Tokyo Stock Exchange

Today, we went to the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It was really fascinating. The TSE is the second largest stock in the world! Below is the out side of it.

Below is Devin, enjoying his Melon Soda.

Below, Sam and I at Denny's getting breakfast with the guys before our trek to the TSE.
Below is Dr. Gray enjoy a cup of joe.
Michael and Devin at Denny's.

(Below) In the Abercrombie and Fitch building in Ginza.

Pictures Galore

April 26th, 5 p.m.: Reception Party at our host college, Tokyo Belle Epoque College of Confectionary (The first 9 pictures.)
Last night was truly amazing. Our host college threw us (Dr. Gray, Devin, CJ, Michael, Sam and myself) a Reception Party. When we arrived, we were given a menu of what was to be served during the party. After everyone arrived, we all gathered in an elegant room that resembled that of a cafe. We were welcomed by the owner of the college, famous chefs, and many others. It really warmed my heart to hear from several speeches last night that not only this college, but many other Jikei colleges throughout Japan and UWF have such strong relationships with one another for the past 20 years. It was then Dr. Gray`s turn to say a short speech then each of us from UWF had to say a short self introduction. Two famous chefs from nearby colleges said a few words after, then the party began.

The food served at the party put every show on the Food Channel to shame. Everything that was preapred was too beautiful to eat! After tasting practically everything, I came to the conclusion that everything preapred last night could only exists in two places: here at this gorgeous college in Japan and in heaven. In all honesty, money couldn`t buy what was prepared last night. The following pictures are a little out of order, but I breifly describe them.(Above) The last dessert that was prepared for us. A delicious fruit tart with a hallow white chocolate ball filled with sweet strawberry juice. (Below) Devin, modeling the fruit tart.
(Below) The chef who made the fruit tarts said a few words.
(Below) Micheal to the far left, Devin, Hama and Mikoto (the one holding the mug) in the middle. There`s the back of Dr. Gray behind Devin.
(Below) Michael`s "Delicious Design Coffee" prepared by Japan`s 3rd best chef. The leaf design was created by specific hand movents and cream.
(Below) My "Delicious Design Coffee" in the shape of a heart and a little leaf to the left. It`s absolutely adorbale and it was heaven in a cup. Truly tasty.
(Below) Several foods from the menu. Adorable and delicious!
(Below) Super cute dessert. I had a raspberry fruit tart and a macaroon. I said "Mmm" for about 10 minutes straight.

(Below) From left to right: Me, Sam, Hama, Mikoto.

Photo's below are from Sam:

(Above) From left to right, Shouta, Sam, Tsuyoshi.

(Below) Michael and Devin, all smiles.

(Below) Saki, Chimiko, Hama, Hama's friend.

(Below) Ito sensei and Sam.

(Below) Friends again. YAY.

(Below) The awesome guy who made our "Delicious Design Coffee."

(Below) Yoshi and Shogo.

During Class

It`s my 4th day in Japan. I am residing in a cute dorm/apartment in Eight City in Tokyo. It`s so beautiful here and I have often found myself in awe of my surroundings. People here are so friendly and are always smiling, especially people around my age. Everyone usually greets us and each other. As for my classes, they are a short walking distance from the dorm. I have two classes three days a week (Monday-Wednesday) and they are Personal Financial Planning, International Business, and a Japanese Language course. [P.F.P. is one day and I.B. is the next day, and continues in that pattern. Each class is roughly 2 1/2 hours long. My day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m.] I am currently in my I.B. class. Tokyo Belle Epoque was kind enough to lend each student a laptop while in class. Our teacher, Dr. Gray, is a really nice and cool teacher by the way. In the past few days, I`ve taken countless photos and videos. When I get back to the dorm after classes, I will post them all here! Until then my friends, ja ne.

Ta-ta for now, America

It's around 10 p.m. right now and my feet haven't touched the ground all day. I'm so hyped about this trip to Tokyo, Japan! For those who don't know me, hello I'm Charlie and I am a student at the University of West Florida. I'm currently a sophomore and a Graphic Design major. Art is my thing- it's what I was born to do. Basically I eat, sleep and breathe everything and anything that pertains to art. Tomorrow morning (Friday, May 21) is when I and 4 other students from UWF leave for Tokyo Belle Epoque College of Confectionary to study abroad for 6 weeks. Fun, fun~! I'm glad that the people who were chosen to go are truly good (and a hilarious) group of students. I'm almost completely packed- I just have to pack up my Macbook and I'm good to go. And well, a few other small things as well. Our group will arrive in Japan roughly around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. I've yet to experience jet lag so I pray I won't look like a zombie while walking through Narita airport. Texas to Japan is a 14 hour flight... and we're leaving from Pensacola. 'Tis fine however because I shall bringeth thy Nintendo DS and novels. Plus I stashed away my GENKI I & II Japanese language textbooks from my past courses to study as well. On Saturday after we all unpack, I wonder what we'll do. Maybe we'll all be worn out and crash dead asleep upon entering our rooms or maybe we'll all be screaming for joy and want to explore our surroundings. I have Sunday all planned out though. Kazuki, my boyfriend, will come and pick me up and take me shopping and to grab some lunch. We're both so excited to see each other. He lives in Saitama which is roughly about an hour from the host college. My family is so glad that he's near by, so I know they feel pretty relieved. Well good people, I shall take my leave here. I've over typed my first post plus I should get at least some sleep. Next time I post, I'll be in Japan. Check back often for updates. お休み。