Day 146 - 23rd of January

23:13pm　セミナーハウス
天気：曇り
Today was a so much fun… I woke up at about 9:30, showered, washed my hair, and shaved. At about 10:30, my first new roommate arrived; Jamie Lee Sykes (not Skyes – spelt it wrong). He’s from Leeds, from the same uni as Peter and Rachel; Peter’s going into home stay, and Rachel’s staying here. We chatted for a while, and then I went out to wait in the lounge for Jacinthe. So many people were arriving this morning; and throughout the rest of the day no doubt. Jacinthe came down to let me know she’d be ready soon, and then Jo turned up; back from her epic trip. I immediately took her to my room so she could pick up her luggage, before going back down to the lounge.

When Jacinthe came, she asked if I’d borrowed a bike, and I said I hadn’t, but then I thought, “I’ll go and borrow Jo’s”. So I went back up and got her key off her, no problem. It felt weird riding, but it wasn’t as scary as I thought. It certainly made the trip feel a lot shorter; it would have taken at least and hours walk. We stopped at a 7/11 on the way, so I could get some money out, and then we continued on down the highway. Eventually we got there; Jacinthe recognized the building. It’s next to “Round One”, which has a bowling alley, karaoke, and the like. Apart from the theatres, this building had a number of clothes shops, restaurants, a bookshop and pet shop.

We went to the cinemas first to check the times; jump of excitement when I saw that it was there. There was either a 4:10 in 2-D, or 5:20 in 3-D. Of course we went with the 3-D version. It was a little more expensive, but had to do it. So, tickets bought, we had 5 hours to kill. First off, we had to eat, so Jacinthe took me to a ramen place nearby; it was great. Then we went back and hit the clothes shops. I managed to find a great pair of pants. At about 3, we went to the coffee shop, and got soft cream; chatted there for a while. Then we went upstairs and played the taiko game, before going to the pet shop; so many cute, and exotic animals. Still with over an hour to go, we went to the bookshop, and spent a while there, looking at the sheet music books, and language textbooks; Jacinthe is teaching French to Japanese students.

Finally, after watching some school-aged guys playing the taiko game (they were damn good), and going back to a clothes shop so Jacinthe should buy a dress, we got to the cinema right on time. Bought caramel popcorn (as always), and drinks, and got seated; the theatre was absolutely packed. 3-D glasses on, and we were straight into it. The sound quality was absolutely shocking and I was so worried the whole movie was going to be like that (it would have totally ruined it), but they fixed it up after a few minutes; so relieved… three hours later and we were out. I thought it was epic; the 3-D was really cool, and I felt so absorbed into the movie. The story was great, and the graphics were incredible; it was so organic and realistic.

It was 8:30, dark, and the ride back was cold. When we did get back, we found a bunch of people in the lounge, listening to Otousan play guitar; I was really surprised! He was very modest about it (of course), but Okaasan was there spurring him on. After he’d finished, Okaasan brought her koto out!!! I piped up that I was in the koto club, so she insisted that I played; practically dragged me to the ground. But first, I had to go get my tsume from my room. As soon as I got in, I realised someone was in bed. Unfortunately, I had to turn the light on, which revealed two people in bed; one in mine! I quickly got the tsume, and then got back to the lounge.

The koto was old and dusty, and way out of tune. I was able to tune it with relative ease, which made me really proud of myself. And what did I play; Sakura sakura of course. I was a little nervous, but got it out pretty well; it’s easy. Everyone applauded, and then I played Hanagoromo; it was good practice. Soon after, the woman I know for CIE came in, and Okaasan insisted an encore of Sakura sakura. Then, it was her turn. My tsume actually fit her pretty well; she explained that hers had broken. She also told me that she hasn’t played in 10 years, so is out of practice; she got through Sakura sakura pretty good though. So now, she wants me to be her teacher, and says I can play her koto anytime I want. This is great for me; I’ll be able to get plenty of practice in before the concert.

