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!

So why the lack of posts recently?

Have come to the realization that recently the amount of study being completed pales in comparison to the previous semester. While my frequency of travel and contact with native speakers has increased, this semester does not seem to see me pushing as hard academically. However, this must not be viewed as a failure to try, but considered in it's totality as a period that has facilitated personal growth.

There have been dark days filled with that sense of escapism that plagued me throughout my highschool years and marred my personal development in the past, however my struggle to overcome these and my triumph of life and living though it is, for me, a momentous achievement which carries more weight than any other. The construction of self effects the very pathways and mannerisms through which my being accesses and perceives the world.Thus this time has been valuable and there is no regret on my part regarding the use of this time.

Not to say that there has been no study, as all of my homework has been neatly completely and many a quiet comment given regarding my improvement this year, which in refection is a certain reality given my circumstances. Merely that any extra study beyond that which is necessary to complete the course, has been opted out of. However as it is never too late to begin something new, from now the intention to engage in these extra tasks shall be acted upon.

It is only in the past few days that life has been feeling like it should. No longer suspended in a thick trance-like haze as if running mid air from some vicious monster whose shape remarkably resembles my own, instead feet touch the cool rain-soaked grass and the contrast of the rich red Autumn leaves and strikingly brilliant blue sky fill me with wonder again. I'm alive.

Hoping now that these darker days of Summer will close as a book for the shelf, or more so the pile of wisdom that will allow me to climb higher and see the world more fully. Serve as lessons learnt and another stepping stone to bring me closer to my desired reality of having higher self esteem while continuing to live my dreams.

Food is still a challenge, though the road is long and this insight of the past few months may prove to be advantageous given my chosen profession of psychologist. Each evening brings a healthy home-cooked meal of delicious vegetables, the ability to cook another achievement unlocked since my exchange began.  Had 7 Norwegian cookies with hot chocolate thisevening, dipping them each in until the sprinkled sugar on top dissolved and the dough softened. Don't worry about me.

Though many of you have been oblivious to this recent struggle, you have been in my heart and at the back of my mind the whole time. To know that each of you is known to, and cares for my existence is of great comfort. That love from my friends and family permeates my being and is reflected in my person so strongly that it is ever-present as is the gratitude for it's gift.

To clear days and starlit nights, even when the rain falls softly.
To changing leaves, the new sewn seeds, new chapters in my story.
To the voice inside behind the doubt that whispers through the haze,
To never give up, my darling love, for that is your greatest glory.

Past two weeks.

Quick update of life in Japan and some of the things that have been happening since my last blog update. Firstly, seriously considering the purchase of a Tamagochi 4U as it is not only nostalgic, but will provide an easy distraction during boring train rides and long homework sessions.


Secondly, Shinkansen celebrated it's 50th anniversary on the 1st of October, drawing my attention to the underdeveloped public transport networks of Australia. (One of the increasingly many possible points for improvement for Australia before it can even think about becoming a serious international leader). The technology currently being utilized by the Japanese far surpasses that of any in Australia and holds promise of further technological advance.


Thirdly is the international student meet and greet picnic that was held at Meijo Kouen. This event gathered international students from around Nagoya as well as Japanese students with an interest in various subjects related to international relations or culture. Many students from Ihouse were in attendance and overall the day was very enjoyable. Everyone was asked to bring a plate of something, though after cooking for an event two night previous, my contribution was a meager box of BBQ Shapes.


Following this was an evening with Taka. After some consideration, we headed to Kanayama where we had doria (enjoy this link for a recipe by Adam Liaw because he kinda looks like Nuki-sama) . Dessert was a selection of green tea related things. Was a pleasant evening. Please take note of my outfit as it was created using pieces found at Book Off in Sakae and all up cost roughly $15.

Completely won at Kado that week and was able to create three arrangements of differing styles effectively using the same basic flowers.

The following week was the blood moon. Although he had no previous knowledge of the lunar event, Taka agreed to view it with me as soon as my intention to watch the rare blood moon was mentioned. He trusted in my ability to show him the wonders of the world and indeed it was an event that shall never be forgotten. Asking him to take me as high up as he could, Taka took me up a mountain overlooking Gifu-jo where we watched the event. 

Bought the rabbit hat below to commemorate the event of the blood moon and told people that in order to view the blood moon, the rabbit who pounds rice to mochi on the moon (myself) needed to come to earth. It's the same brand as my deer hat and shall keep my real ears warm during winter. Thankfully it has plenty of room for my beloved headphones too. 

Gradually getting better at cooking. On the left is a collection of dishes showing my usual dinner foods which include a lot of mushrooms and pumpin as they are particularly delicious this time of year.

On the right is the feast for Maru's birthday.

Last week on Satuday students from Ihouse were invited to an "Ocha-kai" or green tea party. These events seem to have been created to encourage interest in enjoying Japanese green tea and participation in tea ceremonies. The green tea was delicious and the sweet served featured Nagoya castle complete with gold leaf.

Was a wonderful chance to wear my newest Autumn lolita dress which was purchased at Violet Blue. What do you think? Took photos with the hostesses and tried the macca grinder.

Sunday was Hamamatsu to view Giogio de Chiroco. After viewing the gallery we had time to view Hamamatsu-jo where a souvanere for my teacher Tabata was purchased and we stroled the gardens. Just before leaving there was time for a photo with Ieasu who was just arriving. He seemed to live me a lot. ^_^ 

Lunch was the best unagi in Japan. Literally, this area is very famous for having the best eel in Japan. Feeling very fortunate to have had it. 

Look at that happy fox face. ^_^

Unagi is one of my favorite foods of all time.


Finally, Japan has massive pears, Bastien is handsome, this week was another win in Kado and this maroon and charcoal outfit from Axes Femme is one you will be seeing a whole lot more of.