Day 259 - 16th of May

10:46pm　セミナーハウス

天気：晴れ

Feeling very tired now; today was fun, but draining. At least it was a nice, sunny day; maybe a little too warm. I was so worried we weren’t going to make it the concert today, but everything turned out fine, eventually… I got up at 9 (a little late), and hurriedly readied myself for the day. I let Maarika know I’d meet her at seminar house 1 at 10, so went over there and waited; and waited. I waited until about 10 past, and then decided to just go; I was already keeping Carly waiting. I went to the bus stop, and found that the bus wouldn’t be coming for the next 10 minutes. I got so anxious just standing there that I walked to the next stop, and still had to wait. I didn’t end up getting down to the station until about a quarter to 11; Carly was still waiting patiently bless her. So now all we had to do was get to Nipponbashi; easy enough right? Well, stupid me lead us to the wrong station; we talked with Maureen and Tori, who were going to Eigamura, for a little while. It wasn’t until we got on the train and started moving did I realise we were going in the wrong direction; towards Kyoto. So, we had to get off at Kuzuha, and wait for the next express to take us back the other way; the waiting nearly killed me. We got on the train at about 10 past 11 and, knowing the concert started at 12, I was freaking out.

We took the limited express to Kitahama, and then rushed over to the Sakai-suji subway line. There was finally a bit of luck when we managed to get to the platform just as the train was coming in. We had less than 10 minutes left, but thankfully Nipponbashi was only three stations down. As soon as we got off the train we rushed toward exit 7, emerging into the sunlight to find that the theatre ~ the 国立文楽劇場 (kokuritsu bunraku gekijou – National Japanese Puppet Theatre ~ was just up the road; we had made it just in time. We were soon seated in a beautiful theatre, delicate lanterns lining the walls, and huge curtain in front of us, adorned with pine trees and water. We had come in just after the MC had started talking, so didn’t miss any of the music. The next 3 hours (yes, it was a lot longer than I had expected), were filled with some of the most beautiful music I had ever heard; I was blown away. The orchestra (if that is the right term for it) played 8 pieces, splitting up into various groups for each. It took me a while, but during the first piece I finally noticed Sensei in a sky blue kimono playing the shamisen; she looked so calm and confident. In fact, almost everyone looked to be at absolute peace, and I was transfixed watching each section move in almost perfect unison; the graceful and precise movements reflected the magnificence of the music.

Most of the pieces included both shamisen and koto sections, as well as a solo shakuhachi. One included the 琵琶 (biwa – Japanese lute), and a few included the 17-stringed koto; it’s deep notes resounding. If I had a chance to play koto again, I would love to give the 17-string a go; I’ve always had a thing for bass instruments. They presented a wonderful balance of traditional and contemporary pieces, which I was very pleased about; it really showed off the versatility of the instruments. I actually found myself drawn more towards the contemporary pieces. Of course, the traditional pieces were all amazing, stepped in the aesthetics of Japan, but the contemporary pieces really touched my soul. One piece in particular, called 硝子の星座 (garasu no seiza – “Constellation of glass”) sent shivers down my spine; I was completely swept up in it. I desperately want to hear it again now, as it was just breathtaking; maybe I’ll be able to find it somewhere one day. The last piece played almost had a Middle Eastern flair to it, which again showed off the diverse range of music these instruments can perform; it certainly helps when they can all be tuned to whatever you want. I was thoroughly impressed, and hope I get the opportunity to see something of such a standard again one day.

