Today 20th, 19th and 18th

Today 20th

Only one month till my birthday and till I leave Japan. It is sad but true. I am enjoying every day I spend here and I now know in my heart that my place is here in Japan after all. I've gotten along with everyone fine, I am doing things I'd never thought I would do. I am living by myself and experiencing independence. The most important lesson I'm learning is that my parents can't be there for me every step of the way. So I am learning many things about saving money, only buying neccesary things in order to survive, and make as many friends as possible to help learn the Japanese language. For me, the language is easier to learn than french as I have an active interest in the culture and language. Though I still want to learn french, it will have to wait till I am done with Japanese. Today I didn't do much. I went to the beach with Seung, and soon we will eat dinner together. His stomach has been upset lately and I'm a bit worried for him since he said in Korean he had a stomach infection. Seung is one of those mysterious guys who you know nothing about until you sit down and talk with him about life. I learnt about his life in Korea, his family, his past girlfriends, and why he's in Japan. He's a pretty deep individual despite our language barrier. We talk in English, some Korean and Japanese. So if we don't know how to explain something in Japanese I go to English. His english isn't too good, but he understands me easily. How? I don't know, he says he can easily understand me and that I'm good at talking with foreigners in English because I'm easier to understand. Anyway, I'm loving my time here as always. I wish to send my love home, and I hope everyone is safe and sound and enjoying life as always. I hpe nothing has changed because I left. I know people miss me, but I will be back soon. I really want to stay longer, so I am looking for a Job to maybe stay and extra bit longer maybe. If I cannot get a job then I will return in a month.

Friday 19th

Yesturday was a nerve wracking day. I had set up to meet with my Pen Pal of 1 year in Uchihara. One problem, I had to go alone. Another problem being I had no idea how to get there. I've seen Yuki before in photos, but never in person so I was very nervous to meet her. But first I woke up and went to school for a special day. We did Syuuji, which is Japanese Calligraphy. I had so much fun, and I eventually got alright at it. I made a few Syuuji for myself and family, I also found out the Kanji for my last name and its meaning. Strangely Bouvier means Beautiful Samurai Island in Japanese, hahaha. Anyway, we finished that up and I rushed to the station. I went into the station to the ticket booth/machine, and everything was in Japanese. I can't read Japanese so I just pushed the number I thought would take me to Uchihara. I went into the station just in time as the train pulled in. Now the difference between transportation in Japan and Canada, is the trains are always on time and never late by a minute. If you are even just a second late to the doors you are screwed. Another difference, is the train is always packed to hell. Except at 11pm. I rushed inside and I saw 3 girls from School. Thank God I thought to myself. I told them where I was going and Yuki, a girl in my class told me to get off at Mito and transfer. She was kind enough to show me where to go. We parted ways and I jumped onto the next train to Uchihara. I arrived at Uchihara in about 9 minutes and walked onto the station which was so tiny. I walked to the entrance of the station and I saw Yuki!!! Hahaha, my penpal. She was so much shorter than I pictured. And cute haha. I gave her a quick wave and she nervously waved back to me. We walked from the station talking about different things, her english was actually pretty good, unlike many Japanese I've talked to already. She kept fanning her face, and I asked what was the matter. "I'm so nervous, sorry! I get very nervous when I first meet a friend". It took awhile to get her out of her shyness. We had Udon at the food court, it was OISHI!!!!! Delicious. We continued talking about various things and then went shopping. She showed me everywhere. Arcades, Department stores, clothing stores book stores, music stores. Every kind of stores. Now I forgot to take my Camera, but the mal is about 6 stories high and well think of Masonville mall as to how wide it is. It is huge. We took Pikura, which is like a photo booth but you can put on cute designs and such. I enjoyed myself emensely. We departed at around 6 to go back home. She was very kind to me in showing me Japanese culture and talking about herself.

Thursday 18th

Thursday was a special day. I went to Oarai, to Aqua world. It is like Marine land in Japan. I saw many different types of fish, birds, and other mammals. We saw a dolphin show, and almost got wet. All my photos are online on facebook. I went with Miki the girl who came to Canada on exchange. Other than that, I can't really explain what else happened.

June 16th

Today was a fun and eventful day. The morning I had to walk to school as my bike tire was flat. Segawa-san is gone to Okinawa for a week now so I couldn't fix my bike. So Patrick-sensei lent me his bike. His bike is much more easy to ride than my old one. Anyway class went by smoothly and I can communicate well with the Japanese students. Actually many of them say I am easier to understand than all the other exchange students. That made me happy! It just goes to show how I'll be able to communicate across cultures if I choose to teach English in Japan. Many girls continue to flirt with me and ask me if I want a girlfriend. I can't give them an answer, and probably won't. Also I am unable to go to China as I do not have a visa to go there. That is disappointing news for me as I was so looking forward to seeing Kitty. But my Japanese friends managed to cheer me up. I've met so many friends while being here. Maki, Makiko, Noriko, Yuuki, Miki, Shiori, Taichi, Kota, Takuto, Kento, Aika, Azusa, Kohei, Hito, Ketsuke And sleeping girl! hahaha. I went to Acoustic club tonight with Kento, Takuto, Aika, and Azusa. I am so glad they took me as it took my mind off of life and I made very good friends with them all. I just still can't feel bad because I will leave one day, and I will be so so so upset when that time comes. Sometimes I wish I had complete control over my life, but thats what the God's are for. They guide me and push me to try try try. If I wanted I could stay in Japan till the end of August, but I would need to get a job in order to do that. Anyway, I should go to sleep now while I still can, good night Canada, I will see you later. PS. Photos on Facebook of a shrine!!!! A most beautiful shrine.! I can't remember the name ><.

