Another Spontaneous Blog Post

So, yes, once again, I have been lackadaisical (new word of the day!) in regards to updating my blog. I guess the lack of vitamin D from short days (the sun sets at four o'clock in the afternoon, if we see it at all!), and not listening to enough summery tunes due to the weather patterns conflicting with what my body is used to, is causing me to go a little crazy. I am remedying the music part with Left or Right (I miss seeing those guys playing so much, check them out if you want awesome dub/blues/reggae/hard rock goodness), Manu Chao, Bob Marley, Massive Attack, Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse, and Alice in Chains (as always).

But anyway, since my last blog post, I got my hair cut. In Japan. The procedure was not as scary as one may imagine (thanks to my friend Kana helping me with explaining what I wanted); in fact, there were little differences that resulted in my hair looking, I dare say, cute as hell.

Of course, upon washing my hair, all cuteness disappeared down the drain, but my hair is still in relatively good condition. I must invest in hair curlers sometime. How did he make the curls in my hair so damn cute?! I can't help but wonder!

Also, I got to experience the amazingness that is Sapporo's version of the Munich Christmas Market, and glühwein (hot wine, or mulled wine). The perfect drink for a cold winter's day. For my friend Sebastian, the experience was so amazing he and I went at least twice. Because German Christmas festivals are magical.

Also, I got to see a real love hotel. Of course, because of my current (permanent) cat-lady status, I didn't go with a lad for some alone time: I went with my Law and Legal Process Class, which is an awesome class, by the way.

The wonderful about these windows: you can see out, but people on the beach can't see you doing things.............ahem.

This particular love hotel, Hotel Luna Coast, is an example of one of the more nicer looking hotels. If it wasn't for the slot machine in the cupboard, or the sex toy vending machine, you'd assume it was a regular, decent, hotel.

That is exactly what it is. No, nobody tried to purchase anything.

Most of the class found the field trip insightful, awkward, hilarious, and rather fascinating.

And now, Christmas is approaching, so of course, the Japanese are getting into the spirit by playing Christmas carols everywhere, decorating shops and train stations, even putting up a Christmas tree with lights outside the cafeteria.

To me, the experience of a white Christmas is both exhilarating and terrifying. My brain is still programmed to associate Christmas with summer and a day spent with the family and our strange yet wonderful Christmas traditions, whereas this year, it'll be snowstorms and sitting in my room staring at the wall in sheer terror when I realise it's my first Christmas away from my family and familiar surroundings. Eeeep!! The fact that I had to postpone my trip to Tokyo (major sad panda ;_;), hearing the news of more earthquakes in Christchurch, AND the fact that the last week was not the best week I could've had (thank you, Doctor Who, for keeping me sane during that time, I will love you forever and ever) doesn't really ease my troubled mind. It's a terrifying experience, but hopefully, New Years will restore my good spirits, and the coming year will bring more new experiences and good fortune.

So, if I fall back into my lack-a-dai-si-cal ways, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a bright start to the New Year.

Also, um, relax, 2012 will not bring the end of the world and stuffs.

Until next time...

xoxo

雪の写真 / Snow Photos

♬Now Playing: Big Bang - Tonight♬

If you're one of those people who wasn't aware of the existence of the island of Hokkaido, Japan, or, on the other hand, you do know it exists but you aren't aware it's not really like Tokyo, here's another interesting fact about it: every winter, it gets covered in snow. Pure, white, powdery, snowy goodness. The stuff sticks around for half a year every autumn/winter/some of spring, and it's accompanied by extreme temperature drops. The lowest recorded temperature for the capital, Sapporo, is -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit for my American friends). But, usually, it lingers around -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).

For someone who has only seen maybe two or three impressive (I use the term loosely) snowfalls in her life, the snowfall in Otaru is nothing less than amazing. Also, because the snow back home was more wet and sludgy, the powder snow that falls here is like a dream come true for a southern hemisphere winter baby like myself.

So, for your viewing pleasure, some photos of the snow that has accumulated here in Otaru over the last few weeks.