Upon exiting, we bumped into Maarika; I was glad she had made it. She never got my message, so actually came over to Seminar House 2 to find me; I had already left by that time. Oh well, it all worked out. We found Sensei in the lobby, and congratulated her when she came rushing over to thank us. Then, feeling very hungry, we went in search of a convenience store, and soon found a Family Mart; I got an onigiri and a yummy strawberry donut thing. We made our way back to Makino, this time not in a rush, and then walked home from there; stopping at Sanko on the way; I got some cheap bananas. I was so surprised to find that it was already 5 by the time we were home; the whole day had gone. Still, I managed to get about 4 hours study in; Carly helped by quizzing me on kanji and vocabulary. We had a break for dinner in between, and sat in the lounge reading in the newspaper that they had found that modern man’s genome contains traces of Neanderthal DNA; it was quite fascinating. After that, more study and then donuts, and then Carly left. I’d better get some sleep now. My exam is at 10, but I want to try to get up early to study a bit more. I’m really glad I got to go out today, but it has put a bit of a strain on things…

Day 112 - 20th of December

10:11am　特急
天気：曇り
Carly and I are on the limited express from Hirakata to Kyobashi. We had a pretty late start, but we’re off now. Walked to Makino this morning, and it was freezing. Hopefully don’t get back too late tonight. Anyway, first stop: Osaka Castle!

10:33am　京橋
Lol, we just ran onto the train in Kyobashi, thinking we were set, then the guy came down saying it wasn’t in service. So now we’re waiting for the next one, to go one station down to 大阪城公園 (Osakajokoen – Osaka Castle Park).

1:38am　長堀鶴見緑地線
We’re on the subway now, heading toward Shinsaibashi. It was really great seeing the castle again. Although we didn’t go in, we spent a lot of time exploring the grounds and taking in the view of the city. Coming out of the station, the place was packed. There was some sort of convention going on in the hall nearby. We steered well clear of the food booths, already hungry. We went to the 豊國神社 (Houkoku Jinja – “Bountiful Country Shrine”) on the castle grounds, and witnessed the beginnings of a Shinto wedding. We got some great views of the city atop the parapet, and strolled around the jogging track, through the park and past some unicyclists toward Morinomiya were we went down into the subway. I’m so hungry, and we’re going to Sweets Paradise for lunch; all you can eat dessert buffet!!! It’s going to be epic.

3:23pm　スィーツパラダイス‐心斎橋
I’m so full already!!! We’re in Sweets Paradise, with 30 minutes left and I can’t eat another bite; I feel sick! This was supposed to be such a good idea but, oh my gosh. After two plates of cakes, a plate of spaghetti, and ice cream, I feel terrible. Well, it was really cheap 1480円, and I definitely think I ate my monies worth. Finding the place was a little difficult, but with the help of two nice ladies, we were on our way; it was on the 6th floor of a department building (having the whole floor to itself). We had to make a reservation and then come back in half an hour, which wasn’t so bad, except for the fact we were starving, and seeing all the wonderful food was making it worse. So we went to Loft across the way, and found Diego another Christmas present; a tiger amulet. Getting back, we got our ticket out of the machine (which we kept as a souvenir), and were seated. Overawed, we got stuck into it; the set up is great. Next stop, Pokémon centre, if we can move…

6:50pm　大阪環状線
We’re on the Osaka loop line… well now we’re in Noda. We got on the wrong train, and were going around the loop in the wrong direction. Not that it would have mattered; just would have taken longer that’s all. Gosh, the chime for the train is so annoying here. But anyway, we want to get back soon because we’re going to meet Diego in Hirakata and have dinner at Saizeriya. The Pokémon centre was great, once we found it after a little help for Diego on the phone. It was a bit smaller than I expected, but still really cool; I got heaps of great stuff for Ben. This month is Eevee month, and they have all the evolutions (and Eevee) for sale in plushie form. And you know what Carly did, she went and bought the whole lot of them; all eight. It’s in Umeda, and I wanted to go to Yodobashi Camera as well (this humongous electronics store) but we didn’t have time. But, we did go on the HEP 5 Ferris wheel, on top of a building nearby; it was really cool to see Osaka lit up at night from high up. We could even see the castle…

7:00pm　大阪環状線
Okay, now we’re going in the right direction. I’m writing with the lead from Carly’s mechanical pencil, and it’s just not working, so I’m going to stop now…

