Everything turned out fine.










I was able to communicate with people and figure out that I had to the JR from the airport to Shinjuku and finally transfer to a shinkansen to Asagaya. Taking the JR I did not know there was a place to put luggage. So I dragged my 2 suitcases and left them in the aisle. This of course was a mistake as I learned when people could not get by them. A man showed me where to put my luggage and then it was smooth sailing (or train riding?). After arriving in Shinjuku I took a taxi to my hotel. I said I had a yoyaku (reservation) and got my room key. The elevator had a television, which was pretty crazy. Anyway my room was nice and had internet connection so I could tell my family I was ok. After I took a 10 hour nap (the pillow was the best I have ever slept on). I had to check out at 11 am.

The next day I spent at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and Resort. It was a pretty luxurious hotel. I finally met my classmates. One of my classmates and I ate at the food court. We got food from a place called Fried Foods because it looked American. Health was obviously not a concern of ours. The food was cheap, but I would not recommend the Croquette Burger. That night I studied a little Kanji because we had a placement test the next day. The next day I spent at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and Resort. It was a pretty luxurious hotel. I finally met my classmates. One of my classmates and I ate at the food court. We got food from a place called Fried Foods because it looked American. Health was obviously not a concern of ours. The food was cheap, but I would not recommend the Croquette Burger. That night I studied a little Kanji because we had a placement test the next day.

In the morning we meet two of our professors in the lobby. Of course I had the most luggage. I have the amazing ability to over-pack at will. We were told to eat breakfast if we had not. Although I never eat breakfast, I figure it would be brainfood for the test. Had I know we eat lunch just 2 hours later I would have passed. Anyway the practice test went well. It was a 2-hour test, but it went by fast. After that we met our Japanese penpals. Hiroto, my penpal is a funny guy.

It is only right that I mention that our rooms are incredible. They came with everything you could need minus food. I have an alarm clock, a microwave, a fridge (possibly two a haven’t checked yet), a TV, a VCR, pots and pans, a rice cooker, eating utensils, a vacuum, air conditioning with a remote, and bathroom. I wish I did not bring a pillow and beddings. That might have saved me the $50 I paid because my bag was too heavy. Besides that I am happy with everything I brought. I will use most of it.

My room