別の外人

Today is a good day: I have sorted out everything. Well, the stupid Shanghai accom guy hasn't gotten back to me yet, but I'm not too worried, there are many things on Craigslist if this doesn't pan out. But otherwise, I have booked a night in a capsule hotel:


Doesn't it just look funky.

Best bit is, I'm gonna have a frigging massive holdall.

...

I think I'm gonna have to sleep on it.

Still, it's gonna be such an experience ^_^






I also purchased a Japan Rail Pass for 7 days from a place in Bristol that does it. I calculated, and to get from Osaka to Utsunomiya one way, it normally costs about £100, so the unlimited travel on JR trains for 7 days for about £170 is a great deal. Hopefully gonna also go to Nagoya with it too: thank god for the tourist visa!! Should probably check though that I don't need to get that in advance...

Also, now have a hand luggage bag/backpack type thing. It's pretty good, is designed to hold a laptop, and as long as it doesn't go over Emirates 7kg limit, all will be well... :P

Tomorrow going into Bath to get a few more yen (Have 30000 atm, but 21000 of that is going towards paying for a ferry, so another £50's worth is probably needed), padlocks, medicines and bras. Then, hopefully, that's it. GASP.

Since last posting, I found out I managed to fail my re-sit, and so I am instead going to Shanghai for the year. I am staying in the JW Marriott for a few days immediately upon arrival. However, the arrangements have all been epically complicated:

a) my old JW202 form is no longer valid, so I have to get a new one when I get there
b) I've changed to single honours
c) I had to find somewhere to live, as the university has run out of accommodation
d) My visa is currently only valid for 90 days
e) I need to stay in Japan for a week - currently going to Nagoya and Utsunomiya
f) I need to get from Osaka to Shanghai
g) I have £2000 of RMB to take with me, whoa.

Point f) has been the most complicated, since I found a very good price flight, but the company only allows you to pay with a Chinese bank card, and I can't open an account til I get there. I want my residence permit, but I have to register with the police first, scary stuff.

Butttttt it seems to be getting sorted out:
a) I have got somewhere to live, hopefully.
b) I have a visa
c) I have money (but no credit card, idiots still haven't replied)
d) I have booked a place on the ferry from Osaka to Shanghai, heh
e) I have a holdall for my luggage
f) I have bought loads of underwear. Yay ^_^

So, with under 2 weeks to go, just gotta figure out what I still need to do:
Buy bras (have one new one :P but need more)
Buy deodorant/Marmite/Calpol/Strepsils
Figure out what Dubai ban
Figure out costs of Japanese trains
Buy hand luggage bag
Get more yen to pay for ferry.

Hopefully, that's it :D

ONE MONTH TO GO

Well, it is now the 25th July, and it is safe to say that my preparations are pretty much underway. I have purchased my plane tickets (yay) from Emirates, flying out from Heathrow on the 28th August at 14.15, changing at Dubai. It is only a single ticket, as I am going to fly later from Osaka to Shanghai, and then goodness knows what. :P I have also sent off my application for my University of Leeds insurance.

But at least we get to fly on the world's largest plane :D

HOWEVER, currently there is a spanner in the works for me. I have to resit Basic Japanese 2, as I failed the module by one mark, and I can't get my Certificate of Eligibility (necessary to obtain a Japanese visa) until it has been confirmed that I have passed. My flight has been paid for regardless, as I don't intend to fail again :P

Time is really ticking away, and I have said goodbye to one of my friends for the year, which is a bit frightening. I have got my farewell party coming up in a few weeks, and I know that is going to be terribly sad. Still, I am going to Japan with friends, and hoping I'll make more when I'm over there :)

The confusing thing now is figuring out how much to pack; I have a 30kg weight limit on luggage with Emirates, but I was intending on taking a large rucksack; now I am wondering whether a large holdall with wheels might work better... We'll see.

My checklist so far:
Studying In progress
Passport Yes
Certificate of Eligibility No
Visa No
Flight Yes
Insurance In progress
Rucksack/Holdall No