Day 244 - 1st of May

10:10am　バス停　－　保険所前

天気：晴れ

It’s another beautiful, sunny day in Hikone and we’re sitting here outside the hotel, waiting for the next bus; we’ve just checked-out. The first order of business today is to find an ATM that will accept my debit card, as the one in Laswons did not; we’re going to take the bus in to the station. After that, I don’t know…

12:18pm　米原駅

We’re in Maibara station, waiting for the train to 南彦根 (South Hikone). We decided to come here to Maibara, and then found out there really was nothing here; oh well. So we’re going to the mall in South Hikone and hopefully that’s okay… I was able to find an ATM that would take my card; it was in a post office. I’ll have to remember that for next time, even though there probably won’t be a next time; my last JASSO instalment should be coming in soon. After getting the money out, we had a look around a nearby department store, and I had to buy a ひこにゃん ("Hikonyan" - the cities samurai-cat mascot) plushie becuase he is absolutely adorable ~ he is modeled off the Daimyo (lord) "Ii Naokatsu", who ordered Hikone castle's construction in 1603. Coming out of the store, we noticed there was a protest going on in the street; I didn't get a chance to read what the banners said, but I think it was something to do with money. We took a few more pics of Hikone, and then were off to Maibara. As soon as we got out of the station, we realised that there really wasn't much to do here; the map confirmed that. So, after a bit of deliberation, we decided that it would be best if we went to the mall; it was my original plan after all...

5:19pm　新快速

I’m on the special rapid express, back to Kyoto. It’s been a long, tiring day and while I had fun, I’d glad to be going back home… After getting to South Hikone, we made our way over to “Viva City”, the mall, which was just outside the station. As soon as we got in, I had to find something to eat, and right there was a bakery; the bread was so cheap, and so yummy, and one of them was shaped like Ponyo. Just inside the main entrance, they had a heap of stalls set up, like those you would see at festivals, with balloons, balls, and of course 金魚すくい (kingyo sukui – “goldfish scooping”). After eating, we browsed many of the shops on the first floor, and I bought a Totoro pencil case, and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days on DS; both were on sale. I also wanted to buy some boots, because the store was having a really great sale, but there weren’t any I like enough to pay for even at the discount. On the second floor, I found some nice plaid shirts that were all half price, so I bought two; one green, and one maroon. Looking around at the other guys shops, everything was so expensive. We did find this shirt that read, “Underground f**k department” on the front; and no the other letters weren’t stared. We eventually came to an arcade zone, which included karaoke, bowling, purikura and even a cinema. While the karaoke was much too expensive, we had to do the purikura; it’s mandatory. It was actually really intense, as the time between photo-taking became increasingly shorter and we would have to get ready for the next picture really quickly, changing from a lower, to upper camera sometimes; got some great photos though. After the rakugaki and printing them out, we had a bit of a situation.

Alex had dropped her phone somewhere in there, and couldn’t find it; we searched around and under the machine for about 10 minutes. Not having any luck there, we decided to go and ask the people at the counter, who immediately got onto it. Within minutes, we had a lady taking as down to the information centre on the first floor and there it was! I think that’s incredible that in the space of five minutes, someone has picked up the phone, and taken it downstairs to hand it in; Alex was certainly very relieved. After all the excitement, we had a well deserved ice cream from Baskin and Robins. I tried two of the new flavours, Peach Melba, and Coconut Grove; both were amazing. And the fact that, during Golden Week double scoops are 31% off, made it even sweeter. Our last stop for the day was Toys ‘R’ us, just to have a look; it was in a building on its own adjacent to the mall. I really wanted some Lego (which is a lot cheaper over here) but restrained myself, knowing that I wouldn’t want to ship it home. After that, we made our way back to the station, and I decided to take the train to Maibara with Alex, since I would be able to catch the special repaid from there; only local trains stopped at South Hikone. Getting to Maibara, the train to Kyoto was already in the station, so are farewell was cut short as I had to run down the stairs to make in on just as they were closing the doors; the last time with Alex in Japan was over! I’m about halfway to Kyoto now, so I’m going to get some rest…