Just began cleaning, and clearing things out; so much paper going to waste. I did pick up a few textbooks though, which is really cool. Diego’s going tomorrow; his inspection is at 9 then he’s out of here. We’re going to see him and Jessica off at Hirakata, and then go to the Toji flea market. After getting back to Hirakata, we went to Saizeriya and had our last dinner out with Diego; it was quiet so we got in straight away. After that, we got the bus back, out of the freezing cold. Diego got off at the library, and Carly and I went the next stop down to seminar house 4, to try to pick up my bike. After talking with the Okaasan, I got the keys, and went out to the parking area and found it. Walked back to seminar house 2, parked it, and went in to let Otousan know about it. I tried to explain to situation, but I had to get Yuji to come down and help; silly me had not read the procedures for bikes. I was supposed to get the crime prevention slip from Mark, and go down to the bike shop with him, and get the name changed over. Now the bike will just be taken away and recycled. I’m a bit disappointed but, I survived one semester without a bike so I can survive another.

Day 47 - 16th of October

5:02pm　特急電車
天気：晴れ

We're now on the limited express to Kyobashi. Kelly and I decided to walk to the station, cause there were so many people trying to get on the buses. We ended up getting there the same time as the whole group. I'm so excited about tonight. We each donated 100円 to the teacher, to present to the danjiri (portable shrine) to receive good fortunate from the gods. It should be really interesting to see some of the Korean culture and lifestyle.

8:25pm　鶴橋

We've just finished our dinner. We've been here for about an hour and a half! We managed to fit 18 people in this tiny room. The food was great; I feel so full. We'll be meeting back with the rest of the group now, and seeing the main event, on the main street outside the shrine. It ended up costing 1,400円 each, which isn't that bad considering the amount of food we got.

11:04pm　急行電車

We're on the train back to Kyobashi, getting on at 桃谷 (Momodani - peach valley). Tonight was... intense!!! So much energy. The main festivities went on from 9 to 10:30. Hordes of people in traditional dress, dancing in the streets, screaming, drums, whistles, gongs; a cacophony of revelry. The dancing performed atop the danjiri was amazing. It was like they were in a trance; this was a traditional Korean dance-style. Three danjiri paraded the main street, each from a different shrine in the area. There were so many kids, and they provided much of the energy, shouting and chanting and dancing around. We followed a particular danjiri around side streets and then back onto the main street, before they made their way back into the shrine.

At one point the men actually picked up the danjiri; they only lasted about 20 seconds before dropping it. Then, they had to run it up a hill to get it into the main shrine area; the danjiri are on wheels, and it took about 5 tries for them to get it up there. They bombarded us with packets of mochi before more dancing ensued. They set up a stage in front of the danjiri, and younger kids danced along; this one little girl was so cute, and she was really good at dancing. Finally, they entered the shed where the danjiri was housed, the drums beat fading into the night.

11:43pm　普通電車

We're now on the train to Makino from Hirakata; we're going to walk back to the seminar house from there, since the buses are no longer running. After the festival, the organisation responsible for putting on the event invited us back to their headquarters. We all received fans, and took a group photo, then thanked them, before walking to Momodani station...

I woke up pretty late this morning, since I didn't have class till 12. It was the student teachers last sit-in on our class, and we thanked her and wished her well. After class I had to wait until 4:30 until the field trip. So, I hung out with Carly and Jessica, and read a bit of The Gossamer Years in a vacant room. Then when Diego came out of class, and Jessica went in, we walked around campus a bit, had icecream, and took some photos of the garden. We also went up to the top floor (11th floor) of the administration building and got a great view of the city. Finally 4:30 came, and we went on our way to the festival...

