No Driver's License=Odd Ball

     Watching Twilight and most of the American television shows and movies, I've learned that it's normal for teenagers to drive. But until I got here, I never knew that it would be abnormal to not be able to drive.

      I can't drive. I've never tried and I'm almost terrified to. When Robin said in class today about how it would have been weird for me to see my peers be able to drive when I can't because I'm usually a year or two younger than most of my class, I realized how that never crossed my mind.

      I lived in cities my whole life and so commuting was always through public transportation—buses, subways, and in Japan, bicycles! Until today, I thought the legal driving age in Japan was 21, hence why I didn't urge my parents to acquire a driver's license. But I researched today and found out that it was 18.

      The age that you can legally drive varies from country to country but in many places it is lower than 18. In some American states like Louisiana, you can get a driver's permit when you're only 15 years old. That just sounds really...odd to me.

      I've been so accustomed to relying on public transportation and working around their schedule that I find it fascinating that my friends don't do that here. When they just go casually, “visit me over spring break!” I would just go “Yeah, if my mom doesn't mind driving me there...”

      America is too big and State College is certainly not a city...I need a car and know how to drive not only because I can work around my own schedule but also because I'm starting to feel guilty asking my friends and family for a ride.

Asian dramas...yay or nay?

     On Monday nights, me and my close friends on the 4^th floor of Stuart Hall have made it a tradition from the beginning of the school year to watch the famous television show, Pretty Little Liars together. Originally from the best selling thrillers, the show have gained instantaneous popularity especially from teens due to good looking actors and actresses. Moreover, the action packed episodes give us chills even on dull Monday nights.

      I'm a big television fan-- from popular teenager shows such as Gossip Girl or 90210 to weighty and solemn shows like Grey's Anatomy or Desperate Housewives, I give my undivided attention and follow them like religion.

      Being aware of the fact that I'm obsessed with most of the characters in shows, especially the actors from the Vampire Diaries, my friends wonder if I catch up on any “Asian” dramas. Although it may be hard to believe because it is unknown in the States, Korean dramas are very famous and revered in other Asian countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan and etc. To answer their question, yes from time to time I do.

       Even though I only watch two Korean shows, I don't pay as much attention to them as I would to American ones. This could be largely explained by the reason that Korean dramas tend to not be as straight-forward enough and therefore the story would not progress fast enough. It requires a lot more time and patience for the plot to reach the climax.

       I wonder if it's because Koreans tend to be more conservative and beat around the bush more often so than Americans do. I love Korean dramas when I'm on my break where time is always in my control...but at school where my time is limited, I prefer American dramas. But Korean dramas should be given the chance for everyone to know how deep the stories go-- in other words, I'm pro-Korean dramas but an active advocate for American ones.

Pray For Japan

      Ever since I started this blog, I've (hopefully) generated a positive view on my life away from home in Japan and my adventurous days here at Penn State. This is largely because I embody optimistic and lively characteristics as well as crazy yet pleasurable experiences while settling in the States making the adaptation to America enjoyable.

       But I want to take this time to write about the tragedy that is occurring right now back at home. There are numerous rumors circulating the death tolls and how the radiation will ultimately deteriorate Japan in whole. How many are dead/missing? When are the aftershocks going to stop? Is there going to be another big earthquake and repeat this calamitous event? What is radiation and how will it effect the citizens?

       These questions are only some of the many worries that my friends and their family members are facing. Most of my friends traveled all the way to America, Canada, and Britain on their own to pursue successful academic careers. I can only imagine what they are going through right now as they anxiously agonize the safety of their family and friends.

       The tragedy consumes my mind, but I am powerless. All I can do is empathize.  I wish the best to everyone in Japan. I also want to take this time to show my gratitude to those who have contacted me to see if everything was okay and that they send their regards.

       If people are united for this cause-- for the future of citizens and Japan, we can make it through this catastrophe. Pray for Japan.

Shopping Time!

     After a tough week inundated with assignments, papers, and exams, Spring Break is highly anticipated. I just can't wait to be home and wake up with my mom's cooking and my bed where I can sleep endlessly without getting disturbed by forty different alarms on my floor.

      But something that I always miss are my high school friends. When all my friends go back home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, they have the opportunity to catch up with friends they have known for almost their whole life time. Since I just moved here, I don't have that advantage—unless I take a thirteen hour flight to Japan.

      When I do go back home, I enjoy the luxuries of having cooked meals, resting from laundry and showering without my flip flops. But I miss having people my own age where I can just talk about clothes and music. So that's why I'm going to visit my college friends in Long Island.

       Apparently, this Long Island hangout session that we'll be having is not for a relaxation outside of campus. We'll be doing a sport, shopping.

Friend: “Sal, we need to take you shopping...for American clothes (smiles)”

Me: “WHAAT? I'm wearing everything from AMERICA right now and what are you even talking about?”

Friend: “No, I don't believe you—it doesn't look it ahahaha”

       I don't quite understand how I don't look like I'm wearing “American” clothes. I gave her a list of where all my clothes were from and she still doesn't believe that my closet is all from American brands. What does this mean anyway?

       I will be excited but afraid of what's going to happen this Spring Break. Only time will tell...