Day 228 - 15th of April

天気：曇り

Hurting all over from yesterday’s practice… Getting up at about 9, I spent the morning doing homework, before getting to uni for my 12 o’clock class. Staying in the same class for Religion, I got the homework done, and then chatted with Julie before class. Today, we continued with Buddhism, looking at the ways you can be reincarnated and the concept of Karma. Basically, depending on your Karma, which can be the positive or negative actions of this life or any of your previous lives you can be reincarnated as – a god (deva); a demi-god (asura); a human; an animal; a hungry ghost (preta); or a being in hell. In order to reach Nirvana, you’re actually best off being a human, a wealthy man living in a Buddhist country to be precise; you have the most opportunity to become a devout Buddhist monk. If you’re reincarnated as a god (which will last for about 50,000 years), you’ll find your life too comfortable and not worry about learning the Buddhist teachings until it’s too late; if you became a demi-god, you’ll just be angry and war-like the entire time; if you become an animal, you do have a slight chance of reaching Nirvana, but it’s more likely that if you’re a good animal you’ll get reincarnated into a human close to Buddhism (pets are the luckiest); if you’re reincarnated as a hungry ghost well, you’ll wander around unseen in the human world, never able to slake your insatiable hunger (they can’t swallow as their necks are too thin) and; if you’re sent to hell then you’re going to have a pretty rough time for the next 30,000 or so years.

Buddhist hell is quite different to Christian hell. Firstly, you get taken to the king of hell (閻魔王 – enma o), who’s there to judge you, and make sure that everything’s running smoothly. You’ll be shown what you did in your past life, and then by punished appropriately. Now there are many, many different types of hells, cold hells, hot hells, each with their own elaborate tortures and finite period of time the punishment will last for; they were very specific. One that the professor described to use was – drowning in a river of burning faeces while being pecked at by a bird (I later found out from Biancha that this was called the “blazing cock” hell). Now you could say well, I guess you’d get used to continuously dying after a while; it is a long time. But no, every time you experience the torture fresh, as the previous time is erased from your mind; of course, when you are finally reborn into another existence you won’t remember it anyway. The most interesting thing to note though is that, the Buddhist hell isn’t a physical place, it’s a mindset; you are punishing yourself. The torturers and even the other beings being punished are just extensions of the mind; I don’t know where enma o fits in though who incidentally is also a reincarnate. You keep on experiencing that same, appropriate punishment until all the bad karma is used up. So yeah, that was Religion. Afterwards, I rode back home, had lunch, and then spent the rest of the afternoon, updating my blog and watching episodes of Courage the Cowardly Dog on YouTube; that was very “natsukashii” (nostalgic).

I also got started planning the trip to Hikone, and I’m really excited about it now; there’s a lot of great things to see. One thing I especially want to do is take the ferry out to 竹生島 (Chikubu island) right out in the middle of Lake Biwa; it looks really beautiful. And of course, we have to see the castle; it’s still in its original form like Himeji castle. At around 6, I went to Sanko to pick up a few things. Getting back, I chilled in the kitchen for a while, before actually cooking; it was nice just to talk with people. I ended up cooking a chicken pasta bake, and made so much that I have some leftover for tomorrow. Sitting with Ash and Rachel, we absent-mindedly watched a detective/drama show on TV, while Yuji and Natsuki were making bandanas out of a red cloth for the Seminar House 2 sports team. I had to go over and investigate, and since most of the team was in the kitchen, pretty soon we all had them on, and were posing for the camera; that was fun. After helping with the washing up again, I spent the rest of the night in Katie and Ash’s room, watching Hetalia and AMV’s on Ash’s laptop; Rachel joined us too. Katie and Sarah were working on their skit, and they are portraying characters from Lord of the Rings; I think it’ll be hilarious. Well, hopefully I’m feeling a bit less sore tomorrow…

Day 221 - 8th of April

11:28pm　セミナーハウス
天気：晴れ
Well the weather turned again, and while it wasn’t as warm as Tuesday, at least it was nice and sunny… I woke up a bit after 9, and took a while to get ready; I wanted to look good for the koto performance. I ended up wearing my new shirt, with a vest over the top; I was really happy with the look. It also kept m warm enough that I didn’t have to bother with a jumper. I got to uni at about 10:30, and after dropping my bag off in the performance room (Midori and Mori Sempai were already playing), I had a bit of a walk, and took photos of the events going on, including the cheerleading, and rock band performance. I got back to the room for 11, and soon enough, it was our turn to perform in front of a small group of freshman; potential entrants to our club. Our first time through Sandan went okay, but Kyoningyo no yume was actually pretty terrible to be completely honest; my pages were out of order so I completely lost it at one point. After Maarika and I had played, Midori and Mori Sempai again took up playing, Mori offering my some glue to stick the Kyoningyo no yume sheet music together; good plan.

