Day 264 - 21st of May

9:54pm　特急

天気：晴れ

I’m on my way to Toji; alone! I slept in, so I was 30 minutes late to meet Carly. I’m guessing she’s already on her way, and I don’t blame her; I’m really not doing a very good job keeping time. I might catch her when I get there; hopefully I can find some nice souvenirs at the market today. I don’t really know what I’m looking for. I’m just coming out of Kuzuha now, so got a little while before I get there. It’s sunny, but there’s a thick haze in the air; no doubt because of how much humidity there was yesterday…

5:43pm　快速

We’re on the way back home now; hurting all over. Today was intense!!! When I got to the markets, I spent a lot of time browsing and buying. I bumped into Katie with her friends, and a few other people from uni, and I eventually found Carly; she was already laden with kimono. Since it was open to the public, I decided I’d go have a proper look at the pagoda; it was even more impressive up close. What was really cool was the fact that I could actually go inside the structure. The central pillar was surrounded be statues of Buddha; it was very special. I think it was about 1:30 when we finally left the markets, and I was really happy with all my purchases; I got heaps of gifts for people, and I even got a new wallet made from sea snake skin. Actually, having a wallet made from snake skin is supposed to be good for monetary luck. Now I just have to get used to it; it feels so light in my pocket. We walked to Kyoto station, and I noticed that the new mall wouldn’t be opening until the 4^th of next month; I was really disappointed. We walked through the station in the cool (it had actually turned out to be a really hot day), and took the subway to Shijo. We decided to go to Sweets Paradise for lunch. We were so hungry and exhausted by the time we got there that it was absolutely wonderful.

I got lots of cake, jelly and ice cream, and felt like I was going to explode; I will miss Sweets Paradise!!! We got out of there at about 4, and then went over to Teramachi once again; well actually, the street running parallel. On the way, I stopped at a few more places to pick up more gifts. Walking along the street, I spotted the sign for animate and had to go in; yet again, more gifts, and a few things for me! By that point, I had so much stuff that I had to buy my bag to put it all in. I decided on one from the store I had gone to yesterday. It’s a duffel bag, and I’m hoping it’s going to fit a lot of my clothes; it’ll be my second checked bag. Now I just need a carry-on bag and I’ll be sweet. There were a few there, but they were pretty pricy. So I’m going to wait. As you can imagine, we’re very sore by now and as soon as I get back I have to get straight into cleaning and packing; Yuji’s coming to inspect at 7. Then after that, karaoke time; I’m going to die…

10:07pm　カラオケ　－　牧野

Just got to Karaoke; feeling good… As soon as we got back to the seminar house this evening I started stressing, and got considerably worse over the next two hours. It was 7 by that time, and Yuji was already asking if I was ready for my inspection; of course I wasn’t. So, I was graciously given until 8:30 to get everything done; admittedly, I freaked out a lot. But, I got through it, and Carly was a lifesaver, doing most of the packing and helping to clean. It ended up that we got till 9, since Yuji was preoccupied; I needed every second. I didn’t end up cleaning out my kitchen box or fridge; there just wasn’t enough time. So Natsuki has to check that tomorrow; Yuji’s going to be out. After all that I was sweating like anything so had shower and washed my hair. It didn’t help that as soon as I got out of the shower I was sweating again. In that time, Carly had weighed my bags, and I’m a few kilos over. But, I think I’ll be fine because I still have to buy a carry-on bag, which I can stuff with the rest of my stuff. It just means that I’m not going to be able to buy anything in Tokyo!!! Oh well, I’ll still be able to do some awesome sightseeing. It’ll mean I have some money left over too... Ash and Roisin have joined us, coming from the 黒執事 (Kuroshitsuji – “Black Butler”) musical. Rachel’s flailing all over the place, envious that she didn’t get to go with them. They bought the program and a heap of other merchandise; looks like it was a lot of fun. Anyway, all night karaoke now, and then graduation at 9 tomorrow; YAY!!!

Day 144 - 21st of January

8:13pm　セミナーハウス
天気：雨天
Finished cleaning; well pretty much… Got up at 9 this morning, and left for Toji at 10; Ryan arrived just before. We walked to Makino and it was drizzling, the sky moist and grey; it had rained the night before. Ash felt right at home, and insisted she didn’t need an umbrella. Soon after reaching the flea markets however, it started to pour; not that that deterred the crowds. Ash and Katie were in bliss, seeking out kimono stalls and the shelter they offered. They got quite a few things. As usual, I just enjoyed browsing; started forming some ideas of what I should get though. Katie found this really cool toy that, when spun, mimics the look of a bubble! It’s basically strips of iridescent plastic that “merge” together when spun. It’s a really cool idea though; looks great.

