Planes, Trains and Automobiles

So I just got back from Japan where I had the time of my life.

I had to go get my Working Visa in Fukuoka and so my boss told me at the last moment I was going to be leaving for Japan on Sunday.

I didnt really pack to much. Some money and the clothes on my back.

Saturday
I went with Christina to Busan. We took the train there. During the trip we played games and ate some food. I am glad that I had company. She helped me make sure I got to my destination -Busan Ferry Service.

Japan-Tall Building, Very Metropolitan and many modes of Transportation.
In Japan I took the train, a bus, the subway, a car, and a Taxi as well as the ferry.

My friend (TOMODACHI)JUN had given me instructions on how to meet him in Kumomoto.

I had to take a taxi to the bus station, and then a bus to Kumomoto. I left Korea at 6 am and arrived to Kumomoto at 3. I hadn't had any time to eat. Jun told me specifically to meet at the bus station but I was so hungry and confused that I got offa few stops to early. I had some people call Jun in McDonalds to give him the directions to find me.

Jun found me! He drives a nice sports car so we cruised around in that! Kumomoto is a wonderful place. It is the perfect size. During my time with Jun we went to a Mexican restaurant, Sang Karaoke, met up with another friend of mine-Atsushi, and went to a Japanese restaurant.
Jun also took me to Kumomoto castle. Unfortunately I didnt take any pictures because it was raining. Its a Monsoon here.
I tried Raw Horse later that night. I highly recomend it. Jun, my Ni-san (Brother) treated me to the entire evening. The horse meal cost 80, 000 yen which is more or less 80 dollars. YEs, I am eating and living like Royalty~at times. Japan was a premature vacation.

We also met my other brother Shogo but unfortunately we were only able to visit for an hour.

Reiko, my japanese mother took me under her wing. Around midnight we left Kumomoto and made our way to her house in Tamana.

Her house is very quaint. It is also very traditional. Buddhist statues, bamboo curtains, and sliding walls. I loved it. I am going to go back to her place sometime.

Monday
After going to bed at 2am we had to get up at 7 in order to get to Fukuoka around 10. I had to get my Visa issuant number dropped off. The rest of the day was sightseeing...

Reiko was with a friend who doesn't speak english. I really liked her friend though she was so nice to me. They would talk in japanese and after half a day I began to understand what they were saying. She was really worried that I wouldnt be able to find my way around japan alone and made sure I understood everything that Reiko told me to do. Mothers~ they tend to worry, and thats why they are loved among other reasons.

My Karaoke Experience

WE went to a restaurant and had some biru (beer) and Sake. I met yet another friend I knew in Missoula Yuki Tonaka. I didnt know him in Msla very well, but we knew each other. I will see him again if I go to Japan.
We sang a lot of Karaoke.

I did mostly Beatle Songs- In my Life, Yesterday and Let it Be. I also did a song that I dedicated to Pei-chen (Reiko and I both know Pei, as does Yuki and her friend Tomoka? gomenasai. ) anyways that song was MY GIRL by the Temptations.

I love Karaoke.

Yuki and I sang Let it Be and Yesterday together.

Tuesday in Japan....
This was the day I was on my own for at least half the day.

I had to take the Subway alone and go get my visa. The Subway is easy to use. I got around the city and HAkata Eki (bus station) using broken Japanese.

Personally I think I should've gotten a job in Japan because I dont know Korean, not yet.

I will tell more about this day later.


After getting my Visa I changed my departure schedule. I left Japan at 2pm. I arrived in Busan at 6.

I ended up helping a wonderful Japanese lady with her luggage. She treated me to some beverages and gave me a ride from her Ni-san (brother) to the train station. I am eternally grateful.

I bought myself a ticket and am now familiar with the train system. I ran past the vast amount of people and made it to the train. When I bought my ticket I only had 3 minutes to get to the train. For not speaking the language and not knowing Korea yet I was happy to be on that train and ready for Gumi.

I got to Gumi just wanting to take Christina out to dinner and writing some messages. I am happy to see her again.

Christina and I had Tongus(fried Pork) and here I am.

I am happy to be back in Gumi after such a great time!

I will write more about this later but I have had my contacts in for3 days, been in 2 countries, 5or 6 different modes of transportation and am mind boggled that I can speak Japanese well enough to get by.
more later