Finally Miyojima!

Sorry it took so long to get these up! Youtube isn't cooperating.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=603951526290507&l=2861359996770768674

Part 2!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=603986562953670&l=7968449590995891508

No school!!!

I woke up and I was so tired I didn't want to go to school. On the news it showed that a typhoon was happening. Apparently Typhoons are normal here. To my luck Mama got a text saying that school was cancelled for the day! I was so happy. So instead of going to school, it was decided that we go to the mall. The mall was soo big! We went to a couple of stores and I bought a Totoro bento box. It was my mission to get something with totoro on it! And I bought some other gifts but I can't tell because I want it to be a surprise. I went into a clothes store and was eyeballing this shirt I really wanted but I never bought it. I have a very hard time spending money, but I really wanted it and it was cheap! I missed my chance. We then went to an arcade where we played a taiko drum game that had the same concept as guitar hero. That was fun. I also played a claw game for ice cream. I didn't get anything! But here you have 3 chances to get it. Then we did Purikura which is a cute picture machine that makes you look cute and makes your eyes really big. It was fun. Then we went to the food court and I ate REAL RAMEN. It was delicious!!! Nothing like that fake college food in America. Afterwards we went to the ice cream vending machine which was awesome. The bottom floor of the mall was a supermarket. We got ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies. We then went home and I looked at the cookie recipe and realized that we were missing a couple of things so we went to the 100 yen shop (1 dollar shop) and picked them up. Then we cooked! The metric system was interesting. You have to weigh everything, so we had to buy a scale. The cookies were wonderful. At dinner we had another English speaking session with Papa which was hilarious. He cannot pronounce words lol. Then Akari and I tried on our Yukatas! It takes some practice but it was fun and they were pretty. Then I took a Japanese bath which is the greatest thing ever! Then I went to bed.

Honesty and Trust

This is a very important to[pic for me. I have noticed that Japan is a very honest and trustworthy society. Everyone is honest and trusts each other. At Miyojima, they had little souvenirs at different shrines and exhibits. You had to pay for the souvenirs and put the money in a box by each souvenir. The thing is, that there wasn't anybody watching the souvenirs or cameras or anything, so it could be easily stolen. But everyone paid for the gift that they wanted. It was nice to see that trust in each other. When I go to school I see small elementary school kids in Kindergarten or 1st grade walking to school or riding public transportation by themselves. No one has to worry about them getting kidnapped or abducted. Another interesting thing I found was that when people parked their bikes, they didn't lock them up. Nobody would come to steal your bike, and these were expensive bikes with motors and electronic stuff on them. I didn't see any locks or chains or anything. I liked the trust each person had within the community. One more small thing  I noticed was the umbrella stands outside of school or stores. People would place their umbrellas there and then go shopping or go into school. Again, it would get stolen or taken. Also there aren't as many cameras as you see in America. Anyways, that was my rant on trustworthiness and honesty. I wish that someday, other countries can lean from such a wonderful example and role model.

Things I have noticed

Some things that I have noticed about Japan are very different from the states. Japanese people are very skillful and careful drivers. A couple days ago on a very narrow road only big enough to fit 2 cars I was on the bus. On the other side of the road was another bus. The road was on a curve so it would be difficult for both buses to pass each other. But they did! I was scared that they would crash. They passed within inches of each other. I haven't seen or heard about 1 crash. Nest Japanese fashion. Japanese clothes are sooo cute! Everyone has on dresses, skirts or business suits. I barely see jeans. Even the older women still dress cute. Japanese girls rally like arm gloves/sleeve things and high heels. Almost  every girl I have seen has on high heels. Also in Japan you must have multiple umbrellas and Parasols to match your outfit. EVERYONE has an umbrella and they are the ones with the curvy handles. Next, School. In school everyday you have different classes, each class is 50 minutes  and the number of classes vary day to day but it is somewhere around 6-7. there is school on Saturday but only for 3 classes. The classrooms have no electronics. No smartboards, computers, or projectors. Just a chalkboard, but the chalkboard is cool because it can go up or down. Between classes are a 10 minute break to do whatever you need to do. I like that. The teachers teach their lecture for 50 minutes and the students write . There is no time for questions or time between each problem. The teachers just talk, no questions asked. Also, students don't pack up their things until the bell rings. And of course you change shoes for school. They have shoes for everything. Your shoes you wear to school, inside shoes, PE shoes and indoor PE shoes.

