Hello again folks!
I know I said I'd try and post something, but as it seems to be the case, things just don't go the way one plans. Dealing with a new culture and having classes is somewhat of a pain, but it is rather fun.
It has come to my attention that I have not posted any pictures in a while. Not since I managed to upload that one picture a month ago or so. Since then, and even before then, I have managed to take some pretty good pictures. I have also managed to enjoy a lot of things here that I feel would be worth sharing with you fine folks.
That being said, I find myself with about a weeks worth of vacation here in Japan. Apparently there is some kind of school festival and that means that classes are canceled starting on Monday and ending of Thursday at 1pm. As to why there is a deadline of 1pm I can only sum-mice it is due to the hard working spirit of the Japanese people and their dedication to education... Or something like that. As far as I know, there is some guy in an office somewhere laughing at how evil and devious this 1pm deadline is. He's probably petting a white cat too.
If you don't get the joke, don't worry, I've been off my game lately.
Anyways... Seeing as I have a week of "free-time", I will try and post something everyday. Of course I plan to study while I have free-time so don't expect anything too grand.
You can however expect pictures. As I said before, I have taken a lot of pictures of events and places I have been to. I think this is a perfect opportunity to work on getting those upload.
Also, I have decided to include a video every now and then with more information for you folks to enjoy and wrap your minds around... I may or may not end up making a lot of jokes in these videos. I never said they would be 100% serious. Actually, you can probably expect around 30% seriousness... You know what? If I stay on topic and you understand what I'm saying, you should count yourselves lucky. And you know why?
Well, you fine folks will get to hear my succulent and seductive voice.
What? Not even a giggle huh? Fine, you may or may not want to wear ear muffs or something like that.
But yeah, anyways, I will try to have the first post up sometime tomorrow.
SO, till then folks! Keep on reading!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Spoke too soon...
Well, it has been a while since I posted anything, huh?
Unfortunately I got a cold this past week. It was a lot of fun, especially because everyone thought I had the "Influenza."
Well I didn't, it was just a cold.
They however did do the test for it which hurt... A lot.
They basically took a q-tip about a good 6 inches in length and shoved it up my nose... Twice. She didn't get enough mucus on the first try.
I will try and post something this week to make up for my lack of updates till now. Hopefully, since I will finally have internet at my dorm tomorrow, I can post something with some pictures in it.
Till then folks, keep on reading!
Unfortunately I got a cold this past week. It was a lot of fun, especially because everyone thought I had the "Influenza."
Well I didn't, it was just a cold.
They however did do the test for it which hurt... A lot.
They basically took a q-tip about a good 6 inches in length and shoved it up my nose... Twice. She didn't get enough mucus on the first try.
I will try and post something this week to make up for my lack of updates till now. Hopefully, since I will finally have internet at my dorm tomorrow, I can post something with some pictures in it.
Till then folks, keep on reading!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
And back to business!
Hello Folks! Yes... I know, I'm on a roll. I feel accomplished. Two posts in one week? Impossible I say!
Okay, so a while ago I spoke of a "gauntlet" that you needed to pass in order to "exist" in Japan? I gave you the run down of the first part of this gauntlet. Assuming you got through that part unscathed, then you should be ready for part two of the process.
However! If you failed and ended up bloody on the floor and missing a few limbs, then please insert another quarter and try again.
Alright, jokes aside, the next part that you need to take care of is that of getting a bank account. Getting a bank account in Japan is probably the best option if you are going to be here a while. If you are only staying for a summer or such, then you should be okay with your bank account back home. That is unless you are really stressing the exchange rate and service fees that you are charged for when you take money from an ATM. This is the exact same reason as to why, if you are staying a while, getting a bank account in Japan is a vital thing.
So, you are ready to get a bank account. You just go and fill out a form and give them money and done, right? Easy enough huh?... Come on folks, lets do this together.
NO! WRONG!
Before you head out to the bank, you need to bring a few items. The first item is a copy of your Alien Registration Certificate that you should have already picked up at the City Hall. Make sure that when you pick it up you ask for a few copies because depending on what or where you use them, they might need to keep the copy. You don't want to go back to City Hall and ask for a new one each time. I guarantee that they will make you wait at least a day and you will have to pay the same amount you did the first time around.
The second item that you will need is what they call an "inkan." An inkan is basically a stamp that has your last name on it. It is used by Japanese people to "sign" documents and it is just as legal as a signature is back in the states.
