Biking mice from Kyoto

Hi everyone! Good to have you here.

Some people have been asking me why I am not writing in Dutch. It is simply because in English is easier to express myself, I rather read English books than Dutch books. Also at the moment I am being surrounded by people who only talk english so I even think my thoughts in english. It is just easier for me.

Sometimes I will be translating text into Dutch but with lots of writing it take alot of time. So sorry guys but it will be mainly in English. But if you are really having trouble just use google translate.

Also there seems to be a problem with people using an iPad who want to post a comment. I have no idea what is causing this, it seems to be only the problem with ipad. I will look into a solution!

Thursday and friday I had to be at the uni for a tour around the complex, getting insurance and have my Japanese language level check.

The check wasn't really a test, it was a little conversation with the very sweet and patient Japanese teacher. She spoke English and Japanese with you to see how your level was and we talked about goals. I have to start working on my writing and reading for now.

The university is HUGE and I don't want to go back to my own school anymore because this is place is just amazing. The art shop is big and have everything imaginable, every faculty has it's own huge building on the uni grounds, we are surrounded by forests AND the most important thing: the cafeteria. The cafeteria has amazing, delicious and most of all big dishes, side dishes and desserts. I had a big plate of rice with deep fried delicious pork cutlet ontop with a nice savoury sauce... and it cost 230yen which is like 2 euros. This cafeteria is just amazing where you can get all the free green tea you can drink.

I will post some pictures and tell little stories with them now because it is late and I have my first day of school tomorrow!

Some of the lovely exchange student. This is such a great group of people!

Thursday 5 of us went out for okonomiyaki near our dorm.
Okonomiyaki is a mix between pizza and pancake Japan style.
Mine had onions, beef, other veggies and dried fish flakes ontop. Delish!

So everything in Kyoto is pretty far apart and getting around on foot is impossible and getting around by public transportation is very expensive. So! I bought the most amazing bicycle I have ever seen.

I got it at a secondhand bike shop downtown and I payed about 70 euros for it with registration and all.

The blue one is mine!! Isn't it pretty and cute? And it rides real nice.

The bikeshop guy checking my bike.

I already rode my bike alot today and yesterday. I am insanely happy with it, mostly because everyone else already had a bike so now we can do cycling trips together! We dominated the road like true biker mice.

Temple grounds near the bike shop

A little stream and cherry blossoms right in the center of Kyoto city.

And now for everyone who wanted to see my room!:

Panorama of my room. It is actually bigger than expected. I have a big closet on the right, a heater/airco and enough room to put my stuff.

The bedding has a traditional futon-style cover which is open on the top...have no clue why.

Desk and working space for the next 4 months. 

There is a box of free posters at the school which are mostly beautiful and colorful. Just something to cheer the previously depressing room up a bit!

These are my house slippers I change into when taking off my shoes.

Well I must say I already feel really at home here. Tonight I cooked a meal for the first time. It was white rice with on the side I scrambled eggs with onions, mushrooms and spring onions in a sauce. Also I steamed some edamame beans and added a little salt as a veggie sidedish. Pretty delicious and very cheap!

Especially the girls I went on my floor and the ones I went okonomiyaki eating with are great and so much fun, it makes me miss home way less.

So like i said, tomorrow is the first day of school! I am going to pick my classes for the coming 4 months and will be introducted to my class. Also I get to see my friend Miku again!

See you soon! Mata ne!

Love.