Gion Matsuri preperations

I am exhausted. Making sure I'm packed and ready to go for a weekend in Kyoto. Crazy weekend at that- school program is going to the Gion Matsuri. VERY PSCYCHED.
Some sumo videos up on youtube. Still have to comment on some of them {facepalm}
http://www.youtube.com/user/elerronyar

Fried my brain with a frustrating test (text was too small and blurry, we were told two different things, they actually helped people during the test....) and since have been stumbling to get myself ready for Kyoto

I'm ready with my yukata though!


All my goods. Metamorphose yukata and obi. Butterfly accessories (necklace, brooches, phone charm/obi charm). Obi-jime from Claires (who would have thought), geta that barely fit me from Jusco. Mint headbow from Meta, mint bracelet and ring from AP. Mint parasol from AP :P

And the bag that I made. Apparently I do have the patience for hand sewing.



So I'm pretty excited. Some of the trip is structured, some of it is free time. We stay at a ryokan, 4 to a room.
EEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
now to do hmwk and finish packing/gathering stuff.

Komagane photos

I fail at updating because this was one hell of a week. Unfortunately not all of it was in a good way. But nevertheless, it happened. And I have little to no time to write if I want to keep my sanity.
Well then-
Since Saturday I have been to Komagane/Japanese Alps, Asuke, and Toyota. Not to mention a bit of Nagoya as well (found epic anime store of epicness).

I'm going to do it this way since I personally prefer this method: I comment on the pictures in sets on my flickr- that is my documentation of trips and such.
So far we have seen Komagane and a tiny bit of Asuke videos that I took.
Now here are the pictures-

Komagane. This doesn't include the onsen because, well, it's not a smart idea to take a camera in with you at the onsen.
The Komagane onsen was my first experience ever in an onsen while in Japan. Since then I've gone 4 more times to 2 local onsens here in Okazaki. If there is time after sumo tomorrow, I will go then as well. I especially adore the outside section of the onsen. At the Komagane onsen, there was only one pool outside but it had a beautiful view of the mountains, which were draped in mist. The pool is covered except for the very end. It was rather hot, probably around 42 C at times so being at the end of the pool where the rain could fall on your face was the most relaxing thing ever. I must say though, I much prefer the onsen I have found here in Okazaki and have visited 3 times already. I hope to write in detail about it for the curious in a future post.
But anyway, since I talked about the other things in my flickr set, here's the link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9982465@N02/sets/72157624293564195/

I have not commented on the images for other trips, but I will do so soon. For now, I go do some work.

Epic trips of epic. Quickie post with video links.

Quick update- The trips this weekend were FANTASTIC. I loooooooooooved our guide Colin- crazy esque humor, friggin gamer (tabletop so d&d), did magic, super techy, super otaku :P Also loves GitS:SAC (ghost in the shell) so ultimate respect. I would love to sign up for the other trips I have not yet signed up for since they are close to repeats from last time just because he's a joy to spend a day with. And his wife was nice enough to be ok with us coming to his house to see his crazy otaku room :P and CAT. OMG CAT. Adorable black kitty that he plays so ruffly with. It's just adorable (homesickness......yet not. very strange). Of course sometimes the people on the tours themselves can drive you a bit crazy. Maybe stories of such to come. *maybe*
At any rate- today we didn't get to do everything we wanted to do- we only did a BBQ celebrating 4th of July and swam in the river in Asuke. I was practically the only one who was up-to-neck in water for most of the time. It was seriously the same temp as Lake Michigan (so cold but niiiiiiiiiice). The trip to our BBQ spot was...........omg..........GPS failed at telling us to go up a normal road so we trecked in a van up the mountain on a what looked like a service road, with cliff drops right next to the vehicle.

I captured some of the craziness via movie on my camera....sorry for the poor quality but here are the links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyXVbXH5wx8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to6ulQpt_kE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi8YC5j-zlg

After that ride we had tons of fun on epic slides
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SMAqtyOUfk)
lots of meat, AND booze. Definitely got tipsy. Friggin lightweight- one beer and a cocktail and I'm tipsy. Geeze I got to get better at this...if only it wasn't so bad for you calorie-wise. Not counting my calories mind you, just aware where there are empty calories in life.

Video of Saturday's trip on the ropeway-descending from the mountain and seeing a mountain goat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKu-ENUCZY0

Right, well I have a major test of 12 chapters Tuesday so I'm spending all day tomorrow studying here at home and on the online classes site while airing out my futon and such. Major major repetition cramming. I hope to be skilled at these chapters by the end of tomorrow.

