Stock Market Nomad Financing world travel as I go by trading stocks online - that's the plan!

After making my way back to Oak Hotel to check-in (a very nice hostel, might I add), I have to come back at 1500 for the current occupants to check out. I can drop off my luggage, though, so I grab my Tokyo map and a Japanese phrasebook, and decide to set off for Kanda, Tokyo's bookstore district.

It is only a few stops from Ueno (the local neighborhood) on the Metro, so I figure it would be a good way to pass the time. Besides, when my mom gets here, I wouldn't want to spend precious time with her on books, and she would only tell me not to spend money on books anyway.

Kanda is cool - a very college-town feel, which makes sense, since Nihon University is close by. This area appeals to my inner nerd :-) The only problem is, I need to learn more Japanese! I love bookstores, but about the only place I can even begin to look is the English-language section. Being in Japan has helped me empathize with people who can't read. I mean, you can get through life, but it is a completely different existence - everything is a guessing game.

I did stumble across a great store that sells ukiyo-e prints, and I can see already collecting them becoming my hobby once I make it big in business. My house will be like a little slice of Japan in Miami :-)

I end up buying a couple of books. One is an introductory language text called Minna de Nihongo - the lessons are about as good as JBP, but the explanations on life's little things in this book are priceless. I wish I had this book a while ago! Examples include:
- how to use a Japanese-style toilet
- how to use and read a Japanese ATM
- how to properly write a Japanese mailing address
In other words, while other books may look nicer, this series is the best that I've found for someone who will actually live in Japan. The cultural notes alone are reason enough to buy this book.