Dwindling Time

Hey,

So... it's been a long time hasn't it? I doesn't seem like too long ago I was just starting this blog and so many things have happened to me since then. I know I haven't updated it. Especially all those major trips I took. Right now I am packing to go home, not really much time to write about all the many trips I took, all the random things I saw or learned. There is so much to tell you but... I know I will write it all down.

It may be later, when I come back to America as I tell everyone of my experiences and remember I will probably post about them. Kinda like flashbacks maybe.

I want to share so much with you. I want to show you all I've seen. Even if it didn't happen at the same time there are things I didn't know then that I know now, or ways that time has changed my perceptions.

I will write about these things, I know once I am back home, things will fall into place once again. I won't be rushing around trying to accomplish seeing the world in a couple months.

Something I've learned here is that you can't.

There will always be something going on, somewhere you won't see. But something you can treasure is what is happening to you now. Whether it is relaxing at home on a rainy Japanese day with a cup of tea and a bowl of soup. Or you climbing a mountain in the hot Japanese Summer. Either way the things I have seen and experienced I will share, and I will tell and I will post.

And maybe even more. What has happened now is I've pulled the thread, that stitch is complete. It has brought together and shown me so many things about myself and my life. I've learned more about another language and culture, I've met people who have become close to me. I've found something very much close to a life here. Something I really treasure. Packing up is hard, leaving is hard. Seeing the faces on my friend's face as they realize I am leaving. As this class is my last class, it hurts. I even cried at the farewell party. However I think I have learned so much about myself.

I've learned to cook and eat healthier. I eat more vegetables now, and I actually like some good sashimi, whether I can find that in North Carolina remains to be seen. I love love LOVE Miso Soup which isn't all that bad for you.

Okra? Boiled and a bit of salt please. Asparagus? Garlic and some pepper and pinch of salt and roasted or boiled with a bit of spicy pepper. Green Beans? Boiled, and later sautéed with garlic and myoga. I even know how to make Risotto or a makeshift Spanish Rice.

 I haven't eaten too much beef since coming here... mostly chicken and eggs. Mostly my diet consisted of stir frys with a lot of onions a vegetable I used to HATE. Lord knows how many times my parents and grandparents had to deal with me picking every visible onion out of spaghetti sauces and chili. However now I eat it raw.

Or a form of chicken, sauce paired with rice or potatoes. Always enough to enjoy seconds. And amazingly delicious. And don't believe me on the health? I lost about 31 pounds here (According to a scale anyways). I want to preserve this habit.

Anyways I should get back to packing and letter writing. Love you all <3

See you soon America!

Nervous Energy

This isn't going to be a long post, although I suppose when I return to America I will continue to blog of all I missed including the crazy stories and memories I have made.

Overall I have been trying to study for the JLPT N3. My teachers expressed a concern.

"Oh but our textbooks we've been going through only prepare you for N4"

Ah yes, the N4 the one I probably should be taking but am not out of a wild attempt to get my major classes finished. And if I don't pass we'll see about sticking around for another semester.

I hope that doesn't happen. Overall I am happy with how things have been on this trip. I am probably going to be broke by the time I return to America. But it was money well spent!

The memories I've made on this trip are irreplaceable. And I know I will return to Japan someday. Anyways tomorrow will be rough

So off to bed I go.

Night

Stargazing

I know this should probably be a post about the Lantern Festival...

I dunno I guess sometimes I just want to write about what I am feeling instead. Tonight there were supposedly a meteor shower.

It was strange... I went to get my laundry and a girl was there watching the sky. After I gathered my clothes I sat down.

The air was cold... it's starting to cool down now since it is fall. To be honest it has been a while since I sat on the roof, not since they barbed wired it. And I haven't just sat there and looked at the stars either.

I really forgot how stars look. How they glitter and shimmer. I guess it is kinda strange. Just how like nice it is to sit down and look. It made me happy.

Strangly enough an Owl City song grew stuck in my head. When I looked it up it was Meteor Shower. I actually did see one...

Before I came to Japan I saw one... I heralded it as a good Omen. Maybe this one is the same.

Sick and Current Thoughts of Life and Such (LONG POST)

So I looked it up, chances are unless I really pack it in I will not be able to do all 3 of my final trips.

I decided I wanted to go to the major places I have missed. I will not go to Okinawa, or Hokkaido. Hiroshima is probably the more complex one, in November it will cost over 140 dollars one way in order to make it there in a timely manner (Aka at 8pm or so on Friday) then to make it back in a timely manner.

I would love to go to Hikone, that is a day trip I can do that easily which makes my life easier. That town is the last town I need to visit to see the last of the 4 national treasure castles of Japan. Inuyama (Near to Nagoya), Himeji (Visited 2 times), Matsumoto (visited two times), and Hikone. I might revisit Inuyama since that day my camera wouldn't work so I was unable to get pictures. It is not that far from Nagoya making it a simple trip.

And Nara which would be a full weekend trip letting me go to Kyoto as well. I need to talk more with Leah about that.

I would love to have hiked Nakasendo again but that will probably perhaps be during my next adventure here. Home is nearing and I will probably not have a chance like this again... it makes me sad... I really wish I could stay here longer and have more adventures.

I also have decided to preserve some of my weekends for friends and for Kimiyo. That way we can still all hang out so things like cooking parties going to the ninja village with Airi.

Agh... I don't want this to end. At least this weekend will be chill.  Saturday I am going costume shopping for the School Festival, most cosplays cost over 100 dollars... ouch. I just can't afford that so many other good ways to use money!

Sunday is Leah's Birthday Party, and Friday is a long Karaoke event that I probably won't stay until 7am for haha.
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Right now I am sick with a cold which is strange cause I was sick with a stomach bug before the school trip to Nagano. I have many pictures I need to share with you as well as many adventures. Right now I am just torn. While I want to leave Japan, see my friends and family again, I don't want this adventure to end. I feel as if there is still so much for me to do. Still so much for me to explore and enjoy. However I think it is just a beginning.

I've made a couple decisions, some of the things I have yet to decide but I have been offered a place at my friend's Aya's apartment provided I pay rent, or I could stay at the Apartment my parents told me about. It is really all up in the air right now. I could stay in a dorm again but that is somewhat miserable after this. I would love to live in Charlotte after this. I need to focus on getting that job or if I should go to Grad school. If I do I think I want to concentrate in more language development courses and perhaps either politics or business. I want to keep taking the JLPT exams until I get a N1 certification. Right now Kanji is where I fall flat and I will be sure to pick myself up for it.

I want to study and take the State exam that would allow me to enter into embassy work. Just to see if it is a chance I want to take. I will probably have to take it more than once. Overall I am not expecting on finding work directly after graduation but at least an internship and a parttime job would make me happy enough.

I have a job in Greensboro to return to, probably should look up the Academic Calender for UNCC and see how much I can work and tell Steve about it see if I can get on the schedule. Overall I am excited. I've even been offered the chance to return to Sweden come summer.

Coming to Japan has made me realize so much about myself and about life. I want to travel, I want to see the world and I want to learn more and dedicate myself more to the Japanese language. Before I came here I was afraid of not being able to understand and learn the language. That when I returned I would have learned nothing.

That is not so. I feel as if I have unlocked Japanese further. I can understand things I could not understand before. My speaking and listening have improved further my Vocabulary expanded. Many people have commented on my advancement and I can feel it as well. I can feel that difference.

I have learned more about cooking, I have new dishes up my sleeve and new ingredients and foods I love. (Hello Sashimi!!) I want to continue to cook in my spare time. Sad thing is I won't have access to great fresh Seafood like I do here. I want to continue to try more seafood and more foods in general.

