Tokyo dome! Cool... well... I don't know exactly what it is, but it looks nice anyway =)
Emmis! She looks so happy ^^
Yes, I was actually there! Too bad this is the only picture of me =P
Look through the food and you will find me! Haha, I sound like such a glutton =P
Having a nice time...
Shabu-shabu!
From left to right we have Jimmy, Simon and Pernilla, my other bench mate!
Emma the birthday girl to the left and Rebecca my bench mate to the right!
Rebecca's birthday!
I am in bed while writing this, so I should actually just go to sleep, but I thought I might as well write about Rebecca's birthday before I disappear into my little dreamworld and forget all about it ;)
So Rebecca's birthaday was this Saturday, and it was a very nice day that we spent at Tokyo Dome (you take the subway-line from Ikebukuro to Korakuen), which is like a big amusement park. The first thing that struck me is that it is actually free to enter! You only have to pay if you want to use the rides, and you can either buy a day-pass for 4000 yen, or you can pay for each ride. As I thought that I would be unable to ride the most attractions due to my heart, I didn't buy the day-pass. I probably saved 1000 yen if I compare to Rebecca and Robin, but then again, I couldn't ride a funny attraction more than once if I really liked it, because then I would lose too much money! I have now learned that they have a lot of funny attractions that I can ride, so next time I will probably buy the day-pass and just stop thinking about the money ^^
One attraction that I really liked was the 4D-movie. It was like a 3D movie but we were in seats that could spin around, and they used water and wind too, so it really felt like you were in the movie, which was like a battle between an androcat and some badguys XD We also went to another 4D-movie which was supposed to be scary, but it was so bad!!!! Not even so bad that it is funny. It was just plain bad. =P
They also had a nice Baseball Café with some American food. The portions were actually big! Very unusual here in Japan =O They also had some nice brownies, but I was too full after the lunch I had there (fried chicken, fried shrimps, onion rings and french fries, I know, not the healthiest food, but very delicious. And some nice melon soda to drink ^^) that I didn't try it. And in the end, we didn't have the time to go back so that I could taste it.
We had decided to stay at Tokyo Dome for a couple of hours (we met there at 11 am) so that we could go home and get ready for a nice dinner at an eel restaurant. This, however, was not the case, as we stayed at Tokyo Dome for so long, that we didn't have the time to go home. We told Joey, an American guy from our school, that we would meet in Shibuya at 8:30 pm, and we left at 7:30 pm, so we all just went to Rebecca's house where I put on some of her make up. It was really too bad, because I wanted to go home and dress up for her sake, but then I couldn't because we had no time, and in the end we arrived one hour later anyway =P By that time I wasn't really in a party mood, but we found such a nice restaurant with so delicious food that it went over quite quickly =) I really am a food maniac =P Haha. Actually, we were supposed to go to an eel restaurant, but it was closed! Haha
So, the restaurant we found was a seafood reastaurant where you and your company ate in your own private booth, and in the booth they had a nice aquarium. The booths were nice and secluded, so we could listen to some music that Robin had brought with him on his mp3 that he played using portable speakers, really nice and cosy! But I must admit that the booth was on the verge of being claustrophobic =O And it was all black, so it didn't feel that spacious =O Still, it was nice, and the food was AWESOME! We ordered a set with, I think, seven courses. The first course was like a fish paté, the second a sallad consisting of cabbage, mayo, and some crispy matter on top, the third was a fish nabe. Ok, this course was my favourite, so delicious and so much taste! The nabe was like a pot with fish and vegetables in a hot tomato sauce. When I ate this, I thought that Nazar would probably like this, because it was spicy and nice ^^ We also had some fried potatoes, some bread, sashimi (it was good, but I prefer sushi ^^), and a rice dish which was like rice that you put into the tomato sauce from the nabe, and then you let the rice absorb the taste from the sauce, and you put an egg over it so that it becomes firm. But we screwed it up and just mixed everyting together, so the rice pudding became a porridge! Hahaha XD The taste was still the same, so it didn't matter. And then the dessert, some pudding and fruits. I must say that the portions were perfect, not too big, not too small, and I was so full afterwards =P Definitely worth the money! (3000 yen for the food, 1000 yen for all you can drink). The only bad thing about this place was that they came after two hours (the free drinks were for two hours) and tld us that our time was out. So we had to go. What the hell! We paid a lot of money to eat here! And then you just come and say "You have no more time, please leave". So bad =P Oh well, the food compensated for it, so fine.
