I have decided to start learning Japanese again, focusing on kanji. So far (in the last few days) I have learned 15 kanji I didn't know before. I also refreshed on the number kanji. In addition to just learning what the symbols mean, I am also learning how to pronounce them as well. I am so excited!!! Just hope I manage to maintain interest longer than last time...
Also, I have stopped looking for full time work and have decided to try and play the part time / temp market to see if I can get anywhere with that. So far I have found 2 places that are hiring for sure, and have applied to several other places that are likely to have an opening soon. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Updates and A List
Well first off, I still don't have a job. No real surprise there. I am a little miffed though. It's starting to get me a little worried about saving for this trip, but with our economy nose-diving like it is who knows if I'll even be able to afford the currency exchange in November...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that that's over, here are the 25 Things I Cannot Miss in and Around Tokyo (in no particular order):
Now I should go work on my Japanese...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that that's over, here are the 25 Things I Cannot Miss in and Around Tokyo (in no particular order):
- Tsukiji Fish Market
- Imperial Palace Gardens
- Shopping in Ginza
- Drinking in Shinjuku
- Meiji-jingu (Shrine)
- Senso-ji (Temple)
- Yurakucho
- Nikko
- Kamakura
- Jimbocho bookstores
- Shopping on Odaiba
- Yanaka Historic District
- Akiba (aka Akihabara)
- Shopping in Roppongi
- Shibuya Crossing and Shopping
- Ueno-koen and Shrines
- Shopping in Shinjuku
- Visit a knife and sword store
- Yasukuni-jinja (Shrine)
- Kagurazaka Historic District
- Visit a kimono shop
- Visit a sento or onsen
- Hachiman-jinja (Temple)
- Jingu-bashi on a Sunday afternoon
- Visit a Manga shop
Now I should go work on my Japanese...
Friday, January 16, 2009
So.....
Well, today I got a text from my friend Austin at some horrible hour in the morning (I think it was only about 9:30, but that's early enough for me) wanting to know if I wanted to go to the mall. Figuring I could look at what jobs are available I got my lazy butt out of bed and went. Guess what... nothing. Zip, Nada, Zilch. There was nothing that I could apply for. It made me really start to question my decision that I'm going to go this November. But I've been waiting and putting it off long enough. I am going. And that is that.
On that same note, I turned in an application to IHOP. Yes, IHOP. I find it rather pitiful that a job as an underpaid waitress is my ray of hope right now. Not to mention the fact that I know I won't be given the time off to go on this trip. That means that if I really insist on going I'd have to quit the job I worked so hard to get. It kinda sucks. I guess I could just go to Japan then come back and go back to job hunting again...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a happier note, we went to Walmart too and I found a luggage set that I liked and it costs a lot less than I thought one of that size would. It's a five piece set, 1200D polyester, with in-line wheels, for $48.98. There's a 24" regular suitcase, a 15" carry-on suitcase, a rolling duffel bag, a small messenger style carry-on bag, and a case to put your toiletries in. It made me happy to know I could save about $80 later when I have the money to actually buy the stupid thing.
And I know that I most likely won't need all the luggage pieces for my trip, but what's to say I won't need one of the smaller bags for a later trip.
On that same note, I turned in an application to IHOP. Yes, IHOP. I find it rather pitiful that a job as an underpaid waitress is my ray of hope right now. Not to mention the fact that I know I won't be given the time off to go on this trip. That means that if I really insist on going I'd have to quit the job I worked so hard to get. It kinda sucks. I guess I could just go to Japan then come back and go back to job hunting again...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a happier note, we went to Walmart too and I found a luggage set that I liked and it costs a lot less than I thought one of that size would. It's a five piece set, 1200D polyester, with in-line wheels, for $48.98. There's a 24" regular suitcase, a 15" carry-on suitcase, a rolling duffel bag, a small messenger style carry-on bag, and a case to put your toiletries in. It made me happy to know I could save about $80 later when I have the money to actually buy the stupid thing.
And I know that I most likely won't need all the luggage pieces for my trip, but what's to say I won't need one of the smaller bags for a later trip.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Exciting Find!!!
I have found the cutest little hotel... right in the middle of the Imperial Palace District!!! More specifically in Jimboucho!!! For those who don't know, that's the bookstore district. The hotel is just about a 5 minute walk from the antique bookstores too.
And guess the price!!! Only 6090 Yen a night. That's approximately $61 a night!! What a steal. Plus there's an in-house laundry, a 24-hour cafe, and wireless Internet.
But hold your breath for me 'cause I still have to get the money and make reservations. I'm crossing my fingers that a group doesn't book it before I can snag a room.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also got an estimation on how mush the plane tickets will cost... let's just say I'll be using the money I save on the hotel to cover it... I figure around $1100 give or take a few hundred. Thank God that's the round-trip fare.
Other costs/allowances include food ($1000), Transit costs ($100), Admission fees ($200), Back-up money ($300), shopping allowance ($500 or more), and Pre-travel expenses ($300).
All in all, this 2 -week trip will probably cost somewhere between $3750 and $4500!
And guess the price!!! Only 6090 Yen a night. That's approximately $61 a night!! What a steal. Plus there's an in-house laundry, a 24-hour cafe, and wireless Internet.
But hold your breath for me 'cause I still have to get the money and make reservations. I'm crossing my fingers that a group doesn't book it before I can snag a room.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also got an estimation on how mush the plane tickets will cost... let's just say I'll be using the money I save on the hotel to cover it... I figure around $1100 give or take a few hundred. Thank God that's the round-trip fare.
Other costs/allowances include food ($1000), Transit costs ($100), Admission fees ($200), Back-up money ($300), shopping allowance ($500 or more), and Pre-travel expenses ($300).
All in all, this 2 -week trip will probably cost somewhere between $3750 and $4500!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Needs, So Far...
These are the things I have decided I need before I do much more planning:
1. Job (for the money)
2. Passport
And once I secure those two things:
1. Luggage Set
I'll make a new list once these are taken care of...
1. Job (for the money)
2. Passport
And once I secure those two things:
1. Luggage Set
I'll make a new list once these are taken care of...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)