There was about 40 of us, and lead by the teacher, we toured around the streets around Tsuruhashi station, passing through restaurants and markets, before making our way over to Korea town. We got to the shrine, and there were a number of stalls set up, selling fries or corndogs or lollies, and others with side show games or goldfish catching; it seemed so Westernised. We split up from there; those with reservations i.e my class, went with the teacher to the Korean restaurant. On the way we passed this massive primary school for Korean children; it looked rather imposing. We soon reached the restaurant; shoes off, up the really steep stairs, and sitting on cushions in a tiny room. I was very certain that it was a converted house. As I said, the food was wonderful, and we even got to witness the danjiri parade as it past. By the end of the night I managed to loose two of my omamori; the study one went first, then the victory one. Kelly joked that I couldn't have victory without study, so it was inevitable that I loose that one too. Oh well, at least I still have my health...

Day 42 - 11th of October

10:09am　特急電車

天気：寒い

We just witnessed a parade of 神輿 (mikoshi - portable shrines) in the main street of Hirakata. In the Kansai region they are called 壇尻 (danjiri) and we think they might have been preparing for a particular festival tomorrow, in which the participants lift the danjiri and bash into other danjiri in combat; maybe I'll be able to see it. Anyway, we're now on the limited express to Kyobashi. I'm with Jessica and Diego. We are going to the Studio Ghibli exhibition at the Suntory Museum next to the Osaka Aquarium. After that, we're going to アメ村 (ame-mura - America Village), and then the Umeda Sky Building; It's going to be great.

3:37pm　御堂筋線
We're almost at Umeda now; we decided to go to the Sky Building first. After seeing the Studio Ghibli exhibition, we ate lunch and then got back on the trains. We changed over to the 御堂筋線　(Midosuji line) at Honmachi and are now just one stop away from 梅田 (Umeda).

7:05pm　御堂筋線

We're now on the train to 心斎橋 (Shinsaibashi). Now we're going to America Village and getting some dinner. Umeda Sky Building was amazing. We got there during sunset and were treated to a spectacular scene at the top. We stayed around until dark, and saw the city light up. We met with Ash and Katie, and Amber and Joey when we got there, and then split up again when we left...

7:40pm　サイゼリヤ

We found this really great Italian resturant chain called Saizeriya near America Village. We're eating now...

8:16pm　サイゼリヤ

Finished eating. Tirimasu for dessert!!! Sooooo good, and it was all so cheap too.

9:06pm　長堀鶴見緑地線

We're now on the train from Shinsaibashi to Kyobashi ~ the nagahoritsurumiryokuchi line (lol, had to put it in cause it's sooo long). After dinner, we walked around America Village a bit. It wasn't as grand as I had expected, but there were a lot of clothes shops. Unfortunately they were closing; this was disappointing. It is a Sunday I guess. Today was a very long day, but it was a lot of fun... The Ghibli exhibition was so cool. We got to walk through a number of rooms with the original layouts from all the movies, shorts, and cartoons Ghibli has produced, in frames covering the walls. At the end there was a gift shop, and I couldn't go past buying the book; a compilation of thousands of the layouts. I also bought some postcards.

We saw Ash and Katie; they'd came out about 10 minutes after us. We weren't expecting them to be here (they were supposed to be with Amber at Joypolis), and exchanged numbers so we could meet up later. The lines were really long (it took almost an hour to get in, and we waited in the gift shop line for about 15 minutes), but it was well worth it; a once in a life time experience. We had lunch in the nearby plaza; it was almost 2:30 by this time. I had かつ丼 (katsudon - a bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet and egg - so yummy), and Jess and Diego had KFC; lolz very Japanese. Anyway, on the stage above the main food court, there was a dance competition (presumably) going on...