Trust me, I'll be seeing this until at least April. My Kiwi friends and family, enjoy what may be a wonderful summer, I am more than a little bit jealous right now. :3

Until next time...

xoxo

P.S. In other news, some friends and I are starting a band. The happiness this is bringing me cannot be described. I have missed playing in a band so much (last time was in high school, which was practically during the days of the dinosaurs), so my soul is feeling very uplifted right now. Let's hope it continues.

Things I Have Learnt These Last Couple Of Months

It's been two months and two days since I left New Zealand, and since then, my life has changed so much I'm not entirely sure who I am anymore (in a good sense). Since my last blog post (New Zealand won a very close battle in the rugby, Mika and I almost killed each other throughout the game [much to the entertainment of our friends], and he was inconsolable afterwards), so much stuff has been happening that I haven't even been able to update my blog. Or send postcards. Sorry, everyone expecting a postcard or letter, I will get that done!

But, anyway, because it's late at night and I can't be bothered writing a detailed post right now, here's another list of things I have learnt these last few months:

• I am now considered 'one of the boys' in the dorm, but I am still too short and awkward to play basketball.
• I can, however, play badminton quite well.
• Cheesecake is always amazing.
• So are donuts. But not as a substitute for breakfast and lunch.
• Turns out I can fit clothes here. Expect a fashion post sometime.
• The whole 'kawaii' thing I apparently have going seems to work to my advantage. Kind of. Maybe not. Meh.
• Discussing politics and NZ and French economics at 3am will result in my friend Sunny (aka the Chinese girl disguised as a Frenchman) and I being considered not normal. Especially when gay politics are discussed.
• I may not suit hipster glasses, but I suit all kinds of hats.
• Amazon sent me a French dictionary, and they were kind enough to include two bags of air. I kid you not.
• Law and Legal Process is the most awesome class ever. Our lecturer is taking us to a love hotel for a field trip. My group got to give the presentation, in which the term 'fuck friend' was said.
• No, I have not done any previous 'personal research' on love hotels.
• Finding out you've been accepted for a language teaching practicum, and finding out you're teaching business English to your fellow exchange friends, can feel awkward at first.
• But then it gets better.
• I will never shed my Hermione Granger image. Ever. And I'm fine with that.
• 7 hours of karaoke in Sapporo will result in lethargy, a loss of voice, and emotional breakdowns due to lack of sleep (or taking photos of strange men listening to music in shops at 6am), but it's so worth it.
• Susukino is amazing. That is all.
• Community is an awesome TV show.
• Movie marathons are still the best things ever.
• So are Pokemon cellphone charm thingies. I have a Doryuzu. Or Minotaupe in French. Or Excedrill if you want to call it by its inane English name. It has steel drill claws that can drill through thick iron plates.
• I speak rather good French when I'm drunk. I aim to also be able to speak it well when sober.
• My desire to learn languages is growing. Add Spanish, Icelandic, and Greek to the list.
• Sleep is important, but I keep forgetting that.
• French music is awesome. I have discovered plenty of new musicians and bands thanks to the lads.
• My male friends enjoy AKB48 a bit too much, especially the video for 'Heavy Rotation'.
• My friend Sebastian is the king of making okonomiyaki.
• He is also now ojiisan (grandfather). Or is it ojisan (uncle)?
• My accent is easily mocked, but everyone thinks it's a cool accent, so it's out of admiration. I hope.
• "Go to bed." "Go to bid? I'm not going to bid on anything." "Stop mocking my way of speaking!"
• I STILL miss the company of cats. But I have a toy cat, a paisley print duck creature, and a llama to keep me company now.
• Us YOUC kids know how to party. This results in photos taken by our friend Guillaume (now known to most of us as Gigi), but they usually do not see the light of day. Or get tagged on Facebook.
• SNOW!
• SO MUCH SNOW!
• WAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I recently also came to a decision that will probably upset a lot of people, but I have extended my stay in Otaru until August 2012. The decision was not made lightly, but I feel it's the right thing to do for my studies, and also it'll help with my Japanese skills. Any complaints may be directed to my Facebook message inbox or my Facebook wall, but it'll make me a sad panda.

And before anyone asks, no, I am still on my way to being a cat lady. This will be the same next blog post, whenever that may be.

