Installment 12: All Good Things Must Come To an End...
Today is my last full day in Tokyo with Mellers! T___T Tomorrow I leave for the 6:08pm flight to Chicago and then Chicago to Toronto, to arrive around 10:55pm.
SLEPT IN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Mellers was supposed to attend classes in the morning, but for some reason, none of her three alarms went off. >)____(< So she missed two classes...oops. We ate lunch at Matsuya. By the way, for any of you who will visit Tokyo one day, Matsuya and Yoshinoda have good food at cheap prices...ranging from around 300 yen to 700 yen, if I recall. Also if you have eaten instant noodles (ramen), you have not really eaten ramen. Oh my gosh ramen here is so delicious. The noodles are amazing and it's much more substance than what the packaged bowls/cups have led us to believe. My ramen last night was delicious! Noodles, broth, meat, green onions, I believe there were some snow pea leaves in there too. It was really great. So big bowl of ramen, rice, gyoza for around 600yen. I'd say that's really cheap, wouldn't you? Most of the sets will come with miso soup, plus a big bowl of food, so you won't go hungry. Even the pre-made bentos in places like 7/11 are really good. That's where I got my cold soba/udon for aroun 400 yen and it was really good.
So the best things I ate here (in no particular order):
-zaru soba (cold soba noodles and shrimp tempura)
-ramen (noodle soup)
-onigiri (chicken & mayonaise riceball and salmon riceball)
-sushi... sooo good
-omurice (rice wrapped in an omelet) with curry
-yakiniku (bbq meat)
-takoyaki (octopus balls)
-oden (soup with various items)
-tons of other stuff that I don't even know the name of.. it was in the pictures...
DETERMINED TO SHOP
I bought some black converse sneakers! yay! and I got my calendar! Woohoo! Determination pays off. I found the Kinokuniya bookstore in Shinjuku (with Mellers directions and help from other people) and was able to grab that calendar. Finally. Now I don't have to pay 4000 yen in shipping!
SHINJUKU SCORE!!!
Yes, I must admit to you that I saw some arcades in Shinjuku. I did go in and spend money, because I am soooo competitive. That bear rikamaru (sp?) bear really doesn't want to come to Canada. I spent like 1000+ trying, but alas, I have resigned. I did however, just spend 100 yen and won something on the first shot of that ufo game. A MINI MP3 PLAYER!! OH yeah SCORE! I also won a bunch of little cute toys in this game where I use a claw to pull this string and it empties all the goodies out. They are actually really cute and weird at the same time.
RAIN, RAIN GO AWAYYYY!
It started to rain, so that kind of put a damper on things. I was supposed to go to the Meiji Shrine, but I guess I'll leave that to next year, unless I superrush it tomorrow morning... we'll see... I also wasn't able to go back to Harajuku really quickly to get Mellers the skirt and do some last minute stuff, but that's ok. There's always October!
I am proud to say I found/bought everything on my list! SCORE! And of course, more... Thank heavens I made a budget for this trip! Thank goodness I saved! Thank you Parkdale for giving me extra hours.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYU CELEBRATION
I totally forgot to bring Mayu's gift again. I'm such a dummy. We met her at Shinjuku and we ate at Asian Kitchen. It has a really nice atmosphere and we ate soooo much! It was crazy and the Happy Birthday dessert was crazy big and good. Pics of that will come laterrrrr... We talked a lot and had so much fun. They were correcting my Japanese and verifying stuff for me. We took a lot of pictures too. Mellers and I were also gonna go to the public bath, but we were too late. I guess next time...
This was such an awesome trip.
*correction: In the previous installment, I said kendamas were wooden TOES, I meant TOYS!
originally written: Apr 11, 2007
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Installment 11: Temples, Shrines & Canada!
Installment 11: Temples, Shrines & Canada!
I went to Sensoji Temple solo today, because Mellers had class. I took the train to Ueno station and then transferred onto the Ginza line to Asakusa. It's really nice that I can adventure around. Mellers always tells me to call her if I have trouble, but so far no.
I couldn't really tell how much tickets would cost, so I just asked someone to help me. hahaha. Word to those who travel here and don't know how much the train ticket will cost to where you are going...ask someone who is buying a ticket/has bought one or of course someone who works there. People are very accomodating.
So I got to the temple area and it took me a while to get to the main temple, because of all my detours. No, not the detours you think (getting lost) more like seeing interesting things and steering off my path.
KENDAMAAAAAA!
Woohoo I was able to find kendamas. They are hand-made wooden toes, that require skill to play with. I will upload a pic...ahahaha so many to upload. So I bought two OFFICIAL kendamas. Yes, official, there are actual professional competitions. There's even someone who has the Guiness record for it. Ko showed me the official site when I was in Toronto and mannn some people even breakdance while playing kendama!
ICE-CREAMMMMMMMMMMM
I found an ice-cream place with 30 different flavours. There were all sorts of different flavours like Japanese apricot, sweet potato, purple sweet potato, sesame, etc. I chose sakura (cherry blossom flavour) soooo goood! I want moooooorrreee!
SANDALS
I was on a mission to find bigger sandals to wear with my yukata (summer kimono), since the ones I bought last year were a little too small. Finally found it, when I went for a detour. Most places only had smaller sizes, but I find my size at this small shop and got an 80 yen discount too.
