I am catching up on old pictures...then i will blog about Kamakura/Last night
Here are the pictures I took of my commute from Kamata-Shinagawa
Here are some pictures of a random shrine we found in Kamata
Finally: Here are pictures from my Shibuya/Harajuku Adventure--no descriptions/titles yet though...
It's nighttime! I have to get ready for camp tomorrow, beginning of week 2!!! I'll blog tomorrow! <3
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
WEEK ONE: DONE!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! Week One is OVER! Oh man, I am so glad this week is finally done! Though, truth be told...I would be lying if I said I wouldn't miss the kids--actually, I already do...
So let me give you a quick update:Yesterday we went on our first field trip, and it was to Children's Land. Children's Land is a huge park located just outside of Tokyo with tons of HUGE play structures, a crazy-bicycle speedway, a pedal-powered roller coaster, a pony ride, a petting zoo (with the CUTEST cows EVER), farm fresh ice cream and MUCH more! We all had a blast--but the kids were EXHAUSTED from all of the walking (I was pretty pooped too!). My favourite part was the pedal-powered roller coaster, I have never been on anything like it and it was SO much fun (the kids were furiously pedalling, so cute). To and From Children's Land we watched the movie Like Mike (since it is Sports week)...and I have to say I got choked up at the end (the kids were RELENTLESS with their teasing).
Today was the last day. While we were doing our rotating activities, our little A**** got his hand slammed in the door by his buddy when they were coming back from the bathroom. His screaming broke my heart--poor little guy. He was a champ though: he came back and played for a little while before his mom came to get him. I saw both him and his brother A*** at dinner tonight, they said they'll be at camp in two weeks (I can't wait!). As a group activity we had a race to see who could make the longest Olympic ring chain. When we put all the individual strands together we had 229 rings total! It was a great way to kill an hour (yes, we spent an hour making and counting chains--AMAZING :) ).
At the end of the day we had our first ever Camp A Presents, which is a show that we put on for the parents. Since a lot of these kids have parents involved in Business, not a ton of parents showed up and some of the kids were really upset. Nevertheless, the kids sang Summer's Here and Camp A Rocks PERFECTLY, and they had TONS of fun Chuggying their parents (Chugi Chugi is a cute dance we do, which involves some poking of audience members at the end--very funny). Britt and I performed the 'Spit Around the World' skit which was a big crowd-pleaser. The parents all joined us for closing--we sang and signed Lean on Me and sang and danced the Alleluia song.
We had a few tearful goodbyes today--a lot of kids were trying to convince their parents to let them stay at Camp for more weeks (I feel bad for them--I wish they could come back too!) As soon as the last kids left it was DOWN with the Sports week posters and UP with the Fairytale/Fantasy week posters. It is AMAZING how fast one can tear down an entire weeks-worth of painting...I was a little sad to see things go. For Fantasy week I painted an awesome turret, a HUGE dragon with disproportionately small feet, a frog prince, a magic wand (with magic), a bubbling cauldron/pot of gold (it is hard to tell which it is) and a UNICORN (which everyone thought was going to be a donkey...). I can't wait for Fantasy week to start...but having a short vacation from Camp is great (though I still have to finish my programming for Week 3: Barnyard Bonanza!).
Tomorrow Brittney and I are going to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha, meet up with some Camp friends and take in some of the history. We're thinking about staying in Yokohama and going there on Sunday (though honestly there is still a lot to be done with the camp room...)...I'll be sure to post more pictures soon (maybe even later tonight!)--thanks for reading (send me more emails!).
P.S. I didn't mention in my last post (I think) but I found a place to exchange money! With the fees and the conversion rate I lost about $20 off of $220...which seems like a lot. At least I have yen now :/
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Camp Days 2 and 3
I can't believe it is already Wednesday night--where has the time gone? Things at Camp are going well--the kids are super sweet and affectionate, they all participate in all of the games and everyone seems really happy. Today my little 5 year old A---- finally passed his swim test!!!! He was super excited--now he gets to swim wherever he wants to! The twins are...weird...they're always picking off their scabs and then freaking out when they start to bleed--but they never learn their lesson! God only knows how many band-aids I have had to give them in the last two days (mostly it is happening to the pool so I have been sending them to the lifeguards to have them deal with it, lol). Our 12 year old B-- decided that Camp wasn't for him and left after the first day--the other kids really miss him which makes me sad.
Next week is Fantasy week, and I have already started to paint posters (so far a frog prince, a dragon, a unicorn and a turret). We're basically working at the club everyday from 7:45-8:00 pm...which is quite tiring. I have a hard time getting up in the morning these days because I am always exhausted--hopefully after we get into a routine things will be better.
WE FINALLY HAVE AIR-CONDITIONING! It is amazing! It is so hot and humid here I didn't know how long we would be able to survive, especially knowing that it only gets hotter (but apparently no more humid than it has been, thank God). Hopefully the clothes I have been hanging up will finally be able to dry! Which brings me to another topic--clothes washing. The washers here UTTERLY suck. They do NOTHING for stains, so I have been handwashing A LOT. Squatting next to the hose scrubbing my Camp A shirts makes me feel like a true pinay, mom would be so proud. I invested in a body brush (one side has a pumice stone, the other a brush) which has been great--I have gotten most of my tempera paint stains out of all of my white clothes! Also, I discovered a washer and dryer in the staff locker room at the club, so I am going to try to use that as much as possible to save money (500 yen/wash at the apartment is a lot!).