After this we went home! All in all, a very nice day out ^^
So Rebecca's birthaday was this Saturday, and it was a very nice day that we spent at Tokyo Dome (you take the subway-line from Ikebukuro to Korakuen), which is like a big amusement park. The first thing that struck me is that it is actually free to enter! You only have to pay if you want to use the rides, and you can either buy a day-pass for 4000 yen, or you can pay for each ride. As I thought that I would be unable to ride the most attractions due to my heart, I didn't buy the day-pass. I probably saved 1000 yen if I compare to Rebecca and Robin, but then again, I couldn't ride a funny attraction more than once if I really liked it, because then I would lose too much money! I have now learned that they have a lot of funny attractions that I can ride, so next time I will probably buy the day-pass and just stop thinking about the money ^^
One attraction that I really liked was the 4D-movie. It was like a 3D movie but we were in seats that could spin around, and they used water and wind too, so it really felt like you were in the movie, which was like a battle between an androcat and some badguys XD We also went to another 4D-movie which was supposed to be scary, but it was so bad!!!! Not even so bad that it is funny. It was just plain bad. =P
They also had a nice Baseball Café with some American food. The portions were actually big! Very unusual here in Japan =O They also had some nice brownies, but I was too full after the lunch I had there (fried chicken, fried shrimps, onion rings and french fries, I know, not the healthiest food, but very delicious. And some nice melon soda to drink ^^) that I didn't try it. And in the end, we didn't have the time to go back so that I could taste it.
We had decided to stay at Tokyo Dome for a couple of hours (we met there at 11 am) so that we could go home and get ready for a nice dinner at an eel restaurant. This, however, was not the case, as we stayed at Tokyo Dome for so long, that we didn't have the time to go home. We told Joey, an American guy from our school, that we would meet in Shibuya at 8:30 pm, and we left at 7:30 pm, so we all just went to Rebecca's house where I put on some of her make up. It was really too bad, because I wanted to go home and dress up for her sake, but then I couldn't because we had no time, and in the end we arrived one hour later anyway =P By that time I wasn't really in a party mood, but we found such a nice restaurant with so delicious food that it went over quite quickly =) I really am a food maniac =P Haha. Actually, we were supposed to go to an eel restaurant, but it was closed! Haha
So, the restaurant we found was a seafood reastaurant where you and your company ate in your own private booth, and in the booth they had a nice aquarium. The booths were nice and secluded, so we could listen to some music that Robin had brought with him on his mp3 that he played using portable speakers, really nice and cosy! But I must admit that the booth was on the verge of being claustrophobic =O And it was all black, so it didn't feel that spacious =O Still, it was nice, and the food was AWESOME! We ordered a set with, I think, seven courses. The first course was like a fish paté, the second a sallad consisting of cabbage, mayo, and some crispy matter on top, the third was a fish nabe. Ok, this course was my favourite, so delicious and so much taste! The nabe was like a pot with fish and vegetables in a hot tomato sauce. When I ate this, I thought that Nazar would probably like this, because it was spicy and nice ^^ We also had some fried potatoes, some bread, sashimi (it was good, but I prefer sushi ^^), and a rice dish which was like rice that you put into the tomato sauce from the nabe, and then you let the rice absorb the taste from the sauce, and you put an egg over it so that it becomes firm. But we screwed it up and just mixed everyting together, so the rice pudding became a porridge! Hahaha XD The taste was still the same, so it didn't matter. And then the dessert, some pudding and fruits. I must say that the portions were perfect, not too big, not too small, and I was so full afterwards =P Definitely worth the money! (3000 yen for the food, 1000 yen for all you can drink). The only bad thing about this place was that they came after two hours (the free drinks were for two hours) and tld us that our time was out. So we had to go. What the hell! We paid a lot of money to eat here! And then you just come and say "You have no more time, please leave". So bad =P Oh well, the food compensated for it, so fine.
After this we went home! All in all, a very nice day out ^^
Emma no tanjobi!
Today was Emma's birthday! So of course we had to celebrate it after school!
