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Jeepers. Not a whole heck of a lot went on this week.
Last weekend, I was a little sick, so I stayed in. I slept, played a little guitar,
and read. I read "Memoirs of a Geisha" and Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of
Time." Quick reviews:
Memoirs of a Geisha was enjoyable, but Western. Like a Disney movie, almost.
Very informative, and very good book to read. Easy to take in, and hard to put down.
A Brief History of Time told me lots of things I knew from various classes and other
things I had previously read. However, it also gave me a better view of what physics
is up to lately. Unfortunately, I felt that Hawking was inhibited and reluctant to
disclose his personal beliefs on various matters. Overall, apretty good read, and
not too difficult. I wish my physics book last year would have explained some of it
in the ways he did.
We had three tests on Wednesday for Japanese class. After class, I ran for an hour,
then used the computers a bit. A few of us went to the Hard Rock Cafe for Happy Hour,
where everything is half price. I had a few drinks, and a great BLT sandwich. Plus,
I had a 1000 yen off coupon, which allowed me to have quite a bit of food and drink
for what cost me only 1400 yen. Not too shabby for 5 hours. Thursday, I ran for half
an hour and played basketball for another hour. Even today(Saturday) I am quite sore.
Friday, I had afternoon classes of sumie and literature. Sumie is Chinese Black Ink
Painting, and can be quite difficult. Like shodo calligraphy, the brush stroke and
technique can make all the difference. Unfortunately, I have very little talent in
this area, and must resort to less difficult endeavors.
Literature is interesting and boring at the same time. Our professor is very funny,
but in a very subtle way. For instance, yesterday he was telling us a story about an
"impassioned, young girl" who had a fire in her house. Firemen came to put it out,
and she suddenly "had passions for the young fireman." In order to see him again,
she set her house on fire again. Then she ran away, and when they caught her, they
burnt her alive to punish her. How ironic.
He followed this little story with something along the lines of "this girl was very
very passionate. Very passionate. I like that kind of girl." The way he said it made
the class simply burst out laughing. Once he was telling the class about how women
are so inequal in this society, and that he would like to stand up for the less
fortunate women, but he didn't want to get shot.
Anyway, we enjoy the class. Afterward, I went with some friends to a Mexican
restaurant downtown and had tons of great Mexican food. (The owner is mexican,
and married to a Japanese woman.) It was a good time.
One more thing: If you get a free moment, check out www.engrish.com for some fine
examples of Japanese culture and how successful it is at mixing with Western
language and culture. Warning: Occasionally, a picture or caption may contain
strong language, but rarely.
Peace, Love Hotels, Recycle
Chas
(A ryuugakusei is an exchange student.) - 留学生（りゅがくせい）