The club also has a bunk room (with bunk beds, obviously) and a shower with bodywash and shampoo/conditioner in the staff locker room...which makes me wonder why we can't just live there! I know they probably have some security issue...but the commute from Kamata is SO FAR and the trains are always SO PACKED. I don't know if I will be able to get used to this :/
This weekend Brittney and I are going to Kamakura to sightsee and meet up with other Camp A groups posted around the country. I am really looking forward to it! I would like to write more but I am feeling really tired (and I am also SUPER HOT, Brittney was on the phone in the room so I had to go sit in the hall upstairs to write this because someone is having a party in the common room).
I'll keep you posted on anything new that comes up! I miss you all! Hugs and Kisses all around!
Next week is Fantasy week, and I have already started to paint posters (so far a frog prince, a dragon, a unicorn and a turret). We're basically working at the club everyday from 7:45-8:00 pm...which is quite tiring. I have a hard time getting up in the morning these days because I am always exhausted--hopefully after we get into a routine things will be better.
WE FINALLY HAVE AIR-CONDITIONING! It is amazing! It is so hot and humid here I didn't know how long we would be able to survive, especially knowing that it only gets hotter (but apparently no more humid than it has been, thank God). Hopefully the clothes I have been hanging up will finally be able to dry! Which brings me to another topic--clothes washing. The washers here UTTERLY suck. They do NOTHING for stains, so I have been handwashing A LOT. Squatting next to the hose scrubbing my Camp A shirts makes me feel like a true pinay, mom would be so proud. I invested in a body brush (one side has a pumice stone, the other a brush) which has been great--I have gotten most of my tempera paint stains out of all of my white clothes! Also, I discovered a washer and dryer in the staff locker room at the club, so I am going to try to use that as much as possible to save money (500 yen/wash at the apartment is a lot!).
The club also has a bunk room (with bunk beds, obviously) and a shower with bodywash and shampoo/conditioner in the staff locker room...which makes me wonder why we can't just live there! I know they probably have some security issue...but the commute from Kamata is SO FAR and the trains are always SO PACKED. I don't know if I will be able to get used to this :/
This weekend Brittney and I are going to Kamakura to sightsee and meet up with other Camp A groups posted around the country. I am really looking forward to it! I would like to write more but I am feeling really tired (and I am also SUPER HOT, Brittney was on the phone in the room so I had to go sit in the hall upstairs to write this because someone is having a party in the common room).
I'll keep you posted on anything new that comes up! I miss you all! Hugs and Kisses all around!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Camp: Day 1
Well...I wasn't going to blog tonight because I am SOO TIRED, but since I got a special request (from my lovely auntie) to keep the blog going, I will endure my fatigue.
So yes, today was the first day of camp. Here is the recap: 13 kids (great ratios) ages 5.5-12 (not such a great range), 3 injury reports, 2 unhappy kids, 2 hr pool time (only 45 min of actual swim--the rest was getting the kids in their suits and sunscreened up). For the most part, everything went smoothly and the kids went home smiling quietly. My programming went surprisingly well--I was surprised how closely we stuck to the schedule! Some of the kids weren't digging some of the activities, so I hope they will have a better time the next couple of days. For the most part the majority of the kids had a really good time, at least that is what they told me.
3 injury reports is a lot for one day of camp, but they were all minor--reopened scabs from playing and one hurt thumb (really super minor), we still reported everything which seems to be more than was done in previous years.
There is one little boy who is only five and a half who I really want to try to work on this week. He is the smallest kid and was the only one who couldn't pass his swim test. He was feeling pretty low today, so I tried to hang out with him--my goal for this week is to get him to leave camp with a huge smile on his face.
One other problem--the 12 year old. He is this SUPER COOL kid from Belgium named B** who is 'too cool for camp.' As a 12 year old he is allowed to sign himself out by club rules, but not ours. He left in the homeward-bound rush and we searched the WHOLE club for him, only to find him calmly sitting in the lobby waiting for his mom to pick him up (except that she came to the camp room looking for him!). We'll have to watch that one...
Prior to camp starting, I was feeling pretty burnt out from all of the work and traveling we have been doing--but after camp was over I felt STOKED. I can't wait for tomorrow, I hope all goes well. Like I said before though: I am really tired so I am afraid this is all I can write tonight. Stay tuned for more!
P.S. Finding a currency exchange place in Tokyo is so hard--and I need to get more Yen pronto because we are going to Kamakura on Friday night :/
Also--I need to call my bank to find out if I can withdraw money from the ATMs here with my visa card...this is becoming kind of a big issue for me!
