One Month In

Well, I've officially been in Japan for over a month now....I went to Miyajima/Hiroshima a few weekends back and it was a wonderful trip. (Even better if minus the food poisoning) Classes have picked up a little though I just say I am a little disappointed with the quality of thec classes and students. It is however a good thing that I am not doing ALL my electives here or else I would be really upset!
Just this past weekend, I went to Kyoto and Nara for a 3-day trip with two other classmates. There is certainly a lot of things to see and we've only scratched the surface. Maybe I will head back to Kyoto if time permits. I still have to decide as to where I want to go for my last week here in Japan. Perhaps climb Mt. Fuji and visit Tokyo?
Here are some highlight pics so far...

Five Storey Pagoda - Miyajima












Itsukushima-Jinja's Floating Torii - Miyajima










Tahoto Pagoda - Miyajima












Maikos (don't think they are Geisha status) and me - Kyoto












Fushimi Inari Shrine - Toriis galore! - Kyoto









Kiyomizu-dera - Kyoto









Kinkakuji Temple - Kyoto

First trip planned

Today, I received confirmation from a ryokan in Miyajima for a 2-night stay. Bus tickets was also purchased to Hiroshima today so I am set for next weekend!

The itineary will be a night bus to Hiroshima (approx. 9hrs), arrive around 9am, where then I will proceed to see the WWII monument for the nuclear bombing. Then I will take the tram to the ferry which will take me to the island of Miyajima. It is suppose to be one of the three most beautiful places to visit in Japan. I am sure you will recognize some of the scenary when I post the pictures later.

The ryokan I am staying at is suppose to be very nice and includes breakfast and dinner. There is also an onsen (public bath,, like a hot tub) of which I can use. I am VERY excited about this trip as the classmates here has confirmed that it is a definite-must to visit.

Since I am only here for 2 months, I have to take the opportunity to travel as soon as I can. Otherwise, I really don't know what the possibilites are for me to travel once school gets busy!

The last few days have been laid back. I find the I am actually quite tired from the site seeing and walking around the city. Guess I am getting OLD! More updates to come once classes starts the coming Thurs. Cheers.

Sakura, Sakura...

So far, I've been to 2 of the best spots to view cherry blossoms in Nagoya. They are indeed beautiful, I am so happy that I am in Japan at this time of the year!

Some first impressions of Japan...people generally are very polite and helpful. Japan of course is very clean and neat. That includes the way the grocery check-out ladies pack your basket after they scan the items! Food of course is excellent and there are many affordable places to eat as long as you don't have dietary restrictions and are willing to eat local. On the downside, people in Nagoya are quite conservative and reserved. They follow rules strictly and definitely do not cross any lines. In general, processes and procedures here are very complicated and paper-based. Some of the immigration procedures required for us "Aliens" are downright unneccesary in my opinion. Thank goodness I am here for less than 90 days, or else I would have to do the paperwork that all the exchange students would have to do! This is actually very surprising to me as Japan's technology is years ahead of many of the western world.

I am enjoying my week here so far, we will see what happens when class starts next week. For now, enjoy some sakura pictures.