六-六-六

Homestay

2009-07-13T18:31:00.001+09:00

Hello! I traveled again. Headed to Wakkanai this time. It's the northernmost tip of Japan, and on a clear day, you can actually see Russia across the sea.

Wakkanai is essentially very far. It takes about 4-6 hours, but the view along the coastline is great. We were lucky that we didn't take the inland road. Well, we did actually, on the way back.

The first stop we had, at some waterfall by the highway, overlooking the sea

The wonderful view out the window

Stopped by some beach near Rumoi

Clear water

Got lucky and managed to snap this from a moving bus

Along the way we stopped along several places to take a breather-cum toilet break-cum-snack time. Most of the time I felt like the stops weren't really necessary. It was just another memorial statue. They're really fond of it apparently.

After making countless stops, we finally made it to Haboro where we will be spending the night with host families. Just my luck that I got placed in a family with 3 other guys, but hey, I got a room all to myself. Nice.

How can you ditch this...

... for this?! It's just figurines by the way.

At least they took us to the beach to see the sunset

The meeting point was at some rose garden which looked impressive. But apparently the museum is more interesting in the eyes of the host family. While everyone else was having fun looking at the rose, all we could do (me & the 3 guys) was stare at the garden longingly as we were ushered to see bird figurines.

Sushi

Dinner was a tad disappointing. I felt like they didn't really respect us that much. They were really hospitable though, but the entire dinner fiasco totally turned me off. I just wanted to get out of that place.

So next day as we made our way once again, stopped by other non-relevant places, picked up lunch, had the most breathtaking view while having lunch but it was all too short-lived. Just managed to snap a few pictures and headed to another memorial once again. And hit the road again and another memorial. Shoot me.

The view from an observation hill in Wakkanai

One of the many memorials at Cape Soya, the northernmost tip

Finally reached the tip of Japan, but it was so rushed that I forgot to see Russia. Gyaaahh!!! That just made the trip pointless. Well, some of the places we went had really nice view and was lovely and all, but we were rushing all the time, and I felt like we didn't really get to enjoy the trip that much.

Well, at least I've been to the northernmost tip of Hokkaido. I need a map soon.

R&R

2009-07-09T19:57:00.000+09:00

Ever since there was the Travel & Living channel, I've always wished I could travel. All the time. Well, that came after wanting to be rich. Because with money you can travel. Yes, shallow.

As a kid, I managed to go to few places. But I was a kid, so I can't remember much. Except that red pants. And yellow shirt. Hello Ronald McDonald.

I didn't even travel that much in Malaysia. To which my friend said crudely, 'your dad must be poor then'. T______T

Anyhoo, since I got to Japan, I told myself that I will travel at all cost. Nothing will stop me! So every time a chance appears I grab it. There have been several occasions when chance just slipped by my fingers because someone doesn't want to go and I didn't want to go alone.

Well, I've learned that it's no use waiting for anyone. If want to do something, do it on your own. It has become a habit that I keep all my weekends occupied, that I'm rarely at home. Well, when I'm at home doing nothing, I start to feel uneasy and I still go out. Just for the sake of it.

Since I've been so touristy since I got here (let's ignore the first 4 months when I was a loser-cum-loner), I thought I'd share a few tips on how to travel, because, hey, it's not like I'm loaded here anyway.

