MAD KANJI SKILLZ!

I've noticed that the locals are surprised us yuugakusei know as much kanji as we do. I'm still feeling pretty limited in that area (we'll see how well that section of my final exam comes back), but my host family is constantly amazed when I recognize any symbol with over six strokes. I think I've begun to figure out why, though: I currently speak very good Japanese for a three-year-old (:p), so they expect me to have a preschooler's kanji knowledge as well. Which, considering kanji isn't even officially taught in school until 2nd or 3rd grade, is pretty much non-existent. Vocally, Yuki-chan could give me a run for my money in an impromptu speech contest. But in terms of writing kanji, only 9-year-old Daisuke can challenge my 200-symbol vocab.

On an unrelated note, I'm playing the original Ogre Battle. And getting my head handed to me by the Black Knight. >_