During this time, Rose and another guy (I’ve regrettably forgotten his name) came in, and were promptly served tea by the tea ceremony club, all garbed in kimono; and very beautiful kimono at that. Just as Midori and Mori Sempai had finished playing, a girl in the audience dropped her tea bowl; since it was ceramic it smashed. In a way, it was a fitting end to an intense piece like Kagaribi. Then we were up again, and this time we did a lot better at both pieces although, Kyoningyo no yume still wasn’t as good as Sandan; and it’s supposed to be the easier piece! Oh well, we have practiced sandan longer after all. Natalie had arrived by this time, so she played hanagoromo, and Maarika and I helped her; it turned out… okay. As soon as we finished, I had to rush off to class; it was a bit of a shame I couldn’t stay and support everyone. I ended up being a little late, but Saigo Sensei understood; he always does. The class was in the middle of watching a video about origami, but I caught the majority of it; it was quite funny actually. After that, we got into the serious stuff; as serious as Saigo Sensei’s classes can be that is.

In the break between classes, I got my homework done, and read a little more of the interview write-ups. In religion, we went on to discuss them all; some in more detail than others. Mine, which showed a pretty “typical” (the professor liked to put that word in quotation marks) representation of a Japanese person’s religious beliefs, was only glossed over, which was understandable; I didn’t have anything to add. Overall, it was really interesting listening to every ones ideas and input on other’s write-ups, and this is further helping to shape my perceptions of Japanese society. After class, I went down to check my mail, and there was another letter from Nanny and Poppy. Then I made my way back home, as I was extremely hungry. However many distractions lay in my path and it was a battle to get through them. First of all, the marching band and colour guard were performing out on the basket ball courts, so I had to watch that; it was so good. Actually, the band performed the theme from Mario Bros, which was so cool; I got it on video! After that, I saw Rebecca in the crowd and went over to talk to her; she was helping to recruit new members to her circle. I talked with her and a few Japanese people for a little while, and then finally had to excuse myself; I escaped.

I noticed Katie as I was heading towards the bike parking, but thankfully our interchange was relatively short; she had to go to Fresco for groceries. Riding home, I took a few photos of the Sakura across from Komatsu. Of course when I got back, I practically raced to my room to dump my stuff, and then went up to the kitchen to eat; so satisfying. After lunch, I spent the rest of the afternoon chatting with Alex. She wants to go on one last holiday together over Golden Week, so we were looking for a good place and accommodation; we’re thinking 彦根 (Hikone) at the moment. I also talked with Dad for a while, which was really nice; we don’t often get to talk for very long. 6:30 rolled around, and after getting in my laundry, I went upstairs for dinner; yay for leftover yakisoba. I stayed up there and chatted, and watched TV (lucky TV personalities going around Disneyland and eating all the food), until just after 8:30. Then I came back down here, and got my Reading and Writing homework done; that was a bit of a mission. The rest of the night was pretty chill though…

Day 210 - 28th of March

10:11pm　セミナーハウス
天気：晴れ
Even though I spent the entire day inside, it was far from unproductive; a fitting end to the spring break… I got up at around 10, and after getting ready for the day, I tried to get in touch with the family over skype; I had to get set up in the lounge since Hugo was still sleeping. 30 minutes later, and they still hadn’t picked up; I rung them several times throughout the day, with no luck. So I ended up not talking with them at all, which is a bit of a bummer. Anyway, getting to my room, I worked on my blog until lunchtime; still had a bit to go. I sat and ate with Rachel and Ash, and we talked for a while. When I came back downstairs, I was able to talk with Carly, and we started to plan Tokyo, so I’m going to book the hostel very soon. We talked until almost 2:30, and then it was time for me to get ready for the music party. The koto was already in the lounge, but I also had to retrieve the makura and music stand; okaasan calls it a 立 (tate) which means “to stand”. She also brought out the stand for the koto (same as the ones we used during INFES), which was great cause I meant I could sit on a chair; much better than sitting in seiza on a tiled floor.

