Okay
This is SUPER hella late!
So I am just going to get this out of the way. Yes I am no longer in Japan.
For sad reasons... I came back at the start of September actually. I was thrown around every which way I can't even explain.
How about I do a quick update on what happened of the last couple weeks into being in Japan?
Alright; so I moved to my second host family at the start of August and stayed there for a month. Because of the lack of Internet I got there I wasn't realizing what really was happening at home. My Grandpa got really really sick. And I was asked to come home. Now I didn't know anything because my mom couldn't get in contact with me and my program wouldn't contact me (BIG issue there!)
They came to my host parents house too tell me on August 26th that I would be leaving Japan on the 28th of August. (ALL OF A SUDDEN I KNOW RIGHT?!) but because my mom had no contact with me she didn't know what to do so she didn't book a flight back. So I am sitting here being told by host family and program that I am being moved to the dorms of my school. So I lived there for a good 2 weeks (WHICH WAS AWESOME BTW!)
But anyways. so from then I lived in the dorms till September 6th then I headed back home to Canada.
4 days after I got back (September 11th) My Grandpa passed away.
Everyone says that I made it back just in time... and hell I miss him so much.
But I am back in Canada now, no I am not returning there to finish the year.
I am now working two part time jobs and trying to figure out college. And every day I just want to go back.
It has been 2 months now since I left Japan and I miss it everyday.
Thank you everyone for following my blog or vlogs for this long but sadly my journey came to a close way too soon.
Thank you.
Monday 5 November 2012
Tuesday 7 August 2012
Lack of Updates!
Oh my gosh!I just realized I haven't updated my blog in almost a month!
Sorry guys! Been super busy with preparations for personal matters, and also moving to my new host family last week as well. So, I have been great!
On Sunday July 29th; I went to fireworks and a festival with my friend Sayaka and her friends. I ended up running into my friends Noora (from Finland) and Nico (from America) there as well. We chatted a bit and I had a great time! Ate lots of food and Japanese fireworks are wonderful! They go on for a good 30 minutes! I am not joking! I thought by fireworks it was only going to be 5 minutes or 10. BUT A WHOLE 30 MINUTES! I will post a video on my Youtube channel soon! My friend Sayaka also gave me a Yukata to wear and she actually gave it to me to keep! Its so pretty! Sadly I dont have any good pictures of me in my Yukata TwT Was hoping for Sayaka to post pictures but nothing yet XD
Its been tough keeping up with both my BLOG and VLOG's so I have been taking a bit of time with them.
Also I am now with my 4th host family now. I am currently in Ube now which is closer to my school. So I do less travel time on the train. Which kind of makes me sad. I really liked my 40 minute train ride to and from school.
In my current host family I have a host sister; Miki, another host sister I will be meeting on Friday since she lives in Tokyo, a host dad and mom. They are all super nice! They also have a cat; Miko and a dog; Bekey/Becci? I dont know how to spell it XD
Its summer here so that means its SUPER HOT! All I have been doing this past couple weeks has been sleeping through the heat. Its really difficult because I am not used to the heat! So my body just wants to sleep right through it! XD
Hm... nothing much else to update on; I might have an announcement happening in the next couple weeks. But I will get back to that later. I am also going to Fukuoka with my host family this Saturday! I haven't had the chance to leave Yamaguchi since I arrived here. So it will be a bit nice going somewhere different.
Till next time!
Monday 2 July 2012
NO SCHOOL! =D
It is July 3rd.
We started test week at school this week.
I woke up this morning (Tuesday) to go to school for 3 hours while everyone took tests and I sit in the library.
It was raining a bit but its rainy season so thats cool.
I was told by my host mom and sister my train might be late because of the rain fall.
Get to the station; 4 other trains were late leaving Shin Yamaguchi. A couple trains came and went but my train never showed. Fell asleep for about 20 minutes, woke up and my train still wasn't there.
Pretty much 40 minutes later some students from my school left. I slept for another 5 minutes when a guy from my school came over to wake me up. XD
He told me that we could go home (because they put up a sign saying there was no trains running from Shin Yamaguchi to Onoda) and that school was cancelled for the day because of the rain fall.
I was happy!!
I didn't have to go to school and sit in the library for 3 hours! =3
Home alone now; chilling and enjoying the peace and quiet, eating candy and feeling fat.
That is how I am spending my day. XD
Welp nothing really much else happening xD
Chat again soon! =3
We started test week at school this week.
I woke up this morning (Tuesday) to go to school for 3 hours while everyone took tests and I sit in the library.
It was raining a bit but its rainy season so thats cool.
I was told by my host mom and sister my train might be late because of the rain fall.
Get to the station; 4 other trains were late leaving Shin Yamaguchi. A couple trains came and went but my train never showed. Fell asleep for about 20 minutes, woke up and my train still wasn't there.
Pretty much 40 minutes later some students from my school left. I slept for another 5 minutes when a guy from my school came over to wake me up. XD
He told me that we could go home (because they put up a sign saying there was no trains running from Shin Yamaguchi to Onoda) and that school was cancelled for the day because of the rain fall.
I was happy!!
I didn't have to go to school and sit in the library for 3 hours! =3
Home alone now; chilling and enjoying the peace and quiet, eating candy and feeling fat.
That is how I am spending my day. XD
Welp nothing really much else happening xD
Chat again soon! =3
Sunday 17 June 2012
Cultural Festival!
So its that time of year at my school where we do out Cultural Festival!
And gosh that was a lot of fun!
So on Thursday June 14th 2012; was only half a day of class (so 1st to 3rd period) then the rest of the day was working on Cultural Festival things; putting our classes together and working on finishing posters and other small things.
Here is a quick video I did XD
I plan to post the rest of my VLOGS from this weekend soon~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0tWc9CyZjA&feature=plcp
Lets start off with this; my class 2-3 did a Curry Rice shop~ it was super yummy!
I helped a couple students in my class with posters; but since I am horrible at drawing; I did the colouring! =3
Friday 15th 2012
That was a very eventful day.
Got to school; helped with some small things; then went to the gym for the events of the day hosted for the students. It was also the opening ceremony for the Cultural Festival; I sat with two friends from my class.
Some first years came around with some balloons and I couldn't figure out what they were for.
A, K and Me
The Music Club put on a terrific performance! I was so shocked for a high school band they were very very good! (I used to be a flute player in band back in high school in Canada and it made me want to play the flute again XD)
Then the Drama club put on a funny performance! It was hard to catch every word but I figured it out after time went on.
Next we had a good 30 minute break; so I just walked around for a bit.
Went back to my seat and a Traditional Japanese Dance was performed by a student. It was very beautiful!
My Saturday... oh gosh that was one tiring day!
In the morning I walked around by myself, just to see things. I ate SO much food that day!
Through the day I ate maybe 6 Kakigooi (which is Japanese Shaved Ice). It was super yummy!
Then some chicken, hot dog, and some other salty meat xD
I was also being fed by some students XD "Haley try this!" and gave me Udon, Yakisoba (2-1) and some Curry Rice (2-3).
Gosh that was fun XD
After my friends K and A were finished with their duties I met up with them and we walked around for a bit. we went to a traditional Japanese cafe sort of hosted by I believe a first year class. I ate some Green Tea ice cream and Green Tea. Gosh it was yummy! A even gave me a bite of some Japanese sweets; it hate red bean in it if I am not mistaken.
But gosh I was tired after the day! Had the closing assembly which was very emotional or the 3rd years since this was their last Cultural Festival at Xavier. It was super sweet <3
And gosh that was a lot of fun!
So on Thursday June 14th 2012; was only half a day of class (so 1st to 3rd period) then the rest of the day was working on Cultural Festival things; putting our classes together and working on finishing posters and other small things.
Here is a quick video I did XD
I plan to post the rest of my VLOGS from this weekend soon~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0tWc9CyZjA&feature=plcp
Lets start off with this; my class 2-3 did a Curry Rice shop~ it was super yummy!
Hm... A lot of things happened just trying to remember xD
Thursday was all just prep for the Friday; Friday was pretty much a trail day and getting this completely ready for the Saturday which was the main day of the cultural festival.
Thursday was all just prep for the Friday; Friday was pretty much a trail day and getting this completely ready for the Saturday which was the main day of the cultural festival.
Friday 15th 2012That was a very eventful day.
Got to school; helped with some small things; then went to the gym for the events of the day hosted for the students. It was also the opening ceremony for the Cultural Festival; I sat with two friends from my class.
Some first years came around with some balloons and I couldn't figure out what they were for.
We were told to blow them up but not tie them. Then after the little speech we were told to let them go. So the balloons went flying across the gym to officially open the Cultural Festival! =D
It was tons of fun!
It was tons of fun!
A, K and Me
The Music Club put on a terrific performance! I was so shocked for a high school band they were very very good! (I used to be a flute player in band back in high school in Canada and it made me want to play the flute again XD)
Then the Drama club put on a funny performance! It was hard to catch every word but I figured it out after time went on.
Next we had a good 30 minute break; so I just walked around for a bit.
Went back to my seat and a Traditional Japanese Dance was performed by a student. It was very beautiful!
Then a group of bands formed at the school played. Some of then were really good actually!
Then the costume contest started. Each class has a "mascot" character for their shop during the Cultural Festival. My class was Winnie the Pooh! So our teacher and a couple students dressed up as Pooh, Tigger, Eeore, Piglet and Kanga. And started to dance to Kiss My-Ft2's song EVERYBODY GO
got alot of laughs from that one.
Then the costume contest started. Each class has a "mascot" character for their shop during the Cultural Festival. My class was Winnie the Pooh! So our teacher and a couple students dressed up as Pooh, Tigger, Eeore, Piglet and Kanga. And started to dance to Kiss My-Ft2's song EVERYBODY GO
got alot of laughs from that one.
Sadly we didn't win. But the other classes' performances were awesome! XD
That was my Friday in a nut shell.
My Saturday... oh gosh that was one tiring day!
In the morning I walked around by myself, just to see things. I ate SO much food that day!
Through the day I ate maybe 6 Kakigooi (which is Japanese Shaved Ice). It was super yummy!
Then some chicken, hot dog, and some other salty meat xD
I was also being fed by some students XD "Haley try this!" and gave me Udon, Yakisoba (2-1) and some Curry Rice (2-3).
Gosh that was fun XD
After my friends K and A were finished with their duties I met up with them and we walked around for a bit. we went to a traditional Japanese cafe sort of hosted by I believe a first year class. I ate some Green Tea ice cream and Green Tea. Gosh it was yummy! A even gave me a bite of some Japanese sweets; it hate red bean in it if I am not mistaken.