Stick to international students' association. They usually have tonnes of events lined up for international student. Not only do you get to meet new people and hang out together, you get to travel at a relatively cheaper price because of the number. And it's kinda important to detox once in awhile.
Have few circles of friends. Don't stick to the same people. It's boring. Always keep a spare. So when one rejects your invitation, invite another and go places.
Act dumb and innocent. Does wonders. Just say stuff like 'I want to see a baseball game at least once...' or 'I wish I can go to Otaru...', and the Japanese around you does wonders. Especially if they own cars.
If invitations don't come your way, make your own. Plan where you'll be heading, how you'll get there and what you'll do there and in no time there will be someone interested. At least one.
You don't have to travel in style. Yes, they have cars. So? That's what public transportation is for and it's damn efficient here. Well, you can spend your money stuffing yourself with naans while I spend that on my subway tickets.
If it's long distance, evaluate your options. Especially in Japan. If you book your flight tickets early, it costs the same as ferry or a train ride, but the time is cut by 1/10.
Talking about money, you don't really need a Dunhill shirt, Diesel wrist watch, Dior sunglasses, Armani shoes, Gap pants and a stupid looking hat. Spend that money on traveling instead. But if you insist, go ahead.
Don't waste money on DSLR. It's like a bloody trend. If you're holding a DSLR, suddenly you're a pro but your pictures are like crap anyway. Just that when you snap pictures of unsuspecting women in short skirts, you wouldn't look like a bloody stalker. It's art. Eat my shoe!
You don't have to announce to the world that you're traveling to a certain place. Why? Because it's a tradition in Japan that when you go somewhere you bring back souvenirs. Odd enough, those that insist on this tradition are not even Japanese. Don't say a word, and easy, you save money on getting charms from random shrines.
Be nice, smile all the time and be friendly. People would want to invite you to their trips as well.
Don't get souvenirs even for yourself and save tonnes of money. Weird I know. Probably just me, but it's just that I've grown out of the must-get-keychains-from-every-single-place phase. I don't like spending money on things that I'll never use. Lesson learned. I was a hoarder. I have one key and 30 keychains. But then again, you might have one keychain and 30 keys, so knock yourself out.

I should write a book: how to be stingy.

Jerk as-Saurus

2009-07-06T06:34:00.000+09:00

There was this person who contacted me through FB and said there was questions about life here and the university. I'm tempted to call him 'jack***', but I'll go with Jerk as-Saurus. That's a hint. Guess where he's from.

I usually don't layan messages from strangers but then I thought, I was just as lost when I got here. And Jerk as-Saurus was from a war-stricken country. I gave in. I replied. No harm done. Or so I thought.

Fast forward 2 months later, Jerk as-Saurus ends up here, and for courtesy sake just went to see him at the student center to say hello. Lo and behold, Jerk as-Saurus called me the next day. Oh-kay...

Then he called again the following day. "Why aren't you calling me?! Why aren't you meeting me?!"Oh-kaaaay... Did I miss something? And he called yet again the next day saying that we should hang out on weekends because he doesn't have friends and doesn't want to hang out with his room mate who happens to come from the same war-stricken country as him. Funny.

At this stage, I was annoyed. I was really trying to help him out, but when it got to that point, I was starting to regret I ever replied to his email. I mean, who brags about themselves at first encounter. "I cook very well." "I've been to Kuala Lumpur." "And China, Singapore, Europe, blah, blah, blah..." And yuck, I hate his annoying fake English accent.

Of course, being diplomatic and all, I still said hello when I see him around, even though I wasn't feeling so comfortable with the way things went. That's what diplomatic is all about. And guess what he did in return? He deletes me off his FB list.

T______T

Yes, it was me harassing Jerk as-Saurus apparently.

Chivalry

2009-07-03T07:57:00.003+09:00

Is dead they say.

I was in lab the other day. SV had gone off somewhere. Home? Class? I forgot. And Bo-Ring was off somewhere too. Class I think.

I was done with my experiment that day and was about to leave, so I told the new guy I'm leaving. Let's give him a name. Let's call him Pretty Boy. He fiddles with his hair all the time. See, I always have a reason.

To my utter surprise he told me not to. Before you get some funny ideas, it was because he wasn't done with his experiments. And I stayed. I really need to work hard on being evil and heartless.

So I just hung around, and it was getting late. You see, I usually take the shuttle bus to get home or else it takes me 30 minutes to walk and I usually go back before the last bus. Even SV sometimes reminds me, so that I don't miss the bus.

Few more minutes... I hesitated. I really need to go now. Bus. Will. Leave. Soon. So I told him I have to go and he was very reluctant. Listen here boy, I don't babysit.

