Surf's Up

Fun times at the Lifegaurding Games!!!

Hey everyone!

Since I have last posted so much has happened. There was another small earthquake, but I hardly felt it. Also, there is a typhoon on it's way! WOW! Japan is so volitile, just like me!

I have also committed to "going all the way" with Japanese lifestyle. I eat a Japanese breakfast every morning including rice (in my new rice cooker), miso, tofu, and (to be added this week) fish. It actually makes me feel a lot better. So what, wanna fight about it?

Today I went to the lifegarding games on the coast near Yokohama. It was the National Competition, and really fun to watch. I met up with Sayaka and 2 of her friends and had a really fun day filled with ice cream, sake, and some really hot dudes in Speedos. I also got to see a great sunset.

The other pics you see are just random, mostly from my neighborhood. Tomorrow I am going into Tokyo to wander around the Imperial Palace and gardens.

EARTHQUAKE!!! and other stuff...

Konichiwa! Here are some images from my hood. There is a stray cat I names "Scratchy" that hangs around here sometimes. Top right is the view out my window. I live a little bit in the country, so there are many veggy gardens and fruit trees around. It is pretty quiet, aside from the occasional speeding motor bike. The wierd thing is there is a huge mall within 20 minutes walk of here, but around my place not much is happening.

It takes about 25 minutes to walk to the subway station to go to school every morning. Then, another 15 minutes on the train and another 10 minute walk after that. I don't mind it though; it gives me a chance to wake up. Here are some pics of my apartment:

I am really pleased by the size of it. It is much bigger than my apatment in Korea. I also have a loft (pic 3) which is great for storage.

This past weekend I got to explore a little. I went out in Machida and in Tokyo to a couple "Isakaya", which are basically places you go to drink and eat a lot. This is a huge part of youth culture here. I had some great saki and plum wine.

Also I wandered around Ueno area, and hung around in a really nice park with my friend Allison, who I met on the plane on the way over.

OKAY, now for the CRAZY news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night there was a big earthquake, measuring a 5 in the Kanagawa area. Around where I live, it was about a 3. For about 10 seconds my apartment shook like there was no tomorrow. I was so scared! My futon was moving! Aside from a few things falling over in my apartment and some trains being delayed, nothing else happened and I am fine. My first earthquake! So exciting!

Until next time....