Bento, Sushi, and schedule of the rest of time here

Today *Thursday* we saw off students of the acceleration program who were leaving. Thursday every two weeks usually marks the beginning/end of modules. The acceleration program/UJP program is a tad bit different- UJP starts only 2 times, ends 3 times during the summer. The acceleration program- not sure, but they are similar to UJP. Acceleration and UJP are clumped in the same program at this time. I believe UJP is a bit of a new thing and it's a summer program, so hence the oddities. SILAC, what I did last time, works in 2 week modules for sure, constantly switches teachers (with a home room teacher for each level), and you constantly have people going in and out of your class every 2 weeks. It can get annoying because the learning atmopshere changes. Much of the time the students don't take their studies seriously in that program too. I could go into details about UJP and SILAC but I am literally too exhausted to go into it.
Tomorrow we get new students in, supposedly something like 10-15

FRIDAY edit- since I was too tired to finish Thursday

We did get new students in,, and now my class is 4 students, including me, which is not as bad as some of the other classes that grew from 3 to 7 and 2 to 7. And of course there's a damn "that guy" in our class. A friggin know it all who keeps correcting everyone (that's the teacher's job) and keeps showing off his quick reading skills. AND OF COURSE he's a graduate of University of Chicago. Now mind you, I've met a lot of people from U of C who aren't huge (insert bad word here), including my friend now and Helena. But my god, some kids....especially ones that tend to be brave enough to come to Japan and live on their own.......gah.......(further wishes she never went to University of Chicago, a thought constantly on her mind)
Anyway!
Yesterday while the newbies in the program took an entrance test, we had lunch with the teachers in the hall next to ours. This hall wasn't there before (it was just a building) so it was nice to see it all new and shiny (Fuji hall is its name). Cooks would go nuts over the building- huge kitchen with TONS of equipment. I wish I knew what they used it for! There are classes, but they are held in a nearby building. Classes such as tea ceremony, cooking, flower arranging. I'm going to try to see if I can get in on those. Specifically flower arrangement. I'm dying to do that.
Lunch was so nice. There was a chance that I would miss it because sales for EGL started the same day, but I really wanted to eat with everyone so I compromised and ended school 2 periods early to go to Nagoya (and was back by 6pm!) Honestly don't think I missed out on anything as far as EGL sales go- Milky planet was guaranteed to already be gone (or at least I was pretty sure) and so much was still left- including fukubukuros (lucky packs/grab bags)! I got one and will be auctioning it off soon. Let me know if you are interested (10,500 yen- over 30,000 yen worth of stuff, starting price $135. It's not all white, it's not all black-very much sweet. And it's an OP, blouse, and socks. Super super super adorable. But that's all I'm saying!).

Eating lunch with people is always a lot of fun. Usually we go Domy, the new supermarket right nearby to pick up something delicious. This time- free lunch!

In adorable bento boxes! With lotsssssss of snacks!

NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM

We may also have had fun with the pocky box.



It's made that way so that it could peek out of your bag and such. A handy holder for your pocky.


Some of my classmates, including the 3 who are leaving and gave speeches. That would be the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the back who are leaving, and the ones in front who are teachers!

School has been going well though awful fast. I'm hoping I have some solid time to work/study this weekend....despite going on trips both days. This is going to be rather difficult {facepalm}
But I did have fun times with my private teacher today! I switched out semi private culture classes for private classes and am so glad I did. We had a lot of fun and I got in some speaking time. Apparently we watch the same tv programs on JP TV and love the same kind of sushi :P

Speaking of sushi, a few friends and I went out for some kaiten zushi. That's literally conveyer belt sushi. Around 100 yen per plate of yummness. SUPER CHEAP.
I took these pics a few days ago when I went myself, but it's basically still the same thing :D

At the booth. There are tables too

There be a ton of ginger, and a cute box for your hashi (chopsticks).

You make your own tea too. There is a hot water faucet at every table and every few feet at the booth.

So delicious. The one on the left is my favorite, the one on the right is my Friday private sensei's favorite. Both have mayo and onions, the one on the left is salmon, the one on the right is shrimp and avocado.


You can order by screen, extremely handy at off hours- at peek hours the belt is fullllll of sushi. You just pick what you want, how much you want, and send in your order.


And then it comes whizzing in on a shinkansen (no kid). You take your plates and send the bullet train back to the chefs. SO CUTE.


chocolate dessert YUM YUM YUM

Speaking of dessert...there's a coldstone in AEON mall....


I *may* have a slight obsession with this combo-


Some randomness-


Look closely at the handicap spots- they're GATED OFF. why can't america do this because there are so many **** americans who are huge ***** and constantly park in the ******* handicapped spots.... Also parking lots for malls have police who keep everyone including the bikers safe. Japan, I love you.

My elective reading and listening class is so much fun. I sit there listening to a cd read off a book to me while I read along. Learning a lot through that in itself.

My books that I used last class. Yes, there's one on sushi. It was rather interesting.


