E-pals and IES Students (also Homestay)

So...I've been so busy I've had very little time to blog about all the amazing things that have happened. I'm writing ideas down steadily and trying to find time to get them all up.

First on today's menu are Epals.

IES has an epal program. You can volunteer for it before you leave, but even if you don't, when you arrive in Japan you will be introduced to an epal from your university.

My epal's name is Sawai Yuki.
She is so super cute!!! Very nice too. I have also met some other Epals, besides Yuki. Some of the people I met were Eri, Chihori, Nao, and Risa. I really like them all! Japanese people have got to be the kindest people on this planet!

I have gotten to know a lot of the other IES students, some at Mekai and some at KUIS with me.

I actually have a housemate from Meikai. Her name is Tiara and she is very sweet. She is from Illinois, but doesn't have the attitude of the people in DC (which is nice! She's so polite).

For other people at KUIS: Davy, Christina, Nate, Mike, Funk, etc...I've only really hung out with Davy, and he's pretty cool. Chinese American (won't even try to spell or pronounce his real name), loves video games (arcades are all the rage over here), and is pretty funny (though I feel like I'm being picked on a bit).

From Mekai: Andy, Trent, Krissy, Sarah, Yoshi, etc. Andy and Trent are awesome! Krissy too! She's so small and cute, a mix of several different Asian ethnicities. Yoshi is cool too (his real name is Eduardo). He's from Mexico, but has been in the States forever and goes to college...where again? I don't remember, but he has an awesome job that pays for his education, etc. He's been lots of different places and loves to mountain climb.



About my home-stay...It's pretty awesome. My mom's name is Kurihara Meiko. She's an athlete and eats very healthy. She cooks us delicious foods that I've never had before like Renko aka lotus root, and Goubou (I'm not sure I spelled it right) that if I understand correctly is burdock root. The burdock tastes really good, like a cross between corn and french fries. Good. Yummy. Hungry now...

My dad is Kurihara Masaki. He used to run a coffee/jazz shop but recently had surgery to remove a brain tumor. He is now recovering, but he cannot move or speak. He can see and hear and I have talked to him. He is very shy and sweet!

Some good things about my homestay:

1. Smoke and Alcohol Free!
2. My own room, pretty big, with an actual bed!
3. Someone who cooks me meals everyday without meat
4. Laid back mom.
   
5. Bring friends over if I ask Meiko-san.
6. Stay out a bit late if I ask her.
7. Loving and supporting language learning environment.

Overall, Japan is a pretty sweet place. Everyone should visit!