Exploring Kanazawa

Yesterday, my host sister invited me to Kanazawa Station. We got there by bus and met some of her friends. They’re going to a concert in april, and were buying the tickets to Osaka. I didn’t really understand much of what they were talking about, but it was interesting looking around the station. I got my bus card, so now I don’t have to worry about having exact change… just making sure there’s money on it XD.

Since I was finally able to pack the day before, I gave my host family their omiyage (gifts). I gave them maple candy, Canada pens and pins and a book with pics of Alberta. I was kinda embarrassed to I gave it to them before I went for a bath. They seemed to really like them so it made me happy.

Today My host sis took me for a walk around Kenrokuen Garden and our neighbourhood. It’s still cold, so everything looks kinda dead, but I’m sure it will be quite beautiful when the cherry blossoms bloom There were so many little shops and I now know where some of my gifts are coming from XD. There is also ice cream at almost every shop. We stopped for some. I got matcha (green tea), it was actually kinda good… a little bitter but good. She also showed me where to get on the bus for school and the nearest post office ATM for me to withdraw money. I don’t remember how to get to either, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.

This evening, I had to go back to city hall, because they needed a picture for my alien registration card. After, I went back to the Ishikawa International Exchange Building to apply for my Japanese lessons. I had a mini interview and then a 60 question test (100 points) afterwards to determine what level class I should take. My speaking ability sucks, but the test went better… although there were some questions I pretty much guessed >.<. I’m looking forward to the lessons twice a week since I will be able to improve that much faster.

Btw, there were tons of tourists at Kenrouken. I was surprised by how many there were when the sakura haven’t even bloomed yet. While we were there I got stared at by both the Japanese and the foreigners XD probably because of my hair (red) or maybe my age… The staring is still quite amusing. I can’t help but smile sometimes ^^. I think it also enforces the fact I’m in Japan! :D

Freedom and Family Info

I’M FREE!~
I finished high school (at least in Canada) about a week ago. It’s such a huge relief off my shoulders XD. I think I did pretty good on all my finals, except maybe math >.< Hopefully I will find out my marks before I leave.

(This turned into a pretty long post…)

50 days left! I can't believe it. Under 2 months left now…Time is gonna go by so fast! The fact that I’m leaving yet for an entire year doesn’t feel like a reality yet…

I recently got a package with AFS about my host family! They seem like a really fun family from the photos they sent. I have also emailed my host sister ^-^. She seems really sweet. From her email, I found out that she is going to the USA for a year with AFS, and would leave in august. That means that she would only be with me for half of my exchange, which kinda sucks, but I’m excited for her. She said that her English isn't very good, so we’re kinda in the same boat (her English, my Japanese). We can help each other learn ^^. None of my other host family speaks English, which shall be interesting trying to communicate O.o… I’m sure there will be lots charades in the beginning XD.

They own a motorcycle shop! That came as quite a shock (but in a good way). My host dad seems to really like them. My host mom also helps with the motorcycle shop and likes hula dancing. ~(^-^~) <--Hula dancer XD. My host sister likes break dancing, which I think is really cool (although I am too uncoordinated to do it XP). And my host brother likes basketball. I don’t seem to have anything in common with them, so I’m not sure why they picked me, but I don’t care cause I’m quite happy with my placement!


金沢 - Kanazawa literally means Marsh of Gold. They are famous for making gold leaf. I think they are the only other city that have geisha besides Kyoto.

They live about a ten-minute walk from 兼六園 - Kenrokuen, one of the most famous gardens in Japan. It looks sooo pretty! I will be getting to Japan around the time for 花見 – hanami/cherry blossom viewing, so we would go there, which would be awesome! Their house is also about a 30 min. drive away from Japan Sea!
Click HERE for more pics and info about Kanazawa.

I must say, I was a little disappointed that I was so far away from Tokyo, but the more I learn about Kanazawa, the more I love my placement. My host family seems awesome, and since my area is less tourist-y, my Japanese will be forced to improve faster/better cause there will be less people who speak English.

I still don’t know much about my school other than the classes and clubs offered. They offer Korean!! I really hope I can take it, tho I don't know how much I’ll learn taking a foreign language in a foreign language ^~^’ .I would like to know what the uniforms look like (my host sister says they’re cute ^^). I don’t know what grade I’m in either. I know I won’t be in grade 12, cause they will be to busy studying for uni. entrance exams. I’m hoping I’ll be in grade 11. Grade 10 seems too young, since I will be turning 18 in June. Grade 11 would mean 16/17 year old ppl, which I think I would get along better with since they are closer to my age. People told me I could pass for 16 (I guess I look young). My host sister will be in grade 11, so they might put me in her class, or at least her grade.

I have also been fiddling with the layout of my blog. I haven’t been happy with the past 2 I’ve had…not colourful enough I think :p. I should (hopefully) have it finished soon…