Adventure: Ashiya Beach

June 26, 2016 - This morning I woke up and Skyped my brother and my parents. It was great to see their faces! I'm really getting excited for my trip home in August for our beach vacation! We're renting a new house this year and I'm anxious to see its interior. I have always liked interior design because of my Mom. One of our favorite activities is to go looking at model homes on the weekend. I know the house will be gorgeous, but I'm ready to see it in person.

Due to me wanting to be at the beach on vacation and the sun finally shining, I decided that today was the day for my beach adventure.

Once I finished laundry and cleaning I packed up and headed for the bus station.

Last night I spoke with my IC (Independent Coordinator) and she advised that going to Iwaya Beach is difficult because buses rarely run. Taking her advice, I searched for a new beach and found Ashiya State Park. It is located just north west of my apartment.

I checked the schedule at Orio Station and took my chances on Bus #90 bound for Ashiya. I knew that even if it didn't take me directly to the beach it would at least put me in its vicinity.

I bought onigiri with umeboshi at 7-11 before I left the station.

I got off at a stop near the port -- 320 yen -- checked the map and found that I was in the perfect spot. The beach was about a half mile walk.

I followed the signs and made it successfully to the beach. I walked down to the water and found a place to sit. There were a group of wind surfers riding the waves and I was mesmerized. Some of these guys were flying in the air! It was incredible.

There was also a game of rugby being played. I had never seen a game played in person before. I've only ever heard about it. A lot of the JHS students plan on playing rugby when they go to HS. It was really neat to see!

As fun as it was to watch, I really wanted to just play! I miss playing sports. I didn't realize how hard it is to be a spectator of sports. Every time I see a a club sports practice at my schools I have the urge to jump in. I miss playing tennis! I really miss the drill clinic I was a part of in McKinney, TX earlier this year. It was intense and I was always drained afterwards. That's the feeling I'm missing --- true physical exhaustion. The weather is starting to become really nice. I know I'll start running outside soon!

I stayed at the beach for about an hour and a half. Next time, I'll bring a blanket, a book, and my swimsuit. This is going to be the perfect way to spend my summer!

I walked to my bus stop and took the bus back to Orio Station -- 320 yen.

Round Trip Fare - 640 yen

From Orio Station I got on a train bound for Wakamatsu. I really have not heard much about Wakamatsu so I decided to check it out.

The station is small and there really isn't much in terms of attractions. However, it is right along the water and the bridge that connects Wakamatsu and Tabata is worth seeing. It felt like a small scale version of the Golden Gate Bridge.

I enjoyed my walk along the water. I stopped by the store and picked up rice balls and Japanese vegetables for dinner. I ate on a bench by the water. It was so peaceful.

After dinner I took a train back to Orio Station.

When I got to the station I dove into my pastry. I have developed a love for bread since coming to Japan. I love their bread. It is delicious and I do not have a negative reaction to it. It's wonderful. The pastry I bought tonight was what I thought to be a plain croissant -- possible filled with chocolate. However, when I bit into it I discovered that it was filled with something I'm calling sweet ube mochi. I have no idea what it's true name is or what it actually is. I just know that it is by far the best pastry I have had so far.

Nom nom nom.

Adventure: Honjo Golf Garden

June 25, 2016 - Let me first start by saying that I was not a happy camper when I woke up this morning. My alarm felt entirely too early. I was comfy and cozy on my futon mattress. It was cool, overcast, and a little misty outside. The perfect weather for drinking coffee and staying curled up in a blanket.

I got up, made a cup of coffee, and caught up with social media. This took me about an hour. Since I don't have data on my phone the only time I can access social media is when I'm at my apartment, or when I happen upon a wifi spot.

Once I showered and got ready, I started to plan my day.

Today's adventure: Honjo Golf Garden

Honjo Golf Garden

Last weekend I came across a second hand shop that sold used golf clubs. They had a seven iron and a putter from the same set that I demoed. I liked them and wanted to get them but, because I would have had to carry them through the other stores I was going to shop in I decided to hold off and wait on purchasing them.

