Sardines

I am completely in love with this country, I have decided. It's not just because of all of the things to do or places to go. It is the simple things that I have grown to notice. It is the tiny little dogs everywhere. It is the small children sitting in the basket on their dad's bike. It is how, when there are over 100 people shoved into a tiny subway car, it is completely silent. It is walking to class and being the only American in sight. It is the thousands of men in their black pants and white shirts going to work.

As horrible as people make rush hour on the trains out to be, it is becoming one of my favorite parts of the day, despite the fact that I have no room to move. It is incredible how many people can fit into a train car. It fascinates me how, even though people's faces are literally smashed against the car door, they are still going to do it everyday to get to where they need to go. I love to make up stories about each person's life...wondering where they are going and who they are going to see. The train cars are completely silent. With your eyes closed, there is no way that you could predict the sheer volume of people jammed around you. Everyone is on their cell phone, but no one talks. Because of the amount of people that would be wanting to use their cell phone, the car and the phones would become like a microwave. I like to smile and wave at the little children.

I ventured to Kamata by myself today to get my alien registration card and my national health insurance card. I am feeling as though I am official now.

Tuesday night, the boys and I went to a local bar for Brian's 21st birthday. I had some amazing sake. It was delicious. I attempted to play darts and failed miserably.

I made friends with a Japanese guy from TUJ, named So, who is going to take me to some local punk shows. I am so excited for that. I think Saturday Yurie is taking a few of us to the beach. I want to experience as much as I can.

I am ready for the weather to cool down now.