So yes, today was the first day of camp. Here is the recap: 13 kids (great ratios) ages 5.5-12 (not such a great range), 3 injury reports, 2 unhappy kids, 2 hr pool time (only 45 min of actual swim--the rest was getting the kids in their suits and sunscreened up). For the most part, everything went smoothly and the kids went home smiling quietly. My programming went surprisingly well--I was surprised how closely we stuck to the schedule! Some of the kids weren't digging some of the activities, so I hope they will have a better time the next couple of days. For the most part the majority of the kids had a really good time, at least that is what they told me.
3 injury reports is a lot for one day of camp, but they were all minor--reopened scabs from playing and one hurt thumb (really super minor), we still reported everything which seems to be more than was done in previous years.
There is one little boy who is only five and a half who I really want to try to work on this week. He is the smallest kid and was the only one who couldn't pass his swim test. He was feeling pretty low today, so I tried to hang out with him--my goal for this week is to get him to leave camp with a huge smile on his face.
One other problem--the 12 year old. He is this SUPER COOL kid from Belgium named B** who is 'too cool for camp.' As a 12 year old he is allowed to sign himself out by club rules, but not ours. He left in the homeward-bound rush and we searched the WHOLE club for him, only to find him calmly sitting in the lobby waiting for his mom to pick him up (except that she came to the camp room looking for him!). We'll have to watch that one...
Prior to camp starting, I was feeling pretty burnt out from all of the work and traveling we have been doing--but after camp was over I felt STOKED. I can't wait for tomorrow, I hope all goes well. Like I said before though: I am really tired so I am afraid this is all I can write tonight. Stay tuned for more!
P.S. Finding a currency exchange place in Tokyo is so hard--and I need to get more Yen pronto because we are going to Kamakura on Friday night :/
Also--I need to call my bank to find out if I can withdraw money from the ATMs here with my visa card...this is becoming kind of a big issue for me!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Kamata Rocks
Konbanwa!
So...we didn't go to Tsukiji because it rained nearly ALL DAY. Instead, Brittney and I slept in and decided to go explore Kamata. Kamata, it turns out, is a lot bigger than I originally thought and has TONS of good shopping and restaurants. We discovered a 4 story 100 yen store and bought some things for the apartment (drying rack, some shelving stuff etc.). We had an early lunch at a Sushi Bar! Sushi tastes different here in Japan...I don't know if it is BETTER than in the states, but it is certainly different. We learned all about the fish industry from a documentary on the plane over, so don't worry mom: the fish is all quick frozen and super fresh! The one bad thing about lunch was that the miso soup I had had beef AND chicken in it, and I even ate some chicken on accident :( I was sad, but I suppose it is my own fault for being vegetarian in Japan. I had MUCH better luck with dinner--a salad and some shrimp fried rice, muy bien! The apartment has just about everything we need now (except a dehumidifyer!!) and we are MUCH more comfortable! Camp Starts tomorrow (yay!) and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY!!!
P.S. I am feeling a bit homesick right now...so I got a plant to distract me. I'll post pictures of it later :)
So...we didn't go to Tsukiji because it rained nearly ALL DAY. Instead, Brittney and I slept in and decided to go explore Kamata. Kamata, it turns out, is a lot bigger than I originally thought and has TONS of good shopping and restaurants. We discovered a 4 story 100 yen store and bought some things for the apartment (drying rack, some shelving stuff etc.). We had an early lunch at a Sushi Bar! Sushi tastes different here in Japan...I don't know if it is BETTER than in the states, but it is certainly different. We learned all about the fish industry from a documentary on the plane over, so don't worry mom: the fish is all quick frozen and super fresh! The one bad thing about lunch was that the miso soup I had had beef AND chicken in it, and I even ate some chicken on accident :( I was sad, but I suppose it is my own fault for being vegetarian in Japan. I had MUCH better luck with dinner--a salad and some shrimp fried rice, muy bien! The apartment has just about everything we need now (except a dehumidifyer!!) and we are MUCH more comfortable! Camp Starts tomorrow (yay!) and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY!!!
P.S. I am feeling a bit homesick right now...so I got a plant to distract me. I'll post pictures of it later :)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Programming Week: Complete
Sumimasen! Sorry it has been such a long time since I blogged last!
This entire week has been insane. Brittney and I have been putting in 10 hr+ days at work every day for the last week to try to get things ready for Monday. Having only 1 counselor and 1 camp director at a site really sucks. Yes we have GREAT ratios, but we only have 2 people to do the work of 4--and in reality Brittney has a lot of Directing stuff she has to do. Basically, I got the entire Camp room set up by myself (I did all the painting etc.) and ALL OF THE PROGRAMMING for next week. Brittney took care of all the administrative stuff which was great--but I am exhausted.
Today (Saturday) we went BACK to the Club to do some extra posters/finishing touches on the room for Monday. We spent the entire morning there and met up with the Embassy people for just a second in Shibuya (I got to see Hachiko the dog!!). The Embassy people left (they wanted to rest up to hit Roppongi tonight) and Brittney and I hung out with some of her friends from Nigishi--they were totally awesome.
