Guys...We're Going to Need an Ark...

Wassup Hoes,


I want to post more but the days go by so quickly/slowly that I can't always find the time. So here is another big update about the sometimes dubious adventures that our merry band takes part in almost everyday. The day after of awesome fun big time adventures in Kanayama, we got into some shenanigans in another big shopping district of Nagoya, Sakae. We had wanted to do some shopping but we came a little later because we were traveling with the guys and they wanted to go to a pub, so most of the shops were just closing up as we got  there. Anna still got to go see HMV though, a really popular music and movie store in Japan. All the
 buildings looked really cool at night.

This is Nagoya TV Tower

Anna told me that this is one of the most famous things in Nagoya, Nagoya TV Tower. It looked pretty cool lit up from afar but we really didn't very close to it. There was also a big Ferris wheel attached to the side of a building that was lit up all different colors.

This was one of the streets off of the main road in Sakae, they had arches over them, although I wasn't paying attention to what they said on them. I also had my very first Japanese Starbucks experience here, it was very delicious and I was quite pleased.

Like everyother place we've been to so far in Japan, Sakae had it's share of Pachinko parlors. We tried to go in this one but you needed to get a card to play the machines instead of just putting cash directly in them and so we decided to put off pachinko for another day. It was a sad sad day in my life.

After we stopped in the pachinko parlor we continued walking around. Bre pointed out this cool looking area and we decided to go inside. Surprise! It was a really big shrine, so we wandered around it for a bit and admired it. We also found another shrine on our way back to the main downtown but it was next to a police station so we didn't want to go inside in case we weren't allowed to.



The next day was pretty much a resting day for us, we were all pretty tired and so we didn't do much aside from the fact that I wanted to go back to book-off. This time I was prepared with what I wanted from it and I knew I would leave victorious, and I did! We took the train this time, making the book-off trip significantly better for all persons involved. After leaving book-off Anna and I decided to just head up to Atsuta shrine because it's really close and it's one of the most important shrines in Japan. The object enshrined there is the sword that is part of the imperial regalia along with the mirror at Ise shrine and the jewel which is with the family. On our way there we stumbled upon other shrine, it was pretty big and we had never seen it before.

We dunno what this shrine is for but it looked as cool as the others we saw, so of course we took pictures. I really like the architecture of them.

We continued on and then we saw the opening for Atsuta shrine. This complex for the shrine is epic. Its just covered in trees and its just really cool and really pretty. This is the Torii gate at one of the entrances, it was huge. The whole place was pretty big, the mood was also set by some crows that we creeping behind us as we walked up.

This is the purification Water

After washing your hands and mouth with the purification water you can continue on to the shrine. This is the place where you walk up to pray to the kami in the shrine. The actual place that the item is enshrined is way past that building in another building. No one but the royal family and a select few priests ever get to see the actual item. It's very cool as esoteric. so we threw money into the offering thing did the typical clap and speak to the kami thing and then we were on our way.


Our Days are always filled with fun stuff and that's why we also went to the nearby gardens to look around and stuff. I was pleased that the garden had multiple ponds, and each pond had koi. The garden also had koi food for sale for 50 yen a cup. I bought four cups, I really enjoyed feeding the fish. I actually even got to pet one because they were all coming up right next to the bank in an attempt to get food. They remind me of like dogs but dogs that swim. There really isn't much else to say about the garden, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Today is going to be a lazy day instead of my first day of class because we have a typhoon going on! I don't have any pictures yet, but the rain was intense all yesterday and today as well. I slowly watching the soccer field behind my dorm turn into a lake. At this point in time, the rain is going almost horizantal thanks to the rain, it's all very interesting. We shall see where this leaves us.

Until next time,
~BPuddin

Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Wassup Hoes,

I'm sorry for the delay of my posts, it has been a whirlwind of a first week here in Nagoya, but it was a totally awesome whirlwind, aside from the placement test of course. Anna, Jay and I have been out wandering around the various streets of Nagoya every evening and we have had some of the most fun doing it. But first things first, here are my pictures of the communal areas of my dorm room.

