This is going to be a long one. I came off last weekend exhausted but also fascinated by the engineering innovation I was exposed to at the Osaka World Expo. After taking a day (Sunday) to recuperate (aka do laundry and sleep until 9ish), it was full steam ahead in classes on Monday. We spent Monday on EDES301 (I think, I don’t remember anymore — the days blend together).
Monday afternoon, I was fed up and decided to go for a run. Well apparently people must not go for runs in Tokyo, or maybe it was because I was wearing shorts (oh no !! how dare I disgrace my family name with my legs showing !!), but I received a lot of odd stares. However, being a person who enjoys defying opposition and authority, I continued to go about my run through the city streets (because there’s no quiet which is troubling as an introvert), ignoring the questioning glances from residents. Also, why are there not normal gyms. I just want to workout at a gym but Japanese websites are so poorly put together (if you could even consider them as being “put together”), despite them being supposedly technologically advanced. I then was finally able to eat some pizza for dinner, which unfortunately was not filling, like most meals I have consumed here.
Tuesday we began by finalizing our idea for our engineering design project in EDES200 and then completed the learning of the EDES301 material. I continue to be surprised by how helpful taking BUSI220 was, as witnessing how my mindset has subconsciously changed when it comes to engineering design has been enjoyable. Rather than approaching the task of locating an issue by considering what cool device we could create, I was focused on (and repeatedly encouraged my team to also be focused on) considering real difficulties people face from the day to day when lacking full mobility. We ended up with the problem of removing shoes. Shoes are dirty and track in all sorts of unwanted bacteria and dirt. Moreover, for those who are perhaps older, have limited mobility, physical pain, or maybe just have their arms full, it can be strenuous to have to bend down to remove your shoes. So, we’re creating a device that remove’s ones shoes for them.
P.S. — do not steal this idea to whoever reads this. If you’re looking to become rich, maybe consider some deep introspective reflection on what the purpose of life is.
Moving on, Wednesday we decided on what we would purchase to construct our device and then set off in the afternoon to Akihabara to gather materials. We found most stuff at Daiso, and then went to a store in Akihabara that only sold Arduino parts. Lindsay and I were highly disturbed and wanted to leave. I finally put my Duolingo skills to use (other than saying “arigato gozaimasu” all the time) and asked a worker where the nails were. I had searched the floor for probably ten minutes. Apparently they don’t sell nails. Who sells screws of every size and type but not nails? Still a mystery to me. Anyway, we found our necessary parts, went to another store to find gears, and then resorted to Amazon for the rest because apparently they don’t sell wood within a two hour (by public transit) radius of Tokyo. Strange.
Thursday we went to the largest underwater flood management center in the world (unsure if that’s the correct name, but that’s the function). It was really neat to see how thermodynamics exists in the real world, as that’s what I’m super into at the moment. There were these massive concrete pillars underground that are there not to stabilize the roof, but the floor, as the water pressure is so high it forces the ground upwards. Houston thought about enacting a similar system, but it is highly unlikely they will do much more than continue to think about it.
Thursday was also cool because after returning from the flood center, some of my classmates and I ended up having a two hour discussion where we psychoanalyzed each other, psychoanalyzed ourselves, and talked about religion. It was really hot out, but it’s nice to having meaningful conversation in a world that sometimes feels shallow and fast paced.
Thursday didn’t end super lit as the hotpot we had for dinner resulted in food poisoning. Only I was affected though. Weird. Despite my difficulties throughout the night, I persevered Friday for the sake of academia. I missed breakfast on accident but gathered my supplies at the nearby convenient store — a loaf of bread, ritz crackers, and electrolyte water. I discovered on the way to the museum I likely had a fever, but used my mental strength (along with some advil) to minimize my physical weaknesses and learn about robots, innovations dealing with the issues of aging, and integration between engineering and art. The museum was neat and I took a lot of pictures. I then scampered off back to the hotel where I took some necessary time to sleep and catch up on some Netflix to charge up for the weekend.
Saturday I went to a park with Caroline in Shinjuku. It was beautiful, although hot. I took that time dwelling in nature amidst the city to read my Bible and recenter myself, reflecting on what I’ve been studying in scripture over the past few weeks and considering how I have been growing not only educationally over the past few weeks, but more importantly as an individual and a Christian.
We then went shopping, as I urgently needed to do laundry, but had the misfortune of dropping food a week prior on my beloved green cargo pants, and the stain was not coming out. We tried some Japanese brands, but dissatisfied with the quality and styles, I knew I had to resort to Lululemon. Wow. Such an American. My inner turmoil regarding shopping abroad in a store I could easily find in America did not last long, however, as I found (and purchased) a lovely pair of blue wide legged pants that will nicely fit into my wardrobe. I then raced back to begin my laundry. It remains too early in the drying process to determine whether my green pants still are stained, but I am hoping for the best.
Tomorrow, I have been persuaded to embark on an adventure to Nikko. We will hike (hopefully my clothes will be dry) to a waterfall, possibly visit an onsen, and explore the town. I am unsure of what else we will be doing, because I was not involved in the planning, unlike most other weekend trips. I will likely enjoy the opportunity to spend time in nature, hopefully getting the opportunity to perch on a bench somewhere in the beauty of Creation and read my Bible as well.
Update: I have just been sent tomorrows itinerary. It appears interesting, but we will see.
Also interesting thought. Why is it that the Japanese are so modest, yet all bathe together without clothes? Seems a bit odd to me, but I’m sure there’s some historical cultural explanation that attempts to clarify why these completely contradictory practices exist. Like most things in life.
Anyway, I have realized I would never be interested in living in Tokyo. It has been extremely educational to study here, as their innovations, designs, and thought processes are fascinating. However, the culture is sad and I really enjoy America. I am currently missing: my dogs (like always), Youtube TV (I am in physical pain not being able to watch F1), sweet tea (which I discovered in TX this past year), and mass free will. Thank goodness I brought my stuffed animals or I really wouldn’t be surviving. However, please note I am having a fun time although this has seemed a little sad. Traveling is fun, but I would definitely not be interested in living in a country other than America. I am excited more than ever for the Fourth of July this year. RAHHHHH (insert American flag emoji, insert eagle emoji, insert siren emoji, etc. etc.). I hope whoever is reading this is having an enjoyable day.