After about an hour and a half, we left the flea market, out an exit I hadn’t been before. I hadn’t realised just how huge the markets were; this arm extended right the way up to the shinkansen line. We walked further down, past the massive shopping centre that’s opening in spring, and went into Kyoto station. Not far from the door, was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s a bit hard to explain, but basically it’s a fountain of timed water jets, cascading from the ceiling to the floor, that creates shapes, patterns, words and even kanji!!! It was seriously awesome. It wrote ようこそみやこみち and then the translation, “Welcome to Miyako-michi. And then it created images of historical sites in Kyoto, including Toji pagoda, and heaps of different patterns; I was transfixed. We watched it till the completion of the circuit, and then continued through the shops, and over to the other side of the station; facing the Kyoto tower.

Katie wanted to see if she could book tickets for the Beauty and the Beast musical, or in Japanese 美女と野獣 (Bijo to Yajuu). This perked my interest, so we went together to check it out. The theatre is in Kyoto station, and the stairway to it was decked out in red carpet. Inside the foyer, there were statues of classic anime characters, including Astro boy, and Kimba the Lion. After a bit of thinking, I decided I was in, and we chose a day and got the tickets. We’re going on the 6th of Feb, for the Matinee performance at 1:30. It’s going to be so incredible, and so cool to watch in Japanese! After that, we went to donut king and indulged, before catching the train back home bound. Katie and Ash decided to go on to Hirakata station, but I got off at Kuzuha, and then changed for Makino.

I went and bought the Pokémon: Heart Gold Soul Silver walkthrough, at the Keihan store, and then went on to Sanko, to pick up bread and sauce; bread for lunch and sauce for dinner. I got home at about 3, had lunch, and then began cleaning my kitchen box and utensils. I also clean the fridge. Just as I finished, Ryan came up, and I inquired if he’d moved the stuff out from the bottom of the fridge. He said he had and that he’d cleaned it also. Lolz, well now it’s doubly cleaned. Here I was worrying about him getting things done, and he had finished everything by the time I’d gotten back; he’ll be moving to seminar house 4 tomorrow. When I came back down, I put my laundry away, and dusted the shelves. He was watching Mad Max on his laptop; I recognised the Australian accent. When I told him I hadn’t watched it, he said, “What kind of Australian are you?” That inspired me to watch it, along with many other Aussie classics, as soon as I get home!

At about 7:30, I went up and made dinner; my last home-cooked for a while now! I made spaghetti bolognese. Simple, but it meant I used up my last carrot, most of the onion, and the rest of my meat and pasta; so I was happy and so full afterward. I thoroughly washed my plate and cutlery, and then came back down. Yuji soon arrived at our door, accompainied by our new RA, Asumi. He inquired about by progress with inspection, and I let him know that everything but the floor, and shoji doors were done. We explained that we were going to be getting up at 8 tomorrow to vacuum; he implored us to have it done on time. Then I went up and showed him my kitchen box and the fridge; Ryan had already showed his. He was most satisfied, and I’m sure relieved; one less to worry about. I really hope it does go smoothly tomorrow; fingers crossed. As soon as it’s over I’ll be so happy. I don’t think I’ll do much else tomorrow; probably just mail Tamblyn’s shoes. Well, I think I’m going to go have some dessert now, and then say goodbye to the pots and pans…

Day 113 - 21st of December

10:58　普通電車
天気：晴れ
Carly and I are on the train back to Hirakata from 門真市 (Kadomashi), where Diego and Jessica left for the Osaka monorail to the Airport. Jessica will be leaving for America this afternoon, and Diego will be staying in a hotel for his plane tomorrow morning… We’ve just been kicked off the train and are now in 萱嶋 (Kayashima), and are waiting for the next train. So yeah, this morning we were up at 7, getting the room ready (well at least Diego’s side) for his inspection at 9. It ended up being Okaasan’s fastest, at just 7 minutes; something for me to beat tomorrow. Diego was seen off, and then we left for the bus with his two big suitcases. I decided to film the bus ride, and we had a bit of a running commentary about his time in Japan. At Hirakata station, we had to wait for Jessica to arrive. Carly and I decided to buy our tickets for Toji then, so we could go through with Diego and help him with his luggage. Diego, a little anxious, decided we should go and wait on the platform. Jessica wasn’t picking up her phone for some reason, so we didn’t know where to meet her. Eventually, we found out that she was waiting in front of Uniqlo, so we went back down and found her; she was with her host Mum and Brother. Since they were in a bit of a hurry, we were a little hasty and went back up to the same platform, to find that it was the wrong one, so we had to quickly get over to the next one. We just made onto the limited express.