And I missed the bus. And it was raining. Great. Returned to the lab to grab an umbrella and he said "ただいま" (tadaima= welcome back). I'm sure I sensed sarcasm. As I walked back home, he just zoomed pass me in his bicycle, saying "じゃね" (ja ne= bye).

T______T

I hate babysitting.

Updates

2009-07-01T21:13:00.000+09:00

I'm still not over MJ's death. How can he be dead. I grew up listening to him! He was the only artist from the west that I ever listened to. And all those stories about him never ever bothered me. Man, I hope they don't make this thing into another Princess Diana case. :(

I'm not coming back this summer break. In return, SV sorta hinted that he can arrange a travel itinerary for me. He also hinted that I shouldn't go to Disneyland alone because I would be giggling on my own and people would want to lock me up. Humour.

I discovered how fun it is to shop alone. Shopping with others is so frustrating. I still believe that if I'm buying anything, I have absolute rights to decide if it is worth my money. In most cases, it's not.

Went to my first baseball game. To be honest I was never a sports fan. Not that I'm one right now. Just that sports never really fascinated me that much. But it was quite an experience. People from all ages go for it. And I mean people FROM ALL AGES! The energy was refreshing. But I still don't get the game. I was trying to look out for the ball, and suddenly the game is over. Whaaat?

MJ is dead. No. :(

Ainu Museum: Porotokotan

2009-06-29T07:37:00.000+09:00

If there's anyone that understands the plight of minorities, it's me. Minority in Malaysia. Minority in Japan. Haih. I should just create my own country.

Anyway, back in the days, long before Hokkaido was colonized by the Japanese, the Ainu people used to live here. As you'll know, Hokkaido is a separate island from the rest of Japan. So when the Japanese came to this island, the Ainu were marginalized. Bullied, in other words.

Most of the places' names in Hokkaido are in the Ainu language. Sadly, due to the bullying, most of the Ainu people decided to hide their identity and never claimed to be of Ainu origin and married the Japanese so that their children will be no longer marginalized. In the process, I suppose a lot of their culture, heritage and history was lost.

If I'm not mistaken, the Ainu people were only recently officially 'accepted' to be part of Japan. So, in honour of the Ainu people and us (international students) who are obviously minorities in the Land of the Rising Sun, we headed to the Ainu museum that's located in Shiraoi.

Village chief

It was terribly foggy that day and it was drizzling when we got there. We were treated with a brief introduction of the Ainu people by this really funny guy. Followed by some traditional Ainu music and also a ritual dance.

Porotokotan means large (poro) lakeside (to) village (kotan)

There were this thatched houses all in a row. I suppose there was something interesting in each one, but because we were running out of time, I only managed to go into one, which had Ainu traditional clothes for you to try on. For a fee of course. The only place we managed to look at properly was the museum, but that was also rushed.

As disturbing as it may be to some, but the Ainu used to hunt bears. Hokkaido is really famous for bears. I guess in the past, bears were just about everywhere. But then that was a way of life of people in the past. I don't think we should judge, especially since we're killing the environment in our own way anyway.

On the way back, we took a different route and stopped by a waterfall. I forgot the name of the place. This is the first waterfall that I've seen in Japan.

And the water was blue! Blue I tell you! Blue!

Okay, maybe with a tinge of green. But I've never seen such clean waterfall ever!

Back about minority. You'll never know how it feels until you're at the receiving end. And when you're overseas, it's just another world.

MJ

2009-06-26T17:23:00.003+09:00

I read about it this morning & immediately looked up on the internet but found nothing. So I thought it was a hoax. I didn't even pay that much attention to it.

Then when I headed to lab, the first thing SV said to me was "MJ is dead!". "Yeah, I heard about it too. Is it real?" "I don't know. There were always similar news like that previously but this time seems to be real. I heard it on the radio." "I like his music." "Yeah, I think everyone does." "I used to listen to his music all the time when I was young. But most people think he's weird." "Yeah, that's just recent."

Then a friend from Malaysia sent a message this morning to let me know. Then through YM. Then another message from Malaysia.

