were rather older, though they didn't look it because they're Japanese. But the bartenders made us feel so welcomed and even cracked a few jokes. They were totally shocked by our age too, because their normal clients were on average around 35 and we were 22 and 21. As the bartender would tell us, the same age as his own kids. Ahahaha. Even though we were the youngest in the bar, we still had a good time, talking and laughing, trying to teach the older bartender English, while trying to teach another foreigner Japanese. Overall it was an amazing night.
After spending quite a few hours in the bar we decided it was time to head back to our hotel, but since it was after 11:30, we had to take a taxi. The younger bartender actually walked us out and flagged down a taxi for us, he was really nice. Upon getting into the taxi it struck me that I had not really been around on the surface streets of Osaka, save for the few that we had walked down, it was a totally different experience. We got to see quite a bit of it, though we were zooming about because like in the U.S. taxi drivers are crazy. We got back safely and decided to hit the sack, the next night we'd be on a bus to Tokyo, we also had plans to go to the Osaka Aquarium.

Fugu-kun

After a nice night of sleep, we packed up our backpacks and left our luggage with our hotel, because we'd be back in a few days. We headed off to the Aquarium, which is on the bay, Osaka is totally like the Bay Area of Japan, or so I'll claim it to be. Anyways, we took the train ride over and headed to the aquarium, which was a lot bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside. There were tons of fish, penguins, capybara, and other animals. It was especially funny to walk up to a enclosure that was full of California seals and sea lions, we totally ruined it for some Australians by bitching about how they're annoying when they sit on the docks and make a lot of noise and steal the fish you're fishing. Good times. But we made it a goal to see everything that we could in the aquarium. Because it's difficult to explain I will put a cut with a ton of pictures in it:

Pokémon Center!

After the fun times at the aquarium, we decided to head back to Umeda to meet up with Jade's language partner Saki. She is probably one of the nicest people I meet in Japan. Amazing girl there. But anyways, she took us to a Pokémon Center! It was amazing, though all of the Pokémon were new! It was also really cool because Pokémon Black & White had just come out, so we got to see the game before it was even out in the U.S. yet.

Hep-5 at night

Geeking out was pretty fun, but after we ended up at some underground mall and ate a Japanese dish that happened to be Saki's favorite. She was really excited because in a few weeks time she'd be coming to the U.S. to study abroad for a year, so we were telling her what it's like and how our accent very with location. She was so nervous but excited, it was nice to see. After the noms had been had, we went to Starbucks and sat around and talked for a bit, the night bus would not be leaving Osaka until late.

Not our bus, but too funny.

We said our goodbyes and headed off to where the bus was supposed to pick us up, which was an adventure upon itself trying to find the right place with one of those Japanese maps. We eventually found the right place and waited, in the cold, to start our adventure to Tokyo.

Osaka Pt. 2

2011-04-21T02:27:00.000-07:00

I've been rather fail on getting out this post, it's been sitting on here for a month and I haven't done much to it. Sorry.
School has been rather demanding. I also just found out that I'm not doing as good in one of my classes as I thought I was, this is mostly because I just don't care for it much. Nutrition isn't my cup of tea and I'm only taking the class because I needed the units to get the rest of my financial aid. Rather frustrating that my GPA is going to take a slight ding because of it. It's not like I'm about to get an F, but my grade probably not going to be higher than a C, unless I can pull it together and do really good on the next few assignments. I have hope though.
Anyways, on to Japan.

Den-Den Town

After our night of sushi enjoyment we went back to our hotel room to plan our next day and sleep. We decided to explore Den-Den town, which is basically Osaka's Akihabara. It was only a 15 minute walk from our hotel, so that was an added bonus, we didn't have to pay for public transportation!

Robots

I was amazed at how long the street was and just how many electronic, porn, manga, and other geeky stores were crammed there. We ended up going to this electronics shop that was SIX FLOORS and each floor had a different selection of electronics and parts. It was simply amazing and overwhelming at the same time. After exploring all six floors and playing with computers, tablets, drawing tablets, robots, and other random electronics we decided to explore more of the street.
Japan is one of the most interesting places when it comes to trust, there are electronics in front of stores, and no one really thinks about stealing them. It's amazing, I wish people in the U.S. had this same temperament.
Anyways, we walked across the street because there were quite a few gaming stores that caught our interest. Another FIVE story gaming store that went from new stuff on the first floor, to older stuff, and the last two floors ended up being porn, which went from kind of kinky, to super kink. It was awkward walking in there with a woman and having all the nerdy Japanese men staring at me.

Rows

After rushing into the elevator, we decided to try a store that had a bunch of classic systems and games. The best choice so far. SO many things to look at. We ended up finding soundtracks to our favorite games and other collectables that are so hard to find back in the U.S. It was so nostalgic. I even ended up buying the Final Fantasy VIII soundtrack because it was so cheap and pretty effing amazing. Also, it wasn't like there was just one store like this, there were so many more, we could have just spent hours walking around looking and reminiscing about our nerdy upbringing.

Donuts and coffee

After exploring a few of these game stores we decided it was a snack break, Jade and I being fatties and all. So we decided to stop at a place called Mr. Donuts, which is apparently an American company, I think it's owned by Dunkin' Donuts or something like that. Either way, their donuts are amazing, they have these bear shaped donuts in there different flavors: strawberry, chocolate, and caramel; they're also filled with the most amazing cream! So we decided to eat some of these guys with a cup of coffee (I don't know if I've complained about it before, but Japanese coffee sucks, it's so bland and ugh, the one thing I didn't enjoy in Japan). We were taking in the scenery and talking about life and random things. Enjoying the moment and company and feeling truly blessed to be where we were.

Mini-Lego's

Gothy dolls

Cars

Boats

I don't even know

Little wooden models

After finishing up we decided to explore even more of Den Den Town, we ended up pretty far down the street when a sign caught our attention "Super Kids Land", we totally had to go in. And boy were we glad we did, it was another SIX FLOORS of amazing stuff. The first being toys for kids like Lego's, dolls and some interesting toys. But when we got to the second floor we found out that the name was quite a lie, the store was totally for hobbyists who loved building models and collecting them. Each floor had it's own type of building, like the second floor was for building plastic models of cars, ships, Gundams, and other random things. The third was diecast stuff, and so on. It was amazing to see so much, but then it had me wondering where people in Japan had space to collect so many random objects, their living areas aren't to big, my current room is probably the size of an apartment in Tokyo. I don't know, but either way it made a great experience seeing all of the stuff. There were so many interesting things it's so hard to describe, so I shall just post a few pictures here and let you see for yourself.
So after exploring the toy store we decided to trek back in the direction we came from. And of course, a porn store catches Jades eyes, they apparently had a sale. So we go in and get some awkward glances because apparently Japanese couples don't generally go into sex shops with each other. But anywho, we got a kick out of looking at the man thongs and sex toys (they're so much smaller in Japan). And Jade made the startling discovery that those who usually dress really well at anime conventions actually wear costumes bought in Japan from sex shops. Apparently they are really big on fantasy out there, so the idea of having sex with an anime character is hot, hence all of the outfits from different shows and series. Jade was really tempted to buy one, but of course since she has a rather large chest none would fit, seeing as they were made for Japanese women who have little to no chests. I think she was rather bummed, but either way it was a fun experience.
I also probably forgot to mention that we stumbled into quite a few porn shops on accident. Ahahah. Mostly because they look rather innocent up front "DVD SALE" and what not, so us foreigners walk in and are shocked to find that all the DVD's are porn. A word of advice, if the store has a 90 degree turn when you walk in, then they probably sell porn. Random I know.

Yaoi upon yaoi

Final Fantasy VII yaoi

Anyways, we see this giant manga store on our walk back and decide to go in and see what it's like. CRAZY amount of manga and of course a crazy amount of people. And somehow we end up in the yaoi section. Typical us. So after our exploration of the man love section we decided it be a good time to head back and probably grab a bite to eat, especially since we wanted to go out that night.

Somewhere on the way

After eating and resting up a bit we decided that we were going to go out to some bars and possibly a club. We hopped on the subway and ended up in Umeda Station, which was within walking distance from our destination.
That night was amazing, even though most of the bars were empty because it was a work night, we still enjoyed ourselves and met some amazing people. We had the best conversation with a bar tender who had traveled quite a few places. We talked about the differences and similarities in our cultures. All around it was a good night. We also made a new friend who is South African, but teaches English in South Korea, even though it's technically not his first language. It was nice talking to someone who wasn't from the states and was from somewhere completely unexpected. We spent quite a few hours together because public transportation stops running at 11pm in Japan and doesn't start again until 5am, so you're stranded, and taxi's cost way too much. So most places stay open until 5am and serve booze until then. It's kind of crazy, and I've never done anything like it before, but I'd do it again in a heart beat.
All in all it was a great night and very much worth it. Anyways, that's enough for now. There will probably be a Pt. 3 and then it'll move on to Tokyo and after, back to Osaka.
I am actually kind of happy I am writing about this now, because it reminds me of what an awesome time I had and that I am really lucky to have had such an experience. I hope to have more just like, especially with my awesome friends.