 This right here is my lovely shower/bath room. It is quite....cozy I suppose. It wasn't until today that I figured out it is possible to acquire hot water when taking a shower, before it was very cold.

This is the sink and next to it as an area you can fill buckets and clean stuff so that is kind of convenient to have. The toilet is also off of this area but I thought it would be weird to take a picture of that so I didn't.

This is our kitchen, it's actually really nice. We have a rice cooker now as well and while we don't have a stove per se, the hot plate seems to work well enough. I haven't actually cooked anything in here yet but my roommate and her friend are always cooking up something and it usually smells really good.


Well that's it for what constitutes my living space for the duration of my time here in Japan. It isn't super exciting but it is much nicer than what I'm going to come back to America to so that's a little sad. As for what we've been doing this whole time I haven't been updating, the answer is pretty much anything and everything. The day after we found the pachinko parlors we did find the book-off. It was so glorious, and things were bought and all was good.

After that we decided to walk to Kanayama station. Our friends had said that it was really cool and had a legit arcade and while it was kind of a walk it wasn't too far at all. Lies and deceit. It was a really,really long walk but we eventually arrived and it was as cool as he had said. It looked a lot like the Japan that everyone sees on TV and it was bustling and crowded.

We went to the arcade here and it was so stereotypically Japan. The had UFO catchers but they also had the typical arcade games. It was pretty big, three stories tall so we spent some time in there. Then we went off in search of a place to eat and that's when we found it....JAPANESE DENNY'S. It is the classiest fucking place here which is so weird considering Denny's in America is a piece of shit and a half. After that we decided to head home, but we couldn't bear the thought of walking all the way back there since it was such a hike. Instead we decided that it would be the perfect time to try and figure out Nagoya's subway system. Buying the tickets seemed a little confusing at first so Jay pressed the call of assistance button. I was looking around for someone to come up and help us when all of a sudden the wall next to the ticket machine opened up and a man stuck his head out and asked us what we needed. All I could think was what the fuck Japan, what the fuck.

The Japanese subway, at least in Nagoya, is a lot like the el so I didn't feel too overwhelmed. A ticket to the next station over is 200 yen, which isn't too bad. Now we know better than to walk our asses to Kanayama in the future.

Last night was Anna and Bre's birthdays. Jay said we had to do it big and so it was done. A lot of the international students came out with us and we all went to karaoke. It was actually a lot of fun. I'm glad that we get along with most of the international students on campus so far. Today we are also planning on celebrating Anna's birthday round 2 so the plan is to go to Sakae which is the next stop after Kanayama. That means Sakae is the main objective for today's shenanigans but it has an important prerequisite. I need to go find an ATM to get monies. So far, Japan has been pretty expensive and I wasn't completely expecting that. I can't live without fruit so I am paying some less than stellar prices for it. I'll let everyone know how Sakae is in my next blog post!

Until Next Time,
~BPuddin

The Trip Over and the First Day

Wassup Hoes,

This is a catchup post, to let you all know how my flight went and how yesterday, my first full day in Japan was. The good news about those things is that I don't have any jetlag at all, thank you staying up all night. Now, without further ado I give you the Flight

The Flight

I was worried about flying out of America on 9/11. Not because I was afraid of terrorists or anything, I was just afraid of what a zoo security was going to be and all that good stuff. Security wasn't that bad at all I was really surprised. I also liked the added touch of playing the 9/11 specials on the TVs near the gate. That is definately what I want to watch before I get on a 13 hour plane flight. While I was in economy, the seats weren't too bad. We were still packed like sardines but it was probably one of the most comfortable sardine cans I've ever been in. We also got served like...2 and a half meals during the flight and they were all really good. I got a special meal because I let the airline know I was a vegetarian and there were no problems with that.

The First Meal

The second big meal looked pretty similar to that. I also didn't feel that bored on the plane, they had a lot of stuff to do, like play video games and watch movies. I started to get really antsy during the last 2 hours though. When we got into Narita airport, we had to go through customs and immigration. I don't know what I was expecting but wasn't at all like I thought it would be. On the plane I had to fill out a customs card, declaring what I was bringing into the country. When I got to the customs desk I handed it to him and prepared to have my stuff searched. Nope, nothing of the sort. Perhaps America has just prepared me to have all of my shit searched at the slightest provocation. After that we had to go through security again to get to the domestic flights, also way easier than I ever thought it could be. I didn't have to take my shoes off! It was like a whole new wonderful airport security experience.

