Radio stations here in Japan suck. Seriously, they do. And I need music, lots of it. Mah dancers, I’m lookin at you. Can anyone recommend some new songs?
I am a music loving, coffee sipping, anime watching, hip hop dancing, Philippine-Vietnamese-American made, nerdy, clumsy, forward-looking, ever improving type of guy.
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Express(ive) Delivery
Express(ive) Delivery
little updates
whatup party people. What you see above is the main train station in Kumamoto. And to think its been little over 2 months since I’ve arrived in this wonderful prefecture. Japan is an interesting entity all in itself. And living here as a long term guest is one hell of an experience. Allow me to explain:
First, let me tell you ‘bout “The Most.” This is a list of observations that I think has had the most impact of different things or ideas. I actually have a loooooong list. So for this issue of “The Most”, I’ll just go through some myth dispelling and actualities.
1. Ubiquitous thing out here: Convenience Stores: Seriously, you will find them all over the place. Right when you’re driving, and you think you won’t spot one: BAM you find a Lawson/7-i/Family Mart/SuperKid. They are everywhere, and sometimes you’ll find clusters of them.
2. Surprisingly easy thing to do: DRIVE! Yup, thas right. Driving here is surprisingly easy. With the whole road and tranny flip, you’d think its hard right? Wrong. Easy. Hella easy. Just super slow.
3. Disappointing: Public Transport. Okay, all my anime/manga heads. Think that Japan is a country of trains? Think again. While you will undoubtedly take a Shinkasen trip or ride the rails in a major city, if you live outside the Yamanote loop or a major city, or straight inaka(countryside), then chances are that you’ll drive and/or take a bus. It’s not all that bad. But I do realize that I am reliant on a car out here. *sigh* so much for a transport paradigm shift.
4. Irritating.: Shopping at a store that will have a person saying irrashai every 5 seconds. Bonus points for it being the person with the most grating voice. You’ll eventually tune out, but at first its horrid on the ears.
5. Surprisingly Difficult: Finding clothes that will fit you. Even for my fellow ALT and British brother Matt, who is a very fit person, clothes that will fit properly are hard to find at first. Thank god for UNIQLO and Zara.
6. Pleasant Surprise: The PEOPLE! To many people out here, you’re one of a small group of foreigners that they will ever meet. Not many people get out abroad. Within my school of 30 teachers, 6 have gone abroad. So a lot of people are excited to meet someone foreign. Especially if they are nice and break the stereotypes that one has set. In major cities, the gaijin population has grown, but people still find it a pleasure to talk to someone different. Brownie points for having basic working knowledge and the want to learn and improve.
I’ll leave it here for now. Remember these are just small things that add up to the bigger picture, but still, it was surprising to experience them. To sum it up so far, I love living here. I have done a ton of things, but there is still more out there. Just wait until I go past there borders. *obvious foreshadowing*
Here is a small photo dump for you guys. Once I buy a proper camera (or switch to Iphone/Smartphone), then you’ll be seeing more pics. Till then, enjoy my little updates.
Yeahhh. (: (Taken with instagram)
Someone, PLEASE SEND ME A FEW CANS OF THESE!!! Thank you. That is all.
Whatup World.
Well, people who’ve been following my posts and FB know where I’m at. Just wanna lay out whats happening and dispel some myths before continuing on with my posts. 1) I’m out in the countryside, and all the super cool things are in Tokyo. 2) I got my time here, and I’ll post pics when I feel like prying them from my cellphone, so calm yo tits. 3) ALL THE COOL THINGS ARE IN TOKYO! AND I WILL GO THERE WHEN I WANT! We Cool? Cool.
What I intend to do with my tumblr, besides posting cool shit from the Japanland, is really a narrative of the expat experience. Much like moving somewhere else in the US, I’m establishing some resemblance of a life here which include but are not limited to: nightlife, restaurants, kick it spots, social circles, pig out places, shopping, depression spots, and general cool daily things to do. Much of the touristy things will happen, as it naturally should. But I believe the former trumps the latter seeing as how I will be here for some time.
Oh and let me state now, living abroad at all sunshine and rainbows. Imagine living in an advance country, but being partially illiterate, and having only some working knowledge of the language. Cultural Fatigue (as opposed to Culture Shock) is always a big factor in me doing things, so some time is what I request. I’ve been here for about a month now, so a little bit more, and I think I’ll be doing some cray cray things.
And I’ll be honest. I miss home.
Nothing beats the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and general feel of home.
Anonymous asked: how did you get accepted into JET even though you were an Interac?
Hahaha first answer since I’ve been here. Finally got internet. I originally got accepted into JET as an Alternate. Thats when I went and signed with Interac. BUT, I got deferred from there too. And thats when JET called and sent me out here. The rest is history.
This is Harry Moseley. He was an 11 year old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. He raised money for brain cancer research and made bracelets, and did public speaking to raise awareness and funds for his illness.
Harry is one of the bravest boys I’ve ever heard of, and many people had the honor of meeting him before his passing.
Harry passed away at 11.10pm on the 8th October 2011.
He was an inspiration to many, and still will be in the future. He was a shining star in everyone’s sky and still will be for me. He was a brave, brave boy and I hope he’s comfortable where he is now.
RIP Harry, and everyone please remember to Help Harry Help Others <3
This is part of why we, my team I mean, do what we do. We want to do our part, however little, to help. Not to plug, but help raise some money for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Join up Extra-Life 2011. Help our team out.
(via tonicole)
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
PLANT WITH PURPOSE is in need of Volunteers for their Planting Hope Gala this Saturday at 4PM! Dinner will be provided and this is going to be a great opportunity to help a great environmental humanitarian organization! For more information feel free to contact me at thoang1020@gmail.com or give me a call!
Plant with Purpose is a environmental non-profit organization who mission is to transform lives in rural areas hit by deforestation. By helping reforest an area, enacting micro-credit and micro-enterprise solutions, and bringing productivity back to the land, they are able to transform area and create a self-sustaining solution. They work from as close as Mexico to as far as Asia and Africa. If you would like to know more about them, check out PlantWithPurpose.org.
