Friday, March 12, 2010 7:14 PM
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Beautiful World.
Open your eyes wide to what this world has to offer you, it's serenity, peace and beauty only if you seek and wish for it. Through the few months that i've been away from home, i have came to a blatant and stark realization that grass ain't that any greener on the other side. Just make good of what you have, and you'll be satisfied with life. Unlimited wants feeds greed and makes life unsatisfactory and sad. But it's greed that makes life what it is, isn't it?
Japan with it's vast open sky and sea engulfs my thoughts and allows me to think freely without considering the "what ifs". However, eventually i will have to reach back into the depths of my mind and bring myself back to reality. I've travelled to Korea, and parts of Japan. Including the latest 2 week round trip around Kyushu with my parents whom i haven't seem for the past 5 months. I may have enjoyed (or am still enjoying the amount of breathing space i have here), but i must say i have missed them both - their ridiculous squabbles and weird sense of showing affection, even my annoying and frustrating quarrels with them. Heh.
I'm currently residing in Khaosan Beppu doing my hostel helper thingy. I know that my senseless decision to stay in Beppu has caused plenty of uproars back home, but you know, regardless of whether my decision was right or wrong... it in itself is a lesson learnt. I am now forced to try to be disciplined to learn the language on my own, as well as learn the ropes of hostel business. My unsociable self though, hasn't changed much. Recently, i seem to be more in my shell that usual. I wonder if it's the fear of saying goodbyes. (Never really been great with it). Or is it because i'm indulging to much in my relationship? Hmmm.
Well, we can all only speculate.
Ticket has been confirmed. 2nd May, ETA 1525.
Saturday, February 6, 2010 12:44 AM
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Media Popeye; the net cafe experience.
Busted my virgin net cafe experience today. We all know how Japan is famous for its net cafe accomodations, and finally i get certified! It's actually pretty comfortable and afforable. I'll probably be paying like 2,000 odd yen for 10 hours worth of net time and rest in a private cubicle. Other than having a computer, there's also the tv and a PS3 game console. In addition to all these, you get free access to manga (which is in Japanese...sooo), soft-cream, all types of magazines including AV, and softdrinks. You can also shower here. So in all, it's pretty good and decent if you don't mind a little lighting and slight noises.
I'm pretty zonked out now, got to wake in less than 6 hours.
KOREA, here i come.
^^
Friday, February 5, 2010 11:14 AM
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Fast track, wide-eyed and dazed.
こんにちは！テスト終わりました｡ With today, the 5th of February, it finally marks the end of my exchange program with Ritsumeikan APU. Having planned a hectic schedule for the upcoming weeks, i lack time to reflect on the pass 5 months spent here. Needless to say, i made some decisions whereby some might think is a redundant waste of time which could be used to pursue greater achievements. On the contrary, i feel that anything done is an experience gained. I would soon be embarking on my hostel job (free accommodation, but i've to work for 4 hours/day 5 times a week). But before that, this is the plan:
05/02: Take the night bus to Fukuoka, where i will have my virgin stay in an internet cafe.
06/02: Catch the flight to Korea and spend the next 6 days there.
11/02: Return to Beppu!~
14/02: Happy CNY, and goodbye Beppu to meet my parents and travel around Kyushu by car for the following 2 weeks.
28/02: Return to Beppu, and start working at Khaosan Beppu the following day.
Lot's of stuff has happened over the period of the last 5 months, and the truth is i don't know where to start. Blogging on a constant basis would have made this far easier. Oh well.
I just finished packing my room and now i'm ready to shift all my belongings down to H's house. It's amazing what i came with, and what i'm potentially going to go back with. The amount of stuff i bought is ridiculous. Some stuff wasn't that redundant, but...i can't justify most of it. It was more on a whim than on a need. This room that i stayed in is packed full of memories, and it pulls on my heartstrings. The truth is: I don't want to leave just yet. The 5 months here was full of joy and fun, with ample opportunities to let my hair down and make new friends. (Before i start making this sound like a joy trip) I did learn the language enough to make simple conversations! HAHA.
Today's schedule is pretty tight, but if i can find time to blog at the net cafe i will do so! ^^
Toddles till later.
Friday, November 20, 2009 9:16 AM
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飲み会 (Drinking Parties)
Don't be surprised at the drinking culture of the students in AP House. What might have you taken aback is that Japan's legal age limit, is at the age of 20 instead of 18 (like WTH). However, who cares about rules in an international compound. Also, we aren't allowed to drink in public spaces in school, but only in our rooms.
As mentioned before, my school is on top of a mountain, other than going downtown for karaoke, eating, purchasing groceries and doing occasional shopping there really isn't much to do. So therefore, we indulge in massive drinking parties. And it's simple, the grand plan: to get drunk and wasted! Haa. We often cram into one small and tiny room (refer to pictures in FB), say about 5-15 people? Everyone brings some form of alcoholic beverage (potluck), so we've a variety and than we just go "chug chug chug". There are a few drinking games i learnt, probably not confined to Japan, maybe some of us already know! But still... no harm spreading the love.
Point to note: instead of getting wasted all the time, sometimes it's nice being sober amongst all the wasted people. It's hilarious! XD
The post is dedicated to my last paper for this quarter, in a couple more hours i'll be freed from the evil grip of academic work.
YAY! Tonight, we shall conquer/explore Beppu Tower.