Traveling. In Japan I traveled to so many cities, yes some of my weekends were me in my room. Chilling, and watching things but others was filled with adventure. It makes me wonder about America. Why don't I travel there? Yes it is my home but what about weekend trips to some place or day trips to another? I have decided now I want to go to - The Mountains, a Pick Your Own Farm, A Festival or two if I can find any (Oh hey look http://www.sherpaguides.com/north_carolina/mountains/appendixes/special_events.html) , Ocean, Gemstone mining, and other places. Just in North Carolina there are many places I could visit and see. Also I should be there right as Summer hits.

I know I should work hard to earn the money to support this. But I am 22 almost 23. Eventually I will get older and while that is not a bad thing admit it I could do well learning the things I learn here and now as I am young.

I will probably make a similar post later on my last couple days here. For now I won't dwell on Dwindling time but make the most of it by having more adventures!

By the way I love this song it completely sounds like I feel. The Chorus means-

 Life is an Adventure! 

Even if there is no map, let's search for the treasures. 

Believe in the compass of your heart.

Busy Day and Busy Life

Soooo in the process of cleaning...again. I kinda feel bad for my Mom and Dad now. This stuff is hard if it isn't one thing its another and it isn't like I can let it sit there and not get done either!

Ahhh growing up. Summer break is over and it is back to the grind!!! Ahhh! I remember I was worried about not having a good summer but I really did! Starting tonight I do plan on blogging about my numerous trips:

Kobe (With Leah)
Tsumago & Magome (By Myself)
Tokyo (With Miho)
Himeji (by Myself)
Yokohama (By Myself)
Matsumoto (With Jenni and Nicole) 
Kyoto (With the school)

My goal is to have all of these large trips detailed out. Before we go on the school trip to Nagano. I don't want to get too piled up. Of course that is probably what is going to happen...

So I finally met my friend Patrick. See Patrick and I have been Internet pen pals since High School. He joined the Navy and I went to NCSU and later to UNCC. He was later stationed at a Marine base in Japan (He is Navy) And he has just gotten his orders to go stateside to a new base. He is more than happy. So last weekend after I got over my migranes I went out to meet him. It took us a while to arrange it (Practically all year). It was worth it and one of the highlights of my trip! (Crazy I know) But it really was nice to see him and hang out.

I am going to say this, it was very strange. It was the first time we met in person, and yet we both said it felt like we had known eachother forever. It was like seeing that friend you haven't seen in forever. It was chill as crazy! We talked politics, culture, all sorts of things, joked around. I treated him to Ramen for lunch, and showed him around Nagoya. For dinner we had his favorite Yakiniku!

Pat looking awesome

Cooking!!!!

Before we went our separate ways I wanted another picture.

Class is going well I think I should enjoy this semester provided I don't get discouraged. I quit Choir but they are still telling me to stop by now and again. I might just so I don't lose the friends I made. I really love the teachers I have. I was a bit late to class on Wednesday... but I earned points back for taking the first presentation! It will be on Japanese Aesthetics sooo fun stuff!

Friday Night I got my grades, not as good as I hoped. I got mostly Bs once you convert them back. However B's in Japan are considered Cs. But I got a handful of As (S and A). It is confusing. But just be assured I got all As and Bs so do not worry!!!

Shizuka and I went to go get Chinese, and I rented 5 movies to watch. 1 Naruto movie, then Thor, Capitan America, and Iron Man 1 and Iron Man 2. I was in the mood for some American Superheros.

Is it just me or does this not look Amazing?!

My Fave dish at the restaurant Cashew Chicken Stir Fry with Tsukemono and Rice <3

A couple nights ago I called Kimiyo, I hadn't heard from her and I had been busy when I tried to contact her. Now with school starting up it was going to be harder to meet. She kept putting off our call and I didn't understand why until she appeared outside our apartment with a bag of bread from a bakery. I delivered it to Mallory and Maisoue and took a couple for myself. I still have tons of Raisin bread!!!

Today I met with Kimiyo again, this time Mallory came with us. She took us to Cannery Row again, an Italian restaurant. She also took us to her Department store again. Giving Mallory and I 5,000 yen (Around 50+ US Dollars) for each of us to spend. She also took us to her favorite fruit shop. She then bought us beautiful Bath mats and gave us bread and nori.  She always treats us out so nicely!!! I really want to get her a nice present. She loveeeeed the angel doll Mallory gave her. So I wonder if she would like Precious Moments... I dunno I think they are adorable.

Today I did buy some items (I don't usually) I bought a white rabbit keychain plush from the Disney Store, the Chibi Okami game for the DS in Japanese, and A Little Princess in Manga form. I always loved that story and having it in Japanese for reading practice will be interesting.

Mozzarella Pasta at the Restaurant

Fruit Salad at the Fruit parlor

Giant Organ

Anyways the sun has set, time to take out my trash, vacuum the floor, and clean dishes. Also to heat up chicken soup/stew leftovers. It is a bit thinner than last time but it was cause I was impatient and didn't wait for it to thicken. Lessons learned!

Hopefully I will be writing again tonight!

Back to Himeji

So this morning I wake up late, rush around, forget a lot of important items, BUT I MADE IT ONTO THE BUS!

So Leah and I went to Kobe, got checked in a "Swanky" Hotel (Pictures to come)

After resting for a bit we went to Himeji again. We just stayed long enough to see the Castle and eat some dinner at subway.

I did see something very disturbing. There was a puppy tied outside while the owner was in the bathroom. A Tan Pomeranian from the looks of it. It was chewing something, upon closer inspection I noticed the tail fur had been completely stripped leaving only the bloodied bone of the tail. The dog began hacking and it threw up and kept hacking and trying to bite itself.

Leah, who is a huge dog lover, was especially distressed.

When the dog owner came out I asked in Japanese if the dog was ok. He said yes and that the dog was in no pain.

I hardly believe that. I am beginning to wonder if it is a Japanese thing, I've noticed their care for animals is a bit different than Americans. Especially seeing the pet store conditions and Aquarium conditions.

I'm just not sure. Either way we went back to the Hotel. We watched the news, there is a lot going on about the anti-japanese protests in China. Kinda alarming to see what they've been doing.

Anyways time to sleep.

General Update

Yea... sometimes I wonder if I will ever catch up with my writing, or with cleaning, or anything. I am beginning to figure out time isnt always on my side.

Anywhom a general update. 

I finally saw Kenshin as well as the 6th Naruto movie. Both were excellent. The movies have a 1000 Yen women's night.

I got a new camera- it is purple.

I've been getting eaten by some bugs, not pleasant... I need to get used to it I suppose.

I have been slowly getting myself ready for the next school semester I will be taking 11 courses to offset my mistake last semester.

5 Japanese Classes
Tennis
Introduction to Enterprise Theory
Current Topics 2
Comparative Culture
InterCultural Communication
Japanese Culture and Soceity (Same class I tried taking last year fully in Japanese)

I have 2 tutoring sessions and a JLPT Session where Mallory and I will be studying together. My longest day will be Monday from 9:00AM- 6:10 straight classes with no break other than Lunch and perhaps tutoring (which is easier to handle than a class)

I think I mentioned of my decision to quit Choir. I decided that with the schedule I have and my need to pass the JLPT I will be focusing on my studies more.

We got some new students. I have been taking care of some of them. It is interesting that they are getting the things I had wanted when I came here. One of the girls is also from UNCC.

I know I haven't been blogging often but sometimes I feel so tired at the end of the day. Especially since I've been having some nightmares and restless sleep. I can't really place my finger on it. I think it is caused by stress.

I need to learn to let go and become more laid back about my fate/destiny/direction in life.

