I had my first day of classes today. I started Japanese language and also Japanese government and politics. Only 2 classes today, my big day is tomorrow. For my language class alone (the non-intensive one) I had to buy 5 different books, so I guess we're going to cover a lot. The teacher seemed very nice though, and it's a small class, so that'll be good. We're getting right back into things, we have our first quiz tomorrow, so I have to study tonight. Anyway, my weekend was good. On Saturday Fukiko and Isao took me sightseeing, we went to the Imperial Palace, to Odeiba (which is down by the bay) and Asakusa which is an area with a famous temple and a carnival-like atmosphere outside with lots of street merchants selling goods and food. We also took a boatride on a boat that seriously looked like a spaceship. I took a picture, it was pretty awesome. Then Sat. night they took me out for a sushi dinner. It was delicious. Isao also ordered me beer and a little bit of sake so I had my first experience drinking legally (except for that time in Canada :-) Ah, the pleasures of legal drinking. Anyway, it was a fun day and I even met a random Japanese woman at the sushi restaurant whose children had been born in America. She wanted them to practice their english with me, but they were a little bit nervous about it, I think. Sophia has a community service program where I can go to a local elementary school and play with some second graders and raise their awareness about foreigners and the international world, I think I'd like to do that if I can. It sounds like a great program. So yeah, sightseeing, classes and lots of expensive books, that is what's up with me in Japan. I'm sending waves of good luck to the White Sox in the playoffs from here, since I can't watch the game or be there, and any of you reading this should do the same. Peace out! :-)