Today

Today, we went on trains to look around an apartment we can rent. We rode from Shinjuku station to Shibuya, then rode on a different train to Takatsu. There we walked for a long time, in a humid weather. Then, when we got to the apartment, we looked for about 30 seconds then headed back, listening to every body (like Kao, Non, and Mico) complain, me telling Mom I'm dehydrating, and so on. Dad stopped on the way to call the realtor, and meet at the station. We walked more, the finally! We were back at station, then after we went to the restroom, this man in long pants said "Is this Saito-san?" (Of course in Japanese) I asked Mom," How does he know?" (Of course in ENGLISH) And Mom said that she told him she had 4 daughters. So he must know, right?

He came riding in a tiny car, so we squeezed ourselves in the back. It was a place for 3 adults, not for an adult + 4 children! Well, Mom put Mico on her lap, which is not a big deal, because Mico isn't that heavy. We were still squished. You know what I did? PUT NON ON MY LAP!!! A third grader on a sixth and seventh grader's lap? Well, she made an awfully red mark on my lap. We sat in the car, and came to the apartment that we stayed for about 30 seconds. We climbed the stairs, went in a room, and looked around. It was OK. I like the house in SC the BEST. We looked at an another room, and Kao liked that room better. Then, we got on the car again, with Non on my lap, we went to another apartment's owner's house for the key.

After the realtor got the key, we went to the other apartment. There were many hills, and many curves, but the room was better than the 1st and the 2nd one. It was very dirty, and the tatami mats were being changed, so it was messy also. In the room that's something like next door neighbors, people are moving in during mid-July. Because it was the same style, we looked at it. I liked it. Still, my favorite house is in Lexington, SC.

We went back to the station and rode back we stepped out the crowded train, and we started walking when suddenly, I heard a sound. I turned around. I saw Mico holding her cheek. I asked Mom what happened. She said that this lady slapped Mico in the face with her handbag. I asked what she said. Mom said " Nothing. No ' I'm sorry' or 'Excuse me' or anything" I got mad. I told Mico " If somebody hits you again and not say that he or she was sorry, you can hit them back." Ha. I felt much better. I really did.

We went to the bank so we can get some cash in Yen．Mom and I were talking and this old man squeezed between us to reach the wastebasket. Without saying " Excuse me." I really got mad. I mean, why can't people around here have some manners? I can understand Mico crying because she got the culture shock. She has only lived here, I mean have a house and not stay in a hotel or at grandparents' house, for only two years. I have lived in Japan for eight years, and I have a culture shock. How come?

We went to Royal Host for lunch today. If your waitress gives you your refill of water, don't you say " Thank you?" Well, Mom and I said Thank you in Japanese, she didn't say " You're welcome." She just ran away. She also looked surprised. I can't stand the thought that we are going to live here, in a manner-less place. Oh well. We'll escape from here soon, I hope. Even though it is 4:50 P.M., I am very sleepy. Some people might know I am a late sleeper, I woke up at believe it or not- 1:25 A.M. !!!!!!! Jet lag, you know, but I called Halsey today and talked to her and I found out that I just love Jet lag!

Any ways, if you plan visiting here, I think should bring some anti-culture shock pills!!! (as if there's any) Well, Goodbye till next time!

Typed by Chi