Anywhom! I will update again soon. But know that I am doing well, don't worry too much about the nightmare stuff, it is becoming less frequent. Which is nice cause I don't like waking up at random intervals throughout the night.

Today's Movie Day

Soooo I was going to go see Kenshin, but the movies were too crowded so instead we went to the Farmer's Market!!!

I got yellow and red tomatoes, garlic, brown rice,  rice cakes, asparagus, and blue berries.

Needless to say I am super stoked about this. We also went to the store with all the imports. I got a lot of food!

Canned soups, chili, sausage, sauces, and jam. OH and some chips and popcorn. I have plans for this!

Like a chicken mushroom dish, with brown rice and Garlic sautéed asparagus. 

Teriyaki Chicken with zuchini, onion, garlic, mushroom, with a side of Okra and cucumbers (pickled) with rice.

These are my two next big meals.  I'm excited to be cooking again. I finally cleaned my room again. I can see the floor and the bottom of the sink! Just need to organize dishes, organize laundry, under the desk, drawers and clean the bathroom mirror and tub.

I bought more books, Conan mangas and a book based of Ratatouille. I am going to start reading every day! It will be hard but hey, I want this. I watched Tangled in Japanese with no subtitles with Miho today. And tomorrow my new fave J-Drama Summer Rescue is coming on TV. So more listening practice.

I loveee Summer Rescue it is about a Mountain Clinc in the Japanese Alps. Its pretty cool. Anyways I am tired. I will probably add more post details in the morning. Until then, goodnight.

JLPT Results

So as an aspiring Journalist or writer I figured I should try to post at least everyday. I WILL post about Magome and Tsumago but something did happen today that I want to discuss.

I got my JLPT Results andddd I failed.

Yep. I failed the N4 JLPT. And here are my results in full:

Scores by Scoring Section	Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar), Reading	38 ／ 120
	Listening	30 ／ 60
Remarks	Vocabulary	B
	Grammar	B
	Reading	C
Total Score		68 ／ 180

 

 

A : Percentage of questions answered correctly is more than 67%.
B : Percentage of questions answered correctly is between 34% and 66%.
C : Percentage of questions answered correctly is less than 34%.

I don't know where to go from here. Mostly cause I need to pass the N3. If I don't bye bye Japanese Major. I mean it isn't a huge deal. BUT I really do want it. And my Japanese is improving. I am having conversations I don't have to rely on subtitles as often! I have to begin to read more and write more.

I can do this! I know I can. I know some people told me I can't, but I want this!

Since coming to Japan I realize I really love this country. I want to see more of it. I want to come back! I want a job where I can speak it and keep in contact with those I can discuss things with in the language. I want this so badly.

I will do it! I cannot and will not let this failure get me down I will use this to fuel me to surpass my track record. I will register for the N3 and I will do my absolute best! And if not next semester then after that! I will do this!

Well look at that.... I guess I do know where to go from here.

More Trips But First a Letter

So Yea I plan on posting of my trips starting with Magome/Tsumago. Hopefully will get to it tonight, but first I want to discuss a letter I received today.

I really don't know how to feel about it.

A while back I was in the International Center of the school with Leah waiting till we could go shopping. A wild looking crazy lady walked in. I mean her hair was a mess, she was literally in rags. Her shirt was torn, knotted, a washcloth was used as part of it. She looked as if she hadn't washed up in about a good couple of days. She had the biggest smile though.

I forget her name, just that it began with an A... and that she was Japanese but had been to the States and could speak English and Japanese. She also had ADD/ADHD. She thought we were kindred spirits when she guessed that I must've had it as well. We talked and chatted for over an hour, she had tons of paper scraps of things that she would proudly show to me. And eventually I managed to disengage from the conversation and Leah and I went shopping together. I hadn't expect to hear or see her again. Mostly I thought she was crazy and I kinda thought my Mom would have a field day when she found out mostly cause she always complained of me meeting the strangest people.

Last night I went to go check my mail. I rarely get anything but I wanted to see if my results came for the JLPT. And there was a letter from Chukyo, turns out she had sent a letter to Chukyo and they forwarded it to me.

The letter itself was a mess. Cryaon, Marker, tattered with pen. Written out to Chukyo University International Center to Ashley from North Carolina, USA.  The return address is all Kanji and the zip code is 3 numbers followed by a question mark.

On the back was a smiley face and a flower.

Inside the letter was a scrap of paper with a castle on it or some building, some stickers from a cellphone company called softbank, and a tattered letter (1 page) made up of 2-3 pieces of paper and written in different pen colors.

I can't really read the first half... it is a lot of Kanji I don't know. Then it switches to English: (I'm guessing YR= your)

"take YR time. SAY "元気？!"(Lively/good health/how are you)2 yr buddy. Load of s*** is happening in the states, but no worries lots of specialists R franticaly examining how 2 make this world a better planet so YR generation will B comfortable making babies. 

Next Month I am going 2 have a ovary taken out due 2A tumor, It could B cancer. I am writing every1 I have met just in case I do not make it. 

Tks 4 being there @ that time and being U! Stay Sweet" 

So for some of my readers who may have difficulty understanding, basically she wrote to me cause she thinks she might not make it through a surgery on an ovary that might have a cancerous tumor.

This....makes me feel sad. I don't think I can do anything but pray. I can't write back really... I doubt I will see her again. I mean... I just don't understand why she would go through such lengths to write to me. Especially when we talked maybe 2 hours or so.

I really don't know what to think about this.

Movies

So first lets begin with Tuesday,

I went with Leah to go see Avengers!!! 

YESSSSS!!!

Let's just say movies in Japan are very very different than movies in America. The prices were good pretty much the same as American, you know slightly expensive. But They had some added twists like they gave you a tray for the popcorn and snacks and you had the cupholders like always. However upon purchasing the ticket you were also able to select your seats.

NO MORE SCRAMBLING TO FIND A PLACE FOR EVERYONE!!

haha Well sorta, since it was just Leah and I we picked a place in the center of the Theater. It was so worth it.  Leah and I wandered around the mall more, it reminded me of the fancy malls back home, you know where everything is luxury, brand name, designer. It was pricy stuff. But We came back got some snacks and there were some rules even chewing too loudly was against the rules.

In Japan you have to wait to get seated, they only will let you in 10 minutes before the movie. And so around that time, they call out the movie they are going to seat and everyone lined up. Strange, just a bit. You had the previews then it went straight into the movie which was subbed and not dubbed (Though Dubbed was an option)

I loved it, but I have to say I think Japanese and Americans are also different when watching the movie. In America we talk and interact with it. You know, cheering, Oooooing, and Aaaaahing, and what not. Japanese just watch it quietly. I had to be careful not to do what I normally do but even when I laughed it was just Leah and I.

And they are the parts you are supposed to be laughing at!!! Only part I heard them remotely laughing was when Loki got smashed by the Hulk.

After the credits Leah and I were talking and reacting as normal, people stared. But all the pent up excitment really at that point poured out. Something about a good movie that just gets you pumped up so so sosososososoossoooooo much!

Anyways back to Tokyo I will blog about that later.... and Himeji, And Yokohama, and Motoyama, and Kyoto....

Yup the list is long my friends

Just another weekend

So cleaning has been coming along slowly... But it has made progress I just need to wrap it up soon...

On Thursday I hung out with Kimiyo again. Maisoue also came we went to an Italian Resturant called Cannery Row. I loved it, it was very good but again the Japanese don't drink a lot with their meal. I tried at least everything and the pasta portions were so large I could not finish mine.

