mi-hop step jump

Heiwa Kannon (平和観音）

2010-06-27T17:53:00.004+09:00

Heiwa means 'peace'.

Heiwa kannon was erected praying peace and safe in Nirasaki city in 1961. The Kannon is one of three Kannon in Kanto area and keeps an eye on our happiness from the southernmount of shitsiriiwa (七里岩).

This year, the kannon will come to fifty-year-celebration. Though the kannon has been there for fifty years, it keeps beautiful looking because people try to protect it as the repayment for peaceful life.

Romantic night with fireflies

2010-06-19T23:09:00.003+09:00

When I was a child, my grand mother used to take me to Kotagawa (小田川) where fireflies are often found in Nirasaki city. Today, I went to Hotaru Matsuri (Fireflies festival) after a long separation.

The festival became bigger than that in 10 years ago because people seldom watch fireflies in other places compared to the past. We could watch small green lights in darkness, which made us feel romantic. Protectors of fireflies told me that fireflies would die in three days after glowing. How short and their lives are! Their lives are just express Japanese culture (In France, fireflies don't glow and fly.) Unfortunately I couldn't take pictures of their faint glow. I thought that their glows send us their sadness.

After we enjoyed romantic feeling, we tried to make 'Hotaru-kago (ほたるかご-a cage for fireflies). Local uncle illustrated how to make it. International students from France and Uzbekistan made it together. Not our nationalities but characters showed up the performance.

The festival brought me back old memories, and told my friends traditional Japanese culture.

Mt.Amari （甘利山）

2010-06-08T00:12:00.002+09:00

Mt.Amari (1,731.4m) is one of 'mountains in Yamanashi', which rises in fron of South Alps. From the middle to the end of June, people climb Mt.Amari to enjoy watching communities of azaleas. The fascinations of Mt.Amari is beautiful scenery of azaleas, Mt.Fuji, Mt.Yatsugatake, and Mt.Hohoh. If you are lucky, you could see these mountains with a field of clouds. Also, Mt.Amari is popular as a mountain which has some precious alpine plants.

In addition, there is a pond 'Sawara-ike (さわら池) on the side of Mt.Amari. The pond is secretly known for the legend 'Sawara-ike Densetsu (さわら池伝説）'. The legend tells... A long ago, an old honed woman came to Mt.Amari, and turn into a big snake when she got into the pond. One day, children of lieges lived in Amari place went to the pond and were lost in the pond. The lieges got angry and covered it with trees of Sawara. The snake turned into a red cow in order to hide but ran away to somewhere... People believe that a sword which was used by the lieges is still buried in the pond. The legend makes the atmosphere arund the pond more mysterious.

Shimpujo-Ato (新府城跡)

2010-05-16T15:19:00.001+09:00

As I wrote on the last post, Shimpu is a historical place in Nirasaki. Shimpujo-Ato (新府城跡-the trace of the Shimpu castle) is the most important evidence of the history, which was registered as a national cultural property.

When Takeda Katsuyori (武田勝頼）lost at the War of Nagashino (長篠の戦い), he moved the central place of force in order to prepare against the next invasion. The Shimpu castle was constructed by Katsuyori at that time, but he set fire to the castle before it's completed. After that he escaped to Tano （田野-甲州市 Kosyu city at present）and committed suicide, that was the fall of the Takeda family.

The Shimpu castle is the last one of the Takeda family. The particular construction represents their strength. The castle was built with forts and fosses but stone walls. The castle keep still remains and tells us the history of the family.

Shimpu Tohgenkyo （新府桃源郷）

2010-05-02T18:17:00.002+09:00

Do you know the place of Shimpu （新府）? Shimpu means 'new central place of force', which is compared to Kofu (the old central place of force -甲府,古府） where Takeda Shingen (武田信玄) controlled. So, Shimpu was the place where Takeda Katsuyori (武田勝頼) lived as a central place controlled.