The second flight was really nice, it was about 45 minutes and the view from the window was awesome. I wish I had been able to get more pictures. What I did get a picture of however, was the in flight magazine.

Nothing Says Welcome To Japan Quite Like This

We also made some new friends that were going to Nagoya Gakuin as well so that was nice to have a larger group of people traverse the airports with us, moral support and all that. Once we arrived in the Chubu airport we had to wait for the other people to get off their flights so a bus could take us all to the school. I went ahead and snapped this as the start of my adventure proper.



The First Day

While I did end up going out the night of our arrival in Japan, it was only to grab dinner from a convenience store, so I hardly think that counts. I was freaking out because I didn't have an ethernet cable, but I managed to just go to sleep because I was so tired and then I just acquired it the next day. I got some pictures of my room, so everyone can see it. It's pretty nice.

The View From My Balcony

These are all photos from my personal room, my roommate has a room that's really similar minus the closest. We share a balcony, and a bathroom and kitchen. It is a lot bigger than I had thought it was going to be going in. This is the place I had
applied for a dorm in, but I like it so it doesn't really matter.







I'll upload the communal areas soon, I feel like this post is super picture heavy already.

When I got up the next day, I had pringles for breakfast so I figured I might as well go and get some more food, I happened upon the other Gaijin while walking and so we all ended up going to the Yamanaka grocery store. So I am eating fruit AND pringles, very healthy. After that I went on a traumatizing search for an ethernet cable. They don't tell you how to get through a conversation like that in Japanese class, but I managed to get to Kojima, which apparently is an electronics store, and get one with no real issues. After that we had a meeting for all the people who are living in my dorm the seminar house. Post-Meeting we went in search of the book-off but ended up finding a Japanese McDonald's and two pachinko parlors. You know what...I'll take it. Looks like the objective for the near future is find that damn book-off!

Slightly unrelated note, I'm pretty sure I've spent like....10 dollars in vending machines already. Oh well.

Until Next Time,

~BPuddin

We Have Arrived!

Wassup Hoes,

I know, I know, I said I'd update everyday but in all of my infinite wisdom the one thing I forgot to pack was my ethernet cable. That in and of itself was just as much of an adventure as getting to Japan.  I took a lot of pictures en route and of my dorm and such and those will be up soon enough. This is just a cursory post to let everyone who is following me know that I got here safe and soon there will be more Japan on this blog than you can shake a stick at.


My objectives for today were/are:
-Find an ethernet cable (obviously already accomplished)
-Get nourishment
-get hangers

until next time,
~BPuddin

Pre-Japan Preparation Day 5: The Penultimate Day

Wassup Hoes,

I went to Chicago today, my love, and spent quite a bit of time wandering about and eating at various delicious locales. It was a quaint and beautiful farewell. The only regret of the day I had was I couldn't find a hobo to hug goodbye. Taking the train into the city always offers up a beautiful skyline view, and seeing it today almost brought tears to my eyes. Immuh miss you my little brie.

Chocolate Decadence

We ended up going thrifting in boystown for like two minutes but ate delicious food at clarks in which I couldn't handle ketchup bottles and then we migrated to Lincoln Square. The second we stepped off the el we were accosted by the sound of Polka and the smell of beer. It seems that today was the German-American Festival, it was like it was made for me as a farewell gift~ We ate AWESOME, NUMMY DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE DECADENCE FROM JULIUS MEINL. I bought a German flag to bring with me to Japan to decorate my room and represent.

It was a nice send off from Kyle and Hillary and I'm glad I got to spend my last day in America in one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people. Now all I have left to do is pack up my computer in the morning and leave for the airport. It's starting to get really, really scary. Shit is getting real now, bro. I only can hope that I'm ready.