You were also allowed to get Salad and kinda appetizer things. Kimiyo always wants us to eat a lot even if we are full. She also thinks I like Shrimp so she gave me all of hers... Now the little unshelled shrimp made me gag like normal... I dunno why! I hadn't had that reaction in so long. But the one still in the shell that I had to peel I was able to eat. Maisoue said it was cause of the moisture. I kinda believe her.

We later went shopping at the Department Store she also bought us sweets since the fruit shop was too crowded to go to. I bought a nice dress and then some matching shoes and rose hair pins. I'm going to wear it sometime and have Maisoue take a picture. I really want to do something nice for Kimiyo... any ideas?

Also-

Really I have a problem with my camera.

After Himeji something got stuck on the inner lens now it is in all my pictures and it is awfully annoying. So I asked Kodak what I can do and they said I had to get the receipt then send it to America for repair... and they didn't know if they could do it.

Just my luck getting ready to go to Tokyo and Magome/Tsumago and I have no Camera!!! AGH! What will I do??!

I could buy a new one but Im not sure if I should...

Recently

Dear Me I hope the Himeji trip doesn't become like Kyoto, Matsumoto, and Yokohama (I WILL WRITE ABOUT THEM I PROMISE!!!!)

Overall I am doing well... I really need to go through everything and just pick out what I know and what I remember I feel bad that  really never update this. 

I've been cleaning, a lot.... it seems like it never ends. I am also running low on money... so I am going to be borrowing some from home soon. And I mean probably a lot since I am taking trips to both Tokyo and Tsumago and Magome....

 I am still worried about money not much else I can do. I would also like to get a CD of the concert I had on Sunday. It was 10 hours long.... very exhausting and I didn't go to the party afterwards to help me save money. On Sunday I did get to talk to my parents which is nice. I miss home sometimes.

It has been storming a lot recently. A lot of rain so it makes me hesitant to do laundry even though I need to do it at this point. It just annoys me that I have to rely on the dryer and not the washer. I am probably going to hang out with Kimiyo today. I will see if Mallory can come.

Also my camera is broken, well not broken but a tiny hair has gotten in the way of things... which makes me unhappy.

It is on the inner lens and I will have to get someone to take apart the camera to fix it... I don't know what to do... I told Mallory she can try to take it apart, but I am nervous. What if it gets broken permanently??? Ah well it is late and I need to sleep... I am pretty sure I should've expanded but another time. I chalk it up to the other 10000000 things I have to do and write about. First is the room, Ive made some headway I can see the floor and the closet is wonderfully organized. Just need to wash Dishes, clear desk, vacumn floor. Lol did I mention it Never Ends?! 

Relaxing in Himeji

So I think this was probably the best idea ever. Like seriously haha.

Right now I am so relaxed right now for the first time in a while. Like I really am not worried with the gigantic pile of work and money and whatnot. I am really enjoying my time here and I've gotten around quite well. A couple struggles here and there but nothing too bad.

For those of you who do not know I am currently in Himeji, I booked a trip last week (finalizing it on Monday!!!) It is an overnight trip, merely a pop in and out kinda deal but man-o-man was it worth it.

It was pricey in some ways on travel and hotel it is around 20,000 yen (Over $200) But that was because I used the Shinkansen (Which while expensive did give me more time to travel and explore) And I am staying at a nice hotel (It wasn't too bad about $70 a night) Apparently it is supposed to be more expensive I think... considering when I told a tourist information lady where I was staying she was like "Oh that is a very nice hotel very expensive!" Is it bad that I don't think 7,000 yen is that bad for a night stay? I think it is cause then one in Yokohama was around 3x that price even if it was two nights)

Desk!

Bed, with pajamas, I noticed Japanese Hotels tend to include those...

Either way needless to say I am enjoying myself. I'm glad I came here. I really am. Anyways In order to motivate myself I've been keeping a notebook writing notes of my travels so I blog later. I am probably going to add more commentary. Anyways it is almost 1am, time for me to chill and I will write everything tomorrow :D

Meiji Mura Festival!

(Written Yesterday )

So today I went to another Matsuri as well as rather unsucessfully tried wearing a Yukata. (Well I wore it but it kept coming undone. Yukatas are very diffcult to wear! Just letting ya'll know.

I learned how to do a Hair Knot. (Sorta) It looked alright though. Meiji Mura is a town made of buildings that were moved and restored. There were some impressive ones! I cannot wait to upload the pictures I took, we really didn't look at the town as much as eat food and walk. By the way Geta the wooden sandals hurt after a while.

Most of the night we exchanged stories, we talked. I was with Miho my tutor and a friend of hers. So the conversation took place in broken English and Japanese. Mostly Japanese though which made me feel happy I just hope my Japanese continues to improve.

Overall the fireworks were awesome I wish they were longer... I felt they were too short. It made me quite bummed out.

Here are the Fireworks!!!

Travel Plans Made! Sorta

Heya,

So far Japan still remains to be pretty hot. I've been staying up later, still getting nothing done. Somehow I managed to not blog about 3 major trips which I need to do so. I ended up going to the travel agency at the school.

I've made an overnight trip to Himeji for next week. I dunno how much it will cost just yet. But I am excited none-the-less.

I dunno what I will do there. But I heard the castle is wonderful even if it is under construction I am excited.

So Himeji, Tokyo, Magome/Tsumago, and someplaces in September, and in and around Nagoya. Seems like Summer will be expensive. But worth it. I am excited.

Overall summer is going to be relaxing I think. There is still so much to do. Right now I should be cleaning. But the heat makes me wish I was home cleaning my room there (It would be so much easier and cooler haha)

Updates and Possible Travel

Heya all,

So recently things have been going okish, I'm translating stuff for a site. (Not professionally mind you but hey it is practice. Yay fan-translating). Basically it is a sci-fi horror story site called the SCP Wiki/The Foundation. They are a fake organization that contains and studys strange paranormal things. The SCPs are Special Containment Procedures on how to handle these things. The original story was about a thing made of concrete, rebar and spray paint that unless kept in direct eye contact at all times would kill you by snapping your neck. Again a horror story site concentrated on writing the stories.

And I am translating that into Japanese. It is actually quite a challenge. But it is also great practice. And don't worry I am also translating more positive things as well so I am not going completely creepy on everyone. 

Anyways,

So I got a package from my parents this morning! It had tea, a pez dispenser, and some things I had asked for that I am positive will help me. I am so excited. I showed the tea to my Japanese friends (Blackberry Pomegranate Green Tea) They thought it was juice and said it was very sweet.

My parents also told me to travel and not be afraid to do so due to money which was my main fear as to traveling. I was planning on staying in Nagoya and going to temples in the region and restaurants and museums.

I still don't think Okinawa is an option. Or at least not in Summer (I might try in fall) This is because the flight alone to Okinawa is expensive!!!!

But I might try to go into school tomorrow and talk with the travel agency about going to Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, or a place where I can go to Mount Fuji or Aoikigohara.

YES I know Aoikigohara is the forest of death. But at the same time there are some interesting places like the caves and trails. Just because a lot of people commit suicide there doesn't make it a bad place just look at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Maybe I can try to make my way back up to Gujo but I think I want to see a new place this time around. Really explore explore. Go someplace new not someplace old. Or go to the beach. That would be nice.

What do you guys think? Any place special I should try to go to? My Mom is right, this is a once in a lifetime chance and I really need to take control and go for it.

I just don't know where to go. Really this place is huge and I just need to figure out where is a good place to go. I am going to more Hanabi festivals. More places for me to wear my Yukata. I will probably blog more later but for now I NEED IMPUT.

Reputation

One of the things I particularly like about Japan and being in an entirely new country is that it is like a start over in some ways. No one knows you. You are a blank slate.