We went to Warabi, which is where she lives, and there we had some shabu-shabu. For you who do not know what this is, allow me to enlighten you (I know i talk as if I am an expert or something, but the truth is that I myself did not know what it was until a couple of days ago =P, haha). When you eat shabu-shabu you have like a pot with warm water in it, and then you can boil vegetables, meat, mushrooms... anything you like basically, and then you have a lot of different sauces and spices that you can dip the food in. Very good! Oishii! I don't know how much food we ate today, I don't dare think about it =O And after the food you could have free soft ice cream =O I know that Japanese food is very healthy, and that Japanese people are generally very small and thin, but I think that you could easily gain weight here in Japan as well! After all, they LOVE pastries here =O Well, maybe they know the meaning of "lagom" ;)
After the very delicious and very fulfilling dinner, we went to play some baseball (not real baseball, it was more like a machine shooting a baseball towards you, and you had to hit it with your bat), and it was quite fun. Unfortunately, I chose the one for right-handed people, so I couldn't hit a single ball =S Not that I would be able to hit one anyway =P Haha. The place we were at also had some pool tables, so there we went! Really nice, but as both me and Emma, my pool partner, are quite new (cough, sucky, cough) at pool, each game took a loooong time to finish. In the end, I was tired of it, so I actually started getting some points. Amazing how impatience can raise your skills! ;) And a very funny thing that happened at the game center is that Emma walked up to a guy we saw at the pool tables who she thought was cute, and she gave him her number! And his reaction was so hilarious! He said "HAPPY!", and he bowed, and he seemed like he was in paradise or something (so did Emma, haha). And the best part is that later, when Emma accompanied me on the way to the station, he called her back! And tomorrow they have a date! Good luck and have a fun time Emma! ^^ This serves to show what a little guts can do. Never be too afraid to at least try! Thank you Emma for this great lesson! ;)
I also met some people who live with Emma, Pernilla, and Rebecca (not the English Rebecca! The Swedish Rebecca! Not the same person!) at their guest house. They all seem to be very nice people, and two of them, Simon and Jimmy, came with us when we celebrated Emma's birthday. They were really nice and funny. The only bad thing about them is that they made me realize just how much my Japanese sucks =( Haha, then again, I don't know how long they have studied Japanese, maybe it is too early to compare our skills, haha ;) Anyway, they were able to talk to the waitresses and waiters, so it is a good thing they came with us! Everything is so much easier with good communication (right Gogo? Didi? ;))
Well, now I am going to bed as it is almost 3 am over here. I will see you all tomorrow with some news about Rebecca's birthday ^^
We went to Warabi, which is where she lives, and there we had some shabu-shabu. For you who do not know what this is, allow me to enlighten you (I know i talk as if I am an expert or something, but the truth is that I myself did not know what it was until a couple of days ago =P, haha). When you eat shabu-shabu you have like a pot with warm water in it, and then you can boil vegetables, meat, mushrooms... anything you like basically, and then you have a lot of different sauces and spices that you can dip the food in. Very good! Oishii! I don't know how much food we ate today, I don't dare think about it =O And after the food you could have free soft ice cream =O I know that Japanese food is very healthy, and that Japanese people are generally very small and thin, but I think that you could easily gain weight here in Japan as well! After all, they LOVE pastries here =O Well, maybe they know the meaning of "lagom" ;)
After the very delicious and very fulfilling dinner, we went to play some baseball (not real baseball, it was more like a machine shooting a baseball towards you, and you had to hit it with your bat), and it was quite fun. Unfortunately, I chose the one for right-handed people, so I couldn't hit a single ball =S Not that I would be able to hit one anyway =P Haha. The place we were at also had some pool tables, so there we went! Really nice, but as both me and Emma, my pool partner, are quite new (cough, sucky, cough) at pool, each game took a loooong time to finish. In the end, I was tired of it, so I actually started getting some points. Amazing how impatience can raise your skills! ;) And a very funny thing that happened at the game center is that Emma walked up to a guy we saw at the pool tables who she thought was cute, and she gave him her number! And his reaction was so hilarious! He said "HAPPY!", and he bowed, and he seemed like he was in paradise or something (so did Emma, haha). And the best part is that later, when Emma accompanied me on the way to the station, he called her back! And tomorrow they have a date! Good luck and have a fun time Emma! ^^ This serves to show what a little guts can do. Never be too afraid to at least try! Thank you Emma for this great lesson! ;)
I also met some people who live with Emma, Pernilla, and Rebecca (not the English Rebecca! The Swedish Rebecca! Not the same person!) at their guest house. They all seem to be very nice people, and two of them, Simon and Jimmy, came with us when we celebrated Emma's birthday. They were really nice and funny. The only bad thing about them is that they made me realize just how much my Japanese sucks =( Haha, then again, I don't know how long they have studied Japanese, maybe it is too early to compare our skills, haha ;) Anyway, they were able to talk to the waitresses and waiters, so it is a good thing they came with us! Everything is so much easier with good communication (right Gogo? Didi? ;))
Well, now I am going to bed as it is almost 3 am over here. I will see you all tomorrow with some news about Rebecca's birthday ^^
Halloween
Ok, I thought I would start by describing my Friday =) This Friday, me, Robin and Rebecca decided to go out after school to study at a café somewhere in Tokyo. But before we went, we ate at a sushi-restaurant in Takadanobaba, which, as you probably already know, is where my school is located. It was a kaitenzushi! And it was delicious! If you wanted something that was not on the kaiten, you just had to shout it out, and they would make it and give it to you. And it only cost 130 yen per plate! This is soooo cheap! I had eight plates, hehe... Very yummy ^^