I also ate some fried chicken and fries(3-1), popcorn and juice (3-3), Ice Cream (3-1). Oh gosh I feel fat just talking about all of it xD
My friend K (another friend that starts with the letter K XD), who is a first year, wanted me to go to her class (1-1) because they had a Game Centre, gosh I wanted to go but I had to go to work (work in the Curry shop) when she started! So I was sad about that D=
My friend K (another friend that starts with the letter K XD), who is a first year, wanted me to go to her class (1-1) because they had a Game Centre, gosh I wanted to go but I had to go to work (work in the Curry shop) when she started! So I was sad about that D=
There was also a Haunted House (1-3) but me being a chicken didn't want to go in by myself since everyone else are chickens xD
Started working around 1 till 3. Had a blast with everyone!
After the Cultural Festival was over we all did a major clean; and like I said in my video; took 2 days to put everything together; all cleaned within 1 hour. XD
After the Cultural Festival was over we all did a major clean; and like I said in my video; took 2 days to put everything together; all cleaned within 1 hour. XD
But gosh I was tired after the day! Had the closing assembly which was very emotional or the 3rd years since this was their last Cultural Festival at Xavier. It was super sweet <3
I had such a wonderful time! I really got to bond with lots of students over this time and really got to see them not all stressed about studies and just having a good time.
Back to school Monday; then they have tests coming up. So more time off for me soon xD
But till next time guys!
Back to school Monday; then they have tests coming up. So more time off for me soon xD
But till next time guys!
Sunday 10 June 2012
Been awhile!
Wow I really need to keep up with these blogs!
I have been super busy over the last couple weeks I haven't really been able to just sit down and write about my events!
The last one I was talking about Golden Week and that was a month ago!
Now lets get this show on the road shall we ;)
I was lucky enough to see VENUS over the week! if anyone didn't know; over the week Venus was visible near the sun and that wont happen again for another 130 years or so, so I am so happy I got to see it!
Here is a picture I nabbed from my English teachers Facebook xD I believe he was with the Math teacher and he is super interested in space and stars. So I am happy to have seen a better picture.
So; right now in school we are preparing for the yearly 文化祭 (ぶんかさい - bunkasai - cultural festival)
at school. If you watch anime or watch Dramas you guys will know what this is xD
its a huge event put on by Elementary, Junior, High and University schools to show the students every day achievements. Its the only day out of the year that other students from other school's are aloud in another school. There are plays, food shops, and all these awesome things! My class (2-3) is doing a Curry Rice restaurant ! I am super exited for it! Its this up coming weekend so I will make sure to bring my camera over the week and get some pictures and videos! (I really need to update my VLOG as well)
I also helped make paper flowers for decorations! Lots of fun is going to happen this week!
Hm.. I don't know if anything else really happened ...
Well I might post some emotional things like right now so if you don't want to read about all the things that is making me mad dont continue xD
So like I said; I really love Japan. I do. But Japan is like any other country. It has its negitaves to their postivives and lately I have been experianceing a lot of negative vibes from it... What I have noticed about Japanese people (maybe not all but some) they are very two-faced. They will act like everything is okay and say don't worry about it, but really they are pissed off and talk about you behind your back and if there is a problem will not tell you about it till its so far along that they already hate you and you can't do anything to fix it.
Its annoying... because I honestly don't know how anyone feels about me; if they are just putting on a mask and hiding it or if that is how they really feel.
Over the week I was feeling a bit sad. Who doesn't feel that way? I am still a bit homesick, I wasn't feeling good over the week, I am exhausted, and of course I might show that I look sad sometimes. I can't really control that. But I am being told that teachers are concerned about my well being because I haven't been "genki"
OH DEAR LORD! I hate that word. I can't be GENKI (which means happy or something) all the FRICKEN TIME PEOPLE! So because of this concern; the teacher in charge called my program.... yea... I already have a feeling I am not in good standings with them... and she asked them what she can do to "fix me". . .
DEAR LORD PEOPLE! I am feeling down for a couple days and now you all think I am depressed?!
I am not depressed! I am just feeling down!
Even if you are sad; you have to smile. Yeaaaaaa... that isn't easy when I come from a cultural where you are told to EXPRESS your emotions and how you feel them holding them in.
And it doesn't help that even though I say I am happy here...sometimes I just want to go home... if this was really a good idea for me. This cultural is harder to adjust to then I realized. It is so different its crazy... I am almost 4 months in and I am still trying to adjust to it all... Right now my goal is to make it to the end of August or September and if I still feel like this was a bad idea I might go home early... Nothing set in stone or anything yet but I am just fighting a war that I feel like I won't ever win.
Let's just see what happens in the next couple months.
Well other then that; I am off. I hope to make another blog more positive next time. Probably about the cultural festival~ Till next time guys!
I have been super busy over the last couple weeks I haven't really been able to just sit down and write about my events!
The last one I was talking about Golden Week and that was a month ago!
Now lets get this show on the road shall we ;)
I was lucky enough to see VENUS over the week! if anyone didn't know; over the week Venus was visible near the sun and that wont happen again for another 130 years or so, so I am so happy I got to see it!
Here is a picture I nabbed from my English teachers Facebook xD I believe he was with the Math teacher and he is super interested in space and stars. So I am happy to have seen a better picture.
So; right now in school we are preparing for the yearly 文化祭 (ぶんかさい - bunkasai - cultural festival)
at school. If you watch anime or watch Dramas you guys will know what this is xD
its a huge event put on by Elementary, Junior, High and University schools to show the students every day achievements. Its the only day out of the year that other students from other school's are aloud in another school. There are plays, food shops, and all these awesome things! My class (2-3) is doing a Curry Rice restaurant ! I am super exited for it! Its this up coming weekend so I will make sure to bring my camera over the week and get some pictures and videos! (I really need to update my VLOG as well)
I also helped make paper flowers for decorations! Lots of fun is going to happen this week!
Hm.. I don't know if anything else really happened ...
Well I might post some emotional things like right now so if you don't want to read about all the things that is making me mad dont continue xD
So like I said; I really love Japan. I do. But Japan is like any other country. It has its negitaves to their postivives and lately I have been experianceing a lot of negative vibes from it... What I have noticed about Japanese people (maybe not all but some) they are very two-faced. They will act like everything is okay and say don't worry about it, but really they are pissed off and talk about you behind your back and if there is a problem will not tell you about it till its so far along that they already hate you and you can't do anything to fix it.
Its annoying... because I honestly don't know how anyone feels about me; if they are just putting on a mask and hiding it or if that is how they really feel.
Over the week I was feeling a bit sad. Who doesn't feel that way? I am still a bit homesick, I wasn't feeling good over the week, I am exhausted, and of course I might show that I look sad sometimes. I can't really control that. But I am being told that teachers are concerned about my well being because I haven't been "genki"
OH DEAR LORD! I hate that word. I can't be GENKI (which means happy or something) all the FRICKEN TIME PEOPLE! So because of this concern; the teacher in charge called my program.... yea... I already have a feeling I am not in good standings with them... and she asked them what she can do to "fix me". . .
DEAR LORD PEOPLE! I am feeling down for a couple days and now you all think I am depressed?!
I am not depressed! I am just feeling down!
Even if you are sad; you have to smile. Yeaaaaaa... that isn't easy when I come from a cultural where you are told to EXPRESS your emotions and how you feel them holding them in.
And it doesn't help that even though I say I am happy here...sometimes I just want to go home... if this was really a good idea for me. This cultural is harder to adjust to then I realized. It is so different its crazy... I am almost 4 months in and I am still trying to adjust to it all... Right now my goal is to make it to the end of August or September and if I still feel like this was a bad idea I might go home early... Nothing set in stone or anything yet but I am just fighting a war that I feel like I won't ever win.
Let's just see what happens in the next couple months.
Well other then that; I am off. I hope to make another blog more positive next time. Probably about the cultural festival~ Till next time guys!
Sunday 20 May 2012
One Month in a Nutshell
Wow I haven't updated in awhile.
Sorry for the long wait guys!
Golden Week was great (which was a holiday here in Japan from April 29th till May 7th. It was a lot of fun!
on one of the days my host family and I went fishing in Hikari city. I got to see the ocean to! Which was so awesome!
I can't fish though... so it was a major learning experience for me (I haven't gone fishing since I was a kid!)
Lets just say... I am still horrible at it xD
(ALSO; that boy in the picture is my host brother Yuta, and the girl in the pink is my host sister Yuka)
Later that day we went to a Pasta place for lunch and it was super yummy! I had a great day~
Then the next day I met up with a nother exchange student named Noora (check out her blog; its all in Finish but you will get the point: http://fantasyneverland.blogspot.jp/)
We went to a place called YOU ME town here in Yamaguchi City, had a blast! LOTS of Purikura was done that day. Probably spent $10 Canadian or more on Purikura xD
But if you come to Japan. Purikura is a MUST!
Lets see...what else has happened that I haven't blogged about.
OH RIGHT! This past week the students at my school had test week, so I still had to go to school even though there was no classes all week and we got to go home around 12 everyday. Which was nice. Did some studying and sleeping in the library all week.
Then went shopping with Noora again to a place called Sun Town in Onoda City. Lots more shopping! And Purikura with a group of girls from my school xD
Yesterday (May 19th) a friend of my host sisters came over (lets call her S) she is super great! We have a lot of things in common (Anime the most!) and she wants to go shopping, karaoke, to festivals and a convention with me in the next couple weeks xD I can't wait!
ALSO! School Festival is coming up! My class is doing a Curry Shop ;)
I will most definitely get some pictures of that!
Hm...other then that nothing really much else has been going on. Till next time! I really need to keep up to date with these blogs xD
Sorry for the long wait guys!
Golden Week was great (which was a holiday here in Japan from April 29th till May 7th. It was a lot of fun!
on one of the days my host family and I went fishing in Hikari city. I got to see the ocean to! Which was so awesome!
I can't fish though... so it was a major learning experience for me (I haven't gone fishing since I was a kid!)
Lets just say... I am still horrible at it xD
(ALSO; that boy in the picture is my host brother Yuta, and the girl in the pink is my host sister Yuka)
Later that day we went to a Pasta place for lunch and it was super yummy! I had a great day~
Then the next day I met up with a nother exchange student named Noora (check out her blog; its all in Finish but you will get the point: http://fantasyneverland.blogspot.jp/)
We went to a place called YOU ME town here in Yamaguchi City, had a blast! LOTS of Purikura was done that day. Probably spent $10 Canadian or more on Purikura xD
But if you come to Japan. Purikura is a MUST!
Lets see...what else has happened that I haven't blogged about.
OH RIGHT! This past week the students at my school had test week, so I still had to go to school even though there was no classes all week and we got to go home around 12 everyday. Which was nice. Did some studying and sleeping in the library all week.
Then went shopping with Noora again to a place called Sun Town in Onoda City. Lots more shopping! And Purikura with a group of girls from my school xD
Yesterday (May 19th) a friend of my host sisters came over (lets call her S) she is super great! We have a lot of things in common (Anime the most!) and she wants to go shopping, karaoke, to festivals and a convention with me in the next couple weeks xD I can't wait!
ALSO! School Festival is coming up! My class is doing a Curry Shop ;)
I will most definitely get some pictures of that!
Monday 30 April 2012
Golden Week and KAT TUN Fans!