SENSOJI TEMPLE
The temple was just as beautiful as I remembered and even nicer during the day. I did all the stuff like drinking the water and wafting the incense, etc. I also bought charms for good luck and health, as well as making your dreams come true. I took video which I'll upload. I also did the fortune...this is what I got...
No. 96 THE BEST FORTUNE
Relying upon a person in higher rank for help to succeed in one's life is just like a cock tries to fly following a phoenix and perches on a higher twig.
Poling a boat across the stream is a simile of your getting along well with others in this world.
You will rise in the world and will be wealthy.
*Your wish will come true, so you should be modest for everything. *The sick person will get well. *The lost article will be found. *The person you are waiting for will come. *Building a new house and removal are both good *It is good to make a travel. *Both marriage and employment are good.
YUKATAS & CANADA?!
I wanted to get another yukata, so I went by a store and ended up getting Kimono coasters instead. The ladies were really friendly and when the oldest one heard I was from Canada, she said in Japanese that she loves the maple leaf. hahhaa So I gave each of them the Canadian badges I had brought. She was so happy, she gave me a handkerchief as a gift. They were so cute too. They saw I had a lot of bags and gave me a bigger one and told me to put them "ishoni" (together). I had that happen at three different stores...ahahah am I shopping too much?
CUTE STORE OWNER
Hahaha I bet you're thinking I was checking some hot guy out right? No... when I went to the local grocery store, there was an old man who owns it. Last time I went there I was looking for something, so this time he remembered me. He said, "oh Canada" ahahah. I stayed there for a bit and we talked. It was really cute because his English is limited and my Japanese was limited, but somehow we were able to have a good conversation! We talked about food and the money conversions and what I was doing here, etc. ahahah who would have thought. I am quite happy to say that so far on this trip, I have never had the experience of NOT being able to communicate what I'm trying to say. Through Japanese, Korean, English and hand movements, it's all been good.
Wahh this is super long. Sorrryyyyy! Just to let you know that while I was at the temple I asked that all my family and friends stay healthy and happy.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 10, 2007
I went to Sensoji Temple solo today, because Mellers had class. I took the train to Ueno station and then transferred onto the Ginza line to Asakusa. It's really nice that I can adventure around. Mellers always tells me to call her if I have trouble, but so far no.
I couldn't really tell how much tickets would cost, so I just asked someone to help me. hahaha. Word to those who travel here and don't know how much the train ticket will cost to where you are going...ask someone who is buying a ticket/has bought one or of course someone who works there. People are very accomodating.
So I got to the temple area and it took me a while to get to the main temple, because of all my detours. No, not the detours you think (getting lost) more like seeing interesting things and steering off my path.
KENDAMAAAAAA!
Woohoo I was able to find kendamas. They are hand-made wooden toes, that require skill to play with. I will upload a pic...ahahaha so many to upload. So I bought two OFFICIAL kendamas. Yes, official, there are actual professional competitions. There's even someone who has the Guiness record for it. Ko showed me the official site when I was in Toronto and mannn some people even breakdance while playing kendama!
ICE-CREAMMMMMMMMMMM
I found an ice-cream place with 30 different flavours. There were all sorts of different flavours like Japanese apricot, sweet potato, purple sweet potato, sesame, etc. I chose sakura (cherry blossom flavour) soooo goood! I want moooooorrreee!
SANDALS
I was on a mission to find bigger sandals to wear with my yukata (summer kimono), since the ones I bought last year were a little too small. Finally found it, when I went for a detour. Most places only had smaller sizes, but I find my size at this small shop and got an 80 yen discount too.
SENSOJI TEMPLE
The temple was just as beautiful as I remembered and even nicer during the day. I did all the stuff like drinking the water and wafting the incense, etc. I also bought charms for good luck and health, as well as making your dreams come true. I took video which I'll upload. I also did the fortune...this is what I got...
No. 96 THE BEST FORTUNE
Relying upon a person in higher rank for help to succeed in one's life is just like a cock tries to fly following a phoenix and perches on a higher twig.
Poling a boat across the stream is a simile of your getting along well with others in this world.
You will rise in the world and will be wealthy.
*Your wish will come true, so you should be modest for everything. *The sick person will get well. *The lost article will be found. *The person you are waiting for will come. *Building a new house and removal are both good *It is good to make a travel. *Both marriage and employment are good.
YUKATAS & CANADA?!
I wanted to get another yukata, so I went by a store and ended up getting Kimono coasters instead. The ladies were really friendly and when the oldest one heard I was from Canada, she said in Japanese that she loves the maple leaf. hahhaa So I gave each of them the Canadian badges I had brought. She was so happy, she gave me a handkerchief as a gift. They were so cute too. They saw I had a lot of bags and gave me a bigger one and told me to put them "ishoni" (together). I had that happen at three different stores...ahahah am I shopping too much?
CUTE STORE OWNER
Hahaha I bet you're thinking I was checking some hot guy out right? No... when I went to the local grocery store, there was an old man who owns it. Last time I went there I was looking for something, so this time he remembered me. He said, "oh Canada" ahahah. I stayed there for a bit and we talked. It was really cute because his English is limited and my Japanese was limited, but somehow we were able to have a good conversation! We talked about food and the money conversions and what I was doing here, etc. ahahah who would have thought. I am quite happy to say that so far on this trip, I have never had the experience of NOT being able to communicate what I'm trying to say. Through Japanese, Korean, English and hand movements, it's all been good.