Our new friend Renzo

Osaka Pt. 1

2011-03-01T02:44:00.000-08:00

A funny note we found in the guest book.

So our adventure to Osaka began on Christmas morning. As mentioned in the last blog we had to be out of the hostel by 10am. We were out within minutes of that deadline. We're kind of lame like that.
But we ended up chilling in the lounge for a few minutes, drank some tea/coffee and snacked on some free bread. Jade had to get some business done in Hirakata, so we from Kyoto we headed there. It must have been quite the site to the locals on the trains seeing two Americans with big suitcases, trying to get on the express train, but either way it worked out.

Jade cleaning her room.

We ended up in Hirikata and traveled to Jade's seminar house, where she had stayed for the past four months. Apparently the rules in there are very, very strict, I wasn't technically allowed to eat in there, though I did. I was hungry! So we had to clean Jade's room and pack, what most people did not know was that Jade was coming back to California with me! Anyhow, it was so surreal seeing the place that I had become familiar with from chatting with Jade on Skype, to be like "Wow, I'm hear." It was weird. It also kind of hit me that I was in Japan. It was kind of weird, but when I was with Jade it didn't feel like I was in a foreign country, it was like we would be sitting in any restaurant or bus and just enjoy the company of one another. But once again I am off topic.
We cleaned her room up and packed, which took us quite a while, Jade had accumulated a lot of stuff and it was EVERYWHERE. Plus she had to clean up some other stuff. But we enjoyed talking and joking, particularly making fun of her old house "mother" who would apparently make people rewash their dishes if there were fingerprints on them when they had to check out. This lead to a personal joke that followed us around Japan as we enjoyed ourselves.

There was sooooooooooo much food!

After all of this crazy cleaning we decided to do what all Japanese people do on Christmas; a romantic date! We decided to go to one of her favorite Indian places next to her school. One thing I noticed about Indian food in Japan is that the naan is GINORMOUS!!! Like two of my head sized and amazingly yummy! But we ended up eating alone in this awesome little restaurant right across the street from her school talking and laughing. Those are probably some of the best times I had in Japan, just sitting and enjoying the company of Jade who I had missed so much. We sat and ate for about an hour or so, we were stuffed when we left, I don't even think we finished all of our three curry dishes, but we did eat most of it, to bad we couldn't take it with us!
From the resturant we went to the train station and hopped on an express train headed to Kyobashi Station in Osaka, from there we would hop on the local JR loop line to Momodani station. When we got to Momodani we were completely lost. Like utterly, once again Google maps would prove futile. A really nice girl (who spoke really good English) and her mother tried to help us find the place, but we ended up getting lost in this crazy looking covered shopping mall/walkway thing. So we ended up at an internet cafe, Jade went in to get directions, which we got. Slowly but surly we made our way and found our new hostel. Chingutown. And this is where the fun start.

Yummy cheesecake!

We sign in and are amazed at how cheap it is, little did we know what awaited us in our room. After fighting with our bags and getting ourselves to our room, we are saddened by the quality of the place. Really saddened. There was a hole in the floor that lead outside, it reeked of bug spray, and there was a roach motel in the closet. Yeah, it was bad. Though of course Jade and I made light of our situation by laughing about it for a good hour and a half. Then we decided to go to the lobby to try and think our problems over. It turns out we met some really nice people from around the world. A guy from Isreal, a guy from the states, and a couple from Korea. The Korean girl even brought us a cake to share for Christmas, she was really nice.
So Jade and I went to bed that night, with the lights on, her request. And in the morning we divised a plan to try and get out of there. We would lie and say we saw a bug in the room and try to get our money back for the rest of the nights we had paid for. That crashed and burned, we told the lady up front we saw a big bug and do you know what she asked? "How big was it? This big" *holds fingers up to show a length*. Jade and I gave each other a look and told the lady we were going to go out for a bit. We ended up back in the shopping mall/walkway area looking for food and interesting stores. It was nice to get out of there for the few hours that we did.

Train station adventures!

Creepy empty train.

We ended up going back and were told that we couldn't get our money back, so we asked for another room, which was even more lack luster than the first. Our decision had been made. We looked on the internet and found an awesome hotel in Osaka that was fairly cheap and wouldn't kill us. Hotel Chuo, turns out it was the hotel that we had already booked a room for the last few days in Japan. So we embarked for this new place! So we took the JR loop again, but had to stop at a station, right before the station we had to get off. So we're sitting on the train, but it suddenly gets empty and no one gets on it again and I'm think how strange that is, then Jade remembered and told me that since the sarin gas attacks in Tokyo, they sometimes stop trains and search them for crap then send them off. So we had to get off the train and let the attendants go through and pick stuff up and then watch the train leave. Then Jade was slightly confused by some station signs and though we had to transfer platforms, so we lug our suitcases up and escalator, to find out that we were on the right platform, and of course for the minute we're up there the train comes, and right when we get back on the platform is leaves. So we were delayed in getting to the hotel. But it was only a minor delay, and of course we laughed it off. Like I've said before Japanese trains are highly efficient, so there would be one minutes later. Also quick fact about most Japanese trains, the heaters are under the seat, so in winter, you get nice toasty butt and legs!

Room.

But we ended up at our new hotel, after some minor confusion, apparently there were three hotels in the area named Hotel Chuo, but two had extra names Salen and Oaisis and were bother rather ritzy and expensive. But we found our Hotel Chuo and were rather excited because we had a private room, with a TV!

Sleeping pads, pillows, blanket, rag, slippers, toothbrush/paste, and towel!

The only downside to our room was that our window was facing the train tracks and that it had a faint smell of kimchi. But otherwise, it was amazing! I got to sleep on a futon on the floor! And we had TV, meaning CRAZY JAPANESE SHOWS AND COMMERCIAL ENJOYMENT! So we settled in and watched some TV talked, Skyped, caught up with our lives on the internet a little and relaxed.

If you look you can see the giant Fugu fish light, Fugu-kun

After getting some time to mellow out we were hungry and decided that it was time to get sushi again. Jade actually had not had Japanese sushi until our first time in Kyoto and was now craving it more than ever. So we went downstairs and talked to the front desk lady and she gave us a map and told us of a place to get sushi. We headed out. Osaka night life is really different from Kyoto, more people, more lights, taller buildings. Though this was no where near as crowded as it would be in other parts of Osaka and Tokyo. But we headed out and ended up walking down another mall/walkway place, where there were tons of stores, restaurants, and gaming places.

Tsūtenkaku

So walking around this we found out that we were staying within walking distance of the Tsūtenkaku tower. It's no majestic thing, an eyesore in the day, but looks so much better at night. But it was colored like a Christmas tree and looked really cool with the flashing lights and what no.

Inside the resturant.

Shrimp and Avocado tamaki

And what would amaze us more is that our sushi restaurant was at the base of it, right under one of the legs of the tower! And my God the sushi restaurant was so soooooooo goooooooooooood. It was so nice to order different fish and other sea creatures and have them prepared the way the should be in Japan. I ate so much, and was so happy with it. We even had a glass of wine to cheers with. I ended up spending around 3,000 yen for my share of the food, well worth it.

I'm fat.

After stuffing our faces with amazing Japanese seafood we decided it was time to head back to our hotel. But before we could do such a thing, I Joe, had to have more food. Yeah I'm that fat. But Osaka is famous for it's takoyaki which are little dough balls that are filled with octopus and other yummy ingredients. They're also topped with other yummy stuff like sauce and stuff. Oh so good, and the best part you may ask? Well it's that there are takoyaki stands EVERYWHERE in Osaka, you know it being famous for the stuff and all. So we ended up at a vendor watching him cook them on these amazing half sphere shaped molds, kind of like one side of a waffle maker, but with little half spheres instead of the normal waffle shape. It really interesting to watch them poke at them with their little sticks and flip and turn them until they turn into little balls that are filled with yummy goodness. Anyways I got my takoyaki and loved it!
Well that was our first day and half or so in Osaka, so much more happened, but this post would go on and on if I tired to fit it all in here. So once again there may be one or more posts about our first adventures in Osaka. Then after that Tokyo, then Osaka again.
Wow, typing all of this has reminded me of how much I did in my two weeks there. I really hope I can go back and do even more and experience new things and enjoy them with a good friend or two.

Kyoto Pt. 2

2011-02-25T22:04:00.000-08:00


Kyoto and the Kansai region from Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Very pretty building next to our hostel.

So here is the promised second post! Above is a panorama that I strung together from some photos, it's not the best because there were clouds so the lighting in certain areas is a little darker than others. But you can basically see from Osaka (the left) to Kyoto (the right), it's amazing to see such urban sprawl, yet kind of sad at the same time.
This post will cover the second half of my adventures in Kyoto, from where I left off until Christmas day when I left for Osaka with Jade, also not to forget our romantic Christmas dinner, yummy and cheap Indian food!
As I mentioned before we met our new roommate Eric, he was nice and spoke no Japanese, but happened to be visiting Japan just because he could and he had friend in Fukuoka that he visited.
It would seem that I forgot to add some stuff about meeting Eric in the first post on Kyoto, so I shall add that here.

Toriki!

Stardust Club!