So, yes: Brittney and I FINALLY got to see other parts of Tokyo! We went through Shibuya and Harajuku (some of the most popular tourist destinations). My first impressions: everything here is expensive!!! Mom always told be about how American-Brand crazy Filipinos are and I am starting to think it has something to do with how expensive American imports are (and how exclusive mid-range stores like H&M and Forever 21 are--there was a LINE to get into a 4 STORY Forever 21!!). We found some Uno cards at a gas station that were over 1,000 yen! That is over $10 American Dollars! It is crazy. Brittney's friends Ricky and Duane also got hooked into going to an "upstairs" boutique, thankfully it wasn't too sketch and they both got out with all of their money and no scrapes.
In Harajuku we found a beautiful park with a huge Koi pond (with GIGANTIC koi and turtles!). A Newlywed couple came to get pictures done--it was beautiful. I congratulated the couple and the family (Omedetou-onegaishimasu) and everyone seemed really pleased and happy. I definitely want to go back to Harajuku sometime to see the infamous 5-story 100 yen store--I can't wait.
Tonight we also got to eat in a REAL Japanese restaurant, and the experience was...in a word: awful. Brittney's friends were super nice, but also very hungry. I tried to communicate with the staff to get some Vegetarian food (and there were two customers who knew some English who were very helpful), but everyone was getting impatient, so I just went without food. I felt so terrible--I put everyone through all of that stress for nothing, I really felt like crying. After everyone finished dinner I got some inari at the 100 yen store and we all went back to the apartment. We're getting up SUPER early tomorrow to go to the fish market (the biggest in the world!)...in fact we're actually leaving in about four hours! I guess that is my cue to log off, I'll post again tomorrow!
P.S. I wanted to upload all of my pictures today, but Flickr has a monthly limit--i'll have to get a photobucket account or something instead...
Here are some before and (semi) after pictures of the Camp room. We're not completely done with it--but you'll get the general idea. CLICK HERE!!
This entire week has been insane. Brittney and I have been putting in 10 hr+ days at work every day for the last week to try to get things ready for Monday. Having only 1 counselor and 1 camp director at a site really sucks. Yes we have GREAT ratios, but we only have 2 people to do the work of 4--and in reality Brittney has a lot of Directing stuff she has to do. Basically, I got the entire Camp room set up by myself (I did all the painting etc.) and ALL OF THE PROGRAMMING for next week. Brittney took care of all the administrative stuff which was great--but I am exhausted.
Today (Saturday) we went BACK to the Club to do some extra posters/finishing touches on the room for Monday. We spent the entire morning there and met up with the Embassy people for just a second in Shibuya (I got to see Hachiko the dog!!). The Embassy people left (they wanted to rest up to hit Roppongi tonight) and Brittney and I hung out with some of her friends from Nigishi--they were totally awesome.
So, yes: Brittney and I FINALLY got to see other parts of Tokyo! We went through Shibuya and Harajuku (some of the most popular tourist destinations). My first impressions: everything here is expensive!!! Mom always told be about how American-Brand crazy Filipinos are and I am starting to think it has something to do with how expensive American imports are (and how exclusive mid-range stores like H&M and Forever 21 are--there was a LINE to get into a 4 STORY Forever 21!!). We found some Uno cards at a gas station that were over 1,000 yen! That is over $10 American Dollars! It is crazy. Brittney's friends Ricky and Duane also got hooked into going to an "upstairs" boutique, thankfully it wasn't too sketch and they both got out with all of their money and no scrapes.
In Harajuku we found a beautiful park with a huge Koi pond (with GIGANTIC koi and turtles!). A Newlywed couple came to get pictures done--it was beautiful. I congratulated the couple and the family (Omedetou-onegaishimasu) and everyone seemed really pleased and happy. I definitely want to go back to Harajuku sometime to see the infamous 5-story 100 yen store--I can't wait.
Tonight we also got to eat in a REAL Japanese restaurant, and the experience was...in a word: awful. Brittney's friends were super nice, but also very hungry. I tried to communicate with the staff to get some Vegetarian food (and there were two customers who knew some English who were very helpful), but everyone was getting impatient, so I just went without food. I felt so terrible--I put everyone through all of that stress for nothing, I really felt like crying. After everyone finished dinner I got some inari at the 100 yen store and we all went back to the apartment. We're getting up SUPER early tomorrow to go to the fish market (the biggest in the world!)...in fact we're actually leaving in about four hours! I guess that is my cue to log off, I'll post again tomorrow!
P.S. I wanted to upload all of my pictures today, but Flickr has a monthly limit--i'll have to get a photobucket account or something instead...
Here are some before and (semi) after pictures of the Camp room. We're not completely done with it--but you'll get the general idea. CLICK HERE!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
And so it begins...
It is Wednesday evening in Tokyo, and we (thankfully) have no rain tonight, just a lovely cool breeze. Today was a very productive day--I did all of the programming for our first week (all by myself!!) and started working on posters for the room, which I will continue to do tomorrow and possibly Friday as well.
Before I say anymore, I have some good news: this quarter wasn't a bust after all. I think I did extremely well considering everything I had to do to get ready for Japan.
