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 159 - 5th of February

11:45pm　セミナーハウス
天気：晴れ
I’ve just finished watching Nightmare before Christmas, and Sleepy Hollow with Ash, Katie, Rachel, and Rachael; Tim Burton is the best! Today went well. I got up a little late, but got to uni on time for my 9 o’clock class, in which I had my Reading and Writing test. Straight after that was the Speaking test. Both went pretty well I think; glad they’re over. Then I went down to the lounge, after finding a notice of interest in my mailbox. Someone is selling textbooks cheap and my Onna to Otoko books were listed. So, I sent an email to the seller; sadly, still no reply. I actually waited in the computer lab for a while, for the reply since I was sending the message to a mobile phone; I had expected a hasty reply. Now feeling hungry, I went to lunch with Jacinthe, and had 肉じゃが丼 (nikujagadon – a meat and potato dish). It’s an interesting dish that sees the marriage of British beef stew and Japanese style cooking and ingredients; very tasty. It’s a great winter dish, and I’ll have to try cooking it some time.

After lunch, I had my Onna to Otoko class, where we discussed the definition of gender, contrasted it to the word “sex”, and brought up the issue of intersex; it was all very fascinating. And then I was done for the day. I decided to check out Avail before going home, and found a pretty cool pair of boots. I wasn’t completely convinced, so decided to wait, in hopes the price may drop; already really cheap though considering. When I got back, I found Simon and Rachael in the computer lab, and chatted with them for a while, before going up with Simon to the kitchen to get something to eat. As we were climbing the stairs, Katie was coming down and oh wow she looked great with straight hair; so different too. After eating, Simon soon left to go out with friends. I went back to my room and chatted with Alex and then family for a while, and then went up to make dinner; pizza. While it was cooking, Hugo came in, telling me he had someone to introduce. I soon become acquainted with Richard; a friend of Hugo’s who has been following my blog.

Needless to say, I was quite shocked by this; meeting someone who already knows much about me. I can’t say that it isn’t a bit creepy; hopefully he will read this and have a good laugh. He was really cool though, and even offered me a gift; sweets. I ate them straight after my pizza; thanks Richard they were very tasty. So yeah, that was cool. At this point, I was joined by Katie and Ash, and soon Rachel, and we sat and talked, while watching a program featuring Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (which I still haven’t seen), and other Ghibli works. They also showed the Ghibli museum, which I really want to go to. At about 8:30, it was movie time, and we had quite a number watch Nightmare before Christmas. That soon dissipated, after Sleepy Hollow came on; great night of viewing. Next Friday’s going to be Sweeny Todd, then another movie that Ash is dying to show us; looking forward to it. Well, better get some sleep; Beauty and the Beast tomorrow!!!

Day 120 - 28th of December

6:27am　Denny’s
天気：雨天
We’ve just dropped into Denny’s again; the same one! We’re going to have some breakfast and hang around for a bit. Gonna order now… I’m getting omurice, and Alex is getting the lasagne. Karaoke was so much fun; we managed to keep singing right up till 6. They actually rung to tell us our time was up in the middle of a song; that was annoying. It was so cheap though; totally makes up for the other nights mistake. Our voices are completely shot but so very satisfied. After breakfast, we’re going to go find an ATM, get some money out, and then go back to the hostel and get me checked out, lolz. Then onto Sweets Paradise!!!

7:41am　名城線
We’re on the subway, loop line, and when people get up, we’re going to sit, and sleep; go around the loop for a few hours.

7:51am　名城線
Still standing; well, Alex is sitting on the floor. We’ve ended up on the 名港線 (Meiko line), bound for Nagoya port. So now, we’ve officially been on every subway line in Nagoya bar one, which only has one stop anyway; Not bad for 4 days work…Yay, sitting down now; time to sleep!

10:27am　Hostel Ann
Showered, packed, and ready to go; Alex has crashed on the lounge. We ended up going around the loop over 1 and a half times, before getting off at Kanayama. I was thinking about getting a DS today, but decided it can wait; I want to find a second hand one. We’re still go to Sweets Paradise though; I found exactly where it is. Still got half an hour before I have to check out; watching a really old Bruce Lee movie on TV called “game of death”.

3:29pm　新幹線
Just got on the Shinkansen, and I’m speeding back to Kyoto; sitting on my suitcase again, but I don’t mind. I’m just really, really tired; as soon as I get home I just want to crash on the futon. The sun’s already low in the sky, so the day will be over when I return. I have no idea what I’m going to going to have for dinner; I have nothing in the fridge. Maybe I’ll just make rice. I’m nowhere near hungry now anyway… After checking out of the hostel (which served its purpose most adequately), we took the subway to 矢場町 (Yabacho) where Sweets Paradise is. It was a little hard to find, since the complex it is situated in (Parco) was actually made up of three interconnected buildings (south, east, and west). We went into the south building first, unaware of the others at the time. It took as a bit before we actually realised it was in the east building; it was easy to find it after that.

We reserved a table, and had a 30 minute wait. I decided to do some exploring; Alex stayed put. So many clothes; all so expensive… I did find a great music shop though, which had heaps of sheet music. I found some Studio Ghibli stuff first, and almost died when I found the Final Fantasy books; Finally!!! I bought 2 and then made it back just in time for us to be seated. I think I did a lot better than last time; in the 70 minutes I had two plates of cake, two bowls of ice cream, bowl of fruit, and a plate of spaghetti. I think Alex really enjoyed it too. I was smaller than the one in Shinsaibashi, but still really great. On that floor (the 8th), there was also a cooking studio for workshops, which looked really cool. After getting stuffed, we went back to the music store, and I played some more piano for Alex, sight reading from one of my new books; she had to help me hold it open. After spending about an hour there, we went back to Sakae, and then look the Higashiyama line to Nagoya. Then it was time to say goodbye; miss Alex already. Anyways, time to rest a bit…

4:00pm　京都
Just made it to Kyoto, now onto Kintestu line, then Keihan, then bus home…

4:51pm　バス
Just got on the bus at Hirakata station; almost home. Coming out of the loudspeaker in the station is a koto piece I recognise from koto club; I think it’s rokudan. So cool… so there you have it, the end of my Nagoya trip; I can’t believe it’s over already; it really was an amazing trip, but went so fast. Probably has something to do with the fact that we turned 4 days into 2! I think I’ll just have a lazy day tomorrow; probably do my laundry.

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.