So the same night that we met Eric, we decided to go out and explore some night life in Kyoto, which there isn't much of, but why not?! We ended up walking down the street and Jade spots a Toriki, which is a Japanese resturant chain where each item on the menu is 280 yen. including the drinks. So us being poor people, decided to go there, we had a good time talking and trying to learn some Japanese from Jade. All around a good time. We ended up eating a little as well as buying some booze, but it wasn't strong enough for me and I didn't like any of the flavors. After finish, Jade was a little tipsy, we ended up confusing there person we had to pay and laughed about it, but in the end we payed what we needed to. After leaving we ended up down a cool alley way, Jade then spots a sign that says "Stardust Club - Jazz and blues", so we end up taking a risk and heading in there. It was probably one of the best ideas of the night. The bar had been open since about 1960 and had many famous visitors, even though it was a little hole in the wall. Not only was it historic, but we got to meet some awesome people from the area and from Australia. AND I finally got to get a strong drink! We ended up staying in there for the rest of the night talking and chatting with our new friends and the bartender.

Bartender!

The second day in Kyoto, Jade wasn't feeling so well, so she decided to stay back and relax, which I completely understood. So Eric and I decided to adventure out on our own to visit two temples just outside of Kyoto.It was rather frightening to think about traveling out on our own since neither of us spoke any Japanese, but is rather easy because most signs and almost all transportation related things are in Romanji.

Australian friends!

We ended up at Kyoto Station, which is so big, but I'd soon come to find out that all the major cities have GIANT train stations and sometimes two or more. But we ended up figuring out the cost of our tickets, which only turned out to be one train stop away. But got lost trying to find what platform our train left from! We ended up walking around, confused beyond belief, until we grew a pair and asked a station attendant in very broken Japanese and English where our platform was. She stared at Eric blankly when he asked, but somehow seemed to understand my broken Japanese. I was quite pleased with myself. Anyhow, we got to our platform and on the train. The great thing about Japanese trains is that they are highly efficient, if you miss one, there will be another no more than 5 or 7 minutes later. It's amazing.

The entrance to Fushimi Inari.

Split in the path.

The wishing stone!

On the way down.

Anyways we ended up going to Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is the amazing temple with the gates that go up the mountain and lead to many shrines and holy places. It was amazing! There are a ton of cats at the top, which was really interesting to see. One guy was walking down and a cat was following him, he then tried to run away and it started running after him. It was quite a funny sight. I'd seen pictures of the temple before, but never had I thought there were that many gates, but there were! Oh so many, I wouldn't even want to think about counting how many there are. But they're so cool! Going up they are just red with black accents, but when you come down they have symbols on them, though I don't know what they mean, but apparently they have sayings on them. Only someone who knows Japanese would know. But it was such a humbling experience walking up the mountain. It's something everyone should experience at some point in their life if they can. At one point going up you come across this landing with a temple and behind the temple is a little shrine with a stone that you make a wish in front of and then try to lift the stone, if it is heavy then your wish will not come true, but if the stone feels light, then your wish will come true. I tried it and my God, let me say that stone was not light! I guess I'll have to go back and try again at some point. I am more than willing to though! So Eric and I explored this one for a bit and ended up at the top of the mountain and that is where the panorama of the Kansai region came from. It was amazing, but so cold!

The awesome gate

We ended up going back down and looking for another temple named Tofuku-ji, which is really famous for it's fall leaves, but of course it was the middle of winter, so they were all gone. BUT it was still amazing. Though I am going to explain a funny little thing that happened on our way to this temple.
Eric and I happened to be walking down the street looking a little lost. When up walk two Japanese women, one middle aged and the other older. The middle aged woman happened to speak really good English and talked to us for a little, we were quite impressed and she offered to give us some directions, which we really appreciated. Then when were getting ready to part ways she asks "Have you heard the good word of the Lord" and then hands us a Jehovah's Witness flyer, it was so comical. They exists everywhere!

Zen Garden.

Pretty sunset!

Anyways back to the temple. So we eventually find it and walk in a gate, then we see this amazing structure that turns out to be part of the original gate. It was so tall and amazing! We ended up walking around inside, where the trees were and they even had a zen garden! It's not a functional temple anymore, but more a museum for people to see what it was like during the feudal times in Japan. We ended up staying here for a little bit and then decided to head back to the hostel for some rest and more exploring of the night life.
After getting back to the hostel we found that Jade was in slightly better health, so we chilled for a little, failed at some New Super Mario brothers, then decided to go out and get some food.

Very satisfied with the food!

That was probably the best decision, we happened to be in Gion which is the one of the only areas in Kyoto where there is a somewhat night life, albeit sketchy. But we ended up at this amazing sushi restaurant where we at so much fish and tako! It was so yummy!
Then we went out for a walk around the town. Too funny, it was Christmas Eve, and the hookers were out! In their best Santa suits, and of course the businessmen our happy! So funny, we found so many brothels and whore places. It was so funny. So we then ran back to our hostel and met yet another person who was staying there, I think his name was King, he was an exchange student from the Philippines and spoke good English and Japanese. We decided to try the bar in the building (it was run by some other guy), but were so sad to find out how much of an asshole the bartender was, so we left after a drink. Eric, King, and I were still feeling up for going out so we decided to try one of the few clubs in Kyoto. One thing you will learn about Japanese clubs are that they have ridiculous cover charges, this one had a 3,500 yen cover charge. I decided against it, too much money to blow on one night. So I went back to the hostel and enjoyed my Christmas Eve surfing the internet and talking with Jade.
It was a good thing I did too, we had to be out of our hostel by 10 the next morning and we had some plans for Christmas in Hirakata and then Osaka.

Crazy power/cable/internet stuff!

The next post will be about the Christmas day and the start of my adventures in Osaka. We did a lot in those few days, so it will probably be in two to three posts. I hope you've enjoyed reading this thus far. I know writing about it has made me think about my time there and how much I enjoyed it. I really can't wait to go back and travel more places. It's so exciting and I am so happy that I was able to take this opportunity and learn from it.

Kyoto Pt. 1

2011-02-22T02:25:00.000-08:00

So I promised this post a while ago, I'm sorry. I was lazy originally, but then I actually started to get swamped with homework. Though I must add that I am loving the two classes for my major. This may be love you guys, I can't believe it. It may be too early to tell, but I'm actually feeling like I will really enjoy this.
Enough about that though, you guys wanted to read about my adventures in Japan, so that is what shall come! This post is going to be about my adventures in Kyoto, which were rather fun. Jade and I spent a few days there and enjoyed the historic sites and things around. Also a few nights of fun.
So I think I left off with arriving at our hostel in Kyoto. Which was amazing by the way, if ever you must travel to Kyoto please go to A-yado Gion, it's very clean and the staff are super friendly and speak English fairly well!

1,000 Buddhas

Enjoying the scenery.

But Kyoto had many sites to see. Our first full day in Kyoto consisted of Jade taking a bus to an area and then walking around finding free and cheap temples to visit. The first temple we visited was named Sanjusangendo and had been standing in it's original form since 1126, that's right, 11 freaking 26, it's seen so much of Japan's history! Thought this temple was really really famous for it's 1,000 Buddha statues, all crafted by different artists, but for the most part looked exactly alike. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but I just did some googling and came up with one for your viewing pleasure. It was one of the most interesting feelings, walking through and reading about the history and ideas behind Buddhism in Japan and it's origins in India. Very humbling.

It's so old!

So after visiting this temple, we decided to go for a walk, because in Kyoto, no matter what direction you walk in, you'll eventually stumble upon a temple. So about 10 minutes later we ended up at a temple which was free to enter and enjoy, but was currently undergoing some work, so it's beauty wasn't as stunning, though we'd soon come to find out why it was being worked on at another temple a few blocks down.

Kyoto tower in the back, that's the gate.

It's impossible for me to find the second temples name (it's in Japanese, sorry), it wasn't as interesting as the first, but we were allowed to go inside where the people prayed and worshiped and enjoy the beautiful interior. It also had a very interesting museum that showed Japan pre and post World War II. Another cool thing this one had was a moat filled with GIANT coy, that would come to the surface anytime they saw a shadow, presumably because people feed them all the time. Once again it was interesting to see these temples, but another thing that you get from it is that most Japanese people aren't too religious, they just kind of follow customs. At least this is the impression I got from visiting the temples that I got to see.

Construction and the awesome tree that looks like it's upside down!

The third temple was named Nishihongan-ji Temple, which had a interesting connection to the second temple, which was only a 10 or so minute walk away. Apparently they were both from the same sect of Buddhism, but events happened and this one became grander and was apparently used by the only non-noble ruler of Japan, who also had some connections to Osaka Castle (which I didn't get to visit!!!). But when we got here, we were intrigued by the construction happening, but it turns out it was due for some important date that only happens once every few hundred years, hence why the other temple was also undergoing renovations. It was kind of funny, because Jade and I were walking around and some man called to us in English, turns out he was a Japanese American from L.A. who became a priest and was living in Kyoto and teaching foreigners about the temple and the sects history. Really interesting and shocking to meet someone in Japan who looked like a local, who spoke English with no Japanese accent. Also the temple had this really awesome tree that looked like it was growing upside down, this was done on purpose for some reason or another, it's really awesome, but I didn't get a better picture. =[

Awesome little bar!