Shimpu is famous as a peach farm. Peach trees set fresh peach in summer, of course, trees bloom brilliant pink peach blossoms which looks a big pink carpet in spring! Pink (the colour of peach blossoms) makes a beautiful contrast with yellow (the colour of rape blossoms), blue (the colour of sky), and white (the colour of snow on mountains)! Unfortunately, I couldn't take a nice picture to appeal it...anyway, a lot of people come to enjoy late 'Ohanami (お花見-a picnic under the blossoms) in the best season.

If you miss the season to enjoy watching peach flowers in other places, you should come to Shimpu because the peach trees bloom the latest in Yamanashi.

Waniduka no Sakura (わに塚のサクラ）

2010-04-16T17:13:00.003+09:00

There is an excurrent cherry blossom at the centre of tumulus on the Nirasaki hillside. It is said that the tree is about three-hundred-year old and classified into Edohigan cherry blossom.

People have believed that two theories as origins of the name of the tree. The one is; the tumulus is called as the grave of Takedaoh (King of Takeda) who was Yamatotakeru (hero of Japanese myth). Waniduka is written in Kanji as a tumulus of King (王仁塚）. The other one is; the shape of the tumulus is similar to mouth of Wani (鰐-old name of shark).

The Sakura is printed on the total tour booklet of Nirasaki. In this year, some news programs talked about it, which made it get famous nowadays. The best season to enjoy it is from the end of March to the middle of April. The tree will be lighten up among the limited days from dusk to night time. A lot of cameramen visit and take photos of the tree and Kayagatake (茅ヶ岳）with snow. The tree stands and blows flowers at the centre of field ,which looks so grand and attractive!!!

MY JOB!

2010-04-09T13:04:00.004+09:00

From April, I have worked at the city hall in my hometown. Since I was hired as a clerical staff, there were lots of possibilities to be posted. Hopefully, I could be in charge of tourism at the commerce and tourism section, which interests me a lot!!! The reason why I decided to work as a civil servant is because I wanted to contribute to make the city attractive:)

On 1st April, I got the ID card and declared to work for the city. I had to start working as same as other seniors, of course, working carrier shouldn't appeal to result of any work. What I have to do was to know and study the city. Even though I am a citizen, I didn't know anything enough to guide the city for tourists. The total tour booklet would be my textbook for the moment...

And...I will upload some sightseeing spots on this blog in order to introduce you and to make use for my work!

Graduate traveling to Hakone

2010-03-24T14:32:00.016+09:00

They are members of the wind orchestra of Yamanashi University. We went traveling to Hakone as a graduate traveling.

We wanted to feel like putting on the ritz, so we booked a Japanese Inn where we can enjoy taking a hot spring and drinking. Of course, the schedule was set on the day when all of us can join it...And yet, we just decided the Inn. We drove to Odawara and dropped at Sakana centre, a beach, Hakone Yumoto station, and so on. Since it was a bit snowy and so cold, we felt a special feeling to go into a hot spring. At night,
drinking party was really an exciting time!

On the second day, though it was snowing hard, we enjoyed as much as we wanted to. We went to Ohwakudani to eat a black egg for rising longevity. At the museum of glass, there was a kind of festival for an experience of Masquerades. (the picture of the right side) After that, we rushed to Hakone Yunessan in snow. Around the time when we left Hakone, a warning of heavy snow was given to people in kanto area...

It would be the last time to play the goat, which was the phrase we repeated on our way home. I felt a bit sad to think of graduation. But, we won't forget the traveling I believe!!

My new hobby...?

2010-03-01T15:51:00.003+09:00

This is a 'toy camera'. It is a kind of camera but it doesn't have flash and zoom functions. Can we take good photos with it? Yes, we can:) Toy cameras make it possible to take nuanced pictures with the simple structure.

I started writing just like an advertisement...anyway, 'toy camera' seems to be getting popular even among professional cameraman. My friend who is immersed in taking pictures inspired me to be interested in camera. Though I can't afford to buy a single-lends reflex camera, I wanted to buy something cool. I bought a 'toy camera' as a start of the second camera to take a bit nuanced photo:)

And yet, I'm a BEGINNER for taking pictures. It's difficult to find a nice object around me. At first, I'm trying to take heaps of pictures until I can enjoy it. After that, I would like to say 'my hobby is taking pictures', which is my target. Unfortunately, I can't show you my improvement because the camera is analog one...