Now that that is out of the way, I would like to talk a little about Kamata, the area we live in.
Kamata is a basically-residential part of the city in a ward called Ōta that houses one of the biggest stations on the Keihin-Tōhoku Line. Ōta borders part of Tokyo Bay, but the only parts of Tokyo Bay we have seen are in the rivers and estuaries that dot our neighbourhood. Kamata is an interesting place because of the kinds of people who live here. There are definitely a lot of young people living in Kamata because of it's proximity to some Tokyo U extensions and its affordability. The shops around the station cater to this younger crowd and are generally inexpensive and trendy. Kamata is also a place where a ton of bachelors live--in fact, 85% of the residents in our boarding house are single men ages 21-35. As a result, this area also has its share of Host Clubs, Night Clubs and some of the biggest Pachinko (Gambling) houses in the area.
Walking around our specific area, however, one can see the kind of place Kamata used to be. The houses that are here bear the signs of the poor economy, but harken back to a better time in Japanese history when they were inhabited by young families. There are a lot of apartments in this area now, and the existing houses are either in bad shape or have been converted to boarding houses like the one we live in. There is a small park across the street from us which has fallen into disarray because of lack of use. Most of the current home owners in the area are seniors who purchased their homes for their families, who have been priced out of nicer areas in Tokyo. Now these seniors are forced to cope with the constantly changing landscape and never-ending flow of young and unmarried students, workers and gaijin (foreigners) and all of the kinds of businesses they bring with them.
Despite some of the seedy aspects of this area, Kamata is very safe. Stores close early around here and the patrons of the Pachinko houses, nigh clubs and bars tend to keep to themselves--we haven't heard a lot of noise at night since we came.
So...THAT is Kamata. I will have post some pictures latefir because I don't feel well and am fighting to stay awake. I have had the most terrible headaches since I arrived and have been having a hard time staying up late enough to adjust to the new time...I will have to do something...
Hope you enjoyed my blog today, stay tuned for more of my life here in Japan!
Before I say anymore, I have some good news: this quarter wasn't a bust after all. I think I did extremely well considering everything I had to do to get ready for Japan.
Now that that is out of the way, I would like to talk a little about Kamata, the area we live in.
Kamata is a basically-residential part of the city in a ward called Ōta that houses one of the biggest stations on the Keihin-Tōhoku Line. Ōta borders part of Tokyo Bay, but the only parts of Tokyo Bay we have seen are in the rivers and estuaries that dot our neighbourhood. Kamata is an interesting place because of the kinds of people who live here. There are definitely a lot of young people living in Kamata because of it's proximity to some Tokyo U extensions and its affordability. The shops around the station cater to this younger crowd and are generally inexpensive and trendy. Kamata is also a place where a ton of bachelors live--in fact, 85% of the residents in our boarding house are single men ages 21-35. As a result, this area also has its share of Host Clubs, Night Clubs and some of the biggest Pachinko (Gambling) houses in the area.
Walking around our specific area, however, one can see the kind of place Kamata used to be. The houses that are here bear the signs of the poor economy, but harken back to a better time in Japanese history when they were inhabited by young families. There are a lot of apartments in this area now, and the existing houses are either in bad shape or have been converted to boarding houses like the one we live in. There is a small park across the street from us which has fallen into disarray because of lack of use. Most of the current home owners in the area are seniors who purchased their homes for their families, who have been priced out of nicer areas in Tokyo. Now these seniors are forced to cope with the constantly changing landscape and never-ending flow of young and unmarried students, workers and gaijin (foreigners) and all of the kinds of businesses they bring with them.
Despite some of the seedy aspects of this area, Kamata is very safe. Stores close early around here and the patrons of the Pachinko houses, nigh clubs and bars tend to keep to themselves--we haven't heard a lot of noise at night since we came.
So...THAT is Kamata. I will have post some pictures latefir because I don't feel well and am fighting to stay awake. I have had the most terrible headaches since I arrived and have been having a hard time staying up late enough to adjust to the new time...I will have to do something...
Hope you enjoyed my blog today, stay tuned for more of my life here in Japan!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tokyo American Club
Konbanwa Minna-San! (Good Evening Everyone!)
Brittney and I just got back from the Tokyo American Club--boy did we luck out.
But let me backtrack a little...
Around noon Steve came to pick Brittney and I up at the apartment, he purchased a suica card (metro card) for each of us and put enough money on to last us a few weeks. The train systems in Japan are excellent--always on time, clean and (best of all) convenient. The train station is only a 10 minute walk from our apartment, and the TAC is another 10 minute walk from Shinagawa station (one of the largest stations in Tokyo).
Today we got our first real look at Tokyo proper. Kamata is big and there is tons of stuff to do, but it doesn't even compare to Shinagawa. Huge buildings, 5 star hotels and specialty shops alongside mom and pop restaurants and convenience stores: this is Shinagawa.
The Tokyo American Club, Shinagawa is a temporary club. The club is actually located in Akasaka near the Tokyo Tower and the U.S. Embassy, but the club has been under construction for the last few years. Inside the temporary club there are mock-ups of what the multi-million dollar club will look like. I can't wait to come back and see it, it looks amazing.
