The purpose of this thing, now that I have gotten a rant out of my system...

This is a blog. It being on blogger should have been a tip off, granted, but I am a sucker for stating the obvious, as those of you reading this who know me personally will undoubtedly be aware of. The purpose of this blog is three-fold. Firstly I seek to chronicle my adventures, secondly to have a way to keep my friends and family up to date (read: Jealous) of my experiences and the random musings that escape my brain and out my lips at random time prompted or otherwise, and thirdly to fulfill the requirements of the magical free money fairies that have made this trip possible.

I shall explicate. I am currently a student at the University of Arizona, wrapping up a BA in Japanese Studies. I have been interested (read: Fascinated to the point of almost unhealthy) in all things Asian (that's what she said) since I was three or so. It is the opinion of all my familial relations that there has never been a time in memory or on record when I have not been obsessed with Asia. One possible explanation for the catalyst is a trip to Disneyworld's Epcot Centre with my grandparents in the spring of 88, where upon viewing the Japan Pavilion my eyes glazed over at the sight of (though nothing more then hollow simulacra) torii arches and geisha. Another is the introduction to me of one Kuramoto-san, a Japanese friend of a Middle School Social Studies teacher who taught the class about modern Japan and allowed me to partake in the ancient art of sado. What is known is that both have contributed to my omnipresent desire to learn all I can of Asian culture, and visit Japan especially. (Not to say that I am only interested in Asian cultures and visiting Asia; I am also an Anglophile among others, but the purpose of this blog is inexorably linked to Japan, thus...)

Upon arriving at the U of A (as we students so lovingly refer to it) I applied and was accepted to an exchange program with Waseda University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in all of Japan. Starting September 15th, I will be spending an Academic Year in Tokyo, attending one of Japan's best schools and hopefully having the time of my life (I say hopefully because as a realist, it's bloody silly to assume the best will always happen; rather it's nice to plan for the worst, hope for the best, and annoy others by always being a constant neigh-saying downer :D). But as a poor, non-traditional (read: older then you 18 year old whippersnappers) student, I lack the funding. Thus enter the fairies.

The magical free money fairies, Freeman-ASIA (Freeman Awards for Study in Asia), have awarded me a substantial amount to help finance this trip. Freeman-ASIA stipulates that a "Service Project"must be undertaken, educating my community about East Asian Studies. Being a narcissistic individual, I immediately decided the best way to achieve this was to cite myself as an example and chronicle my experiences during my stay in Japan.

Thus this blog exists. It will update periodically, weekly I hope, with pictures, videos, wonderful experiences and scathing rants (if necessary) about my experiences. Do please check back for the next installment of sheer tomfoolery and pretension.

(NOTE: Much of this is an attempt at humour. No harm is meant, and one is grateful to Freeman-ASIA for the financial assistance given. Let no one be offended by the words of this one man as, contrary to John Donne, this man is an island in these opinions. A sad little island surrounded by reefs, infested with mosquitoes and lacking in potable water.)