Wahh this is super long. Sorrryyyyy! Just to let you know that while I was at the temple I asked that all my family and friends stay healthy and happy.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 10, 2007
Installment 10: Shibuyaaaaaaa!
Installment 10: Shibuyaaaaaaa!
HELLO...IT'S SAM
I was finally able to talk to Mom after over a week. Mannnn I keep missing her and finally I reached them by collect call. Talked to Dad for a bit too which was nice. Yay income tax, I don't owe the government money. That's always a plus
SHIBUYAAAAAAAAAAAA
I went to Shibuya by myself as Mellers had class. It was quite exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There were soooo many people there! There seemed to be three popular ways of crossing, so I decided to start on the left. Left is always better than right (at least in my head) I stumbled upon an arcade. Hahahah you know how I love challenges, right?
I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY!!!
So, naturally, I got sucked into that darn crane game/ufo game. I really wanted to win that big bear...1000 yen later...no success. Darn you, Bear! I almost got you twice....you were caught up and on your way to me and then you fell!! T___________T I decided to try a different one and on the first shot, I won a yellow elephant. It's soooo cuute. I'll upload a pic later on today.
109 BUILDING
I went up and down the streets until I got to the 109 Building which is infamous for women's fashion. The stuff there was beautiful. Let me just say that if I didn't find some good sales, there's no way I could afford to buy all the things I wanted there. There were a lot of tanned girls there, some had raccoon eyes too. All the staff at each store were very nice though. I had to really try not to just by things because they were so nice and I felt bad that I couldn't spend ahhaha. There was the beautiful, beautiful belt...seriously gorgeous. I wanted it, but it was 7100yen. Sorry, but I will never pay that much for a belt. The employee there even put it on me and I was thisclose to just buying it for the heck of it, but I restrained myself.
It was nice to hear them trying to speak English to me when they knew I couldn't speak Japanese fluently. Most just thought I could understand and had whole conversations with me... AM I THAT CONVINCING?!?!? ahahahah If you're wondering what's fashionable now, it's the nurselike dresses with vertical thin blue stripes. They were everywhere.
OMERICE & DESSERT
After doing some shopping, I decided to eat. I ordered Omerice (which is exactly what it sounds like..rice in an omelet). I ignored the cute mushrooms that were cascaded on it, and enjoyed it. I also ordered a dessert which was called Millefleur or something to that extent. I will upload a picture of it. It was really really pretty and consisted of: raspberrries, pastry, custard, jam and pistachios. I couldn't finish the whole thing because...I have no idea why, but I didn't think I should finish all of it.
BACK TO THE SHOPPING
So, I continued to shop and each stores' employees kept saying something, but I can't remember the exact words. Mellers said it is probably "irashaimasen" (sp?) which means welcome. The loudest, believe it or not, were the lingerie staff ahahah. Finally decided to go home with all my bags, but was delayed a little by the rain. Mellers was already home and napping. I decided to do the same. We woke up around 10pm and ate.
FANGIRLING...revisited
I've forgotten to mention that "Hoshi wo Mezashite" PV is currently #1 in the charts. Not sure which chart though, but they keep showing it on the screens. I hear the song a lot whether I'm eating or shopping too. I had a dream about meeting Kei-kun and Tego. I also took some pics of Pi's drink ad and Operation Love mural that was at the Shibuya subway station.
Seems like I have a lot of pics to upload, huh?
Ok...off for adventuring again. Still deciding whether to go to the Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji Temple...Senso-Ji is farther away. Should I be lazy?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 9, 2007
HELLO...IT'S SAM
I was finally able to talk to Mom after over a week. Mannnn I keep missing her and finally I reached them by collect call. Talked to Dad for a bit too which was nice. Yay income tax, I don't owe the government money. That's always a plus
SHIBUYAAAAAAAAAAAA
I went to Shibuya by myself as Mellers had class. It was quite exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There were soooo many people there! There seemed to be three popular ways of crossing, so I decided to start on the left. Left is always better than right (at least in my head) I stumbled upon an arcade. Hahahah you know how I love challenges, right?
I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY!!!
So, naturally, I got sucked into that darn crane game/ufo game. I really wanted to win that big bear...1000 yen later...no success. Darn you, Bear! I almost got you twice....you were caught up and on your way to me and then you fell!! T___________T I decided to try a different one and on the first shot, I won a yellow elephant. It's soooo cuute. I'll upload a pic later on today.
109 BUILDING
I went up and down the streets until I got to the 109 Building which is infamous for women's fashion. The stuff there was beautiful. Let me just say that if I didn't find some good sales, there's no way I could afford to buy all the things I wanted there. There were a lot of tanned girls there, some had raccoon eyes too. All the staff at each store were very nice though. I had to really try not to just by things because they were so nice and I felt bad that I couldn't spend ahhaha. There was the beautiful, beautiful belt...seriously gorgeous. I wanted it, but it was 7100yen. Sorry, but I will never pay that much for a belt. The employee there even put it on me and I was thisclose to just buying it for the heck of it, but I restrained myself.
It was nice to hear them trying to speak English to me when they knew I couldn't speak Japanese fluently. Most just thought I could understand and had whole conversations with me... AM I THAT CONVINCING?!?!? ahahahah If you're wondering what's fashionable now, it's the nurselike dresses with vertical thin blue stripes. They were everywhere.
