Tokyo Trip (March 25 - April 8)

There's so much to tell about the two weeks in Tokyo, but just haven't had a chance to sit down and write about it!

On the day I arrived, after dropping off my stuff at May's place, we met up with a bunch of May's friend at karaoke, and dinner. I love karaoke!

Here are the students and 2 teachers with whom I was studying Japanese.

After class, a few of us visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.

I was surprised at the party atmosphere around the war shrine..I thought it would have been more solenm. It was a gorgeous day, we sat outside and worked through our japanese homework together while admiring the beautiful sakura (cherry blossoms) that surrounded us.

On the first weekend, May organized a hike up mount Takao, was lots of fun!

Being silly...

Which apparently is contagious..!

On our climb down, Kalin entertained us with his many musical abilities..here is everyone trying to imitate him (with varying degrees of success...)

Happy to have finally reached the bottom!

The following day, I wandered around the ridiculously crowded streets of Harajuku, and came across some of the strangely-dressed people around Yoyogi park.

Since it was hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season, some of the students from my Japanese class and I headed to Ueno park and had ourselves a little party. Everyone sitting under the lit up flowers, eating, drinking and have a good time. We met a few of the neighourbing hanami-ers who joined us!

Throughout the week, we had dinners at different places, mostly at TGIFs..!

On the last day of class, there was an awards ceremony at the school where we all received certificates for having completed the class etc. All the homestay parents attended, as well as volunteers who had helped organize this two-week intensive Japanese class. Each of the three classes (beginners, intermediate and advanced) had to do a presentation. Our class did a skit (all in Japanese!)

On my last night, we had another karaoke night

followed by dinner (near, but not at TGIFs!)

The last night, I stayed at May's place, it was sad to say goodbye..I hope she will come visit me in Nagasaki sometime soon!

During the past 2 weeks, I studied a lot, met lots of people who were fun to hang out with, got to see some of the sights in Tokyo...Overall, had a great time!