Ok, so after this we were supposed to go to a café, and the wonderful Robin suggested we would go to a bar in Shinjuku, called DNA, where they had transvestites. I was just like, yeah, sure, why not, as long as you can study. So we went there, but I think it was too early, so they had not dressed up yet, so we only saw, with a lack of better words to describe it, "normal" men, and we all had a coffee with Baileys. I am not drinking it again because A) It contains coffee, which has a strong taste, and B) It contains alcohol, which has a strong taste. So there I was sitting with my "liquid" into which I had all but emptied the sugar bowl, haha. It was still too strong for me =P And let me say, we did not study, because the other guys were not in the mood, so we just sat there and goofed around instead =P
After this, we decided to go to another bar! I do not quite know why, maybe they wanted to go to a livlier place =O Anyway, we went to the bar, which was nice, but filled with gaijins, such as ourselves, so it did not really feel like being in Japan, haha. Since I wanted to see if they had any drinks with alcohol that I could actually drink without my gagging reflexes being activated, i decided to try an almost soft drink. A lot of juice with a little alcohol. It was ok, I could drink it =) But still, I do not think I will ever be able to get used to the aftertaste of alcohol. Yuck. I am probably the last person on earth to become an alcoholic. Except for mom. Haha =P Even though I am going on about how I dislike alcohol, I still had a gin and tonic after the juice. This is becuase Robin was kind enough to buy me a drink, so I promised him I would drink it all if he would pay for it. So I did, and I must say that the taste reminded me of Alvedon =O
Me and Rebecca said that we wanted to go home soon, and as Robin did not want to be alone, he asked Melanie (a French girl from our school, and a nice friend =)) to come, so we all sat there and waited for her and Amélie (another French girl) to come. By the time they arrived, me and Rebecca did not feel like going home, so we went with them to a club called Arty Farty (haha, Farty =P), but before we went there, I forced them to come with me to a Takoyaki-stand so that I could have something to eat. When I left the sushi-restaurant, I was REALLY stuffed, but that was many hours ago, and I also think that he alcohol made me hungry =S So I had some takoyaki, and it was delicious! Yummy ^^
Arty Farty! Here we are! It was a very nice club, much better than Womb I think. Maybe because of the alcohol-induced euphoria, or because it had a nicer atmosphere, or maybe because it was a gay-club? Now do not get the wrong idea here! It is not better because it is a gay-club because I myself am gay! I am straight! The thing is, because it is a gay-club, the guys there are not interested, and thus, they are not annoying and they do not try to come on to you. If they are interested in you, it is just for dancing purposes ^^ So dancing was a lot of fun, because that is what they all wanted to do. Nothing else. Oh, and I learned how to helhel tonight! You know that sound Arabic women do when they celebrate something? Well, I can finally do it now! Haha, I am a real Arab now! ;) It was funny to do it on the dance floor, and the people around looked at me with amused expressions, haha. My friends also thought it was hilarious, haha ^^
So, we stayed at this c,ub until 5 am, becuase of the trains, but I did not really mind. It was not like it had been at Womb, where I was already bored by 3 am, here I had such a fun time that it felt almost like a perfect time to go home =)
As both me and Rebecca had to go to Ikebukuro in order to get home, we went to a McDonald's there and had some breakfast. It was ok, I am not really a McDonald's fan, still think that everything there tastes the same, but I was hungry, and it was open, so a fish-breakfast-sandwich it was. And then I went home. Arrived at about half past six, and slept until eleven (am, not pm! I wasn't that much of a zombie =P)
So it was suddenly Saturday! And we went out today too! This time for some Halloween-costume shopping! Me, Rebecca, Stephanie, Robin, and George (a new friend we met at Arty Farty) met at Laforet in Harajuku, where we looked around, but it felt a bit stressed I think. Maybe because Robin was trying to find a particualr store, so we didn't look around that much. But somehow, I still managed to buy a skirt and a shirt from Algonquins, a really cool store! Ok, I will admit that it is an expensive store, all the stores in Laforet are expensive, but sometimes it is ok to pamper yourself just a bit. And I really need some new clothes, did not really bring that much with me, and everything I brought is for the summer '^o^, I have to buy some warmer clothes! And maybe boots. And a coat. Argh! I will find a cheap store and buy everything there. I might even need warmer pyjamas, because the temperature in the houses here in Japan are usually not that much higher than the outer temperature. So it will probably be very cold in the winter. Just a tip for Basma and David when you come here. BRING WARM CLOTHES! You will be here during the winter, so for the love of god bring good clothes! =O Or if you "forget", you can always buy some new ones here. "Bummer" ;) Haha
Anyway, Robin and George went away to eat, but we, the girls, were not hungry, so we walked around in Harajuku on our own. And we found a very good, cheap store called Body Line. It has clothes in the gothic-lolita style, and it is really cheap! You can find clothes here for only 2000 yen! And that is good for clothes here, belive me =) So I bought some more clothes here, haha. But I still need a pair of pants, I just realized that it is too cold for skirts now. And I need a new pair of shoes that match my new skirts, something we tried to find, but we didn't, so we just had a crépe instead =P And then we walked around some more. And then we decided to try and find a restaurant. By this time, we had decided not to go to the Halloween party in Roppongi because A) It would probably be crowded, B) We hadn't bought any costumes, and C) We didn't feel like it. So we just had a girls night out =) And the restaurant we found, Tokyo Apartment Café, was very nice! It had a nice atmosphere! But the size of the meals was microscopic =P The food was good, don't get me wrong, but you shouldn't come here if you are starving so much that you could eat an entire restaurant. Because here you might actually have to do that. Haha, just kidding, in that case, just be smart and order a dish with rice or pasta. We saw some people who had ordered this, and it looked fulfilling =)
Now, what did we do after this? We went to Shibuya! And what did we do here? Well, we found a café of course! Because our stomachs were still a little empty ;) On our search for a café, we found an internet café which is open 24/7! And you could also watch movies there! They had a big archive with films. But we didn't eat here, because you have to pay for the room, so we went to another café where we had some coffee (or water in my case) and some cake (chocolate! Yuuummmmiieee!). After this, it was "Oh no! Last train leaves soon! Let's go to the station!"