Now, there is a slight problem with this requirement. First off, unless you have lived in Japan before, you probably won't have one of these readily available. Second problem, you are not Japanese and therefore do not have a Japanese last name. Inkans can usually be bought at any convenience store, just like buying a pen or pencil. They come readily available with the most common last names, such as Yamada or Tanaka. However, the odds of finding one that says Johnson or Smith are very unlikely. The odds of finding one in Katakana too are very slim.
If you want one with your last name, you will have to go to a stationary store and request one to be made. It will be relatively cheap, from what I hear, and it will take some time to pick it up.
But do not fret my friends, there is an easy solution for this problem. You can just buy one and use it. The Japanese government won't care what Inkan you use, as long as you use one. Odd isn't it? If you ever decide to go through the Naturalization process here in Japan, then yeah, you will have to think of what Japanese last name you want to take because you are required to take one. Otherwise, just do what I did and go to a store that sells the Inkans, close your eyes, rotate the display, and pick one at random. I ended up being Taira, which apparently reads along the lines of "flat luck" which I was told is basically "Pure Luck." I don't know what to think of it, but given the circumstances under which I picked it, its kind of fitting.
Anyways, now that you have these two items, you still need to take your passport and all other documents that until this point you have used. They might not ask for all of them but it is better to be prepared than sorry and have to come back the next day to restart the process.
Now, unlike back in the states, going to the bank and opening a bank account can be somewhat over complicated. First thing you will need to do is go to a machine, usually located at the front, and get a ticket for the window you need to go to. You will have to wait a bit to get called to said window.
Once at the window, they will have you fill out the forms and provide them with the pin number you want to use. Then, they will ask you how much money you want to put in your account. After you hand them the money, they will laugh at you and run away.
... Okay, that last one was a joke. But seriously, once you hand them the money, they will give you another number and ask you to sit down and wait. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to about 2 hours. So come prepared to wait a while. I brought a deck of cards with me and ended up doing card tricks for some of the other international students that were waiting there with me. They were rather entertained and an elderly gentleman sitting next to me seemed entertained as well. So yeah, come prepared to wait a bit.
Once they finally call your number, they will hand you a little book for your account and tell you that your ATM card, or "Cash Card," will be sent to the address you provided within a week or so. Now, I am not completely sure how it works with other banks in Japan, but if you take the little book you got to any ATM machine that belongs to the bank, you can actually insert it and get it updated automatically. For those who have never been good at keeping track of their spending, this is very useful.
AND with that task complete you have passed the second part of the gauntlet. Congratulations! You still have one more task to complete which is not as hard but still annoying. Oddly enough though, this last one is optional. But trust me, you will do it eventually so you might as well do it while you are on a roll.
Till next time folks, keep on reading!
Okay, so a while ago I spoke of a "gauntlet" that you needed to pass in order to "exist" in Japan? I gave you the run down of the first part of this gauntlet. Assuming you got through that part unscathed, then you should be ready for part two of the process.
However! If you failed and ended up bloody on the floor and missing a few limbs, then please insert another quarter and try again.
Alright, jokes aside, the next part that you need to take care of is that of getting a bank account. Getting a bank account in Japan is probably the best option if you are going to be here a while. If you are only staying for a summer or such, then you should be okay with your bank account back home. That is unless you are really stressing the exchange rate and service fees that you are charged for when you take money from an ATM. This is the exact same reason as to why, if you are staying a while, getting a bank account in Japan is a vital thing.
So, you are ready to get a bank account. You just go and fill out a form and give them money and done, right? Easy enough huh?... Come on folks, lets do this together.
NO! WRONG!
Before you head out to the bank, you need to bring a few items. The first item is a copy of your Alien Registration Certificate that you should have already picked up at the City Hall. Make sure that when you pick it up you ask for a few copies because depending on what or where you use them, they might need to keep the copy. You don't want to go back to City Hall and ask for a new one each time. I guarantee that they will make you wait at least a day and you will have to pay the same amount you did the first time around.
The second item that you will need is what they call an "inkan." An inkan is basically a stamp that has your last name on it. It is used by Japanese people to "sign" documents and it is just as legal as a signature is back in the states.
