Fall 2009

First of all, thank you to all of my family. I had a wonderful summer break back in the U.S, and I enjoyed everyone's company very much.

Fall semester has started, and I enjoy my classes very much. I have three classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I leave the house at 7:30 a.m. and get home around 7:30 p.m. That's right, Im our of the house for 12 hours, three days a week. Tuesday and Thursday, I have class from 10:20 to 11:50. After that class, I stay around school to study and finish homework.

Before I get started describing my classes, I'd like to fill you in on my morning routine. On Monday/Wednesday/Friday (MWF), I wake up at 6:00 a.m. On Tuesday/ Thursday (T/TH), I wake up at 7:30. After I turn off my alarm, I open my windows and take around 10 minutes to reflect on my dreams and mentally prepare myself for the day. Once my brain has eased out of it's sleep state, I proceed to the shower. After a shower, I make a big breakfast. So far, my breakfast has consisted of the same thing every day: 3 fried eggs with 3 small sausages, Coffee, orange juice, and a protein drink. After breakfast, I clean up and get my backpack ready for school.

My first class on MWF is Mosaics. This class is a partial introduction to philosophy combined with other classic pieces of literature. Our reading list includes, The Epic of Gilgamesh, Genesis from the Holy Bible, The Daodejing, The Trial and Death of Socrates, The Allegory of the Cave, Oedipus the King, and other similar pieces of literature. This is the class that I am looking forward to the most. Already in two classes, I've thought deeply on the subject matter, gotten engaged in the readings, and had an hour long discussion about the material with a friend outside of class. The instructure is fairly old, and went to college in the late 60's. He has an interesting way of lecturing that keeps me listening, but more importatnly, he creates a feeling in the classroom that encourages the students to engage in discussion.

After mosaics, I have a four and a half hour break. From 9:50-2:10. I've been taking this time to go to the local sports center to exercise. It costs only $4 per visit, and I can lift weights and also shower during the break. I figure since I am out for 12 hours on these days, I should use that time to continue my fitness regiment.

When my break is over, I go to Japanese Intermediate I. Not much to say here, continuing japanese with vocabulary, grammar, and writing lessons.

I have another 1.5 hour break after Japanese. At 4:50, I have the class U.S and East Asia Relations. This class is about the United State's influence in East Asia, and the foreign policies of those countries. I like this professor, he taught my International relations class last semester, he is very knowledgeable, and conducts class very well.

On T/TH I have one class: Comparative Politics of Developing Nations. In this class we look at the traps that hinder a nation's development. We also look closely at many of the least developed countries governments. The professor worked has 2 master's degrees in developing countries. She worked in the United Nations for 10 years, in cambodia, vietnam, the gaza strip, and African countries. I've talked with her privately about her work in the U.N. and she said that after the semester is over, she can help me apply to the U.N. she has connections with people that work there, and knows some ways that I can get in. I was ecstatic to hear this, as I have been recently musing at the idea of working for the U.N.

Things with McKenna are alright. Although we've broken up, our friendship is still strong. Its strange, we never talk about the break up or when we were together. Things arent much different though than they were, besides the lack of holding hands and words of affection. We've been going to an Italian restaurant almost every day. It is called "Saizeriya" and is the perfect place for college students. They have cheap and tasty Italian food, along with a drink bar. Endless refills of coffee, soda, juice, and tea, for only $1.80. One can stay as long as they need. Today, we stayed there for 4 hours, finishing homework, reading, and chatting.

That is about it for my life in Japan right now. Im very busy with classes that I rarely have free time. When I do, I try to relax by reading or writing. I miss my family and friends back home a lot, but Im having a great time on my own.

Love,
Tony

Haircut

My Room.

This is my bed. It's a queen size, perfect for my height. The big mosquito net adds a really beautiful effect.














The opposite wall of my bed. This shelf contraption has candles, books, toiletries and a desk area.









Candles and incense. The candles are good lighting at night, much better than the blinding single fluorescent light that comes with the room.

These combined with relaxing music add a great feeling to the room.

The wall in between the bed and shelf. I really like the Japanese style window cover things. They slide and there is glass behind them.









Another view of my bed.












Boring view of my door and closet. The closet is big! Its a couple feet deep and can fit all of my clothes with extra room.










Pictures and cards from my family. I am always thinking of you.











That's all there is to see of my room, I've yet to show you the living room, bathroom, kitchen, and balcony. Ill save that for another day. Finals this week, I will be busy studying. Wish me luck!

With much love to everyone,
Tony.

Its been a while

Another post coming soon, help me fill my fridge!

Update. 1 month here

Hello friends and family, another update here.









First of all i like to apologize for not updating sooner, i have been caught up with schoolwork and socializing. Wow, I have been here for a month now, I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by. I have finally accepted that I am in tokyo, the shock and denial has left, and acceptance has flown through like a cooling summer breeze. I like it here, one thing i still find hard to believe is how many people are in this city. It seems where ever I go, the streets and stations are PACKED with people. Since this is everywhere, its hard to notice how many people I am dodging just to get to my destination.

The dorm is.... Interesting to say the least. There are a lot of students here, packed into this small building. Lots of people means lots of personalities, and with that comes certain "clicks" groups of people that share the same interests. I get along with everyone in my quarter of the dorm, i see and talk with them every day. However, I barely know anyone else, except some girls I met when I first got here. Everyone else is the stereotypical college kid, the kids with the "LETS PARTY" creed. They are always talking about going out and drinking, i find it funny actually. I'll here people come home around 2-3 in the morning, stumbling and trying to get the front door open. Anyways, enough about that, on to school.