Sad... A legend has just died. And I was just thinking awhile back that it's such a shame that he's going to retire soon. And now this...

Weird aside, I thought he was a genius. And the entire family used to crowd around the TV to watch his video clips which was always uber cool. And we used to listen to his CDs all the time. Heck, he's probably the only singer from the west that I like.

RIP.

Mt. Moiwa Climb

2009-06-25T08:24:00.001+09:00

I thought it would be cool and all to climb a mountain. Only 30 minutes. Pft. I could do that with my eyes closed. And apparently I had my eyes closed when I read the tentative, because it's actually a 2 hour climb.

I think it's an annual trip that is done here, organized by some middle-aged Japanese. I have no idea if they're actually an organization, or just a bunch of people who gather. And once again, there was more Japanese than us. Well, there was only 8 of us anyway.

I've never climbed a mountain before. The closest to that would be the cave in Kuantan, that I decided to slid down the rocks, because bruises are oh-so-fun.

Mt. Moiwa is a famous landmark here, and there's a cable car that takes you to the top in about 10 minutes apparently. And there we were, climbing it up for 2 hours. I've never been there before, even though I've always wanted to (with the cable car of course), and I've heard that the night view is splendid.

The climb was steep just as we started. Oh, and all the Japanese that were with us were at least twice our age, but 10x more energetic than all of us. And there was a 5-year old girl with us too who was just bouncing all over the place and running up the mountain. Kids... Where do they get their energy.

Looks so tropical

Part of the area that was destroyed by a typhoon some time back

The first 1/3 of the journey was tiring because it was steep. The second 1/3 wasn't as bad. And the final 1/3 was the hardest (for me) because there were rocks and I have a history of falling down all the time.

When we got to the top... Triumphant! But it was bloody cold up there. It's supposed to be summer now, but it was 10^oC up there. And it's quite a small mountain actually. And I was so sure it'll be hot and sweaty after climbing that I didn't wear any sweater on that day, and there I was trying not to look like I was freezing myself.

The entire city. I noticed that there are a lot of lookout spots in this city, where you can see the entire city view.

I don't know what that sign means, but no, the mountain was not 257 km in height

After having lunch picnic style up there with hot coffee, we headed back down. Even though I was so tempted to take the cable car instead, but no one was with me. I was so afraid that I would fall on the way back and there were rocks all over the place, I was practically crawling my way down during the first 1/3 of the mountain.

It was a good trip. And my legs ached for 2 days. Most of the people that we bumped on the way up and down the mountain were those who are well above 50 years of age. There were very few young people. And they all greet you as you go up and down. That felt nice. See, it takes so little to make me happy.

Temporary Deafness

2009-06-22T21:10:00.006+09:00

He's pale. Has loads of make-up plastered on his face. Wears thick layer of mascara. Has built up his biceps. Still has that amazing voice. Is starting to look his age (just a bit though). Likes sticking out his tongue. Was just 5 meters away from me. And at one point just 1 meter away from me. Our eyes could have met. Maybe. Hopefully. Sigh... I wish.

And is still hot...

One off the list!

Classes for Dummies

2009-06-19T07:40:00.000+09:00

Classes are a pain. I grimace each time the lecturer looks away. And I roll my eyes every time I get a chance. Yes, boys and girls, do not follow me.

I think my brain is overworked from trying to understand English spoken by a Japanese with an Indian accent. Don't ask me how is that even possible. And when the lecturer asks if his English difficult to understand, I just shake my head and smile and say, 'no way, it's perfect!'. Well, you try saying 'your English sucks!' to the head of the chemistry something lab. やっぱり、桐谷修二だ。。。

I really don't see the point in taking these classes. None of them are related to my current studies. It's just a complete waste of time and it takes too much of my time! There's usually a report by end of each lecture. Just because we're under the English program we get extra lucky and need to write extra pages of the said report. Sometimes we get really lame topic, like, what do you think about the lecture. What does that even mean?!