It is stressful and kinda fun. That being said I've noticed I am getting a reputation for some things.

1- Singing- And being good at it. I've been approached by multiple people complimenting my voice. Including the teacher in charge of the Choir I joined. Also when a Japanese teacher asked who had the best voice in our A class, a couple students said me. (Even though there are some other good singers in the group too)

2- Cooking- I've actually gotten a reputation for my cooking skills!!! The first time we all hung out I made a fruit salad however my presentation was such that everyone was hesitant to touch it. I am often cooking and two of my more well known dishes are cooked peaches and gyoza. In fact if you look at the picture below it is me in a cooking apron and holding out a pan of fresh gyoza. One girl likes my Gyoza so much she insists on eating only mine and not ones from restaurants.

See??

3- Loving Orcas- See the apron? What is on it? Orca. Orca is my favorite animal ever. I actually have some plushies in my room of Orcas and the Kanji symbol I requested when a famous calligrapher was drawing them for us? Shachi which means Orca. As such I've gained a reputation for loving the Orca.

4- Carrying my shoulder bag/purse thing EVERYWHERE with me- I think my mother would find this either annoying or amusing. She is always complaining that I wear/carry the same thing with me and well Japan is no different. Wherever I go that bag goes with me. It is very handy (it actually broke recently, but I did fix it). Some of my friends expressed amusement at this noting sometimes I sit down with it still slung over my shoulder.

I think those are the ones I've mainly been seen as probably there are more and even possibly some negative ones. But Again I find it amusing. I've made really good friends here and it is something that comforts me.

I didn't sleep cause I watched the Olympics that came on at 4:30AM It was exciting. I made some breakfast. It was super enjoyable. Guess what I cooked? Rice and Gyoza and the girl who liked the gyoza was my guest. Imagine that.

Truely Blessed

Hey Everyone!

So today I actually got up and began to clean, did some laundry. I think I am going to target dishes, and dresser next. I hope to have my room completely clean by the end of the weekend. As well as some packages and boxes and maybe a couple letters mailed out.

The other day I got a pleasant surprise! My grandparents from Florida sent me a Birthday Card!!! :D It made me so happy! I hung it up on my wall. It made me super happy to hear from them. I am excited to go hiking near Nakasendo. I think that is def. where I am going to go. Mackenzie said he would help suggest a good place to stay overnight and one of the places served horse meat and he recommended me to try it. And I think I just might. Especially after what happened Tuesday.

(WARNING LONG POST BELOW!!!!!)

So basically Tuesday I called Kimiyo a bit late. I was really worried cause I had forgotten to call her in the rush of things to do. She was understanding and wanted to go to the Department Store. I was a bit nervous cause that usually means lunch and then she wants to go shopping. Kimiyo does so many things for me... I really am blessed that I met her and I want to pay her back.

Maisoue came with us, it was Maisoue's second time being with Kimiyo. Kimiyo was rather excited when we met up with her, we got into her car and as she drove we talked in Japanese. She complained about the hot weather (And trust me when I say Japan is extremely hot) She also told me she thinks I hate Shabu Shabu after the last incident where I didn't eat a lot of it. I again tried to explain that I had experienced an allergic reaction that caused my throat to feel sore. She said she didn't believe me. She has a lot of pre-dispositions of me especially my picky habits when it comes to eating. (More on that later)

We arrive at the center of Nagoya (or one of them) Yaba-cho, which has a lot of stores and high end places. The apple store is located here, along with brand names like GAP, H&M, and Sony.

Older picture I took when I first went to Yaba-Cho

Upon arriving we park near the big department store. As we get out Kimiyo pulls out these little packets. She gives them to Maisoue and I. Inside is 10,000 Yen in gift coupons for the department store. (around $127 on current exchange rates but 10,000 yen is like 100 dollars being one of the biggest bills you can get in Japan and use)

She insists we take them. So we thank her profusely. She is hungry and wants to also go for lunch. She thinks I only eat American food and well I am in Japan so I've been trying to extend my food choices. See Kimiyo doesn't like Foreign food and after all she has done for me, I'll be darned if she has to eat something she doesn't like.

She mentions wanting tempura. So after much banter I finally convince her it is ok for us to go. And here is the part where I KNOW you will either laugh your heads off, or not believe me.

MOST of you know that when I was little I refused to touch seafood. Especially my Mom, grandparents, anyone who has known me over any extended amount of time. WELL I did it. I had before, before I ate Tai a raw fish shashmi (I know surprising right) That was in Kyoto (which I haven't blogged about yet... probably should) I also ate the weird moving fish flakes.... So I was determined... I HAD to do it.

So yes... I ate seafood. And it wasn't just a piece... oh no.... It was a whole... seafood....meal.

It began off with raw shashimi, shiso, umeboshi, wasabi and some tea (yes I drank the tea too) The Shashimi was good. i had had it before. Chewy but nothing I couldn't handle. I had gotten it down I was feeling good. Then they brought out the Tempura.

We had Miso Soup, Rice, Pickles (tsukemono), and tempura. With it you could have a sauce and dashi (Japanese radish) or lemon and salt.

The tempura consisted of Eggplant, Fish, two Shrimp, and Okra. I've gotten used to eggplant, but the rest were something I had to make it through. Kimiyo was treating us out. I had to eat it.

And I did. The fish tasted of nothing... it was good, flaky.... but good none-the-less and NO I didn't eat the tails.... And the shrimp. It was chewy... I think I liked the lemon and salt combo better than the dashi-sauce one. I ate it. (except the tails) Okra was ok. Maisoue was laughing at me. She was very amused as was I.  Oh and did I mention the miso-soup contained Clams (which I ate all of that too) Don't believe me?

I present! MY EMPTY PLATES!

There is me, eating shrimp. And smiling, cause it is a picture and I wasn't dead from the seafood.

Then Kimiyo ordered more. Asparagus (2 pieces), more shrimp (she was amused it was my first time really eating shrimp since you know before I would practically refuse it), and a mushroom (later to be discovered containing....MORE SHRIMP)

As they bring it out... I notice I see legs. See... they took the head off the shrimp... and placed it on the side. You know after they fried it to a crisp.

Kimiyo showed me how to eat it and she is looking at me.... expecting me to eat it. Maisoue is amused.... and I ate it. YES I ate a shrimp head. It was very crunchy... little leg thingys were sticking into my mouth. But the amount of lemon juice and salt I put on it helped.

The only thing I didn't really eat was the mushroom. The shitake and shrimp combo was a bit much for me. But yes... I ate seafood. Aren't you proud? I guess I have no excuse when I get home.

Afterwards it was like shopping with my grandparents. Made me miss home.... and spending time with them. It was nice, we separated for a bit. Maisoue and I looked at cooking supplies. I got my Mom a gift she had mentioned wanting. And I bought a sketchbook, a new belt and a shirt. We also got these Disney cool towels from the Disney Store.

After an hour we meet back up with Kimiyo who was buying 300+ dollars worth of Jewelry. If I had the right materials I would make her something. But she likes gold, and I have yet to find gold wire here in Japan.  She takes us to a fruit cafe that she really enjoys. It was good. I had peaches and cream. Basically it was just pick whatever fruit you wanted and how you wanted it. It was nice.

Afterwards we browsed for a little while longer, she surprised Maisoue and I once again with Cheesecakes, One for me, one for Maisoue, and one for Mallory (who also had gift money but she didn't come that day so Kimiyo said she would give it to her later)

She then took us back home and we helped her carry her things to the car. She had bought a lot. Apparently going to the department store is one of her favorite things to do. I hope that she does enjoy spending time with us. She really has done so much. I don't know what to do.

