Day 166 - 12th of February

天気：曇り
I’ve just finished watching Withnail and I, an 80’s British comedy set in the 60’s, courtesy of Ash. It was quite funny, though some of the references were lost on me. Anyway, about today… Definitely didn’t get enough sleep last night. I got up after 7:30, but got ready in no time, and made it to uni in time for my 9 o’clock Reading and Writing class. I wasn’t very receptive for either of my Japanese classes, but got through them, and then went down to the lounge and sat with Jacinthe. I enjoyed my reading for Onna to Otoko. It was about 宝塚歌劇団 (Takarazuka kagekidan – Takarazuka Revue), a form of musical theatre in which all roles are played by females; it’s kind of like the modern opposite of Kabuki. After lunch (親子丼 – oyakodon – chicken on rice), I went to the computer lab, and wrote down the ANZAC biscuit recipe, still determined to find rolled oats. I considered other recipes, like lamingtons, or pavlova, but they were more complicated; biscuits are really easy. Then I went to my Onna to Otoko class, where we watched a documentary on the Takarazuka Revue, highlighting both on stage, and behind the stage life for the women who are able to enter; very interesting. It only went for 50 minutes, so we spent the rest of the time just discussing it; the class went fast. Since Takarazuka is actually the city that this originated in (which is just outside Kobe), we might be going to see one of the shows next month as a field trip; I really hope we do.

And with that, uni was over. I went down to the lounge, hoping I’d find Simon. I agreed to help him get to the city office today, to get his alien registration card sorted, but we hadn’t really decided on a meeting place. I didn’t have to worry though, because he was right there. We set off straight away, walking into Hirakata, and to the city office (which I just realised is located on Sunshine Street). The processing was completed painlessly, and now he just has to go back next month to pick up his new card. That done, we were on a new mission; to find rolled oats!!! We visited all three shopping centres in the station and around the station (that’s a lot isn’t it), and I even had a talk with Simon’s friend Tomo over the phone (who didn’t even know what they were). We found oatmeal and muesli, but sadly we could not find rolled oats anywhere; I was quite frustrated. Seeking relief (and since we were in Saty), I took Simon up to the men’s clothing section, and Animate; that took my mind off things, if only briefly. Not wanting to do anything else, we made our way back to uni on foot, enjoying a red bean gozasoro on the way.

Getting back to uni, we met up with Tomo, and soon after walked back home; Simon insisted that even though he had a bike he would walk with me. We talked a lot along the way, teaching Tomo English swear words; very irresponsible of us. When I got back, I didn’t do much, until I went up to make dinner at about 7:15. Since I didn’t have all the ingredients I needed to make either shepherd’s pie or spaghetti bolognese, I decided to experiment. I mixed the mince and frozen vegetables on a fry pan, in pizza, and yakitori sauce, and added macaroni, and cheese. It was a beautifully moist dish, the cheese bound it together well, and it tasted great; a smashing success. Yuji and Asami were already preparing for the food party, making mini okonomiyaki; clever idea. After dinner, Rachael, Rachel, Ash, Katie and I (the regulars), went down to start our Friday night movie viewing. We started off with Sweeny Todd, which Rachael and Katie had never seen before; they really enjoyed it. Then it was onto Withnail and I; which none of us but Ash had seen. And then it was time for bed. I was going to go to the ice festival in Kobe this weekend, but now I’m not so sure. I’ve got the food party to worry about and a speech for Japanese to write; see how I go…

Day 103 - 11th of December

10:27pm　セミナーハウス
天気：雨天
It had rained in the night, and continued to rain throughout the day. Not the best weather for all the running around I had to do today though... My oral exam wasn't until 12:40, so I spent the morning preparing for it. Straight after lunch, Carly and I made our way to uni with my Christmas box, ready to send. She sat in the lounge with it, while I did my oral. I did pretty well I think. After that I went back down, and Katie kindly offered to watch the box while Carly and I went to the station to buy my shinkansen ticket and get out money. That all went well. We also went to book off, and I bought the first book in the Deltora Quest series in Japanese. I really want to try to read a book in Japanese, and a childhood favourite seems like a good place to start.

Before getting back to uni (by bus again since it was pouring), I bought some 御座候 (gozasoro - pancakes filled with white or red azuki bean paste). I liked the red paste better; very interesting. We ate that back in the lounge, and then went to the post office to send my stuff off. That proved to be quite smooth. I was really glad to get it done. Carly had class to go to at 4, and I went home and had a nap. I managed to book by accommodation in Nagoya over the Internet; I'm becoming pro at this, xD. I'm going from the 25th to the 28th; yes, I know, I'm crazy. I'll skype with my family Christmas morning, then get into Nagoya later in the afternoon, via Kyoto. Had spaghetti bolognese at about 7, and cleaned the kitchen as usual at 9 (Yuji continues to come down to our room to remind us). Yay, finally up to date with my blog; only took 2 weeks. Oh well, it's all good. Just got this paper to do for CEL, and three exams next week, then I'm done; so happy.