10:49pm　セミナーハウス

It feels so good to finally be in bed; I’m so exhausted. After getting back to Hirakata, I decided to take a quick look in animate, and picked up a few things. Then I caught the bus home, and was soon in the kitchen making dinner. I got to catch up with Julie, Ash and Rachel, while eating my gyudon. At 9, since no one else but Rebecca had shown up, with decided to help clean the kitchen; I didn’t really mind. After that, a group gathered in the lounge to watch Princess Mononoke, and while I love the movie, I wasn’t too fussed; I’ve seen it many times. Instead, I took a shower and then started to get everything sorted out. I think tomorrow will simply be a catch-up/blog day, and I’ll have to do some washing and buy groceries too. Wow, this is my last month in Japan; I’m still having a blast…

Day 216 - 3rd of April

10:03pm　特急

天気：晴れ

It’s a beautiful, sunny day and Julie and I are on our way to Nara, to do some sightseeing; it’s going to be amazing. Although we’re standing up, at least we’re not squished up against the doors like we we’re on the way to Tambabashi earlier this morning. After walking around for a while in Nara Park, we’re going to get back on the train to go to Tenri, to meet with the class for the field trip.

5:09pm　天理

We’re on the train, in the station, just about to make our way back to Tambabashi; have to change over at Hirakata. Today was wonderful… After getting to Nara, Julie and I slowly made our way over to Todaiji; we went a very roundabout way. We walked past the ward office, under the road, and through a suburban area, to 吉城公園 (Yoshishiro Koen); I had been there before with Diego, Jessica and Carly. After walking around the garden, we continued on, past houses and temples. On the train, we had seen so many sakura in the distance, flying by…

5:24pm　特急

We just changed over at 平端 (Hirahata – not to be confused with Hirakata)… but now, we were up close and personal with hundreds of sakura trees, most in full bloom; overload of beauty. We were also able to get up close and personal with the deer; Julie was so happy. They were all looking a bit stuffy, but I put that down to the fact that they were losing their winter coats. We made our way around the back of Todaiji, and went up into the hills, passing groups of painters and sketchers; they were all amazingly talented. Julie described the area as heavenly, and I had to agree; Nara is breathtaking! We walked back down the hill, which was covered in sakura, and there was this beautiful big old tree green on one side with moss. As we were making our way over to Todaiji, a foreign woman come up to us and asked if I could take her picture; turns out she was from Sydney. I was of course happy to oblige, and in return, she took a photo of us, and then wished as a happy trip; little did she know we were actually studying here. After that, we marvelled at Todaiji (I’m always amazed at the sheer size of it), and then continued back out of the complex to enter the deer park. There was a huge open space skirted be sakura, and many people were picnicking, kicking around soccer balls, or just enjoying the fine weather; although, it was starting to get a little cloudy.

We sat down in the park, and I enjoyed my apple after spraying myself with a nearby bubbler; it shot so high. A deer came up to us, and I fed it my apple core, before it proceeded to slobber on my bag. We rested for a bit longer, and then made our way back to the station; again taking a very roundabout route. We walked to the pagoda, past Nanendo and down to the lake I had been to before; the one with all the sunbathing turtles. There was a guy nearby playing the shamisen; I really want to try playing it one day. We decided to go back to the station via the shopping district, which was bustling. I bought a butaman (pork dumpling) from a convenience store and it’s seen me through till now; I’m really not that hungry. We walked past a shop where two guys were pounding mochi in a big barrel with wooden mallets; I was so glad to finally see the process. One thing that wasn’t very heavenly about Nara was the lack of ATM’s that would accept our cards; we were both low on funds. Seeing us in one of the cash corners in the shopping arcade, a young woman kindly gave us directions to another ATM (one that “might” work), knowing that these one’s wouldn’t.

So we decided to try it. Funny thing was, when we exited the arcade, the woman suddenly reappeared and redirected us to a different building which was just across the street; I wondered if she had followed us. Unfortunately when we got there, we found nothing resembling an ATM. So, still unperturbed, we tried two other ATMs nearby, and even these wouldn’t accept our cards; there was one that was exactly the same as the one at uni too! Finally, we resigned to the fact that we’d just have to go without; we had enough for transport, so that was the main thing. We went back to the station, and took the train to 大和西大寺 (Yamato Saidaiji). There, we had to wait quite a while for the train to Tenri; we looked around the shops and munched on a few free samples. By the time we got to Tenri, we were about half an hour late. There was a very helpful map right outside the station, and it proved to be really easy to get to the Tenrikyo headquarters; directly east through a shopping arcade. This arcade greatly contrasted with that of Nara’s; it was quite dead, and it just had an old fashioned feel about it. And when I say old fashioned, I don’t mean ancient, I mean about 30 years ago. Emerging from the arcade, an immense Buddhist-looking building came into sight…

