抹茶タイム

So today instead of Kado, we had a tea ceremony like last semester. Unfortunately my yukata was left at my host families place, though the borrowed green one also seemed to suit me well.

This was the first time using the new chawan purchased in Kyoto on Sunday and you will notice that it has an Autumn theme to match the season. The chawan is a fairly standard make in Kyoto, although the maker is definitely of Kyoto and is authentic. ^_^ Looking forward to using it in Australia also were there to be an event worth getting it out.

Was wonderful to enjoy drinking maccha with my friends, the sweets were also delicious as always ( anko is the best) and there is much anticipation for next week when we will again be having green tea, although the wearing of yukata was this week only. 

Seiza is always difficult, though there were people having more trouble with it than myself which gave me hope of letting my legs slip to the side a little to a position that was more comfortable.

We look wonderful!

伏見稲荷神社 - Fushimi Inari Shriner

On Sunday Taka was kind enough to take me to Kyoto in order to fulfill a wish, a dream, a life goal that is tied (for me) to my very being. As mentioned in a previous post, this shrine is very close to my heart as it is linked to my fursona Senti. 

For myself fursona are animal representations of oneself and reflect interests while taking the form, colour and often markings that the individual would feel most true to themselves being. 

About Senti 

Senti is a light blue Japanese spirit kitsune (fox). She has three gorgeous tails (which she is proud of) which reflect gained wisdom through life (9 is the max). Her markings are simple dark to light blue gradient from ear and paw tip and two sharp darker blue dots on her forehead. Senti is reminiscent of the foxes in ancient Japanese folk tales and her image is enshrined in Japanese culture. 

Back to the shrine...

After an unfortunate attempt while my parents were visiting which was hampered by humid temperatures making me tire quickly, finally climbed to the very top of Fushimi Inari Shrine.



We walked through the hundreds of orange Touri gates, viewing the beautiful schenery and hints of Autumn momiji (maple) as we climbed ever higher.

Praying at each of the shrines (one of which had an actual cat sat right where the god usually would), myself presenting them each with the same humble reqest, we reached the top shrine.

A small pale wooden fox purchased here which was blessed by the god Inari.


There are few experiences and or goals achieved that will remain with me as this will. The endeavor to never give up and the dream that lives to fuel that drive that achieves yet even more ambitious dreams.

Such a beautiful day, such a truly breathtaking shrine.

One pleased fox.

Nisonin shrine.

The day did not finish there though. After lunch with a spectacular view on the mountain at Fushimi Inari Shine, we headed down to one of the most beautiful spots to view the momiji (or so they say). After a slightly frustrating drive into the shrine caused by an event celebrating the arrival of one of the treasures at a near by shrine, we were by no means disappointed upon arrival at our destination.

低回趣味 (teikaisyumi) = Disposition towards rejecting mundane affairs and enjoying nature and art.

So, skipping reporting on the trip to Kyoto as it serves as a road block for more current news. Therefor it shall be saved for another time, and there shall be a return to my usual weekly mini posts.

Big news

Home?

Shall need to book flights for my trip home soonish despite me being reluctant to think about returning to Australia. Unfortunately, until this time the budget for flights home had been exempt from the overall budget, so in fact this will leave me with less money than planned to complete my adventures. Sadface.

Although....one month until my birthday peeps.

Of what has now officially become my longest exchange, there are but months left. Currently discussing the details, though within the next 3-4 months my inevitable return shall be imminent.

Let's break the mini news from now on into my classes shall we. 

Listening 

Currently we are listening to a tape about death. Well, not really about death, more so the process and price of funerals. This tape is rather interesting for me, although the previous which was about an experiment with Oxycontin and dog owners was more to my liking. However, Abe-sensei always picks very interesting tapes, making this my favorite class.

Conversation 

The ever amusing Tabata-sensei. This class is my second favorite and involves speeches as well as conversation formation which is conducted in pairs. Previous speeches have included topics such as "The biggest mistake of my life"(Not having confidence) and "An unforgettable person"(Chose Mr Bardsley)". The next topic will be "Small pleasures in life"which leaves myself with the conundrum of having too many, which has never been a bad thing up until this speech.