Well its Golden Week here in Japan!
How it works; Sunday and Monday are days off. Then there is school on Tuesday and Wednesday. But then off Thursday till Sunday. So its not to bad. I am kind of happy to go to school tomorrow so I am not sitting alone in my house just studying. I would rather be at school studying since there is less things to distract me from it.
Yesterday (April 29th) was a great day! Went out with my Host family (host brother and mom all day). We went to a mall in Hofu (I so wish I brought my camera to make a vlog!) There was a huge flea market happening and a lot of festival things going on! So mad at myself for forgetting my camera! We also went to see a movie. My host brother (who is 13) wanted to see Detective Conan: Eleventh Striker. I have been wanting to see that movie for weeks! My host mom was a bit iffy about it since I can't understand Japanese all that well. I said its fine I will be okay! XD
And sure enough I was fine! For some reason its a lot easier to understand anime Japanese then actual conversation (I guess because of the animation helped? XD) I understood the whole thing other then the villains motive. Which I will probably find out when the subs come out in October xD
No worries. I am just happy to have actually seen a Detective Conan in theatres! I was super happy!
Today I pretty much stayed in my room. My host brother watched baseball all day and my host mom and sister were out the most of the day. But I got to get some studying done and I finally sat down and watched the KAT TUN NO MORE PAIN Asia Tour DVD's a student in my class let me borrow for these two days so I haveto give them back to her tomorrow. xD
I dont know if I talked about that incident yet...
So what happened and how I ended up with these beautiful DVD's. I have a major celeb crush on Kamanashi Kazuya since I was ... 14? xD I remember seeing him in the drama Nobuta wa Produce god knows how long ago. And I fell in MAJOR love with him (just celeb crush xD). So what happened was I was sitting in class in between break between 7th and Homeroom at the end of the day. And this group of girls beside me were singing songs like LADY by Sexy Zone. And then they started to sing the theme song to Nobuta wa Produce. The FIRST THING I said was "/GASP!/ Kamanashi Kazuya?!" They looked at me and said "YOU KNOW KAMANASHI KAZUYA?! HOW?!" Told them I watched the Drama. They were SUPER exited! And started to ask me billions of questions like who my favourite members of each group was, favourite songs, what drama was my favourite. Oh it was great xD Then I said hold on a second and pulled out a binder of my Kamanashi Kazuya pictures that a group of 1st years gave me. They were all fan girling xD they then called over another girl and said along the lines "SHE KNOWS KAMANASHI KAZUYA!"
She screamed and ran over to me with binders and books and EVERYTTHING full of KAT TUN and Kamanashi Kazuya (KAT TUN is the band that he is apart of btw)
She told me to see her tomorrow and she wanted me to borrow something.
I came to school and she gave me the KAT TUN NO MORE PAIN Asia Tour DVD set!
Holy crap I was one happy girl! I am actually watching it right now while writing this blog.
And it features a lot of things from the drama WALL FLOWER that came out during this time AND HOLY SHIT ITS BEAUTIFUL ! Vampire themes and just AH!
I am so happy. I am def. going to buy some KAT TUN and ARASHI CD's while I am here in Japan!
How it works; Sunday and Monday are days off. Then there is school on Tuesday and Wednesday. But then off Thursday till Sunday. So its not to bad. I am kind of happy to go to school tomorrow so I am not sitting alone in my house just studying. I would rather be at school studying since there is less things to distract me from it.
Yesterday (April 29th) was a great day! Went out with my Host family (host brother and mom all day). We went to a mall in Hofu (I so wish I brought my camera to make a vlog!) There was a huge flea market happening and a lot of festival things going on! So mad at myself for forgetting my camera! We also went to see a movie. My host brother (who is 13) wanted to see Detective Conan: Eleventh Striker. I have been wanting to see that movie for weeks! My host mom was a bit iffy about it since I can't understand Japanese all that well. I said its fine I will be okay! XD
And sure enough I was fine! For some reason its a lot easier to understand anime Japanese then actual conversation (I guess because of the animation helped? XD) I understood the whole thing other then the villains motive. Which I will probably find out when the subs come out in October xD
No worries. I am just happy to have actually seen a Detective Conan in theatres! I was super happy!
Today I pretty much stayed in my room. My host brother watched baseball all day and my host mom and sister were out the most of the day. But I got to get some studying done and I finally sat down and watched the KAT TUN NO MORE PAIN Asia Tour DVD's a student in my class let me borrow for these two days so I haveto give them back to her tomorrow. xD
I dont know if I talked about that incident yet...
So what happened and how I ended up with these beautiful DVD's. I have a major celeb crush on Kamanashi Kazuya since I was ... 14? xD I remember seeing him in the drama Nobuta wa Produce god knows how long ago. And I fell in MAJOR love with him (just celeb crush xD). So what happened was I was sitting in class in between break between 7th and Homeroom at the end of the day. And this group of girls beside me were singing songs like LADY by Sexy Zone. And then they started to sing the theme song to Nobuta wa Produce. The FIRST THING I said was "/GASP!/ Kamanashi Kazuya?!" They looked at me and said "YOU KNOW KAMANASHI KAZUYA?! HOW?!" Told them I watched the Drama. They were SUPER exited! And started to ask me billions of questions like who my favourite members of each group was, favourite songs, what drama was my favourite. Oh it was great xD Then I said hold on a second and pulled out a binder of my Kamanashi Kazuya pictures that a group of 1st years gave me. They were all fan girling xD they then called over another girl and said along the lines "SHE KNOWS KAMANASHI KAZUYA!"
She screamed and ran over to me with binders and books and EVERYTTHING full of KAT TUN and Kamanashi Kazuya (KAT TUN is the band that he is apart of btw)
She told me to see her tomorrow and she wanted me to borrow something.
I came to school and she gave me the KAT TUN NO MORE PAIN Asia Tour DVD set!
Holy crap I was one happy girl! I am actually watching it right now while writing this blog.
And it features a lot of things from the drama WALL FLOWER that came out during this time AND HOLY SHIT ITS BEAUTIFUL ! Vampire themes and just AH!
I am so happy. I am def. going to buy some KAT TUN and ARASHI CD's while I am here in Japan!
Wednesday 25 April 2012
April 23rd. Host Family and Other Junk
All is well here now. Its April 23rd now. Monday.
Had a wonderful day at school. I really do enjoy school. Its funny. Its hard to
make friends with the 3rd years and my class (2-3) but the first
years, all they want to do is talk to me in English! I find they are super
adorable though. They are so shy about everything its just so sweet. And its
true. Japanese girls like to say the word “kawaii” a lot. That is all I heard for
the first couple days of school. I honestly hate the word kawaii honestly. Its
just … SOOOO annoying! XD I am not cute yo! I am almost 20 years old! You
little ones are cute I say!
Wow I typed all this without even thinking. I am watching TV right now and there is yummy food on the tv YUM YUM! I think its Udon and Miso? But still it looks super yummy!
Then I saw a fat asian guy on tv stuffing his mouth with that yummy food. YUP! I have now been turned off of food for the day!
Wow I typed all this without even thinking. I am watching TV right now and there is yummy food on the tv YUM YUM! I think its Udon and Miso? But still it looks super yummy!
Then I saw a fat asian guy on tv stuffing his mouth with that yummy food. YUP! I have now been turned off of food for the day!
Also also! My host family has a bird and a dog! And they are
just so cute! I was told by my host sister that the dog does not like people
and he will bark. When I got out of the car and saw the dog I was expecting it
to bark at me.
Instead; all it did was stare at me, his head went side ways. He didn’t know how to react to me XD!
It was so cute! My host mom was laughing because the dog didn’t know how to react to me.
Instead; all it did was stare at me, his head went side ways. He didn’t know how to react to me XD!
It was so cute! My host mom was laughing because the dog didn’t know how to react to me.
Nothing really else has happened today. Found out today that
the other exchange student at my school. Lets call her A for short since I
don’t think I put her name anywhere yet. And I don’t think she would want her
name anywhere on the interwebs xD
She actually found me through my blog so I find that funny.
ANYWAYS! Lucky butt gets to go to Tokyo
for the weekend with her program, and the butt gets to go to Tokyo Disney! I am
so jealous! I need to give her money to buy me junk! xD
Well I think that is it. The only complaint is the no
internet and the many many rice fields. Honestly. I am going to make a blog
dedicated to fricken RICE fields while I am here. My teacher told me that this
village is famous for growing shrimp in the rice fields. But I feel like she
was pulling my leg xD
I believe that is it. I will hope to write down more soon.
Woot woot.
Host Family #2 and Rice Fields
Well its been awhile.
Sorry for the very long needed blog. Right now I just moved to a new host family. And sadly. They do not have internet access D=
So I am in a fritz trying to figure out how to get Internet right now. But I guess I probably found out how since I posted this or I am already 3 months in the future at my new host family xD
Anyways. This week was SUPER busy for me. School is still a pain in the butt but I really like it. Just super tired. Wednesday was my Birthday! =D I am now officially 19 years old. Dude. I feel old. My last host family and I went to a Kaiten Sushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant on my birthday. Had lots of fun!
Then yesterday I was being moved to my next host family and I got to hang out with another family for a couple hours. There was a mom, dad and they had 3 sons in their 20’s. The one son who was the youngest was 24 I believe and came with us. He lived inVancouver ,
Canada
Sorry for the very long needed blog. Right now I just moved to a new host family. And sadly. They do not have internet access D=
So I am in a fritz trying to figure out how to get Internet right now. But I guess I probably found out how since I posted this or I am already 3 months in the future at my new host family xD
Anyways. This week was SUPER busy for me. School is still a pain in the butt but I really like it. Just super tired. Wednesday was my Birthday! =D I am now officially 19 years old. Dude. I feel old. My last host family and I went to a Kaiten Sushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant on my birthday. Had lots of fun!
Then yesterday I was being moved to my next host family and I got to hang out with another family for a couple hours. There was a mom, dad and they had 3 sons in their 20’s. The one son who was the youngest was 24 I believe and came with us. He lived in
They showed me around Yamaguchi City
But that is besides the point; this week I probably ate the most sushi I ever had since I got here! And no one will know what good sushi is until you come toJapan
and have it here! Dear lord the things I really love xD
I love squid, octopus, shrimp, tempura, crab and so much! Its all so yummy!
Now onto some other school like subjects. My week is super busy. I am at school from Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM till 5PM everyday other then Saturday which is a half a day and I believe Wednesday is also around 4PM instead of 5PM.
It’s a lot of work and the students there are super nice!
I actually got to be friend a couple first year students from my school, they are super nice and really adorable XD We were waiting on the train on Saturday after school and they were asking me which Japanese bands I like or who were my favourite members. It was so hard to think of some at the time xD
Then they were pulling pictures they have in their pockets of their favourite idols and showing me, I swear they ALL have pictures of the idols they like on hand 24/7! XD
But this one girl pulled out her book and it had Matsumoto Jun from ARASHI in her book, and he is one of my FAVOURITE members of Arashi, when Im like “AH! Matumoto Jun!” she was so thrilled that I knew who he was! xD
Good day I say!