6:13pm　特急

We’re on the train back to Makino now. So, where was I? Oh yeah… big, impressive, Buddhist-looking building; one to rival Todaiji in fact. This was the Tenrikyo Sanctuary!!! We were both awestruck as we marvelled at its size and beauty, before coming back down to earth and realising we still had the task of finding the class. Having no idea where they could be, we decided to just enter the building, taking our shoes off at the bottom of the steps. The interior was equally impressive, tatami mats spanning out before us. Miraculously, we soon spotted the class on the other side of the hall. We found our way around to them, and sat down on the tatami; the class was asking Hiroshi, our guide, questions. We’ve made it to Kuzuha…

9:18pm　セミナーハウス

I’m just about to go to karaoke with Rachel and Ash. We’ve been playing an awesome card game in the kitchen with Julie, Brett, Sam, Chelsea, Jeremy and Liz, called “Mad Scientist University”. Basically, each round someone is the teacher, and they draw a card from the “assignment” pile, and dictate that to the “class”. Then it’s everyone else’s job to come up with ideas about how to best complete this assignment using the “unstable element” they are dealt; the more outlandishly demented the idea the better. I felt a really silly at first, but after a while you just get into it and say the stupidest things, and as long as you come across as confident, you’re sweet; it was an absolute cack…

10:04pm　カラオケ　－　牧野

We just got to karaoke; Rachel and Ash generously payed for me. Well, I guess I should finish off telling my day… After the questions, we prayed (clap 4 times bow – long, clap 4 times bow – short) and then continued the tour through the sanctuary. We had another session in front of the “residence” of the founderess, a focal point for prayer. Hiroshi explained that the founderess basically withdrew from her physical form, after realising her being alive was causing too much trouble for her followers; there was a huge crack down on religions other than Shinto during the Meiji restoration. However, her spiritual form continues to reside in Tenri. She has a house, and every day they draw a bath and serve her food, and they even change the linen; I find it fascinating. After another round of questions, we prayed again, and then went on to yet another room of worship. Here, Hiroshi explained Tenrikyo follower’s beliefs about death. They believe in Reincarnation but, unlike Buddhism, which is pretty much all about pain and suffering, Tenrikyo promotes the pursuit of happiness; you are continuously reborn in hopes that you will achieve lasting happiness. Also there is no heaven or hell; earth itself can be heaven if you obtain true happiness. In this room, there were three mirrors – the central one dedicated to the leaders proceeding the founderess (after her, there haven’t been any other female leaders); the one on the right, to the high ranking ministers and; the one on the left to all the followers of Tenrikyo. We prayed to each respectively, and then made our way back around to the front of the complex.

After getting our shoes on, Hiroshi showed those of us who were interested how to do the 手踊り (te odori – “hand dance”), which is accompainied by a song, as part of praying and other services; it was actually pretty cool. Then rest of the class went off to the sakura, but was soon caught up with them anyway. The professor knew where there was a huge tree, but unfortunately we found it to have already lost most of its flowers. It was such a shame, because it was absolutely massive and would have looking incredible in full bloom; to others of similar size nearby were in the same state. All the branches were supported by an intricate arrangement of poles and brackets. Finally, we made our way back to the main building and got a group photo in front of it, before parting with Hiroshi, and making our way back to the station. On the way, Julie noticed there were banners that were wishing “oyasama” (the affectionate name for the founderess) a happy birthday, and I remembered Hiroshi was just telling us about the fact that they celebrated her birthday, and it was coming up soon; it’s actually the 18^th of this month. It supposed to be a really huge event, and there is heaps of preparation going into it.

