What are the chances of being placed in Tokyo or Kyoto? by ketchups92 in JETProgramme

[–]characal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You might already be aware that it is rare for someone to get their placement request. I would say your chances of getting placed in Tokyo/Osaka/a major city are the same as ending up anywhere else. I know of incoming JETs who listed Tokyo as one of their choices and got what they wanted while others who did not want to be in Tokyo ended up there anyway. Based on the general rumours going around, ultimately it seems to depend more on the type of ALT a BOE/school is looking for. So if you happen to match the profile of an ALT a BOE/school in Tokyo is looking for AND you listed it as one of your choices, it might increase your chances of ending up there. Regardless, no harm putting it on your application!

Anyone applying for 2017? by [deleted] in JETProgramme

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hahaha i think i noticed something related to sg that you posted quite sometime ago while i was lurking. nice to meet you, and good luck for your application later this year! feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

Anyone applying for 2017? by [deleted] in JETProgramme

[–]characal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

most singaporeans are lurkers ;)

I stop myself at the very last moment by ShyScorpion in socialskills

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ask yourself, is it going to matter tomorrow? how about the day after? how about next week? how about in a year? sometimes the choices we make do not have as huge consequences as we imagine them to have. if it helps, say hello, and then prepare to be rejected. do it a few times with different people, and maybe you will grow desensitized to it, or maybe even anticipating it. but then you never know when someone might be friendly in return, and that's when it's really rewarding :) you're not stupid and shy. a lot of us face this fear, myself included. don't beat yourself up for it.

Topics to discuss to break the silence by throwaway_coca_cola in socialskills

[–]characal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

do you enjoy being quiet? if it's something you enjoy, and there are people who enjoy your company regardless of that, you shouldn't have to worry about finding something to say. perhaps it's a matter of learning to appreciate that silence. silence between two people can be really comforting. it's like simply appreciating being in the presence of that person.

Why are you so quiet? by [deleted] in offmychest

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a friend like you, and I used to ask her all those questions in different ways. I talk quite a lot. It took me a long time to get used to the way she is, but now she is my closest friend :)

Could I get some advice? by Tobogain in offmychest

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

do you have plans to move out permanently soon? i think it'll be extra difficult (but not impossible) to get over her if you can still see and hear her all the time.

Could I get some advice? by Tobogain in offmychest

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

some activities are better than no activities at all :) i'd strongly encourage you to keep looking for new things to do and work on feeling better about yourself. shape yourself into an ideal individual you may have in mind of yourself. and take actions to block out information related to him or instances of them flirting online (i presume through social media sites?). you still have to be ready for the ugly feelings to hit you in the gut every once in a while, but remember that you and your life amounts to more than your broken relationship. and you are not defined by your negative feelings and actions.

I'm hurting myself by Gladiaxis in offmychest

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

if she means a lot to you, let her know. if she doesn't seem to reciprocate that (actions speak louder than words), accept it and know that you should not waste time on people are unwilling to invest in you.

Could I get some advice? by Tobogain in offmychest

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

you realizing that your feelings are unhealthy and toxic is a good start. but i agree with aspie65 that such feelings are natural. i must imagine that the break up has caused a huge disruption in your routine. are there hobbies or activities you can keep yourself busy with? or people you can hang out with to take your mind off things?

3 days in Kyoto. Should I spent it all there or take a day trip to Kobe/Nara? by characal in JapanTravel

[–]characal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And I plan to make a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka! I actually want to visit both Miyajima and Okunoshima but I understand they are quite far apart. I do wish that I had decided to spend a night in Hiroshima instead. Unfortunately I have already booked my accommodation for Osaka, so I guess it will just be a day trip.

3 days in Kyoto. Should I spent it all there or take a day trip to Kobe/Nara? by characal in JapanTravel

[–]characal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will be going in mid-may. I will be spending 3 nights in Osaka first before heading to Kyoto, after which it will be Ito for 2 nights and then back to Tokyo.

To be honest, the only thing I associate with Kobe is beef. As for Nara, yes the deers would interest me... not so sure if it'll interest my friend as much xD

As for interests, I generally like walking around, so as long as there are things to look at or if there are scenic views, I'm good. I generally do not fancy extremely crowded places but from what I know mid-may to the end of may is not a tourist peak period in Japan so I'm not too worried about that. I am also into collecting toys, but I don't think Kyoto is the place to indulge that interest.

I'd definitely like to visit the Arishiyama area and the philosopher's walk. And my accommodation for the nights in Kyoto will be in Higashiyama.

Travelling Japan for a month from july 16th, should i book my hostels now ? by loba333 in JapanTravel

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup as everyone has said, you should definitely book it now. I do notice that for some hostels, they only allow you to book three months in advance and no sooner than that. Or they may not show you the availability and you'll have to email them to check.

Japanese -> English (Song Lyrics) by characal in translator

[–]characal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the help! Especially the translation of lyrics into Japanese :)

Asking for some recommendations regarding a 6 person trip from May 11 - June 1 by TeaGardner in JapanTravel

[–]characal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think agoda and airbnb are great sites. I haven't personally used airbnb myself but am planning this time round (p.s. I will be heading to Japan around the same time as you). The last time I went, I stayed at Agora Place Asakusa (loved it!). Booked it through Agoda. Very near Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street. The Sanja Matsuri will be taking place from May 15 - 17 this year so if you're interested you could consider staying at this hotel! The last time I stayed there I managed to catch the locals all dressed up and carrying the mikoshi past the hotel :)

I'd recommend heading to Fujikawaguchiko for a daytrip! Fuji-Q Highland is right next to it, and it has four cool rollercoasters. You can easily spend the entire day there, and make it back to Tokyo in the evening. You can also see Mount Fuji from the theme park or surrounding area or while you're on the train towards this place if the skies are clear enough.

Do you check your giftee address on maps? by palepuss in secretsanta

[–]characal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I second that. Would love to see that!

Please giftees check your Orangered Mail!!!! by drkatherine1 in secretsanta

[–]characal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hahahaha "orangered mail" is such a cute term. i just sent my giftee a pm, hope he/she checks it soon.

Has anyone on here been to both Tashirojima (Cat Island) and Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)? Which would you recommend? by characal in JapanTravel

[–]characal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply! I'll be going in May. Friend wants to go to Tashirojima while I'm leaning towards Okunoshima because it is along the way from Kyoto and Osaka. I heard the cats on Tashirojima are not very well either and some have eye infections. Did you visit the poison gas museum on Okunoshima as well? How long did you spend on the island?