It was only after we got on did we realise it would not be stopping at Kadomashi, but would be going directly to Kyobashi. Luckily, doing it this way would work out taking about the same time anyway. By getting off at Kyobashi and taking the local train back, there were fewer stops. Between the four of us, we made all the trains just in time, and I enjoyed taking Diego’s large suitcase up and down the stairs; it was a great workout. I got a bit of film of us on the trains, and then of our final farewell; they crossed the ticket gate and we could go no further. We watched them disappear from view, and then made for the train, only to turn around and see them going in the other direction; lolz, I wish I would have gotten it on film. I’m going to miss Diego; the room already felt empty without him this morning. But, I’m excited to get a new roommate too…

11:22am　枚方市駅
Now we’re in Hirakata station, waiting for the rapid express to Tambabashi...

11:56am　丹波橋駅
Waiting about 10 minutes for the train to Toji. So hungry; going to eat as soon as I get to the flea market. Just snacked on a メロンパン (melon pan – half-melon-shaped bread), but that just wasn’t at all satisfying.

The flea market was intense! It was so much bigger than last time; absolutely jam-packed. We were directed to the side gate past some amazing bonsai; some were huge. There was just a continuous stream of people. Our first stop was the たい焼き (taiyaki – fish-shaped batter filled with sweet bean, chocolate, custard etc.) stall. Since they only have sweet bean or custard, we opted for the custard, and happily munched on them as we made our way through the crowds. I saw so many great things there and can’t wait to have a really good look. Today was just a quick trip though, because Carly and I had to get back to clean our rooms for inspection. Carly was able to complete her kimono, finding an obi and sash. We saw Katie and Ash there (as well as many other students from Kansai), and Ash told my about a stall selling the Japanese imperial uniform and coats. I found it a bit later; so cool, but too small for me.

As we were browsing, this lady gave Carly the rest of her cup of fried sweet potato. Carly said she just looked at it, and then the lady offered us the whole thing; such kindness. I had okonomiyaki for lunch, and bought a necklace for Carly for Christmas; we decided she would choose it and I’d buy it. It’s a leaf-shaped crystal with an owl inside; since I was nicknamed búho (owl in Spanish) by Diego because of the sounds I make, xD. I even got it at a discount since we were students; so awesome. We wandered through to the front entrance, and then left for home. When we were at Toji station, it snowed for a few minutes; it was sunny for the rest of the afternoon though. At home, I had fun cleaning, and rearranging my desk; I’m really happy with how it’s turned out. Ended up cleaning until dinner, and I made gyudon; I love it now. I got to keep Carly’s mirin too. Spent the rest of the night just chilling, and talking with Carly.

Day 90 - 28th of November

7:12am　ホテル
天気：雪
It snowed in the night!!! This is officially the first time I’ve ever seen snow, and while it’s not much and probably going to be melted away by the end of the day, it’s something. Now, off to Jozankei…

8:21am　地下鉄
We’re on the subway now to 真駒内 (Makomanai)... After getting out of the hotel, we walked down a couple of blocks looking for “Cheese Please”. It was lightly snowing, and there was already a bit on the ground. It felt crunchy under my feet. We found an entrance to the subway; “Pole Town”. We got some breakfast from a bakery, found Cheese Please, and walked to the 薄野 (Susukino) station. Since everything was closed, we’re going to come back this way later. This train is going really fast and we’re only 2 stops away. We’ve just spotted a beautiful white mountain. I’m so excited; this area has heaps more snow!

9:08am　バス
We’re on the bus to Jozankei now, waiting for it to go. It’s snowing heavily now… Here we go…

12:20pm　湯の花
We’ve just gotten out of the onsen and wow… no words to describe it. But, I guess since I couldn’t take photos, I’ll have to... Stepping back a bit, we got to Jozankei at about 10. The ride here was wonderful; so much to see. And the snow got heavier. We’re surrounded by mountains now. Got off the bus, and walked up a hill, passing the 湯の滝 (yu no taki – hot spring waterfalls), to the information centre. The lady there recommended this onsen to us 湯の花 (Yu no hana); it was very close by. Before getting here though, we had a snow ball fight and I made a snow angel in an open field; it was so much fun.

