We were mainly in Ikebukuro all day which is about a 20 minute express train from Asaka, where I live. I haven't been on a train that was ridiculously packed yet but hopefully I can figure out the train system a little more before that happens. One of the most interesting things I came across yesterday was a Japanese mall. The mall we went into was to put it simply the size of an office building that you'd see in Chicago or New York. I don't know if the mall extends all the way up the building but I know that it was at least 12 stories tall. In the bottom part of the building, it's a maze of a train station and shops, mainly consisting of food from regular groceries to specialities like restuarants and chocolates. It was kind of overwhelming because of the sheer number of people I passed going through there but the smells that I smelled were AMAZING! I'm sure everything in there was expensive though because the items in the mall were generally more expensive than I was willing to pay my first full day in Tokyo. I did however buy some cute stationary though to mail back friends and family in Michigan! One of the floors we visited was full of office supplies such as paper, writing utensils, stickers, planners, diaries, photo albums, you name it. Everything was so unique or cute I wish that I could show everyone. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to take pictures of stores inside the mall. But even that wouldn't give you a good enough idea of what it was like.
One of my favorite places that we found yesterday was Olympic, a three story market with groceries and other everyday necessities. I love being able to buy prepared foods that are so delicious! I don't usually like the ones available in America but I love the onigiri I bought last night. For those of you who don't know what onigiri is, it's a rice ball that has can have a variety of things stuffed into the middle. Usually tuna, mayonnaise, salmon, or the strange sour cherries that I haven't gotten around to attempt trying since last fall. But they're very filling and I love them!
One of the best things I bought yesterday was my Japanese けいたい cell phone. After looking at all the different brands and companies, Desiree and I decided on AU. Although we're currently both having a difficult time trying to understand our phones (AU doesn't have any phones that come with English), I know we'll figure them out soon. They are really cool though! I'll update about it later...once I can read it better!
Overall, I tried to listen very hard and carefully to what people were saying. I understand some but I don't always know how to respond exactly. I'll have to study more. Trying to listen to someone and then translate it all in your head and then think of what you want to say and translate it back to them...that's exhausting. Wish me luck!
Okay--Adventure day #2...
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