The TAC's current location, as I said, is temporary--but you would never guess it. The club's facilities are excellent and clean, the staff is bilingual and polite. Everyone is extremely nice and we have been given TONS of resources. Did I mention that Brittney and I get to eat at a 4 Star restaurant whenever we want, FREE OF CHARGE? Did I also mention that we get free use of most of the club facilities including their extensive DVD library!? Unbelievable, right? I can't believe how lucky we are--it seems like we have the best site in Camp A! Also, the Camp A program here has gone on without an incident for 15 years; Steve says it is mostly due to the high calibre kids in the program!
We stayed at the TAC for a while to take inventory and to do a little programming. Tomorrow we will go back for more rigorous planning and we will meet our Japanese counselor Shuu who is bilingual (which will be a great help since my Japanese is coming slowly).
When we finally left the club it was pouring outside. We've been in a bit of a dry spell in Yolo County, so it has been a while since I have been in such a torrential storm. When we got off in Kamata, though, the conditions worsened and we heard the loudest lightning cracks I have ever heard in my life. Before we left the station we explored the 5-story mall that sits right above it. We found the Japanese equivalent of an Ikea, and though the club said they would reimburse us for any apartment-related purchases, we were reluctant to get anything when we saw how expensive the products were. Tokyo certainly is an expensive place--no doubt about it.
I would write more, but I have a terrible headache (I am probably still a bit jet lagged). I will upload some photos tomorrow before we leave for the club.
P.S. Does anyone know if AmEx cards have pin numbers? I can't recall ever having one, but the atm machines insist that I must!
P.P.S. We moved the fridge today and accidentally unplugged it. There was no food inside but there WAS water everywhere from melted ice. Luckily I brought my shammie which helped a lot, but I certainly won't be using it for personal use until I can get it washed. I still haven't exchanged any money yet, but I need to tomorrow. Ok, my head is killing me--Good Morning, America and Good Night, Japan.
Brittney and I just got back from the Tokyo American Club--boy did we luck out.
But let me backtrack a little...
Around noon Steve came to pick Brittney and I up at the apartment, he purchased a suica card (metro card) for each of us and put enough money on to last us a few weeks. The train systems in Japan are excellent--always on time, clean and (best of all) convenient. The train station is only a 10 minute walk from our apartment, and the TAC is another 10 minute walk from Shinagawa station (one of the largest stations in Tokyo).
Today we got our first real look at Tokyo proper. Kamata is big and there is tons of stuff to do, but it doesn't even compare to Shinagawa. Huge buildings, 5 star hotels and specialty shops alongside mom and pop restaurants and convenience stores: this is Shinagawa.
The Tokyo American Club, Shinagawa is a temporary club. The club is actually located in Akasaka near the Tokyo Tower and the U.S. Embassy, but the club has been under construction for the last few years. Inside the temporary club there are mock-ups of what the multi-million dollar club will look like. I can't wait to come back and see it, it looks amazing.
The TAC's current location, as I said, is temporary--but you would never guess it. The club's facilities are excellent and clean, the staff is bilingual and polite. Everyone is extremely nice and we have been given TONS of resources. Did I mention that Brittney and I get to eat at a 4 Star restaurant whenever we want, FREE OF CHARGE? Did I also mention that we get free use of most of the club facilities including their extensive DVD library!? Unbelievable, right? I can't believe how lucky we are--it seems like we have the best site in Camp A! Also, the Camp A program here has gone on without an incident for 15 years; Steve says it is mostly due to the high calibre kids in the program!
We stayed at the TAC for a while to take inventory and to do a little programming. Tomorrow we will go back for more rigorous planning and we will meet our Japanese counselor Shuu who is bilingual (which will be a great help since my Japanese is coming slowly).
When we finally left the club it was pouring outside. We've been in a bit of a dry spell in Yolo County, so it has been a while since I have been in such a torrential storm. When we got off in Kamata, though, the conditions worsened and we heard the loudest lightning cracks I have ever heard in my life. Before we left the station we explored the 5-story mall that sits right above it. We found the Japanese equivalent of an Ikea, and though the club said they would reimburse us for any apartment-related purchases, we were reluctant to get anything when we saw how expensive the products were. Tokyo certainly is an expensive place--no doubt about it.
I would write more, but I have a terrible headache (I am probably still a bit jet lagged). I will upload some photos tomorrow before we leave for the club.
P.S. Does anyone know if AmEx cards have pin numbers? I can't recall ever having one, but the atm machines insist that I must!
P.P.S. We moved the fridge today and accidentally unplugged it. There was no food inside but there WAS water everywhere from melted ice. Luckily I brought my shammie which helped a lot, but I certainly won't be using it for personal use until I can get it washed. I still haven't exchanged any money yet, but I need to tomorrow. Ok, my head is killing me--Good Morning, America and Good Night, Japan.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Good Morning Tokyo!
Hello Friends,
It is a beautiful Tuesday morning in Tokyo Japan. Let me tell you about my trip.
