Quick update

Hello all! Sorry for the delay, but I'm quickly coming to the realization that some aspects of Japanese life are 200+ years in the future, while others are 100 years in the past. Meaning that I haven't posted lately because I haven't been able to buy any of Japan's famed state-of-the-art electronics because all the stores have been closed this week for Obon (festival to commemorate one's ancestors), plus my apartment has no internet access. >.< So, I'm bringing this to you from the dubious comfort of a semi-local internet cafe that I had to ride my bike to get to (did I mention that I haven't really ridden a bicycle in about fifteen years?). One word: Ow.

So anyway, I have to type quickly here (I only have a few minutes of time left), but I will do my best to update more regularly in the future. I'll start from where I left off earlier (the Michigan trip) and try to fill in all the missing details. Until then, let me just say that Japan is shaping up to be quite a contradiction, but an interesting and pleasant one, for the most part. Just don't tell my oshiri I said that. >.>;