OMERICE & DESSERT
After doing some shopping, I decided to eat. I ordered Omerice (which is exactly what it sounds like..rice in an omelet). I ignored the cute mushrooms that were cascaded on it, and enjoyed it. I also ordered a dessert which was called Millefleur or something to that extent. I will upload a picture of it. It was really really pretty and consisted of: raspberrries, pastry, custard, jam and pistachios. I couldn't finish the whole thing because...I have no idea why, but I didn't think I should finish all of it.
BACK TO THE SHOPPING
So, I continued to shop and each stores' employees kept saying something, but I can't remember the exact words. Mellers said it is probably "irashaimasen" (sp?) which means welcome. The loudest, believe it or not, were the lingerie staff ahahah. Finally decided to go home with all my bags, but was delayed a little by the rain. Mellers was already home and napping. I decided to do the same. We woke up around 10pm and ate.
FANGIRLING...revisited
I've forgotten to mention that "Hoshi wo Mezashite" PV is currently #1 in the charts. Not sure which chart though, but they keep showing it on the screens. I hear the song a lot whether I'm eating or shopping too. I had a dream about meeting Kei-kun and Tego. I also took some pics of Pi's drink ad and Operation Love mural that was at the Shibuya subway station.
Seems like I have a lot of pics to upload, huh?
Ok...off for adventuring again. Still deciding whether to go to the Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji Temple...Senso-Ji is farther away. Should I be lazy?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 9, 2007
Installment 9: A Day of Rest...
Installment 9: A Day of Rest...
ahahah we decided to slow down a bit today. hahaha mainly because we got home so early in the morning and I woke up at like 3am and Mellers was still off in lala land ahahhaha. So I went left around 4:30pm to look around again. I saw Eugene eating at one of the shops so I joined him.
SQUIRTED AGAIN?!?!?
Remember last year when I went to Korea, I got sprayed by the thing in the toilet? It wasn't a toilet this time! I asked Eugene to order mashed potatoes for me and there was a sauce/dressing that went with it. Well it looked kind of like the jam packets but doubled..so I was trying to unpeel the lid...no success. Then I saw that there were directions..so I bent it in half..but the wrong way!! ooopsss....Out comes dressing squirting full speed...right onto Eugene's jacket!!! ooopsalini...very minor stains on my jacket...mostly on his. I felt sooooo bad! I kept apologizing and offering to pay his cleaning bill. He said he would just laundry it...oops T_____T
HARAJUKU
Went back to Harajuku, but the Takashite exit this time to shop around. Is it too much info to say that I would fit into a lot of the pretty clothes (shirts mainly) but my chest is too big?!?!? ahahahhaha....It's such a shame! Oh well I guess in a way I'm saving money right? Called Mellers after getting some stuff. I saw these two people dressed in Gothic Lolita style and the best part was they were men kekekeke. Good for them for pulling off that fashion. They looked like dolls.
I refused to totally superfangirl and buy all the unofficial pics...also because some of them weren't that great quality. They even had prize packs and all sorts of stuff, but I refrained. ahahha. I don't want to break my budget!!
BULGOGI PIZZA?!?!
Mellers woke up at 7pm ahahahha. When I got home we decided to order pizza. She ordered it online and it was Bulgogi flavour. Bulgogi is Korean style marinated beef and it comes with vegetables. Well, I must say it was very interesting. The crust looked different too and when I started to eat it, I realized it was filled with hot dogs. So it looks like hot dog pastries..kind of hard to explain, but I took a picture. The chicken was good too and it came with two cans of tea.
We just relaxed, listened to music and talked. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad we can talk like this. She watched some of Prison Break and I went to sleep. Mellers didn't even end up sleeping. Crazy girl!
Short installment this time. You're not disappointed are you?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
ahahah we decided to slow down a bit today. hahaha mainly because we got home so early in the morning and I woke up at like 3am and Mellers was still off in lala land ahahhaha. So I went left around 4:30pm to look around again. I saw Eugene eating at one of the shops so I joined him.
SQUIRTED AGAIN?!?!?
Remember last year when I went to Korea, I got sprayed by the thing in the toilet? It wasn't a toilet this time! I asked Eugene to order mashed potatoes for me and there was a sauce/dressing that went with it. Well it looked kind of like the jam packets but doubled..so I was trying to unpeel the lid...no success. Then I saw that there were directions..so I bent it in half..but the wrong way!! ooopsss....Out comes dressing squirting full speed...right onto Eugene's jacket!!! ooopsalini...very minor stains on my jacket...mostly on his. I felt sooooo bad! I kept apologizing and offering to pay his cleaning bill. He said he would just laundry it...oops T_____T
HARAJUKU
Went back to Harajuku, but the Takashite exit this time to shop around. Is it too much info to say that I would fit into a lot of the pretty clothes (shirts mainly) but my chest is too big?!?!? ahahahhaha....It's such a shame! Oh well I guess in a way I'm saving money right? Called Mellers after getting some stuff. I saw these two people dressed in Gothic Lolita style and the best part was they were men kekekeke. Good for them for pulling off that fashion. They looked like dolls.
I refused to totally superfangirl and buy all the unofficial pics...also because some of them weren't that great quality. They even had prize packs and all sorts of stuff, but I refrained. ahahha. I don't want to break my budget!!
