One of the longest days of my life...

But it's surprising what adrenaline and traveling can do.

In any case, I'll try and post a blog here, though I don't know how long it'll last, especially without the guarantee of internet.

But here's what I remember of today. I got to Newark, safe and sound, checked my bags and met John who saw me off. The plane ride was fairly uneventful although I watched more movies/TV shows in a row than I have in a really long time. Also, thanks to my thimble-sized bladder, I at least managed to get up every hour to pee. Despite that though, I still felt like my knees would drop off... o_o

Anyways, after a really long flight, I arrived at Narita. I remember thinking the landing was quieter than I thought it would be. After about half an hour wandering the airport, feeling incredibly lost, I managed to get my Yen, make my phone call, and buy a bus ticket. So here's what I learned on that portion of my trip.

I suck at Japanese. Sure, I can read a Kanji here or there, but today's somewhat minor incident made me realize just how bad I am at it. And without the English-speaking and friendly Japanese guides, I would've been lost out of my mind. Probably one of the most embarrassing moments of my life and so of course I felt downright miserable and ashamed.

Also, Japan is a lot like America. Only instead of cornfields they have rice fields. and the signs aren't in English (mostly). The roads are a bit different, the lanes are thinner- which would spell death for a driver like me. Thank god I might not have to. And of course the vast majority population of Japanese. But that's really about it.

An up and downside, the bus ride was quiet. And I mean QUIET. The scenery was nice, but I had to try not to fall asleep, for fear of missing my bus stop.

Anyways, so clearly I made it and after I got off the bus, finally at Mito Station, I wandered yet again, aimlessly around the station trying to figure out which way I had to go to get the hotel. Finally, I found it, not too far off from where I was, once I calmed down and started walking. Though I was a little scared, seeing as the last thing I wanted was to be mugged 'cause I'm clearly a foreigner, and so I don't hide the "I'm a lost tourist" well.

Anyways, so here I am, and apparently Holiday Inn is fully equipped with internet, of course. And a shower. Happy. And toilet paper. Double happy. Haven't checked out the flat screen TV..tho again, I'm not really much into that...

I already spent a bit of yen on my ticket, phone call and getting change. So for dinner, I'm going with the bakery roll I got from Newark. Good thing they served like 2 snacks and 3 full course meals on the plane.

Gonna get up early for breakfast, then visit heart. Got a call from Ms. Takahashi, so it should be interesting. Was surprised and a bit frustrated at them telling me to call and then getting an answering machine that said "we're closed." But it's all taken care of now.

I hope the rest of my settling down into my apt and school will be less full of struggles and momentary despair, but I'm sure that'd be asking for too much. For now, I'll enjoy a single, spacious room, privacy, the rest of my water and my bakery dinner. Yum. And hope I get up in time for breakfast/have the energy.

Here's to being awake for 26 hours straight. Booya.