Well, other than that, I'm still treated like a secretary in the lab every once in awhile. I'm still being checked on every once in a while. I'm still getting dumped with journals every once in awhile. But because I'm the only girl in the lab, I get supreme power and get away with everything. Only in the presence of Aussie. Or else, I'm bullied. Boo.

Kon-Kon

2009-06-17T20:50:00.002+09:00

Fine, I admit! I am a Kiritani Shuji on so many levels. You will never know...

Yosakoi Soran 2009

2009-06-13T19:46:00.004+09:00

This is like an epic event in Sapporo. I just found out recently. Apparently several years ago, a student headed south of Japan and witnessed this amazing dance festival and decided that they should have one in Sapporo as well, and thus, started this tradition.

Each team is led by a truck, with the music, lights, etc..

... and followed by a person wielding a huge flag..

I would like to think of it as more of a Hari Merdeka parade back at home. Except that instead of marching around, they dance. It even comes with fancy outfits.

The old(er) people

People from all age groups join in the fun. Kids and old people alike. You can feel the energy in the air as they shout and cheer during the dance.

The only disappointing fact was that it was raining today. It only cleared up in the evening. And to get a good view, you need to pay. I really need cool friends.

Look at the guy on the third row with spiky orange hair

He's glaring!

He looks like he's gonna eat me up...

When Manliness Gets Thrown Out the Window

2009-06-10T18:50:00.001+09:00

Here's a surefire way to test if a man is a keeper. Now I'm giving love advice. Great.

It was during the university festival, so I invited my ~~cute but short~~ Japanese friend ~~who has a nice English accent, speaks little Arabic, has a boxing license, has a car and an iPhone (in no particular order)~~ to come over to look around at the festival. I had another friend who knew him, so asked him to join, and that friend invited another friend of his. So there was 3 guys and me. Sounds like a sitcom. All that's missing is pizza.

Anyhoo, we just walked around, until we chanced upon a ghost house. The last time I went to one was during secondary school, so I was really keen and I wanted to see how Japanese ghost house would look like. I get weirder by the minute...

The three guys wasn't so pleased, but then they had no choice but to keep up their manliness and agree to it. While waiting, all those girly Japanese girls were screaming their lungs out, as if Sadako just appeared. And yet the guys couldn't fathom why would anyone want to go into a ghost house, but I still wasn't convinced. It couldn't be that bad, especially when you know that it's all fake anyway.

So here's the funny part. We had to go in pairs. So the guy I went with was being all manly and said he would go ahead first. Oh-kay. And he got scared out of his wits with things falling and beheaded heads lying around, and I was tailing behind laughing my head off. Figuratively speaking.

He had enough and he made me go in front because he got sick of being scared out of his wits and me laughing away (at him). So I took the lead. Still muffling my laughter. And suddenly a 'Sadako' in a sleeveless, knee-length red dress came running after him from behind. I even remembered the details.

Here's the funnier part. He got so scared, shoved me to the side and ran ahead. And I was just laughing away, tailing behind him. Then I forgot what happened because I was just laughing and was disappointed that we got to the exit already.

The other two weren't any different. The ~~cute but short~~ Japanese friend ~~who has a nice English accent, speaks little Arabic, has a boxing license, has a car and an iPhone (in no particular order)~~ said he felt like punching the Sadako, probably because he has a boxing license I'm assuming.

All of them were scared to bits at one point, and I wasn't even startled one bit. They just got lucky that I was the one with them, and not with THE girl.

So there you go.

2009 International Ikebana Flower Exhibition

2009-06-07T03:16:00.004+09:00

Being too touristy has it pitfalls as well. Like this event. I spotted an ad about this and apparently they were giving away free tickets. In the spirit of let's-pretend-they're-free-rock-concert-tickets, I dragged a friend along and discovered that the entire place was filled with elderly women. We were definitely out of place. People were staring. Nothing new really. But then this time they gave us the are-you-lost stares.

Anyway, pictures taken with el-cheapo phone. Click for larger images.