I took the train from Orio Station to Honjo Station and walked to the second hand shop. The clubs were still there! I bought the seven iron, the putter, and a sleeve of golf balls for 1,770 yen ($17.70). It was a steal!

From the second hand shop I walked to Honjo Golf Garden. The walk wasn't too far, about 1 mile or so. The though part was that I was wearing a tennis skirt and it was a little windy.

When I made it Honjo Golf Garden (HGG) I was proud but filled with anticipation. The easy part was getting there. The tough part would be actually getting to play.

Honjo Golf Garden - Bay 24

I walked in the doors, smiled and said,

"Konichiwa! Sumimasen. Gomenasai, Nihingo ga hansemasen."
Hello! Excuse me. I'm sorry, I do not speak Japanese.

She smiled and said,

"So so."
Yes.

I asked,

"Kore wa ikura desu ka?"
How much is this?

I was pointing to the 80 ball option.

She walked me over to the card machine where I selected what amount of balls I wanted; paid; and received my ball card voucher. Then she walked me outside and showed me how to collect the balls. She motioned that I should go to the second level because the first level was crowded.

Honjo Golf Garden - in door putting green 

I thanked her and went on my way.

"Arigato gozaimashita!"
Thank you!

What a success. I found a bay and started hitting. It may not be exactly the same as Top Golf, but it was peaceful, inexpensive, and exactly what I was looking for.

Cafe Au Lait, Honjo Golf Garden

To know that I can come back to this place makes me so happy. It may start to be a part of my weekend routine.

I hit for about an hour and then was on my way.

Bay 24 - Honjo Golf Garden

H.G.G - Honjo Golf Garden

When I left the driving range I realized I was not far from Futajima Station where the AEON shopping center is. I decided to head to AEON today instead of putting it off until tomorrow. I needed to get a pair of black pants for work and a pair of casual sneakers for walking around.

AEON Futajima

I shopped around and finally found what I needed:

- 1 pair of black pants
- 1 pair of all white NIKE sneakers

I stopped in the grocery store and bought onigiri with umeboshi for dinner. I then headed for Futajima Station where I took the train back to Orio.

Futajima Station 

Futajima Station

Adventure: Exploring Orio

June 19, 2016 - I started my Sunday by having granola I bought while grocery shopping last night at Hallo Day. I was so excited when I came across it! There were three options:

• Grains with raisins 
• Meat with vegetables 
• Grains with dried pineapple, apple slices, and corn 

I went with the third option. The granola and dried fruit is great ... the corn is a little interesting. I cannot image how anyone would eat the granola with meat and vegetables. I'm going to stay far away from that option.

Today's Adventure -

I had wanted to venture out to the beach today but since I got a late start I missed the bus from Orio Station. Apparently the bus ride there is only offered 3 times and all 3 depart before noon. I'll try again next weekend and plan it out a little better. From what I've researched online the beach looks great! I am really excited to see it!

Even though I didn't get to walk in the sand, today was not a waste. I explored the area around my apartment and found many restaurants, shops, and bars that are well within walking distance.

When I left my apartment I headed in the opposite direction of the way I head to school in the morning. I wanted to see what I have been missing.

Here are the highlights:

I'm within walking distance of another metro line: Honjo Stop, Chickuho Main Line

There is a Coco Ichibanya down the street. My brother MJ loves this place!

I found a second hand store that sells golf clubs and putters. I found a 7 iron and putter that I'll probably go back for next weekend. The 7 iron was about 380 yen and the putter was 100 yen. I was shocked!

UNIQLOis right down the street from me! They are the perfect place for me to shop. Everything is neutral, breathable, and meant to be interchanged. This is by far my favorite Japanese store. niko and ... is very similar, but Uniqlo"s prices are better.

My Japanese bank account has been activated. Today was my first time interacting with the ATM all on my own. It was a success. *They have an English setting.

I found so many bars and restaurants I am excited to try.

On my walk back I caught myself being a tourist.

Adventure: Futajima AEON

June 18, 2016 - This morning I could have slept in longer, but I had to be ready for the IC to pick me up at 10:00 a.m. and go to the AU phone store. There was one last thing to finalize with my Japanese mobile contract. Everything went smoothly and I am so grateful for the IC's help. Without them I would still be sitting at AU making little to no progress.

