swankFL

LMAO, it just censored F U K U O K A.

I thought you got a preference... that's what the website led me to believe. They weren't making any promises, but they were promising to try is what it looked like. I'd be taking the ferry, if I get as far as Japan, money will not be my friend. Which port(s) do the boats leave from? I'd probably be arriving by boat from Shanghai in Kobe or Osaka, and visiting a friend from back home living in ***uoka. He's a Mormon over there trying to convert heathen Japanese for the next two years, which I guess that's another way to get there. That's true, it was a can-shaped bottle (screw cap). I did see those mini kegs, complete with the little tap. Man, I miss Japan

I've been to Japan twice, just holidays. The expats I've talked to have all agreed JET or JETS (not sure which) is the best. NOVA (I've heard that NO VAcation bit as well) isn't so highly regarded. I have a Japanese friend enrolled at NOVA, they apparently make you put down a non-refundable tuition for a long course, that a lot of times the students don't like. Not to knock those of you who teach at NOVA, but I've seldom heard a kind word about it. They are everywhere though, if location is what your after. Just look for the pink NOVA usagi. I met a guy who tought at a uni who said it was probably the plushest job you can get, but they aren't easy to come by. There are also jobs in modeling/acting, and if you're black, hip-hop stores. Most of them seemed to be from the Carribbean islands, if I had to guess. One of my mates who went with me kept having bad luck with old Japanese ladies, he got attacked by a Shinto nun (nun is the closest approximation that comes to mind), the first trip. But overall, the Japanese seem really patient and helpful with "temporary gaijin" like myself. Keeping an open mind and respecting their culture goes a long way as well. They always seemed tickled when I was able to speak Japanese. But I don't really know much about living there long-term. Caucasian males might find their popularity with the opposite sex goes through the roof in Japan. I'd try not to let it go to your head, and I imagine it wears thin after a while. I was at a Japanese high school for 3 days at the age of 18, which was well, quite an experience.

Are you doing JETS? I've put some thought into that after uni. Those rural areas are really beautiful, how much does airfare run from one of the main islands? Any passenger ferries run the route? I might be doing some backpacking this summer, funds and time permitting I might make it to Japan again (winter), via the overland route. Did you ever see the 3L cans of brew? Last time I was in Japan (March) I bought a 2L of Asahi Super Dry thinking "cool souvenier, biggest beer can". Then on my last morning, grabbing breakfast at a convenience store near the hostel on the way to Narita, I spied 3L denominations of Super Dry and Kirin Ichiban. I picked up the Ichiban for 2100yen, but wound up pouring most of it out before I got to customs. I wish I had a pic, but both are sitting at my parents place, a considerable distance away. My mate got a $40 bottle of sake poured out right in front of him at customs, being 19. I'm from the United States, originally.

I'm new in town, saw an R33 on campus with the "skylinesaustralia" sticker on it, and thought I'd drop in. Being an international student from the 'States, seeing Skylines on the street is a novel enough experiance. I think there are maybe two Skylines in my city (about the same size of Perth) back home. I've been to Japan twice, and speak a fair bit of the language. I'm studying at ECU (Joondalup) for a sem or two, just to see how I like Australia. So far it suits me pretty well, with the possible exception of not having a car. When's the next meet?