Ghibli Museum!

I've been sooooo behind in updating my BLOG! There's just so much to do and no time to sit and  blog...what can I say. Well really quick, I got the opportunity to go and visit the Ghibli Museum! AWESOMENESS!!!! I got to touch Hayao Miyazaki's work! And see a model of his work station and such. If you don't know about Miyazaki, he is the creator of Spirited Away, (Google it). You should watch some of his animations. I recommend Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, & Castle in the Sky. There's so much more, but give those a try if you don't know about Miyazaki.
For those who do know about Ghibli, did you guys know, Studio Ghibli was very close to perishing in the past because many people were not drawn into Miyazaki's earlier work? Not until Princess Mononoke came out, which was like, suppose to be his last creation, did it actually received a lot of sales in order for Studio Ghibli to sustain. And then Spirited Away made the big shot and Studio Ghibli survived! Thank goodness because Miyazaki is so creative and unique!
I went to the Ghibli Museum on Monday the 22nd and boy, there were so many people there! (Although my Cool Japan class professor did say there shouldn't be a lot of people because it's a weekday. Imagine if it was a weekend. Whew!) Sadly they don't allow people to take pictures in the Museum so I can't share the wonderful experience I had through photos. Only some :(
 Overall, it was fun. I bought some souvenirs for my sister and nieces and I just know my sister will like it, hopefully. It's the thought that counts! But do check out some photos I was able to capture below!

From Spirited Away!

From Laputa. I got a little boy in my photo. >.<

Laputa

Homestay with the Horie Family

So I'm a little late with updating my stay here in Japan, but I think it's suppose to be good because I've been too distracted with Japan. Well, I had the best Home stay ever! My Host family spoiled me so bad! They bought everything for me, I didn't know what to do. They even went out as to driving me 3hrs just to see the ocean. And, it was my first time at the ocean! I got to touch the ocean water which made me so happy. Unfortunately it wasn't a bright sunny day so we were not able to see the beautiful horizon but I still had a blast. Also, I got to eat the Kurazushi! Watch the video below for details! It's so exciting. Each sushi plate cost 100 yen which is about $1.28. That's actually very cheap for Japan. And it's very good. Plus, for this conveyor belt sushi restaurant, we get prizes! Watch below and for pictures!

Host Family, the brother wasn't around because he's a grad student. Saw him once.

Went to go rent movies for the first night! Such a big place. This was top floor.

My futon! 

Lunch the day after. Mmmm... Curry spaghetti. Host mother's favorite ;) 

My attempt to bake cookies for them with different measurements!

It was a SUCCESS! Whew! Next day they wanted to substitute nuts instead of
chocolate chips, so we did. (These were a little over baked, but still not burnt!)

The living room space. We ate sweets and drank lattes every night. Was so homey :)

Naho Brought her guitar out for me so I could play. I miss playing guitar!

Ku-chan! First night she really liked me. But this second night she didn't and wouldn't
take pictures with me... :(

Dinner! So spoiled. I was fed so well. They made tempura for me!

They drove 3hrs for me! At the ocean. It was so beautiful. I'm glad my
first time at the Ocean was in Japan. This is in Choshi Chiba.

Very good. The squid was actually made from squid ink! Surprising huh?!
I was shocked, it tasted like nothing. I thought it was going to be bitter. Haha!

Jumping pose! Got it Right on the second try!

Naho so cute! I think this might've been her first jumping photo?!

Morning before I leave. Going out for Brunch :). Osewaninarimashita!

NAHO and I.

 Such an awesome family! Had such a great time. It's funny because when I got back, every one was like they had the BEST home stay. Pshhh! I did. Haha. I really did. Felt really at home. I was able to imagine living in Japan and having a life style here. It was tanoshikatta! (FUN)