BULGOGI PIZZA?!?!
Mellers woke up at 7pm ahahahha. When I got home we decided to order pizza. She ordered it online and it was Bulgogi flavour. Bulgogi is Korean style marinated beef and it comes with vegetables. Well, I must say it was very interesting. The crust looked different too and when I started to eat it, I realized it was filled with hot dogs. So it looks like hot dog pastries..kind of hard to explain, but I took a picture. The chicken was good too and it came with two cans of tea.
We just relaxed, listened to music and talked. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad we can talk like this. She watched some of Prison Break and I went to sleep. Mellers didn't even end up sleeping. Crazy girl!
Short installment this time. You're not disappointed are you?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
Installment 8: In Da Club...again! & 1 year anniversary!
Installment 8: In Da Club...again! & 1 year anniversary!
Before I am labelled a spendthrift, just know that I saved a lot for this trip! Budget, budget, budget! Oh, and extra hours help out A LOT! ^_____^
DREADED BOOKSTORE
I must say that paper will be the end of me....Japanese notebooks, stationary, origami paper, magazines... I'm carrying the Japanese forest home with me. Wish me luck!
Mellers had a late morning..we both did...but she slept later than me! So, in the morning, I went to a bookstore to find Chris her cherished magazines (kekeke I treasure them too!) and was able to find them! SCORE! But, as I have learned on this trip, small things add to large amounts...13 magazines later... *keels over* I must say that I did find an ultranice magazine that Chris will drool over ahahahahaa, it was so good that I had to buy three of them! I also bought a magazine for Josie.
YAKINIKU
Went for Yakiniku, which is basically bbq near Yoyogi station. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet more of Mellers and Eugene's friends. All who know me really well, know how much I loooooove fire....so you can probably imagine me squealing when the fire went insane and I was backed up into my chair as far as I could go ahahhaha. The food was really good though. Fun times ^_________^
ROPPONGI
Eugene, Jeff, Mellers and I went to Roppongi to meet up with Rika and Yu-chan. We were supposed to watch the Sakura (cherry blossoms) during the night, but it was raining a bit so we couldn't. The artists are really innovative here and so I admired a lot of it. Not to mention that Roppongi is richieville. So expensive!
We met up with Yu-chan (who we clubbed with the day I arrived) and Rika (who I met last year at Gaspanic club). It was so nice to see them. We went to a bar to drink...the prices were basically like you would expect hahaha. OH! and the gingerale REALLY TASTES LIKE GINGER! ahhaha
GASPANIC 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
We all went to Gaspanic. Eugene and Jeff went to the bar and we hit the dancefloor. Soon after Mayu-chan came! I was really happy to see her. Last year when we came, we became friends with Mayu-chan, Rika and Taka. So this was going to be our 1 year anniversary. We were having a lot of fun...minus the creepy dude who was admiring me *gag*. Taka showed up and he ordered a big wine cooler. He opened the bottle and told me to drink. So...chugged half of it and shared the rest ahahha no way I could finish the whole thing!
Later on we met some jerks. Seriously, they were really raunchy and rude! We wanted to sit down and these three guys were like "HEY, come sit with us!" in English. They were American, but they wouldn't say why they were in Japan...not that I really cared. Anyway one guy said, "come sit on my lap" and I said NO. So then he sat on my lap *gaaaaagggggg* and his other bald friend looks over at me and says "I WANNA ------ KISS YOU". Hellllll NO! Mellers said I had a boyfriend and he's says, "Well he's not here. I won't tell.." EL GROSSO! They were totally after Mellers and I was getting pissed off! The lap dude tried to kiss Mayu-chan and Mellers too, but we got out of there. I saw them later making out with some asian girl, who eventually got upset and left. BOOOO to jerks!
Anyway, back to the fun stuff. We took some breaks in between and Mellers got me some oden! It was interesting and tasted good. We went to the Gaspanic cafe and seemed everyone wanted some of the oden too ahahha. I was able to catch up with Mayu-chan and all the girls were talking. We relaxed for a while before going back. When the club was going to close, I made sure to get a souvenir and we took some pics. Then we went for food. I was so hungry and tired. Another great day to add to the memory books. ^_______^ We got home at around 7amish and I slept around 8amish hahha.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
Before I am labelled a spendthrift, just know that I saved a lot for this trip! Budget, budget, budget! Oh, and extra hours help out A LOT! ^_____^
DREADED BOOKSTORE
I must say that paper will be the end of me....Japanese notebooks, stationary, origami paper, magazines... I'm carrying the Japanese forest home with me. Wish me luck!
Mellers had a late morning..we both did...but she slept later than me! So, in the morning, I went to a bookstore to find Chris her cherished magazines (kekeke I treasure them too!) and was able to find them! SCORE! But, as I have learned on this trip, small things add to large amounts...13 magazines later... *keels over* I must say that I did find an ultranice magazine that Chris will drool over ahahahahaa, it was so good that I had to buy three of them! I also bought a magazine for Josie.