But that is besides the point; this week I probably ate the most sushi I ever had since I got here! And no one will know what good sushi is until you come to
I love squid, octopus, shrimp, tempura, crab and so much! Its all so yummy!
Now onto some other school like subjects. My week is super busy. I am at school from Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM till 5PM everyday other then Saturday which is a half a day and I believe Wednesday is also around 4PM instead of 5PM.
It’s a lot of work and the students there are super nice!
I actually got to be friend a couple first year students from my school, they are super nice and really adorable XD We were waiting on the train on Saturday after school and they were asking me which Japanese bands I like or who were my favourite members. It was so hard to think of some at the time xD
Then they were pulling pictures they have in their pockets of their favourite idols and showing me, I swear they ALL have pictures of the idols they like on hand 24/7! XD
But this one girl pulled out her book and it had Matsumoto Jun from ARASHI in her book, and he is one of my FAVOURITE members of Arashi, when Im like “AH! Matumoto Jun!” she was so thrilled that I knew who he was! xD
Good day I say!
Well now I am with my new host family (so you know, I am
writing this in parts, so every day could be different. This might be a story
from 2 weeks ago! XD You will never know!)
But yes. I am with my new host family right now. I really like them! But I hate where I am living. I am out in the middle of NO where, I am in a small village between Honfu (or Hofu or something) City andYamaguchi City
But yes. I am with my new host family right now. I really like them! But I hate where I am living. I am out in the middle of NO where, I am in a small village between Honfu (or Hofu or something) City and
Great. Not to impressed there honestly. And I have NO
internet AT ALL! No WI
I am a girl built on technology! Without my computer I will surely die!
Plus I do voice work… and not to long ago I pretty much signed a contract with a big named video company to do voice work for them. And if I don’t have internet… oh f*ck there goes my chances of a debut of professional work down the drain! =_= I also do voice work for another big named voice actor who does videos based on a webcomic and he is like tumblr famous xD
But anyways. Its hard for me to get lines to him if I don’t have internet! My LIFE is the internet! D=
I know I should be enjoying my time here inJapan . I AM! I am learning so much!
But Voice Acting is kinda my future career… and I am getting screwed over while
I am here…
Its frustrating me. =_=
I am a girl built on technology! Without my computer I will surely die!
Plus I do voice work… and not to long ago I pretty much signed a contract with a big named video company to do voice work for them. And if I don’t have internet… oh f*ck there goes my chances of a debut of professional work down the drain! =_= I also do voice work for another big named voice actor who does videos based on a webcomic and he is like tumblr famous xD
But anyways. Its hard for me to get lines to him if I don’t have internet! My LIFE is the internet! D=
I know I should be enjoying my time here in
Its frustrating me. =_=
UPDATE: I FOUND INTERNET IN THE HOUSE! WOOOT WI FI LIVES
EVEN IN THE STICKS XD
Monday 9 April 2012
And So My First Day Of School
Well I really hate this new Blogger thing going on. But anyways
lets not talk about Blogspot/Blogger being stupid and changing everything.
WELL its been awhile hasn't it?! Well today was my first day of school at Xavier High School!
Had a great time! Met another exchange student from Australia at my school so its nice to have another English speaker.
So we had to do speeches today. Oh my gosh that was such a day!
I got up at 6AM, at breakfast, got dressed, left for the train at 6:30AM for the 7:05AM departure; got to the train station at 7:45AM, walked again and didn't get to the school till 8:15. Oh gosh that is a long trip. But its alright after I got there xD
I didn't have my uniform yet so I was just in jeans and junk.
Got there; left my host sister cues she had to go another route into the school, got dressed into my uniform. Met up with the other exchange student, went into the teachers office together to do a small introduction. Then went back to a room to wait, then was taken to our classes, I am in 2-3 which is the equivalent to Grade 11 in Canada. Woopie. LOL! So if you go on an exchange, you will most likely be put into a grade below grade 12 since the older students are always busy studying and really dont have time to talk or interact with an exchange student I find. Now where was I... Alright, so got shown to my class, then I had to do another small introduction. Sat in class for a bit listening to my sensei (which I could barely understand XD). Talking about the schedule for tomorrow since the other students have exams tomorrow, I don't. But I might take the English exam just for kicks. Then we had to go to another school assembly (my school has maybe less then 200 students) So we all sat in this smaller gym sized area, then I had to give my long speech in front of them. Not to bad.
Then we were told we had to give the speech again... this time to future student's parents, future students and the graduating class plus all the teachers this time... and it was just so nerve racking! I was so nervous! I totally screwed up XD But a lot of other junk happened, lunch was fun. OH!! OH OH! First thing in the morning (before all that jazz and we were in the classes') The whole school had to clean up the school (cleaning windows, sweeping floors, cleaning desks' and so on) which was really different from Canadian school XD !
They don't have janitors in Japanese schools, students do the cleaning. Lunch was fun. Went to the class next door to chill with the other exchange student and a group of other students. I wish my Japanese was a lot more advanced then right now... but all I can do is study and hope for the best! And try! XD Hm... I think that is it really... Nothing much else to say. Welp I am off; so here is a picture of me in my uniform xD
Got there; left my host sister cues she had to go another route into the school, got dressed into my uniform. Met up with the other exchange student, went into the teachers office together to do a small introduction. Then went back to a room to wait, then was taken to our classes, I am in 2-3 which is the equivalent to Grade 11 in Canada. Woopie. LOL! So if you go on an exchange, you will most likely be put into a grade below grade 12 since the older students are always busy studying and really dont have time to talk or interact with an exchange student I find. Now where was I... Alright, so got shown to my class, then I had to do another small introduction. Sat in class for a bit listening to my sensei (which I could barely understand XD). Talking about the schedule for tomorrow since the other students have exams tomorrow, I don't. But I might take the English exam just for kicks. Then we had to go to another school assembly (my school has maybe less then 200 students) So we all sat in this smaller gym sized area, then I had to give my long speech in front of them. Not to bad.
Then we were told we had to give the speech again... this time to future student's parents, future students and the graduating class plus all the teachers this time... and it was just so nerve racking! I was so nervous! I totally screwed up XD But a lot of other junk happened, lunch was fun. OH!! OH OH! First thing in the morning (before all that jazz and we were in the classes') The whole school had to clean up the school (cleaning windows, sweeping floors, cleaning desks' and so on) which was really different from Canadian school XD !
They don't have janitors in Japanese schools, students do the cleaning. Lunch was fun. Went to the class next door to chill with the other exchange student and a group of other students. I wish my Japanese was a lot more advanced then right now... but all I can do is study and hope for the best! And try! XD Hm... I think that is it really... Nothing much else to say. Welp I am off; so here is a picture of me in my uniform xD
Tuesday 3 April 2012
So finally getting something done
So if you guys dont know I have VLOGS so make sure you check them out!: www.youtube.com/user/haleyinjapan
anyways.
So; alot has happened since I last updated! I went to stay with another family for 3 days because I was super sick and my host family couldn't host me for a couple days because they got super busy with their shop and I was sick. So to make sure my health was improving I went to live with a elderly couple. They were SUPER nice!
Hm... I went to a lot of places. I got to check out Xavier Memorial Church, Sesshutei Garden and Rurikoji Temple and the Five Storied Pagoda. It was a lot of fun! I also made a friend!
Her name is Junko; the woman on the right is who I stayed with and Junko is on the left.
At first; it was SUPER awkward. She is 21 can you believe that?!
ANYWAYS! So we were just sitting under the kotatsu (its a Japanese table with a blanket and really warm heat!) XD And she was asking me a lot of questions in English! Like about Canada. Then she asked me if I liked American TV, and I said of course!
She started listing shows like GLEE and ER (which I do enjoy) then she said "how about Criminal Minds?" Oh my gosh. You dont know HOW happy I was to hear that! I said "OF COURSE!" She looked super exited; told me to hold on and came back with the First Season Box set of Criminal Minds! She asked if I wanted to watch. I said of course!! But I told her I didn't know Japanese well; she said not to worry xD She played it in English and put Japanese sub's at the bottom! We sat and watched it for a good 2 hours. She also started asking why I wanted to go to Japan and stuff. And how Yamaguchi is "hick town" and "country" which is kinda true XD BUT ANYWAYS! Then the conversation of ANIME came up! Oh gosh. The minute she found out I like anime. she was like "YOU LIKE ANIME?!? What about Astro Boy? Black Jack? EH!" She was so happy xD I knew all those to so it was fun!
We talked a bit more then went to the book store. We looked through the manga a bit and then I picked up a manga by PEACH PIT (I cant remember) she asked "Ah Peach Pit!" Me: "Yea I really like them! Like:" And in unison we both say "Rozen Maiden" It was so funny! We both started to laugh!
I really connected with Junko a lot; I am so sad that I had to leave the same day! She lived next door to where I was staying.
I had great fun!
Hm. Now back to more information!
woot woot!
This past Sunday I went to Mine, Yamaguchi. Its really popular tourist spot. It has HUGE mountains and fields with Onyx rock and lots of caves!
I had a lot of fun!
We also went to visit Wa-chan's (host mom's nick name)mom in the oldie folks home. And we ran into this display! They told me that they only displayed this for 2 days and I was super lucky I could see it!
The dolls were so beautiful!
And a picture with my host mom Wa-chan and my host dad Yu-chan.
I really love this host family.
I dont know what else has happened xD but thats about it for now! See you guys next time!
~ Haley
anyways.
So; alot has happened since I last updated! I went to stay with another family for 3 days because I was super sick and my host family couldn't host me for a couple days because they got super busy with their shop and I was sick. So to make sure my health was improving I went to live with a elderly couple. They were SUPER nice!
Hm... I went to a lot of places. I got to check out Xavier Memorial Church, Sesshutei Garden and Rurikoji Temple and the Five Storied Pagoda. It was a lot of fun! I also made a friend!
Her name is Junko; the woman on the right is who I stayed with and Junko is on the left.
At first; it was SUPER awkward. She is 21 can you believe that?!
She started listing shows like GLEE and ER (which I do enjoy) then she said "how about Criminal Minds?" Oh my gosh. You dont know HOW happy I was to hear that! I said "OF COURSE!" She looked super exited; told me to hold on and came back with the First Season Box set of Criminal Minds! She asked if I wanted to watch. I said of course!! But I told her I didn't know Japanese well; she said not to worry xD She played it in English and put Japanese sub's at the bottom! We sat and watched it for a good 2 hours. She also started asking why I wanted to go to Japan and stuff. And how Yamaguchi is "hick town" and "country" which is kinda true XD BUT ANYWAYS! Then the conversation of ANIME came up! Oh gosh. The minute she found out I like anime. she was like "YOU LIKE ANIME?!? What about Astro Boy? Black Jack? EH!" She was so happy xD I knew all those to so it was fun!