Overall though my time here has been getting more and more interesting. I expect it will continue. More to come later I am afraid this post is rather long. <3 you all.

Festivals, Fireworks, and Pizza

So alot has happened over this weekend and omg, I am blogging twice in a row (or close to it at least)

Last night was the Nagoya Firework (Hanabi 花火) Festival. Cool fact, the kanji for Hanabi is Flower and Fire respectively. Makes sense huh.

It has been hard for me to get motivated to do anything. Right now I am semi-cleaning my room. However it is kinda hard.... I am just getting more and more frustrated by the mess. At least I can throw away all my notes and papers since classes are over. ANYWAYS

So I was going to clean yesterday but I decided to lie around and not do anything but watch Kitchen Nightmares and other Gordon Ramsey stuff. I dunno why the shows make me feel better about everything. I finally managed to get up and go to AEON with Mallory and Hope. It has been raining a lot recently. There I got rice, geta, and a bag for my Yukata. And I am well aware my geta did not match my Yukata but it didn't matter my pattern I think I was sorta old fashioned you know? But a lot of people said it fit me. I guess that means I am an old Fashioned person :P

Just kidding haha. But I was happy people said it fit me, after arranging our hair and donning our Yukatas we made our way to the festival. There we split up. I went with some friends as we explored the food stalls and the rest went to go to the port side to get good seats for the fireworks. I bet it was stunning over the water, but the crowds were pretty bad so we never made it that far. But still we got to see the Parade where I was from!

Maisoue and I on the Subway

For anyone who thinks American Fireworks are good, haven't seen the Japanese. They are steller. Hearts, flowers, smiliy faces, stars, rings, golden glitter showers, the list goes on... it was just amazing. I found myself ooing and awing with the Japanese.

Only casualty of the night was my foot, I was walking and a metal rod left on the ground stabbed me between the toes. But it didn't hurt too much, just was annoying to walk on with the wooden shoes.

We made it back to the food stalls and got some more food before the lights of the festival began to go out signaling it was time for us to go home. We also were approached 2 times by people who wanted our pictures. How cool is that?

Fresh Karaage yum!

We made it home later, and I was so tired I went to my room and I really couldn't rest much. Too many thoughts on my mind. It just is strange you know? So I talked with some people before going to bed and waking up a bit late the next day.

Which was today.

Today I went and collected my items from Maisoue and then I went and made pizza with Shannon and Mako. I learned how to make pizza sauce and dough. I cannot wait to try on my own. The results were delicious.  We also watched a Takarazuka group perform Elisabeth. It was very good even if I didn't really know what was going on. Takarazuka is an all-female broadway style troupe there are a good bunch we watched the moon troupe. Here are some pictures to give you an idea. I think this is the group.

The prince/Emperor and the lady in charge of the concubines she wanted the prince to take on so he wasn't with Elisabeth

This is Death

This is the poster for it.

I really loved the character of Death the actress portrayed him so well. It was very awesome to watch. But we didn't get to finish it. I might later on. Since then I've been watching People's Court and Judge Judy clips and playing a new FB House M.D. Game. I know productive right?

Anyways thought I oughta blog :D

Hope you all are well.

FINALLY DONE! Sorta

Heya Everyone.... So Yea things have been ... chaotic to say the least....

With finals, the wedding, the speech contest and topped with all the heat I must say I am thoroughly exhausted. Especially with some residue drama wrapping up from home. It has just placed me slightly over the edge.

Japan is stunning. I want to stay here longer and sometimes I worry if I will have the time and funds to do all I want to do, I need to send a package or two back home. Get rid of some of the items  I have here. I am just glad that school is over... I can concentrate on things I want to do more than anything...

This summer everyone has all these intense plans to go places. I don't......

I mean I wanted to make them I just dunno where to start. So now I am making one. After some thought I think I want to go to Kiso Valley and walk the Nakasendo road. I just need to make staying arrangements and discover ways to travel there cheaply. I will also be traveling alone I think. Most people have plans anyways and will not be able to go with me. But that is also ok. I think sometimes traveling by yourself is useful. It leaves a lot of time for thought and for thinking.

I would also like to go to Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto since they are in the same area. And eventually also go to Hiroshima. And the beach (if there is one here)

I am sure I will add more places too like in winter I want to go to Takayama and Gero.  Just next semester will be a lot of weekend trips as I try to see what there is here in Japan. I feel like a year is not a long time... even if I am not here for an entire year. -.- Anyone have any suggestions please?

In other news I am pretty burned out. My motivation is 0 and is just beginning to return. I dunno what to do or where to go with my time here. I just want to make the most of it. Is that too much to ask???

The heat is also killer here. Just saying. Well ok maybe not heat! BUT the humidity alone -.- I do miss home... and part of me is afraid of what will be different when I return. But slowly I am realizing those things do not matter. Anyways if anyone has suggestions let me know. Lord knows I do need them.

Overwhelmed

Hey Everyone! You probably have been wondering where I have been!

I find it actually sad cause like I haven't like...... posted and some of the things are getting overdue, my prior list was

Typhoon
Hotaru (Fireflies)
Kyoto
Matsumoto
McDonalds (CAUSE IT IS DIFFERENT)

McDonalds will still be at another time.  Matsumoto and Kyoto as well I will just have to rely on memories and whatnot. And Sometimes I wonder when I can post about it. Seems like life is just too chaotic.

The Typhoon I have nothing really much to say about it. It was a lot of rain, I ventured out into it to go to another part of town, bought emergency supplies and whatnot and Leah and I hung out. Most of you who know me know that I really rarely get afraid of storms, I can get guarded or cautious but usually when a thunderstorm hits and someone needs something from outside in a car I will be the one who goes to get it.

I think it is cause of what my Mom did when I was little and learning about the weather does help you feel more relaxed about it. But I think it shouldn't substitute as like no caution at all. You need to have some caution I made sure I went out quickly and didnt get distracted and I used the subway system.

Leah and I ate See's Chocolate and we talked it was quite nice but overall the Typhoon was uneventful.

As for Hotaru it was steller....

For me fireflies have always been a powerful symbol. I associate them with Summer, Calm, Peace, and Love. I love them cause it takes me back to my childhood memories of Pennslyvania and I just find them so relaxing. It is a huge comfort for me.

One of the things I wanted to see in Japan were the fireflies. And I am glad I saw them for the short time I did. There is just something so magical about them. In America they are a golden yellow and blink on and off very shortly. However in Japan they are a bluish, greenish, silvery, white light.... they blink for a long time flying around near water. It is breathtaking.

It made me so happy... it was also cute all the children were staring at me cause I was a gaijin who spoke Japanese. One even sang the ABCs as he jumped down some steps. So adorable!

But seeing the fireflies with Airi was a wonderful memory.

I would write more but it is 2:10... perhaps tomorrow.

Hospital and Getting Adopted

So today I am going to tell you two stories so bear with me. And trust me we have a lot of stuff to cover in general but today I am telling you of this thing

Soooo basically let me tell you about Kimiyo. Kimiyo is our neighbor from down the street. One night when I was returning back from Yakiniku for a Birthday party (I left early cause the smoke hurts my eyes so much) I happened across a lady watering her plants. Now this lady was in front of a house that always has nice flowers so I was like I want to compliment them. So in my broken Japanese I did.

She invited me to see them in spring however I would not be here so instead we arranged for me to come on a Tuesday to see her garden. I went out to buy Wagashi (Japanese tea snacks) and I came to her place at the arranged time. At this point I didn't even know her name. I figured I would see the garden and get to go home. I gave her the Wagashi and she got very flustered and it took a lot for me to finally get her to accept it but she did. I also met her brother Izumi, next thing I know they asked about lunch and they were ushering me into a car.