DONE!

2010-01-27T15:40:00.003+09:00

For the fourth students, the most heaviest task is a graduate thesis. Though some universities don't impose the task, we cannot graduate from the Yamanashi University without submitting the thesis.

I decided the theme last year, which was supposed to go well. The theme of my thesis is "Melody and Tone in Language and Music" which is related to my hobby, music. But, I couldn't handle it and job-hunting at the same time. Because I am a person who is a kid myself, I had to reject anything fun from my head!!!

It was soooooooooooo tired and hard to spend long time on one topic. But, I could act from a fellow feeling of International Culture Course. Every time I go to Uni, we cheered ourselves up and made us rush to work. Surely, thanks to my professor, I could submit the thesis. Also, I could keep working and finish it with my friends in the course. When I bound the thesis, I achieved a sense of accomplishment! Thanks everyone!!!

And...good job, I had done! I want to deserve a little reward for me:)

AWESOME presents

2009-12-22T14:44:00.002+09:00

Mai (refer to the link) gave me an awesome presents for my birthday! Oh, I turned 22 on 18th December. Her presents were so nice that I can't help but write on the blog.

The one was a CD-ROM which recorded home-made video. International friends gave me birthday messages in their language and Japanese with music. It was funny that a stranger said to me 'happy birthday' with a kind of greeting to introduce himself. And, some Australian friends celebrated my '21st'. She seemed to have recorded the video in order to give it to me one year ago. It's just like Mai:) The video delivered lots of messages beyond a time.

The other one was a calender which has memorial photos in each pages. "Mi-hop step jump", the blog name, and my picture were printed on the top (the photo on the left side). The calender reminded me of our memories in Australia each time I turn over the pages. My favorite page is April one (the photo on the right side.) Many Australian and Japanese are smiling at Manry beach... Yeah, I can remember what and when pictures were taken even now. It is SURE that my memories in Australia help me to recognize what I want to do and encourage me. I decided to put the calender on my future desk at my future working place to motivate myself.

THANKS MAI!!!

Not to lose my mind

2009-10-23T00:30:00.004+09:00

My last semester in my uni life has started at the beginning of October. Even though I'm fourth year student, nine subjects are in my timetable. (An average of fourth year students enroll less than five subjects.) The reason why I'm taking too many subjects is because I was motivated by realization of the time limit to be as an student. Of course, I could predict that how heavy management the schedule was. However, I couldn't help imposing them on myself to be active to study.

But...
I'm busy!
Whenever I was asked how I'm being, I tended to say that to most of people around me.
What a distant word! If I were one of them, am I happy or to be said that? You might try keep distance not to disturb someone who says busy. I remembered that one of my senior talked about the word "busy" in her blog. In Chinese character, "busy" is expressed as "losing mind", which means that it is a negative word keeps others away. I had totally forgotten what she wrote. And that, words have a strong power. I was to lose my mind by saying it. Even if my current situation is just like busy, I could paraphrase in other more positive words. From today, busy was added to my dictionary as a taboo word.

"Fall is the best season for reading." Yeah, most of books I've read nowadays are references for my major...I should read some books in order to take back and detoxify my mind just light now! Thinking of such a rare idea for me, I dropped in a public library on my way to home.

How have I been...?

2009-10-01T14:00:00.000+09:00

Hi! Sorry for no posting for looooooooooong time...

What mostly I had been doing was job-hunting. I guess that the period would be the hardest time in my life. It is natural for us to spend a long time to decide the way to our future, though...
I had to remove something fun to get a job, which made me feel tired and depressed. How many times have I taken tests...? The depression, in terms of economy, definitely hit our job-hunting as well...

Finally my future course was set...! I will be a civil servant at the town hall in my hometown. I would like to work at an international exchange program between my hometown and sister cities because I had emphasized the importance of the program at the meeting exams. Waiting for the chance, what I have to do is brushing up my English again!

I'm home!

2008-11-14T14:07:00.000+09:00

I'm safe back in Japan today! What I said at first when I got off the airplane was 'it' cold in Japan!' It would take time to adopt my body into Japanese climate...