We talked a bit more then went to the book store. We looked through the manga a bit and then I picked up a manga by PEACH PIT (I cant remember) she asked "Ah Peach Pit!" Me: "Yea I really like them! Like:" And in unison we both say "Rozen Maiden" It was so funny! We both started to laugh!
I really connected with Junko a lot; I am so sad that I had to leave the same day! She lived next door to where I was staying.
I had great fun!
Hm. Now back to more information!
woot woot!
This past Sunday I went to Mine, Yamaguchi. Its really popular tourist spot. It has HUGE mountains and fields with Onyx rock and lots of caves!
I had a lot of fun!
We also went to visit Wa-chan's (host mom's nick name)mom in the oldie folks home. And we ran into this display! They told me that they only displayed this for 2 days and I was super lucky I could see it!
The dolls were so beautiful!
And a picture with my host mom Wa-chan and my host dad Yu-chan.
I really love this host family.
I dont know what else has happened xD but thats about it for now! See you guys next time!
~ Haley
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Ah. What a couple days
Sorry for the no update as of late!
I haven't been doing much because well.. I got really sick. I had a case of mild bronchitis (I have never had it before! XD) So I have been sick in bed, my host mom has been taking good care of me!
I hit a fever of 104F (roughly 40C) for the past 2 days. What a way to start living with my host family!
But I feel like I have grown a bond with my host mom a bit since I was so sick and she was always there to take care of me. She even stayed beside me while I slept to make sure I was alright. She checked my temperature every 10 minutes xD
I cried a bit because honestly; I hate being sick (who doesn't right?) And I really wanted my mom from Canada T_T I had that I miss her and want a hug from her kind of couple days. Sickness is totally not my forte xD
But I am feeling a lot better today! Yesterday I slept SOOOO much! (I slept from 2PM in the afternoon till 8AM this morning!) Long huh? Taking lots of anti biotic's that the doctor gave me. Still a bit of a cough but it should go away soon. Still very tired from all this sick ness.
I hope to walk around the neighbourhood soon once I am all better.
Will keep updated!
Till next time!
I haven't been doing much because well.. I got really sick. I had a case of mild bronchitis (I have never had it before! XD) So I have been sick in bed, my host mom has been taking good care of me!
I hit a fever of 104F (roughly 40C) for the past 2 days. What a way to start living with my host family!
But I feel like I have grown a bond with my host mom a bit since I was so sick and she was always there to take care of me. She even stayed beside me while I slept to make sure I was alright. She checked my temperature every 10 minutes xD
I cried a bit because honestly; I hate being sick (who doesn't right?) And I really wanted my mom from Canada T_T I had that I miss her and want a hug from her kind of couple days. Sickness is totally not my forte xD
But I am feeling a lot better today! Yesterday I slept SOOOO much! (I slept from 2PM in the afternoon till 8AM this morning!) Long huh? Taking lots of anti biotic's that the doctor gave me. Still a bit of a cough but it should go away soon. Still very tired from all this sick ness.
I hope to walk around the neighbourhood soon once I am all better.
Will keep updated!
Till next time!
Sunday 25 March 2012
Day 2 with Host Family
Today was a lot of fun!
Woke up at 8AM, Wa-chan (Host mom) made my breakfast; yogurt, chicken hot dog (with chicken, lettuce, and ketchup) it was super yummy! Also she made a egg hot dog (it was a hard boiled egg with mayo, smashed into a sandwich. It was alright, not a big fan of egg though. Also had strawberries! Oh dear Japan has probably the BEST strawberries! I haven’t seen a strawberry that BRIGHT RED before! So good! And I think she added brown sugar on the side and it was just so good! I also got to watch some SMILE Pretty Cure on the TV this morning. Its not so bad as I thought it was. Then I saw a trailer to the new Pretty Cure DX Movie!! I so want to see it! My Japanese has just gotten worse and worse I have noticed xD So hard to talk to people. Yuu-chan (Host dad) know’s a bit more English and so does Aki-chan (host sister). Wa-chan doesn’t know as much so it’s a bit hard to talk. But we understand after awhile! After breakfast, Yuu-chan took me out for a walk around Yamaguchi City a bit. We went to pay our respects to his families’ grave. It was a very nice walk. We both love classical music! So it was a conversation starter! XD
For lunch we went to a Ramen shop! First time eating REAL ramen! It was SOOOOO good! I think it had pork in it? And I also had Gyoza! Soooo good! And a onegiri. After lunch we went to the 100yen shop to buy a cup for Sora-chan (Isao’s daughter, host brothers daughter). After that we went to Aki-chan’s sensei’s house (her trombone teacher’s house). Earlier that morning Wa-chan showed me a DVD of Aki-chan’s teacher and his wife performing (She is a Soprano singer) and he is a world famous trombone player. They were super nice! He knew A LOT of English (He studied abroad to France and learned English as well). So Wa-chan asked him questions to ask me in English like; “What kind of food do you like?” or “What do you not like?”. After a while I realized everything I don’t like are spicy or salty foods xD But I love sweet and flavourful foods. Yum yum!
They also have a baby! His name is Louis and he is 10 months old. SOOOO Cute! Japanese babies are the cutest! Aki-chan and I played with Louis-kun for awhile then he fell asleep. During that time though sensei’s wife, Aki-chan and I made I think it was Dango. It started to look a bit like mochi at first. It was a lot of fun to make! Aki-chan and I took turns mixing the batter all together then rolling them and putting the balls of what looked like mochi into a pot of boiling water. After they were rising sensei took them out of the water and put them into another bowl of water to cool. Aki-chan and I started to prepare the bowls to put it in. In the end it was SOOO good! There was this sauce, and what looked like macha powder on top, plus this other dango looking thing full of vanilla ice cream! It was all so good! Also sensei’s wife gave me this little kuma (teddy bear) keychain! It was soooooo cute!
A lot of translating later, I feel like I am really close to my host mom and sister now. Aki-chan and I both hate math but like world history, we both like the arts, and we both hate salty and spicy food!
I also found out that there is going to be 2 Australian exchange students at my school! I get to meet one of them tomorrow! I am so exited! And happy that I am not going to be the only one! Lets hope they know little to no Japanese as I do!
Also I have been writing my speech. Arg… I found out that it has to be 3 minutes long!
oh dear! I only have a good…1 paragraph finished! I have time though. I don’t have to get it done till April 5th (Aki-chan’s sensei is coming over for her lesson so he is going to translate it all to Japanese woot woot) So I just have to write it in English. Don’t know what I am going to talk about for 3 minutes but I will think of something. This is seriously one long blog. But I think I am almost done. Today was a very good day. I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Here is a picture of Aki-chan's teacher!
He is SOOO good at playing the trombone!
Woke up at 8AM, Wa-chan (Host mom) made my breakfast; yogurt, chicken hot dog (with chicken, lettuce, and ketchup) it was super yummy! Also she made a egg hot dog (it was a hard boiled egg with mayo, smashed into a sandwich. It was alright, not a big fan of egg though. Also had strawberries! Oh dear Japan has probably the BEST strawberries! I haven’t seen a strawberry that BRIGHT RED before! So good! And I think she added brown sugar on the side and it was just so good! I also got to watch some SMILE Pretty Cure on the TV this morning. Its not so bad as I thought it was. Then I saw a trailer to the new Pretty Cure DX Movie!! I so want to see it! My Japanese has just gotten worse and worse I have noticed xD So hard to talk to people. Yuu-chan (Host dad) know’s a bit more English and so does Aki-chan (host sister). Wa-chan doesn’t know as much so it’s a bit hard to talk. But we understand after awhile! After breakfast, Yuu-chan took me out for a walk around Yamaguchi City a bit. We went to pay our respects to his families’ grave. It was a very nice walk. We both love classical music! So it was a conversation starter! XD
For lunch we went to a Ramen shop! First time eating REAL ramen! It was SOOOOO good! I think it had pork in it? And I also had Gyoza! Soooo good! And a onegiri. After lunch we went to the 100yen shop to buy a cup for Sora-chan (Isao’s daughter, host brothers daughter). After that we went to Aki-chan’s sensei’s house (her trombone teacher’s house). Earlier that morning Wa-chan showed me a DVD of Aki-chan’s teacher and his wife performing (She is a Soprano singer) and he is a world famous trombone player. They were super nice! He knew A LOT of English (He studied abroad to France and learned English as well). So Wa-chan asked him questions to ask me in English like; “What kind of food do you like?” or “What do you not like?”. After a while I realized everything I don’t like are spicy or salty foods xD But I love sweet and flavourful foods. Yum yum!
They also have a baby! His name is Louis and he is 10 months old. SOOOO Cute! Japanese babies are the cutest! Aki-chan and I played with Louis-kun for awhile then he fell asleep. During that time though sensei’s wife, Aki-chan and I made I think it was Dango. It started to look a bit like mochi at first. It was a lot of fun to make! Aki-chan and I took turns mixing the batter all together then rolling them and putting the balls of what looked like mochi into a pot of boiling water. After they were rising sensei took them out of the water and put them into another bowl of water to cool. Aki-chan and I started to prepare the bowls to put it in. In the end it was SOOO good! There was this sauce, and what looked like macha powder on top, plus this other dango looking thing full of vanilla ice cream! It was all so good! Also sensei’s wife gave me this little kuma (teddy bear) keychain! It was soooooo cute!
A lot of translating later, I feel like I am really close to my host mom and sister now. Aki-chan and I both hate math but like world history, we both like the arts, and we both hate salty and spicy food!
I also found out that there is going to be 2 Australian exchange students at my school! I get to meet one of them tomorrow! I am so exited! And happy that I am not going to be the only one! Lets hope they know little to no Japanese as I do!
Also I have been writing my speech. Arg… I found out that it has to be 3 minutes long!
oh dear! I only have a good…1 paragraph finished! I have time though. I don’t have to get it done till April 5th (Aki-chan’s sensei is coming over for her lesson so he is going to translate it all to Japanese woot woot) So I just have to write it in English. Don’t know what I am going to talk about for 3 minutes but I will think of something. This is seriously one long blog. But I think I am almost done. Today was a very good day. I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Here is a picture of Aki-chan's teacher!
He is SOOO good at playing the trombone!
I HAVE ARRIVED!
Gosh! Its been awhile hasn’t it? I am writing these blogs all separately because I don’t have internet right now till the 26th. Or later…. Arg. WELL! The 3 day 4 night orientation was GREAT! I made a lot of new friends from that. I also have a video of my journey and I hope to post them all up on Youtube very VERY soon!
I did however write in my journal. So I am probably just going to type everything out and post it. Lol. Welp; here goes me typing out my journal!