So after walking and exploring all of these awesome sites Jade and I decided it was time to stop by a bar and get some booze and a quick snack. We ended up at this bar that sold deep fried items on sticks. We came before they were technically open, but the guy was super nice and let us come in even though he wasn't open for another 30 minutes. I was rather amazed by Jade's Japanese skills by this point, she was able to hold conversations and understand what was being said for the most part. So we just ended up having a drink, talking and enjoying the yummy foods.

Lights!

After this we stumbled into a little thrift store and looked around, enjoying all the little things and looking at the kimonos. I also enjoyed watching Jade talk with the store owner trying to figure out what getas to get for a friend. We then ended up walking down the street, which was very vibrant with signs, even in "old" Japan there seem to be nothing but lights! After this amazing sight, we ended up back on the bus, praying that we would remember our stop, which somehow we did. Though we did manage to turn down the wrong street, until we turned back around and found our way. Japanese streets don't have names or signs for the most part, so googling directions and addresses is impossible to understand. When we first got into Kyoto we googled the way from the train station to our hostel and go directions along the lines of "walk out of the train station, turn right, cross the cross walk, cross the cross walk, turn right, go straight, destination on left". Rather confusing. But nice people had helped us out along the way. That's always something you can find in Japan, someone always willing to help!

Yummy!

Anyways, we ended up in a liquor store looking for cheap and awesome plum sake, which the lady gladly helped us find. I think she was rather impressed by Jade's grasp of the language. She even gave us free shot glasses! When we got back to the hostel we found out that we had gotten a new roommate, Eric, who happened to be from the Bay Area as well, so it was nice to have someone to talk to about home and awesome adventures in Japan.
I have more to update on Kyoto, but it's late and I need to get to bed. I don't know when it'll be up, but I'll try to make it sooner than later. I really hope you enjoy reading this. Just typing it up made me really happy because I was able to do and enjoy something I thought would have never been possible. Yet sad, because I miss my adventures already. If you would have asked me two years ago if I thought I'd go to Japan, I'd have told you no. Amazing what a few years can do.

I'm going to try.

2011-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, sorry about the long pause between posts. Getting back from Japan and adjusting to the time change and then trying to get ready to move out has been rather tough. Also didn't help that I had no money at all.
But I have finally moved into my apartment down here in San Jose and school starts tomorrow. Rather nervous, yet excited to move on with my college career, one step closer to my goal of grad school. (They lost my parking permit though, which is rather frustrating.)
I'm going to try to blog about my time in Japan still. I know I know, it's not going to be the same as if I was blogging from Japan, but I still think it'd be something for you guys to see and experience. Japan was a lot of fun, though rather pricey and frustrating at times, but that's what happens when you travel. I would go back in a heart beat, this time with more money and some more knowledge of the Japanese language. Though it's shocking how fast you start to pick things up while you're there experiencing it first hand. I've started to bow to people a lot more and confirm that I'm listening more and this is only from two weeks there. Imagine Jade had been there for four or five months, it must be ingrained in her now.
Yes, I can't give you a date or time of when I will start these posts, but I know that they will take place from where I left off in Kyoto. If you want to see all off the picture you can add me on Facebook and view them that way. I will try to start on them as soon as possible, but I'm about to start school, so no guarantees.
Oh and I got a 3.6 this past semester! My goal from now on is a 3.5 or higher, while still enjoying going out and what not.
And I am totally going to try and make it to another Sharks game before the end of the season.

Arriving.

2010-12-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

So I've had the joy of staying up for like 36 or so hours yesterday. I was rather dead and didn't feel like updating my blog with any pictures. But I shall try to remedy that with this post.

Bus ride from Kansai International

First off was the flight. OMFG, ten and a half hours in the air is rather ridiculous, especially when you have troubles sleeping on planes to begin with. I didn't even get up once to go to the bathroom. When I got off in Tokyo, my legs felt so funny. BUT, I did make a really awesome friend on the flight named Mari. She lives in Tokyo, but has been working in San Jose for some program and is thinking of coming back to go to school. She was super sweet and told me a lot of things that I could do in Tokyo. She even gave me her email address and phone number so I could contact her and possibly hang out with her. Another amazing thing was her helping me with immigration, customs, and trying to transfer to the domestic terminal. She was so helpful!

Boarding pass

So I slept in the international terminal, well tried to, it's rather difficult when every escalator or elevator speaks, constantly! "Please watch your step" and then this is repeated again in Japanese, for FIVE hours. So I got little to no sleep there. Also I have a qualm with the music they play in the airports, it's all like synthesized happy music, not Japanese pop or like world music or anything, but synthesized songs and Christmas carols, was totally annoying after 5 minutes of listening. So I hoped on the next flight after so tired walking to the bus and then taking it to get to the next terminal, all of this at 5 in the morning mind you. I end up getting check in and they give me this really weird boarding pass, all you have to do is scan that little barcode and you can get on the plane. But before that you have to go through security, which is MUCH more lax than American security. So after stumbling through security with my lack of knowledge of the Japanese language, I some how managed to make it to Kansai. From here I got on the bus, which offered some amazing views of the Osaka metropolitan area. FUCKING HUGE AND CROWDED!!!!

Pachinko and golfing ranges are EVERYWHERE!

You end up spending and hour and a half on the bus as it drives you two a few train stations in the local cities that make up the greater Osaka area. As mentioned in a previous blog Jade lives in Hirakata, so I had to wait for the second stop for Hirakata Shi. So I get off and wait around for Jade, the bus doesn't stop you right in front of the station, but down the street, rather frustrating. So I walk a little down the street and I see someone who looks like Jade with a suitcase and back pack, she looks at me, I wave frantically (I'd been standing with a suitcase for thirty minutes, was getting way to much attention), she looks at me, turns and looks down a street, looks back, then walks down said street, here I am freaking out. Then 10 or so minutes later she comes around a corner and we just start laughing, because we had a Jade and Joe moment without meaning to.

Lots of bikes on a corner in some city

There are so many bikes in Japan. Also lots of cars and they drive rather crazy, oh and let me not forget the Vespas and scooters, they have no shame in hitting people.
But back to explaining my day, we went to Jade's school to get some business done and so I could see what it's like. It was smaller than I expected it to be, but was really nice. I also got to meet her language partner, who seemed really excited to meet me, she was super nice and really interesting.
Another lesson you will learn about Japan if you ever come here. THE MAPS SUCK, BRING YOUR OWN. We had so much trouble trying to find a decent map so we could figure out how to get to our hostel and some other landmarks here in Kyoto, it was so difficult. We just ended up taking the train and praying that we found the place before the front desk closed. Which we ended up doing because of the help of some amazing young Japanese man, he walked us to the hostel from the main street, because he was super nice!

Train Station in Hirakata

The trains here are amazingly quite, both people and the trains themselves, it's like blasphemy for your phone to go off, so they always tell you to put it on silent, same with the buses. It's such an interesting place, so different, yet so nice.

Our Beds!

Our View from our room

Anyways, we got to the hostel and it's super nice in here, it's a five or six story building and our room is on the fourth and there is an awesome lounge on the fifth floor with a wii and wifi and stuff, we even have wifi in our room! Currently we're in a 10 person mixed dorm room, but there is no one here besides Jade and me. It's super clean and the staff is really friendly. We are also on a busy street that seems to have an interesting night life. Last night we heard a lot of drunk Japanese people and a lot of karaoke, sung by said drunk Japanese people. Too funny.
I slept for about 12 hours and it's been totally worth it, that long flight and the day made me pooped, though I was so eager to see more!
Today our plans are to explore Kyoto, which we have plans to do again tomorrow, and we may possibly stay a day longer, but we have to decide. Other than that everything is going well and we are just getting our morning started.
So far this trip has been nothing but adventure, and I am loving it! There will be more to come and see in the next few weeks. I will try to keep this blog updated as much as I can, though I can't promise it will be ever day or every other day, but I will try to make sure that you know I am still alive. Well I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this, and if you're friends with me on Facebook you can see some of the other pictures I posted from my arrival. It's been rather crazy, but fun and I can't wait for more adventure with Jade, because it is totally worth it.

Jade hates this one, but I like it because it shows her personality!

I'm here!

2010-12-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

Here at the airport, made it safe, about meet up with Jade in Hirikata-Shi. Will update later.
EDIT! MAJOR!
Hirakata-Shi, butchered it and it's bugged me the whole day.
Now sitting in the hostel in Kyoto with Jade, it's nice. Gunna relax, I've been up for like 30 plus hours.
I'll probably be posting some pictures in a few.

In Flight.

2010-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I just made this post in advance and I thought it would be cool to keep posting stuff, even when I'm not sitting in front of a computer.
I'm probably somewhere over the Pacific as this posts, you can track my flight here. When I land in Tokyo, and if Wi-Fi is available, I'll try to update with a quick post and maybe some pictures.
I hope all of you are having a good night, I probably won't. Being stuck on a plane for 10 or so hours will be quite a test to my patience.