Since I was a bit hungry, I went up with Jacinthe to borrow her knife (which turned out to be a carving knife), and went to the kitchen with her to make avocado on toast. Since they’d taken the toasters away, and even the toaster oven, we had to use the microwaves; one of my pieces of bread got a bit burnt. Jacinthe borrowed my Jam, so she was happy. After that, I snuck into my room again, and got the Jo’s bike key and my flash drive; so I could do my blog on the computers. I first went to sit with Jo and Sarita in the lounge, and Jo told us about her adventures in Thailand; so cool. Then I came in here (the computer room), and started on my blog, getting pleasantly distracted by Rachel and Peter.

Now it’s just me and Peter in here; Sarita’s in the lounge on Skype. I really don’t want to go back to my room, especially since my bed has been taken; by Hugo. I mean, when you come see three beds and two are unmade and the other is made, why would you take the made one? I guess I should have made it more obvious, and I’ve only used it once, but still. Oh well, I’ll be off soon. I’m really glad I finally got to see Avatar; it was definitely worth it. The movie was in English, with subtitles (which really popped out) but, as I’d expected, when they spoke in the Na’vi language, there were only Japanese subtitles. Still, it was easy enough to get the gist of it (I could read bits of the Japanese), though it will be nice to see what they’re actually saying. Anyway, it’s time for sleep...

Day 145 - 22nd of January

10:36pm　セミナーハウス
天気：曇り
Finally settled, back in the old futon’s we had during just semester, two empty beside me, and Jo’s two very pink suitcases in the desk area; the room feels nice and full. Today was a long day… Although I had a terrible night’s sleep, I still managed to get up at quarter to 8. I decided to quickly go have some breakfast before vacuuming. Ryan roused soon after I returned; I was moving my futon out. Once the floor was cleared, we vacuumed, and I also dusted the shoji screens and air conditioner. We ended up getting it done by 8:30; way ahead of schedule. So, we just talked for a while… Ryan explained that he would be going back into home stay if it weren’t for that the home stay he was with last semester won’t be looking after anyone this semester, since she’ll be travelling. He said he didn’t want to risk another; he had heard stories of not very good ones, as had I. He also commented that this was probably the longest conversation he’d had in English since he got here; crazy. He is in level 7 Japanese (the highest level) as I was soon to find out, so I guess it’s expected.

A bit after 9, Okaasan arrived. She checked my side of the room first, then went up and checked my kitchen box and the fridge, and found everything to be immaculate. She was very pleased; I was just relieved. Then onto Ryan, and there was no problem there, so he was soon on his way to seminar house four; I might see him around on campus. So, with only a door key, I went and had a shower. As I was finishing the light in the shower went out. I immediately thought black out but no; the bulb had just died. I went and explained this to Otousan, and he got me to fetch the master keys from Okaasan upstairs, before going into the store room, and pulling out a new bulb. Surprisingly, he asked me to go and change it; of course I humbly obliged. Socks off, and onto the wet shower, and it was done in a jiffy. Made me feel like I was at home; changing light bulbs because I’m so tall. After that, I went up and got Jo’s luggage from upstairs and dragged it into my room. Satisfied with everything here, I went into university.

Jacinthe caught up with me on the way there, and we talked the rest of the way. She went into the CIE, and I went to post Tamblyn’s shoes. It turned out to be quite cheap; cheaper than I’d expected at least. I went back into uni, and ate lunch at the cafeteria with Jacinthe. Of course, I had katsudon; I missed it a lot. After that, we went back to CIE, and I checked my mail; received a postcard and card from Nanny and Poppy. Then I went the computer lab to up for laptop registration for this semester. It was really quiet, and she actually asked if I had my laptop with me then, but I didn’t. I instead selected the 2:40 time slot today. Then, I went and requested an unofficial transcript. Jacinthe told me you could do it, and I did want to know my grades. She had also requested one a week ago, and when I asked the guy how long it would take to get to me (they put it in your mailbox), and he said by Monday. Jacinthe piped up that she hadn’t received hers yet, and I think this got them motivated.

