Well, here I am!

I have arrived here in Hirakata City, Osaka, Japan. It's both very different and very familiar. There is a lot of stuff that I recognize from Anime and regular American life, and a lot of stuff that is really new and different. You have no idea how much I already miss Italian cooking! I'd kill for a decent pizza! Anyway; since you are here for the pictures; here they are:

These are my roommates and new friends. Mark is on the right and Alex on the left. They are standing in our dorm's parking lot. Behind them is the main gate, our street and a pretty building behind them. It was snowing earlier that morning, but the snow didn't stick. Alex is leaving us for the dormitory next door.

---

This is a Nissan Skyline. I am told that it is a very fast car that is not available in the US due to emissions issues.	This is one view from my balcony.
This is another view from my balcony.	Alex really loves the Skyline. When he saw this car, he really wanted a photograph of it. That's actually my super-sized can of coke he's holding for me while I took this photo.
View of clubs' building from podium. This building is also where one can find the gym.	View of the podium from the gym. This is the central podium of KGU. It turns out that it is also a full stage, complete with seating and lights. I have yet to see a show performed upon it.
View of the basketball courts of KGU. They use a wierd sort of astroturf that has been imbedded with sand for traction. That is why it is a light green. I really love the sky in this picture. It is so clear and beautiful.	The Japanese really love their bikes. This is where many students park their machines in order to go to class. Think "Dutch Gold" from SUNY Albany and you have the right idea.
I was riding along past my dorm when I looked to the right and saw this. It seems that much of the space not taken up by buildings is taken up by rice paddies. These things are everywhere. It's interesting how the Japanese have prioritized their space usage.