9:29pm　急行電車
Now we're going back to Hirakata on the Keihan line... As I was saying, a dance competition was going on between groups of kids! They were all really talented and the costumes were so cool. I got a bit on film. After eating, we walked back to the station, and saw Ash and Katie again, walking in the opposite direction (they were going to eat, and then would catch up with us later at Umeda). From the aquarium on the Chuo subway line, we went down five stations to 本町 (Honmachi) and then transferred to the Midosuji line and went up two stations to Umeda. Once there, we had a little trouble figuring out how to get to the Sky Building; the station is a huge shopping complex, and it was easy to get turned around. We ended up exiting on the wrong side of the station, and walking through a shopping street for a while. We asked for directions and were turned around back to the station.

Finally, after more directions, we exited on the correct side and walked out onto the street, before entering an underground walkway under a train yard. With the building clearly in sight we made our way over, and sat near the gardens for a while. It's such a cool looking building; two towers connected at the top, like an upside down "U" with a big hole in the centre. We met with the girls and Joey, and made our way up; there was a lot of crossing over involved... You start at the right tower, go up to the 4th floor (I think), cross over to the left tower and go up to the 31st floor by elevator (which is made of glass so you can view outside), then finally take an escalator that spans to the right tower to the 36th floor (so cool). From there, you pay 700円 entry fee, go up some more escalators and stairs (or elevator if you like) and finally you're at the top. The viewing platform is circular and skirts the circular hole in the centre. At night, black lights are turned on, and the floor glows with multicoloured pebbles. There is also a place on top for lovers to have a padlock engraved with their names locked on a wire fence; very cool. In fact, it was a bit chilly :P.

10:46pm　バス

Diego and I are now on the bus back home; we said goodbye to Jess at the station. We might be going to the Danjiri festival tomorrow, but if not, today was awesome, and I can always study tomorrow...

Day 14 - 12th of September

10:38am　急行電車
天気：雨天
We're on the sub-exp bound for 京橋 (Kyobashi). It's raining!!! So we decided (spur of the moment) to go to the 大阪 海遊館 (Osaka Kaiyukan - Aquarium), and keep the Hirakata Park trip for another day when it's sunny. Wow, the bus today, to get to Hirakata station, was absolutely packed. The traffic was chaotic, lots of ambulance and police cars; never in my wildest dreams would I want to drive around here! So yeah, here on the train with me are Diego and Jessica. It's going to be an awesome day. The aquarium's supposed to be one of the best in the world. I'm taking the video camera, so should get some great footage if I can get it to work, xD...

11:07am　京橋駅
We're waiting for the JR Loop train bound for 森ノ宮 (Mori no Miya). Then from there we're going to take the 中央 (chuou - central) subway to aquarium...

11:12am　電車
On the train...

11:24am　森ノ宮
Now we're waiting for the train in the subway. We met with a girl, Brittney, whose also going to the aquarium, so we're helping her get there. Overall it's been pretty easy to get here, the signs, for the most part, have had English on them. So now we're bound for 大阪港 (Osaka port).

11:30am　地下鉄電車
On the train. We still have 8 stops until we get there. Money-wise, I think it's been pretty cheap. About $10 to get all the way.

11:48am　大阪港
Off the train walking towards the aquarium. There are signs everywhere, which is really helpful.

1:41pm　海遊館
Sitting here in the aquarium's "Cafe de Clever". Just finished my Mexican sand (I love Japanese-English). Lol, it's a weird looking pocket bread thing with a sausage and mince in it. Spicy too. So far the aquarium has been amazing! It's massive; 7 floors. Otters, penguins, dolphins, seals... They even have two whale sharks!!! It's incredible. Brittney went off on her own; i guess she likes doing things on her own? We've still got 4 floors left. Where we are sitting in the cafe, we can see out over the port. The skies are as grey as the sea.

2:42pm　天保山
We're at the top of the 天保山観覧車 (Tenpozan　kanransha - Ferris Wheel), which is apparently the largest in the world? It's pouring, but the view is still pretty spectacular. Ride time is approximately 15 minutes, so you can imagine, it's huge.