So this weekend is OMG. Especially since a test is coming up on Tuesday! Cumulative review!!! OMG kill me now... plus tons of hmwk for Monday. soooooooooo
A little a day... didn't do much today but then again had 2 hours of private lesson where we did review/study so it's not so off. I really needed to blog, don't you agree?

Saturday is a trip to Komagane and the Japanese Alps. I'm super excited about this.
(copy pasted from the weekend trip listing)

We head to the southern alps in Nagano prefecture, deep into the national park to a ropeway, (the 2nd longest in the world) taking us from 1662 meters above sea level to 2612 meters (5450 to 8568 feet) where we enter the pristine environment of the Senjojiki cirque, a glacial caldera high in the alps. There may still be snow even in July. Its could be very cold, so bring warm clothing. If the weather holds, we may be able to see the cone of Mount Fuji (see Yamasa's group on Facebook for photos)
Descending from the caldera, we make a brief visit to historic Kozen-ji temple which has beautiful architecture. If time permits we will head to komagane onsen and enjoy a relaxing soak in natural hot-spring water.

Especially hoping on that last section. And seeing Mt Fuji, though the likelihood of that is slim considering the weather forecast for tomorrow (rain rain rain oh and more rain). Though I can't complain, it hasn't been bad weather wise by far!

Sunday is Asuke! I've been there before and loved it- this time we're actually going to relax in Asuke :D Yay nature. Also Denpark.
Read on-

The weather is getting hot and it's time to head north to Asuke, and have a fourth of July BBQ by a mountain stream. Kourankei is a famous and beautiful valley with cool flowing water, great for soaking your feet or, for the bold, jumping in for a quick swim. The river is still quite cool this time of year.
The village has thatched roof houses, a beautiful temple, and an interesting mountaintop castle which we will visit before heading down to the riverside.

After our meal we head over to visit Europe, Japanese style, at "Denpark". A city owned park built with a "western style" layout modelled after the Japanese idealized image of Denmark. There is also a boutique beer brewery, legoland and other attractions including a secret garden & enchanted forest.

The second half will by far be interesting. I'm hoping the days don't kill me at the end and I have enough stamina to study for a solid 2 hours at least Saturday, more on Sunday. May bring a book with me tomorrow, and am still considering bringing my doll- I want to take pictures of her!! Especially if there's snow and gorgeous scenery. Still can't decide (when can I ever decide?!)



My next month is just crazy. Check it out-

July 7th- Toyota factory and Miso makers
July 13th- Sumo with the gang and sensei in Nagoya
July 16-18th- GION MATSURI IN KYOTO OMG
July 25th- Gamagori Matsuri
July 31st- Iga Ninja Village and Ueno City trip (weekend optional trip just like this weekend)
August 1st- Osaka/Kyoto day trip for the Home Town Dolpa Osaka 6 (doll convention, ultimately)
August 6th- Final day, lunch with teachers, speeches, aaaaaaaaand Okazaki Matsuri
August 7th- THE FIREWORKS

August something one or another- fly out. I actually can't remember if I have to get my butt to Tokyo on the 9th or 10th..... :P

BUT OMG BUSY!!! It will be epic!
And next weekend I may be going with friends to get hair extensions. We shall see on such things :D

randomness

Randomness post.
It's gotten very hot here. Still the rainy season but today was GORGEOUS...even though it was technically 100 degrees. Little to no humidity, so bathing in the sun, for what we could, was extremely nice.

But I really need to post things so enjoy a randomness post.



nom nom nom. Pizza from the bread section in the grocery stores. Japanese= obsession with bread. All kinds of bread. except rarely bagels (much to my despair). Cold pizza covered with crazy stuff is included. The left one was good and normal but the corn and seaweed (sea grass as one of my friends accidentally called it) was a bit...weird. The right one has egg on it. No joke.

Nom nom ice cream- vanilla, chocolate and almond! Actually very good- also excellent for diet control :P

Emiko asked me to grow a giraffe. And so I did.



The Japanese walk their dogs. But they also walk their cats.

This cat gets a lot of outdoor action. It's out a lot on its leash.


Speaking of getting a lot of action, manholes get a lot of action. The Okazaki ones are really nice.


Okazaki castle, the flower festival, and the famous hanabi (firework festival) all in one on a manhole.


This one is from Nagoya. I thought it was just plain amusing.

Took that manhole on the way back from the Volks store which was found when exploring Nagoya. Found quite a few things actually- the second secondhand shop in Osu Kannon, the Tenshi no Sumika Volks store, Jesus Diamante.....
Got a wig, stand, and a few accessories for assembly (need to restring my one doll Sakura). Linn is currently sporting her new Alice outfit that I had crescent (shopping service) ship finally to me here. Also her new wig. This one is by far the best- and the greatest purchase.
She's sporting the Volks brand...all the way :P

Speaking of dolls, planning to go to Home Town Dolpa Osaka 6 and extremely excited about it. May be able to see a friend in Kyoto that day as well. So just throwing it out there- could get outfits and such if any of my friends may want anything. No pictures are up yet, but throwing out the offer.