I GOT THIS,
~BPuddin

Pre-Japan Preparation Day 4: In Which Shit Was Actually Accomplished and All Rejoiced

Wassup Hoes,

This post is very late, on the cusp of day 5 in fact. This day has been the first in the past week in which I was actually able to get stuff done. I have all of my clothes packed into a single suitcase and it only weighs 46 pounds. My airline gave me two free 50lbs checked bags so I have a lot of other space that I need to use up. Even though I've checked and double checked the stuff I've packed, I still keep feeling like I'm going to forget something really important.

Tomorrow is going to be my last time going into my most favorite city of all before I depart for Japan. I'm excited but it's also kind of sad because the trip hasn't really set in for me yet. It probably won't until I am in the airport.

Until Next Time,
~BPuddin

Pre-Japan Preparation Day 3: Two Units of Troops Have Been Deployed to Japan, Time for the Rearguard!

Wassup Hoes,

This post is a little later that usual, which is kind of funny because I actually got up way before I usually do. I got my prescription taken care of so that is a huge weight off my shoulders. I didn't get much done today, despite getting up early so that's a little depressing. It doesn't seem possible that Japan is a scant few days in the future. I plan to pack a little bit before going to sleep tonight, I have to start getting more stuff in order if I don't want to die of stress in the coming hours.

So that means the my main objective for tonight is to finish gathering all the stuff I plan to take Japan. The special objective is definitely going to be managing to pack the stuff at all.

In other news, I have actually begun to study...two days before I have to leave. Erryday making good decisions, erryday

I shall return,
~BPuddin

Pre-Japan Preparation Day 2: Well This Seems To Be Going Swimmingly...

Wassup Hoes,

Once again I write from the comfort of my family room as I continue to prepare. The good news is that I got my Yen delivered today which means that is one big thing that has been taken care of. The bad news is that I STILL don't know what the fuck is up with my prescription. So that's pretty much awesome. Hopefully this gets resolved in a timely manner.

Today I have plans to see people one last time before I go to Japan, but this cuts into my packing time. I really hope I can pack at the speed of light, for my sake.

Always raging at caremark,
~BPuddin

Pre-Japan Preparation Day 1: Holy Shit When Did This Become The Ring?

Wassup Hoes,

Today is officially five days before I embark on my epic quest across the globe, accompanied by the cacophony of several screaming children. I don't personally know these children, only the fact that I know they will be on my flight, simply because what is a plane flight without the lovely sound of children screeching beside you. As the clock ticks down to zero hour, I have come realize that I should have done about a dozen things waaaaaaay before the last week I'm in America. These are some things that I still have to do:

~Pack
~Figure out what the fuck is going on with my prescription
~Get travel sized toiletries
~Get Yen

So there you have it, I'm an idiot. I guess that makes today's objectives get going to the bank and walgreens.

Bank
Objective:
1. Order Yen
Special Obejective:
1. Get it within one business day

Walgreens
Objective:
1. Precious travel sized goodies
2. God (benedryl)
3. Tylenol
Special Objective:
1. Tasty, Tasy Energy Drink because I am exhausted


There you have it, while I am counting down the days til I have to go to Japan like I'm waiting alone in my room for Sadoko to come and get me, I will continue to post and everyone can watch my slow descent into madness with general elation and mirth.

Til next time,
~BPuddin

A little Preshow information

 Wassup Hoes,

This is not my first blog, it is however one that I hope to update with some regularity. This post is coming from America as I prepare to leave for the great wilderness that is one of the biggest cities in Japan. What Do? As of today I still have way too much shit to get done in just 6 days and it's crunch time.

I want to do something different with this blog, I want to set it up in a fun and interesting way so this is how it's gonna go down. Everyday (hopefully) I will set objectives for myself to complete and I will then post the results of my trip/adventure/escapade/what have you and photos to go along with it. Expect lots of photos, this shits gonna get real. I'll give myself special bonus objectives as well. I wouldn't want anyone to be forced to read a boring blog.

I hope that I get everything done in time for Sunday, but I'll keep everyone updated with freakouts I'm sure. I just don't think Japan is ready for this round of NCC students, it really is Attack of the Gaijin.

~BPuddin