Atarashii Bunpou and Go!

With my schedule pretty set, I woke up at 7:32 (I always like to set my alarm on random times for some reason), got ready, listened to Kaho call my name, then had breakfast! Back to Japanese style breakfast today!

 Miso soup made with Anko fish, fried runny egg, a couple Japanese sausages, daikon tsukemono, chirimen tsunomono, and rice with natto! It's so different from my usual yogurt and fruit that I have every morning at school, but I love it!

Today at school (everyday from 9 am to 12 pm), we officially started learning new material! The speed of the PII program is pretty intimidating, since we are learning a year's worth of material in 8 weeks! Even at the normal pace this past school year, the speed of learning was very quick, so now we are going Shinkansen-fast! We cover a chapter in our textbook in two days, which includes a long list of vocabulary, numerous grammar structures, and more than 20 new Kanji! It's pretty intensive, but so far it doesn't seem too bad! During the school year, I had to balance Japanese with all my other classes, dancing, and the generally chaotic lifestyle of a student. Now I just get to focus on Japanese! Phew!

After three hours of class, I was done for the day, since there were no afternoon activities scheduled today. To get ourselves in a different environment, Emmy, Wolens-san (I just can't seem to call him Zach), and I walked over to the Kanazawa Station for lunch!

While I love the conbini, we really wanted to go to the boulangerie inside the station that we have been eyeing since day 1. Every time we passed by, we could smell the heavenly clouds of fresh bread tempting us to go inside! So, we finally did! I love how the name is DONQ, pronounced "donk." What. were. they. thinking? 

In Japanese bakeries, along with other Asian bakeries, you grab a tray and use tongs to load it up with whatever you like! It was hard to decide since everything looked like perfect pillows of bready happiness (there was everything from curry filled naan bread to raisin studded panettone). Japanese bread is also super white and soft, without any tough crust to deal with! In the end, we got a couple baskets to share, including a soft braid with bacon and cheese, an pan, and a panko crusted roll with a soft boiled egg and curry inside. Variety. The spice of life. 

 Since we sat inside the cafe, they made it look all nice and put it in baskets. We also had to order some drinks in order to sit down, so we got Strawberry Ice Milk and apple juice. 

It was all so GOOD. Look at the hot dog roll below. Even the hot dog looks cute and gourmet! DONQ  did not dissappoint. Well...except for the name. Can't quite get over that one. 

After lunch, I video chatted in Japan for the first time, via Facebook! While it was about 2 pm in Japan, it was midnight in Chicago, so my friend was about to go to sleep! Time is so weird. Video chatting is also really weird. I can't believe I can see someone so far away through my computer! I thought such nonsense only existed in the world of Zenon (holla at me if ya know what I'm talkin bout! Disney Channel Original Movies FTW!). My mind can't comprehend. My mind is blown.

But, I soon had to collect my mind again, for I had some homework to do!
 Today, one of my favorite things that we learned was the meaning of the Kanji for "homework". The first character,　宿 おor "shyuku" means lodge or inn. The second character,　題 or "dai," means problem, title, or topic. They way I interpret this is that homework is a problem that lodges itself into your life and follows you everywhere! But anyways...

 A picture of some of my Kanji 宿題。

I was able to focus for a little bit, but then we all started going a little nUtZo, slap-happy, you name it! I started crying and snorting from laughing a couple times, so I knew it was my time to go. I guess I can only handle work for so long...

 On the bus, I was kind of a creeper and took a picture of these school boys. I thought their uniforms were so cool, so I had to take a picture! Just look at the hats! かっこいいね？！ They were also doing some Kanji homework! I felt for them. I really did. Though it made me feel better that even Japanese people have to study Kanji a lot! It is not easy stuff...

Today I returned home pretty early (4:15 ish), since there was no afternoon activity. Here is the park that is being built right across the street from my home! Great location for the kids!

 After studying some more and playing around with the kids, it was dinner time! My mom bought these really fresh Asari clams. They were still moving while she was cleaning them!

Before....

After! Asari Clam pasta with some mushrooms, tomato, onions, and a whole lotta おいしい　あじ！

We had some visitors too! With four kids in the house, there was a lot of loud energy! It's so fun to be with such vibrant spirits! If only I could turn back time...

I decided to tap into my younger self and draw a bit, since the kids were scribbling away! With all these Anpan Man toys everywhere, I was inspired to do this lil' doodle! 

When in Japan...draw Japanese things?! Sure. why not. 

Another great day! Studying, relaxing, laughing, eating. Good stuff. See you tomorrow!