“ It has been a couple days hasn’t it? Orientation was great! I met a lot of people. There was 4 of us from Canada (myself, Josh, Matt and Elise), 3 from Australia (Max, Meika, and Penelope), 1 from Finland (Evallina) and 1 from Italy (Martina). On the 1st day we were in a class, Japanese lesson’s and so on. A lot of us had jet lag (us from Canada and Martina from Italy expecially). Also, I got to try out a public bath! The first night was awkward, but it wans’t so bad after awhile. The next day we went to a Shinto shrine, Harajuku (I saw BodyLine and Closet Child shops! Ah! My inner Lolita fan girl was happy!) Also had a strawberry crepe, it was soooo good! Next was Akihabara, lots of UFO Machines and arcades! I had lunch at burger king with Josh, Max and Evallina. Martina went to a sushi bar and everyone else went to McDicks (McDonlads). The last place we went to was Asakusa, it was a very old styled part of Japan, with lots of temples and kimono’s.
When we got back to the Olympic center we were so tired. Went for dinner and every meal we had came with rice! SOOO much rice! On the first night I had beef curry, and man was it SPICY! On the second night we met a couple of AFS students and YFU students at their orientation at the Olympic center. When we were all just sitting at these couches, a group of older Japanese men came over to out group and started to talk. If I tried to explain what happened it would sound SO stupid but for everyone who was there, gosh it was the funniest thing EVER!
The last breakfast with everyone was a bit sad. We all were going separate ways. I am the farthest from everyone. Evallina is in Chiba, so her host parents picked her up at the Olympic center. Josh and I had to take a plane, Martina had to go another way, and the rest took the bullet train. The plane is really small; it was a 2 hour trip to get to Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Welp I’m off!”
Well that was a boring blog if I do say so. Lol. But when I got off the plane, I saw signs! That read “HALEY (enter last name here)” and Im like Oh dear! Was all embarrassed! I also got to meet my second host family! They have a daughter who is my sisters age (almost 16) who speaks VERY good English! She went to New Zealand for a year so her English is VERY good. And I met my host mom for that family to. Hm… I also met my rep and teacher at my school who is in charge of the program. Kinda fun!
For dinner we had this Spanish rice with onion soup and chicken fingers. It was very good! Also Aki-chan (host sister) and I got to watch WALL-E. Since well; there isn’t much speaking to understand what is going on. And it was in English! Woot woot!
Well I guess that is all for now. See you next blog!
Monday 19 March 2012
Its tomorrow guys!
Just as the title says... My flight leaves tomorrow for Tokyo, Japan!
I am so exited but scared!
Wish me luck!
I am so exited but scared!
Wish me luck!
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Host Sister appears! and LOTS of packing!
So its now 6 days till I leave! And I got a picture of my youngest host sister who I will be attending the same school as; her name is Akie. She is a trombone player! And now I feel like I should bring my flute and practice more xD
But isn't she adorable? =D
Also doing LOTS of packing right now. I filled my first small black suitcase. I have to put a duffel bag full of clothes in that one to last me for 4 days. I also have my main blue bag with all my clothes. I went through it like 12 times because there was either to much or to little!
Arg, packing is probably the WORST part for me... All I need to pack in my suitcase is some hand lotion (which is my FAVOURITE!) So I have to go out and buy one, and a universal plug for my laptop.
Got a new laptop battery today, so that is good! My laptop has been on the fritz with power; lasting only 20 minutes. So had to get a new one. So happy!
Also got a new camera charger; gosh this is so exiting but terrifying! Going to my Dad's this weekend to see my step mom and my Dad. Kind sad that I can't be with other people that weekend... my dad and I aren't that close soooo... yea going for a whole weekend (last weekend to) is kinda annoying... But I gotta you know? Going to miss my boyfriend... and I am going to REALLY miss my Mom and sister T_T Gosh this is really tough now that its so close!
I made a VLOG today; but now I am just looking for the darn cord! XD
Not to much left to pack and I am off! Need to get a couple more things for host family. Going to get some Maple Syrup and possibly Maple Tea! =D
6 days guys! I am shockingly exited to be on the plane for 14 hours xD! I really love planes; not when they are taking off; but once they are in the air. I love that feeling <3
Welp; off to finish more packing. Its 12:03 and I am sooooooooooooooooo tired!! XD
But isn't she adorable? =D
Also doing LOTS of packing right now. I filled my first small black suitcase. I have to put a duffel bag full of clothes in that one to last me for 4 days. I also have my main blue bag with all my clothes. I went through it like 12 times because there was either to much or to little!
Arg, packing is probably the WORST part for me... All I need to pack in my suitcase is some hand lotion (which is my FAVOURITE!) So I have to go out and buy one, and a universal plug for my laptop.
Got a new laptop battery today, so that is good! My laptop has been on the fritz with power; lasting only 20 minutes. So had to get a new one. So happy!
Also got a new camera charger; gosh this is so exiting but terrifying! Going to my Dad's this weekend to see my step mom and my Dad. Kind sad that I can't be with other people that weekend... my dad and I aren't that close soooo... yea going for a whole weekend (last weekend to) is kinda annoying... But I gotta you know? Going to miss my boyfriend... and I am going to REALLY miss my Mom and sister T_T Gosh this is really tough now that its so close!
I made a VLOG today; but now I am just looking for the darn cord! XD
Not to much left to pack and I am off! Need to get a couple more things for host family. Going to get some Maple Syrup and possibly Maple Tea! =D
6 days guys! I am shockingly exited to be on the plane for 14 hours xD! I really love planes; not when they are taking off; but once they are in the air. I love that feeling <3
Welp; off to finish more packing. Its 12:03 and I am sooooooooooooooooo tired!! XD
Monday 12 March 2012
7 Days!
Yup thats right!
I leave for my exchange in 7 days!
So I started to pack a bit today. Its actually really annoying xD I hate packing, I don't know what to pack! Its crazy!
But I am super exited!
So this past weekend I also went to the Toronto ComicCon, my last convention in Canada. I went as Jane Crocker from Homestuck on Sunday and then Trickster Jane Crocker on the Saturday. It was a lot of fun and I was so happy that I could see everyone before I left! Here is a couple pictures of my cosplay:
(I'm the one in the Red skirt, right; and my friend Hayley is in the middle)
And this is a really pretty picture that Zandra took of me as Jane Crocker, that I wore Sunday. I got A LOT of really nice pictures but I am still waiting to see them once they are posted. I can't wait!
Also; I went to Costco today to pick up some toiletries; and I found Doctor Who Series 1 and 2; for $39.98!!!!! Usually ONE of these box sets are $60! I got BOTH for like that price!! I was one happy person <3 I know what I will be watching on my laptop on the plane xD I'm a huge Doctor Who fan!
ALSO! I went down to the Japan Consulate today in Toronto; and it was such an EASY process!
Just had to fill out my VISA form, brought my COE, and I am getting my VISA by Friday! They were saying I can get it Monday and Im like "uhh... my flight is on Tuesday and I just got my COE on Thursday soooooo" so I have to pick it up on Friday.
Gosh I am so exited!!
its almost time for me to leave!
I will update again before I leave guys! Its almost tiiime!
Make sure you follow my VLOG's as well!
www.youtube.com/user/haleyinjapan
I leave for my exchange in 7 days!
So I started to pack a bit today. Its actually really annoying xD I hate packing, I don't know what to pack! Its crazy!
But I am super exited!
So this past weekend I also went to the Toronto ComicCon, my last convention in Canada. I went as Jane Crocker from Homestuck on Sunday and then Trickster Jane Crocker on the Saturday. It was a lot of fun and I was so happy that I could see everyone before I left! Here is a couple pictures of my cosplay:
(I'm the one in the Red skirt, right; and my friend Hayley is in the middle)
And this is a really pretty picture that Zandra took of me as Jane Crocker, that I wore Sunday. I got A LOT of really nice pictures but I am still waiting to see them once they are posted. I can't wait!
www.youtube.com/user/haleyinjapan
Thursday 8 March 2012
Email from my host family
Last night I sent an email to my host family; and I got one back!
His name is Yuichi Nakajima, and he will be my host father for the first month! He sounds really nice! They own a stamp shop, and they live above!
So this is where I will be living:
It looks so nice! =D
There was also videos up of him talking about his business and he seems so nice!
that is Yuichi on the Right and I believe that is Wakae, my host mom, on the left.
I believe Isao, the son, does not live with them. But their two daughters do. I don't know what they look like, but I am so exited to meet them all! =D
Leaving in 13 days ! <3
His name is Yuichi Nakajima, and he will be my host father for the first month! He sounds really nice! They own a stamp shop, and they live above!
So this is where I will be living:
It looks so nice! =D
There was also videos up of him talking about his business and he seems so nice!
that is Yuichi on the Right and I believe that is Wakae, my host mom, on the left.
I believe Isao, the son, does not live with them. But their two daughters do. I don't know what they look like, but I am so exited to meet them all! =D
Leaving in 13 days ! <3
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Host Family #1
Today I recieved my first host family!
If anyone didn't know; if you go to a country (for example Japan) you will have more then one host family. Sometimes there can be 3 or even 4 different host families you stay with. It usually isn't the same with 5 month exchange students but if someone (like me) who stays for 10 months will have more then one host family. In Japan, it is said to not be common to stay with a family more then 1 month or even 3 months.
Right now my first host family, I will only be staying with them for a month.
With this host family I will be living in Yamaguchi City! =D
But my school is actually 2 cities over, so I will be travelling a good 2 hours to school every morning for the first month. From the picture below you can see what I mean.
I start at my host families house (point A), then I walk 20 minutes to the train, hop on the train and go right though the city of Ube, to SanyoOnoda, or Onoda station. Which is a good hour train ride. From that station I walk again for a good 20 minutes to my school (point B)
Fun huh?
Here is a little map showing you guys my journey from point A to point B.
SO now time to talk about my host family ! =D
I am about to email them, but they only have one email. So gonna see who responds xD
Alright, for my first host family I have a host dad (Yuichi), host mom (Wakae), and 3 host siblings ! =D
Two sisters; Keiko (19), Akie (16) and one son Isao (28)
This is going to be awesome! I am a year younger then Keiko but Akie is the same age as my little sister. And Isao is the same age as my older sister. Also Akie is in the same school as I so I guess I will be going to school with her xD
Gosh I am super exited now!
I will update again soon once I have talked to them!
14 days you guys! =D
If anyone didn't know; if you go to a country (for example Japan) you will have more then one host family. Sometimes there can be 3 or even 4 different host families you stay with. It usually isn't the same with 5 month exchange students but if someone (like me) who stays for 10 months will have more then one host family. In Japan, it is said to not be common to stay with a family more then 1 month or even 3 months.
Right now my first host family, I will only be staying with them for a month.
With this host family I will be living in Yamaguchi City! =D
But my school is actually 2 cities over, so I will be travelling a good 2 hours to school every morning for the first month. From the picture below you can see what I mean.
I start at my host families house (point A), then I walk 20 minutes to the train, hop on the train and go right though the city of Ube, to SanyoOnoda, or Onoda station. Which is a good hour train ride. From that station I walk again for a good 20 minutes to my school (point B)
Fun huh?
Here is a little map showing you guys my journey from point A to point B.