Until next time...

xoxo

Rugby World Cup 2011

Those who know me well enough are aware that, usually, I really couldn't care less about rugby. Yes, I come from a country who takes pride in having one of the best teams in the world, yes, myriad people in said country are proud supporters, but, as for me:

However, this weekend, my apathetic side shall be giving way to some unimaginable being dressed in black and screaming at the TV. Why? Because this weekend is the grand final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand versus France.

Part of the reason why I have had a change of heart may be because it's the first time since 1995 that the All Blacks have made the finals, and 25 years since we won the Webb Ellis trophy. It may be because being away from New Zealand has made me have a change of heart and develop understanding and respect for the achievements made by our most well known sporting team. It may be because being away from everyone means I don't have to hide my shameful excitement.

Or it may be because I want to laugh at the reactions of the French guys in my dorm when the All Blacks defeat France.

Meh.

It may be a mix of those reasons, but I believe once the tournament is over, my apathy shall return and I can go on with the rest of my life. Unless a French victory causes unimaginable riots back home and I can't return ever. Maybe. We shall see.

Also, go the All Blacks and what not! (^^)v

Until next time...

xoxo

Song of the Day: Post 第一

In the days where we fear that music has long ago reached its high point and is now descending into a mess of trashy pop and uninspiring sounds that I dread to call songs (save for a select few), it is relieving to find music that shows there is still such a thing as raw talent and original songwriting in the industry today.

This is a song by Australian-Belgian singer Gotye, featuring New Zealand born singer Kimbra (now based in Australia), called 'Somebody That I Used To Know'. It's my song of the day simply because it's such a beautiful yet sad song, and both artists are incredibly talented, and I can't stop listening to it. It's the kind of music that we need more of in times like these. Also, it brings a bit of Antipodean sentiment to me here in Japan.

Until next time...

xoxo

Things I Have Learnt This Week

• If one does not practice Japanese as often as one should, it's easy for one to forget important grammar points and such.
• Thunderstorms still really suck.
• Umbrellas are good when it's raining.
• Eating cute cookies will result in one being labelled a monster by a pregnant Chinese lesbian disguised as a Frenchman.
• I don't think I will ever fully understand the aforementioned Frenchman's alter ego.
• Otaru Beer is pretty much like German beer, and this might not be a good thing for she who knows herself to be a lightweight.
• Sleep is still important.
• Being a geek is still awesome. Any kind of geekdom is awesome.
• I can no longer form coherant sentences in English.
• Changing one's relationship status may come across as desperate or 'putting oneself on the market', even if it wasn't intentional.
• I miss the company of cats.
• I need to take more photos of stuff.
• Obsessing over cookies can come across to others as being far too weird.
• Ladybugs, contrary to popular belief, can be trained to perform tricks (as proven by Mika, one of the guys on my floor). Said ladybug can also provide minutes of cheap entertainment to others present.
• Paper airplanes are still fun.
• More people know of Nyan Cat than first thought. God help us all.
• 3 weeks have gone by, and yet it feels like forever, so hopefully the next few months won't go by too quickly.

Until next time...

xoxo

Update: After realising of how amazing panda cookies are, Chinese lesbian has said I am no longer a monster.

Yeah..........

It's Been Nearly Three Weeks And A Lot of Stuff Has Happened... - Part Two

*Continued from Part One*

On the Saturday, I went to Omiya Station to meet up with Natsumi and two other friends, Misaki and Yukina, whom were also exchange students at my university. Unfortunately, our friend Saki had other plans, so she couldn't join us that day. *le sad*

Also, purikura photo booths are amazing and I love them and I wish they had them in New Zealand.

Sunday saw Yumi-chan and her father taking me to a lovely little traditional Japanese restaurant and then to Okutama Lake in Tokyo.

So, after a wonderful 5 days in Saitama, it was time for me to go on my next big adventure: the trip to Otaru, Hokkaido, to begin my university exchange. After a tearful goodbye to Yumi-chan at Haneda airport, and an hour and a half long flight, I finally arrived at New Chitose Airport and met with my tutor, Riko, who brought along the cutest chocolate animals I've ever seen in my life.