Sapporo Lilac Festival

2009-06-04T22:25:00.000+09:00

Apparently lilac is the official flower of Sapporo. I've always heard of the colour lilac, but it has never occurred to me that it's actually a flower. Prior to this, I had no idea how a lilac would look like. Frankly, I didn't expect it to look like this either:

And it smelled sooo goood. The entire place was just filled with a sweet aroma. Actually, after discovering how lilac looks like, I realized that lilac is everywhere in Sapporo, even on campus. And it smells sooo goood. Yum.

Anyway, I have no idea why it's called Lilac Festival. There was only a stage where school bands performed orchestra pieces. Reminded me of Nodame. Then there were stalls selling snacks, tea 'camps' and little shops selling flowers really cheap flowers. I was tempted to buy but I know they would die anyway, so I decided not to. The entire park was filled with plenty of pansies in all shades and colours.

There was this lady who came up to us and wanted to take pictures with us and keep it in her album. 15 seconds of fame. And awkwardness. Moving along now.

There was the usual families, playing with the little kids. Or little dogs. Or big ones as well. Oh, how I love parks.

After bumming around at the park, decided to head back, but then came across Sapporo Clock Tower, went around for a bit. Personally, I thought there was nothing much in there. History. And in Japanese.

Then walked around a bit more and discovered the Old Hokkaido Government Building. A really pretty building made of red bricks set on a spreading lawn.

The place was really serene and surprisingly not many people were around.

I can't get over ducks

I really should head there one weekend. Every weekend has been filled with activities. Need to wind down a little bit. With a book perhaps. Yes, apparently I do have one. Surprise, surprise...

Racoon

2009-06-01T16:44:00.001+09:00

I was meeting up with a friend the other day. She was in heels, a long coat and a handbag. And then there was me.

Maybe I should just give up. I can't even wear heels and stand still, let alone parade around town without tripping on my own two feet and falling flat on my face and break my jaw again.

When I was going around with her looking at clothes, she got really excited and tried them on. Then there's me who practically had to be forced to try on even one. And I didn't even like it. Meh.

Well, actually, the clothes I like are usually the expensive ones. For some odd reason, when I spot the ones I like, and quickly look at the price tag, and eventually end up walking away from the store quietly. For good reasons.

The only thing I can look at without guilt is food. And shiny things. Like a raccoon apparently. Times like this I just wish I was invisible. Or a man. Or a raccoon.

Just for the fun of it, I'm gonna change phone straps regularly and start a trend. Maybe I should really consider about my raccoon-y habits.

Just to keep me happy until I get to Disneyland myself

I really need to grow up.

Fan Mode

2009-05-30T23:58:00.004+09:00

I'm so freaking sleepy and tired at the moment, but I have to put this up! For the drama.

Jeng, jeng, jeng... My very first L'Arc~en~Ciel DVD! Yes, and the rest of the world cares. Got it from a friend, who used to like Laruku back in those days. He's going to be my best friend from today onwards. I should really help people more often and get CDs in return. :)

I was always put off by the idea of buying the DVDs here because of the region coding, but it works apparently. ~~For now. Until I figure out a way to crack through it.~~

It's blur, I know. But I'm sleepy. And excited. So this will do.

It's really, really old Laruku stuff. Way back in before 1997. To be specific, from 1993 to 1997. I haven't listened to most of the songs on the DVD apparently. It was during the Sakura era, where everyone had long hair, wore bright red lipstick, wearing skirts was normal and 5-inch platform shoes was the in thing. It's a good thing Hyde found a way out of that.

And tomorrow I'll resume being a 'tourist' once again. Oh, how I love weekends. Night!

Grinch

2009-05-26T17:38:00.002+09:00

"Hey, you free today? Wanna hang out?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"Nothing much. I got off lab early, that's why."

"Sure. What are we doing?"

"Eat?"

"Okay."

"See you in a bit!"

"You know, when I was leaving from lab today and it was still bright! It has been awhile since I saw the sun out when I return home."

"I know what you mean. I used to feel the same as well, and smirk as I stepped out of the building."

"And when I saw the undergraduates coming out from their classes, laughing with their friends, I kept wondering, 'what happened to the joy in my life?'"

