emager in Japaradise: Can't wait to really start

Kansai Gaidai University

Nothing too exciting has been going on so far. Rachel and I have been exploring the area, which is a lot of fun. It's really nice being on my own, too. I'm very happy I won't be staying in the dorms. The foreign students here are very nice, but it's all Japan from a foreign perspective, which I can do anytime here. I want immersion! Also, I don't care to go out all the time like the people here, and I like my alone time.

Rachel and I went to karaoke with these people the other night.

We paid 1000 yen each for nomi-hodai, or all-you-can-drink karaoke. Probably not a good idea for me to do often, as I'm a lightweight and an obnoxious drunk.

We've been going through all sorts of orientation things, which many people call ridiculous, but really, they're very necessary, and it's good of the university to keep it so organized for the foreigners. I took my placement test today and found I hardly know any Japanese, which is only mildly depressing since I'm here to learn it. I'll find out my classes in the next few days as well.

Udon at the cafeteria! It's SO good; I had it for lunch yesterday and today. Omnom.

Today's Engrish! Found it at the school convenience store.

There are these gingko leaf signs and imprints all over the city, and I WILL find out what they're for, goddammit.

Getting people to talk to me in Japanese here is like pulling teeth, but they're all very nice people, and it's lovely when they want to talk to me. I had a conversation with some girls in the computer lab today, and a few days ago I stumbled upon an old man who talked to me in English, asked me to be his friend, and proceeded to give me his number so that I would call him and come to karaoke with him and his hiking club. Well. I'm not sure about that, but he was very kind, and I think he just wanted to speak English with someone. I'm getting sick, and I REALLY don't want it, but Japan doesn't seem to have any good cold medicine, or at least medicine that's not fifteen bucks, so someone recommended me a vitamin C drink. I hope it helps.