SO now time to talk about my host family ! =D
I am about to email them, but they only have one email. So gonna see who responds xD
Alright, for my first host family I have a host dad (Yuichi), host mom (Wakae), and 3 host siblings ! =D
Two sisters; Keiko (19), Akie (16) and one son Isao (28)
This is going to be awesome! I am a year younger then Keiko but Akie is the same age as my little sister. And Isao is the same age as my older sister. Also Akie is in the same school as I so I guess I will be going to school with her xD
Gosh I am super exited now!
I will update again soon once I have talked to them!
14 days you guys! =D
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Toronto Orientation Information
So this is a bit more of a info thing. Sadly I was unable to get any pictures or videos because we were super busy. A lot of information to take in. We were sitting at this table from 11AM till 2PM, going over rules, what we are expected to do, and all that stuff once we arrive in Japan.
I got to meet 3 other exchange students going with my program, one other girl at two boys, I was the oldest. Since I am in grade 13, they were in grade 11, so I am a good 2 years older then them. It was quite funny when I saw their faces when Wendy said my age (Because we were talking about rules on drinking, and licence/driving abroad) she said "I know your going to be 19 over there Haley, but still no" they looked at me odd at first, quite funny. But anyway, the one boy and girl (cant remember their names) were going for 5 months while myself and the other boy (his name is Josh) are going for 10 months. He is a good 3 hours from Tokyo, North East, and I am REALLY south. I am actually the farthest away from Tokyo! They are all in big cities while I am in a sorta small finishing city... I was so jealous. The closest one to me is the girl who is going to be staying in Hiroshima. Which is cool!
They are all gong to public schools... while I got accepted to a private co ed Catholic high school... THE HECK! XD Found THAT funny at first. But I get A LOT of my stuff provided for me, while everyone else has to buy their own text books and uniforms while mine is provided for me. Which is a bonus!
So, we went over program rules that if anything was done 3 times kinda rule, you will be terminated from the program. All the rules are common things; no drinking, driving, drugs, attending school, obeying host school rules and host family rules. All that stuff. What kind of cultural shock we would have, school. All that stuff.
Let me think... OH We all got to know what the plan was for our orientation! So what happens is that once we get off the plane and meet the LP over in Japan, we have to pack a separate over night bag with 4 days worth of clothes, tooth brush, shampoo, toothpaste, and all that jazz into a over night bag INSIDE our suitcases so we can just take them out, because our suitcases are actually being sent RIGHT TO our host families! Which is nice so we aren't lugging them around for the orientation in Tokyo. So once that happens, we take out stuff and head over to the Tokyo Olympic Sports thing, we will be staying with THOUSANDS of other host students across the world there in the Olympic village there (which is like dorms) for 3 days 4 nights I believe. We go to Japanese lessons, group activities, we get to tour around Tokyo with our groups (cant leave our groups) Which is understandable.
So it will be 3 days 4 nights getting use to the place, and meeting new people! Its going to be super exiting and I hope I get to meet someone living close to me =D
I literally leave 20 days starting tomorrow... I am working my last week at my job (last day is next Tuesday) I am super sad to leave everyone, but its time. I need to start packing my suit case and carry on and over night bag. SO ANYONE GOING WITH YESCANADA OR EIL OR ANY PROGRAM! PACK AN OVER NIGHT BACK IN YOUR SUITCASE! Because you will probably be going other places with your host family and such, so BRING A OVER NIGHT BAG instead of lugging a huge suitcase around xD Smart idea. Put it on your list of things to bring/buy.
Hm... I think that is it for now. I will update again soon with my host family information!
Its so close now guys! Soon I will be a J-VLOGGER and J-BLOGGER in Japan!
Super exiting! =D
じゃあ、またね!
~ Haley
I got to meet 3 other exchange students going with my program, one other girl at two boys, I was the oldest. Since I am in grade 13, they were in grade 11, so I am a good 2 years older then them. It was quite funny when I saw their faces when Wendy said my age (Because we were talking about rules on drinking, and licence/driving abroad) she said "I know your going to be 19 over there Haley, but still no" they looked at me odd at first, quite funny. But anyway, the one boy and girl (cant remember their names) were going for 5 months while myself and the other boy (his name is Josh) are going for 10 months. He is a good 3 hours from Tokyo, North East, and I am REALLY south. I am actually the farthest away from Tokyo! They are all in big cities while I am in a sorta small finishing city... I was so jealous. The closest one to me is the girl who is going to be staying in Hiroshima. Which is cool!
They are all gong to public schools... while I got accepted to a private co ed Catholic high school... THE HECK! XD Found THAT funny at first. But I get A LOT of my stuff provided for me, while everyone else has to buy their own text books and uniforms while mine is provided for me. Which is a bonus!
So, we went over program rules that if anything was done 3 times kinda rule, you will be terminated from the program. All the rules are common things; no drinking, driving, drugs, attending school, obeying host school rules and host family rules. All that stuff. What kind of cultural shock we would have, school. All that stuff.
Let me think... OH We all got to know what the plan was for our orientation! So what happens is that once we get off the plane and meet the LP over in Japan, we have to pack a separate over night bag with 4 days worth of clothes, tooth brush, shampoo, toothpaste, and all that jazz into a over night bag INSIDE our suitcases so we can just take them out, because our suitcases are actually being sent RIGHT TO our host families! Which is nice so we aren't lugging them around for the orientation in Tokyo. So once that happens, we take out stuff and head over to the Tokyo Olympic Sports thing, we will be staying with THOUSANDS of other host students across the world there in the Olympic village there (which is like dorms) for 3 days 4 nights I believe. We go to Japanese lessons, group activities, we get to tour around Tokyo with our groups (cant leave our groups) Which is understandable.
So it will be 3 days 4 nights getting use to the place, and meeting new people! Its going to be super exiting and I hope I get to meet someone living close to me =D
I literally leave 20 days starting tomorrow... I am working my last week at my job (last day is next Tuesday) I am super sad to leave everyone, but its time. I need to start packing my suit case and carry on and over night bag. SO ANYONE GOING WITH YESCANADA OR EIL OR ANY PROGRAM! PACK AN OVER NIGHT BACK IN YOUR SUITCASE! Because you will probably be going other places with your host family and such, so BRING A OVER NIGHT BAG instead of lugging a huge suitcase around xD Smart idea. Put it on your list of things to bring/buy.
Hm... I think that is it for now. I will update again soon with my host family information!
Its so close now guys! Soon I will be a J-VLOGGER and J-BLOGGER in Japan!
Super exiting! =D
じゃあ、またね!
~ Haley
Monday 27 February 2012
Orientation Tomorrow!
So, Orientation tomorrow in Toronto! I get to meet some other exchange students that are leaving when I do in March, and even meet some past exchange students going to Japan.
I am super exited!
I will probably make a video, and definitely a write blog!
See you all later!
~ Haley
I am super exited!
I will probably make a video, and definitely a write blog!
See you all later!
~ Haley
Friday 24 February 2012
My School
So they have found my school, and I just got my information.
NEW VLOG with more Info.
but I am going to write about it first.
So, I will be attending a Private Co-Ed school in Kushiyama, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi Prefecture called Xavier High School. Its a Catholic school.... /cringe/ I finally get away from Catholic schools (since I went to one here in Canada) now I am going back to one. Just so everyone knows, I am not Catholic, I just attended a Catholic School. This is going to be fuuuun...
Here is a picture of the school
AND! The uniforms look SUPER adorable! I am a sucker for jackets on a uniform xD
It looks like a great school!
Now all I am waiting for is my host family information.
EDIT:
I found a BETTER picture of the school uniform year round =D
11
Will update again soon!
~ Haley
NEW VLOG with more Info.
but I am going to write about it first.
So, I will be attending a Private Co-Ed school in Kushiyama, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi Prefecture called Xavier High School. Its a Catholic school.... /cringe/ I finally get away from Catholic schools (since I went to one here in Canada) now I am going back to one. Just so everyone knows, I am not Catholic, I just attended a Catholic School. This is going to be fuuuun...
It looks like a great school!
Now all I am waiting for is my host family information.
EDIT:
I found a BETTER picture of the school uniform year round =D
11
Will update again soon!
~ Haley
Tuesday 14 February 2012
I have a placement!
ANYWAYS! I got an Email today! and I found out what Prefecture I will be living in for 10 months!
/Drum role please/...................................................................
YAMAGUCHI-KEN!
So yes! I will be living in Yamaguchi Prefecture or Yamaguchi-ken for 10 months! That means they have found a school for me to attend, and a host family will come following =D
I am so exited! I don't know my school's name or host family name yet sadly because she told me they are still doing a bit of paper work on the school but she confirmed that I will be living somewhere in Yamaguchi Prefecture!
Like I stated in my video above, Yamaguchi wasn't really the place I wanted to get placed the most... I really wanted to go to Osaka or Kyoto... but you know, I have to look on the positive side! Yamaguchi will still be a lot of fun! They seem to be big on Sakura Viewing Festivals, in Inukuwi they have that bridge, white snakes (which is SO cool!), Blow fish sushi (want to try that!), Gold fish festival, and gosh I am just so exited! I wan't to see my school uniform and my host family already!
I will update again soon guys with more info!
So stay tuned! =D
~ Haley
Friday 10 February 2012
So THAT'S the reason why its taking so long...
So, not only is this blog documenting my time in Japan, but also the work I need to do to GO to Japan. Its really stressful, and honestly if you can't handle stress, better learn! Because I just got "slapped in the face" today by reality... that I am going to another country, with a different way of life then ours (North American). So, today, I received an email from my LP. Saying that I need to re submit a part of my application. Why? Because I had a photo of my boyfriend and I (I didn't state that he was my boyfriend, that he was one of my best friends, which he is.)
WELL! The schools that my program have been trying to get me into all said NO. The reason? In quotation from the email that she received from them it said; "the school was concerned about inviting inappropriate behaviour between boys and girls into the school." Because I had a picture of my boyfriend and I... It wasn't anything risqué or something! It was just a picture taken at prom, us standing beside each other! And school's didn't like that.
So I had to re submit a new picture and description of another friend of mine. That was a girl. That is why its taking so long to find a host family and school... because I had a picture of me and my boyfriend. They NEVER said that would have wavered my acceptance into schools/host families! So I was shocked!
At first I was like "WTF! Thats SO STUPID!" Then I remembered... "Right... different culture and a different way of doing things..." It was just a pain, but it is all working out. The thing that bugs me though is because I don't have a school yet, I can't get my COE, and because I can't get my COE, I can't get my VISA.... ARRRG! And I leave in a month! So much to do! D= my LP did say though she has had worse experiences with exchange students and their schools over in Japan when it came to getting accepted. But it's just scary... I keep thinking the worst... like they would take back my acceptance or no one wants to host me because I have a boyfriend or my age... its really scary and stressful. But I have to injure it for now.
Will update again soon darlings!