"I totally get what you mean. Even when I see them, I keep thinking to myself, 'why are they laughing?', 'why are they smiling?'"

"'And why am I miserable?' right?"

"Exactly! I'm turning into the Grinch."

"What happened to our lives?"

"It just slipped us by."

"We should be having fun and laughing, not spending half of our life pipetting."

"True."

"Let's paint our nails!"

Shell-Shocked

2009-05-20T20:09:00.004+09:00

You know that feeling, like when an amputee losses his leg, and doesn't realize it just yet. I mean, the leg is physically not there, but the feeling of actually missing the leg hasn't sunk in yet. You know that feeling?

Yeah, that feeling.

Never mind.

Change topic! I think Kaname Jun is cute.

Hoho. And my annoying lab mate said I look young, like 17 years old. Hahahahaha... Okay, that should give him around one week of immunity, for me to bear with his annoyingness.

I really need weekends. All the time.

Bibai: Second Time Around

2009-05-18T10:08:00.000+09:00

As a sucker for all things free, I joined a trip to Bibai 2 weeks ago. Been there during winter for snowshoeing and headed again this time for hanami. Oh, speaking about hanami, which is sakura viewing, I actually went for one before my Kyoto trip.

It was with fellow countrymen. Food was so-so. The place was crowded. It was hot. No sakura. Very forgettable. Oh, and Ikuta Toma look alike joined as well. Yay.

Moving along now. Bibai was much better. No sakura though, because I think the season is over. But we spotted a lot of flowers lining the perimeter of the houses there.

Headed to two parks. One had sculptures. Some famous sculptor apparently.

And another had a lake with a viewing tower.

Ok, I'm not seeing the point of this entry. Right. The flowers.

There was plenty of tulips in all the houses at Bibai. More than what I've seen at houses in Sapporo.

And the most awesome-est flower:

It grows really compact and close to one another, and what you get is complete coverage:

Apparently there's a place somewhere in Hokkaido that has hills of this flower and it's completely in pink-purplish tone. 行きたい！

The end.

Genghis Khan

2009-05-16T08:47:00.001+09:00

Ze phone strap has become an ice breaker. Who would have thought.

Had BBQ with fellow international students out in one of the sprawling lawn on campus last weekend. There were Japanese students as well. Equal, if not more than us. I suppose it's like a cultural exchange thingy of some sort. *yawn*

It was a Genghis Khan party, also known as Jinpa. Genghis Khan is a very famous dish in Sapporo. Basically it's just barbecued lamb. Never had a chance to try it until that day, because the organizers took the effort to provide halal lamb. Japanese usually have Genghis Khan all the time, especially now since that the weather is really nice.

People just gather around the barbecue pit and as the meat is cooked, they just grab it. First come, first serve. Meh. Met a few people, international students and a couple of cute Japanese guys. True story. But I'm not dazed by it anymore. *yawn*

Funny story. There was this Japanese guy that I spotted, and at a glance I thought he looked like Gackt and I thought 'wow, interesting'. And after the event was nearly over, he came over to talk. Cute guy. Still not dazed. They're all betik muda anyway.

And then to my utter surprise he said he always sees me. Er.. Scary? Apparently he always sees me walking across his faculty. I just laughed it off, but in the back of my head I was thinking 'yeah right, you probably think every single girl with a headscarf is the same person'. Oh well.

Another funny story. Well, more like an observation. I don't know if it's some kind of competition to see who has the most amount of international student's mobile number, but the Japanese that came that day, most of them were guys by the way, they were so eager to get our numbers. It's not like we'll ever meet. And if we do, it's not like you'd even remember. Well, that's just me maybe. Yes, I'm very bitter at the moment. Detox pronto!

Between Two Extremities

2009-05-14T12:43:00.000+09:00

You're either too tall or too short.

Too smart or too dumb.

Too fat or too thin.

Too talkative or too quiet.

Speak too fast or too slow.

And if you don't fall in any of these extremities, you're just assumed to be normal and boring.