My clock was wrong.

2010-12-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

I just totally noticed that my countdown clock was off by a few hours. I fixed it. I have a day and like three hours until I am on a plane for Japan. Also, once the time hits, it should hopefully count up the days I am in Japan until my return, or around the time of my return. *crosses fingers*
Pretty much all packed, just gotta get a few random things into my bags. Other than that, I think I am ready to go.
Also I forgot to post this earlier, but this is a map of all the hostels we will be staying at while in Japan. Two in Osaka, one in Kyoto, and one in Tokyo. The one in Tokyo is in Akihabara! Electronic central! *melts*

View Traveling Japan, very cheaply! in a larger map

School is done!

2010-12-16T23:38:00.000-08:00

Finished up my finals today, so much more relaxed now that they are done. My grades are looking good in most of my classes, just waiting on news from one more and then I'll be happy. Looks like another 3.6 or higher, which is good because it means I won't have to pay my credit card for three months and my car insurance will go down again!
I woke up sick this morning, rather miffed about that, so I've been downing tea and drugs all day to help combat it so that I won't be in to horrible of a mood by Monday. But of course my mother still finds a way to push my buttons and is annoying me in my very irritable state. I just want to relax, but no I have to drive her everywhere every time she needs to go to the store, which is everyday.
Today I was able to register for classes at SJSU (finally). I'm currently waitlisted for one class, but have gotten into all of the others that I need. I also need to start planning out my schedule for Fall. Things are starting to fall into place, which is making me extremely happy.
As you all know I am leaving for Japan on Monday. It's rather exciting, but scary, though now since I'm a little sick, rather daunting. I haven't packed yet, but will do so tomorrow and this weekend. I don't believe there is much else to do besides wait once I've finished packing.
Jade and I have booked all of our hostels and are ready to go in that department. It was rather cheap, so I will have money left over, though I'm still rather nervous about whether I have enough. I'm hoping that people throw money at me for Christmas so that I a little extra.
Otherwise, my plans are to sit, relax, and fight this cold away so that I am in good health when I leave on Monday. Pray that my mother doesn't irritate me beyond belief this weekend as she most likely will.

Sharks!

2010-12-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

Game!

Just got back from a really awesome Sharks game with one of my work friends. Was totally awesome for being my first Sharks game! They won too, though it was in overtime and was a total butt clincher. BUT THEY WON! And they scored the goal right below us!
I really enjoyed myself, it was nice to not have to worry about school as much for once. Though I've found out recently that I am doing quite well in most, if not all of my classes. Looks like I may almost have a 4.0 again! Which is rather exciting, because I did bust my ass off to do good.

Sharky!

I leave for Japan in 8 days! Exciting stuff. I booked a hostel in Kyoto for Jade and me and am about to book another one in Osaka. She's gotten another one for Osaka, and we have to get one for Tokyo, but once we have those found, it'll be easy. I'm rather nervous to be traveling to Japan though, so big and new. Plus I don't speak the language, so it's going to be rather crazy. But I'll get it done and enjoy myself. All I have to do now is wash clothing and pack.

SJSU Orientation and Japan Prep.

2010-12-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

On Friday I attended orientation for SJSU. It was an all day affair, well almost all day, my major advisor was pretty awesome, so she let us go early. I'm rather excited to go to a new school, I want out of Solano so much, only two more weeks and that wish is granted!
During this advising I was told that there is a direct exchange with a school in France for my major, this was super exciting, because I'll be able to study abroad in France for at least 6 months to a year. I can't wait! Also she told us to look into a minor, which I was thinking of doing already, it's like she was reading my mind. I am going to bust my ass off so I can go to France!

Coloring Penises for Human Sexuality

As school is drawing to a close, I find that my teachers have no consideration. lol. They're nice people, but why do there have to be so many assignments due at the end of the semester?! Currently I am trying to write yet another paper for Anthro, memorize a speech, do a 35+ slide PowerPoint for Poli Sci, do some extra credit for Anthro, catch up in French, work on a group project for Human Sexuality, and write a paper in French. If this sentence is too long for your liking, that's because I have way too much work. Most of this is due by Wednesday. But I guess, once all of this done I will be able to relax for the most part. I still have three finals to take, but they won't be so bad.
Currently I am on my way to A's in most of my classes, still praying for a B in Poli Sci, I may get a high B in French if I can't ace the test or do all of my homework in time, but I will bust my ass off for that as well. This week is going to equal a lot of busting my ass off. Not to excited, I just want it to be done.
But on a brighter note, Jade has been planning out the trip, and it's going to be pretty fucking awesome! I am so excited! She found this awesome hostel for super cheap that we'll both be staying at when I'm in Osaka, here. And we'll be traveling to Kyoto, Kobe, and Tokyo! Also exploring the Osaka area, it'll be so fun! We're going to try to be super cheap as well, which is something both of us want anyways.
Also, I'm done with all of my shopping for Japan! Bought the gloves the other day, so now my clothing is complete. I'm thinking about some snacks for the flight and trip, lick Snicker bars and Chewy bars and what not, but I will think about them more as I start packing.
Well I need to get back to writing my paper so I don't have a mental breakdown this week, which may actually happen.

Getting Closer!

2010-12-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

The day of my departure is getting closer and closer and as it does, my excitement builds.
I've finished my shopping for Japan! Well almost, the last and probably the most important thing on my list are gloves! I found some awesome mittens from Target, here. They're pretty sweet, I'm super excited to run down to Target and get them. My only fear is they may be gone by Thursday, which is when I will have the funds to get them! I hope they aren't.

Hard Drive

Well the camera came and it's pretty sweet. It has this really cool auto function where it will pick the best mode to take the picture with by itself, so say if you want to take a micro picture, you put it up close to what you want, and then it will switch by itself, then you just click, and voila; a micro shot! It also has some really interesting filters/modes that I have yet to fully play around with. I'm rather excited for all the pictures that will be taken in Japan!

Phone

So the other night I was able to talk to Jade for a few hours with some friends. It was amazing, it felt like she was in the room, even though she is 5,000+ miles away. It's really heartwarming to talk to her, because we have such an awesome connection. It makes me even more excited to go on this trip, just to spend some quality time with her. We're both really looking forward to all of the adventures that are going to be had. I really can't wait to get off the plane in Osaka and see her beaming face, I really miss talking to her for extended periods of time.
School has been a little hectic and will continue to be until Wednesday of next week. I have to memorize a speech, at least I've written it, unlike last time. I need to write yet another Anthro paper, this time on an ancient Hominin Species, I think I'm going to choose Neanderthals because they lived around the same time of early Homo Sapiens and I find that interesting. I still have to do a 35+ slide PowerPoint for my Political Science class, which I want to be over, praying for a B in the class, don't know if I'll get it. I also still have to figure out what I am going to write my French paper on, maybe I'll just cook something? I need to talk to the teacher tomorrow. And on top of all of this, I have to do a group project. I don't know why teachers want so much done at the end of the semester. Doesn't it make it harder on them as well? Grading all of these assignments?!
I just pray that my grades stay at B's and A's, preferably the latter. I also pray that my Poli Sci grade is going to be higher than a C, not much hope for that class though.
Well come next Friday, I will be slightly more relaxed, though I will still have three finals to study for. But I must keep my head on tight and focus on what I have to do to achieve the goals that I want. Must keep telling myself I can do this. Because I totally can.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Just wishing all of you readers a Happy Thanksgiving!
Also my camera has been ordered for Japan. I got the Canon PowerShot SD1400, and am rather excited for it. It went on sale last night, for a really good price, so I feel good about it.
I've spent Thanksgiving at home by myself, I dropped my mother off at a cousins house earlier on. It's nice to sit and relax with no one around, also eating the yummy food my mother cooked is quite a plus.
Not much has happened this week, I've done some shopping for Japan, but I still have to buy a few more winter items and toiletries and then I'll be set for the trip.
I hope your day has gone well and that you have eaten yummy food!

Camera.