Shortly after 5, the performances started, kicking off with Tristan on guitar, which was really amazing; he used so many difficult-looking techniques. I recognised the melody he was playing, and later when I was talking to him about it, he revealed that it was an arrangement from one of Ryuichi Sakimoto’s pieces; I have some of his music. So yeah, I really enjoyed that. Then, it was my turn, and I ended up just playing Hanagoromo, and Sakara sakura at Okaasan’s request; I think everyone enjoyed it. After that, Biancha and Yuji did there Manzai skit, which was absolutely hilarious; they had obviously put a lot of time into it. The skit actually explained what manzai was in a mock classroom setting, so it was not only very funny, but educational too. Manzai is basically stand-up comedy that involves two performers – the tsukkomi and the boke. The boke is basically the idiot, who misinterprets things, forgets, and slips up a lot, and it’s the tsukkomi’s job to correct the boke, and this usually involves physical and verbal abuse. I thought Biancha and Yuji portrayed the roles really well. Biancha was looking for volunteers from the “class”, and every time it was inevitably Yuji. He was supposed to demonstrate how a tsukkomi is supposed to act, but every single time, he ended up becoming the boke; so clever.

So I thoroughly enjoyed that. Then it was time for Otousan to sing, accompanied by Tristan on guitar. He sang sukiyaki, which many of us know, and he did a really good job of it; Otousan’s so awesome. Then it was Brett’s turn on saxophone, and he played some cool jazz. Finally, it was everyone’s turn. After a bit of stuffing around, we ended up getting everyone to sing, John Denver’s “Take me home, Country Roads”. Of course, Yuji made me take the microphone, not that I minded too much; it was kinda fun. That done we had a big group photo around the koto, and then everyone began to slowly disperse. Getting back to my room, I finally got my blog completely up-to-date, and uploaded some more photos to facebook. Soon enough it was time for dinner and I made spaghetti Bolognese, using the taco sauce; turned out tasting really good. I was joined by Ash, Sarah, Rachel, and Katie, while I enjoyed a word game show on TV; I could actually understand some of the questions. Eventually it was just Ash, Rachel, and I, watching the international figure skating competition hosted in Italy; as usual, Rachel was in her happy place. We cheered for the Japanese girls, who were doing really well.

At around 9, I decided it was time to retire for the night, but ended up bumping into Rachael. She was looking for Sarah, but couldn’t find her anyway; a lot of Firefly references ensued. I came up to her room, and she told me that she had looked in Ash and Katie’s room for her, but couldn’t find her. I was then lucky enough to get two CDs off her to burn; the Yoshida Brothers’ “Prism”, and the music from Sengoku Basara, an anime. I’m listening to it now, and it’s really epic. I then went to check in Ash and Katie’s room, and found Sarah casually sitting on Katie’s futon; she told me she had hidden out on the balcony. I had come in here to collect the purikura photos from last Saturday; I got mine, and also went back down to the kitchen to give Rachel hers. Getting back to my room, I found a note and a cookie taped to the door handle; it was a little thank you from the RAs. I had a shower and washed my hair; which still really needs to be cut. Simon got his cut today, and I must say it looks very… interesting; I don’t think I’ll be getting it cut like that. Anyway, maybe I’ll get it done this week. Hugo soon returned, finding a cookie and note on the handle for him too; for lending his cords to Yuji for the music party. He was soon out the door again, leaving me alone for the second time today; he had gone out to Kyoto to watch a movie with a friend. He had also found yatsuhashi, the wonders of which I had introduced to him last week; he’s hooked, just like Diego was. Ah, classes start again tomorrow; I guess I’m looking forward to it. My time here is rapidly expiring, but I still got a lot to do…

Day 138 - 15th of January

11:02pm　セミナーハウス
天気：曇り
Today was another half-day; got up at 11:30. After breakfast, I did the laundry, and hand washed my new jumper, turning my hands to ice. The sun only reaches my balcony after noon anyway, so it wouldn’t have made very much difference if I’d gotten the laundry out earlier in the day. At around 2:30, I made a quick visit to Sanko, to get bread and milk, and also mailed postcards at the nearby post office. I had lunch after returning, and after that, talked with Mum. Ben and Dad were back from Jamboree, but Ben was sleeping (totally wiped out), and Dad was mowing the lawn (typical), so I didn’t get to talk with them; oh well, hopefully tomorrow. I got the washing in at about 4, and hang it up inside, as I have to do all the time now since it’s too cold, and the sun is too weak. I went up and made dinner at 7. It was sliced chicken, in sauce with crushed Ritz crackers; lolz, aren’t I avant-garde.