YAKINIKU
Went for Yakiniku, which is basically bbq near Yoyogi station. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet more of Mellers and Eugene's friends. All who know me really well, know how much I loooooove fire....so you can probably imagine me squealing when the fire went insane and I was backed up into my chair as far as I could go ahahhaha. The food was really good though. Fun times ^_________^
ROPPONGI
Eugene, Jeff, Mellers and I went to Roppongi to meet up with Rika and Yu-chan. We were supposed to watch the Sakura (cherry blossoms) during the night, but it was raining a bit so we couldn't. The artists are really innovative here and so I admired a lot of it. Not to mention that Roppongi is richieville. So expensive!
We met up with Yu-chan (who we clubbed with the day I arrived) and Rika (who I met last year at Gaspanic club). It was so nice to see them. We went to a bar to drink...the prices were basically like you would expect hahaha. OH! and the gingerale REALLY TASTES LIKE GINGER! ahhaha
GASPANIC 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
We all went to Gaspanic. Eugene and Jeff went to the bar and we hit the dancefloor. Soon after Mayu-chan came! I was really happy to see her. Last year when we came, we became friends with Mayu-chan, Rika and Taka. So this was going to be our 1 year anniversary. We were having a lot of fun...minus the creepy dude who was admiring me *gag*. Taka showed up and he ordered a big wine cooler. He opened the bottle and told me to drink. So...chugged half of it and shared the rest ahahha no way I could finish the whole thing!
Later on we met some jerks. Seriously, they were really raunchy and rude! We wanted to sit down and these three guys were like "HEY, come sit with us!" in English. They were American, but they wouldn't say why they were in Japan...not that I really cared. Anyway one guy said, "come sit on my lap" and I said NO. So then he sat on my lap *gaaaaagggggg* and his other bald friend looks over at me and says "I WANNA ------ KISS YOU". Hellllll NO! Mellers said I had a boyfriend and he's says, "Well he's not here. I won't tell.." EL GROSSO! They were totally after Mellers and I was getting pissed off! The lap dude tried to kiss Mayu-chan and Mellers too, but we got out of there. I saw them later making out with some asian girl, who eventually got upset and left. BOOOO to jerks!
Anyway, back to the fun stuff. We took some breaks in between and Mellers got me some oden! It was interesting and tasted good. We went to the Gaspanic cafe and seemed everyone wanted some of the oden too ahahha. I was able to catch up with Mayu-chan and all the girls were talking. We relaxed for a while before going back. When the club was going to close, I made sure to get a souvenir and we took some pics. Then we went for food. I was so hungry and tired. Another great day to add to the memory books. ^_______^ We got home at around 7amish and I slept around 8amish hahha.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
Installment 7: A trip to the Police Station, Beer-da Beer-da Beer-da...
Installment 7: A trip to the Police Station, Beer-da Beer-da Beer-da...
TO THE POLICE KOBAN (box)
I really needed to find an international ATM. I asked a few people...didn't really understand much of what they said except directions-wise. Finally, someone just pointed me to the direction of the police box "koban". When I asked the policeman about the bank, I was told...Shinsei Ginko (bank) NO. So, ok...no Shinsei bank..crap I'm screwed. The officer pointed. Mi-zu-ho (name of another bank)...try... I thanked him and was on my way there when I walked by the SunRoute Hotel. *sounds of music* I see green and the word ATM and VISA! Scooooore! So I got money finallly!
A THOUSAND MILES...
Ok so I didn't exactly walk 1,000 miles... I basically explored even more of this neighbourhood and went crazyyyyy. I made another mistake of seeing yet another stationary shop...the stuff was so cuuuute I couldn't say no. I bought some snacks and a shirt...
Went to a music store and got the Toshinki "Five In The Black" cd and "Japan Concert Tour vol. 2" and then walked around more. I went down a side street and discovered a store called "Book Off". I went inside and JACKPOT! I I came back with loads of cds for only 200yen each ( 2.00usd). Insane!! I spent around 50 something dollars on over 10 cds...that's an awesome deal. (I really should slow down on the spending though, ne?) Got some soba noodles and headed back.
BEER-DA BEER-DA....
10 minutes after I got home, Mellers arrived and asked me if I wanted to go out for dinner. Sure, why not? So we went out to a yummy restaurant and I met their new friend, Yu-chan who is in their program. After that, Mellers and I wanted to go for karaoke and the guys were going to meet up with their Ski Club for drinks. Karaoke was megafull so we just went to meet the guys. When we went up to meet them, the place was packed! Tons of uni students crammed into these spaces with low-rise tables and lots of food and beer. I totally admit to not wanting to stay. I told Mellers I could meet her at home, but she wouldn't hear of it. "NO WAY" she said. "You're going to experience uni life here!" (Did I mention her and Eugene are very convincing?..and that they are trying to convince me to quit my job and attend the SILS program at Waseda too?!??!) So I decided to stay with her and join the party.
It was so funny! People would stand up and make some kind of speech or confession (i'm not sure which) and then they would chug whatever they were holding...(whether it be a glass, bottle, jug or pitcher!) One guy skipped the drinks all together and was just stuffing edamame into his mouth (boiled soya beans). There were some students who were mixed too, so I ended up communicating in English, Japanese and Korean. ahahhaa...It was quite interesting. People were surprised I came from Canada. The girls I talked to were really nice. Mellers was speaking 5 different languages, I think. (She can speak 9 altogether! *bows in admiration*) They would also do toasts where'd we'd all stand and say "BANZAI" three times and then drink. It was quite an experience!
THIS SONG IS DEDICATED TO...
