Whoa, unexpected call out. What's up guys?
Yeah, Japan. I'm just (like just...20 minutes ago I turned in my last paper) finishing a year-long study abroad program in Kyoto. I've been in a homestay family, pretty awesome, I get to fight with an 8 year old ninja boy all the time.
Other foreign people here piss me off all the time. So it's probably good that you're not here when I am, Wiegraf, because you would piss me off.
I'm not sure why this is, exactly, but I guess foreigners (non-Asian ones, at least) stick out like a sore thumb and sort of just ruin the experience. To add to that, a good number of them are inconsiderate jerks who expect everything to be in English and don't really care to try and experience a different culture, although to be fair there are some cool people here. Err, and please don't let that discourage you from visiting; it actually is really easy to navigate in English. I'd encourage you even more to take like a year of Japanese before you come, though; it will be great practice, you can read some stuff, and the Japanese people will be really impressed if you can make sentences.
Kyoto is pretty much the cool place to be, from what I can tell. I went to Tokyo three times, it was always pretty hectic. I guess that might just be because I was on limited time and sleep and everything. I recommend playing huge Gran Turismo in the Toyota showroom in Ikebukuro, and also visiting the Holographic Mystery Zone in Tokyo Tower (but not necessarily Tokyo Tower, and avoid getting your head crushed in the revolving door at Mori Tower like little kids).
There are some problems, a lot of cultural rigidity and distrust of outsiders and all that, but people are actually really nice and you can have a great time if you try to get to know them. Hitchhiking is a kickass way to do that.
Yeah, but anyway, I'm coming back on the 12th, and no guarantees, but possibilities of my ugly Mon Cal mug busting up the in-game party are in the works.
I'd love to field any other questions if you got 'em.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
- RETIRED