Reflections on Japan

I`ve been here now for a while, and I have to say, the karaoke rocks... I know it sounds retarded, but it is sooooo much better than Canada. The songs are newer, they sound so much better, and it`s dirt cheap!

Today, Chiai-chan and Manami-chan took me to Matsushima Bay, where natural erosion and the weather has created up to 808 tiny islands. It`s fantastic! We saw some shrines, temples, and did some shopping. I love it here.

When we came home, Chiai-chan`s oka-san (mom) made some really good tempura pumpkin, shrimp, and cuttlefish. I don`t usually eat seafood, but I tried it, and it was soo good, I had 7 pieces.

Kimmys first day in Japan

I`ve been in Japan for 5 days, and I do speak a lil Japanese, but no one in Sendai or Sapporo speaks English!!! I thought this would be easier. Unfortunately for me, I forgot a few key phrases. Whenever I start speaking Japanese, the locals assume I know it well, and start going off. I've been saying HAI a lot, to stuff I know nothing about.

Other than that, since the rail station closed @ midnight, and I could not find lodging for a good price, I went exploring in Sendai all night, then slept at a local Tim Hortons type place. Japanese folks are so polite, its unbelievable. Even the transit cop who booted me out of the station was nice! And the girls on the public service utilities are so cute. See, they speak with this (allegedly) fake "cawaii" voice, like the little honey next to me in this picture... it's most unusual. The weird thing is, they practice the voice in their spare time. I'd like to see one of my friends (like Saya or Chika) have to practice their voices like that, they'd never live it down! :)