Now, there is a slight problem with this requirement. First off, unless you have lived in Japan before, you probably won't have one of these readily available. Second problem, you are not Japanese and therefore do not have a Japanese last name. Inkans can usually be bought at any convenience store, just like buying a pen or pencil. They come readily available with the most common last names, such as Yamada or Tanaka. However, the odds of finding one that says Johnson or Smith are very unlikely. The odds of finding one in Katakana too are very slim.
If you want one with your last name, you will have to go to a stationary store and request one to be made. It will be relatively cheap, from what I hear, and it will take some time to pick it up.
But do not fret my friends, there is an easy solution for this problem. You can just buy one and use it. The Japanese government won't care what Inkan you use, as long as you use one. Odd isn't it? If you ever decide to go through the Naturalization process here in Japan, then yeah, you will have to think of what Japanese last name you want to take because you are required to take one. Otherwise, just do what I did and go to a store that sells the Inkans, close your eyes, rotate the display, and pick one at random. I ended up being Taira, which apparently reads along the lines of "flat luck" which I was told is basically "Pure Luck." I don't know what to think of it, but given the circumstances under which I picked it, its kind of fitting.
Anyways, now that you have these two items, you still need to take your passport and all other documents that until this point you have used. They might not ask for all of them but it is better to be prepared than sorry and have to come back the next day to restart the process.
Now, unlike back in the states, going to the bank and opening a bank account can be somewhat over complicated. First thing you will need to do is go to a machine, usually located at the front, and get a ticket for the window you need to go to. You will have to wait a bit to get called to said window.
Once at the window, they will have you fill out the forms and provide them with the pin number you want to use. Then, they will ask you how much money you want to put in your account. After you hand them the money, they will laugh at you and run away.
... Okay, that last one was a joke. But seriously, once you hand them the money, they will give you another number and ask you to sit down and wait. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to about 2 hours. So come prepared to wait a while. I brought a deck of cards with me and ended up doing card tricks for some of the other international students that were waiting there with me. They were rather entertained and an elderly gentleman sitting next to me seemed entertained as well. So yeah, come prepared to wait a bit.
Once they finally call your number, they will hand you a little book for your account and tell you that your ATM card, or "Cash Card," will be sent to the address you provided within a week or so. Now, I am not completely sure how it works with other banks in Japan, but if you take the little book you got to any ATM machine that belongs to the bank, you can actually insert it and get it updated automatically. For those who have never been good at keeping track of their spending, this is very useful.
AND with that task complete you have passed the second part of the gauntlet. Congratulations! You still have one more task to complete which is not as hard but still annoying. Oddly enough though, this last one is optional. But trust me, you will do it eventually so you might as well do it while you are on a roll.
Till next time folks, keep on reading!
Monday, October 12, 2009
And there she went...
Hello folks!
Obviously nothing major has happened. At least not here anyways. Apparently we got the tip of the typhoon that was coming so it wasn't that bad. At the most, the windows rattled a bit.
So here's checking, just letting all of those who read know that you have to bear with me a bit longer. Ha HA! I'm not easy to get rid of.
Obviously nothing major has happened. At least not here anyways. Apparently we got the tip of the typhoon that was coming so it wasn't that bad. At the most, the windows rattled a bit.
So here's checking, just letting all of those who read know that you have to bear with me a bit longer. Ha HA! I'm not easy to get rid of.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
There she blows...
Hello again folks!
Before anyone says anything, I realize that its odd for me to post two days straight. I know I'm lazy, no need to point it out anymore than we have to.
Anyways, I have recently found out that a Typhoon is coming into town. Apparently that's why its been raining so much lately. Who knew, huh?
SO, this Typhoon is supposed to hit sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. I have no idea what to expect but seeing as every Japanese person around me is pretty laid back and not worried about it at all, I think I can only expect to see really strong winds and rain.
For me, being from what is technically a none typhoon area of the world, I have to admit I am somewhat excited about this. I don't know why, I just am. I plan to take a lot of pictures and some video with my camera.
Now, assuming nothing horrible happens... Such as the ground falling right from under our feet or the sky cracking open into another dimension... What? It could happen. Anyways, assuming nothing has gone terribly wrong, I will try to post whatever pictures or video I manage to take some time in the upcoming two days after the storm. I am told that the power might go out and that it usually takes a bit for it to come back.
Till then folks! Keep on reading and oh hey! Look! A flying car...
Before anyone says anything, I realize that its odd for me to post two days straight. I know I'm lazy, no need to point it out anymore than we have to.
