Day 215 - 2nd of April

5:32pm　特急

天気：晴れ

Hugo and I didn’t end up going to sentou last night since Yuji had to talk with Otousan. By the time they had finished it was almost 11 o’clock, so we decided it would be best if we didn’t go; we’re going to go on Monday instead. Oh well, it just meant that I had some more time to study, and read Reborn; I’m getting close to finishing. Katie, Sarah and I are on our way to see the light up at Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Although it was raining this morning, the weather has cleared up now, so it’s going to be great. Today was the orientation day for the incoming Japanese students to Kansai Gaidai, so there were masses of people in black business suits; men and women alike. At Tambabashi now…

6:11pm　地下鉄

On the subway to Karasuma-oike, to change over for Nijo; it’s almost dark now, and it’s not overly cold. Anyway, today… I woke up just before 8, and got to uni a little early. In Reading and Writing, we spent most of the lesson covering the grammar points in the textbook, most of which we’ve come across before; always a good thing. Then it was on to Speaking, and Saigo sensei played us another song by Moriyama Naotorou called 涙 (Namida- tears). We watched the music video, and again it was very simple; he sat there naked for most of it! Well, he certainly knows how to make low-budget videos; I was quite effective actually. After that, Saigo sensei showed us a really cool onomatopoeia animation; very cute. Then we got into the grammar; we’re revising passive, causative, and causative-passive. After class, I got a snack from the convenience store, and then made my way over to the club building. Within, I found Maarika and Kirianna waiting for Mori Sempai. Kirianna is in my Religion class, and I had not realised she had joined koto club; I haven’t been to the practices for a while. Maarika received a text from Mori Sempai saying she wouldn’t be coming until 1, so we decided to just go to the club room to practice.

I practiced sandan for a while, and then wanted to practice the new piece, 京人形の夢 (Kyoningyo no yume – Dreams of a Kyoto Doll). So, not having a copy of my own, I took Marrika’s to the convenience store to copy. I got back just before Maarika had to leave for class, so at least I could get her copy back to her. Then it was just Kirianna and me; she was practicing Sakura sakura. Soon after 12, we got interrupted by two Japanese girls; they opened the door, looked in, and then closed it again. I guessed they were looking for Mori Sempai, so I went out and met them in the hall. One of the girls “maybe” wanted to join the club. We talked for a while, and then I let her know that Mori Sempai would be back at 1; they left shortly after. With that, I got back to practice, and gave Kirianna some pointers. When Mori Sempai did arrive, she talked to us about next week’s concert, and then asked if Kirianna had been practicing hanagoromo; she hadn’t even received the music. Upon hearing this, Mori Sempai apologised and immediately provided her with the music; she’s got a week to get it down! I help her with the first page, and then had to leave for class.

As soon as I got there, I noticed a number of my classmates staring down at the grounds; they were “checking out the freshies”. I couldn’t help but to join them, and continued to watch until the professor came in. Today, we talked about Japan’s population crisis, motherhood, and watched an interesting segment for a documentary describing two foreign women’s lives in Japan married to farmers in Hokkaido. After class, I went back to the club building, and got a bit more practice on koto; Maarika and I were able to play Kyoningyo no yume together. At about 4 we packed up, and then I did a quick shop at Fresco, before riding home; it was sunny by this point. As soon as I got back, I went to the kitchen, unpacked my groceries, and then had an early dinner; last night’s pasta bake on toast. Katie soon joined me, confirming that we would be leaving for Nijo castle at 5. So, after eating, I got rugged up, and then met then in the lounge. We took the bus down to Hirakatashi, and caught the train from there. We’ve just arrived at Karasuma-oike now…

8:14pm　二条城

I’m sitting here waiting watching a koto performance in one of the halls in Nijo Castle. They’re playing very un-Japanese sounding pieces, which is actually pretty cool; a nice way to finish off the walk around the grounds. Well, we’re going to go get something to eat now…

9:08pm　スター・バックス

We’re in Starbucks, and I’m about to enjoy a caramel steamer; they aren’t selling the sakura steamer anymore. Oh well, give this a go…

9:41pm　特急

Now we’re on the train back to Hirakatashi. Tonight was really great… after getting to Nijo castle, we made our way around the designated route, laterns lighting our path. We soon come upon a grove of sakura, spotlights illuminating their flowers. A lot of the trees weren’t in full bloom, which was a little disappointing, but this was the best opportunity I had to come, so I took it. Throughout the night, I kept switching between my video camera and photo camera; at one point, I had one in each hand. We continued on from the first grove, past the inner moat, which was lit up creating interesting patterns on the castle walls; the carp were also surfacing in the lit up areas. There were some really cool works of art on display, each one using light as a medium; a tree, lotus, “paper crane”, and some sort of abstract statue. Getting to the eastern side of the grounds, we walked past the tea house, and garden with bamboo all lit up green. Sarah’s batteries had died so, since we have the same camera, I let her borrow mine. Unfortunately, for some reason, they died after 5 minutes; I’m thinking the lower voltage here in Japan isn’t charging the batteries as well. So that was a bit of a shame; luckily my first set lasted. Anyway, we’re almost at the station, so I’ll continue later…

11:06pm

I just got home and had a shower; feels great to lie down!!! Anyway, to wrap up tonight’s adventures… We soon came upon another large grove of sakura, and this one was much more promising than the first. Some of the trees were so big they spanned the pathway, and most were at full bloom, except for the weeping varieties. After marvelling at them for a while, we rounded a corner to find ourselves surrounded by stores selling foodstuffs and traditional craftwork. I wasn’t really interested in any of that, but the sound of music drew me to the hall where the koto performances were taking place; there were three set up in front of a huge ikebana display. We had to wait until 8:20 for the next performance, but it was definitely worth it; I was able to record the entirety of the first piece before the batteries run out. The performers (all female and dressed in kimono), played 3 pieces, and as I said they didn’t sound very traditional; I seriously thought I recognised one of the pieces, but just couldn’t pick it.

After that we made our way over to the souvenir shop, taking a few photos of our shadows on the wall en route. I, of course had to get some more pins for my bag. Katie on the other hand, got a really nice tapestry depicting a scene in Kyoto. Satisfied, we made our way back to the subway, and took it to Sanjo. Once there, we walked over to the Starbucks on the other side of the river, and each indulged in some warm beverages while soaking in the view of the river. Finally, we made our way back to Hirakatashi on the Keihan line, sitting in the upstairs compartment of the train carriage. As soon as we exited the station, we noticed the bus for home had already pulled in, and quickly rushed over to board it. We really didn’t have to though, because it was another 5 minutes before it actually left, and by that time it was absolutely packed… I’ve just uploaded my photos from tonight now, and most of them are really blurry, but oh well; I don’t expect much from my camera at night. Tomorrow’s trip to Nara will be perfect though. I should be meeting Julie in the lounge at 9, so I’d better get some sleep now, and pray for good weather…