I then left for home, and went up to let Ash and Katie know they could register their laptops today. Okaasan soon came in for their inspection, and she was surprised to see me. I went to leave, but she insisted I stay (it was quite funny actually), so I plopped myself down on a futon, and looked at the calendar of Canada Katie gave me; beautiful photos. They pulled off their inspection no sweat, and then we left for the uni once more; for me at least. I got in and got mine done straight away, hassle free; I mean we’ve already done it once, so they know what we have and all. I looked in my mailbox again, and found an envelope containing the transcript; it really did get them motivated. I was happy with my results; it was exactly what I had expected I’d receive. I sat down with Ash and Katie in the lounge as they waited for their times, and Jacinthe soon joined us; she also got her transcript. Lol, two guys and a girl across from as were sleeping on the lounges; one of the guys was snoring quite loudly.

After registrations were complete, we decided to go to Makkas; a late lunch for Ash and Katie, and a snack for me. I ended up getting a cheese burger and strawberry milkshake, and Ash got a Texas Burger at my recommendation; she really liked it. Jancithe came over and noticed that we all had food, and felt left out, so she went and got something; a Texas Burger also. Then Katie felt left out for being the only one to have not tried it. We stayed there and chatted for a few hours; it was great. It wasn’t until 6:30 that we finally got back home. I went up and bothered Ash and Katie, and was treated to photos of the areas in which they live. Ash lives in Oxford, which is just amazing in terms of architecture, and Katie lives in Calgary and has a view of the Rocky Mountains out her back door, and the landscapes is simply breathtaking. It made me feel very reminiscent, and I was amazed at how fast time had gone past, looking at all the old photos.

I left their room at 9:30 feeling hungry; they felt content with Makkas and snacks. I went done to my room and found a mini cup noodle, and a tuna to go, so I went up and ate them; happy tummy now. Wow, the kitchen looks so empty without all the pots and pans. All we have now is the microwaves and kettles. After that, I went and had a shower, and then finally got into bed. I’m really glad I got so a lot done today. Still have to get in forms and pay accommodation next week, but that should be easy. I invited Jacinthe to come and see Avatar with me tomorrow since Ash and Katie don’t really seem fussed, so hopefully we can make that happen; I’ll email her tonight. I thinking I might get a knife and spoon, and a few other utensils from the shops tomorrow, and some other groceries. Also found out the names of my new roommates; Hugo Philippe Alexandre Bertrand from Spain, and Jamie Lee Skyes from England. Hugo will be permanent, and Jamie will be going into other accommodation. I also found out that Simon (a guy from USC I got in contact with over facebook) with be right across from me. Can’t wait to meet all the new people…

Day 116 - 24th of December

11:15pm　セミナーハウス
天気：曇り
It’s Christmas Eve, but it really doesn’t feel like it. If I were at home, I would have been helping Mum put the Christmas presents around the tree. Instead, I’ve been packing for Nagoya tomorrow; can’t wait to see Alex. We’ve planned to go find a nice restaurant to eat at, and then pull an all-nighter at karaoke; Alex won’t be able to get back into her dorm till at least 7am. At least with ours, we have a key and can come in at any time. Anyway, today… Well, I got up late (I’m starting to make a bad habit of that), had the last of the cereal, and then found out from Yuji that my new roommate would be coming today or tomorrow; okay cool, I thought. Then, as I was going back to my room, Otousan came over and told me that my roommate would be coming today; soon! So I thought, okay, I’ll just have a quick shower and then be ready.

Just as I was getting into the shower, Otousan came through with him; whoops. It was all good though; after getting out I went to introduce myself to Ryan. He’s from New York City, he’s already been here a semester, he’s an Asian Studies major, and has a Japanese girlfriend. I know this because he will be spending Christmas with her; he’s already left. He’s also informed me that I’ll probably only see him on Monday’s and Tuesday’s; this is going to be weird. I’m kinda disappointed, but I guess some alone time will be good for me. So, I left him at his computer, wishing him a Merry Christmas, as I went off to uni at about 1:30. There, I checked my mail, got a new ID card (having been accepted to continue my studies here next semester), and had lunch; ah my beloved katsudon.