2nd Day of School!

I went to school and it was fun. First I had study hall and I just did my English homework. Then I had History, which I thought I could understand but I really didn't. Then I went to music class which was actually chorus. They were soo good! We watched a movie about a boys choir. Now we are going to sing Stand by Me and Beautiful Girls. Also it was funny in music class, they didn't think I could understand or speak Japanese. They were talking about how big my eyes were right behind me, and I just sat there. Then the teacher didn't speak English well and tried to speak to me. Then I told her I understand and Japanese is ok (in Japanese) and everyone was really surprised. Then I had lunch. Also everyone comes up to me very cautiously as if they were afraid to talk to me. After lunch I went to Japanese class with the Korean exchange student. She is really cool! She is one of my best friends at school. She wants to go shopping and do Purikura together. Also go to Tokyo. We must see Tokyo. The Japanese teacher was cool too! She gave us little rice crackers and a pretty fan. She said she wants to go to America to eat all of the varieties of Ice cream. Then I went home and ate a lot of good snacks. At dinner I was trying to teach my family English. Vitamins and McDonalds are hard to say. In Japanese, McDonalds is "Makudonarudo".I also tried to explain the difference between "Lice" and "Rice".

First Day of School!!

Today I went to school for the first time.I rode the bus for 20 minutes and then walked for a couple of minutes. Mama packed me a delicious adn cute Bento!! I was really nervous going to school. My first class was English. As I was walking down the hall girls came out of the classrooms to stare. I introduced myself and was treated like a celebrity by the girls. We went to church for about 15 minutes too. I had no clue what they were saying but I followed along. After English I went to English Conversation. It was boring but it was fun listening to how they spoke English. When I spoke they were amazed at the pronunciation. Then I went to the library for study hall. I was the only one there......I found a book about like in America. It was so stereotypical lol. After study hall we had P.E. We changed clothes in the classroom, so that was different. It was sooooo hot outside, I was about to pass out, but I didn't. We had to run across the field as a warm up and I was the fastest one, afterwards they were talking about how fast I was. Then we played softball games. I noticed that P.E is different than in America. Everyone actually tries and the teams are nice to each other. Everyone knows what to do and the teacher barely has to step in. It was nice because everyone was trying their best. I was actually good at Softball. They even put me as Pitcher which I was surprisingly good at. After class we changed and had lunch. I ate my cute bento and we all sat together and I answered questions that they had  about America. Everyone called me "Kawaii" which means cute. I was surprised and they all liked my eyes. Someone asked me how I did my hair, and I told her it was natural. She was surprised XD. Then I went to the Advanced English writing class. Everyone's English was so good! The class was split into 6 groups of 2 or 3 and each group had to guess 7 things about me as a warm up and I had to say how many they got right. Most of them thought I looked like a Jessica, I played Tennis and I came from Australia. I think all of them guessed that my favorite sport was Tennis, but I don't like Tennis. That was fun. Then I went to math and didn't understand ANYTHING. I thought I had something and then lost it. They go by everything so quickly. She wrote the problem on the board gave no time. Then I rode home on the public bus. The bus card is called a Buspii lol. Then I came home and ate desserts because it is really hot.For dinner we had curry rice!!! SOOOO GOOD.  No video for this one because no phones in school.

Vlog #6- First Day in Japan!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWh6hUtiwrE

3rd Day!!

Finally today! Today after breakfast, my family asked me if I wanted to see Miyojima. I had no clue what that was but I am glad I said yes. It was amazing!!! There was so much history and culture it was so different from anything that I have seen. I practiced some Japanese words too. We ate Momiji Manju which is a small cake with anko inside (bean paste). It was delicious! We did so much! I bout an umbrella that has a pattern on it when rain hits it. There were deer everywhere! One tried to eat my dress lol. Miyojima was so cool! We also took pictures by the famous Tori!! After Miyojima we went to a little clothes shop that was amazing! Everything there was under $20 and everything was cute! I bought a couple of things lol. After that we went for dinner  at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. I ate Natto for the first time and I didn't like it ( it tasted like feet and throw up).  I tried a lot of suchi and it was good. I am going to get sooo fat! lol Tomorrow I start school!! So excited! I even get to wear their cute uniform! XD

2nd Day!!

