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

Counting down the days...

This time in 2 weeks I will be in my friend's house in Japan. I can't believe how soon it's coming up! I'm getting excited and scared and other adjectives synonymous with those words.

Relevant gif is relevant.

:3

xoxo