As always, things ran a little bit behind schedule on Sunday, but I made it to the airport with lots of time thanks to Amber. :)
Security went off without a hitch (except when I accidentally knocked a bin onto a kid--his mom looked like she was going to FLAY me!), and I found my partner Brittney in the terminal. Brittney seems really nice--she is an Art Ed. major at Chico State with an emphasis in photography. I also discovered that we are both from Paradise, CA--WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? She even knows my Godbrother Chris! It is unbelievable how small this world really is.
On the flight I got a window seat (the first time ever!) and sat next to a nice Korean boy and a guy from San Francisco. They were both very accommodating, though I felt bad making them get up every hour to let me walk around :/ they didn't say anything though. The first vegetarian meal was sub-par, but the second had roasted tomatoes and mushrooms--yummy!!
When we landed in Japan, I was struck by how GREEN the country looked. Tokyo is an urban Mecca surrounded by acres and acres of fertile farm areas and forests.
Immigration, Quarantine and Customs went smoothly (and it is true--people wear masks here ALL THE TIME to protect themselves from the flu). After we got out of the airport we took a 45 minute bus ride into the city and were picked up at the Hotel LaFloret, Tokyo by Steve, our point-of-contact (P.C.).
Steve is from Seattle, WA but has lived in Tokyo for over 30 years. He is a very sweet guy and I look forward to learning about the city and the TAC from him later today.
The apartment was not what I expected. Everyone who told me about the TAC described more...upscale living arrangements, but this is not the case. Brittney and I share a small room in a boarding house in Kamata (here is the web ad for the place: http://www.conveniencehouse.com/). It is certainly not the fanciest place I have ever lived, and it was kind of a let down when were were jet lagged and fatigued, but what a difference a day makes! I feel so fortunate to be here today! I also feel like I am really a resident of Tokyo--I can't wait to start exploring our amazing neighbourhood!
***
Ok, Brittney and I just explored the neighbourhood and there is SO MUCH TO SEE. I had Inari for breakfast and we walked around trying to find a bank (but it was too early in the morning). I am going to be making some vocab flashcards--because my Japanese is really rusty :/. I'll have to learn fast though--no one speaks English!!
So far, Japan is more beautiful than I ever imagined, even the city. It rained last night and our window is letting the cool, damp air into the room. I can hear a variety of bird calls, all of them new and interesting. Steve is going to come and get us soon and we will continue our adventure! Stay tuned!!
P.S. Click Here to see my newest pictures:
It is a beautiful Tuesday morning in Tokyo Japan. Let me tell you about my trip.
As always, things ran a little bit behind schedule on Sunday, but I made it to the airport with lots of time thanks to Amber. :)
Security went off without a hitch (except when I accidentally knocked a bin onto a kid--his mom looked like she was going to FLAY me!), and I found my partner Brittney in the terminal. Brittney seems really nice--she is an Art Ed. major at Chico State with an emphasis in photography. I also discovered that we are both from Paradise, CA--WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? She even knows my Godbrother Chris! It is unbelievable how small this world really is.
On the flight I got a window seat (the first time ever!) and sat next to a nice Korean boy and a guy from San Francisco. They were both very accommodating, though I felt bad making them get up every hour to let me walk around :/ they didn't say anything though. The first vegetarian meal was sub-par, but the second had roasted tomatoes and mushrooms--yummy!!
When we landed in Japan, I was struck by how GREEN the country looked. Tokyo is an urban Mecca surrounded by acres and acres of fertile farm areas and forests.
Immigration, Quarantine and Customs went smoothly (and it is true--people wear masks here ALL THE TIME to protect themselves from the flu). After we got out of the airport we took a 45 minute bus ride into the city and were picked up at the Hotel LaFloret, Tokyo by Steve, our point-of-contact (P.C.).
Steve is from Seattle, WA but has lived in Tokyo for over 30 years. He is a very sweet guy and I look forward to learning about the city and the TAC from him later today.
The apartment was not what I expected. Everyone who told me about the TAC described more...upscale living arrangements, but this is not the case. Brittney and I share a small room in a boarding house in Kamata (here is the web ad for the place: http://www.conveniencehouse.com/). It is certainly not the fanciest place I have ever lived, and it was kind of a let down when were were jet lagged and fatigued, but what a difference a day makes! I feel so fortunate to be here today! I also feel like I am really a resident of Tokyo--I can't wait to start exploring our amazing neighbourhood!
***
Ok, Brittney and I just explored the neighbourhood and there is SO MUCH TO SEE. I had Inari for breakfast and we walked around trying to find a bank (but it was too early in the morning). I am going to be making some vocab flashcards--because my Japanese is really rusty :/. I'll have to learn fast though--no one speaks English!!
So far, Japan is more beautiful than I ever imagined, even the city. It rained last night and our window is letting the cool, damp air into the room. I can hear a variety of bird calls, all of them new and interesting. Steve is going to come and get us soon and we will continue our adventure! Stay tuned!!