Getting back to Makino, Julie and I got our bikes out of the gutter; we had parked them there on purpose to escape receiving a ticket for not paying for parking. Unfortunately that didn’t end up working out so well, and we found the warning tickets on both of our bikes; I guess it really just depends on how anal the particular security guard that’s on duty at the time is. Indeed, I’ve got away with parking there at least twice; oh well. Anyway, we rode back and Julie went straight up to the kitchen feeling starved; she hadn’t eaten much all day. I soon joined her after dumping my stuff in my room. I put on a pizza (margarita) and was soon enjoying that; so cheap and tasty. Not sure whether or not we would be going to karaoke tonight, I waited in the kitchen, hoping Ash or Rachel would turn up; and they did, Ash just as we started playing Mad Scientist University, and Rachel about 3 rounds in…

11:21pm

Well that was my day. Now it’s time to enjoy the rest of the night singing…

Day 120 - 28th of December

6:27am　Denny’s
天気：雨天
We’ve just dropped into Denny’s again; the same one! We’re going to have some breakfast and hang around for a bit. Gonna order now… I’m getting omurice, and Alex is getting the lasagne. Karaoke was so much fun; we managed to keep singing right up till 6. They actually rung to tell us our time was up in the middle of a song; that was annoying. It was so cheap though; totally makes up for the other nights mistake. Our voices are completely shot but so very satisfied. After breakfast, we’re going to go find an ATM, get some money out, and then go back to the hostel and get me checked out, lolz. Then onto Sweets Paradise!!!

7:41am　名城線
We’re on the subway, loop line, and when people get up, we’re going to sit, and sleep; go around the loop for a few hours.

7:51am　名城線
Still standing; well, Alex is sitting on the floor. We’ve ended up on the 名港線 (Meiko line), bound for Nagoya port. So now, we’ve officially been on every subway line in Nagoya bar one, which only has one stop anyway; Not bad for 4 days work…Yay, sitting down now; time to sleep!

10:27am　Hostel Ann
Showered, packed, and ready to go; Alex has crashed on the lounge. We ended up going around the loop over 1 and a half times, before getting off at Kanayama. I was thinking about getting a DS today, but decided it can wait; I want to find a second hand one. We’re still go to Sweets Paradise though; I found exactly where it is. Still got half an hour before I have to check out; watching a really old Bruce Lee movie on TV called “game of death”.

3:29pm　新幹線
Just got on the Shinkansen, and I’m speeding back to Kyoto; sitting on my suitcase again, but I don’t mind. I’m just really, really tired; as soon as I get home I just want to crash on the futon. The sun’s already low in the sky, so the day will be over when I return. I have no idea what I’m going to going to have for dinner; I have nothing in the fridge. Maybe I’ll just make rice. I’m nowhere near hungry now anyway… After checking out of the hostel (which served its purpose most adequately), we took the subway to 矢場町 (Yabacho) where Sweets Paradise is. It was a little hard to find, since the complex it is situated in (Parco) was actually made up of three interconnected buildings (south, east, and west). We went into the south building first, unaware of the others at the time. It took as a bit before we actually realised it was in the east building; it was easy to find it after that.

We reserved a table, and had a 30 minute wait. I decided to do some exploring; Alex stayed put. So many clothes; all so expensive… I did find a great music shop though, which had heaps of sheet music. I found some Studio Ghibli stuff first, and almost died when I found the Final Fantasy books; Finally!!! I bought 2 and then made it back just in time for us to be seated. I think I did a lot better than last time; in the 70 minutes I had two plates of cake, two bowls of ice cream, bowl of fruit, and a plate of spaghetti. I think Alex really enjoyed it too. I was smaller than the one in Shinsaibashi, but still really great. On that floor (the 8th), there was also a cooking studio for workshops, which looked really cool. After getting stuffed, we went back to the music store, and I played some more piano for Alex, sight reading from one of my new books; she had to help me hold it open. After spending about an hour there, we went back to Sakae, and then look the Higashiyama line to Nagoya. Then it was time to say goodbye; miss Alex already. Anyways, time to rest a bit…

4:00pm　京都
Just made it to Kyoto, now onto Kintestu line, then Keihan, then bus home…

4:51pm　バス
Just got on the bus at Hirakata station; almost home. Coming out of the loudspeaker in the station is a koto piece I recognise from koto club; I think it’s rokudan. So cool… so there you have it, the end of my Nagoya trip; I can’t believe it’s over already; it really was an amazing trip, but went so fast. Probably has something to do with the fact that we turned 4 days into 2! I think I’ll just have a lazy day tomorrow; probably do my laundry.

