Who'da thunk it?

Today was a big change from the past 2 days. I got a good amount of sleep (though i still woke up ridiculously early... and went to the Fusoukan (the building where the international center is located), and found out that I was not placed in level 2 like I thought I MAY be placed into. NO, I was placed in not level 1 (like I feared...) but LEVEL 3. This made me pretty happy! After this we had time to meet our Sensei (I have 5, one for each day). We also signed up for classes. For this quarter I signed up for half the required ammount (20 language classes, 4 discussion tables, and 6 culture classes). Every day, I take 2 periods of Japanese language in the morning (9-12h15 with a 15 minute break). On tuesday, I have Cultures during 4th period, which is basically a field trip class! We learn Ikebana (flower arranging), Aikido (martial arts), kansaiben (western dialect), sumie (ink painting), etc... I also have a beginner level discussion table. On thursday, I will be taking the English section of comparative cultures (which is about Great Brittain since there are more english speaking students from there), and Law and Politics of Japan. On friday, I have Intermediate level discussion table, which I am sure will be a bit difficult, but both of my teachers who conducted my interview told me "daijoubu yo" or "that's ok!"
I didn't realize how busy this will be, but hey, I'll definitely learn alot!

Remember how I had to get that chest X-ray last xmas? well I got zapped again today... man they really hate tuburculosis here... and dont have the "stab-the-monster" arm test...

I've been meeting a bunch of people, and they're all so nice! On yesterday's library tour I met Chanaw from Miami and Aya from LA, who are in the Bekka school. We ended up having lunch together and chatting. Both of them are veterans at this whole living in Japan thing.
Today, I was walking by the kofukan (classroom building), and was stopped by someone who I had never seen before (which is very rare in Japan since nobody makes eye contact with strangers, and much less even nods or speaks (though I've gotten used to being stared at until I look because I am an exotic foreigner)). Anywho... He was like "HEY, are you Rob?" ~which really threw me off... how did he know my name?~ "I am Ryan's friend Vincent from China! He showed me your picture and told me to meet you! Let's become friends!" I had remembered reading in Ryan's blog about Vincent, so I was very surprised, I agreed, then we parted ways.
I arrived at the kanbaikan for my health check pretty early, and was resting on the couch when I was greeted by Yao san, who is also from China (wow, the Chinese are so friendly!) We talked in Japanese for a bit before realizing that we could communicate in English much easier since we were in levels 3 and 4 of Japanese...
Last night, I ended up talking to the girl who helped me apply for my Alien Registration Card (like a green card but I must have it on me at all times to prove I'm not an Illegal alien). She invited me to BBQ for our dorm area on sunday, after which we will go on a group hike to the 大 character that is written on the side of Daimonji Mountain! I was also invited to join the "Cosmopolitan club" which is like "introduction to Kyoto and Japanese students for international students." On sunday they are also having a field trip! I'm so excited to meet new people!
Last night, I met one of my friends from JASC who also goes to Doshisha. We had Japanese Italian food in the station. It was quite good! It was good to see someone from JASC and recall memories!
Apparently it was so weird to see me in Japan though!
I am really excited for classes to start next Thursday! It's about time... But on the same token, I'm also nervous about it...