So the onsen… There were a number of facilities inside and out. Yes, that’s right, we were sitting in the snow, in an onsen; most amazing experience ever. The onsen was partially sheltered by a gazebo-type structure. With the face of a mountain, covered in pines and gnarled trees as a backdrop, and the snow and steam spiralling in an intimate dance, sitting in the onsen was magical.

1:01pm　湯の花
Just finished lunch 豚丼 (tondon – rice covered with pork and veggies). I’m feeling so warm now… After sitting in the outside section, trying the waterfall cavern, and steam room, we went and enjoyed a massage from pounding water, and a bubble bath. We spent about an hour in there, going outside one last time to take in the view… We’re figuring out our next move now, it’s still snowing, but I’ve found that walking in the snow is quite pleasant. It makes the world look so calm. I think it’s because it falls so slowly, making time seem to slow down. So many people are just on the floor napping in this cafeteria, it’s so nice and warm and the floor is carpeted. I think I’ll lie down for a bit also…

4:33pm　バス
Finally on the bus back to Makomanai. It’s already dark and my hands are cold. After leaving the onsen, we walked around the town a bit, through the snow. The last thing we did was warm our feet up in the kappa friendship pool. It was very nice though, it smelt of rotten eggs. Then we all huddled together in a giggling pile, waiting for the bus to arrive. We’ll probably get back to Sapporo at about 6. We’re going to get to the German market again and get something to eat.

5:46pm　地下鉄
On the subway back to Susukino. The high school girls we met on the bus this morning were also on the return trip. One sat next to Katie, and they chatted. All the girls thought I was 格好いい (kakkoi – cool). One of them said イケメン (ikemen) which I later found out to mean hunk!!!

10:45pm　ホテル
Just about to go out to karaoke. We’re stocked up on heaps of munchies; cheese, crackers, biscuits. Free time karaoke is cheap here... After getting back to Susukino, we walked around Pole Town for a while, went to Cheese Please, and then went into a shopping mall. Before entering though, an unfortunate event occurred. Sonia and Katie had decided to go off separately, so we were going to meet back with them at the hotel. This reminded Eddy of the need for a key, and failing to find it immediately, he panicked a bit and rummaged through his bag, taking items out, and found it. So, we went on our merry way through the mall; everything was so expensive. We exited out onto the street, and then walked back to the hotel.

Eddy wanted to upload photos onto his laptop and asked Carly for a cord to borrow. The cord was easily found but, the camera wasn’t – we think he might have left it when he was looking through his bag. Extremely panicky now, Eddy rushed back with Carly and I in tow, to try to find it. After a number of attempts, he was unsuccessful. I feel so bummed out about it; what a way to end a great day. So, disheartened, we came back to the room once more, to find that Sonia and Katie had already left for the German market. We soon followed. Ate dinner there (I got ravioli). Unfortunately, the portions were rather small, and left us feeling unsatisfied. Did some shopping, and walked over to the TV Tower. By this time, sleet was coming down heavily. We noticed a purikura machine in the lobby, but since it was occupied, we decided to go up the tower first; Sonia and Katie opted out. It was a little pricey I guess, but it was worth it.

We were treated to an amazing view from the top; the lights were spectacular. I got some more pins from a machine – my goal to cover the front of my bag is getting there. I have 7 badges and pins so far. So yeah, got down, and had fun in the purikura machine. After that, we walked underground to Aurora Town (which connects the subways and Pole Town). Everything was shut though, except Makkas; everyone bought something. I was satisfied with a soft serve. Karaoke time…

Day 49 - 18th of October

10:38pm　セミナーハウス

天気：晴れ

Today was another lazy day. I got a bit of study and reading done, and started preparing for my Japanese oral exam; I have an intereview with the sensei! There was a market going on in the park, and at around noon I went to go check it out; it was actually quite large. There were a lot of stalls (food, clothes, white elephant, second hand). There was a jumping castle and other activities for the kids, and a dog show! Although I didn't end up buying anything, it was a nice break from the mundane. After getting back I had lunch, and then studied some more. Carly hung out with Diego and I in our room for most of the day; her roommate was still in Hiroshima. At 6:30 I started dinner, and again, I forgot to defrost the meat; this time chicken breasts. I decided to defrost them in a pot of hot water, and ended up half cooking them. It all worked out though. I cut them up into small bits, and stir fried them along with veggies and noodles; so yummy and leftovers for tomorrow night. A little later, I put on some rice, and had a bowl. Still hungry I ate one of Diego's manderins and later, some of Amber's instant chocolate pudding. So now I'm very much content. Back to uni tomorrow...