On the airplane, I started reading messages which I got from my friends at the last drinking party. All messages reminded me of my life in Australia. To my shame, I was going to cry alone there. It was so long flight from Australia to Japan that I work hard to kill a time not to cry again.
On my way to my home from Narita airport, I felt strange feeling for everything. I have seen something but it looks different from that before... I might be Taro Urashima...haha... Because I had an urge for Japanese rice, I asked a person who picked me up from the airport to drop at a Japanese restaurant. I'm still a Japanese even though I stayed in Australia for nine months. Although he said my Japanese sounds a bit funny... I have to practice Japanese in order to get a future job. Of course, I will keep studying English!!! What I felt a pressure is that I have to show off my English for my teachers and friends. I do not know whether I can come through their expectations. But I could say I had a really precious experience there anyway!!!

I'm home, Japan! Please do not miss me you Australian guys! I won't cry anymore because I believe that we can meet again some day;^)

thanks for everything!

2008-11-13T12:27:00.000+09:00

I did not want to count...but I could not help counting how many days I had left... someday I have to go back to Japan anyway.

In the last week, I was very busy to buy souvenirs, to send my luggage, to apply to go back to Japan....that's why I could not do everything I wanted to do. But, sometimes we need a time limit. Otherwise we can be getting lazy. Being struggling preparation, I tried to make a plan to meet my friends as much as I could. I feel sorry for everyone who invited me but whom I could not spend time with me. However, I was really happy that a lot of my friends came to my farewell drinking though some of them seemed to be busy on exams and assignments. I used to say that I did not have so many friends in last semester. But actually, I have many many great friends! What's a shame I could not notice it!!!
I do not know how many times I cried. I had not realized that I could cry so easily...I'm sorry for showing my awful face. But, I believe that the number of tears shows the number of my memories in Australia.

THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING! I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT I DID IN AUSTRALIA FOREVER!!!

100 to do list

2008-10-13T18:20:00.001+09:00

Nowadays, what I somehow tend to do is to count how many days I have left to stay Australia. Just today, I have less than one month until I go back to Japan. I cannot believe! I don't wanna believe!, which is what I'm saying every day. If I want, I can change the date of flight. But, I'm really worry about job hunting. As my professor says, there are a lots of things to do in Japan...

Anyway, I have only one month. I do want to do whatever I can! I do never waste a time! Such person, I, have got a good idea from Hiroko who was one of my classmates in last semester. That is....'100 to do list before leaving'. What I really wanted to do, what I have missed to do, what I thank my friends...and whatever comes up to my mind, I put on the list. In order to make the list, this blog was helpful. I have continued posting so far, which was good. Though I don't know I can achieve everything on the list, having the list could make the rest of my life in Australia maaaaaaaaaaad fun!

Surely doing heavy assignments, I will enjoy as much as I can in Australia!!!

with flatmates

2008-10-02T23:40:00.000+09:00

International students look very busy even in holiday, which differ from us, exchange students. Such my flatmates seemed to finish their assignments and invited me to go daytrip to Jervis bay which is located in Southern Coast! Though I have spent much money on traveling, I still could afford to go day trip with them. Three of my flatmates from Malaysia, their friends from India, Spain, and my Japanese friends joined all together.

This day trip had a quite tight schedule because there are many things to see in South Coast. While I used to live in South of Sydney, I had not been further than Cronulla where I stayed five years ago. Firstly, we went to see grant coastline and the Kiama Blowhole which is like a big tube made by rock and spouts seawater. I did not know that there were such a beautiful place in Sydney! On our way to there, we dropped at Wollongong Nan Tien Temple. We saw China for a while, which made us feel mysterious... After that, we rode on a ferry having a lunch to watch dolphin and whale. It was difficult to close to them as I expected. But, wild dolphin and whale were cuter and more alive than that in aquarium (Unfortunately, I could not take a good picture of them)...Despite of my concern that we who are from Japan would be looked with something strange by Australian people, I did not have any problems, which was good. It's because I have a Japanese friend who had experienced in bad way when he joined whale watching tour. Finally, we moved to beaches which are famous for the whitest sand in the world and came back to city.

