What I’ve learned about Japan (so far)

1.  It. Is. Freezing. The clear blue sky is deceiving, for when you peak your head outside to check the weather- just know that the bone chilling wind is waiting around the corner for you. Do not be fooled into thinking you will be safe with a simple California jacket.
2.  If people tell you “It’s ok, lots of people speak English there”. They are lying. No one speaks English. And when you tell them you’re sorry, you don’t understand Japanese- they will continue to speak Japanese to you. Really fast, no less. Just smile, and say Arigato Gozymas! That’s what I do and it seems to be working out fairly well for me.
3. We are fat. Now, I don’t think I’m fat. This isn’t some woe is me cry for attention. But as my stomach cried for a second ice cream last night, Ai and Robert claimed they were so full, so full from the tiny excuse for an ice cream cone. So… we’re obese. Me and my endless stomach for sweets.
4. You need a friend. Preferably one that is bilingual. OR BETTER YET, one that speaks fluent English with some Japanese and his cute girlfriend who speaks fluent Japanese and some English. And it’s preferable that they show you the best places to eat/survive/buy cheap stuff around town. This is one big fat CHECK MARK that we have (score).  
5. Be kind and polite. Because the Japanese are some of the most polite people I have ever met. No one crowds, pushes, glares, or does anything remotely rude (at least not that I’ve seen…yet). OH! And no one litters. There is not a black disgusting gum mark on the ground. Weird thing is, there are no trash cans around either. John and I usually end up with pockets full of the day’s trash since there’s nowhere to throw it out. Awkward? Maybe… We just don’t want to be the ignorant foreigners
6. You will be a giant here. Like…. I am taller than most people here. It’s nice.
7. Produce costs an arm and a leg… but holy crap, my 298¥ orange was the best one I’ve ever had. 

And now... pictures!!!

Team J

Double date! With the second cutest couple in the world

Yaki Niku! SO DELICIOUS!!!

Amazing kare buns. Perfect for chilly mornings

Everything is so stinking cute here!!

First grocery store experience! Only half is instant stuff

 Until next time friends... I'll leave you with this very awesome picture. This is what trying new stuff looks like (sometimes).

"It's good Jaquielyn! Try it!!" It was actually just mochi