メリークリスマス！良いお年を！

Merry Christmas & Happy New Years!

Here in Tokyo, Christmas stuff started right after halloween and I've throughly enjoyed how much the city sparkles with lights and glitter and there is just so much Christmas music.

Honestly I think I could skip over Thanksgiving every year and really enjoy Christmas as much as possible. But then again, Christmas in America versus Christmas in Japan has a very different feel.

The most noticeable difference is peoples' disposition. In America, everyone and their mother is trying to get last minute things together and there is a huge rush to get gifts and send out cards. Here in Japan, since most of the population is not christian, Christmas is mostly a holiday in which people have an excuse to see a bunch of pretty displays and light shows.

Second huge difference is the decorations. Sure there are trees and Santas everywhere but compared to back home there are soooo many lights. Think Lights on the Bay but like absolutely everywhere.

There are some that are blue and some that are mulitcolored and some that are timed to music. It's absolutely incredible, and something I will definitely miss coming back to America next year.

But I do miss one incredibly important thing about Christmas and the holidays in America. I miss you guys back home. I miss teasing Coleman, bothering you and dad, and I miss running around the house with Angel.

That unfortunately will make this Christmas not really feel like Christmas. Cause without you guys, it really is just another day. I am excited to hear what you think about the things I sent you guys and I'm thinking that I'll be around to skype you before/during/after Christmas dinner.

Loads of Love and Happy Wishes to everyone back home <3

Kinugawa Onsen // 鬼怒川温泉

First girls trip was to Kinugawa onsen in Tochigi prefecture, about 3 hours north of Tokyo. 

We took the train there and back which was soooo nice. Amtrak in America can't even compare. It was a comfortable and beautiful ride. 

Once we got there we stayed in a semi-traditional apartment which had a nice tatami room. 

Then we went out for ramen where we were the main attraction. A bunch of ppl took pictures of us.... 

We hit up an outdoor onsen and also the one in our building. I don't think I've ever felt so relaxed or detoxes in my life. 

It was an absolutely beautiful trip and I would suggest it to anyone!!! 

It was really nice because we didn't really do anything except relax which was very much needed. 

Until next time Kinugawa～

よみうりランド

A photo posted by エリー Ellie (@ewwwwie) on Oct 31, 2015 at 2:22am PDT

無縁社会と私 // Connecting

It's been hard to admit that I am feeling homesick. Because my feelings don't really feel like homesickness in the usual sense.

I just feel more alone and idle here than I am used to back home. Its quite odd. There's a word we learned in one of my classes:
無縁社会　Muenshakai
It means a society where the people have only loose links or connections with one another. I feel like that is the society I live in right now.

My dorm feels like this, and so does Tokyo. Home for me is the people which make me feel comfortable and loved, and unfortunately I haven't found that here yet.

Sure I have friends, but its nothing compared to what Im accustomed to in America.

I wonder if it will change with time.

One of my professors mentioned that a lot of Japanese people feel quite disconnected in Tokyo since there is little sense of community amongst people. He said it's because no one is actually from Tokyo, everyone is from everywhere else.

No one I feel so distant from the people around me sometimes.

I am still trying to make the best out of everyday here.

久しぶり// Long Time No See

I promise I'm alive (at least I think I am).

I needed a few days away from the distractions of the internet but in reality I just forgot to keep in touch. So I guess here's what I've been up to:

Studying // 勉強している


Drinking Coffee // コーヒーを飲んでいる


Tea as Well // お茶も


Oh yeah and Kickin it with My Homies :3


Hope everyone back home or where ever is doing well !!!

(＝⌒▽⌒＝)