Past two weeks

Tokyo

First of all, I apologize for no post for the past two weeks. Here goes my excuse.

Besides endless fun parties in December in Japan, I have been riding an emotional rollercoaster. Mainly because of an incomprehensible difference between my host family (former) and me. Problems started to arise between us after living together for a month. Of course, there were troubles that were easily avoidable if we tried harder. But for the most part, the difference was just too big and it became uncontrollable at the end. Instead of understanding the difference, we argued about the difference. As a result, I moved out, and now I am living in a dorm.

I should have known that it is not easy to live in someone else's place, especially in Japan becuase there are so many don't do's. In addition, Japanese people tend to show their emotions and give opinions indirectly, so it was hard to tell what they were trying to tell me. As many students experience when doing a homestay, I went through a same problem.

Now, I suggest people who are planning to study abroad to do a homestay for less than a month. I have heard stories about having a wonderful host family, but horrible and stressful stories tend to be more frequent. It was a great experience, but I learned it hard way.

BUT NO MORE STRESS FROM HERE ON!!!

UH Alumni Reception

UH Alumni Reception at the top of a building that a UH graduate owns! wow!

There was an alumni reception in Tokyo on November 15th. It was great to see UH graduates doing well in Tokyo and to meet our Dean Vance Roley. I felt like I made up for the FISH luncheon that I missed in Hawaii. In addition, I could not explain how much I missed local foods when I saw them!!! It was amazing to notice that UH is doing great internationally as we pursue "International Excellence"

speech by Vance Roley

notice anyone? (Hint: professor)

night view of Shinjuku

goodie bags... I forgot to take them!

Vance Roley, Kristen (another exchange student at Keio from UH), and myself

where are you from?

yes, I miss these...

Today, three of my friends and I were going on a field trip to a place called Odaiba where you can find many attractions and entertainment.

On the way, they asked me why people from Hawaii do not say that they are from America when they are asked. I realized that I never say that I am from America. Always, HAWAII! Why is that? I do feel that Hawaii is much different from the rest of America, but it still is part of it. any good answers???

Looking over the Tokyo Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay from Odaiba

People say it is much better at night.

Can you find Tokyo Tower?

Ferry's wheel at Odaiba, but did not ride it.

Sunset and the Fuji TV headquarters on the right

Tokyo Tower

When I went to Keio University for the first time for the orientation, I was surprised by a spectacular view of Tokyo Tower from school. Everyday, I walk to or leave school enjoying the great view and thinking that I am so glad to be here in Tokyo. Finally, I had a chance to to climb up the most popular tourist spot and enjoy the view from the top of it.
The tower is divided by two different levels of observatories. Unfortunately, I had to pay twice in order to go to the top of the tower. I thought it was quite expensive to pay about $15 all together compared to the free view on the top of Tokyo Metropolitan Government. For your information, the top observatory of Tokyo Tower is 250 meters whereas Tokyo Metropolitan Government is only 202 meters. I guess it is worth to pay to go higher and enjoy a better view. You won't regret it!!!

That is where Keio University is!

Can you find Tokyo Metropolitan Government?


It is too bad that I can't upload videos even after several tries.
I will try it again next time!

Culture shock at Krispy Kreme

Today, I had the biggest culture shock since I arrived in Japan. At around 12:30, I met my friends at Yurakucho for lunch, and walked by Krispy Kreme. Suddenly, I saw a long line of people and others including securities and employees of Krispy Kreme telling how to form a line. I could not believe what the sign was saying for a moment because it just seems ridiculous to wait for an hour and 40 minutes for sugary donuts. To be honest, I would not even wait 30 minutes for them, but maybe 30 minutes for malasadas if I am really craving it. what a patience Japanese people have...can you believe it??? but then again, you get one free donut while waiting.

People who are close to get them... 30 more minutes!!!

People who are not even close to get them....1 hour and 40 minutes???!!!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government

If you ever want to enjoy the view of Tokyo at night, make sure you visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Shinjuku. This new building has two observatories, and it is free to enjoy the spectacular view. Also, if you happen to visit a restaurant on the top of the building during its happy hour, you can enjoy half-priced drinks with great music. I visited the building last sunday, and it was about 10 minutes walk from the Shinjuku Station. Of course, I had the half-priced drinks on top of Tokyo, and took beautiful pictures. I was able to see Tokyo Tower from the top, and I thought it would be interesting to view the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building from Tokyo Tower when I visit Tokyo Tower next time. Check out the website before you go!

http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/index.htm

Tokyo Metropolitan Government with North and South observatories

Restaurant on the top of the building

Can you find Tokyo Tower?

My host family!!!

Today, I would like to tell a little bit about my host family.

Unlike most of other exchange stududents who live in a dorm with themselves only, I am staying with a host family. When I first thought about coming to Japan, I was going to stay in a dorm just like everyone else. Luckily, my family's acquaintance wanted to have me stay in their house during my study in Japan.

My host family runs a Japanese restaurant. The host father is a cook, and the host mother helps out. They have two nice sons, who take me around places where younger people hang out, and they also want to improve their English. I stop by the restaurant whenever I am on the way to school and back home. They cook different Japanese food every meal for me, and it is awesome. I have to say that I am blessed because I do not have to worry about what to eat like other exchange students.

So far, it has been great to stay with a host family. Other students here complain that they do not have a chance to practice their Japanese as much, but I speak Japanese all the time at home and at the restaurant. Also, I get a good hot meal. Yeah!!!

I would like to recommend to stay with a host family to everyone who is planning to study abroad. I truly think it is the best way to experience a country.

Typical meal at the restaurant

Had this when we had a sushi party

My host father making sushi rice

Barbeque party (Yakiniku party)

Host family and I

My host family's restaurant

www.akinomi.com