Overlooking the city from the gates of Shodai.

The izakaya that Riko and I went to the first night of my stay in Otaru

Arriving in Otaru was like arriving on a distant planet: I must admit, I was completely thrown out of my comfort zone and spent the first few days being a hermit, unable to talk to anyone or even attempt to make friends. I'd spend my time walking around the city, buying stuff for my room at the dorm, and watching the first three seasons of The Big Bang Theory. It wasn't the healthiest approach, but it was better than going crazy and what not. Plus, it's The Big Bang Theory, it makes everything better.

Fortunately, as time has passed, I have managed to come out of my shell and befriend the other international students here, who come from countries as varied as the USA, France, Austria, Germany, Vietnam, China, Russia, and Korea. It's a blend of different cultures, personalities, and ways of thinking that seems scary (and at first, it was), but over time, everyone is beginning to settle in and find their place. Me? I'm the weird one who gets hyper off of one sugar bun and who like Saku Saku Panda cookies. Oh, my god. I friggin' love Saku Saku Panda cookies, the frig. They are so cute and silly and THEY ARE PANDAS, but they're so chocolatey and good and oishii (delicious), too. This has led to one person (whom I shall not name) to assume if I see anything cute, I'll eat it. I'll only eat cute Saku Saku Panda cookies.

A very sad panda indeed.

Or, to quote my abilities on the list of people and their rooms and such posted in the dorm lounge:

"Abilities: Speaking Japanese, music snob, future cat lady."

I've also managed to befriend a lot of the Japanese students here, which has not only helped my to become settled in, but it's also helping me practice my Japanese speaking skills. Which is good. *happy panda*

I'll continue my multiple part post next time, then after that, I intend to do weekly updates. That is, unless something wonderfully magical happens and I feel it necessary to make a post on it as soon as possible.

Until next time...

xoxo

It's Been Nearly Three Weeks And A Lot of Stuff Has Happened... - Part One:

I'm aware I haven't updated my blog in three weeks, and if you do take some time out of your life to read this wee blog floating about on the wide ocean known as the internets, you have probably wondered where I've been. This blog post will be in parts due to so much stuff that's happened since I arrived.

The day I arrived at Narita Airport, it was a bit drizzly, but it was at least 28 degrees. Celsius. That's 82 degrees Fahrenheit for my American friends. I was dressed for a New Zealand spring-winter-whatever season, and I was tired from an uncomfortable sleep (and the fact it was 7:00am!), but the excitement from being back in Japan overwhelmed that, especially when I spotted my dear friend Natsumi in the crowd.

We took a bus back to her home in Saitama, pointing out all the ojiisan driving their trucks past us and talking about everything and nothing. It'd been 3 months since she left NZ, so there was plenty to chat about.

However, my plans to hang with Natsumi and then meet my friend Yumiko, who I was to be staying with, were affected by Typhoon Roke, which hit Tokyo the same day I arrived.

This photo was taken at around midday, just as the typhoon began to hit the Kanto area.

As a result, all the trainlines were stopped and many people couldn't get home, especially Yumi-chan, who was one of the many people stuck in Chiba. *sad panda* I, meanwhile, was at Natsumi's when the typhoon hit, so it was suggested by Yumi-chan that it was safer for me to stay with Natsumi and her family for the night (her family, I discovered, are pretty much the Japanese version of my own family, which was too hilarious for words).

Fortunately, the next day, the typhoon had passed, the sun was out and I managed to see Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Later that evening, I met with Yumi-chan and her family, and said good-bye to Natsumi and her mother, who had driven for two hours to Yumi-chan's house. I was so overwhelmed by their kindness that I burst into tears. Because I can, I will, and I did. Also, my friends are awesome. ♥

The time I spent at Yumi-chan's was so much fun. Her family took me to the Teddy Bear Museum in Nasu, which also had a Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbour Totoro) exhibit.

Yes, they had Totoro teacups. No, I couldn't buy it. *sad panda*

For those of you wondering, there is a bigger Studio Ghibli museum in Tokyo, but you can't take photos there, which is a bit disappointing. I would like to go, though, it seems like a wonderful place. I didn't make it to Tokyo this time, due to time constraints and the typhoon, but I was very happy that Yumi-chan and her family were willing to take me sightseeing, and to such an adorable musuem.

