the company jumps when he plays reverie

Evening, Robson here.

I've just got back to my halls, after quite a delightful day out with Jerome (kijun). Today, we went on a trip to Odaiba, which is an area of Tokyo on the opposite side of the bay, and to get to it you have to take a train across the Rainbow Bridge, bit of a landmark appaz.

So we get there, and decide it's sunny, we fancy an ice cream. And do we get the best ice creams ever? I'll leave you to ponder that, but we were impressed. We wandered with said ice cream around the parks, and saw the statue of liberty.....

momentary loss of orientation....then wandered onto a beach, where we had a paddle and watched a volleyball tournament! Anyway, I'd been with JR to a shopping centre called Venus Fort before (ie yearly, again kijun) and just knew that what Jerome would love to see was an imitation Italian town, complete with sky which copies the outdoors, a plaza and a church. 

She loved it. We then went on the ferris wheel, took lots of pictures and terrified Jerome yet again (she's scared of heights and this is one of the biggest wheels in the world). 

After this little escapade, we spotted a 'purikura' machine, where you can have your picture taken, and decorate it with sparkles, stars, hearts.....you get the idea. The whole thing's a very Japanese teenage thing to do, sadly Robson and Jerome didn't grasp this and so we have ended up with the standard R&J poses which we know everyone has come to love. Voila:

All this left us a bit knackered, so we hopped to Shibuya for dinner at our favourite pizzeria, and headed home! I will be uploading pics of our rooms soon, I think that might be a long one though so saving that for another day. Things to do, people to skype.

'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.

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!