The crackers really helped soak up the excess liquid. That, on top of spaghetti, and garlic bread as a side and I was set. I talked with Ash and Katie for a while, making plans for next week. After that, I came back down and read some more of Deltora Quest. I’m up to chapter three now, and my pace is increasing somewhat; I read 6 pages in under an hour. I soon felt hungry again, so returned to the kitchen and made 卵かけご飯 (Tamogo kake gohan – “egg over rice”). Basically crack a raw egg in boiled rice and you’ve got Tamago kake gohan; soy sauce is optional. It’s actually a really popular breakfast meal in Japan, because is quick and cheap to make, and it’s healthy; perfect for the hectic lifestyle of the Japanese. So yeah, now I feel content. I don’t think I’ll be doing anything tomorrow; probably just put on another load of washing. I have however, made plans to go to Nijo castle in Kyoto, with Nadezhda; should be fun.

Day 97 - 5th of December

9:35pm　セミナーハウス
天気：雨天
Just about to watch Twilight now, in preparation for New Moon at the cinemas tomorrow. Basically the plan is, wake up at 7, Flea market, movie, that "light up"; it's going to be great. I'll also try to do the laundry in the morning, if I can wake up. So anyway, today... Woke up at 9, talked with family for a couple of hours, and made banana pancakes. Carly made french toast in my glass dish, and we shared that. It was very interesting; gooey and crunchy at the same time. At about 1, Carly and I went down to Hirakata station to fix up my card, only to find that the bank was closed today, even thought the sheet the guy gave me in the CIE office yesterday said it would be open. I was very disappointed so, regrettably, I going to borrow money from Diego tomorrow. I'm very grateful, but I feel bad about doing it.

We walked back from the station, stopping at the uni, then Soft Bank to fix Carly's phone (it wasn't sending messages - the problem was the sent box was full). We stopped at Kirindo and then the 99円 store. Getting back, we had a very late lunch (4:00) and then worked on assignments. I talked with Alex for a bit, which was nice. Had dinner at7:30, and ate way too much. I feel so fat right now (bleh). Yay, movie time...

Day 20 - 18th of Septemeber

6:20 pm　セミナーハウス

天気：涼しい

Today, was a good day. After my 12 o'clock class, I went to get some money out of the ATM. Wow, I made my first online accommodation booking last night. Yes - Alex and I have decided where to go. We 're staying at 木もれび　(Komorebi), in 雄琴 (Ogoto) near the city of Otsu at the edge of Lake Biwa (http://www.komolebi.jp/guestroom.html)!!! It's an 温泉 (onsen - hot spring) resort. So yeah, we're staying in a twin room, breakfast included, for two nights (Monday - Tuesday). It was the last room available on those nights, so I think it was meant to be. It's going to be so awesome. Now back to today ...

I wanted to check out an electronics store some people had recommended called "Midori". I didn't know exactly where it was, but it turned out to be really easy to find; just kept on walking down the road past Top World. Getting there, there was traffic control everywhere. Midori has just opened, and it's obviously very popular. The amount of cars going in and out was astounding. Pedestrians are ushered along, or brought to a halt by traffic cops, while they attempt to keep the flow of traffic as smooth as possible. Up the escalators I went, after receiving handouts from several of the store clerks, into a vast, bright room. It was huge, and white, with mirrors that created the illusion of being even bigger. Guess were I went first; hair straightener!!! I know, it's silly, but I had to have one; good price too. So after finding the one I liked, I browsed around a bit; they have everything. Then I went downstairs to the grocery department, bought some more washing powder and some body wash (aloe vera), xD. WOW, it was packed in the food section; the prices were really good though.

After leaving Midori, I walked all the way back to Avail (the clothes shop near the seminar houses). I finally got that shirt, along with some jeans, and scandals! I must have spent about an hour in there. I couldn't help myself; most items were reduced. Came back to the dorm, and tried out my straightener; works great. Diego came back soon after, and I told him about Midori. He decided he wanted to take a look, today. So we walked all the way over there, and looked around (again for me, lol). He didn't end up buying anything, but then I showed him downstairs, and almost immediately he wanted to look for mochi. 餅 (mochi) is a Japanese rice cake, made from glutinous rice and pounded into paste. This particular type is a sweet (I think it's filled with red bean paste). I haven't had too much of it, but it's now Diego's favourite snack. We found these really nice pink coloured ones, loved them, and went back in for more. Thoroughly satisfied, we made our way back to the dorm.

9:09 pm　セミナーハウス

Oh my gosh!!! I just got an email from the innkeeper saying that it is overbooked!!! Luckily, he's given us a room in another inn (湯元館 - Yumotokan), which is right next to Komorebi (http://www.yumotokan.co.jp/world/english/guestroom/). * Huge sigh of relief *. .. I consider myself very lucky this point. The rate's the same, and we will still be able to enjoy the hot springs. So, it's all good.