P.S. Click Here to see my newest pictures:
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Pre-Departure Jitters
Hello Friends,
So...tomorrow is the big day, in more ways than one. At approximately 12:20 pm I will be flying out of SFO bound for the Land of the Rising Sun. At around 9:00 am, my brother will be graduating from UC Davis. To say the least, June 14th, 2009 has been a logistical nightmare. I didn't want my parents to miss out on my brother's graduation, so Amber Winter will be taking me to the airport (God bless her). While I am sad that my family won't be there to send me off, I am glad that my little excursion hasn't ruined my brother's graduation. Tomorrow's schedule will look something like this:
3:00 am-Wake Up
3:15 am-Get out of Bed (lol)
3:20 am-Take a Shower
3:40 am-Get dressed in my LOVELY Camp Adventure uniform
4:00 am-Try to eat something
4:00-6:20 am-Do something to try to stay awake that doesn't involve caffeine
6:30 am-Depart the house
6:40 am-Drop a Flan off at Tio Victor's house for the Holy Rosary Choir party I will be missing
6:45 am-Swing by the house to pick up my lovely Auntie
7:00 am-Drop me off at Amber Winter's apartment (tearful goodbyes to the Fam)
7:15-7:20 am-Depart Amber Winter's House
7:40 am-Starbucks in Dixon
9:00-9:20 am-SFO
9:30-??? am-Tearful Goodbye to Amber
???-11:45 am-?????
12:20 pm-Take-off
12:30 pm-Read/Watch Movies/Play Games with Brittany/Sleep/Eat/Sleep/Listen to Music/Sleep
3:30 pm (Monday)-WELCOME TO JAPAN!
But...as we all know (or at least those of you who kept tabs on me in Australia know), things often do not go as scheduled. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that everything runs as smoothly and timely as possible tomorrow.
The flight will minimally be 10 hours. While not the longest plane ride I have ever been on, it is a long time to be basically sedentary. Plane rides don't especially bother me though--all I need is some Dramamine, an eye mask and earplugs and I am good to go! I can fall asleep on a dime in airplanes (the same cannot be said about cars...), and I feel especially fortunate in this regard.
So, how did I spend my last day in America? I hung out with Amber Winter, got a Pedicure (which lasted all of 3 hours before chipping...this is what I get for paying $25 for a spa pedi), had some dramatic last-minute baggage issues with Mom, taught Mom and Dad how to use a webcam and skype (HILARITY) and was somehow was able to find a few moments to blog. Now you all know the extent of my love. :)
Well, I am off to bed now--please send me good thoughts and prayers tomorrow, and God willing I will arrive unscathed in Japan at the appointed hour. More updates to come, keep reading!!
So...tomorrow is the big day, in more ways than one. At approximately 12:20 pm I will be flying out of SFO bound for the Land of the Rising Sun. At around 9:00 am, my brother will be graduating from UC Davis. To say the least, June 14th, 2009 has been a logistical nightmare. I didn't want my parents to miss out on my brother's graduation, so Amber Winter will be taking me to the airport (God bless her). While I am sad that my family won't be there to send me off, I am glad that my little excursion hasn't ruined my brother's graduation. Tomorrow's schedule will look something like this:
3:00 am-Wake Up
3:15 am-Get out of Bed (lol)
3:20 am-Take a Shower
3:40 am-Get dressed in my LOVELY Camp Adventure uniform
4:00 am-Try to eat something
4:00-6:20 am-Do something to try to stay awake that doesn't involve caffeine
6:30 am-Depart the house
6:40 am-Drop a Flan off at Tio Victor's house for the Holy Rosary Choir party I will be missing
6:45 am-Swing by the house to pick up my lovely Auntie
7:00 am-Drop me off at Amber Winter's apartment (tearful goodbyes to the Fam)
7:15-7:20 am-Depart Amber Winter's House
7:40 am-Starbucks in Dixon
9:00-9:20 am-SFO
9:30-??? am-Tearful Goodbye to Amber
???-11:45 am-?????
12:20 pm-Take-off
12:30 pm-Read/Watch Movies/Play Games with Brittany/Sleep/Eat/Sleep/Listen to Music/Sleep
3:30 pm (Monday)-WELCOME TO JAPAN!
But...as we all know (or at least those of you who kept tabs on me in Australia know), things often do not go as scheduled. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that everything runs as smoothly and timely as possible tomorrow.
The flight will minimally be 10 hours. While not the longest plane ride I have ever been on, it is a long time to be basically sedentary. Plane rides don't especially bother me though--all I need is some Dramamine, an eye mask and earplugs and I am good to go! I can fall asleep on a dime in airplanes (the same cannot be said about cars...), and I feel especially fortunate in this regard.
So, how did I spend my last day in America? I hung out with Amber Winter, got a Pedicure (which lasted all of 3 hours before chipping...this is what I get for paying $25 for a spa pedi), had some dramatic last-minute baggage issues with Mom, taught Mom and Dad how to use a webcam and skype (HILARITY) and was somehow was able to find a few moments to blog. Now you all know the extent of my love. :)
Well, I am off to bed now--please send me good thoughts and prayers tomorrow, and God willing I will arrive unscathed in Japan at the appointed hour. More updates to come, keep reading!!
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