The university is on the north east side of Tokyo city, our district is Nerima, but the town-ish part we live in is called Ekoda, and its now known as Home to me and Charlie. Uni is a relatively small one, that i would describe as a place more similar to Collyer's than a uni. The time, effort and money designated to sports and clubs probably matches that of the curriculum, but the whole place is very well equip for everything. Our academic programme consists of Japanese three days a week, politics, business and history. Studying things from a local perspective is AWESOME, its precisely why i came here and its not failed to impress me, i cant believe how ignorant western democracies are when it comes to Asia, its like everyone has just left them to their own devices, and each country one by one is overtaking the west economically, i'm strongly considering swapping teams.
The university atmosphere is welcoming, and everyone seems to be a lot more focused on their intentions: university here is for studying, you hang out when you have spare time, unlike at home where you're tripping over bars to get to lectures. There are a lot of students that we have got to know that love showing us how things work and helping us out, we met them through the Campus Mates club, who get together for that exact reason, and they're affiliated with the English Jam club, who's intentions are to get together and learn English.
Our dormitory is a ten minute walk on the other side of town an is called Rikko Kaikan, its international halls, there are a lot of Malaysian's, Koreans and a few Japanese. Were separated into girl and boy buildings, but we all share a kitchen. Its pretty shoddy, and you have to pay for everything as you go, including showers, but the people ive met here are brilliant, the rooms are clean, small, but clean, and considering were not allowed anyone in them really, all you need is the sleeping space and a comfortable atmosphere, which i could make out of a rotting hut if given the right tools. Immediately next door is a primary school for under 8 year-olds, you'll have to wait for the pictures, because words cant describe how cute a Japanese child is in wellies and a school uniform. They have singing lessons when i get up on a Wednesday, TOOOOOOO CUTE. They were all extremely entertained when i walked onto the roof outside my window today to look at the storm, i might have to steal one.
There are 24hr supermarkets near, and Y100 shops (where everything is 70p) which usually have all types of food and home necessities. Internet is super fast, lunch can cost between Y200 and Y500, (£1.40-3.50) for something Jack could get full on, Ive got myself a Japanese oyster card, and have found the cheapest bar in town. Brilliant.
My birthday here was fantastic, a large group of us went to Ikebukuro and had a Nomihodai (you pay a set rate of about £20 and drink and eat as much as you can for 2 hours) and after we were all sufficiently stuffed or drunk, made our way to an epic 5 hour session of Karaoke, Japanese style. Other than the birthday, we've been out a few times, if you dont get Nomihodai, drinking can be pretty expensive, ive not seen a drink for less that £5 really. Ive been to various temples and shrine, Yasakuni Shrine being the most affective i think, but i plan on revisiting everything ive seen so far with the camera, when i buy it.
Brian, head of the kokusai centre (international centre) organises monthly free trips around places of interest. Were going hiking in a couple of weeks.
South Korea in december with a couple of people, ive been reading up on the north, and am starting to contemplate whether i have the guts to bribe my way in. We shall see. Right this very minute, were sitting in the crotch of the biggest typhoon to hit Japan is silly years, all the trains have been cancelled, so has uni, wish i had my camera. Here's a satellite image anyway.
For now, loves to all, ill keep better track of the updates. x
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