~ Haley
WELL! The schools that my program have been trying to get me into all said NO. The reason? In quotation from the email that she received from them it said; "the school was concerned about inviting inappropriate behaviour between boys and girls into the school." Because I had a picture of my boyfriend and I... It wasn't anything risqué or something! It was just a picture taken at prom, us standing beside each other! And school's didn't like that.
So I had to re submit a new picture and description of another friend of mine. That was a girl. That is why its taking so long to find a host family and school... because I had a picture of me and my boyfriend. They NEVER said that would have wavered my acceptance into schools/host families! So I was shocked!
At first I was like "WTF! Thats SO STUPID!" Then I remembered... "Right... different culture and a different way of doing things..." It was just a pain, but it is all working out. The thing that bugs me though is because I don't have a school yet, I can't get my COE, and because I can't get my COE, I can't get my VISA.... ARRRG! And I leave in a month! So much to do! D= my LP did say though she has had worse experiences with exchange students and their schools over in Japan when it came to getting accepted. But it's just scary... I keep thinking the worst... like they would take back my acceptance or no one wants to host me because I have a boyfriend or my age... its really scary and stressful. But I have to injure it for now.
Will update again soon darlings!
~ Haley
Monday 6 February 2012
Departure Dates / Orientation / COE / VISA's / Questions
So this is just a bit of a more organized blog about my last one. With YESCanada, we have to book out own flights. So that was a bit exiting! With my program, I have to arrive in Japan on March 21st (which is the official date that my exchange starts). So here is a little list of my journey,
I leave from Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario. March 20th at 1PM
I arrive in Narita Airport in Japan on March 21st at 3PM
I dont know who I am supposed to meet at the airport, I believe it is a YESCanada rep, they said they would be going over all this at our orientation. Which has not been set yet. My rep from Canada said she should have the information to me by next week when orientation is. Which is going to be exiting! I get to meet other exchange students!
Now, if no one knows what a COE is, it is a Certificate of Eligibility. The COE is really important, without that, you can't get your VISA to study abroad. My program gets information from me, sends it to Japan, and they get a COE back. With this they give it to me, and I can go to the Japanese Embassy here in Toronto. After 5 days, I will receive my Student VISA which, obviously, means I am aloud to go to Japan as a student and be taught in schools there. I have not rcieved my COE yet, I sent in all my information on December 28th, and its been a month and a bit now. Buying things for my exchange and my VISA are the last things I need to do before I leave.
Also, I have been asked many times "How can you go on an Exchange? Your 18, graduated from high school and now your going BACK To high school in another country?! Why?"
Also, I have been asked many times "How can you go on an Exchange? Your 18, graduated from high school and now your going BACK To high school in another country?! Why?"
Alright so here it is. There are two major things you need to go on an exchange for me at my age. One, you need to be between the ages of 14 (some programs are different) and 18 to go on a High School exchange, and two you MUST be registered in High school AT THE TIME OF YOUR DEPARTURE! (Which is a big thing!) So I was already re registered into high school for a repeat year because I didn't know what I wanted to do yet, so I didn't register into college. So I was already back in high school for another year.
In August, my boyfriends mom hosted a Japanese exchange student. She talked about Japan, and we would speak a bit of Japanese together. It was so much fun! And that really did it for me. I finally had the push, that I wanted to be an exchange student in Japan. It was something I wanted to do since I was in Grade 10. But didn't have the time or money. I brought up the idea to my mom, she said we can try. That's all I asked, because I knew that my age would be a big factor. I emailed a couple programs (AFS and YFU included) and both said my age... Then I came across YESCanada, I remember talking to them while they were at my school, talking about exchanges. So I emailed them. And I got a response from a woman named Wendy (who is my rep, and the woman I owe this whole exchange to!) She emailed me saying my age was a big factor, but she would try and see what she could do. So I got all my forms together, sent them off. That was in October.
November roles around, I was at my boyfriends house when I got the email! She told me that it was a hard run trying to convince them, but they finally said yes! They were going to say no because I was a graduated student and 18. And the fact my birthday is April 18 (my departure is the 20th of March) they were saying it was to close. But it all worked out! The best thing is, when I go abroad I don't have to worry about my grades (not as much) because I have already graduated, and I can really focus on the culture and the language more! Which I am really happy about!
So I would really love to thank my Mom for helping me with my exchange, Wendy from YESCanada. And just everyone who has supported me!
Haley
Haley
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Just one of those rants / Departure Date
YUP!
I am making a rant blog about things I can't wait for! Well, I got to book my flight yesterday with my Mom, so I leave on March 20th at 1PM and arrive in Japan on the 21st of March. I got a window seat to! I have actually never been on a long plane ride before! I just want to go already! It's so close but yet so far away! I am just waiting for my gosh darn COE from my program so I can go get my VISA. Then after that all I have to do is go buy some things, and start packing. I was also told I can bring 2 luggage's and 1 carry on (which is great!) since I will be gone for 10 months right?
I have been studying as much as I can, since I have work, and I go back to High School in a week (I have to be registered in High School at the time I leave) soooo back to high school I go for a month and a half. So much fun. I really want to know where I will be living already..... A lot of people have gotten their host placements yet and I haven't ... its really making me worry a bit... maybe no where will accept me because of my age? Maybe no one wants to host me.... Gosh I am so scared T_T I really want to go... More then anything... Well all I can do is just hope things go through.
I hope to make another BLOG entry soon, hopefully with news on my host family! =D
おやすみなさいみんな！
ほんとわげんきな！
ヘイリー
Haley
I am making a rant blog about things I can't wait for! Well, I got to book my flight yesterday with my Mom, so I leave on March 20th at 1PM and arrive in Japan on the 21st of March. I got a window seat to! I have actually never been on a long plane ride before! I just want to go already! It's so close but yet so far away! I am just waiting for my gosh darn COE from my program so I can go get my VISA. Then after that all I have to do is go buy some things, and start packing. I was also told I can bring 2 luggage's and 1 carry on (which is great!) since I will be gone for 10 months right?
I have been studying as much as I can, since I have work, and I go back to High School in a week (I have to be registered in High School at the time I leave) soooo back to high school I go for a month and a half. So much fun. I really want to know where I will be living already..... A lot of people have gotten their host placements yet and I haven't ... its really making me worry a bit... maybe no where will accept me because of my age? Maybe no one wants to host me.... Gosh I am so scared T_T I really want to go... More then anything... Well all I can do is just hope things go through.
I hope to make another BLOG entry soon, hopefully with news on my host family! =D
おやすみなさいみんな！
ほんとわげんきな！
ヘイリー
Haley
Sunday 8 January 2012
Just a small update
I haven't updated since November! Wow. I have about 2 months and 1 week left in Canada, I leave March 20th 2012 (I arrive there March 21st) and I dont return to Canada still March 11th (meaning I leave March 12th there I believe.)
But any ways! Its been a rough go since I last updated. I have been working a lot. Writing my resignation letter is going to be tough, but I gotta do what I gotta do. I started to pack up all my stuff in my room to store away (my books, DVD's, and manga were all put away) because I was told by my mom that we might not be living in the same house when I get back so I needed to pack a lot of things away. Either way, it gives me some closer to knowing all my stuff isn't at home collecting dust while I am away.
I am also going through my clothes to throw away some of it, and buy new stuff. I know I wont be taking my whole closet with me, maybe half. But I still need to buy some things.
I know that I am bringing my laptop with me no matter what so I can talk to my Mom while I am abroad (that is kind of a rule, that I have to Skype with her once a week, which isn't bad. So I am hoping my host family is alright with it.) I am really close to my Mom and she is the one who is spending the money for me to go on this exchange. Its really tough. I dont think I will make the amount of money I need before I leave... I am not making much at my current job and I am going back to school for 8 weeks before I leave on my exchange... its all crazy.
A lot of people also have been telling me "OH Your just going to Japan because you like Anime!"
I look at them like they are stupid sometimes. This isn't just because I like anime you idiots. Its because I want to learn the culture, language, a new life. I hope this experience will help me grow as an individual, and I hope I know what I want to do with my life after this exchange. So if there is anyone else who wants to go on an Exchange to Japan, and you like anime, please please PLEASE dont make it that your only reason to go. Japan has SO much more to offer then anime and video games. Go because you have a reason. Go because its your dream to experience life with a Japanese family, to learn their language and culture. Go there because that is what you know is right. If its just for Anime.... then this is not what you want to do. Go there on vacation if Anime is the only reason. Not to study abroad. That is my words of wisdom.
Just to close things off, I will be going to the Japanese Embassy in Toronto in the next couple weeks or so with my COE (Certificate of Eligibility) which gets me my Visa to study abroad. Its been a long run. I sure hope to find out my host family soon. I was told by my LP that one of the 4 of us going (3 people dropped the program) one of them got their family placement a day before Christmas... What an awesome Christmas present. I hope to get mine soon! I cant wait to talk to them and meet them! =D
Well till then
じゃあ、またね！
~ ヘイリー
But any ways! Its been a rough go since I last updated. I have been working a lot. Writing my resignation letter is going to be tough, but I gotta do what I gotta do. I started to pack up all my stuff in my room to store away (my books, DVD's, and manga were all put away) because I was told by my mom that we might not be living in the same house when I get back so I needed to pack a lot of things away. Either way, it gives me some closer to knowing all my stuff isn't at home collecting dust while I am away.
I am also going through my clothes to throw away some of it, and buy new stuff. I know I wont be taking my whole closet with me, maybe half. But I still need to buy some things.
I know that I am bringing my laptop with me no matter what so I can talk to my Mom while I am abroad (that is kind of a rule, that I have to Skype with her once a week, which isn't bad. So I am hoping my host family is alright with it.) I am really close to my Mom and she is the one who is spending the money for me to go on this exchange. Its really tough. I dont think I will make the amount of money I need before I leave... I am not making much at my current job and I am going back to school for 8 weeks before I leave on my exchange... its all crazy.
A lot of people also have been telling me "OH Your just going to Japan because you like Anime!"
I look at them like they are stupid sometimes. This isn't just because I like anime you idiots. Its because I want to learn the culture, language, a new life. I hope this experience will help me grow as an individual, and I hope I know what I want to do with my life after this exchange. So if there is anyone else who wants to go on an Exchange to Japan, and you like anime, please please PLEASE dont make it that your only reason to go. Japan has SO much more to offer then anime and video games. Go because you have a reason. Go because its your dream to experience life with a Japanese family, to learn their language and culture. Go there because that is what you know is right. If its just for Anime.... then this is not what you want to do. Go there on vacation if Anime is the only reason. Not to study abroad. That is my words of wisdom.
Just to close things off, I will be going to the Japanese Embassy in Toronto in the next couple weeks or so with my COE (Certificate of Eligibility) which gets me my Visa to study abroad. Its been a long run. I sure hope to find out my host family soon. I was told by my LP that one of the 4 of us going (3 people dropped the program) one of them got their family placement a day before Christmas... What an awesome Christmas present. I hope to get mine soon! I cant wait to talk to them and meet them! =D
Well till then
じゃあ、またね！
~ ヘイリー
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