Omiya Park

Today I ventured out to Omiya Park. About a 20-25 minute walk from my apartment, I was very pleased with what I found. Omiya park is a wonderment to behold. It has everything from a baseball stadium to a zoo. With winding paths, flower gardens and kyo ponds I enjoyed a peaceful stroll through its maze like set up. Crows are abundant here in Japan, especially in the cities. However, the park has much more to offer. There are many types of birds and sounds that I have never seen or heard before. I hope the summer will bring even more animals to the park. The ponds are full of kyo fish. It's fun to watch their heads bob up and down along the shore hoping for a bite to eat.
There are so many people walking through the park as well. Mainly the elderly or middle aged women who don't work. They're all being active in some way or other. People doing aerobics, walking, running and biking. Some come, I assume, to just sit and listen to the crows bickering at each other. Others come for the sites. Photographers waiting for that one bird or perfect lighting. Yet even more come to visit the temples. The temples were beautiful and well kept. You can witness tons of people walking up to the temple shrines to offer their prayers. I was nervous to approach the temples or even enter them because I didn't want to appear disrespectful. I know very little about the customs and rituals, which makes going in very nerve racking. I eventually made my way in out of pure curiosity. I didn't take pictures because it seemed inappropriate. Many people were reaching out to the trees in the courtyard. From what I know, the Japanese have a great respect for nature and believe it has a strong spiritual presence. They strongly believe in their traditions, culture and nature. I can't wait to learn more.
I enjoyed visiting Omiya park and I can't wait to go back. Hopefully I'll be able to see some baseball games or visit the zoo. I think the park will be exciting during the summer months and I look forward to it.

Brian

Finally!

Hey there everyone,

I know a few of you might be worried about me, but fear not for I have come out unscathed. Well mostly unscathed. I am mostly settled into my new apartment and today I finished getting a bank account, a phone and you guessed it. Internet. It's been hard communicating exactly what I need but everyone that has helped me has been incredibly patient and kind. It helps that I know a bit of Japanese, such as "could you say it one more time", "I don't understand" or "Yes, that's right", but every time I get into a conversation I pray they know a little bit of English.

I've been able to get a bit of food and I finally have a futon. I'm slowly getting it together and after my first paycheck I think I'll be much better off. I'm trying to get some pictures uploaded but it's taking blogger forever to upload a single photo. I'll look into other ways of getting my photos up. For now, just know I'm doing well and I'll update regularly from now on.

Brian

Apartment Tour

Hey there guys. This is just a quick tour video through my apartment. Not great or anything but gives you an idea about what I'm living in. I'll try to get more videos and pictures uploaded later. Enjoy!

Brian

Dawn of the Final Day: 24 Hours Remain

Well not exactly 24 hours, but close enough. Man oh man, the day has finally arrived. I'll be headed out to Japan tomorrow morning and I am just a mixture of excited, nervous, scared and anxious. I'll be flying out of Grand Rapids at 8:10 where I'll take a brief stop in Detroit to board my next plane. Then from there it's a non-stop flight to Narita International Airport. From Narita Airport I'll then have to make an hour and a half train ride into Omiya Station where I will be picked up and taken to my apartment. I'm certainly nervous about making my way to Omiya by myself. However, it'll be an experience that I'm ready to handle. 

It'll be awhile before I might have Internet, so I'll update as soon as I can with pictures and video of what's going on. I know I posted it on facebook already but I'll say it again. Please do not call or text my phone. The fees are insane and I do not want to have to pay for them. If you want to contact me please do it through Facebook or email. I will eventually get back to you. 

Awhile ago I was very worried as to whether or not I should be taking this trip. I was worried about whether it was the right move. And even now I don't know. However, and it may seem silly, but I eventually made my decision after I saw this scene from "The Hobbit". 

Gandalf and Bilbo

I still don't know if this is the best choice, but I do know that when I get back I'll have a story to tell and it will be my own. I'm looking forward to sharing my story with you. Adventure awaits!
Brian
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