This city is alive.

My job continues to surprise me from day to day. Though I haven't been given any particularly monumental tasks, I have been doing research for the company regarding university programs as well as opportunities for growth for the company. Ryugaku plans to revamp its English website, and I was able to offer my suggestions comparing the current site with those of other competitors. Both myself and my fellow co-worker/intern were also interviewed for Ryugaku's blog, which was a flattering personal opportunity to reflect on this experience at large. This is my first real taste of corporate life, and I could not be happier learning from my co-workers and being invested in a company who recgonizes the value of multiculturality and studies abroad. I have had the privilege of being asked to speak this weekend, as well as teach English to students, so I will be able to contribute what skills I have as a tutor and teacher to the company.

City life begs for stories to be told. And I, with my heart on my sleeves, am all ears. And though I am so many miles from home, I am finding bits of home even while abroad. Home, for me, is what I make of it. And perhaps, it’s my heart that wants to acclimate. I march around with a bravado that I’ve got it all under control, but really, I’m still the nervous wreck shaking in my boots. But all I can do is soldier on.

While the work week keeps me tuckered out by 6 PM, I have spent my Friday and weekend gallivanting about the town catching up on some quality adventuring. With a city alive in color, you could not ask for more.

I love the different shades of color I was able to capture while walking and taking this picture.

Butter corn ramen is heaven in a bowl... or heart cancer in a bowl. I'll take it.

I love the artistic feel of Harajuku. We came here for okonomiyaki.

Puts a whole new meaning to "eating your heart out". Okonomiyaki is comparable to a pancake mixed with veggies, meat, and sauce. Group eating sessions are way too much fun.

Myself and 3 other interns decided not to take the convenient train system to the Sendagaya guest house. We walked...for 2 hours... through Yoyogi park. This was me towards the end.

Katsu-don and soba. For 800-ish yen. Look at that portion size!

Shinjuku is just as alive.

Of course, what else do narcissistic interns do? PURIKURA. Photo stickers are great (embarrassing) memories.

Japan has such incredible architecture.

Quite possibly the most adorable meal ever. We went to a maid cafe. Long story short: there were girls in high-pitched nasally voices whisking us off into wonderland and singing to us while serving food. Yeah, you think it's paradise until you pay almost  $100 for service. My ears were ringing afterwards. You can imagine why.

A visit to touristy Japan is always in order. Asakusa was beautiful.

Okay explanation: a little show was going on in the temple square, where monkeys would do tricks at the sound of a small drum (shime-daiko). After having played taiko for about 2 years now at UCLA, I was more than ecstatic to see a shime-daiko in plain sight. I asked one of my more fluent intern friends to request some time with it. I was so so fortunate to get to play it. The drum is quite old and the drum sticks (bachi) were quite different than what I was used to. Nonetheless, it was an intense experience.

I'm hoping every weekend ends up this epic.