After the Ski Club drinkfest we headed off to karaoke. Eugene, Mellers and I sang a lot. Mellers and I stayed until 3am! ahhaha. So tired..but I took videos of us and they are hilarious! (I can't promise that I'll share them though..I don't need to be blackmailed!) They sang in Chinese, Japanese, English and Mellers also sang in Korean. I sang in English...a few Korean and Japanese with Mellers...(mind you I was singing only parts I knew or what I could read in hiragana) and a Lea Salonga song.
It was definitely yet another another day to remember! Holy moly are these installments getting longer? GOMENASAIIII *bows in apology*
-Sam
originally written: Apr 7, 2007
TO THE POLICE KOBAN (box)
I really needed to find an international ATM. I asked a few people...didn't really understand much of what they said except directions-wise. Finally, someone just pointed me to the direction of the police box "koban". When I asked the policeman about the bank, I was told...Shinsei Ginko (bank) NO. So, ok...no Shinsei bank..crap I'm screwed. The officer pointed. Mi-zu-ho (name of another bank)...try... I thanked him and was on my way there when I walked by the SunRoute Hotel. *sounds of music* I see green and the word ATM and VISA! Scooooore! So I got money finallly!
A THOUSAND MILES...
Ok so I didn't exactly walk 1,000 miles... I basically explored even more of this neighbourhood and went crazyyyyy. I made another mistake of seeing yet another stationary shop...the stuff was so cuuuute I couldn't say no. I bought some snacks and a shirt...
Went to a music store and got the Toshinki "Five In The Black" cd and "Japan Concert Tour vol. 2" and then walked around more. I went down a side street and discovered a store called "Book Off". I went inside and JACKPOT! I I came back with loads of cds for only 200yen each ( 2.00usd). Insane!! I spent around 50 something dollars on over 10 cds...that's an awesome deal. (I really should slow down on the spending though, ne?) Got some soba noodles and headed back.
BEER-DA BEER-DA....
10 minutes after I got home, Mellers arrived and asked me if I wanted to go out for dinner. Sure, why not? So we went out to a yummy restaurant and I met their new friend, Yu-chan who is in their program. After that, Mellers and I wanted to go for karaoke and the guys were going to meet up with their Ski Club for drinks. Karaoke was megafull so we just went to meet the guys. When we went up to meet them, the place was packed! Tons of uni students crammed into these spaces with low-rise tables and lots of food and beer. I totally admit to not wanting to stay. I told Mellers I could meet her at home, but she wouldn't hear of it. "NO WAY" she said. "You're going to experience uni life here!" (Did I mention her and Eugene are very convincing?..and that they are trying to convince me to quit my job and attend the SILS program at Waseda too?!??!) So I decided to stay with her and join the party.
It was so funny! People would stand up and make some kind of speech or confession (i'm not sure which) and then they would chug whatever they were holding...(whether it be a glass, bottle, jug or pitcher!) One guy skipped the drinks all together and was just stuffing edamame into his mouth (boiled soya beans). There were some students who were mixed too, so I ended up communicating in English, Japanese and Korean. ahahhaa...It was quite interesting. People were surprised I came from Canada. The girls I talked to were really nice. Mellers was speaking 5 different languages, I think. (She can speak 9 altogether! *bows in admiration*) They would also do toasts where'd we'd all stand and say "BANZAI" three times and then drink. It was quite an experience!
THIS SONG IS DEDICATED TO...
After the Ski Club drinkfest we headed off to karaoke. Eugene, Mellers and I sang a lot. Mellers and I stayed until 3am! ahhaha. So tired..but I took videos of us and they are hilarious! (I can't promise that I'll share them though..I don't need to be blackmailed!) They sang in Chinese, Japanese, English and Mellers also sang in Korean. I sang in English...a few Korean and Japanese with Mellers...(mind you I was singing only parts I knew or what I could read in hiragana) and a Lea Salonga song.
It was definitely yet another another day to remember! Holy moly are these installments getting longer? GOMENASAIIII *bows in apology*
-Sam
originally written: Apr 7, 2007
Installment 6: Exploring & Johnny's Shop Craziness
Installment 6: Exploring & Johnny's Shop Craziness
EXPLORING
Today I explored Takadanobaba, which is where I am staying. I went to the various used cd stores and bought a sweatshirt finally. It's been surprisingly cold here. I also found a cute tea shop that had nice stuff inside. I just took my time and explored. It was exciting and relaxing at the same time. Mellers was doing school stuff again and I don't want to slow her down, so it was good to go around.
When I was on my way home, I called her and she had snuck back into her own place by climbing in?!?!? ahahahah Mellers is so classic ahahaha. She was using the computer and I asked her for directions to the Johnny's Shop. I didn't want to put her through waiting so I was gonna go myself. She drew me really good directions and off I went to the Johnny's Shop in Harajuku.
JOHNNY'S SHOP
How to get there: Harajuku station - Omedesanto exit - cross the street to the Snoopy Store. Walk right until you pass a chocolate cafe place. You'll see the bridge on your right side, with girls lined up. ahahha that's the line for the Johnny's Shop. It's pretty rare that there is no line.... The front of the line is right in front of Meiji-Jingumea station right by the bridge. To get to the actual shop you go through the lane beside PLAYHOUSE. Apparently at 4pm they give out blue tickets/vouchers that I think give you priority in the line. THEY DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS. CASH ONLY.