I Skyped with my family this morning and heard about their upcoming move. They are packing up the last few rooms and will be out by the end of this week. I cannot believe how quickly time is going by. I am really looking forward to visiting them in August.

Orio Station

This afternoon I headed out to AEON Shopping Plaza. I took the train from Orio Station to Futajima Station and found my way just fine.

Onigiri with kombu from Family Mart 112 yen. 

I'm slowly starting to get the hang of traveling around. I wear my sneakers most of the time because everyone walks everywhere here. While I was at AEON I browsed through the shoe department and scoped out a few potential options for summer sandals. It's going to be uncomfortably hot here soon and I want to make sure I'm prepared. They have so many cute comfortable options I don't think I'll have trouble.

*Side note: my heart ached walking through the shoe department when I saw the rainboots I atually wanted. They're just like the ones I bought at SunLive expect they're all green. They also had a pair of tall green United Colors of Benetton rain boots. I walked away quickly ...

The goal of today's trip to AEON was to buy some work tops. I have exhausted my options for school outfits and I needed a few new pieces to interchange. I walked the entire mall once, just browsing and comparing prices. I then did another lap and picked out what I thought would work best. I ended up buying pieces from HusHusH and AEON's in house brands. It was a success!

Starbucks at Futajima AEON Shopping Plaza

After finding the clothes I needed I headed over to Starbucks. A perfect ending to a great shopping trip!

Grande Soy Latte 

With my Starbucks in hand I headed for the station.

Since I was able to check train times using Starbucks wifi, I avoided arriving too early to the station and having to wait for a train. The picture below is of a Wish Tree that is used to celebrate Tanabata. People write their wishes and hopes on pieces of colorful paper and hang them from bamboo trees. I think there is a festival that happens in July --- I need to research and find out because I would like to go.

Futajima Station

When I got back to my apartment I unpacked my bags and indulged in the donut I picked up while shopping. The brand Mister Donut is extremely popular in Japan and I eye their display every time I pass one. I finally got to purchase my first donut and I chose a matcha cake donut. Nom nom nom.

Mister Donut - Matcha Cake Donut

I changed into one of my new outfits and headed out to do some grocery shopping.

My outfit matched my Starbucks cup.

Tonight I did my grocery shopping at Hallo Day. On my way there I did a little exploring. I walked down the side streets scoping out restaurants and bars for next weekend. It turns out that there a quite a few restaurants around my apartment ... bad news is, they look for traditional and very Japanese. I'm going to have to practice my new phrases if I want to even have a chance at getting seated.

So after 23 days of being in Japan I finally caved. I made myself a cup of hot chocolate; served myself a slice of matcha roll cake; and logged into Netflix to watch Suits.

3 weeks, 2 days -- Netflix wins.

Adventure: Riverwalk, Kokura Castle, and Kokura Station

June 5, 2016 - Today was an adventure. I woke up surprising early and started my day instead of sleeping in as planned. Yesterday I spent most of the day running necessary errands. Setting up my cell phone was a major check off my to-do list. So today I thought I would do some exploring -- finally see the city I am living in. I checked a few travel sites, the train schedules, packed my bag, and headed out for my day in Kitakyushu. Here was my plan: 

Take the train from Orio Station to Nishi Kokura Station, 370 yen
Walk to the Riverwalk Shopping Center
Visit Kokura Castle
Find the Riverwalk Starbucks
Walk to Kokura Station
Visit AMU Plaza
Take the train from Kokura Station to Orio Station, 370 yen

13:30
I arrived to Nishi Kokura Station without a problem. Leaving the station I happened upon a bike rental kiosk. From what I gathered, you can rent the bike from this location and then return it to either the same kiosk, or any of the other kiosks listed on the map. I've always heard that the best way to see a city is by bike or on foot. I'm adding this to my list of "to-do's" for the future.

