So apparently there's been a bit of a clamoring for a blog (two people), so here you go. I finally got my internet installed, so think of this as a commemoration present.
If, for whatever reason, you don't know who I am, but you've found this blog, my name is Alex, and I'm currently working in Tokyo, Japan. The main focus of this blog will be to talk about things that are totally and completely normal in Japan...and nowhere else. Or, to put it differently, I'll just be your guide to Japan, for those of you who can't afford the plane ticket.
Well then, to kick things off, we'll start with something not *too* out of the ordinary...my apartment. Because I was feeling lazy, you only get tiny cellphone pictures, but I'll try and upload some better ones tomorrow...or whenever I update this next.
So, first picture!
Now in this picture, you can see a microwave, a tv, and a futon.
Japanese futons are a bit different from US futons, which are apparently fold-out couches. I always thought they were called "sofa-beds" but apparently not. Japanese futons are basically a thin mattress that lies on the ground, and then a second 'futon' that you pull over on top of yourself as a blanket. Apparently they're also known as 'duvets' but I'm pretty sure no one in America has ever heard of a duvet either. It's basically a really think blanket that goes inside a gigantic pillowcase, and when you wash it, you just wash the case. And that's a futon.
The television I brought with me from America; it's fairly thin and small, so I was able to fit it into my suitcase, at the sacrifice of many other useful things like bed sheets or bath towels. But, I'm glad I brought a tv, because they're expensive over here, and I want to play my video games!
The microwave is totally awesome. Microwaves are called "ranges" for some odd reason here in Japan, and the one that I bought is called a "Steam Oven Range." I don't know what that's supposed to mean, but apparently I can grill meat, steam buns, cook bread, bake cakes and cookies, and do all sorts of other magical things. I don't quite understand how it works, but it sounds AWESOME. Normally, such a device would run you about $300, but when I applied for internet I got an awesome deal, and this god of microwaves was discounted to only $80.
Now, I don't actually cook at all...in America. But, since arriving in Japan, I've discovered that cooking is a LOT cheaper than buying food...and its actually kind of fun. So, I'm looking forward to spending some time figuring out my magic microwave and cooking some fun things. Just not yet, because I have housework to do tomorrow, horray.
Now, to break up the wall of text, second picture!
Here you can see my refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, and rice cooker.
Rice cookers are awesome, the large-ish refrigerator is because I'm starting to get interested in cooking and it was only a little more expensive than one half the size, and the vacuum cleaner is because things need to get cleaned.
Now, if you haven't noticed, this is a one-room apartment, and it costs $900/month. Yes, it is very expensive. The upside to this is the fact that the subway is literally right across the street, ten seconds away. Also, work is a twenty minute walk - hence the title of the blog, "Walking to Work." Walking to work is something that is extremely rare in Japan (and America too, I suppose), and a one or one and a half hour commute isn't uncommon.
Anyway, I reckon this is about long enough for the first post. Thanks if you managed to stick around this long, and next time I'll try and make it a bit more interesting.
-Alex