Oh, life is hard to please.

Vacation

2009-05-09T10:48:00.004+09:00

Last week was Golden Week, a major holiday in Japan made up of several national holidays. Opportunity came in the form of a trip to Nara and Kyoto, and I was having a shitty time here. So yeah.

It was basically a 4-day trip, 2 day on water and 2 day on land. As far as I know I don't suffer from seasickness, but after spending 20 hours at sea, everyone gets sick. No exception.

In a nutshell I thought the trip was fantastic. We went with a group of other international students. There was one Japanese guy with us. Meh at first, but then I realized he's kinda cool. Betik muda nonetheless. Moving along now.

Kyoto and Nara is famous for shrines, temples and castles. Well, that's what I think because that was where we went. I couldn't remember the names of the places and even if I look through the pictures I wouldn't know which is which. But I realized that there are plenty of world heritage sites there, and I think I would have gone to at least 3 of them during this trip.

Now, the pictures.

The ferry we were on. It was kinda huge, I thought it was a cruise ship.

Even though food was provided, we were having plenty of salad and canned fish, because the others are not halal.

The Tenri-kyou church. The entire city is called Tenri after the religion. Quite a comprehensive city, with everything in it. The reception we received was very warm.

Pansies! They were everywhere in all kind of colours.

A random lake in Nara that we had picnic-style lunch.

The Five-Story Pagoda at Horyuji in Nara.

These wooden plates usually carry wishes of people. Usually found in shrines.

These rock lamps usually light up shrines because it's usually located in forests.

Gagaku performance by a high school in Tenri. The kids were awesome. Betik muda alert!

A Japanese style garden in Shosei-en Garden in Kyoto.

A wall made up of various sizes and shapes of rocks in Shosei-en Garden, Kyoto. The wall sort of depicted us on the trip since that everyone was from everywhere with different background and culture.

A kimono fashion show in Kyoto. Even some Japanese have never seen it. It was really pretty, the movement was very lady-like. I feel like a man now.

The Nijo Castle in Kyoto.

Dandelions! They're huge in Japan.

There was a parade taking place in Kyoto and we got lucky that we managed to catch it.

The Golden Pavillion in Kyoto. And yes, that is real gold.

The Todai-ji Temple, Kyoto. Apparently it's the biggest wooden structure in the world. Inside it houses a big Buddha statue.

A smaller statue outside the Todai-ji Temple. Apparently if you rub the statue and place it on your body that's hurt or if you have any sickness, you'll be cured. I dunno, the statue itself looks scary to me.

Another Japanese style garden at Sanjusangen-do in Kyoto.

The surrounding perimeter of Sanjusangen-do in Kyoto.

A really lovely street in Gion, Kyoto.

A back alley in Gion, Kyoto.

I didn't want to come back actually, because I knew it will be like waking up from a dream, and jolted back into reality. Haih. Because 4 days were spent with the same people, I kinda felt sad when I got back home. And I even saw infatuation/one-sided love blossom. Aaawww... The Japanese guy sure 'suffered'.

Shopping

2009-05-05T21:54:00.000+09:00

Shopping in the land of androgyny is an experience on its own. Most of the time it leaves me feeling guilty. Not because I spent money, but because of the treatment I receive.

Imagine this, I walk into 7 Eleven and I'm greeted by 3 people working on that particular shift. I pick a loaf of bread and head to the cashier, pay and as I head towards the exit, all 3 of them thank me profusely. For buying a loaf of bread. With bowing and all. It's like I just found the cure for AIDS.

I don't know about you, but I'm the kind who feels guilty really, really quick. So when I get treatment like a princess, I feel bad, because it feels like I'm being put on a pedestal. High and mighty does not work for me apparently. Dang. So I can't be filthy rich then.

It's just bread! Stop thanking me already! I haven't even got to the expensive stuff yet...

p/s: This is a scheduled post. Still on vacation. :P

絶望した

2009-05-01T16:56:00.002+09:00

In despair.

Going for a vacation.

Bye.