Arrival in Kyoto!

So, it seems that somehow I did in fact survive the summer. Even more, I survived 2 weeks at CAS.....Just kidding guys, I loved it. Now I'm in Kyoto, but I think I should fill you in on some fun surrounding the trip first. Firstly, I just barely dodged a typhoon that I didn't even know about on my way in. Secondly, I got to go through customs twice (once in Canada, then in Japan, as I flew from Philly to Toronto to Vancouver to Kansai, Osaka). The Japanese one was the most fun because they went through like every inch of my luggage looking for drugs (since I passed through Canada to get there). They asked how long I was there, if I was carrying any drugs, if I had bought any drugs, if I had bought any marajuana, you get the picture. The customs people didn't seem to believe that I could pass through Canada without purchasing such illicit items, nor that I would then not try to smuggle them into Japan. It was rather funny even at the time (I could laugh as I had slept on the plane). Finally, the shuttle was rather amusing. We were crammed in like sardines, and myself and a fellow yank (going to the other dorm) were the last ones off. I made it in at about 7:30 at night, the last student to arrive. During the tour, I met a Frenchman, a Swede, an Australian, and a New Zealander (I know, it sounds like a really bad joke, I just haven't figured out the punchline yet). Fortunately, they were all rather friendly, and I've gotten to know them a bit better over the weekend.

Bright and early the next morning (9:30), we got to take the placement test. I think I did reasonably well, although I'll find out for certain on Thursday. Classes start Friday. After further orientation stuff we were free. I went searching for an alarm clock (now say this with me: mezamashitokei wa urimasu ka?). Unfortunately, I've failed thus far, but I'm planning to search more this week. Then we had a spontaneous party to get to know each other. It was lots of fun.

Saturday, I decided that it was time to find the grocery store....Which was far harder than it should have been because the map wasn't accurate. However, I had time and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. I may be in Kyoto, but I'm on the fringes, where it's much quieter and feels more like Williamsport or Kalamazoo than crazy city. Four hours later, I managed to find what I was looking for. Shopping was interesting, but not as troublesome as some had. Most of the college kids here are buying Japanese versions of cheap ramen noodles. I've upgraded, which they consider expensive (but since I don't buy prepackaged stuff, not too expensive). Food does seem to cost a bit more here, but it's manageable. I've mainly got chicken and pork so far. My chicken in a soy sauce over rice was awesome last night, and I think I'm going to try a white wine sauce in a few minutes.

After dinner, we went to do karaoke....from like 9:30 pm to 3:00 am. I was rather hoarse by the end of the night, but it was lots of fun. I even got complimented for my evil laugh in Enter Sandman at 2:30. I sang more as the night went on and my voice got progressively worse, but no one really cared. We were just having fun.

I think that's all for now. Tomorrow, it's back for more orientation stuff before an off day on Tuesday.