Nearing the end.
Mar. 18th, 2010 08:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lamoraMy feet are so sore. You think you have had sore feet? You will change your mind once you have felt what it is like to be in my feet right now. Alas, Wal-Mart shoes, why hast thou forsaken me?
Oh, wait, I know why: you were $7. And not even new.
So now I am resting! I have to go with Adiva tomorrow to make sure she finds the Keisei Line back to Narita all right. Today was... not such a good day, unfortunately -- but I'll let Adiva tell that story, if she so chooses, because it was Something Else.
I was going to post pictures, but I left my camera in my bag, and I am not moving now. Too sore! So instead, I will post lists! You all like lists, right? I thought so!
Don's Favorite Things About Japan:
- the kombini lifestyle: fresh food made daily for commuters and sold out of tiny kiosks or convenience stores. The Lawson and Family Mart chains have a special place in my heart now. I am currently eating two little ham-and-cheese buns, with a bottle of hot milk tea and a carton of banana milk -- all for under Y350 (about $3.75).
- the public transit system. Oh yes, it's definitely confusing the first few times you are on it -- but you learn fast! I can't speak for the buses, but the metro and JR lines -- and shinkansen! -- are just superb.
- the fact that you have to walk. Oh yes. The stations are huge, and sometimes the walk between one line and another is worse than doing the walk from the commuter trains at Bonaventure to Metro Bonaventure. I am completely serious. Sometimes, you have to do it more than once! But it's great; I love walking -- despite my choice of shoes this time -- and can walk for hours with no set goal in mind.
- Kyoto. So much history, so little time to explore it.
- the clean streets. The fact that so much is recycled. The fact that we actually passed a sign in Shinjuku that said "LITTERING IS PROHIBITED IN THIS CITY."
Don's Least Favorite Things About Japan:
- so many malls. Why, Osaka? Why, Tokyo? Why so much shopping all the time? There is so much else to do!
- the stairs. I have climbed more stairs these past two weeks than I have my entire life -- and I am including my five years at LRHS in that. So. Many. Stairs. Usually I would not mind, but when you're asthmatic, the temperature changes and stair-climbing can combine for an altogether unpleasant experience! I'm doing all right, though.
- the fact that smoking is still allowed in some indoor places, like restaurants and bars/cafes. After having the opportunity to live smoke-free in Quebec, of all places, smelling it and tasting it when I am trying to enjoy my sundae is really gross.
- the fact that monthly metro passes don't see to exist, so the travel must really add up after a while! I keep wondering how it worked. Jen mentioned that some companies probably have deals for workers -- and students get special rates, of course -- but what about Average Joe?
Overall Verdict: I would live here. I would totally live here.
Hm, since I am relaxing, I guess I should be a good student and do some of that homework.
Oh, wait, I know why: you were $7. And not even new.
So now I am resting! I have to go with Adiva tomorrow to make sure she finds the Keisei Line back to Narita all right. Today was... not such a good day, unfortunately -- but I'll let Adiva tell that story, if she so chooses, because it was Something Else.
I was going to post pictures, but I left my camera in my bag, and I am not moving now. Too sore! So instead, I will post lists! You all like lists, right? I thought so!
Don's Favorite Things About Japan:
- the kombini lifestyle: fresh food made daily for commuters and sold out of tiny kiosks or convenience stores. The Lawson and Family Mart chains have a special place in my heart now. I am currently eating two little ham-and-cheese buns, with a bottle of hot milk tea and a carton of banana milk -- all for under Y350 (about $3.75).
- the public transit system. Oh yes, it's definitely confusing the first few times you are on it -- but you learn fast! I can't speak for the buses, but the metro and JR lines -- and shinkansen! -- are just superb.
- the fact that you have to walk. Oh yes. The stations are huge, and sometimes the walk between one line and another is worse than doing the walk from the commuter trains at Bonaventure to Metro Bonaventure. I am completely serious. Sometimes, you have to do it more than once! But it's great; I love walking -- despite my choice of shoes this time -- and can walk for hours with no set goal in mind.
- Kyoto. So much history, so little time to explore it.
- the clean streets. The fact that so much is recycled. The fact that we actually passed a sign in Shinjuku that said "LITTERING IS PROHIBITED IN THIS CITY."
Don's Least Favorite Things About Japan:
- so many malls. Why, Osaka? Why, Tokyo? Why so much shopping all the time? There is so much else to do!
- the stairs. I have climbed more stairs these past two weeks than I have my entire life -- and I am including my five years at LRHS in that. So. Many. Stairs. Usually I would not mind, but when you're asthmatic, the temperature changes and stair-climbing can combine for an altogether unpleasant experience! I'm doing all right, though.
- the fact that smoking is still allowed in some indoor places, like restaurants and bars/cafes. After having the opportunity to live smoke-free in Quebec, of all places, smelling it and tasting it when I am trying to enjoy my sundae is really gross.
- the fact that monthly metro passes don't see to exist, so the travel must really add up after a while! I keep wondering how it worked. Jen mentioned that some companies probably have deals for workers -- and students get special rates, of course -- but what about Average Joe?
Overall Verdict: I would live here. I would totally live here.
Hm, since I am relaxing, I guess I should be a good student and do some of that homework.
