Everything is Cooler in Tokyo

This morning was an early morning. I had to get up at 7am in order to make it to my "Language Placement Test" on campus. I was grumpy, and a bit bothered by the fact that I was going to a 'language placement test' when the simple statement "I do not speak Japanese" should suffice to have me placed in a beginners class. At the same time I was able to acknowledge that this test is protocol, and mandatory for all students at Keio University. After barely making it there on time (I blame Marco, who never seems to be on time for anything) we sat down in front of our exams. All I could really do was giggle to myself when I looked down at the test that was entirely in Japanese (which I guess makes sense). The sign to start writing - in Hiragana - was given; shortly thereafter the professor asked those who had never taken Japanese before to raise their hand...then they were asked to stand. Surprisingly, those on exchange who had never taken Japanese before were actually a minority - and needless to say, I was one of them. After standing for a few seconds (for everyone to take a good look) we were asked to leave, and were escorted to another room. Talk about your 'walk of shame'...hahaha.
In the other room we were told what beginner courses were available to us, then we were given a textbook to practice Hiragana (one of the three Japanese writing styles). The professor informed us that we should know all 46 characters before the first class (which will be taught using Hiragana). Basically...I have my work cut out for me - time to buckle down and study some Hiragana. I know it won't be easy, but I am excited nonetheless.

After the language placement testing, I made my way to the bank to open up an account. I was pleased that it didn't take too long, nor was it as difficult as I had predicted. The service at the bank - much like anywhere else in Japan - was great! When that was looked after I knew what my next stop would be...CELL PHONE! I couldn't wait. To state the obvious, cell phones in Japan are super cool ! I could stand around and look at the different cell phones for hours. Unfortunately, this errand turned out to be a bit of a let down. Since I am only around for 5 months, I was restricted to buying a 'prepaid' cell phone, and this restriction left me with just one option. One style, in one colour (black)...and probably one of the cheaper styles (I know my mom will be happy to hear this). That being said... Even the cheapest Japanese cell phone is cool !! - I will love it like it's my purple Blackberry curve (a.k.a 'Lavy') back at home.
A couple of things I noticed about the cell phones in Japan: 1. everybody has those dangling charms on them! - teenagers, adults, mothers, businessmen - everyone. If you don't have one, you simply won't fit in. Lots of people have even more than one... But a minimum of one is essential. I picked up on this rather quickly, and made a point of purchasing my dangling charm even before I bought the phone hahaha (what can I say? I was excited!). My charm is a little princess!! It says 'Disney' on the package, but it looks more like Princess Peach from Super Mario. Either way, it's a cute little princess. - but I digress. 2. I noticed that 98.9% of the cell phones here have the same shape. They are rectangular shaped flip phones. According to a friend/ a reliable source, this has to do with a fascination with the 'clicking' or 'snapping' noise the phone makes when it is flipped shut; I must admit...it is pretty fun.

What is particularly sad is knowing that I will get attached to this phone (the way I have a tendency to do with all of my cell phones) only before bringing it back home where it will become nothing more than a piece of memorabilia when it ceases to work. But that only means I'll have more incentive to return to Japan in the future...uhm...right?

So those were today's big accomplishments.
On my way back to residence, just when I was feeling good about having opened my bank account (depositing money) and purchasing a cheap cell phone...I noticed that a store I have been eyeing for a while now... was open! I poked my head in to look around, and before I knew it I was in the changeroom trying everything on! Tokyo style is the style my friends. I needed my shopping fix, and badly! It's not easy walking around looking at all of these Japanese fashionistas you know. What's a girl to do?? ....well... the answer came easily to me...buy some clothes! It's truly amazing how good my conscience can be at justifying spending money; "I will just pick up a few key articles", "It's the last one!", "you will never find this anywhere else!", "you can dress it up OR dress it down", "you will get so much wear out of this", "It's 30% off!", "you need this for the blistering hot weather to come", "you will be the only one in Canada with this outfit".... Well needless to say, that's all the convincing it took. - I cannot wait to sport my new Tokyo fashion!!

Time to study some Hiragana...




Konbanwa