Nick Bouvier

First Day at school

Yesturday was my first day at school, and boy was it fun! But also a bit awkward. I was prepared for girls starring at me but not running up and talking to me in an excited manner. "Heeeeee!!!!" "Where are your from?! What is your name!? How old are you?! Do you have a girlfriend?!" All manners of questions. My classes are very basic and don't really require studying that much but they're fun to help the Japanese students with their english. My Japanese is geting better every day. I'm glad I have so many Japanese friends now to help me learn Japanese better. Yesturday I also saw Miki and Shiori! I gave thm both big hugs! I missed them both a lot and they introduced me to their friends. I had Japanese class and it was boring but easy, and I went home and did nothing really for the night. Now it's time to go to School! See you all later, I will try to take photos of the school an my new friends.

Nick

June 12-13th

Yesturday was one of the longest days of my life. I woke up at around 4 am and the sun was up. Thats a major difference from Canada where is rises at around 6. Then the sun sets at around 6pm. It is all nuts! That morning I ate at Sagawa-san's home. We had egg salad sandwiches, letuce, and tea. It was alright, and filled me up, I can already tell I've lost some weight too. I also had small tiny Japanese fish and a leaf. Yes a leaf. The leaf was soaked in soy sauce and garlic and tasted pretty good. Sagawa-san said it was a Korean dish, it was very salty though. Same with those fish. Yesturday was orientation as well, where I met Haruna, a very very cute Japanese girl who is helping me and Nadine around. She was born in New York Originally but moved to Japan when she was 13. Anyway she took me to get some things I needed at the grocery mart called Maruto. It is big like any Canadian market, but with a Giant fish section and any alcoholic beverage you want. I never have to show I.D. either! Another thing I'm not used to is all the Japanese starring at me, expecially the girls at Ibaraki Christian. Anyway I had to ride my bike to school but it was very very tiny for me! MY legs reach the handle bars and my light doesn't even work. I met two Chinese girls also at Sagawa-san's party, Cicy and Onh ga. Their english is good, I also met three korean girls named He-sung, gi-sung, and so-heun. And Sagawa-san's wife Miho, and their 8 month old baby Keta. Instantly I thought Keta could be Luzmillie's Japanese boyfriend in the future! Hahha. Anyway I drank and had sashimi at the party and squid. Also I had a Japanese spicy chilli dog. All of it was delicious! Later that evening we went to the beach to walk along it and listen to the waves crashing in. It felt beautiful being there and just looking out to the pacific and imagining seeing Canada across. Anyway, Bikes are important in Japan. Almost everyone if they need to go a short distance they take bikes and every bike is pretty much the same. Silver crappy with a tiny basket at the front. That night when I slept I felt very good and I woke up at 9:30am this time! I got over jet leg fast!

June 13th

This morning I ate a Canadian breakfast I like to call it. Peanut butter toast, Frosted Flakes and Orange juice. Japanese milk here is much more sweet, as it is like 4% M.F. So I bought skim milk also because it is closer to Canadian milk. Today I went with Jared to the market again to grab more things such as fruit, toilet paper and other things I needed. Tonight we will go to Mito, which is the Capital of Ibaraki. We are going to a person's birthday party, but we don't know who the person is, just a friend of Jared's invited us. Anyway, I am looking forward to the times ahead, and I hope I can pick up JApanese much more quickly as really ...I need to.

Nick Bouvier

The Trip and first time in Hitachi

Well what a great night, but I'll have to get to the events before the night which made it great! First I woke up at 7:30am on June 10th, worried to bits! I got to the airport, got some reassuring advice from Dad and got onto the flight to Toronto. I was in a tiny Jet which fit maybe 40 people. It was amazing! Nothing to be afraid of at all! Then Toronto! That flight from Toronto to Tokyo took soooo long! About 12 and a half hours! I liked it though, but it was far too long. We arrived in Tokyo at 3 am met up with Mariko, who is an IC University worker. She was really nice and took me and Nadine out to eat dinner. I had pizza, but the pizza was really really different! We had dinner at a place called Coco's. It is everywhere in Japan! Ibaraki was a 2 hour drive, but theres so much natural beauty and farmland! It was very different from what I imagined. Also the homes in he countryside are all traditional looking! I loved that! Once we got to my apartment I met with Sagawa-San, the Landlord, who really is a great guy! I love that guy! He bought us all drinks my first night! I also met Jim Batten, Seung, and Jered who is like my brother but only American. My first time in my apartment was really shocking. It is very very tiny. I have a kitchen which is the size of half a washroom. A washroom the size of a closet which I found out the hard way of how to shower without killing yourself. And my Living room which is about the size of a small bedroom. It has all my cooking stuff in my living room and tv, and computer, and fridge. Hell My closet is bigger than my washroom! Anyway, I met three Korean girls. But I can't remember their names, it is hard when your mind is foggy from Asahi. Sagawa decided to get to know me and Nadine more and invited all the apartment to Coco's which is behind the apartment practically. He bought us all food, and drinks! I had a good first time! I'll be sure to put up Photos soon! It's just I have breakfast tomorrow with Sagawa-san and his family at 8am! So I must get ready and sleep as much as possible!