13:40
I found the Riverwalk Shopping Center by following the signage on the streets. They have directional arrows pointing towards major attractions -- written in English! The Riverwalk is massive. It is a 6 story shopping center with a food court, cinema, and it is attached to the preforming arts center and art museum. It was sensory overload. I decided to just start from the bottom and work my way to the top.

14:30
After browsing through stores and window shopping I finally came across a store that had what I was looking for. I have been needing to get a few work tops. The problem is finding stops that are structured enough and conservative enough. I have four suits that I rotate between, but I have only 2 tops to wear with them. I'm trying to avoid having to do laundry every night. In Japan the concept of a dryer does not exist. Everyone hang dry's their clothing. This can be inconvenient at times. It is something I am working to get used to.

The store that I found is called "niko and ...". It is brilliant. The color scheme is earth tones and neutrals. They're clothing is reasonably priced and sturdy. Nothing felt cheap. I found a top that would work with both of my suits and ended up buying it in black and white. It's sturdy like a sweater, but light and airy enough to wear for these summer months. It also has a high neckline and covers my arms which is important for Japanese schools.

This was my first clothing shopping experience. I have never felt more "mute". A shop girl came up and asked me if I wanted a dressing room. I could tell what she was asking for by her body language and gestures, however I could not respond. I stood there frozen holding the shirts in my hand. Finally I motioned for the dressing room and followed her as she led me. 

I had never been in a dressing room like this before. There was a wood palate on the floor that acted as the official changing area -- no shoes are allowed on the wood. There was a sign that explained you needed to take your shoes off and put on a "face cover" when trying on clothing.

As wild as this was it all made sense. There have been many times when I have avoided trying something on because I did not want to chance getting my makeup on it. Well not in Japan. In Japan I can try on bright white tops and not worry about staining them. This was a highlight of my day. *I saved the face cover and plan on using when I get dressed in the mornings.

When I made my way to the checkout I was asked if I had my passport. Luckily I did and was able to receive this purchase Tax Free. The Riverwalk has many shops that offer Tax Free shopping -- future me is unbelievably happy!

15:00
The Kokura Castle is right across from the Riverwalk. I made my way to the ground level of the shopping center and found the path that led right to the castle. It was so peaceful and serene. I felt like I had stepped back in time.

15:10
I found the Riverwalk Starbucks ... but it is currently undergoing a renovation. It will be opening on July 1st! I'll just have to make a trip back. It is located on the ground floor of the Riverwalk and faces out towards the Kokura Castle. It's a perfect location and I cannot wait to order a drink here.

15:30
I made my way from the Riverwalk to Kokura Station. I browsed through the AMU Plaza and looked in a few of the shops that line the street. Since the Riverwalk Starbucks was undergoing renovations I stopped into the Kokura Starbucks. The line was out the door. There were probably 20 people ahead of me. There was a Starbucks barista who was walking around passing out menus to everyone waiting. When I got to the counter I ordered as follows, "Grande Latte, onegaishimasu." I paid 447 yen and was given my receipt/ticket.

The Starbucks in Japan have a great system. Instead of ordering your drink and then wondering off, you get into the line for people who are waiting on their drink. When you get up to the counter you lay down your receipt and the barista checks it. This is to ensure everyone gets their drink. It's wonderful. It eliminates all confusion and as a foreigner who cannot speak the language, I was able to understand and participate in the system without any problem.

When my turn came up I received my drink and took it upstairs to the second level where I found a small table to sit at. I logged into the Starbucks wifi and was able to download podcasts, apps, and use Google translator on my phone. *My apartment does not have wifi. I have to use a LAN line.* It was really nice to be able to use my phone, check Instagram, and check in on Facebook.

16:40
I took my Starbucks with me and headed for Kokura Train Station. There was a train scheduled to leave at 16:55 bound for Orio Station. I purchased my ticket (370 yen) and found my platform. When I boarded the train I thought to myself, "Alright, moment of truth. Am I heading in the right direction?". This is the thought I have every time I board a train.

16:55
I left Kokura Station and headed in the direction of Orio Station -- success!

17:35
I arrived to Orio Station and headed back to my apartment.

--- Mission accomplished.