Shortly after, I made my way back to find myself alone once more. I finished off as much as I could for dinner tonight; 5 eggs, mushrooms, Diego’s tomatoes, and Jacinthe’s capsicum and spring onion she left for me. And, I just ate a heap of mandarin, and some cake, so just got rice and 4 eggs left for tomorrow; unfortunately I had to throw away Jacinthe’s milk. Oh yeah, and I got to do my washing today; finally. I folded all that, packed what I needed, and uploaded some more video to my computer. Now, time for bed. Merry Christmas…

Day 2 - 31st of August

9:00 am　セミナーハウス
天気：暑い
Well I made it to my dorm in one piece. After getting off the limousine bus I realised I was not at Hirakata station. I had to ask for directions twice, to get there. I was a little worried but it turned out to be easy enough to find. Only a 5 minute walk away. When I got there, the bus I needed to get to the seminar houses had miraculously appeared. I was feeling very lucky at this point. I quickly jumped on. I overheard some girls talking about the seminar house and one of them (Amber as I later found out), helped me get there, after I payed the 220 yen fee. ~ In Japan, you pay the bus driver when you get off the bus ~
I was so relieved, when I got there. When I got to my room, after meeting my Otousan, I was immediately greeted by Georg from Germany, who is staying in our room temporarily. My roommate's name is Diego from Milwaukee, USA. He's originally from Brazil so speaks Portuguese and Spanish (you can tell by the name right). He's 22, and pretty cool. Anyway I need to make a list of what I need to buy. And, I'm meeting Dan today (my speaking partner) at 1pm.

6:48 pm セミナーハウス
Day two in Japan and I've started shedding the feeling of the impossibility of my situation. This morning I went to my first 99円 store, which I'd never heard of. Georg joked that the 100円 stores were for the snobs. It's just so crazy and weird to see that every single item is the same price. And yet, they still mark the prices on everything. In fact you actually pay 104円　for everything (I'm guessing that's the tax???) So yeah, we walked all the way to university which took about 20 minutes. It absolutely blew me away when I saw it. The buildings are huge!!! I took heaps of photos. It's sad though cause I didn't actually get anything done in terms of handing in forms. I just watched as Diego and Georg did their stuff xD. We met up with this girl from my dorm who's name escapes me, and ate lunch in the cafeteria after checking out the McDonalds and convenience store.

At 1pm I was able to meet Dan for the first time. He seems like a really great guy. He is already quite good at English. I also met his friend, Seimu Suzuki. He is better at English and I found it a bit easier to talk to him. I also talked to their friend Chihiro in Japanese. We will go to her house, and Dan's too, and they will cook for us. Dan likes basketball, piano and karate. He wants me to play his keyboard at his apartment . After walking and talking a bit more, we ended up splitting. Dan went home and Seimu walked me back to the seminar house.

I went out again to do my first "big" shop, at "Top World" (it's a grocery store). I didn't exactly know what the cashier was saying so I just smiled and nodded. Also you do your own packing. Anyway I've written too much already. Oh, I gave Alex a text at like 6:30 before I realised that she probs wouldn't get it. I'll send her an email. Anyway, going to have dinner now ...

11:52 pm　セミナーハウス
It's a great atmosphere here in the dorm. Everyone is so friendly and easy to talk to. I'll be helping Diego a lot, as he has never taken Japanese before; that should be fun. As for the other students, the degree of knowledge of Japanese is quite varied. I wonder how Alex is. Hopefully she is asleep in her hotel bed by now. I really, really need a better pillow. This one officially sucks (*Adds to mental shopping list*). LOL, and I need some cutlery for this week, as they don't provide it. I ate my curried pork and rice with the provided plastic spoon tonight. Nevertheless, it was so yummy. Tomorrow, I have a lot to do. I have to go to uni at 10:30 for the language placement test. I'm hoping that I'm at level 3-4. Then I need to make an appointment to register my laptop. Then I need to go to the PC@LL session. Maybe take the orientation tour. Hand in some forms (which reminds me I still need to get my insurance policy out) and pay my fees. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. I might meet with Seimu too. Good night ...