Sorry these are late!! Trying to recap what has happened the last couple of days! On the second day I woke up and ate a good breakfast. The Japanese eat a lot, but it is healthy so it is ok. Then Papa and I tried to look for a laptop adapter in the 100 yen shop but it wasn't there so we went home. We had lunch and it was delicious. Mama made fried rice with the left over ingredients from the Okonomiyaki. She put it in a rice bowl and flipped it on the plate so that is was shaped and cute. Then we picked Akari up from school but I had to get my school schedule at school and introduce myself to some staff and classmates. That was nerve wracking. I walked inside the  cafeteria everyone was staring at me. I was sooo nervous. But they were all nice and excited to meet me, so that was cool. Then we went to a department store to look for the adapter. It was like a mall!! There wasn't an adapter but we looked around and Mama found some cute bento boxes for Akari and I. There was so many cute things in the store!! >.< Then afterwards we wet to an electronics store.They had it!! There was a lot of electronics there! We went  home and I took a shower. I was so tired and jet lag finally hit me. I was too tired to blog and I went to sleep without dinner. I will have a video with each blog!

 

First day with Host Family!

First that day we checked out of the hotel that I had to stay one night in. Japanese game shows are weird! I WILL have a video. It had Michael Jackson and creepy PE teachers. Anyways, culture shock hasn't hit me. I am kind of neutral, it's weird.  I thought that it would have already. I was really nervoud on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) that I had a 4 hour ride to get to Hiroshima Station. We went past Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and more. They were all very pretty. I met Mama and Akari at the station, they were excited to see me. Then we drove past the school and I introduced myself to the man watering the garden. Then we went to the Supermarket. That was fun (people were staring). Mama told me to grab anything that I wanted but that was hard. Afterwards we went home to the apartment. Akari helped me carry my luggage. And we both share a room. The Apartment is small but cozy. I like it. ^__^ We sleep on very comfortable futons. She gave me closet space to put my clothes, Then we cooked Okonomiyaki. I tried to make one and failed miserably. then I had to make one for Papa and it was beautiful! Flipping is hard lol. After dinner Akari and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and she showed me the bus stop and the little convenience stores around and we talked a little. On Wendsdays I will go with Akari to her English Conversation school. I can actually understand most of what they are saying. Akari speaks a little english so we teach each other words in Japanese and English. They are all so nice. I gave then Omiyage (gifts) and they loved them! They gave me a Yukata!! I LOVE IT!!!! The geta (Japanese traditionals sandals) doesn't fit though...... I also borrowed a uniform for school! Video soon!

Classes!

So today I signed up for classes at my school in Hiroshima. I am taking Home Economics because I have never taken it before, World History because I am in AP World History, English as a Foriegn Language because I want to see what English is like in Japan and Japanese Music and Calligraphy. Also I can join 1 club so I chose to be in the String Orchestra because I play Violin! I am so excited!! 5 days!!!!! I can't wait!! I still have so much to do!! I have to shop for a couple of more things and I have to pack some stuff. -___- Well it will all be worth it in a little while. I already posted my first Vlog! Go check it out!

My first Vlog!!!!

Go here to watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6r0Pa1Fwa8

The Excitement!!!

I am super excited as the countdown continues! :D And I know everyone else is too! I just can't wait to meet everyone and actually go to Japan! The excitement is killing me!!!.......*not going to sleep tonight* or any other night :)  I feel that I have now watched every video on Youtube ever related to Japan. I would say that I'm well prepared lol. My host sister also sent me a picture of what their uniforms look like! It kind of reminds me of the K-On! uniforms. Anyways....11 days away!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait! But first I need to get all of my final projects finished first before the real excitement begins! Videos soon!