Day 243 - 30th of April

9:06pm　ホテル

天気：晴れ、曇り

Well, we woke up a little late this morning (8:30), so that only gave us 30 minutes to eat breakfast; which was included in our accommodation package. It was a huge, traditional Japanese breakfast, so there was miso soup, 漬物 (tsukemono – pickled vegetables), shredded cabbage, sweet egg, salmon, seaweed and of course rice; it was so filling! We’re going to hopefully leave for the ferry soon, and go out to 竹生島 (Chikubu Island); looking forward to it…

12:03pm　彦根港

We’re at the port now, waiting for the ferry to arrive. It doesn’t leave until 12:30, so we have a bit of time. Apparently, it takes 40 minutes to get to the island, so it’s going to be a great ride… We walked from the station (after taking the bus), and have been here for about half an hour, taking heaps of photos of the port area, and the lake, which is absolutely massive you can barely make out the mountains on the opposite shore; so excited!

2:18pm　船舶

We’re on the ferry, making our way back to Hikone now; we’re sitting outside on top and it’s so windy. The island was absolutely magical!!! We went around to a load of temples and shrines, me switching between photos and video. There were lots of steps leading right up the three-storey, red pagoda on top. In a nearby temple (called 竹生島宝厳寺 – Chikubushima Hougonji), I lit a candle for my poppy, who passed away recently; Alex lit one for her pop too. I think it was the most perfect, serene place for me to take a moment to remember him… And the wildlife!!! There were so many birds – eagles, seagulls and other sea birds, all nesting in the trees on the cliffs; their cries were all so beautiful. Alex spotted a large brown snake, and coincidentally we had just past a snake shrine; I think it’s a good omen. At this shrine, there was a torii on the outcrop below facing the lake, and around it were scattered hundreds of little ceramic plates. People would throw them from the platform above where we were, with their names and wishes written on them; I thought it was a really interesting practice. Also, in the temple where I lit the candle, there were thousands of babushka-esque dolls, in which you could insert a scroll of paper with a wish; very cool. Coming to the island was definitely worth it, and even though time was fleeting (we only got an hour and 20 minutes), we got to see everything it had to offer. We did have to rush a little on the way down, to catch the ferry on time, but I couldn’t help pick up a souvenir on the way. Now, I am seriously considering writing about the island for my field report in Religion; I could start as soon as I got home. I took plenty of photos, and the video will help me to remember… Well, I think once we get back to Hikone, we’re going to return to the hotel, and then hit the baths. Might get something to eat before that, although I’m really not that hungry; that breakfast really was filling…

4:24pm　バスのりば　－　彦根駅

We’re in the bus stop waiting for the next bus to the hotel… After getting off the ferry, we were making our way back to the station when we came across a quaint little café and decided to get something to eat; I noticed they had curry rice. The inside was just as quaint as the exterior (I felt like I was stepping into a cottage), and was up to its ears in cute paraphernalia. We were soon seated in High-back chairs, enjoying the curry; it certainly hit the spot. Upon leaving, the lady there gave up each a mini copper matchbox car, after Alex commented on them; that was unexpected and wonderful. Still waiting…

6:37pm　ホテル

Just had a dip in the Jacuzzi, and now I feel wonderful. I wonder what we’re going to have for dinner; always thinking about food I am. After that rice, I’m not really hungry anyway. Well, Alex isn’t back yet, so she must be enjoying herself…

9:39　ホテル

Just got back from eating dinner; we ended up going to Roppongi House again. This time, I tried the tonkotsu ramen, and Alex stuck with her tomato ramen; it was that good! After talking for a while, we again went to Lawsons for some dessert, and I got some caramel/chocolate ice cream; yummy. Today was absolutely incredible, and even though we did heaps of walking, my feet aren’t sore at all; I find that pretty surprising. Anyway, I’m not really sure what’s in store for tomorrow. I think we’ll just make it up as we go along…

Day 6 - 4th of September

8:32am　セミナーハウス
天気：曇り
Shoot, only got half an hour to get ready to go to uni. Gotta go... Yay for Kyoto trip today!!!