Now I know it is Japan but still being in a car with strangers, that you don't know, going to a place you don't know. It is kinda weird. But we went to Higashiyama and a department store there. They treated me out to lunch and while I tried to order something cheap they wouldn't hear of it. They also bought me gifts for me and my parents and then they also gave me 5000 Yen (Around 50 or so dollars) In department store money.

Needless to say I was very flustered, whenever I would try to reject or pay for myself they would say I was like a granddaughter to them and that they wanted to. In the end I let it go.

I later called her and then we hung out again which I already discussed in the last blog post.

However God was def. smiling on us today. My friend from NCSU who was studying in Korea came today so instead of going to Badminton I was going to go and check up on her to see if she would want to come to school. On my way over (with Maisoue) We ran into Mallory. Mallory was in tears due to what we thought was an ear infection that has been going on for a couple days and she has been rejected from all the Japanese hospitals in the area. They weren't helping at all.

So we talked to her and made sure she was on her way safely then we ran into Kimiyo so I talked to her about what had been going on with Mallory. She stepped in so quickly. Once Mallory returned, Kimiyo had already called the hospital, drove us there, and then when the insurance wouldn't take (Which is amazing cause it is a Red Cross Hospital)  Kimiyo offered to pay. ( We will probably contact the insurance and see what they can do)

Her kindness was amazing and she stayed for the entire 4 hours helping us out. She even paid for our lunch. Mallory finally got the medical attention and a diagnosis and medicine. I just hope it begins to help.

Either way Kimiyo was amazing today and I really want to find a way to show her my thanks. Any suggestions?

Also like I am still bugged about the insurance. Like seriously, ISEP forced me to buy this stuff and register and I am paying out the ear for it. But it won't work anywhere?! WHAT?! It makes no sense. Just saying!

Updates! JLPT and Allergies?

There are seriously so many things I've been wanting to blog about but don't have time to-

Typhoon
Hotaru (Fireflies)
Kyoto
Matsumoto
McDonalds (CAUSE IT IS DIFFERENT)
Being Adopted

I dunno just so many things I wanna tell you all but this week I am super busy! Why? Cause the JLPT is on Sunday. I am taking the N4 the second easiest exam to take in the tiers of the JLPT.

For those of you who probably don't know the JLPT is the Japanese Language Proficiency Exam. In order to get my Japanese major I must pass the N3 exam. It is going to be hard. But this semester I am taking the N4 in order to ease myself into it.

The JLPT is seperated into 5 levels to test your ability with the Japanese Language ranging from the easy N5 to the near fluent amazingness N1. Someday I would like to work my way to N1 but for now baby steps.

I found two great sites. One is called JLPTBootcamp
http://www.jlptbootcamp.com/

and the other is a site suggested by Mac the guy who runs the boot camp website. It is called Japanesepod101

http://www.japanesepod101.com/

Overall  both of these have caused a bit of a flareup in my determination. As well as some recent circumstances but to that later. Really I find it hard to commit or be determined about anything. It is weird to be that way when you've done it and it backfired so fantastically that you can't bear to do it again. I think however, it is life. That eventually everyone goes through it. It is still hard to talk about and now coming to terms with chances are I'm probably not going to be able to do a job that requires that level of physical activity stings.

Japanese is more than a hobby for me. I really do enjoy the language and I really do want to master it. But in order to do so I really need to step up my game. Sometimes I feel really inadequate despite people telling me how my pronunciation is good and my speaking skills are pretty well off. But for me not being able to read and write, recall vocab words or remember the right grammar is frustrating.

I'm getting better. I notice I can start to understand songs and lyrics when singing them, I can get the basic jist when listening to someone provided I know most of the vocabulary. But reading is still a thorn in my side. People who think they don't have to learn Kanji will have a tough thing coming to them. The Japanese use Kanji a lot and you are expected to know it. I can semi-read a couple things, and by semi-read I mean knowing that 八事 means Yagoto. But it isn't me seeing it and being like ah it says Yagoto. It is me just knowing it cause I see it everyday when I go to school. To be honest I don't know which kanji means which but I am assiming the first is ya- and the second is goto. It isn't reading it as much as associating it with a place. Does that count as reading?

Even though I am getting better I can't be satisfied with this because this getting better is still so baby stepped. At least in my eyes. It is hard for me to remember I should take my time and not rush my education.

Also my lack of Japanese knowledge is proving somewhat dangerous to me.

Twice in Japan I have had an allergic reaction to Tree Nuts. In America it was something I never gave thought to. It was so easy to avoid. I would rarely have to ask if desserts had them in it. And if they did I avoided them. It was obvious what contained what and usually it was in desserts so it was all good. Here it is different. 

My first encounter was at the choir club, It was late after practice and they often have the habit of sharing snacks at the end often some sort of souvenir from travels around. One of the girls offer me a small square cookie. They tell me it is a coffee cookie, and I ask if there are nuts in it. They said no.

So I took a bite and it took around a minute or so before my throat began to hurt. My lips were tingling and my mouth and all up in my throat was hurting. I look down and sure enough there were chopped up nuts in the cookie. I try to ask them what they were and at this point communication was getting harder. I didn't know the words for Pecan (ペカン literally pekan) or Walnut (くるみ kurumi) and when I tried saying them they had no idea what I was talking about. I began to try to explain to them I had an allergy and they began freaking out at the end of it I ended up drinking water, not going to a hospital, and not really knowing what to do. The pain lasted for at least and hour and a half and the soreness for around up to 2 hours afterwards. At the worst of it, it hurt to swallow, and it was just really painful. And at the end I was exhausted and tired.

At this point I hadn't experienced a reaction like that since the time I was at a rehearsal dinner (which was years ago!) and ate some cake with walnuts in it. And at this point the walnuts consumed in that cake were bigger than the ones in the cookie and the reaction was pretty comparable to it. After talking about it with my Mom, I began to carry the over-the-counter allergy medicine from target I brought to Japan with me at all times. Just in case.

Then we have today, I've been adopted by our Japanese neighbors from down the street (more on that in another post this is already WAY too long) Kimiyo is the sister and she is very kind. Today we went out for lunch where she treated me to shabu shabu (a lot of food!) and we enjoyed eachother's company. I even successfully ate crab. However at the beginning of the meal the waitress placed the meat in a tannish sauce that I was told was sesame based. However when I ate it it wasn't before long when my throat began burning I even got a bump on my lip.

To be honest I really didn't beileve it was a reaction at first until the pain really began to flair up. It took me 3 times to ask and confirm there was something in there nut related but I didn't know what kind. While the pain subsided not too long after the soreness lasted pretty much almost all day and I am still somewhat tired. I took the medicine and while it took the edge off a bit it didn't help too much (but I admit I didn't take it until after the pain in my throat subsided mostly cause I actually forgot I had it on me until I was back at school talking about it to a friend).

I think the worst thing is, because it hurt to swallow I didn't end up eating too much of the food (I did eat a lot, but not as much as I think I should've) which caused Kimiyo to think I didn't enjoy the meal. But I did! It just hurt to swallow the food so it was hard to eat. I explained it to her but I am unsure if she understood. I just hope she doesn't hate me. She is such a nice lady I don't want her to get upset with me! She did tell me I can call her anytime and that we can get lunch again so maybe I didn't upset her too much.

And with that I need to sign off... I must go back to studying and writing papers. Ah the life of a student!

Update (Exams and Stuffz)

Unfortunately for this post I will not have any pictures. It is merely an update post but I imagine pictures would've been nice ya?

