Life and death, Skinny Love, Life and Death.

It's sunny days here in Tokyo now. Typhoon 9 came and went. It was nice having some rain in the summer, and boy did it rain! It was muggy the whole time, though, so the overall experience was not that pleasant.  Still, unseasonable weather amuses me.  

I went to Tokyo tower yesterday.  Apparently its a full 10 meters taller than the Eiffel tower.  I didn't know that.  They have this creepy mascot... it's a conehead. No joke.  I wish it had been clearer, but it's alright.  I'll be heading back there again with Jennifer most likely at night.  That'll be awesome.  On the way back from Hamamatsucho there was a delay on the Yamanote-sen.  Chihiro said that based on the announcement being made, it was likely a suicide jump onto the train tracks.  Morbid.

School gets out an hour early today to go to the Natural Disaster Building.  Rumor is that there's an earthquake simulator there.  I'll let you know when I get back if I have the skills to not die in a major earthquake here.

Speaking of earthquakes, we've had quite a few lately starting Sunday with a 7.1.   Monday an 8.something hit around 5am and Thursday some kind of tiny aftershock came.  I barely felt anything on any of these instances.  Buildings in Japan are built on sliding foundations, so buildings shift with the ground.  The higher floors just kind of shuffle around, but it maintains balance.  It was interesting being inside the building while that happens. 

I found out that Taiko Center of Kyoto's main branch is located about 2 minutes from where I'll be living! I may have to pay for lessons, but that's something I'll have to decide after making a decent budget.  If I can't find anywhere else to play for free, then I may just do it.  Maybe I'll take some lessons even if I can find another place to play...

Anyway, I love and miss everyone so much! I'm hanging out with Jannice and Hiro tonight for Jannice's birthday.  We're going to hang in Shinjuku.  Should be fun.  I can't wait.

Shoot me an email if you have time! I'd love to hear about life back home, no matter how mundane. A year is an awful long time to be left out of the loop. 

Love until later,

Caitlin D.