Part Two coming soon...

xoxo

Arbitrary Gushy Post 第一

Countdown to Japan: 5 days...

Today's post is one that involves me talking about that one man whom I wish I could marry (as opposed to 'fuck senselessly') but will probably not due to our paths never crossing. The man whom I will judge every future boyfriend on in terms of personality, sense of humour, talent, and looks. In that order.

His name is Yuya Matsushita (松下優也) and he is a 21 year old Japanese R&B singer who debuted in 2008 with the song 'foolish foolish'. Although the song sounds very similar to Ne-Yo's 'So Sick' (almost the same melody and key, but he didn't write the song, so...), it is a beautiful song and shows that Yuya is not a typical J-pop idol singer. His voice is beautiful, and his dancing skills are amazing as well. He cites Michael Jackson as his main influence and it can be seen in his dancing, heard in his music, and in photo shoots (as seen below). He strives to continue the legacy that is MJ, but he is also his own self in terms of musicianship and artistry. He can play the piano, speak English quite well, and has also acted in some dorama series, as well as the live action musical of the anime series Kuroshitsuji (黒執事) in the lead role of the demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis.

For someone who has obvious talent (and incredibly good looks), it surprises me that Yuya is still underrated as a singer and musician. It can't be because his songs sound the same; there is a variety of ballads, upbeat tracks, and songs that may cause spontaneous pregnancy. He covers so much ground for someone his age, and is someone that people should pay more attention to. He has performed in the USA at the Fanime convention, so hopefully his star will shine brighter in the next year or so as more people both in and outside Japan discover him.

So why would I make a post that comes across as both serious and gushy about a guy whom I'll never be with, let alone MEET? Well...something about him just does things to me. I don't know what it is about him. Sure, there are plenty of other musicians and entertainers who are just as talented as he is (maybe even more so), but something about Yuya just brings a smile to my face and makes my heart skip a beat or two. Or three. I think he's the first 'celebrity' (I hate using that term) I've fallen in love with, as opposed to having a crush on. Everything about him is perfect to me, even when he's being a total dork (and his dance moves cause me to scream at inappropriate times). ^^;; He seems like someone I'd like to hang out with as a friend, as well as someone I could see myself being in a relationship with.

I guess I'd better start collecting cats, then.

えーと、優也君、このブログポーストを読んでなら、ごめんなさい。大好きだね。。。ww ♥♬

xoxo

Countdown to Japan: 7 days

Today was more catching up with friends, eating too much food, and general weariness from the realisation that my life is going to change in a week's time.

No photos today. Dx

xoxo

Magical adventures...

Countdown to Japan: 8 days

Today was spent with my friends Cayley and Hannah, and myriad butterflies. At the museum in our city, there is a permanent exhibit with a large room made to look like a rainforest (also made to feel like a rainforest with high temperatures and humidity) with possibly hundreds of butterflies living in it.

We also looked around the musuem itself, and took silly photos so I could have some physical memory of my weekend.

Fun times indeed, even if it was ridiculously hot and we were all tired from the previous night.

xoxo

P.S. Thinking of everyone affected by the heartbreaking events of ten years ago, and those affected by the resulting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.♥

We need a holiday~~☆!!

Countdown to Japan: 9 days

I'm currently spending the weekend in Dunedin visiting friends one last time before I go to Japan. I'm having a lot of fun, but it's quite bittersweet as well, knowing I won't see everyone for six months. ;_; So I'm making the most of

my time here by going to the beach with friends and having chats about everything and nothing. :3

And muffins. I made a lot of muffins. Muffins are wonderful. ♥

Also, Soju gets me really drunk. I was surprised how quickly I descended into giggles and incoherent speech. I have a minor headache as a result, but I'm alright.

However, my plans for going out are slightly affected by the fact that tonight England are playing Argentina in Dunedin and the whole town is overrun with supporters from both sides. Yes, the Rugby World Cup has begun. Cue insanity and getting unwanted attention from people who claim to be Argentinean. I kid you not.

Until next time...

xoxo