Anyways, I have recently found out that a Typhoon is coming into town. Apparently that's why its been raining so much lately. Who knew, huh?
SO, this Typhoon is supposed to hit sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. I have no idea what to expect but seeing as every Japanese person around me is pretty laid back and not worried about it at all, I think I can only expect to see really strong winds and rain.
For me, being from what is technically a none typhoon area of the world, I have to admit I am somewhat excited about this. I don't know why, I just am. I plan to take a lot of pictures and some video with my camera.
Now, assuming nothing horrible happens... Such as the ground falling right from under our feet or the sky cracking open into another dimension... What? It could happen. Anyways, assuming nothing has gone terribly wrong, I will try to post whatever pictures or video I manage to take some time in the upcoming two days after the storm. I am told that the power might go out and that it usually takes a bit for it to come back.
Till then folks! Keep on reading and oh hey! Look! A flying car...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Attempt two... GO!
Hello again folks!
Hope everyone is in high spirits.
I have currently been busy with classes and what not. Now that I have finally been place in a language level here on campus, I don't have to go to 2 language classes each day.
That is my excuse for lack of updates and I'm sticking with it.
Anyways, seeing as the last attempt at posting a picture was such a huge success. Hey, I take my victories where I can. I have decided to attempt a few things that are more complicated. I have yet to figure out how to go about this but once I do, you'll be the first to know.
So, what are these complicated things I speak of? Well, for one I'd like to post more pictures (Duh!) without crowding the blog with pictures alone. Some of my friends who also have blogs have told me the I can us the Picasa program that comes with Google. I just haven't figure out how to do it yet.
Second thing I want to try and do is have a weekly or bi-weekly sort of video blog thingy. This is something that, given my knowledge of the internet and computers, will prove to be somewhat difficult to accomplish. I have a feeling though that it will be somehow connected to me being able to figure out Picasa. Its either that or I just might do what everyone else does and post it on Youtube.
Now, there is a slight problem with how and when I do this. Aside from what I have mentioned already. The problem is that I still do not have internet. Basically what I've been doing is coming everyday to campus and using the wireless to check my email and type things for you fine people to read. As you can guess, carrying around a laptop all day long can become rather tiring. I have been looking into getting internet at my dorm but so far the language barrier seems to still be a huge issue. I can only mime so much of my request and questions before I run out of hand signals.
Anyways, I'll keep you folks up to date on what I'm doing. Also, don't think I've forgotten about that 3 part "gauntlet" I told you about. You know, the one you have to get past in order to be able to "exist" here in Japan. I'll get to the second part of that in my next post.
Until then folks! Keep on reading
Hope everyone is in high spirits.
I have currently been busy with classes and what not. Now that I have finally been place in a language level here on campus, I don't have to go to 2 language classes each day.
That is my excuse for lack of updates and I'm sticking with it.
Anyways, seeing as the last attempt at posting a picture was such a huge success. Hey, I take my victories where I can. I have decided to attempt a few things that are more complicated. I have yet to figure out how to go about this but once I do, you'll be the first to know.
So, what are these complicated things I speak of? Well, for one I'd like to post more pictures (Duh!) without crowding the blog with pictures alone. Some of my friends who also have blogs have told me the I can us the Picasa program that comes with Google. I just haven't figure out how to do it yet.
Second thing I want to try and do is have a weekly or bi-weekly sort of video blog thingy. This is something that, given my knowledge of the internet and computers, will prove to be somewhat difficult to accomplish. I have a feeling though that it will be somehow connected to me being able to figure out Picasa. Its either that or I just might do what everyone else does and post it on Youtube.
Now, there is a slight problem with how and when I do this. Aside from what I have mentioned already. The problem is that I still do not have internet. Basically what I've been doing is coming everyday to campus and using the wireless to check my email and type things for you fine people to read. As you can guess, carrying around a laptop all day long can become rather tiring. I have been looking into getting internet at my dorm but so far the language barrier seems to still be a huge issue. I can only mime so much of my request and questions before I run out of hand signals.
Anyways, I'll keep you folks up to date on what I'm doing. Also, don't think I've forgotten about that 3 part "gauntlet" I told you about. You know, the one you have to get past in order to be able to "exist" here in Japan. I'll get to the second part of that in my next post.
Until then folks! Keep on reading
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