Essay Writing 

The ever amusing Tabata-sensei, again. Class consisting of exactly what you might guess. Not much to write about the class, yet so much to write. :D

Reading 

Least, favorite, class. Suzuki-sensei can talk, and talk, and talk, about...........nothing. Long pages of text and my arch nemesis, kanji. We do battle each Thursday and Friday and although victory is inevitable, an unshakable habit of stuttering my Japanese when reading aloud makes for an amusing class, or at least for my classmates. So far the texts have been interesting however and include "A world without mobile phones" and "Okinawa", a text about how moving to Okinawa was a welcomed remedy for the trauma of the earthquake and tsunami.

Translation

Feeling confident about my translation exam yesterday. We did two texts, one manga exert about a boy called Kobo-chan who, in this particular section remarked how he wanted to grow up quickly in order to be able to give blood, though only after observing that those leaving the blood van were given free juice, and a news paper article about a traffic accident. We were allowed to use our dictionaries and were tested on how well we remembered the rules for translation.

Calligraphy

Sensei is a demon. We connect on that level that only mischievous Japanese creatures of folklore can (Nuki, you know what is meant). Currently the class are carving our own stamp seals. Mine bears the name "Belinko" (Ko is for fox) and the image of a fox face. Though my skill is markedly lacking. it seems there is am opportunity to have a seal made by talented sensei himself which would please me greatly.

Ikebana (Kado) 

Aoki-sensei is possibly the happiest person on earth. We connect on that level that only people who seem like the happiest people on earth can. This week the class worked with gorgeous preserved purple roses, which was imensely enjoyable for myself, having some experience in the field of flowers. (Pun-intended) These classes serve to calm my mind and allow for a much needed release of creative energy that is not afforded as readily in other classes.

Each weeks arrangement is given either a "win" or "lose" rating based on whether the image in my head matches that achieved through the medium. This week was a win.

International Studies 

Focussing on International Education, this class for me is participation only. No marks will be collected, though no homework will be either. Attendance is different to the other students for the previously mentioned reason, however there is much to learn through observation. The schooling systems in China and Korea scare me quite a bit with talk of days filled until nights with classes, then homework. Despite my love/hate relationship with Australia in recent months, this class has sought to reinforce for fortunate my birth in such a county.

Yes, seriously taking that many classes this semester, plus many of these have classes on multiple days. Taihen (Difficult).

Travel 

Will be going on the trip of a lifetime this Sunday. Traveling to Kyoto to climb the mountain of Fushimi Inari Shrine. If ever there would be something to designate a spiritual experience, this would be mine. Many of you would be familiar with my Fursona or furry persona Senti, well this (country, city, very mountain) is most likely where she would reside. Now think of that, your perfect spot, in the deep of Autumn (this weekend marks the absolute deep of Autumn in Japan).

The word Kandou is highly applicable here.

The two Halloween parties...

The first of the great Halloween Parties of 2014 was held on the first level of Ihouse by members of the ICC (International Communication Club).


After purchasing the last decent costume from Bulldog, was feeling super confident as an orange and black magic girl. Fought my impossible bone structure to pour into the one size fits all (Japanese women), though evidently impressive costume.

Food and festivities were provided to accompany the conversation which mostly centered around experiences accumulated through various travel as well as future travel plans.

Unfortunate truths 

A number of students were looking forward to a possible 3 month exchange to University of Canberra, though to these students on the topic of this travel, there was little to say. Canberra is an intelligent and future forward city, though to say the same of the University of Canberra after the abolition of languages would be a serious misjudgment. 
ANU 2015? 




Excusing myself early in accordance with travel plans to see John from Norway, was something which would later require an apology after they were canceled due to John's weak stomach. This interrupted a study which myself and other students were asked to participate in regarding the popularity of Japanese snacks often served with alcohol or as a side dish.

The remainder of the evening went well and my store bought though meticulously up-styled and body fit costume won me the first prize, which consisted of various Halloween candy. The honour of receiving first prize is something which shall remain a comfortable memory in reassurance of the wider recognition of my quirky personal style and outward appearance.


