Author Archives: anb5306

Tales up to now.. PART 2

So we had finally made it to the Mito Hotel, and while we had some minor communication setbacks with the front desk staff, we managed to make it to our rooms without any major setbacks. The rooms were so small, and there were slippers that were more than half my shoe size (I wear about size 10), it was crazy. Also the bathroom was like a little capsule, it had a drain on the floor and was so very tiny. That night I slept very soundly, if it was up to me I probably could have slept for 20 hours. Unfortunately we had to be up at 9 am bright and early to be ushered to our rooms at the International House.

 The following morning, Kyle and I decided to take advantage of the complimentary breakfast. It ended up being a small buffet. That morning was the first we both tried Natto, the fermented bean that Mito City is famous for. It was definitely an experience, the first taste was like rotting garbage (not an exaggeration) but as the weeks went on I would slowly find myself acquiring a taste for this unique food (and I mean slowly). 
Two students met us after breakfast and we took a cab to the International House where we were met by a couple more students who showed us our rooms and walked us through the never ending supply of paperwork.
Other foreign exchange students began filtering in throughout the day and together we just continued to fill out more and more paperwork, a never ending stream that would continue throughout the next week or so. Eventually though, I was able to settle in, buy necessary supplies, and finally start to feel at home in this far away land. 

Location: Mito, Ibaraki, Japan

Tales up to now.. PART 1

It’s been about two weeks or so since I arrived in Japan. And what a hectic two weeks it has been, between joining classes and ridiculous blue papers and getting utilities (such as internet which we only just now got), the whole process has been fast paced and surprisingly independent. But I think I  should start from the beginning… 

So Kyle and I arrived in Narita Airport in Japan after 21 hours of flight in the air. I’ve got to say that is the longest plane ride that I have ever experienced, some times I would fall asleep and wake up and there would still be 7 hours left to go, I thought it would never end! Regrettably all the movies that were played were meh (ie Battleship), at least in my opinion so I couldn’t even pass good time by watching them. Eventually though we reached Narita Airport, and  shockingly when we got there, it was in the middle of a typhoon. I had experienced hurricanes before so I wasn’t too phased, but the wind howled through all the local trees, the rain lashing in-between all the chaos. I  mostly just remember being really really tired. We took a bus from Narita to Mito. Everyone was so quiet on the bus, an old Japanese lady took the courtesy to put my seat belt on for me. In Mito city, a teacher met us and helped us into a cab bound for the hotel. Fujiwara Sensei was the name of the teacher and she ended up being my general Japanese language teacher, one of them at least. I probably made a bad impression that first night, I was so tired I couldn’t even talk in English much less Japanese. I tried my best though although I can’t remember what I said.
 I decided to break this story up  since there is so much ground to cover. When I write next I will continue from the typhoon at Mito Hotel!

Location: Mito, Ibaraki, Japan

Patiently Waiting

So I guess it hasn’t really hit yet. The fact that I’ll be studying abroad for a whole year in Mito, Japan. Right now, it’s that semi-awkward stage in June where you’re happy to be on summer vacation, but there is a tinge of nostalgia for school life. I’ve been working (saving up), reading, occasionally studying, and in-between all that just goofing off. I don’t leave until the end of September, and until it gets a bit closer I imagine it will still seem like a distant dream. This blog will hopefully chronicle my journey into the unknown and the mysterious. I’ve always wanted to travel the world and learn languages, ever since I was a small kid growing up in Jamaica. I hope the lessons I gained switching between two countries will apply once again. Now though, finally, i’m matching my ambitions with action and I don’t think there could be a better place to start my journey than Japan. I’m an upcoming Senior and I’ve been studying the language for about four semesters now. It has been challenging at times, but ultimately rewarding. I’m hoping four semesters of hard work will blossom into something beautiful when i’m able to communicate (even just a little bit) with people in Japan.

I look forward most to seeing the cherry blossoms in Kyoto if possible, and adventuring in Tokyo (I already have souvenir requests). Hokkaido also interests me, perhaps because it ties so closely to the Ainu, a culture that seems to be dying and I guess to my Western brain is clouded in mystery and intrigue. I’m looking forward to seeing how the reality of Japan differs or matches my perception of Japan. Right now though, everything seems a bit ethereal and far away. To even imagine studying in such a unique, magnificent place, takes my breath away at times. I guess it won’t seem real until I step foot off the airplane, and breathe in the first breath of foreign air.

Location: State College, Pennsylvania