School is good, although I am busy doing work almost every night. I just finished my first essay for college composition, talking about violence in fairy tales. Although I am not sure of my grade in that class, I have done all of the work to the best of my abilities, which should mean I have an A. We are already starting another essay, the second draft is due in 2 days, I still need to work on it.
Foreign Government and politics is my Favorite class, the professor is from the UK, and his dry british humor always brightens up my day. Whenever he is talking about other european countries, he always has some sort of comment to say about them, "Oh those silly scandanavians are always complaining, because their country is so flat" I dont understand it, but he just sneaks those little comments in the lecture and everyone cracks up. The only grade, besides participation and attendence, in that class so far is the first quiz, of which I scored the highest in the class, 86.7%. I really like learning about different type of governments, and how they are applied in present day politics.
Japanese class is very challenging, but I am learning a lot. There is a quiz every class, twice a week, So i am studying everyday. However, I am learning japanese at a very quick pace, from studying, then going out to apply it in conversation. I was struggling in the class, but after I got back into the habit of learning a foreign language, I was acing quizzes and tests again.
Mathematics is so boring!!!! The professor does not know how to keep a classes attention. Although the class is only an hour long, they seem to last days. The fact that he has a speach impediment does not help either, he stops mid sentence to make a strange noise in his throat before proceeding. I know all of the material still, last class he spent 30 minutes reviewing the coordinate plane, which i learned 8 years ago! But, since the class is easy, I am doing very well, and will get some easy credits out of it.

I havent been going out much anymore, just saving my money really. I did go to a karaoke place a couple weeks back with dorm mates. It was really fun, and is THE thing to do here. besides the random songs I didnt know, I picked "shook me all night long"-ACDC, "Dont stop believing"-Journey, and "Bohemian Rhapsody"-Queen.

Money is kind of tight now, It seems the falling US dollar really affected the amount of yen my financial aid has paid for. I only spending money on food for now. My food situation is good, I bless the Italian blood running through my veins every time I take a bite of the food I cook. Ive had people willing to pay me to make spaghetti sauce for them, after they tasted how wonderfully I make it.

Last but not least, Valentine's day is just around the corner. I have a valentine! her name is McKenna, and she is wonderful, we have been getting close over the last couple of weeks.

Thats all for now, I am going to get back to writing my essay. Leave comments! I want to know what is going on with everyone, and what you think of my current events. I love and miss you all!!! Hopefully i will update again sooner.
Love, Tony

Picture update-Straightened hair

First day of classes.

Today was great! I had my first day of classes.

After the daily routine (Wake up, shower, shave, eat) I got on the train to the campus.

My first class is english composition at 8:40 A.M. The class "theme" is Childhood and Growing Up. In this class i will learn to write clear and concise essays, use analytical thinking to revise drafts, and be able to use the skills i gain to independently write successful essays. We will be reading and discussing "Angelo's Ashes" And also write a 10 page research paper at the end of semester.

The second class is Foreign Governments and Politics. In this class, participation is a huge percent of the grade. So i will need to learn how to compare and contrast different country's governments, pick which I think works best, and use supporting evidence to argue my standpoint with the teacher, and fellow classmates.

The third class is Japanese Elements II. I am sure this will be fun, and also very helpful. As opposed to my Japanese class in America, this class will only be spoken in Japanese. I feel this immersive style, combined with me actually being in japan, is perfect for quickly learning Japanese. My forte for foreign languages will allow me to excel in this class.

At 3:40 pm after Japanese, I was done for the day. A friend and I went to Akihabara, to hit up an arcade. I know what you're thinking, but i haven't spent much money at the arcades yet and I don't plan to start. However, I am proud to say I beat a Japanese person in Street Fighter 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a huge accomplishment for me =P

Tommorow I have mathematics, at 4:40 pm. I plan to use the time beforehand to study for all of my classes. I also need to buy 4 classes worth of books. I saw the prices for some, and they are around $30 dollars. MUCH MUCH cheaper than college books in America.



College will be a challenge, but so far I am confident in my abilities to succeed. Studying diligently and raising my orginization and time management skills will prove to be very useful. I can do this, and I am excited for all of the possibilities my future holds.

And now i leave with a picture from my webcam of a hat i bought yesterday.

Tokyo Tower

Of one tokyo's great landmarks. This thing is gigantic

Tour of my Dorm

Finally figured out a way to upload videos, here is a tour of my dorm.



Hope you enjoyed it, more on the way.

First days here

Tokyo is amazing. Ive been here for 2 days and I am still in shock that I am here.
The first day was very hectic, I woke up at 6:45 am to get ready to leave for the campus. Decided to get some breakfast, and got lost. lol I took two turns and got lost. Everything is confusing, and I will have to learn my way around much better.

After purchasing a bus ticket I proceeded to the sardine can that is the rail system. Think of being the most cramped you can can get in a train car, then add about 30 more people. after taking the packed train for 40 minutes, I arrived at the campus for orientation. This was pretty standard, we wet over all of the visa information, different departments of the school, student government and clubs, and the agenda for the rest of the week.

Today we had placement tests. The english section ws very easy, most of the questions had us pick between the correct english translation and crappy japanese broken english.
Now I wish I had studied more for the math part =x

After testing was done, a couple of my dorm mates and I went to akihabara, the electronic capital of the world. This place was UNBELIEVEABLE. As soon as i exited the train station, there were flashing lights, gigantic arcades, and side marts filled with all sorts of electronic goodies. We went to an 8 story manga/video game store, and I felt like a kid in a candy store. I didn't buy anything though, since I need to save money to live.
In Akihabara, we accidently ventured into an adult entertainment store, which was... interesting to say the least.

I neeeeeed sleep, but I have to stay up until 11 this week because I am responsible for cleaning the common room and kitchen. Tomorrow I register for classes, and get my studentID, which will allow me to receive discounts on various services throughout the city.

Miss you all, Videos on the way