2010-11-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

So I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out what I'm going to do to take pictures in Japan. My original goal was to have enough to get a Canon Rebel T1i, but that fell through. My intention was to get one and then use to pursue my photography goals, but I will have to put it off. A little saddened by that, but I'd rather go to Japan and chill with my best friend, then have a nice new camera.
My option is take my mothers camera, but that won't happen. It'll be Christmas time, she's going to want to use the camera to take pictures of the grandchildren and family, understandable.
The only other option is to buy a camera, a cheap point and shoot. I'd rather not, because I want to get the DSLR at some point, but I want something that I will be able to take pictures with in Japan. I've been doing my research and have got three camera's on my mind. First, the Sony DSC-W350, which looks rather promising and is a fairly good camera for the price. Second is the Canon PowerShot SD1300, a newer version of my mothers camera, but it doesn't seem to match up to the Sony. Last of all, the Nikon Coolpix S3000, which is the cheapest of the three, but doesn't seem to be as well as the Sony.
I think my mind is set on the either the Sony or the Canon, but now I must decide which I really want. I guess the best thing about this week will be the sales, so hopefully these go on sale sometime this week, allowing me to get one for a steal. I am going to keep looking around. I just really want a camera to capture the amazing sights and times I will have with Jade exploring Japan. Also to update with awesome pictures for you guys to see!
This week will also start the begging of my preparations for Japan. It's the only time within the next month that I won't be really busy. I'm going to get winter clothing and a few other essential toiletries fro the trip. Also ordering about 500 to 600 or 700 dollars worth of Yen from the bank, which will be usefully because according to Jade, most places only take cash. I need to call my bank at some point within the next few weeks to tell them I will be using my debit/credit card in Japan, so they don't think my identity has been stolen.
Also getting a brand new prescription for glasses and contacts tomorrow, which is much needed, it's getting harder and harder to see far now. Though I probably won't get new glasses until after I come back from Japan, wanna save up and get some stylish frames with some ultra thin lenses. I want to be able to wear my glasses and not have the lenses touching my faces (yes my current pair of glasses have lenses that touch my face).
I think it would be nice some of you readers left your input about the cameras. I will make my decision later this week, once my financial situation has been sorted completely, contacts are not cheap!
This week is going to be a little crazy with school work, family, and preparations for my trip in store. I just hope that I'm able to get some relaxation, though this weekend has seen me do nothing but sit around and read Roots, which is a nice change of pace for once.
P.S. After doing some more research, I think I found the camera I want, the Fujifilm FinePix S1800, I think one of my friends has one of these and it takes awesome pictures for not being an DSLR. And it's priced fairly well for the quality. Though I'll look into it more.
Camera searching has driven me a little insane.
UPDATE: Kidding about the Fujifilm, it's come between two Canon PowerShots. We'll see which one I get later on this week. Will post about it once it's bought.
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: I've decided on the camera. Drum roll please.... It's going to be the Canon PowerShot SD1400, it's a better camera than the SD1300, a little more expensive, but for the features, it will be worth it. It'll be something I use, even when I get my DSLR, just because it's small and portable, and easy to carry. So I think the purchase of such a camera is all right.
Now I just have to figure out where it will be the cheapest on Friday or Monday. I refuse to set foot in a store anytime after Tuesday, unless I really have to, I hate Christmas shoppers and avoid them like the plague.

TSA and Immigration.

2010-11-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

Um, I think I understand this.

So I'm doing my best to try and understand the security processes needed to travel to Japan. It's rather scary, going by myself, but I know I can do it; though the lack of understanding of the Japanese language will make it rather difficult. I CAN DO THIS!
I was taking a look around on the JAL website trying to find out what would happen when I had to change terminals in Tokyo and this scary map thing appeared. It would appear that once I make it through immigration and customs, that I will have to make a sharp right, to find myself in front of the domestic transit center. This is where I should be able to check in for my flight from Tokyo to Osaka. Then it would appear that I have to take a JAL SKY Shuttle to another terminal, to actually board the plane, mind you I'm stuck in Tokyo for about 5 to 6 hours. I just hope that my jet lagged self will be able to do this, without having a head asploding moment.
Another concern that has show up in recent days is the TSA's new security policies. I completely understand why we must have security, but it is rather an invasion of ones privacy when one must choose between naked x-ray pictures or a pat down that includes fondling of the genitals. I'm going to go through with it, only because I've been waiting for so long to go somewhere so far and knowing that I will share this special time with a really close friend is amazing. I wouldn't miss it for anything.
Well, I need to get to finishing up an outline for a speech, gotta make this semester go out with a bang. So far my grades are pretty favorable, though Poli Sci is quite the struggle, but I think I can pull of a B if I try to do pretty well on the final. Other than that, the rest should be high B's or A's.
Thanksgiving break next week, I get the whole week off. Friday needs to come sooner. Like, now.

WTF IS THIS SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!

PS: I generally have good spatial abilities, but WHAT THE HELL IS THIS MAP TELLING ME TO DO?!
This was taken from Tokyo-Haneda's website on how to transfer to a domestic flight. I just see pictures and lines, with flat colored things about.
This will take patience on my part, I know I can do this, just gotta sit and breathe when I get there, then play the dumb American.

WST.

2010-11-13T01:10:00.000-08:00

It's 1 in the morning and here I am updating, when I should be sleeping for the writing test I have to take tomorrow/today.

I'm here chilling on Mina's couch here in San Jose, which is rather comfy. Tonight we went out for a walk around downtown San Jose, which has a rather interesting night life. We wanted to get a quick drink at a bar, but that didn't work out because the first bar we went to had a cover charge and the second was rather busy and hectic. Either way we enjoyed the walk and each others company.

I noticed as time gets closer, I'm rather nervous/excited to be going to SJSU, because it's a new school and environment, plus a new major. So many new things, I hope I can take it all in.

Japan is only 37 days away, I can't believe I'm going. I still have a lot to prep for, like trying to get winter clothing on a budget. Getting my toiletries ready. Cleaning off my suitcase. Calling my bank and telling them I will be using my card in Japan. Ordering Yen from my bank. Ordering new contacts. And so many other little things that need to get done. It's gunna be a crazy month!

That also reminds me! I have health insurance! Well really only until February, but it gives me enough time to get a new prescription for my glasses/contacts and get up to date with my primary physician about my general/overall health. Which is rather exciting, because I can hardly see licence plates on the cars in front of me anymore!

Well I need to get to bed, so I can be rested and somewhat prepared for this test tomorrow, though there really is no way to prep for it.

Seat Secured

2010-11-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Apparently K is a good letter

I got the last window seat, so now I have nothing to worry about it when it comes to comfort on the plane. I rather enjoy being able to lean on something when sleeping. I leave in just over a month, a little scary, but exciting!
Japan is going to be quite the adventure with Jade. It shall be so much fun, even if I don't have a lot of money to spend, it will so be worth the struggle. I really do look forward to all the awesome memories that will be made. She is also planning to go to Thailand after I leave, I wish I had more money, I'd so go on that trip with her too. I think she'd be a fun person to travel with, which is another reason why I want to visit Japan with her.
Moving on to my current life and struggles, school has been swamping me. I have a lot of assignments to do, though I just got a lot of them done, which is rather nice. I have about five weeks left of school, which is rather shocking, because these will possibly be my last few weeks at Solano. Which is a rather joyous thought; I'm tired of Solano. But it also means that SJSU is around the corner and that I need to get some things paid off before my living situation is finalized. Money is once again an issue, not that I don't have it, but that I don't want to spend it on housing, but instead I'd like to spend it on my trip. The plus side to going to SJSU though, is a bigger financial aid check, which will cover the costs of school, so when I get there it won't be too much of a problem, but trying to get there is.
This will all be sorted out with time, I'm probably freaking myself out for no reason.
And a little note to all of my LJ followers, you guys are missing out on the links and pictures I post on my blogger. If you want to see them you need to come to my blogger page, which is joyeuxmort.blogspot.com or you can click the blogger in link on the right side of my LJ page.
Anyhow, I'm off to take a quick nap then do some homework and studying. Good luck to those of you who are also doing the same.

My new friend in the car

Going it Solo.

2010-11-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

That's right, I'm going to Japan all by myself. Scary, right?
Mina had to pull out due to financial/personal reasons. I completely understand am really sad that she's not going. But I've been given her full blessing to enjoy the trip, so I shall. I talked with Jade and things are still going as planned, so no worries about this affecting the trip too much.
I now am changing around my seats on some of the flights so I get window seats, I'm not a big fan of middle or isle seats. I'm actually waiting on Mina's cancellation to be finalized so I can get her window seat on the flight to Japan.
Life has been a little crazy school wise the past few days. I've had a ton of assignments due, and still have a few more to finish. But as they're getting done my stress level is slowly dissipating, so once these final big assignments are done, I shall be back to normal.
The Giants doing well in the World Series has caused quite the buzz around lately. It's rather exciting, though I don't follow baseball, the Giants have always been my team because I used to live on the border of San Francisco when I was younger. I even got to go to one of their games when they still played at Candle Stick. So it's nice to know that they can actually win this. I also may be heading out to the city tonight to watch the game at the Civic Center, which will be rather exciting if they do win, it'll be quite the party!
Well I'm off to finish some quick assignments before I make my jettison to the city.

GO GIANTS!

Zoo and Phone Review.

2010-10-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the zoo with a friend. I chose the San Francisco Zoo because it apparently had a better primate exhibit than the other nearby zoos. Last time I had gone to the zoo was kindergarten, it's been a crazy long time.

An Emperor Tamarin, trying to get a look at the smart phone

I rather enjoyed it, even if it was raining the whole time we were there. I went primarily for an Anthropology paper which involves me studying five different primates for about 15 minutes each and analyzing their behaviors. It's a rather dull project, but the subjects were rather interesting. My favorite had to be the Emperor Tamarins, they're horribly cute and very social with the zoos guests. They apparently have an affinity for smartphones. They know what they want! They're very playful with each other too, chasing each other around the enclosure, even climbing upside down on the roof.Very enjoyable. Also they enjoyed biting each others tails, then getting chased around, like playful little children.