3:47pm　大阪港
We're in the waiting room in the subway. The next train is coming at 3:53. My feet are aching a little. After riding the Ferris wheel, we walked around the shops. There were some really cool shops, including a Studio Ghibli shop, and ninja shop. Getting on the train...
There was a really cool stall where you could get your face (photo) grafted into crystal, and another that did anime caricature. There were also lots of clothes shops. One in particular had some really cool shirts and jeans, but a little too expensive at this point in time. I hope Brittney gets back okay. I might see her around Kansai Gaidai. It's been a great day, though silly me forgot to check if there was a tape in the video camera!!! Fortunately, I could get some footage on the memory card, and I ended up taking some more video on my regular camera.

4:58pm　特急
We're on the limited express back to Hirakata; it goes direct to Hirakata without any stops. This is a really cool train; it has two storey seating carriages. After getting off at Mori no Miya, we walked around the edge of 大阪城公園 (Osakajou Koen - Osaka Castle Park). There was a band playing in the park, but you had to have a ticket to get in to see it; we could still hear it though. We could see Osaka castle from where we were and decided that that would be our next adventure. Wow, Brittney caught up with us again. I'm pretty tired now but looking forward to the takoyaki party tonight.

9:35pm　セミナーハウス
Well my legs are aching now, but it's a good ache I guess. After we got back to Hirakata station we said goodbye to Jessica; going back to her host family by train. The lines for the buses in the station were huge. We met Seimu and he said it was because of the opening of a new electronics store. We eventually got on a bus, and the traffic was again hectic. We found out why there were so many ambulance and police cars around this morning. There had been a robbery at the 99円 store. Indeed, we had seen police cars out the front of it this morning.

Getting back, the takoyaki was already cooking. It was really yummy; I had about 7. Then someone decided to make them with oreo's, calling them cookie-yaki. It was actually pretty nice. We danced a little, and got told off by Otosan for jumping around. Well not told off; he just came in and asked that we don't do it. He's really cool. I'd better get some sleep. I really hope it doesn't rain again, because I want to go to the Eisaa Festival, *fingers crossed*. Oh, and we found out that Tenpozan was formerly the biggest Ferris wheel; it's now the 14th largest. They need to update their signage...

Day 1 - 30th of August

関西国際空港
Plane trip was long and pretty uneventful. Watched "Yes man" in Japanese. That was cool. Tried to sleep but couldn't. Got off the plane and was like, "Okay, what next?" I followed the crowd and finally got through customs and got my baggage; It was all good. Decided to try to ring my parents on my mobile but that didn't work. Freaked me out a bit. But when I texted it worked. Phew! Hung around for a bit , got my ticket for limousine bus, and got on...

8:22 pm　大阪
天気：曇り
Well, I'm finally in Japan. It seems so surreal; a land of make believe. I'm on the limousine bus, heading toward Hirakata station. We're on this huge highway that spans over the entire city of Osaka; well, it seems like that anyway. I don't know when it will sink in, that I'm here, in the real world, but for now, I'm just enjoying the ride ....

8:30 pm　大阪
The city is an expanse of foreverness. The sky is not black, it's grey. I'm not sure if I'd be able to see any stars in the sky. This is it. There's no turning back. This is my first night in transition from the mundane to the exotic. I don't know what tomorrow will bring; I will take each day as it comes. The thought of coming here in the pursuit of education seems ludicrous at this point; I am just so wrapped up in the moment, the experience, the feeling. It's indescribable. It is the strangest thing, not knowing what you will do next. I mean, I have things planned out in my head, but they don't mean much. I have know idea what's around the corner, and it scares me a bit. I guess I'll just have to adapt.

So while I sit here on the limousine bus, which has it's own toilet, across from my new friend Peter, who has come from Sydney in the hope of finding a job teaching English, I find myself lost. But not in a bad way. I guess this is how it feels to be outside ones comfort zone; it's weird. My next mission; get to Seminar House II before 11pm when it closes.