Dirty Japanese

This book is seriously genius. Though it would seem at first glance a rediculous guide to communicate nasty pickup lines and scandalous statements in Japanese (although they definitely do exist), it's actually a very practical expression book and culture guide! But first, here's some of my favorite dirty phrases...hehe

What the fuck?
nande yanen
なんでやねん！

I am a pathetic bed wetter
watashi wa sho mo nai onesho desu
私輪しょうもないオネショです。

Shit, I'm really fucking baked
yabai ore itachatte iru wa
ヤバい、俺、イちゃっているわ。

That girl from the club gave me the clap.
kurabu no ko ni rimbyo o moratcchatta
クラブの子に淋病をもらっちゃった。

bukkake (skeet skeet skeet)
bukkake
ぶっかけ

I need to shave my bikini line
bikini rain o soranakya
ビキニライをそらなきゃ。

playing the skin flute
shakuhachi
尺八

Fucking cops.
poriko no aho
ポリこうのアホ

It's a biker cop!
shirobai da
白バイだ！

I know, graphic but hilarious. However, that's only about a third of the book. The rest is quite useful: casual greetings for friends, how to describe people (ditz, recluse, lazy bum), witty sayings, and things young hip people do for fun. There's plenty of practical phrases to get you by without sounding like a robot foreigner full of textbook-produced expressions (I know I need that). It's really a great insight to how the younger generation of Japanese people really speak among each other and what they're all about, although some of it may seem a bit strange and perverse. Like the author admits, "When you're among friends or fellow debauchers, let's face it--'Konnichiwa, yoroshiku onegai shimassu' is going to make you stand out like...well..a foreigner."
Dirty Japanese by Matt Fargo

The Plan.

I just wanted to jot down exactly what I hope for this blog once I actually get to Japan. I hope to write as often as I can (hoping every day in the beginning) but it all depends on Internet availability. Internet is not as common in the average Japanese home as it is in America (yeah, surprised me too) but it'll definitely be available at the University where I'll be spending most of my days.

If you know me, you know I love to take videos and pictures, so I'll be adding all those and as much detail of my experiences as possible! I'm way excited!

Keep in touch with Skype! It's free and I'll get a web cam so I can really say hi! My screen name is calyon42.
Oh, the other thing: I've found out there are 45 total participants in the Fall program, and only a couple others go to school in California!! I'm really gonna be out of my element!

Nerves Setting In

So I successfully finished Japanese class, along with the culture class I mentioned in the previous post. Both turned out to be extremely rewarding, for my own personal growth as well as for the development of my language skills. I can't decide if I feel better equipped to deal with the language barrier now, or more frightened now that I know what I'm up against; there's just so much more to learn, I may have just been more comfortable being blissfully ignorant! All is well though, I'm trying to calm myself as I count down the weeks to my departure (less than 4!) and sadly to my boyfriend of 6 years' departure for his own China/Vietnam study abroad trip (less than 3 weeks!). That could be a whole post topic in itself, but let's just say he's been my other half for more than a third or my life and separating for so long may be the most difficult thing I've had to do. However, I know we'll both be off having the times of our lives and coming back together will be that much more sweet.

As an update, I've received my Certificate of Eligibility (a requirement to apply for a visa) from CIEE in the mail, and am about to send it in along with my passport for my student visa! I've made flight arrangements, and now just figuring out how I'm going to pack for 5 months in a foreign country and how to deal with money. Apparently using an ATM or credit card is the way to go, along with plenty of travelers checks. It is a cash society, so I'm going to have to get used to carrying yen with me all the time. CIEE reports that past students have spent about $5000 per semester (I'm assuming that's not including extra travel expenses and all the dough they dropped down on nightlife fun), so that gives you and I an idea of how expensive Tokyo really is.

I'll also say that the Tokyo travel guides I recommended (Lonely Planet and Eye Witness books) are extremely helpful and complement each other very well. Lots of pictures and visual aids in Eye Witness, and plenty of detail and insider info about Tokyo in the Lonely Planet guide. I can't seem to research this country enough! It's definitely getting me excited enough to look past the jitters and realize how priceless this experience will be.