Jul 09 2008
Goals For Japan
I am officially leaving for Japan in one week. One week!!! I’m having trouble sleeping at night because I’m just too excited. I figured that it would be a good idea to write down some goals for my time there. If I post them here I might be held slightly more accountable, you see.
-Sing Hello Project/Other Japanese songs at Karaoke. No wussing out and singing only American songs!!
-On that same note (lol), try to go to Karaoke as much as possible. It’s fun, and a good bonding experience
-Use Japanese. For reals. No falling back on English unless I absolutely must, and no keeping silent instead of saying something that I want to because I’m not entirely sure I’ve got all the grammar right. (this might be the most difficult goal)
-Never be late for work. Ever. They really don’t like that, and I’ve gotten used to sleeping in over here. That’s gotta stop.
-Save some money. Don’t blow it all on Jpop stuff. (this one pains me, but it must be done)
-Go to as many concerts as possible (has been my stated intention all along. may be at odds with that last one though…)
-Meet up with Yohei, Eri, Marumi, Yuka, Sayaka, and Mayu and other Japanese friends at least once
-Locate and visit a h!p store
-Go to hot springs at least once, soak nakedly and without shame
-Try every new food. Just one bite to see if I like it.
-Find a way to exercise regularly
-Remember to call home once in a while so Mom doesn’t think I’m dead
Likely I will think of more later, but this seems like a good start.
Resolutely,
~Celestia~
Where in Japan will you be living? (Just curious ^^)
kawagoe, saitama
good luck! and post pics!
The ryokan and onsen’s are DEFINITELY worth it. And it’s weird at first, especially being raised in American and the whole “naked is bad” thing we are raised with here. But after once to the hotsprings bath, you’ll get over that quick. And it’s so relaxing! If it’s your first time, you may only be able to stay for a few minutes in there, due to the heat. Don’t push yourself. I tried to stay longer and got very very dizzy. I could stay longer the second and third time. And if it’s cool outside, see if they have any of them outside, so if you get too hot, you can stand up and cool off before enjoying it more.
The food is amazing. I’d suggest things to try but there are too many and I don’t know all of the words. Japanese crepes though are to die for.
Finding songs for the karaoke can be hard. Buono, for example, was hono. You just have to be creative, but it’s there! I even had my laptop with lyrics saved from project hello to look off of so I could sing it!
You will walk and ride bikes more than you ever imagined. And after you get sore, you will LOVE it. *hates driving cars now*