東京

I have arrived. On the plane, I was scared because my Japanese has somewhat gone to crap and I had to make a phone call in Japanese immediately after getting off the plane. I really don't like phone conversations in other languages because it can be super hard to understand without body language and facial expressions. The plane ride from Manila was actually pretty good though...I met a nice Korean guy and we chatted for about 2 hours about travelling and our impressions of different countries. After landing, I figured out how to use Japanese pay phones and got through to the Meiji International Centre to tell them to send the student volunteer to meet me. The conversation went pretty flawless and it felt so good to conquer my first Japanese challenge. There are many more to come though.　

So far, my first day was overwhelming but I know it will get better. Japan is nutso on the bureaucracy and I have 6 different forms to fill out to register my status here. Luckily I have 2 lovely student advisors to help me out, and without them, I seriously would have died already. ありがとうございますムンちゃんとゆうみちゃん！

I know I have lots of things about the Philippines to bring closure to, but I just want to announce to the world that Tokyo is my favorite city ever. I am SO glad that I chose to study here and it's only been 1 day. Practically everything that you have seen on TV or read about Tokyo is true...the uber crowded subway cars, men in suits, bleach-blonde girls with super high heels, little noodle shops, people lining up neatly to get on the subway. I am in love and I can't wait to explore as much of Tokyo as I can (as long as I can afford the subway tickets).

Will write more soon!
<3 ケイティ