Either way I've been kinda busy. School is going wellish. But there are some classes I really don't care for such as the Wednesday Japanese class. My main issue is the teacher. She really gets on my nerves mostly cause she confuses me and another girl constantly with eachother and this past class she yelled at me cause the girls next to me were talking after a quiz. And it was really like... out of the blue. Oh and she coughs all over our tests and homeworks.

For a society so like cautious of germs you think she wouldn't do that. But it is a daily thing. Even when she isn't obviously sick. She still coughs and it is still on the test she is trying to give back to me.

It is currently the rainy season in Japan... also mosquito season methinks. I am getting eaten alive. Let's see...i counted at least 11 bug bites on my arms and legs. There may be more. But those are the most noticable ones.

It is also unbearably hot. Any blanket no matter how thin is too much. And one day makes you feel like you are caked with sweat. Even after showering you don't really feel clean.

Exams are going well they are very spread out. One of my exams I got a 100 on but it was Current Topics which is so incredibly simple it is annoying. Haruno Sensei's class doesn't have exams. Japanese Supplemental I got a B... and Japanese I got a C. (Yea not too great but I know where to study now)

The American Society exam is coming up It will be on the States, major cities and landmasses. While the States and Major cities will not be too difficult for me, I am worried about the rivers and mountains. I personally never looked too much into them

Chorus has gone very well. I am having a lot of fun in there and through it my Japanese is improving however I really need to study Kanji and reading and writing. While speaking and listening have improved I feel like those aspects are where I am still very weak.  Well it is late and I need to wake up early to clean... (I've been procrastinating.)

Gujo Finale (Part 4)

Really not much else to say. We slowly began to decsend the mountain, I was tired but ok, my jeans were practically dystroyed from the climb so I had to ask Raine for his knife and I sliced off one of the legs of the jeans. The thunder was getting stronger, by the time we were leaving it was pouring rain.

I finally got home and realized I forgot to turn off my alarm. So it was all staticy cause I use the radio to wake me up.

Other than that it was pretty chill, it took forever to upload the pictures to Facebook. Which btw if you want to see more Gujo Pictures look on my facebook. I have tons. :D

Overall this trip showed me a lot of things and helped with some

1- I can eat seafood even if it is moving and smells icky ( I may not like it, but I can do it)

2- My physical limitations may still be there but most is mental. I climbed a freaking mountain. Yes my legs hurt for a long time after that. And I totally re-injured my ankle the otherday, but overall I think that even though chances of me going back to a military or other Physically intensive job is low, I am still capable of doing things

3-  I was so relaxed after coming back. I think I need to try harder to relax more and stress less. And that I shall tots do.

Any questions? Don't be afraid to comment. Almost no one does it makes me feel like I am talking to empty space XD

Gujo Part 3

When we woke up the next morning the girls all packed their things and we beat the boys downstairs, the lady at the Hostel let us keep our things in the closet while we ventured during the day. We went back to the river bank and we ate breakfast there. It was so relaxing, the weather was amazingly pretty and it was just stunning. I was really happy and at ease, which so was what I needed. I even let Raine listen to Summer by Joe Hisashi and he agreed it was a good song. I waded into the river and found tons of pottery and ceramic shards. If I clean them, I am sure it would make some cute jewelry. (Me being a jewelry nerd what can I say?)

Looks like a dream

Breakfast!!!

Afterwards we kinda snacked here and there walked around did some shopping. Did I mention how amazingly pretty Gujo was, how when you walk the streets you can hear and see the water rush by. It is so inspiring. I loved it. We went to a place where there were tons of koi that you could feed, there were so many! And then there was more places to see the river. It was so stunning. The afternoon kept marching on until it was time for the biggest challenge I had to encounter in Japan as of yet. (Physically that is) Climbing the mountain...

Tis a Koi

I know I touched on it in the last post but like I was a bit terrified. My legs have caused me so much trouble and to be honest I am sorta afraid that I will re-aggravate them by overexerting myself. Going to the castle the night before was something that made me feel horrible. As if I was majorly out of shape and just unfit for anything physical. But everyone was climbing the mountain... I wanted to be at the top, Axel said it wouldn't be too bad. So.... It probably wouldn't be right?

Oooooooh boy.

Well first it began alright, I was sorta towards the end of the group cause I walked slowly and was snapping pictures. It was so pretty, the sunlight, the greenery. But I slowly started to fall more and more back.... finally they would get to places like a waterfall and we chilled for a bit. But we continued to climb, and it was pretty steep. The once wide grass covered path was turning more rocky and thinner. Sometimes it was no wider than a foot or two, and the drop was pretty steep. I was carrying my messenger bag/pursethingy that I always have on me, and food and water since they were all like lets eat at the top of the mountain. There was nothing else left to do but to keep climbing, I will admit it burned a lot. I would occasionally have to take breaks. Tero and most of the other Ryuugakusei were able to keep up a good pace soon I was left behind, Michael E. and Minaye usually were around the same area I was, but a lot of times I was climbing on my own. I would slip, or trip. Never anything that made me think I was going to fall off the mountain, but I did wonder what would happen then. During the breaks I took I would often look out, marvel how far I made it steeling my determination to make it to the top even if I had to drag myself there. Finally after walking up probably the most dangerous trail I've attempted I made it to the top, I wasn't the last one either which was nice. But my legs were killing me. So I sat down and stretched them out, it was hot... I was sweaty. All the guys had their shirts off trying to cool down. And I ate my lunch.

UP THE MOUNTAIN!

It made me feel so fantastic, I made it to the top! On my own! That feeling was incredible.

What a view

You can see the Gujo Castle from here

We all talked here and there, gazing off occasionally admiring the view. Sometimes we could hear thunder. Usually back home in America I was pretty ok at telling the weather. Usually being able to look at a radar and know the details of the storm or look at the clouds and tell how long we have until a storm hits.

In Japan I have yet to find a decent radar like the ones NOAA has... I bet it is somewhere I just don't know where. Also I dunno why but I suck at time predictions in Japan when it comes to storms. Ah well...

Some of the students continued up ahead to check out another post but I was still relaxing and I was fine with that however they saw a boar which is kinda cool. It was then we discovered that Axel and Tero had found a somewhat abandoned "village" and that we could check it out. It was supposedly a bit creepy. What none of us knew was that there was no trail. So we began descending the mountain not on a trail. There were many trees to cling to, the ground was soft and rocky and extremely steep.  Unlike some people I didn't have a walking stick. And I did slip once almost falling until I grabbed onto a tree. This was apparently a common occurrence. (I still have marks on the palm of my hand where I grabbed onto a tree only to get stabbed by something probably splinters despite this happening over two weekends ago)

Sometimes we had to slid down, Minaye and I were the ones straggling behind a bit so Axel and Raine stopped and checked up on us. I'm glad too, they made the navigation down easier. Especially Raine who would sometimes offer his arm for me to hold on to in order to stabilize myself. 

Doesn't look it, but scary

We finally made it and it wasn't so much a village as much as a couple abandoned houses here and there, ruins similar to what you'd see in North Carolina, the ground strewn with debris, glass, ceramics. At this point and rather lamely might I add my camera died. As we decended further it became less precarious and more strange, large amount of rocks and shacks abandoned... it was strange. We saw 2 snakes, one coiled and one climbing a tree. We came to a cleaing with a large hole in the ground. There was a deer skeleton and I have one of the teeth from the said deer. (I know creepy but still)

We descended more and one of the more spooky things we saw was there, a large hole with rocks near the bottom, beyond the rocks was darkness, it was roped off and there was plastic from a flower bouquet on the ground, the flowers having long since decayed. I can only imagine what happened there...

Final updates on Gujo tomorrow morning (I am super tired!)