It was a bit tiring to follow the tight schedule...but, I enjoyed much more than I expected. Particularly, I was really glad to go out with my flat mates. During the trip, we could talk about deep topics with a lot of joking:) It might be the last going out with them because when I leave Australia, they would be very busy to do assignments and exams. This trip must have been a gooooooooood memory with them...!

From Tasmania~Day4

2008-09-28T23:28:00.004+09:00

Today, we got up early again and joined a tour to go to the Port Arthur which was established as a traditional prison of convicts from England in 1830. As it is said that Tasmania has a sad history of Australia, I did not know that such a historical place is located there but in the main land. On the bus, each of us got a tramp card which a man or woman was drawn. These people were people in the prison and found at the Museum. The man who was printed on my card was chased by gangs moved there. People were sent there even though their crimes were not so heavy. Some of them seemed to commit crime to escape from poor life.

When I went out the museum, I was so surprised because there were so beautiful yard and buildings. I supposed convicts' mind would have become pure if they stayed there for a while. But, I changed my mind. When I had a look a penitentiary, I did not want to imagine what I would have done or something like that. Some rooms did not have any rooves and floors...

Around 1 o'clock, we joined a harbour tour which we can get explanation of the history at an outer island. The island also looked nice. There had also graves sad histories of convicts though...

We learned much history of it, which was good while we were not so comfortable. However, it must be necessary for us to go traveling not just for fun. That is why I cannot stop traveling! Of course, we enjoyed this traveling a lot! It would be the last trip for me in Australia. I really want to thank Kasumi (sitting next to me in the right photo) who invited me and Grace (the second right of the right photo) and Cici (the right of the right photo) for traveling together.

In Tasmania~Day3

2008-09-27T20:44:00.003+09:00

This morning, we got up very early to go to Mount Wellington because we had to take the rental car back to a rent shop. Also, it looked hard to clime the Mountain without cars. Getting lost many times on our way to the top on Mountain, we saw beautiful scenery of Hobart city. But, the most wonderful view was from the top. We were above cloud and saw the city in hole of cloud. In addition, there was still snow on surface of roads. It was the first time for me to see snow in Australia!

Then, we went to the Salamanca Market. I like markets because we can know about the place from what are sold in markets. There were something interesting which I had not found in markets in Sydney. For example, fruit leather, Tasmanian Devil's mitten, antique musical instruments. and so on. More over, many musicians from young to old generations were playing music between shops, which was very interesting for me♪ We did not buy anything there because we did not want to make our luggage bigger. (Our luggage had already been filled with chocolate...)

After that, we hanged around city. The orchid festival was held at Town Hall, which mended our tiredness. And, we studied maritime history at the Maritime Museum next to Town Hall. To my surprise, people in Tasmania did whale hunting as well as Japanese! (I can argue about it in class because we have had some discussion of whale hunting in this semester.)

At night, we ate Indian dishes. We could eat anything, but there were few restaurants around our backpacker even though it was Saturday today. It was the last night in Tasmania. We enjoyed chatting over.

In Tasmania~Day2

2008-09-26T23:52:00.003+09:00

Today, we rent a car to go away from Hobert. Today's theme was EATING! It's dangerous theme for me who is on diet...

First, we dropped at a cheese factory. It was much smaller than we expected. We tasted more than five cheese made in the factory. Goat cheese had a strong smell and taste. (I didn't like it.) We bought nothing and drove for the next food.

Next food was chocolate! In Australia, there is a famous sweets company, Cadbury which deals with chocolate, ice cream, candy and so on. Grace and Cici really wanted to come to the factory so that they decided the factory as the first destination. They applied a visitor tour for an hour. Contrary to our expectation, what we did there was to have explanation of how to make chocolate and history of the company. We were depressed and bought a lot of cheaper chocolates which were not sold because of defect.

The last food was bread. While it took about two hours to get there, we, Japanese wanted to go to a famous bakery 'Ross Village Bakery'. It is said that Studio Giburi movie 'Kiki's delivery service (魔女の宅急便)' was based on the bakery. I love the movie! The bakery was a bit different from our images. But, we found a black cat, gigi's dolls were sold. Shopper aunt seemed to be accustomed to Japanese tourists. She suggested us to take a picture at a counter with Kiki's pose like resting our chin on our hands, which made my interests gone, unfortunately...