Lion

At the zoo we didn't get to see much else, because we made it to the city rather late, and I had to do my research, so there wasn't much room. Though we did get to see the lions and tigers, which were amazing, I was shocked at how big a male lion actually is. He was HUGE, my god, he took up so much room. Though he was incredibly lazy. He just sat, though he paid a lot of attention to the trainer/attendant who apparently feeds them, he looked at her rather fondly. The tiger we saw was also rather magnificent, though I don't think she was fully grown. She was sitting in her little tub/kitty box and was grooming herself, when the attendant walked by, she ended up standing up and staring as the trainer longingly, as though she wanted more food, which she probably did. After a few words of love, the trainer walked on and the tiger ended up pressed against the bars just to see the trainer. Rather amazing.
After the zoo I ended up going to Japan Town and walking around with my friend, we had a rather enjoyable day, even if it was all wet and rainy out.
Now I move on to the phone, I know some of you have been waiting, Ridhi *cough*. So I shall give the best review I can.

Without the OtterBox Case

As I mentioned before I bought a Nokia E63, because my Samsung Impression was on the fritz. It's turned out to a rather useful/fun investment. The phone is a smartphone, but apparently AT&T doesn't recognize that it is on their network, so I was able to keep my normal unlimited data plan, which is a big relief to me, because the new data plans for smartphones have a cap now, so now I can do all I want and not have to worry about going over anything.
First I'd like to explain what was done right with this phone and why I think it's such a great phone.
One of the things that made me get the phone was the price. I only paid 170 for the phone, with free shipping from Amazon. For a smartphone, that an amazing price, seeing as a Blackberry Bold 9700 or a Torch cost about 500 without a contract and 200 with an upgrade or a new line/contract. As I mentioned before my last phone was on the fritz so this purchase was justified, especially since my last phone was out of warranty and my next upgrade isn't available until June next year.

Keyboard

Another thing I love about the phone is the keyboard, though it took me a while to get to love it. It's rather cramped when compared to my Impressions slide out keyboard, but what makes it so great is just that, it's not a slide out keyboard. They get to tiring and cumbersome after a while, rather frustrating. It's very similar to a Blackberry's keyboard, but some of the buttons are in different places and they aren't shaped the same, mine are more dome shaped. I like having my row of buttons with different setting allocated to them, one for my menu, the other for my calendar, the other my contacts, and the last my messaging button, which is rather helpful when I'm deep in the phones files doing something and I receive a text. Another thing I love is that the little silver rocker/dial, has a light that blinks if I receive a message, email, or a missed call. It's nice to just be able to look at the phone and tell whether something has happened.

Top of the phone, Speaker and headphone jack

My only downsides to this phone are it's lack of GPS, a volume rocker, and the quality of the camera. Also the Symbian OS can be rather difficult to adapt to. The lack of GPS gets me, because I love to use Google Maps for Mobile to find my current location and get me the eff out of there. There is a way around this, but it involves buying a device like this to get it to work. A little bit of a hassle, but it's fixable. My second problem is the volume rocker, which is something I'd love to have, because it's nice to be able to change the ringer volume or the volume of my last.fm app as I'm listening to music, without having to use the keyboard. This is also something else I have gotten over and am starting to get used to, so it's not that big a deal for me. Lastly, the camera isn't the best, it's only 2.0 megapixels and shows it. I use my camera extensively to document little things in my life, to blog about or tweet about, and the occasional Facebook picture, so it was a disappointment to see the quality. Though advantages of this phone out weigh this and any other qualms that I may have had with it.

Back of the phone

Overall, this phone is pretty amazing for the price you pay. I'd say, if you have an upgrade available, get a Blackberry, but if you're stuck without an upgrade for quite some time, then you may want to consider this phone.

Quick update about the Japan trip, ALL SEATS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THE FLIGHTS! So now all I have to worry about is booking the hostels for the nights that I will need them in different cities. Wow I still can't believe I'm going! It's now under two months until I'm on a plane!

60, well 59 now.

2010-10-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

In 59 days I will be on a plane headed to Japan. Crazy, I can't believe I'm actually going. I've always had a fascination with traveling, and to Japan in particular. This will be the begging of a new adventure in my life, something that I'm really looking forward to.
Things are a little crazy right about now, I'm a little strapped for cash, because I've already put aside money for Japan and refuse to touch it. So I'm struggling a little to pay some fees that have come up with my recent admission to SJSU. It's a little frustrating, but is being sorted out slowly but surly.
A better phone review will come in the coming days, I've just now become acquainted to it's operating system and am figuring out its limitations.

To My Lj Friends.

2010-10-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

I've found a way to post both to my Blogger and Lj. I haven't completely forgotten about you!
I just find that it is a lot easier to update my Blogger. Well now that the accounts are linked, you will be able to see what I'm up to.

The Promised Update.

2010-10-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

As stated in the previous post I have a few major updates to get on.
First of them is the very exciting news that I posted about, I got into SJSU for the Spring! Which is very thrilling news for me, because I'll be able to move on with my college career and start working towards getting my B.S. faster. It also means I'm able to move out of the house a lot sooner than I though I would, which makes me very happy because it's very difficult to deal with my family.
My only concerns right now is the money I need for the orientation, housing application, and housing payment itself. It's kind of expensive, something I'm willing to pay, but something I am kind of short on the money for. I may need to borrow money from my mother, or work out some sort of pay back, though she does owe me about 1,000 bucks. I don't know exactly how much I'll be getting in Financial Aid, but I'm hoping that it's enough, so that if I do have to get more student loans that they only amount to about 3,000 to 5,000 dollars per year. But I'll find that out at a later date.

Nokia e63 with OtterBox Case

Second, I got a new phone! A Nokia e63; I love it. It was unlocked, so it was a little pricey, but not as much as most smartphones are with a new or renewed contract, so it was a steal. It's technically a smart phone, but apparently AT&T's network doesn't recognize that it is, so I didn't have to upgrade my data plan at all, though I still get all the perks of a smartphone! It's kind of amazing.
Though it's not the best of phones, I still really enjoy it, and it's a lot better upgrade than my last phone. The only real downside for me is the camera, it doesn't take the best pictures, but that fine by me. But the features more than make up for it, I now have Wi-Fi access and access to so many different apps, though Symbian doesn't have quite as many as the Android or Apple O.S. It's designed really nicely, though the keyboard is taking some getting used to, but over all it's a pretty amazing phone so far.

Fox Theater

This past week I got to see M.I.A. in concert at the Fox theater in Oakland. Wow, what an amazing venue, there was a ton of detail inside. The theme of the theater was an Asian/Middle Eastern look, with gold ceilings and walls, which had very intricate designs carved into them. Also there were giant statues on either side of the stage, that had glowing eyes and other things, I don't know who they were but, it was interesting to see them. The floor was in a two or three tear system, with the main floor being right on stage, this is where I chose to stand along with a friend who i had worked with over the summer. And wow am I glad that I decided to go to the show, even if it was a little short. M.I.A. is a ball of energy and is a great stage presence, she also knows how to work a crowd really well. Another amazing thing about the show were the lights! I've never seen so many strobe lights on one stage. There were lights above, below, to the sides, at the back, and on the speakers up front. This made for an amazing light show, one that left us a little blinded at first.

Rye Rye

For the opening act M.I.A. chose Rye Rye, a young female rapper she signed to her own record label. Rye Rye is a bundle of energy as well, her act consisted of very buff men dancing along with her on stage, and a Dj helping mix her tracks. Her music is very fun, though it may take some getting use to. I found myself dancing, with the help of a beer (I haven't drank much since the summer), but thoroughly enjoyed myself.

M.I.A.

Next came M.I.A. herself, she took quite a while to get on stage, which was rather frustrating for us in the crowd. We waited about 40 minutes between Rye Rye and her act, though we had M.I.A's DJ playing some amazing dance music for us. One of the first things you notice about M.I.A. when she comes on stage is how beautiful she is. All I could say was "wow". The performance was amazing, she played a few of my favorites like "Bamboo Banger", but neglected to play much from her first album, which was my favorite album. But I won't hold it against her, she is trying to promote her newest album Maya, so it's understandable.

One of the main issues with the show was that it was difficult to here her singing at some points. I don't know if it was her equipments fault, or if that was just because of the acoustics of the theater, but it kind of hindered my enjoyment; though her high energy more than made up for it. At one point she even passed a bottle in Patron into the crowed, which was a rather funny thing to me.

One great thing was that we were pretty close to her and that she was all over the crowd, she seems to love hanging off the bars and letting the crowd sing her songs with her, which is amazing. I always enjoy when an artist asks the crowd to participate with them, to me it shows respect for the fans. Anyway, she basically jumped into the crowd right in front of us, like right on top of us, I got to touch her, but only for fear of her falling on me.

Well I think this post got rather lengthy without meaning to, but it was just that awesome. I need to catch up with reading and apparently have been invited to do other things tonight. But just for kicks I'll leave you with one more picture.

Quick Update.

2010-10-14T23:58:00.000-07:00

I GOT INTO SJSU FOR THE SPRING!

Just thought it should be known. I'll give a more in depth post this weekend when I'm not pulling out my hair because of a current assignment.I have lots to tell; including new phone, M.I.A. concert, and more details about my acceptance to SJSU. Either way I'm really really excited for this.
Really.