Oyasumi Nasai Mina-san!

Nick Bouvier

Today's the day!

Sorry readers for missing the past two days so let me just recap them to you. Monday I went to a casino with my mother and aunt. I managed to snag $55, and some time well wasted. Yesturday was a small get together lunch for my brother-in-law, but more brother Axel. We went to Pizza Hut for you can guess what (all you can eat lunch buffet). I don't want pizza again till maybe september. That held me out for almost all day. I spent all last evening preparing. I have a large suitcase, and my laptop, and carry-on. Got a bunch of reading material, and things to keep me busy and calm my nerves. Everyone needs to know this is my first time getting off the air for longer than 30 seconds. This isn't like the drop zone, and I do still have a tad fear of heights, but it is natural for everyone. I went to sleep rather late last night. Actually fell asleep at around 2:30am, then woke up at 7:15am. And pediodically in between those times. So not only am I nervous but I'm tired. So I'll catch up on sleep in Toronto while I'm waiting for the plane. So I'll be going towards the future, I'll be sure to tell someone the lottery numbers! Harharhar (sarcastic joke). As I take a look around me, I realize this will be the last time I see home for a long long time. I'll miss all my friends and family very much. This isn't like a trip to Cochrane or a trip to the states. I'm going to a country where english is the second language! Quebec! Wow, I never cease to joke when I should be serious. Japan is a country unlike Canada, but like Canada in many ways. Maybe what I learned and researched will be different from what it actually is like? Who really knows. I just hope I fit in, fight on, and never give up. Thats all anyone can hope for. I already know the food will be great, some I'll have to get more used to but great none the less. I might even come back lighter because my diet will change. I might even come back asian!! Hahaha. Shakya would love to see that ... Anyway, it gets closer to the time I'm leaving, and this is my last blog till I get settled in Japan. Be prepared for a barrage of photos! seriously be prepared!

Nick Bouvier

3 More days!

Well readers, last night was one hell of a night. I didn't drink much but others ... well lets say they took the saying "drink till you drop" too literally. I had an awesome time with my good friends here, and I'm truly going to miss them all, and I know they're going to miss me. Apart from that, we had fun. I played guitar around the camp fire with my father, and everyone was singing, talking and having a good time. Josh dropped far to early after pounding back too much vodka. Allan broke one of my chairs which I'm a bit angry about but what are you going to do, its just a plastic chair after all. Mike and Josh made a tiny homosexual scene where they frigging tongued each other, which I have a photo of for jokes and blackmail ha ha. It began to rain at about 11:30 so we moved the party into the garage where we continued to have a good time. We played a rhyming game which Axel introduced to us. Someone starts off with a word or phrase and it goes counter clockwise with people in a circle. The person who fails to rhyme had to take a drink. Needless to say, I think some people were already too smashed to continue playing. I had a good sleep, woke up fine, no head ache. I've never gotten a hang over before so I'm lucky, but Mike woke up brutally. I assume it was because of his "man" shots he took of double whiskey and vodka mixed. Or maybe it is just pure stupidity? Who'll ever know. I cleaned up a bit today, and now I'm going to start packing and laundry. Three days is not a long time, and currently my nerves are flying around my head and well, the excitement is kicking in! So I'll see you readers later! Have a good Sunday!

The Countdown

Today is one of 4 days to prepare and get ready for my trip. Usually one would be excited at this point, but me ... I'm not really excited, more nervous than anything. The trip to Japan will take me over half a day's length in time, and I leave on the 10th of June. I'll be trying to set up some sort of update, or "Journal" here each day I have time to do so. So today is the day of my going away party, and probably faint memories for tomorrow. So I'll attempt to take some photos in order to show how ... drunk my friends and I get. Anyway getting to the point of the trip itself. I'm going to be leaving soon but I have not started packing yet. Some might say it's laziness, well... it is laziness, I just don't want to admit it. Time is counting down, I need to grab a few things such as a suit if I wish to teach younger Japanese youth English. Thats about it I think, and then I'll begin packing tomorrow. Anyway, it's getting a bit more difficult to draw my attention to this blog, so I'll just end it here. Stay tuned for more!

Nikulas Bouvier