And sayonara!
Then Sunday came, a lazy day which I used to restore my powers. And to study some biology for the BMAT. I guess you all know that it didn't go that well, because I was just too tired. Still, I managed to read three chapters! =D I might add that I was home alone the entire day, because both Seiko-san and Melissa had gone out, so it was nice to be alone and rest and study ^^ On Monday, I will buy some brain food and study! Yeah! And, as it is now Tuesday as I am typing this, I can say that I did (Pringles!), and as it is a national holiday in Japan today (meaning no school) I am going to go back to my lovely books and keep studying!
See you later!
Ja ne ~
Ok, so after this we were supposed to go to a café, and the wonderful Robin suggested we would go to a bar in Shinjuku, called DNA, where they had transvestites. I was just like, yeah, sure, why not, as long as you can study. So we went there, but I think it was too early, so they had not dressed up yet, so we only saw, with a lack of better words to describe it, "normal" men, and we all had a coffee with Baileys. I am not drinking it again because A) It contains coffee, which has a strong taste, and B) It contains alcohol, which has a strong taste. So there I was sitting with my "liquid" into which I had all but emptied the sugar bowl, haha. It was still too strong for me =P And let me say, we did not study, because the other guys were not in the mood, so we just sat there and goofed around instead =P
After this, we decided to go to another bar! I do not quite know why, maybe they wanted to go to a livlier place =O Anyway, we went to the bar, which was nice, but filled with gaijins, such as ourselves, so it did not really feel like being in Japan, haha. Since I wanted to see if they had any drinks with alcohol that I could actually drink without my gagging reflexes being activated, i decided to try an almost soft drink. A lot of juice with a little alcohol. It was ok, I could drink it =) But still, I do not think I will ever be able to get used to the aftertaste of alcohol. Yuck. I am probably the last person on earth to become an alcoholic. Except for mom. Haha =P Even though I am going on about how I dislike alcohol, I still had a gin and tonic after the juice. This is becuase Robin was kind enough to buy me a drink, so I promised him I would drink it all if he would pay for it. So I did, and I must say that the taste reminded me of Alvedon =O
Me and Rebecca said that we wanted to go home soon, and as Robin did not want to be alone, he asked Melanie (a French girl from our school, and a nice friend =)) to come, so we all sat there and waited for her and Amélie (another French girl) to come. By the time they arrived, me and Rebecca did not feel like going home, so we went with them to a club called Arty Farty (haha, Farty =P), but before we went there, I forced them to come with me to a Takoyaki-stand so that I could have something to eat. When I left the sushi-restaurant, I was REALLY stuffed, but that was many hours ago, and I also think that he alcohol made me hungry =S So I had some takoyaki, and it was delicious! Yummy ^^
Arty Farty! Here we are! It was a very nice club, much better than Womb I think. Maybe because of the alcohol-induced euphoria, or because it had a nicer atmosphere, or maybe because it was a gay-club? Now do not get the wrong idea here! It is not better because it is a gay-club because I myself am gay! I am straight! The thing is, because it is a gay-club, the guys there are not interested, and thus, they are not annoying and they do not try to come on to you. If they are interested in you, it is just for dancing purposes ^^ So dancing was a lot of fun, because that is what they all wanted to do. Nothing else. Oh, and I learned how to helhel tonight! You know that sound Arabic women do when they celebrate something? Well, I can finally do it now! Haha, I am a real Arab now! ;) It was funny to do it on the dance floor, and the people around looked at me with amused expressions, haha. My friends also thought it was hilarious, haha ^^
So, we stayed at this c,ub until 5 am, becuase of the trains, but I did not really mind. It was not like it had been at Womb, where I was already bored by 3 am, here I had such a fun time that it felt almost like a perfect time to go home =)
As both me and Rebecca had to go to Ikebukuro in order to get home, we went to a McDonald's there and had some breakfast. It was ok, I am not really a McDonald's fan, still think that everything there tastes the same, but I was hungry, and it was open, so a fish-breakfast-sandwich it was. And then I went home. Arrived at about half past six, and slept until eleven (am, not pm! I wasn't that much of a zombie =P)