Day 115 - 23rd of December

4:39pm　特急
天気：曇り
Yay for new journal! I’m here on the limited express to Kyobashi, where I will switch over to the Nakanoshima line and get off at なにわ橋 (Naniwabashi), to see the lights. We’ve just started moving now. It feels weird doing this on my own, but kinda cool too. I can just take this evening at my own pace. It’s cloudy, but looks like it’s clearing up. I’m as snug as a bug in a rug, so I’m well prepared for the cold to come. Today was pretty lazy… I woke up pretty late this morning, had breakfast, and then went out hoping to get some money out of the ATM at uni. But, it was closed. Of course it was closed; it’s the Emperor’s birthday today. So, I had absolutely no money. But, I did know there was a Sumitomo Mitsui ATM at Makino, so I decided I would go there just before getting on the train. In the mean time, I had the other pizza I made last night for lunch, and talked with family for a few hours. I borrowed Jacinthe’s battery charger, and got it back to her just at the right time; her bus for Tokyo leaves tonight at 9:30. I’ll be in Kyobashi pretty soon, then off to the viewing…

5:01pm　快速急行
Now I’m on the rapid express to Naniwabashi…

8:20pm　なにわ橋
I’m in Naniwabashi, waiting for the rapid express, which will take me to Hirakata, where I’ll switch for Makino. Tonight was great; I got heaps of photos and film, and was really happy to have seen so much in such a short amount of time. What can I say; the light displays were absolutely spectacular. As soon as I exited the station they were in view. I started at the east park, and worked my way down and back, through lit up rose gardens and sparkling trees, past figurines and art. There were boats all lit up, cruising down the river, and even a floating huge rubber duck. I went through the middle park next, where I got some food at one of the many stalls. Huge sections of road had been shut off for the event, and there were lights everywhere; especially outstanding was the Central Public Hall. The architecture was very European, and the city itself was very beautiful; I’d love to go again in the day.

I continued all the way over to the west park, which took about 15 minutes walk. It was by the Osaka University of Art, and there were some great pieces on display. But the stand out was a huge sand sculpture dubbed “The Urban Angel’s Story II”; the detail was incredible. I watched a guitar and harp duo on stage, playing music with a very Spanish influence, and saw a huge snowman, and penguins lit up. There was a lot of food there too, from many different cultures. I was hungry, but the lines were long, so I instead made my way back, to finish seeing the rest of the middle park. I got a warm soba broth, and walked through a forest of trees, flickering in sync with the music; it was all so amazing.

8:34pm　快速急行
On the train now, and surprised that I’m actually sitting down; I am certainly very glad of it. It was so different doing something on my own, and while I had no one to share my appreciation of the night, I still really enjoyed myself. I’m so tired now. When I get home, I’m going straight to bed; have to pack for Nagoya tomorrow.

Day 96 - 4th of December

10:30pm　セミナーハウス
天気：曇り
Well, I didn't end up going out tonight. 1. Because they were going to an 居酒屋 (izakaya - bar) so I didn't want to risk going underage and 2. because I have no money anyway. You see, after my Japanese class, I went to get out money from the ATM and somehow my brain switched the order of my pin number. So, the ATM denied my card. I didn't realise at first, so I went to the CIE to let them know. It was only when I was talking to the women there that I remembered my actual pin number. So I thanked her, and went back to try again. I knew now for sure that I was putting in the correct number. Still, no luck. Now I was a bit disgruntled and thought about just going home; I didn't though. Instead, I went back to the CIE and talked with a guy this time. He kindly accompanied me to the ATM to see what the problem was. The English version just said please inquire at the office, but when he read the Japanese version it said I had put in the wrong pin more than three times and therefore I had to go to the branch and get a new card; I felt so stupid.

So yeah, since the bank closes at 3 on weekdays, I had no time to go this afternoon, so I'm going to go tomorrow. I got back home, got my reading and writing homework done and ate lunch. It seemed that everyone was out drinking tonight, so it was nice and quiet in the kitchen. I made Shepherd's pie and watched TV. There's an interesting song on at the moment called おなら恥ずかしくないよ (Onara hazukashikunai yo - don't be embarrassed about farting). It's hilarious. The main singer is a cross dresser and, along with his two back-up dancers, farts love hearts. We've tracked down the video on the Internet, and are trying to find the lyrics to translate. The tune is actually really catchy. Before the music video begins, there's a short scene of a woman in a public place, worrying about "passing wind". I guess the song is basically promoting the fact that it's okay for women to fart in public. The song has been on all week on this particular show; only in Japan hey! After that, the ice skating came on, so we watched that for a bit, while Carly made french toast. Going to eat that tomorrow with my banana pancakes. Anyway, time for bed.