9:10am　セミナーハウス
Lolz, I don't have to leave til 10:00 so I still got a little while. Hopefully tonight I can get my blog up to date. I've been writing this all in the notebook I bought at the airport. Also been writing out all my expenses, so I can start creating a budget and weekly shopping list. Diego is talking to his Mum in Portuguese on Skype now. It's really cool, better go...

3:12pm　普通電車
We're on the train toward 祗園四条駅 (Gion Shijou station). I'm with Diego, Jessica, Jacinthe, Georg and Diana, and four Japanese guides. We're only two stops away from Kyoto now. Earlier today Jacinthe and I went to get our Alien Registration done. It was easy enough, and we got in straight away cause it was quiet. We bought some lunch, which was a little expensive. It was tuna (raw) and salad. *One stop away*. Then we tried to make our way back from Hirakata station to the uni. We had to ask a bus driver for help. He was very kind. *Here*...

3:19pm　丹波橋駅
Lol, okay so we have to change trains first. We're at 丹波橋駅 (Tambabashi station), waiting to get on the express train. It's a blue train. We are now three stops away from Gion Shijou... So yeah it was all good. We got on the bus and made out way back in time for the Kyoto tour. I was amazed at how many people had signed up; pretty much everyone. We had a 15 minute walk to 御殿山駅 (Gotenyama station). It was so hot...

3:34pm　京都
We're in Kyoto now. I remember being here before...

6:54pm　京都
Here we are in Kyoto, in the rain, listening to some beautiful singing from some Indian Buddhists. We've just emerged from a huge shopping arcade. it's raining pretty lightly; nice. Our guides are trying to find us a place to eat for dinner. We've been walking for about 30 minutes I think. They are using the GPS on their phones and asking for directions. We must be almost there.

7:15pm　花たぬき
We're in a restaurant called "Hanatanuki". I ordered hetayaki, Hiroshima style with pork and udon noodles. We've all ordered different things so hopefully I get to try a bit of everything. I'm sitting with Georg and Jacinthe. The four Japanese guides are across from us, and Diana, Diego, and Jessica are behind us. *That water looks soooooo good!!!*

8:14pm　花たぬき
I am so happy and full. We split each of our meals in three, so now we're just trying to get the payment sorted. Lolz, Diego and Diana ordered jumbo sized okonomiyaki; it was huge!!! Unfortunately they couldn't finish and I guess I can't blame them. *Note to self, don't order jumbo sizes*.

Today was great. We ended up going to 清水寺 (Kiyomizu temple). Took heaps of photos and saw so many nice shops. Even though I'd been before, this time was a completely different experience. This time I got to drink from the 音羽の滝 (otowa waterfall). ~Three channels of water fall into a pond. Visitors can catch and drink the waters, which is believed to have therapeutic properties. Drinking the water of the three streams is said to confer wisdom, health, and longevity~


8:29pm　花たぬき

お腹が一杯

8:51pm　急行電車
We're on the express train home; I feel a bit more confident navigating the train system of Japan. These trains go so fast. It's so cool. I will time how long it takes to get from Kyoto to Hirakata. Since this is an express, we don't have to change trains. I realised that the first train we got on today from Gotenyama was a local train, so it doesn't go all the way to Kyoto. We had to change to the express train. Anyway... Gosh, I don't have anything to do tomorrow.; at uni anyway. So I will hopefully wash all my dirty clothes. I'll be able to upload my photos as well. Yay for lazy day tomorrow...
~9:23pm - so it takes about 30 mins from Hirakata to Kyoto by train, awesome.~

12:19pm　セミナーハウス
My bottom is hurting for sitting down so long. Georg is moving out tomorrow at 10am, so he's packing now. I'd better get some sleep
お休みなさい。。。