And now I sleep. I have quite a few things to post, so I will try to post at least picture posts!

Fooding and Karaokeing

This weekend has thus far been quite a bit of fun. The past few days have been nuts.

I no longer have a roommate- turns out she just couldn't take to the language barrier. Part of me is like "that would have been so good for us!" And then a part of me is thinking that it is rather stupid to come here with no English and minimal Japanese experience- how would you get around? No wonder it's hard and the poor girl wanted to go home :/ There really aren't any other languages here being used outside of English and Japanese. And certainly not much English by far. She was cute and sweet, but honestly it was a facepalm all around. Yamasa accommodation folk had expected her to be able to speak English as well, so....

Friday I was a zombie all day but that didn't stop me from going out to eat and karaoke with friends! Friday was also the day we had semi culture class. The teacher was ok, but I didn't particularly care for her, as she didn't really help those of us (the two of us) who struggled with the language. Some teachers just brush you off instead of taking you by the hand and running with you. She was one of those that just brushed you off. I guess it's difficult when you have three different levels in one class together to accommodate all levels. Nevertheless, it was frustrating so I don't feel bad at all for switching out for private lessons for most Fridays. This week we did origami, which was fun but omg trying to give instructions in Japanese while zombie-fied (ie my brain was a bit fried and exhausted) was terrible. And of course my partner and I had a hard one- the box.

We made the box ourselves (squashed thing at the bottom) and then we were taught by others to make a bird and whale.

After went home for a little while, relaxed (found no roommate), and then went out to get food. The group of us had Okonomiyaki, which is basically batter, cabbage, and a bunch of other stuff. Very much like pancakes. Toppings add to the taste- like some folk order shrimp, I ordered beef, etc. The common toppings are special sauce for the dish, fish flakes, mayo. Basically you plop the batter onto the grill at your table and cook each side for 6 minutes. Deliciousness was to be had.

Us just starting out, plopping our cakes down and shaping them into a round yum yum.

Done cooking and putting our toppings on- now just working on getting pieces of the deliciousness onto our plates.

Afterward, though the sky was "spitting" at us, we went to karaoke. Single room for the party, free refills at the drink bar, and unlimited hours (well, until 4am) only cost 1,700 a person. Beats lincoln square's karaoke by far in price. Also melon soda over and over again :D I need to remember to take a picture of it but it is a very GREEN soda. Realized mixing that and orange made it taste extremely yummy.

Oop that at the left is melon soda actually :D These folk here are from Minnesota, Spain, and Ireland :D


The youngins of our group :D They're still in school (awwwwwwwwww)

Karaoke machine/TV
They have a good collection of songs- had some fun attempting Japanese songs (most of the kanji has hiragana above it but sometimes it is difficult to read as fast as the song goes).

That's it for now. I need to start studying (it's already 4pm...) and I am still feeling tired/exhausted. Thinking just to take it easy.

Bonus- silly purikura photos from first day at school done at Aeon mall.
I had fun with the cat stamps they had, but it took some getting used to as to how the machine worked- kinda screwed up on a few and never added anything :( Well, now I know!




These are pretty simple compared to the other two I've done thus far.

Also- I'm thinking of going to the Home Town Dolpa Osaka- what is technically a doll convention by the main company that produces dolls- Volks. I have my Volks Yo-SD girl, Linn, so it's not like I would go empty handed. Plus I did this last time I was in Japan, I kinda want to do it again!

sunsets in okazaki

Realizing the group that started the UJP program with me is full of awesome. We went out for noodles during lunch- DELICIOUS SOBA ZOMG. failed at taking a picture because I didn't have my camera with me. Hopefully we will go out for karaoke tomorrow night! Saturday I should be going to Nagoya with one or two of the girls potentially in lolita :P Found out at the moment only Meta has sales this Saturday. You'd *think* they would start at the same time. Baby has their sale on the 1st... a weekday....there's no way I can make that :/ Don't know about AP tho. NO news on Nagoya yet- kinda pissed because I want to know :( boo. Not that I would buy anything, but their limited sets are cute.

Ah well :/ and homework takes forever, studying takes longer. Getting home at around 5 is really starting to kill me especially since I start around 6.... it's almost 9 and I still haven't started my homework-I've just been studying verbs. DOH.

I have GOT to go to an onsen because my back/shoulders are starting to really lock up. *almost* tempted to go today but I only got 5 hours of sleep and I'd probably pass out in the bath. This would be a badddd idea. Supposedly one of the onsense have massages.... must check out!

Got distracted today when I saw the world in a pink hue. The camera really didn't capture as well as it looked (do cameras ever? esp digital...) but the sky was pretty at dusk.


Some relaxing and then homework time!