My Sentiments Right Now.

2010-10-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

FUCK AT&T!
My phone has had an issue since I got it (I really didn't think much of it), it's progressively gotten worse now they don't want to give me a new phone because mine is out of warranty, but want me to go out and pay for a phone at full face value. FUCK THAT. I just wish I had a better phone. But what ever, it works for now and we'll see what happens by May 30th, 2011. Who knows maybe I'll stick with them and get a Blackberry, because Verizon is wayyy to expensive. Tmobile has no signal anywhere and Sprint has lame phones. Why am I so picky.

Middle of the Week.

2010-10-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

It's almost the middle of the week and I'm losing steam; fast. It's hard to stay motivated for school, very. But I need to set a certain amount of time each day for school, and stick with it. I must, so I can get the grades that I want.

I've started to knit again, just doing another ribbed scarf so I can get back into the hang of things. After this one is done, I am going to make another for my friend Lindsey, who is making me an awesome hat for Japan. I think it'll be an equal trade for the work and love that will go into each. I'm hoping to get started on a hat soon, apparently Mina wants me to travel to San Jose for me to do so. I will at some point, but I need to figure out how to work it into my shrinking budget.
No word from SJSU yet, hoping and praying that I get in for the spring, I really want it. I need to get out of Fairfield, to move on with my college career, so I can get my GPA up for grad school.
Currently I have to write an outline for a speech and do some more French work. Not to mention I need to do a ton of reading for my other classes. I also need to get around to studying a little better for my Poli Sci class, I got my first test back today and was disappointed in my score, I can do better, but I need to be able to study.
It's hard for my to study at my house though, well at least with people floating around like there always seems to be. My mother is always here, never out, my sister seems to think this is a permanent day care and leaves her children here most of the time, so it's hard to get some peace and quite or some quality alone time that I so desperately need. I need to find a place that I can study at; the library is an option, but I don't study well in big spaces like that, something about it makes it difficult to concentrate on what I'm doing. I need to find a place where I can just sit and relax and focus on what I need to do without any distractions.

Japan or Bust.

2010-10-02T03:44:00.000-07:00

It's the name of my budget. I currently have about $1,300 saved up for Japan; about $700 from where I would like to be. I am really proud of myself for doing this, being able to save money to do something I really really want to do. It's amazing to see it all come together.
Next on the list of things to do is to find hostels in Osaka, Tokyo, possibly Kyoto, and where ever else we may travel. They're pretty cheap, some go as cheap as $20 a night, some of the nicer ones are about $35 or so. Either way, it'll fit into my budget, which makes me happy.
After, I need to look for clothing. It's going to be unbelievably cold in Japan during December and January; and all I have is a peacoat. I am putting together a budget to get more sweaters, gloves, and long sleeve shirts, also some thermals. I'm also thinking about getting some hats. Lindsey is going to make me an awesome colorful hat so I can take pictures with and give it an awesome story. She made me one last summer that I'm also going to take, it's pretty sweet, and I'm looking forward to the new one too. I'm also going to make one more scarf and possibly a hat, so I have a plethora of warm things.
All in all it's hitting me slowly that this trip is a reality. Also, we get to pick our seats on the domestic flights at the end of this month, that will be nice, because it's one less thing to worry about.

Undisclosed Desires

This past Tuesday I saw Muse live. It was simply amazing. I had a ton of fun, I sang along to each and every song, at the top of my lungs. I lost my voice in the middle of the third song, but kept singing because I enjoyed it that much. They are really exciting to see on stage because of all the interesting stage props, though they don't have too many crazy stage antics, yet they were extremely enjoyable.

Uprising

Mina went with me, and i think she had a very enjoyable time, we had nothing but praise for the band after the show. The crowed wasn't too bad either, though some stupid guys did start a mosh pit behind us, but we weren't involved so it didn't matter to us too much. It also helped scare away all the annoying high school kids, which was fine with us.
I took a lot of pictures, probably around 230 or so. Not all of them came out nice because I couldn't use the flash and all I have is a Cannon Powershot SD1000. Also the crowd was moving a lot during most of the songs, so it was very difficult to get steady shots. I also took some videos! Of Helsinki Jam and Plug in Baby! Amazing stuff there. Really enjoyed it all. hope I'm able to see them again.
Yet another concert is scheduled in the coming weeks, this time I'll be changing up things and seeing M.I.A. I'm really excited to see her, she's really different and I really enjoy her stuff. After her I'm trying to see VV Brown, and after that, if possible Robyn. Yeah it's a lot of shows to go to, but I really want to enjoy myself, and going to concerts is a great way for me to get out my energy without freaking out on someone.
Today I turned in my applications to different CSUs in the area. I just found out that the Industrial Design major at SFSU is impacted and that I have to yet another application to the department itself, and take two more classes, if they even want to consider letting me in for it. Freaking crazy. Though I don't think the major is impacted at SJSU, which is good for me, so I will hope and pray that I get in. Oh, and they're accepting transfers for Spring 2011, which is good for me, so now I have to hope and pray that they accept me between now and then, so I can move on with my life!
I need to practice some Japanese and relax a little, but I will leave you with a Muse video. Good night all!
Helsinki Jam:

Counter.

2010-09-25T02:55:00.000-07:00

I've added a countdown clock to the profile, counting down the days and hours until I board my flight for Japan. Just to let the excitement slowly build.
And because I have a crazy aircraft fetish (thanks Mina), I'm going to entertain you with some info I've done on the flights.

Boeing 777-300ER

So the first flight is from San Francisco International to Tokyo-Haneda, Japan Airlines, or JAL, flight 1, flying economy (here is an idea of what it'll be like). We'll be leaving at 6ish Pacific time on the 20th and arrive at at 10:30ish Tokyo time on the 21st. Then we're going to have an amazing 8 hour layover in Tokyo, which I'm kind of not looking forward to. We'll be flying on a Boeing 777, my first time EVER on a wide body aircraft, kind of excited about that. I've always had a fascination with commercial airliners and this will definitely please that fascination. Though I am not really looking forward to the 11 and a half or so hour flight, but I will have Mina there with me, so that will help time fly.

Boeing 737-800

Then our next flight leaves at 6:55ish from Tokyo and arrives at 7:55ish in Osaka at Kansai International on JAL 173. I've flown on a Boeing 737 before, but never on an 800 series, which has blended wingtips, another exciting thing to look forward to.
And at the end of all of this flying and waiting, I will get to see my best friend Jade! Which is the most exciting thing about this trip. I will get to hangout with her in Japan and we will be able to expand our friendship in a whole new way. I just think it's so exciting.
Anywho, back to regular life here in California. School has been going okay, it's been rather stressful coming back from work and going straight into school with no break. I've literally had just over 14 days to relax this past summer, it's been crazy dealing with that stress. My grades for the most part have been mid to high B's and A's, though French hasn't been the best. But I've started to put more effort into it, knowing that a B or an A will make all the difference in transferring out of Solano.
I've been saving up money as best as I can and have already put aside almost 1,100 dollars for Japan, with more going into that bank account this week after Tuesdays paycheck (the last Mather check of the year). So I've been keeping to my promise, which is amazing.
This week coming I get to see Muse live in concert in Sacramento, I'm really excited about that and will post pictures on here for all to see, I'll also post the better ones on Facebook and Flickr for those that are interested.
Well I need to get off to bed so I can study and go places.
We shall meet again blog.

First.

2010-09-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

First post on this here new blog.
Well not really, seeing as I've kind of posted a few times then deleted them, being all indecisive as I am.
My goal is to try and maintain my LJ and this account, and then probably end up switching to this one at some point, once I feel comfortable enough using it.
I do like it more, in terms of being able to customize my blog without having to know an extensive amount of css or html. Though I do need to get into learning how to use the two formats plus more, but that's for another day.
Currently I am avoiding an outline for a speech, I just don't feel like doing it! Also trying to watch The Edukators, which is turning out to be rather difficult.
I've been addicted to Peggle Dual Shot for the DS, I can't put it down! I do homework then take a break and play Peggle, get frustrated, do homework again, then back to Peggle. Endless cycle.
Yesterday I was able to pick my seats on the flights to and from Japan, which was nice, my best friend Mina and I should be sitting next to each other. But Japan Airlines has a weird rule and won't let us pick our seats on the domestic flights (in Japan itself) until exactly 2 months and 14 days or no less than 72 hours before the day of departure. Kind of strict, no?
Book wise I've been reading Roots, this is my second attempt, but this time I actually want to read it, so it's going a lot smoother. I'm going to try to finish it soon, but I probably won't because the workload from my classes has been kind of demanding. After Roots there is a series I'm interested in called The Engineering Trilogy, which sound kind of similar in writing style to the Song of Ice and Fire series, I'm a little excited for that. Though I have about 10 other books in my stack of books to read. Well that's what the 11 and half hour flight to Japan will be for!
Well I shall end this post, or it'll turn into a rather long rant, which it already has the beginnings of.
Oh and yes, this will be my travel blog for said Japan trip, also a trip to St. Lucia next summer is in the works, along with a planned study abroad trip to France. This will be a rather busy life/travel blog.