Another welcoming party! 歓迎会

THURSDAY OCTOBER 21 (JAPAN TIME)

So, I realized that I should have bought a few more things with me. For instance, I bought my running gear without bringing something to put it into when I go to the University. I ended up buying one at a store called “Loft.” It’s quite nice and convenient but it cost roughly 45CAD? I think it’s a bit expensive. On sale tag shows the manufacture price and sales price. Assuming that it’s true, they’re making a small profit, but a profit, nonetheless. I guess I’ll take a picture of it. I like it and I guess it’s quite versatile in some aspects. And because I have a thing for green and blue things. I wrote my last Kanji test for the week. I've written the Kanji for "color" so much. I think I'm quite satisfied with the outcome. I could never make this Kanji look nice. Putting that aside, I did not really do much other than relax and sleep.

"Color"

FRIDAY OCTOBER 22 (JAPAN TIME)

I got my second book today. =) Hoorah. I spent roughly 50CAD on textbooks. =) First time I’ve spend so little on textbooks, lol. I guess transit fare is a trade off for having cheap textbooks. In the end, money is slipping past my fingers, lol. Anyhow, I packed my running gear with good intentions to run today but while riding in the bus, I realized I need to return to the dorms by ~4PM for an orientation and welcome party. I was looking forward to running but unfortunately, it did not carry though. It’s been roughly a month and a half since I last ran. I can feel my heart screaming for some exercise. Oh yea, a Japanese student was sitting in our academic class today as an audit student. I think he wanted to see what we were learning? Something along those lines. His name is Kentaro. =) I was quite surprised that he could speak English so well. He has never been on an exchange before yet his English is so good. I am a bit envious. Then again, he’s been taking lessons since he was in Junior High. I guess that’s a bonus for him.

After class ended, the Russian girl gave our Academic professor a gift today… =) A post card of some sort? A picture of her country, I’m guessing. =) It was a present she gave to the professor at the end of class. I guess she wanted to present it “privately” =) but unfortunately, I was still around because I unload and reload my entire bag every time class starts and ends. Loverly person, really. =) I wish I could be like that. (cough)

Kentaro and I ended up exchange numbers then we parted ways. By the way, Japanese cell phones are very convenient. They have this “infrared” sending system where you can just point the phone at another phone and it automatically sends them your contact info. Random fact: So, I received a text from Kentaro later in the evening. I accidentally confused him for another Ken, whom I knew from before. The email I sent back was probably a bit strange but oh well, lol. I'm sure he just assumed it's because I'm a foreigner. =)

I rushed home only to discover that the orientation does not start until 5:30PM. I ended up going to the 100YEN shop to shop for another notebook and flash cards. I found a notebook but no flash cards. =( I spent so much time looking for it too. I walked back to the institute at around 5:15, dropped my stuff off then ventured to the orientation. =) Orientation was quite simple. It was pretty much a review of the information booklets you get when you first move in. After orientation, everyone went to the lounge for the welcome party! =)

The Caucasian girl to the left is Beth, the Asian lady in the middle is Rika, I don't know who the yellow jacket person is. Beth is in the same program as me. She's from England. Rika is a Residence Assistance who lives on the girls floor.

Me being me

People entering the lounge. The person waving is "Sept." 7, in French? =)

Look! I took a food picture. (I made a conscious effort this time, lol)

The guy on the mic is the male Residence Assistance. His name is shouma. 小馬

This be Dinara. She's the girl from Kyrgyzstan. =)

I had to post this picture because it looks absolutely ridiculous, lol.

Normal

The asian guy who's NOT wearing glasses (quite surprised myself) can speak Cantonese! Yay =) The guy licking the bottle is drunk. The guy beside him doesn't talk much. I don't remember any of their names because I only go back to my "dorm" when I need to sleep, cook or do laundry, lol.

General photo to end the evening welcome party.

I took a few pictures of the welcome party. The party followed a general setup. Staff introductions, eating, then new residence introductions. The party ended at around 8 and off I went~ to do my favourite activity. =) Study. That officially ends the day. =) I have a few pictures from my iPod I still need to upload. I'll save that for next time, I guess. =)