I don't know you, but thank you for the free wireless.
Dear world~
It is still raining here in Mitaka. Has been since about 5 or 6pm. It's quite comforting actually. It's been so hot and humid (though not as bad as Guwahati) since we arrived; maybe it will cool off a bit now. *crossing fingers* Additionally, the sound is glorious, steady drumming with intermittent thunder. The sounds of this city are really invigorating. I have a short video featuring the crickets, which I'll post later. I only wish I could convey the smell as well.
My dad left today. We intended to take the 58 to Mitaka Eki, but the bus that drove by was 51. I let it pass (I can't read enough of the kanji at the bus stops to completely avoid disaster, but I can read enough to avoid complete disaster), and, when no 58 came, we boarded a 91 for Musashi---- Eki. I *thought* it was bound for Musashi-sakai Eki, the station nearest my neighbourhood, but no, I should have looked closer. It was bound for Musashi-kougane Eki (I don't know the kanji for "sakai," so I didn't look very closely - mistake, since I know the kanji for "kougane"). As it became clearer that we were getting farther and farther west of our ultimate destination (Shinjuku and then Narita Airport), I turned to the woman sitting next to me and said "Sumimasen, cono basu wa doko made ikimasu ka?" (Excuse me, where does this bus go?) I was able to understand her explanations and express my concern, and she set me straight. At Musashi-kougane, I bought us one-way tickets for Shinjuku, where I put my dad on the airport bus. He's very cute in his way, though we do stress each other out so much. I do appreciate his concern and fussing, even if I find it unnecessary and am still too immature to let him just do it and ease his mind. Really, I'm glad he was here to help me settle in (other students seemed impressed/jealous too). And he may be starting his own blog soon, now that's he's heard about mine.
Being here has given me some confidence in my Japanese while also making it very clear that I have a long way to go. Everyone is very patient and gives me a chance to try to use my Japanese. I'm just hoping I'm as quick with languages as I've always thought. That old fear that such abilities go with age has begun to haunt me again. Tomorrow is the placement test for the Japanese Language Program. While I certainly don't want to be lost in class, I'd really like to place out of Intensive level 1, if only to get this fellowship off to a speedy and productive start (especially since Intensive students aren't allowed to do much else).
At some point I intend to purchase iPhoto (and Pages, as I need to submit Word compatible documents to the fellowship, go figure). Until then I'm afraid I can't post or send any pictures (they're huge). But be comforted. I have *lots.* Hundreds from India alone (not unexpected, as I hadn't been in seven years). I'll try to update about the India trip and first impressions of Japan over the next few days, with or without pictures. Have patience though, if the entries are long. There has been a lot to digest.
Back to cramming... I mean, studying. ^_~
It is still raining here in Mitaka. Has been since about 5 or 6pm. It's quite comforting actually. It's been so hot and humid (though not as bad as Guwahati) since we arrived; maybe it will cool off a bit now. *crossing fingers* Additionally, the sound is glorious, steady drumming with intermittent thunder. The sounds of this city are really invigorating. I have a short video featuring the crickets, which I'll post later. I only wish I could convey the smell as well.
My dad left today. We intended to take the 58 to Mitaka Eki, but the bus that drove by was 51. I let it pass (I can't read enough of the kanji at the bus stops to completely avoid disaster, but I can read enough to avoid complete disaster), and, when no 58 came, we boarded a 91 for Musashi---- Eki. I *thought* it was bound for Musashi-sakai Eki, the station nearest my neighbourhood, but no, I should have looked closer. It was bound for Musashi-kougane Eki (I don't know the kanji for "sakai," so I didn't look very closely - mistake, since I know the kanji for "kougane"). As it became clearer that we were getting farther and farther west of our ultimate destination (Shinjuku and then Narita Airport), I turned to the woman sitting next to me and said "Sumimasen, cono basu wa doko made ikimasu ka?" (Excuse me, where does this bus go?) I was able to understand her explanations and express my concern, and she set me straight. At Musashi-kougane, I bought us one-way tickets for Shinjuku, where I put my dad on the airport bus. He's very cute in his way, though we do stress each other out so much. I do appreciate his concern and fussing, even if I find it unnecessary and am still too immature to let him just do it and ease his mind. Really, I'm glad he was here to help me settle in (other students seemed impressed/jealous too). And he may be starting his own blog soon, now that's he's heard about mine.
Being here has given me some confidence in my Japanese while also making it very clear that I have a long way to go. Everyone is very patient and gives me a chance to try to use my Japanese. I'm just hoping I'm as quick with languages as I've always thought. That old fear that such abilities go with age has begun to haunt me again. Tomorrow is the placement test for the Japanese Language Program. While I certainly don't want to be lost in class, I'd really like to place out of Intensive level 1, if only to get this fellowship off to a speedy and productive start (especially since Intensive students aren't allowed to do much else).
At some point I intend to purchase iPhoto (and Pages, as I need to submit Word compatible documents to the fellowship, go figure). Until then I'm afraid I can't post or send any pictures (they're huge). But be comforted. I have *lots.* Hundreds from India alone (not unexpected, as I hadn't been in seven years). I'll try to update about the India trip and first impressions of Japan over the next few days, with or without pictures. Have patience though, if the entries are long. There has been a lot to digest.
Back to cramming... I mean, studying. ^_~
posted by Bibhatsu at 08:24
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