there you go

So here it is then, my "blog". For you. Because you asked for it. It is now an hour after my computer decided that I should not post what I had written, and having calmed down a bit, I am giving this blogging thing another go. I could try and repeat the rant I was going to entertain you with, but instead I will just tell you a bit about me and why I started this blog.

I currently study Japanese at Leiden University (as you probably know, just by looking around this blog, it's everywhere!) and on the 25th of September I am leaving for Nagasaki, Japan. At the university there I'm going to study Japanese, to improve my language skills which I won't be able to do here, and to generally gain a great experience. Cliché? yes. (btw, in the mean time my internet has broken down again - you can't trick me with that save button! I now copy-paste from word!). Back on track: Together with 9 other students from Leiden, all students of Japanese, we are going to live and study in Nagasaki ( http://www.discover-japan.info/pics/nagasaki_map_area.jpg ).

Why? I can't earn any points for my study here, it's far away, I'm leaving my friends and family behind and it's going to cost me a sh*tload of money. Well, the reason is, I want to! :D But I'm not saying leaving everything behind is easy though. People frequently ask me how I think my boyfriend is going to handle me going to Japan. Have you not considered, just because I'm the one that's leaving, that it might be hard for me too?! And on top of that, I won't be surrounded by my friends and family to support me. Just a few select friends who are going to be my family for the next year (yay!).

My point is, this going to Japan thing is stressful. I'm leaving in less than a month's time, and I'm still doing exams (re-sits), organising the Tanuki introduction camp, and arranging all sorts of other things before the big day. I've finally got my visa, I've arranged my insurance, but I'm still working on making my former housemates in Leiden relinquish my post so I can have my money dispenser (credit card) and convincing the authorities that I should get my travel card compensation (though I forget to mention I haven't applied for it yet *shame*) and to top this frustration, I can't work out what on earth the people from the hostel I'm supposed to be staying at before being able to move in to the dorms in Nagasaki are saying:

There is little explanation, and I'm sorry.There are single room and all the twin rooms in a guest house.There are a single room and a twin room in a guest house a dormitory room in a youth hostel.I have already prepared twin room of the same floor and single room 2.May I answer your question?I pray for arriving safely.

Why thank you, I'd appreciate you answering my question (too bad you didn't) and praying for a safe journey can't hurt. But it doesn't help me establish whether or not you have understood what I wrote to you. This sort of thing really shouldn't frustrate me, I'm used to it, but right now, it's a pain

I think for a first time blogger, I have blogged enough, but I don't want to end this rant with a ... rant, so cuddles and giggles to you, good night, sweet dreams, and when inspiration hits me (ow!) you shall hear from me again!

Jennifer.