We're here!

Robson and Jerome both blogging here.
We've both moved into the halls, Robson's is quite nice, both got quite big rooms, and the shared shower facilities have been tested and survived.
I (Robson) have got my foreigners registration certificate, bank account and a mobile phone, which was so overpriced its not even funny.
Jerome has none of the above, but we're going to sort that this week.
Anyway here's some photos.......

More photos to come soon, including a trip to a shrine and our respective rooms.
Off for more excitement today!

watch out tokyo........

Robson and Jerome are both here.
Let the adventures begin.

common reaction

Robson checking in, Day 3 of the Tokyo traumas. 
The day didn't get off to the best start, when I checked my messages last night to discover that there are courses I'm supposed to register for, by 1pm tomorrow. I didn't even know you registered, thought it was a given which ones you did. So that sent me into something of a panic last night, began to think this whole thing was a bad idea.
Anyway, thankfully woke up on the right side of the bed and of Mum's super organised list (lost count of the number of times i've said I'm relieved she's here already) of what to do today.
So off I trotted to Shinjuku station to take myself to the university, and en route was accosted by a bizarre gentleman. After overly complimenting me, he invited me out for lunch, and even though I quite clearly said no thanks, i'm busy, he chased me for about 5 mins, asking for phone numbers, email address, and only gave up when I went through the ticket barriers......ODD.
After this little encounter, I got myself to Waseda.
Job no1 was getting to the university and finding some pack about courses and the stuff everyone else was given at the orientation. 2 bags full. You have to sign up online, so doing that tonight. While I was there, I asked them about the foreign registration card everyone has to have - I applied for mine yesterday, and got what I thought was a certificate you have to keep until the 15th Oct, when you can pick up the card. turns out someone at the Shinjuku ward office neglected to mention that I had to exchange my sheet for an actual certificate.....delightful. So job no2 was retrieving this famous blue sheet - you need it to get a phone, and a bank account, so pretty important!
I then spent the rest of the day getting a phone (hour and a half) and a bank account (about 2 hours), more forms than you can imagine, just a nightmare. I ended up playing with my new phone and ringing my Dad while I waited in the bank, they probably thought I was really rude, but I was bored!
I'm now back in the hotel, registering courses, waiting to see whats on the cards for tonight. More updates later in the week,
Robson


p.s. highlight of the day; in Softbank, they played both California Gurls and Love the Way you Lie while I waited for the phone.......I won't lie, I did sing along. In the middle of the shop. 基準。

It's nearly Japan O'clock for Jerome...

Oh hello. It is I, Jerome. Robson's been chewing my ear off about blogging...so here I am!
Two and a half days left until I fly to Japan, and it's all getting a wee bit hectic. My right eye was twitching at the weekend due to lack of sleep and nerves. I've packed for the most part, and am very happy with the selections I've made.  My university in Japan sent me a delightful powerpoint presentation outlining some vital information for my move. It also had a section on セク ハラ (sexual harassment)...excellent.
I've had some tough goodbyes over the last few weeks, shed a few tears (thanks De Tisi), and it's only just starting to sink in that I'll be gone for a whole year. But then again, it will go quickly I'm sure. But not too quickly I hope. But quickly. Oh, you know what I mean. Jerome over and out.

Robson here. Of course. Jerome is letting the side down with the blog, I'm trying to get on to her about it but does she listen?

I fly tomorrow. TOMORROW. Two suitcases packed, I'm taking a gym bag and handbag on the plane with me. Phew, plenty of room. How has Mum packed for 2 weeks in half one case though? Weirddd.

It's all come about so quickly, I can't believe we're really going. Went to ride Emmy again today, lots of cuddles and treats before I leave her for 3 months! Also had my last rides on my two terrors, both very over excited this morning but brilliant as ever! And yes, yet more photos of all 3 have been packed. Mum's friend Sara brought a late bday present round today for me, she has got to be the most fantastically practical person EVER. I now have a sewing kit, laundry bag, and coin purse to take with me (also all Cath Kidston, she knows me too well) - all things I will probably need but didn't think to pack myself. Might give her a ring in a bit to do a final checklist! Also need to do a few phonecalls tonight to say bye, think some of them will take a while (yes Emily Hooper that means you!!!!)

Think I'll be excited in the morning, but right now I'm still in my packing daze and thinking about what time I need to get up so I can do a huge hug round of the menagerie before I go tomorrow! Flight's at 1pm, not bad... wish me luck!

the final countdown

One week to go, still haven't packed a thing. Deliberating over the whole jumpers and boots vs shorts and summer stuff still, I'll so end up taking both. It's really not good that I'm getting very excited about the fashion weeks, I'm throwing myself completely off again with the ss11 collections. Maybe I just shouldn't look?
You'll be relieved to know I had some photos printed yesterday, enough to cover my whole wall I think. Taking plenty of pictures of friends and family, but starting to realise just how many I have of horses... and the puppy. People will think I am obsessed (they would be right). Also taking the anti-perspirant tip, at least 3 months supply in the case. All other suggestions are welcome, the extent of my practical preparation is my haircut on wednesday and finding a show jumping competition to do before I go...
Robson

Leaving on a jet plane...soon.

Greetings.
Jerome reporting for second post blog-duty. Real name Rianna. Sooooo it's all go at the moment in Jeromesville...contrary to my dear Robson, I have started packing. T-17 days for me. I've dabbled in revision over the last two weeks, but figure it will all come flooding back to me as soon as the plane touches down at Narita airport. Yes, that is definitely what will happen. I expect Robson will have a similar epiphany. I am still without a visa, but fingers crossed that will be rectified soon.
I'm nervous about the flight. Those who know me may be aware that I usually take valium to fly, but not this time! I'm going it completely clean. Apologies in advance to my fellow passengers.
The next 17 days for Jerome will include; packing, revision (or not), excessive potato consumption and of course, some reluctant goodbyes.
More bloggie fun times when we hit Japan!!

doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?

HELLO.
Robson here, first post. We're getting ourselves ready for the off, I fly in 13 days. I'd love to report that we're working like little beavers at the revision, but sadly we're more concerned about baggage allowance and the fact that I've planned to take a lifetime's supply (a year is a long time, you need options) of jumpers,  and it is apparently very very hot in old Japan.
So I have a visa, nothing packed, and a few important phrases learnt (eg can you repeat that, I don't speak Japanese, where is the airport), and so excited! What to expect? No idea. But you'll see it all here first!

Allow us to introduce ourselves...

From left: Jerome, Robson.