The second of the great Halloween Parties of 2014 was held on the second level of Ihouse by members of Ihouse with an invite extended to the ICC to participate.

After my victory within the costume section of the previous event, my costume was more humble, though missing none of the freakish flare that comes with all my costumes. This time a succubus with equal measure of kowai (scary) and kawaii (cute) and fangs acquired from the much adored Ko-kun. Was effective at chasing the screaming Japanese students from a small dark storeroom after they retrieved the necessary item from Lorenzo.

2 practice runs through the Haunted House and the ICC members arrived for 5 real run-throughs.

Once again food and festivities were provided for with the ICC members arriving in various costumes and the generous Miyuki and Yuka (tutor from last semester) making yakisoba, okonomiyaki and various other dishes. Japanese Chinese whispers ensued as a game to occupy the students who were broken into groups for the game, until the food was ready.

Worn out from Kyoto the previous day, disappeared into my room shortly after dinner was done. Was thankful for the ability to do this as sleep was beckoning as the maneki neko that evening.

Thus concludes Halloween in Ihouse 2014. 

Next was the salt water Aquarium..

You might struggle to name an art gallery or aquarium within middle Japan that Taka and myself have not visited. Have decided that the giant salamanders are awesome, otters are still just as cute and got the chance to touch a seal.

Delicious food was had, including dinner from our favorite dorian restaurant and anko sweets from Takashimaya.

Takashimaya is a well known shopping center in Nagoya station with particularly delicious  high quality sweets. Mine was koyou (changing of the Autumn leaves) themed, Taka's was pumpkin and we both shared the kaki.

 Taka always lets me use the penguin cup. ^_^

First there was the trip to Kobe...

We woke up early and were collected from Ihouse by Taka. Andy and Tonje slept in the back seat while the two tour guides enjoyed their shared love of music for the three hour trip down to Kobe. Andy had picked the place and Taka kindly afforded us the trip which he and myself were making for the second time.







Taking the Shin-Kobe ropeway, we sailed through the Rokko mountains. Up past the Nunobiki waterfall and the Herb Garden which we would later explore, was much to my suprise, a German theme outdoor dining area and scent house. Wandering back down through the herbs and rose gardens was like wandering through a dream.

Ikuta shrine was the next destination on what was ever more evidently a decent travel schedule. Before attending to pray, Starbucks was located (was getting low on coffee) and happily enjoyed.

Shrines are forever a point of fascination for me.



Nankinmachi is Kobe's Chinatown and is quite a sight in the evening with its many Chinese lanterns, stone zodiac animal statues and streets lined with food carts. Despite the many foods on offer, there was only one restaurant that would satisfy my hunger for the sublime Kobe cuisine. Kobe kyu time!.

Kobe harbourland is a well known destination for lovers. Riding the Ferris wheel overlooking the harbor it's easy to understand why this is. Dessert was enjoyed here and the maccha souffle was superb despite taking half an hour to cook.

Our return was late though my tiredness gave Andy and Taka a welcomed chance to chat about Taka's beloved Germany specific things that he could not discuss with the  Australian.

秋の青空

Pleased to inform you that music therapy is helping immensely and my Autumn days are continuing to be depression free. Now the only blue enveloping my world is that of the clear Autumn sky.

This month will become my 10th in Japan and soon this exchange will become my longest, though there are still roughly 4 months until my return to the country of my origins. This knowledge brings both elation and dread. The period before the end of an exchange seems to ensue a great measure of reflection for me.

Thanks to Taka and fantastic students and teachers of the Bekka program, the past few weeks have been full of more adventures than I could ever begin to recount.

-First there was the trip to Kobe with Andy, Tonje and our grecious driver Taka.

-Next was the salt water Aquarium in Gifu complete with otters, a seal and some fascinating fish.

-The two Halloween parties, one of which got me first place in the costume contest and the other more recent one saw me become a demon in the haunted Ihouse.

-Adventures in Kyoto with my classmates and teachers.

-Finally the school festival.

Instead of recounting each in great detail, each shall be recounted briefly in order of occurrence with the exception of my trip to Kyoto which will no doubt become an often read and re-read post for me.

So here we go!