So it was suddenly Saturday! And we went out today too! This time for some Halloween-costume shopping! Me, Rebecca, Stephanie, Robin, and George (a new friend we met at Arty Farty) met at Laforet in Harajuku, where we looked around, but it felt a bit stressed I think. Maybe because Robin was trying to find a particualr store, so we didn't look around that much. But somehow, I still managed to buy a skirt and a shirt from Algonquins, a really cool store! Ok, I will admit that it is an expensive store, all the stores in Laforet are expensive, but sometimes it is ok to pamper yourself just a bit. And I really need some new clothes, did not really bring that much with me, and everything I brought is for the summer '^o^, I have to buy some warmer clothes! And maybe boots. And a coat. Argh! I will find a cheap store and buy everything there. I might even need warmer pyjamas, because the temperature in the houses here in Japan are usually not that much higher than the outer temperature. So it will probably be very cold in the winter. Just a tip for Basma and David when you come here. BRING WARM CLOTHES! You will be here during the winter, so for the love of god bring good clothes! =O Or if you "forget", you can always buy some new ones here. "Bummer" ;) Haha
Anyway, Robin and George went away to eat, but we, the girls, were not hungry, so we walked around in Harajuku on our own. And we found a very good, cheap store called Body Line. It has clothes in the gothic-lolita style, and it is really cheap! You can find clothes here for only 2000 yen! And that is good for clothes here, belive me =) So I bought some more clothes here, haha. But I still need a pair of pants, I just realized that it is too cold for skirts now. And I need a new pair of shoes that match my new skirts, something we tried to find, but we didn't, so we just had a crépe instead =P And then we walked around some more. And then we decided to try and find a restaurant. By this time, we had decided not to go to the Halloween party in Roppongi because A) It would probably be crowded, B) We hadn't bought any costumes, and C) We didn't feel like it. So we just had a girls night out =) And the restaurant we found, Tokyo Apartment Café, was very nice! It had a nice atmosphere! But the size of the meals was microscopic =P The food was good, don't get me wrong, but you shouldn't come here if you are starving so much that you could eat an entire restaurant. Because here you might actually have to do that. Haha, just kidding, in that case, just be smart and order a dish with rice or pasta. We saw some people who had ordered this, and it looked fulfilling =)
Now, what did we do after this? We went to Shibuya! And what did we do here? Well, we found a café of course! Because our stomachs were still a little empty ;) On our search for a café, we found an internet café which is open 24/7! And you could also watch movies there! They had a big archive with films. But we didn't eat here, because you have to pay for the room, so we went to another café where we had some coffee (or water in my case) and some cake (chocolate! Yuuummmmiieee!). After this, it was "Oh no! Last train leaves soon! Let's go to the station!"
And sayonara!
Then Sunday came, a lazy day which I used to restore my powers. And to study some biology for the BMAT. I guess you all know that it didn't go that well, because I was just too tired. Still, I managed to read three chapters! =D I might add that I was home alone the entire day, because both Seiko-san and Melissa had gone out, so it was nice to be alone and rest and study ^^ On Monday, I will buy some brain food and study! Yeah! And, as it is now Tuesday as I am typing this, I can say that I did (Pringles!), and as it is a national holiday in Japan today (meaning no school) I am going to go back to my lovely books and keep studying!
See you later!
Ja ne ~
V-rock Festival
This has been one of the most exciting weekends yet! This weekend I went to the V-rock festival in Makuhari Messe. Over 50 different visual-kei artists performed, including the GazettE, Marilyn Manson (don't really like him though, so I went home before his concert, as he was the last artist to perform on staurday, I didn't miss anything else), Kagrra, SuG, Plastic tree, LM.C etc. It will take too much space to list them all =P
So I went to this festival, being absolutely clueless as I had not listened any of them before. i just followed my friends to whatever concert they decided to go to. They had four stages (it was inside), two stages in each room, and they held two concerts simultaneously all the time (not in the same room of course =P), except for Marilyn Manson and the GazettE. Probably because they are so big artists, so the other bands wouldn't be able to compete =O. In the end, there were too many good bands =O Especially on Sunday, I will go bankrupt if I try to buy all their CDs, hahaha. Well, as I said, Sunday was the best day, and I think so because I had probably gotten into the mood by then, and realized what was actually happening. When you stand there and listen, it feels like you are not really seeing the REAL artisits, it's just people who happen to look the same, sound the same, act the same etc.
I also think that it was better on Sunday, because by then I knew the way better, and thus I was able to listen to the first band of the day. On Saturday, me and Marion (we met at the school at 8 o'clock, and then we went up together) arrived at 12 o'clock, and the concerts started at 10! Well, it took such a long time because we got off at Makuhari, and then we had to walk for an hour in order to get to Makuhari Messe. And when we got there, we realized that there was a station there called Kaihimmakuhari, which was right in the middle of Makuhari Messe =P. See now why the Sunday was better? No stress, no wandering around, just arriving quickly with your energy intact. Which was needed as there was a lot of jumping around to do when getting in there, haha.