Stood outside for a little more than an hour and it was pretty cold. The Johnny's staff member started talking to me and could tell I couldn't speak Japanese that well. So he started talking to me in his broken English and I used my Japanese and English. kekeeke...Sorry Ko, my verbs are probably not that good, but I'm trying. He asked me about Toronto and comparisons to here and where I've visited.
I also started talking to some girls, Ayako and Mayu, behind me. They are Kat-Tun fans and loooove Jin. They also went to the February NewS concert in Yokohama because that's where they live. Ayako's english was pretty good, although there was a part where they confused tv drama with drummer on tv ahhhahahaha. They were even doing the drumming action lol. Finally we were going inside and Ayako and Mayu were helping me figure out the order form.
The official pics were numbered all over the walls. You use a separate sheet for each group you are ordering from. You check off the group's name. There are two sheets. 1-800 and 801 - (i forget what the end number was) I looked around and couldn't find News anywhere and was really disappointed. Ayako said they were probably upstairs. I saw uchiwas and asked some girls how to get them and they said upstairs. They started to talk with me and I found out they are Arashi fans. We talked about Hana Yori Dango too. They asked which groups are popular in Canada, etc.
When I finally got upstairs HOLYMOLY craziness! There were TONS of News photos. Offiicial photoshoots and concert officials. They each cost 150yen but once you count them all up it gets dangerous. I started choosing things without bothering to count. 97 pictures later...geez... they aren't all for me ahhaahah The biggest disappointment was the calendar was sold out! Sorry Chris! I don't know how we can get it now...T_________T There were aslos Johnny's Jr. Official pics, but I didn't know what you wanted. I was able to get uchiwas though...yay!
Ayako and Mayu left before me, but they said goodbye and told me to email them. They are really cute. Called Mellers and went back. Ate dinner and counting the pics made me sleepy, so I slept. Woke up when Mellers came back. We talked all night long...seriously...we talked till morning....so we slept in. Sorry this installment is late..kekeke. I need to go find a bank. I have no money on me right now.
Wish me luck.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 6, 2007
EXPLORING
Today I explored Takadanobaba, which is where I am staying. I went to the various used cd stores and bought a sweatshirt finally. It's been surprisingly cold here. I also found a cute tea shop that had nice stuff inside. I just took my time and explored. It was exciting and relaxing at the same time. Mellers was doing school stuff again and I don't want to slow her down, so it was good to go around.
When I was on my way home, I called her and she had snuck back into her own place by climbing in?!?!? ahahahah Mellers is so classic ahahaha. She was using the computer and I asked her for directions to the Johnny's Shop. I didn't want to put her through waiting so I was gonna go myself. She drew me really good directions and off I went to the Johnny's Shop in Harajuku.
JOHNNY'S SHOP
How to get there: Harajuku station - Omedesanto exit - cross the street to the Snoopy Store. Walk right until you pass a chocolate cafe place. You'll see the bridge on your right side, with girls lined up. ahahha that's the line for the Johnny's Shop. It's pretty rare that there is no line.... The front of the line is right in front of Meiji-Jingumea station right by the bridge. To get to the actual shop you go through the lane beside PLAYHOUSE. Apparently at 4pm they give out blue tickets/vouchers that I think give you priority in the line. THEY DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS. CASH ONLY.
Stood outside for a little more than an hour and it was pretty cold. The Johnny's staff member started talking to me and could tell I couldn't speak Japanese that well. So he started talking to me in his broken English and I used my Japanese and English. kekeeke...Sorry Ko, my verbs are probably not that good, but I'm trying. He asked me about Toronto and comparisons to here and where I've visited.
I also started talking to some girls, Ayako and Mayu, behind me. They are Kat-Tun fans and loooove Jin. They also went to the February NewS concert in Yokohama because that's where they live. Ayako's english was pretty good, although there was a part where they confused tv drama with drummer on tv ahhhahahaha. They were even doing the drumming action lol. Finally we were going inside and Ayako and Mayu were helping me figure out the order form.
The official pics were numbered all over the walls. You use a separate sheet for each group you are ordering from. You check off the group's name. There are two sheets. 1-800 and 801 - (i forget what the end number was) I looked around and couldn't find News anywhere and was really disappointed. Ayako said they were probably upstairs. I saw uchiwas and asked some girls how to get them and they said upstairs. They started to talk with me and I found out they are Arashi fans. We talked about Hana Yori Dango too. They asked which groups are popular in Canada, etc.
When I finally got upstairs HOLYMOLY craziness! There were TONS of News photos. Offiicial photoshoots and concert officials. They each cost 150yen but once you count them all up it gets dangerous. I started choosing things without bothering to count. 97 pictures later...geez... they aren't all for me ahhaahah The biggest disappointment was the calendar was sold out! Sorry Chris! I don't know how we can get it now...T_________T There were aslos Johnny's Jr. Official pics, but I didn't know what you wanted. I was able to get uchiwas though...yay!
Ayako and Mayu left before me, but they said goodbye and told me to email them. They are really cute. Called Mellers and went back. Ate dinner and counting the pics made me sleepy, so I slept. Woke up when Mellers came back. We talked all night long...seriously...we talked till morning....so we slept in. Sorry this installment is late..kekeke. I need to go find a bank. I have no money on me right now.
Wish me luck.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 6, 2007
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