Register for Classes and a Walk around Shibuya and Harajuku

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Registered for classes today. I got into the level of Japanese that I wanted...Mid-intermediate. Japanese here is intense,9 hours a week with the option of taking an extra 1:30 elective course. Since I want to go all out Japanese language, I am also taking oral expression, level 3. Other courses (hopefully) are Authoritarianism, Communism, and Democracy; Japanese Political and Social relations; Nissan:case study; and Collapse of Complex Civilizations. I hope I get into all of them, they all look amazing.

Stopped for lunch at a place on campus called the Uni Cafe much to my regret. Nothing too fun there. I don't know what I was thinking. There was more Konnyaku. For more details on food check my food blog. http://www.collegekitchenkid.blogspot.com/ I finished up early and should have wondered around Waseda are for a while and grabbed lunch somewhere on the street. There were tons of sushi and noodle places with good things priced under 900 yen. I paid 880 for a bowl of rice with some fish on top with a bean and eggplant salad, and...konnyaku. I was in awe with Toyko's food, should have eaten 2 lunches. One of the udon shops smelled amazing from the street.

Since I had time, I bounced around on public transportation for a while know that my route is covered by my commuter card. First stop...Shibuya.

Shibuya is were that massive intersection is located. You know the one with what seems like 10 different crosswalks. I got some pics and video of that one. Since everything is wired in Japan my iPod was able to pinpoint my location and every convienence store, station, and vending machine bank around me. These Japanese LOVE vending machines. Every corner has brightly lit machines was awesome drinks in it. I took a break from my usual green tea and had an iced coffee "Black" made by Asahi, a beer company. Tokyo continues to amaze me with how clean and bright everything is. I wondered into a 7-11 and everything was brightly lit and organized. And people welcome you when you walk in. Also saw a wine bar with a wine and cheese tasting menu right by the station. Gonna keep that in mind.

Next stop, Harajuku. This place was absolutely loaded with stores, not shops "omise" stores. There was a lot of fashion and it was pretty crowded. I could have spent alot more time here. Most surprising things was McDonalds. Sitting in a booth by the entrance was the ice cream and coffee attendant, in uniform, greeting everyone who walked by. It's bizzare how nice these people are.

I took some pics of my commute home. I take a tram to Sanjen-gaya station, then two subway lines to the school.

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Photos

Vending Machine
Jidouhanbaiki

Harajuku
Very Crowded

Commute
Rows of omise early in the morning

Comments

[mom]

blog
wow, you certainly put alot of miles and time into one day. the pix are wonderful. are you exploring on your own or with others you have met? I love the vending machines!! what an adventure. glad the ipod is so useful. xoxox mom

[april]

WOW
Well, you are really getting into the Japanese culture! I think Mom and I should come out and go to one of those spas, minus the rocks! The street mania is crazy! How are you NOT getting lost. I envy your experiences, I am so happy for you. Thank you for sharing so much of it with the rest of us poor people stuck in Cort. Manor! The food looks amazing also. You'll have to share some of your culinary lessons with us when you come home. It seems you are always on the move and enjoying it all. Is there anything that you don't like?? Well enjoy your day.. oh wait ...you already have!! it's 10:30 pm there, you're probably in bed already! Well enjoy today then.. Take care April :)