One thing that struck me as different is that the audience here does not normally applaud after a concert. Instead, they wave their arms in the air, and the faster they wave, the more excited thay are. Even the concerts here are calmer! And a funny thing is when the artists stand on stage in their make-up, cool hairdos, looking fierce and grownup, and then jumping around, clapping their hands and asking the audience to do the same. Haha, really a contrast I must say =P. And some of the artists were REALLY energetic! They jumped around all the time, ran around on stage... Who needs a gym membership when you can just hold a concert? =P
There was also a sad moment when Versailles performed. Their bass-player died just a couple of months ago, and they had brought his bass with them, and after the concert, they held the bass between them and then bowed. It was a really beautiful and sad gesture. Also, the stage was filled with red roses. Really sad =(. One of my friends started crying =(
And a funny moment too! They held a fashionshow both days (they showed the same clothes), but the fashionshow on the first day was better, because then more artists were a part of it. Some of the performing artists starred in the fashionshow! Really nice! And the clothes were awesome! Really cool! i will have to buy, if not a new wardrobe, then at least a new outfit =)
I must also mention that this festival was the first time that I felt the scent of sweat. It is really unusual here in Japan, but when we went to one of the last concerts on Saturday, it was like a wall hit us when we entered the room. A warm, humid, sweaty wall =O Well, they might know how to prevent smelling like sweat normally, but they are still human. You can't hold a concert without dancing and sweating! ;)
Conclusion? V-rock festival... Definitely worth going to =)
So I went to this festival, being absolutely clueless as I had not listened any of them before. i just followed my friends to whatever concert they decided to go to. They had four stages (it was inside), two stages in each room, and they held two concerts simultaneously all the time (not in the same room of course =P), except for Marilyn Manson and the GazettE. Probably because they are so big artists, so the other bands wouldn't be able to compete =O. In the end, there were too many good bands =O Especially on Sunday, I will go bankrupt if I try to buy all their CDs, hahaha. Well, as I said, Sunday was the best day, and I think so because I had probably gotten into the mood by then, and realized what was actually happening. When you stand there and listen, it feels like you are not really seeing the REAL artisits, it's just people who happen to look the same, sound the same, act the same etc.
I also think that it was better on Sunday, because by then I knew the way better, and thus I was able to listen to the first band of the day. On Saturday, me and Marion (we met at the school at 8 o'clock, and then we went up together) arrived at 12 o'clock, and the concerts started at 10! Well, it took such a long time because we got off at Makuhari, and then we had to walk for an hour in order to get to Makuhari Messe. And when we got there, we realized that there was a station there called Kaihimmakuhari, which was right in the middle of Makuhari Messe =P. See now why the Sunday was better? No stress, no wandering around, just arriving quickly with your energy intact. Which was needed as there was a lot of jumping around to do when getting in there, haha.
One thing that struck me as different is that the audience here does not normally applaud after a concert. Instead, they wave their arms in the air, and the faster they wave, the more excited thay are. Even the concerts here are calmer! And a funny thing is when the artists stand on stage in their make-up, cool hairdos, looking fierce and grownup, and then jumping around, clapping their hands and asking the audience to do the same. Haha, really a contrast I must say =P. And some of the artists were REALLY energetic! They jumped around all the time, ran around on stage... Who needs a gym membership when you can just hold a concert? =P
There was also a sad moment when Versailles performed. Their bass-player died just a couple of months ago, and they had brought his bass with them, and after the concert, they held the bass between them and then bowed. It was a really beautiful and sad gesture. Also, the stage was filled with red roses. Really sad =(. One of my friends started crying =(
And a funny moment too! They held a fashionshow both days (they showed the same clothes), but the fashionshow on the first day was better, because then more artists were a part of it. Some of the performing artists starred in the fashionshow! Really nice! And the clothes were awesome! Really cool! i will have to buy, if not a new wardrobe, then at least a new outfit =)
I must also mention that this festival was the first time that I felt the scent of sweat. It is really unusual here in Japan, but when we went to one of the last concerts on Saturday, it was like a wall hit us when we entered the room. A warm, humid, sweaty wall =O Well, they might know how to prevent smelling like sweat normally, but they are still human. You can't hold a concert without dancing and sweating! ;)
Conclusion? V-rock festival... Definitely worth going to =)
Experiences
I thought I would write down some miscellaneous thoughts and experiences. I don't have to do something AMAZING in order to write about it, right? So I will write about some everyday things and experiences.
Anyway, yesterday I tried sushi here in Japan for the first time. It was really DELICIOUS! Especially the lightly braised one with mayonnaise, and I don't even like mayo! =O That must tell you how good it was! And speaking of mayonnaise, I have noticed that I have no problems eating things with mayo here in Japan. Maybe it is a bit different here. Not as heavy as European mayo. Seiko-san says that she likes European mayo more, haha. Maybe we should switch countries? ;) Naw, just kidding.
