And so have classes.

Classes for the new semester started yesterday. It wasn't a very good start, since it was raining the whole day. I had to wake up early to finish rewriting my essay for Japanese IV. I started writing it the day before yesterday (yes, I'm still a UP student at heart) and and I finished with 3 pages and half of the 20x20 原稿用紙 (genkouyoushi), that is, 1400 characters on my experiences during the spring vacation. But I'm afraid it's too long again. Last semester, I sort of overdid my presentation for Japanese III, and instead of giving a 15-minute presentation, I ended up giving a 20-30-minute one. My classmates found it interesting, though.^^;

I thought (because the schedule from J3 said so) that we were supposed to have a Kanji review test, too, but it turns out, it's not until next month. Yatta! I wasn't able to study at all so I was worried.^^;;

After our Japanese class, we had to rush to Building 8 for the Summer Semester Orientation. We only had ten minutes in between the J3 class and the orientation so we didn't have enough time for lunch. They gave us the AIKOM Summer Semester booklet, as well as the Todai book and pamphlet for classes, and then Kibata-sensei talked to the ten students taking the Independent Study course, and those include me. They gave us the contact details of our advisers, so that we can talk to them asap about our topics, and then told us about the monthly meetings aka progress report dates.

As soon as the orientation finished, third period started. I went to the second floor (we were on the third) to check the class under Prof. Carter, a visiting professor from Australia. The course was titled Cultures of English-speaking Nations in the AIKOM pamphlet so I was thinking of trying it since it may be related to my degree program, but as it turned out, it was about Multicultural Australia, meaning, the professor will talk about Australia, Australia, Australia, and yes, you guessed it right, Australia. So I decided to go back to the third floor and take the class about Japan's Modernization and its Issues. It's Takada-sensei again, but I guess he's more bearable since I will be learning about Japan, not Australia.;P

Fourth period was literature (again) but this time, our professor's kind of an "otaku." She kept on talking about works that have anything to do with manga, even mentioning Ikebukuro West Gate Park. Well, the course is about contemporary literature, after all, so I guess it can't be helped? But before you go thinking that I will also be jumping on the bandwagon that is IWGP, I am thinking of taking a regular course in English, which is Introduction to Sociolinguistics. This will help me in my undergraduate thesis after all, so I guess I will bid farewell to Otomo-sensei's class. I'm still not sure yet, though, since the course description's written in Japanese, so I will consult with Ellis-sensei first on Monday. It's time to get serious with my studies here. I did come here with the intention of gathering data for my undergrad thesis so I hope I can take at least one subject here in Todai that can help me finish that last requirement. Last semester should be enough goofing around with subjects that aren't related to my major at all.^^;;

By the way, I got all A's in my classes last semester. But take a look at the equivalent. A=100-80. Very motivating, yes? D: Well, at least I didn't get a B. Just imagine how mortifying that would be?XD

I now have proof that I am a registered alien. I got my alien registration card today.(^-^)/

Yesterday I received the package Mama sent me last Monday.XD Now I have a watch again. My watched stopped last Oct 2, so yeah, I didn't have a watch for a week.=_=" And my cds!!! They're here! I can now burn all the stuff I downloaded since last last week. Oto's getting full with 300kpbs download speed.XD Oh yeah, did I say I carried that package weighing 16 kilos up to my room on the third floor all by myself?XO

We had our medical checkup today. Uwah~ Todai's Health Service is soooo *o* /caveman aka Filipino.

I also got my alien registration card. And Wan-san and I went to Tokyo Station to get our money changed to yen. So now I have money to buy Ali's goodies.:D Then off to Akihabara to buy things! Wan-san bought a laptop, and I bought an electronic dictionary (because the denshi jishou AIKOM lent me is useless) and an MP3 player so I won't get bored during the one hour trip to Todai every day.>_<

But but I'm having problems with my passbook. The ATM machine doesn't accept it. Nande?! I just used it yesterday!;A; Uguu~ Now I have to go to the Kichijoji Branch to have it checked. I hope Kanako-san can accompany me.o(>_<)o

Here I am, in Mitaka Ryou in Mitaka City, Tokyo, Japan. Too many firsts in two days.

Flight

My first time in an airport. My first time boarding a plane. Alone.
I love landing more than taking off. That's all I can say.

Night One

Arrived in Narita at around 7:25. Too many foreigners. Was able to go out at around 7:50. A Massu-look alike was holding the AIKOM placard.

Two-hour drive to Mitaka Ryou.

Orientation: Giving the key to my room. Arranging everything Mhel-senpai left me. Unpacking some of my clothes.

Watching Terry's AVP, and crying... a lot.

All these while having a migraine attack.

Day One

Woke up at 8:30am to start unpacking everything I brought. Then took a bath and went to the Common Hall for our Alien Registration and National Health Insurance Registration. Walked to Mitaka City Hall. Randomly said "onaka suita" and Beatrice, the Korean who came from Michigan, laughed and said, "kawai sou" while patting my head. Yes, my last meal was from the plane. That was around 3pm.

Ate lunch at some cheap restaurant. Oishikatta. Sorekara, went back to Mitaka Ryou for our tour to Mitaka-dai Station. Went biking!(^o^)/ Took about 30 minutes to get to the station where we're supposed to take the train to Komaba Todai. Also took the safest route, meaning took too many turns in how many corners. Too much for me to remember in one go. I have the smallest bicycle, though.:3

Then went shopping at the nearest 100 Yen Shop. Bought a lot of cleaning materials since I have to clean the things senpai left me. Self-service. Bah. You have to put everything you bought in the plastic bag yourself.

Tried connecting to the Internet and woot! Here I am.  Still unfinished arranging the winter clothes from senpai, but I've pretty much arranged everything here in my room.

We're going to Komaba Campus tomorrow, which means we're going by train!;P Oh, and our Japanese Language Placement Test is tomorrow, too, so I have to review my Jap 10-12.

Ganbarimasu!(>o<)/