WAH! Sorry for not updating! I can make excuses, but I won’t. November has finally arrived and I can’t believe I only have one month to go! Sure I get homesick sometimes, but I want to make the most of my experience (have I said this before? I think I have).
I’ve been to Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara once, but there’s one place that I can’t get enough of. Yes, you guessed it! HARAJUKU! I’ve have yet to visit Shibuya and I intend to in the near future, but whenever I get the time, I go straight to this fabulous little spot in Tokyo.
Right when you get off the JR line, you’re placed right in the forefront of madness! People pour in from all sides and a huge sign welcomes you to Takeshita street, one of the most well known places in Harajuku.
Going down, you pass a plethora of food and clothing stores. The smell of crepes is simply divine and the clothes, don’t get me started on the clothes.
Here I was being a creeper and took a picture of them because I liked their outfits.
It’s been difficult for me financially because I spend like crazy, so with only 4000 yen (approx. $40) in my purse, I tried very hard to use it wisely. I think I succeeded! I am in love with this store called, ‘Body Line’ where they sell Lolita/punk/maid outfits for super cheap! They usually arrange from $19.99-$49.99 but so far, I’ve never gone over $24.99.
Doesn’t it look awesome? The staff dresses up and they are so adorable! On the bad side, it was difficult understanding their fitting room policy. What looks like curtains to hide the shoddy white cement walls are believed to be where girls can try on the clothing.
So I bought a maid’s dress with a head band for a total of 3000 yen! With my friends around, I had the confidence to wear it that same day. It was interesting to say the least. Someone even called me ‘maido-san’ haha! Now I just need to wear it in Akiba and I’m good!
That same day, we picked out an outfit for Davy and man was that fun! I was wearing heels that day so I was pooped out within 10 minutes but it was glorious! This was his favorite store.
These are guy’s jeans. See how they’re scrunched up on the sides to make it tighter? It was so small I’m pretty sure I can fit into it and I’m only a size 1!
While walking, we saw this man dancing to promote this t-shirt. He had no shame as his junk was hanging out for all to see!
I can see now why Harajuku is comparable to Milan, London, and Paris. On the other hand however, Harajuku has this gritty, urban, cutesy side that cannot be matched! Actually, I don’t know if I can say this since I haven’t been to any of the other listed places but by the look of the pictures, you tell me ;).
Oh yes, sorry I didn't post pics of the Hachiko statue or the infamous bridge where all the youngsters hang out. I haven't been there yet lol.
Oh yes, sorry I didn't post pics of the Hachiko statue or the infamous bridge where all the youngsters hang out. I haven't been there yet lol.
Now, onto my assignment for the Gilman scholarship. It’s not so much a burden because it’s a reality that all students studying abroad should be aware of. Studying abroad is very costly. Try not to underestimate that as I have. Every week I spend about $100.00. Transportation can cost up to $120 every month and every day I pay for my own lunch. Add this to all the fun stuff you want to do and then $100.00/week doesn’t sound crazy.
The Gilman scholarship gave me about $2000-$3000 (sorry I can’t remember!) and I all did was write an essay and promised to make a blog. They money helped me buy my necessities (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc…) as well a transportation. If you are planning on studying abroad, apply for as many scholarships as you can! Here’s a link for the Gilman scholarship!
Tomorrow I will be attending a sports event and afterwards, a まつり！
またね！！！
Oh yes, here’s a picture of my getting my hair done by my host sister. She gave me 4 ears! LOL!