A couple of days ago I went to a department store called Parco with Seiko-san and Melissa. Melissa is another girl who has come to stay here with Seiko-san. She is really nice! I really like her! Maybe it is something about Italy... Anyway, me, Seiko-san and my new room-mate (^^) went to Parco, and there we found a little counter where they sold foreign cheese. The funny thing is that I found some Arla Fetaost from Denmark! I was really surprised when I saw it. I was like "Eh?! Arla!?!?!?!??! I recognize this!!!" Really funny ^^ They also had a lot of funny things for the kitchen and the house. Maybe I should bring Basma here? I will show you this store later when you come here! Maybe you will find something nice for your apartment ^^ Oh, and they had a little store that only sold ohashi! (Chopsticks) I will definitely have to buy a pair and bring them with me to Sweden! They were a little expensive, but I think they are worth their price as a cheap pair of chopsticks will probably break or splinter easily. Not good!
I have now decided to reduce my homestay to one month again. This is what I had originally planned, but then I changed it to three months, but now I really feel that I want to live on my own, so I've decided to change it back. Seiko-san is really nice, and she has helped me a lot! But it is time to move on... Haha ;) No, but it will be nice to be independent I think ^^ Plus this decision will allow me to save a lot of money. Living with a host family is almost twice as expensive as a student dormitory, but then breakfast and dinner is included. However, I believe it will still be cheaper to live on my own. Plus I will be able to eat whatever I want, WHENever I want, and I can come home whenever i want too, without having to update someone about my whereabouts all the time. Freedom! Gimme! Hahaha =P
By the way, Basma and David! Kan ni ta med er lite räkost och lösgodis när ni kommer hit? Seiko-san sa att hon skulle vilja ha det när jag frågade om hon ville ha nåt från Sverige. Skulle vara en väldigt bra present tycker jag ^^ Den här gången VET jag faktiskt vad hon vill ha! Haha. Och kanske lite vaniljfudge till mig ;)
The longer I stay here, the more I realize what a "candy-pig" (hahahahha) I am. Pastries are delicious here! Mmm, yummy...
Nöff nöff ;P
Anyway, yesterday I tried sushi here in Japan for the first time. It was really DELICIOUS! Especially the lightly braised one with mayonnaise, and I don't even like mayo! =O That must tell you how good it was! And speaking of mayonnaise, I have noticed that I have no problems eating things with mayo here in Japan. Maybe it is a bit different here. Not as heavy as European mayo. Seiko-san says that she likes European mayo more, haha. Maybe we should switch countries? ;) Naw, just kidding.
A couple of days ago I went to a department store called Parco with Seiko-san and Melissa. Melissa is another girl who has come to stay here with Seiko-san. She is really nice! I really like her! Maybe it is something about Italy... Anyway, me, Seiko-san and my new room-mate (^^) went to Parco, and there we found a little counter where they sold foreign cheese. The funny thing is that I found some Arla Fetaost from Denmark! I was really surprised when I saw it. I was like "Eh?! Arla!?!?!?!??! I recognize this!!!" Really funny ^^ They also had a lot of funny things for the kitchen and the house. Maybe I should bring Basma here? I will show you this store later when you come here! Maybe you will find something nice for your apartment ^^ Oh, and they had a little store that only sold ohashi! (Chopsticks) I will definitely have to buy a pair and bring them with me to Sweden! They were a little expensive, but I think they are worth their price as a cheap pair of chopsticks will probably break or splinter easily. Not good!
I have now decided to reduce my homestay to one month again. This is what I had originally planned, but then I changed it to three months, but now I really feel that I want to live on my own, so I've decided to change it back. Seiko-san is really nice, and she has helped me a lot! But it is time to move on... Haha ;) No, but it will be nice to be independent I think ^^ Plus this decision will allow me to save a lot of money. Living with a host family is almost twice as expensive as a student dormitory, but then breakfast and dinner is included. However, I believe it will still be cheaper to live on my own. Plus I will be able to eat whatever I want, WHENever I want, and I can come home whenever i want too, without having to update someone about my whereabouts all the time. Freedom! Gimme! Hahaha =P
By the way, Basma and David! Kan ni ta med er lite räkost och lösgodis när ni kommer hit? Seiko-san sa att hon skulle vilja ha det när jag frågade om hon ville ha nåt från Sverige. Skulle vara en väldigt bra present tycker jag ^^ Den här gången VET jag faktiskt vad hon vill ha! Haha. Och kanske lite vaniljfudge till mig ;)
The longer I stay here, the more I realize what a "candy-pig" (hahahahha) I am. Pastries are delicious here! Mmm, yummy...
Nöff nöff ;P
Except for this little dog I found at the parade =P Haha
The parade! After this, my battery died, so no more pictures! =(
...with Koi-fish!
A garden...
A nice, smaller temple
A fountain we found =)
Costumes!
