'My First Week'- A blog post by Jerome.

This is my first ever visit to Japan. As such I developed many first impressions in the first few days and in the following days have either had them reinforced or fall apart entirely. Think I had a bit of the old 'culture shock' at first, but am trying to embrace Japanese culture a wee bit more every day (a visit to Topshop definitely counts).

After the trauma of finding my accommodation, I settled in nicely and am totally content in my room now, thanks in the most part to Robson and her mum JR. Although I was the first exchange student to arrive, others have come in the last few days and everyone is really nice.
Some interesting things...
1. We saw the Japanese twin of Serge Gainsbourg in Shinjuku station.
2. Walking for 7 hours in 5 inch heels is painful.
3. I can understand far more than I can say.
4. Heard a lounge style cover of 'Under my Thumb' by The Rolling Stones in an Indian restaurant, utter masterpiece.
5. Raw anchovies in a sushi dish is a step too far for me.
6. The first thing I purchased in Japan was a blue wig.
7. In Robson's mind, having a mango flavoured yoghurt and then a mango jelly makes one 'Mango Mad'.

I start classes next Thursday and am ready for it now after my little 'rest'- if you can call it that. Getting a bank account set up when the lady serving you speaks Japanese like a machine gun is a bit stressful.

We're planning on visiting a couple of friends in Osaka next weekend, Robson is currently researching Capsule Hotels. Very much looking forward to that little excursion.