If it's not one thing, it's another Silvana. How's your trip going so far? I may still be able to make it. But a lot of things have to go the right way. Here's to wishful thinking.

Silvana

3713 Posts

August 10 2016 14:51 GMT

#23

Here's to wishful thinking too! good luck!

So far I'm loving this place so much... So glad I made the decision to come here. I'm amazed with everything, like a kid in Disney World ^.^

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 10 2016 17:00 GMT

#24

Where are you posting the pictures? I know you took some! I'm super excited. I got into a car accident and there's a bunch of things going on around that. That's why I'm unsure if I'll be able to make it. Three weeks and I'll escape this horrid state. I'm physically fine and there's not much damage to the car, though. So hopefully I can be free.

parkufarku

882 Posts

August 10 2016 17:35 GMT

#25

Really sucks to hear. Keep your chin up, you'll have a chance to go again in the future

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 10 2016 19:49 GMT

#26

Well so far it looks like I might be able to go. Something something something 5th amendment. But the trip is still on for now.

parkufarku

882 Posts

August 10 2016 20:00 GMT

#27

5th amendment right to counsel? lol

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 10 2016 20:52 GMT

#28

I can neither confirm nor deny that is my stated intent behind the previous comment. :p

Silvana

3713 Posts

August 11 2016 00:28 GMT

#29

To be honest I'm not documenting my trip in photo albums. I just take pictures of what I find curious or funny (like the machines and signs in the street 😆), and the pretty landscapes I find while wandering the city. Those end up on my fb (befriend me to see it) or instag (can see w/o friendship)

Cauld

United States350 Posts

August 11 2016 00:31 GMT

#30

Hope you're OK Zerocool, and hope you can still go to Japan.

Nice pictures Silvana

I think the best pictures are quirkyy things that ppl find interesting, not the same landmarks over and over again.

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 11 2016 01:25 GMT

#31

Request sent Silvana. And I agree with Cauld. Those are the pictures I want to document. Of course I'll take pictures of the landmarks because the first time I have to. But I'm more looking to get the back alley and other side of Tokyo. The stuff tourists don't see.

Silvana

3713 Posts

August 11 2016 01:32 GMT

#32

On August 11 2016 09:31 Cauld wrote:
Hope you're OK Zerocool, and hope you can still go to Japan.

Nice pictures Silvana

I think the best pictures are quirkyy things that ppl find interesting, not the same landmarks over and over again.

Exactly! After all, I have the precious views in my head. As for my friends... They can just google "tokyo landscapes" and will find better quality photos than mine ^.^

That being said, I'd still love to take a photography course. One day...

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 11 2016 01:55 GMT

#33

My Japanese friend made the same argument. I plan on being in some of the photos so I can show my friends and family.
Yeah, you can Google everything and see the pictures, but you don't want to have to do that every time there's a story be told with the picture. That's why I'm taking photos regardless of the professional quality. Besides, as time passes and I look back on old photos, I can vividly remember what was going on at that moment. Memories fail. I don't want that to happen.

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 15 2016 04:52 GMT

#34

And another development rears its ugly head. I don't think I'm meant to go to Tokyo hahaha. If I can resolve it without digging too deep into my savings for the trip, I'll still go. But anything less than $1000 spending will make the trip a bit of a struggle. Luckily, there are Lawsons and Family Marts galore. Chu-hi here I come!

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 16 2016 17:53 GMT

#35

So I was looking into doing couchsurfing instead of the whole hostel thing. Anyone ever try that? It looks like it would be a good alternative and potentially a lot cheaper than hostels.

Silvana

3713 Posts

August 17 2016 00:37 GMT

#36

I didn't even try. I wanted hostels because I was expecting to meet lots of people in order to not spend the whole vacation alone.
I've read it's hard to find a place. Remember, few people here speak English. But give it a try! Maybe you get lucky

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 17 2016 03:19 GMT

#37

I've reached out to a few people. Will wait for their response. I already have a hostel reserved, so worst case I pay to shower and change clothes.

How were the people you met? Were they all foreign or were there students out and about as well?

Silvana

3713 Posts

August 17 2016 04:16 GMT

#38

Well.. to be honest I made 0 Japanese friends. They're simply too shy, unable to speak English or not interested in talking to me (my guess is a mix of these three). I met foreigners thanks to my fellow Argentinian friend who moved here some weeks ago and had already established a social circle in previous trips... He really saved my ass socially-wise because I'm just too introverted to randomly talk to people, let alone feeling comfortable haha ^.^

I don't wanna be a downer but imo making Japanese friends will be very difficult. Or Asian friends in general. Which sucks because 95% of the people in hostels are Asian. I hope I'm wrong tho and you have an easier time than me...So don't be an idiot like me and be brave and talk to people to increase your chances!!! :D

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 17 2016 04:27 GMT

#39

That is unfortunate to hear. I've been around them and they usually open up more in the bars than they do on the streets. I speak a little Japanese, enough to get around, so I hope it helps. If I end up in the hostel, hopefully the people there are friendly enough to point me in the direction of food. Otherwise I'll just starve (for all of 5 minutes)

From what I've seen in Okinawa and Osaka (to a lesser extent) is that they are docile and not out going unless you're with a Japanese person, go to a club/bar, or are looking really lost. They are completely immersed in American culture, but they still don't have that outgoing attitude that a majority I think have. I'll see when I get there. It'll be school time and probably won't have the same luxury of meeting people if I went during the summer or something.

ZerOCoolSC2

9062 Posts

August 28 2016 16:56 GMT

#40

UPDATE

I found someone who is willing to let me couchsurf for a week possibly. That saves me a ton of money on hostel fees. I literally cannot wait to go. I'm sitting in the room designing furniture and stuff trying to keep myself busy and the excitement down. When I get back I'm gonna have a ton of work waiting for me but I don't care.