After that, we thought we had time to go to wineries. However, because of clapped car navigation, we got lost and ran out of time to go. Instead, we went out to a pub 'New Sydney' (even though we were in Tasmania!) and drunk Tasman beer and wine. Though I could not distinguish how was different from normal beer and wine, I was satisfied with fashionable night at the pub with live musical performance. Umm...I ate much today...

To Tasmania~Day1

2008-09-25T22:08:00.000+09:00

During this mid semester brake, where do I go? It was a difficult question...because this vacation would be the last chance for me to go traveling in Australia now. As everyone says, Australia is too big to go traveling. Then, I got an invitation from Kasumi, Japanese who stayed with me in previous place for a month. My destination was set to Tasmania!

Honestly, Tasmania is not so famous amongst Japanese because I did not know it when I was in Japan. But, I thought I would never go there straight from Japan. (I might have chance to go to Cairns from Japan. Don't you think so?)

I went there with Kasumi, Grace(her current flat mate from Hong Kong), and Cici(Grace's friend from China). Though I had not met Cici, we could get along with each other as soon as we met at the airport. After two hours flight from Sydney, where we arrived was the center of Tasmania, Hobart. We caught a taxi and went to places to eat seafood. In fact, I cannot eat seafood so much because these especially shellfish did not appeal to me...I had never eaten oyster which is famous in Tasmania. But, we were traveling. I thought I should not miss it!...I ate it for the first time in my life. umm...I might eat again!...,which would make my family surprised:)

After that, we walked around the city and had a rest at Cenotaph which was made for commemoration of ANZAC. Although it was the center of the state, Hobart was a country side. Also, there were a few Asian. I thought as if I were in a small European country which is not multicultural one... Thinking of that kind of things, we went back to a backpacker and went to bed a bit early for tomorrow.

The second guest from Japan

2008-09-20T22:42:00.002+09:00

This weekend, my mum came to Australia. As I wrote, she had been here in March with my younger sister. But, in this time, she was alone! When I was in Japan, she was not such a brave person. She might have been changed with me...

In fact, she was going to go to Cairns with me, which plan was changed because it was a bit difficult to make schedule with me. Finaly, she came to Sydney where I am again. That is why there are not much place to go in city. I tried to find sightseeing spots where she has never been. For example, Manly beach, the Rocks Market, Fetherdale wild life park and Blue Mountain. My mum seemed to remember what she saw at the last time. I think I could guide her much better than before. Now, I know some good restaurants or cafes as well.

My mum and I talked all the time. But our contents of conversations were different from before one. I have only two months left to stay here. I have to think about my future before I start finding a job. Regarding my situation, it was a good chance for me to talk with my mum what I would do. I do not mean I obey what my parents want me to do. But, I rely on them. I should listen to their opinions as one of advices...As a result, what I should do in Australia is to improve my English skill and to decide my future having various experiences as much as I can! For me, my mum is the best adviser in my family. Did you have a good time here, mum?

By the way, the first thing what my mum said to me was...'you got fat, Miho~!' I try to get my previous body back...

Happy B'day♪

2008-09-14T23:41:00.002+09:00

In this month, my friends from Yamanashi University called 'Nashi Girls', Kanako, Mai and Tomoko, have their birthdays. Two more Japanese friends also have their birthdays as well. So, they held a big BBQ birthday party all together. In Australia, birthday people normally hold a party and invite others by themselves.

The venue is Mai's place in Oatley because Mai and Kanako are right next door. I had visited Kanako's place some times before. Though it is far from City, I like that kind of atmosphere. (My previous place, Hurstville is a bit different area.) For five birthday people, about fifty people including local students and exchange students gathered at the party. I brought a sort of apple pie, presents and letters for them. Especially, I have been with Nashi Girls so long! It was a good chance to cerebrate with a lot of thanks!!! They seemed to be glad to get my present and a hammy letter (I honestly wrote embarrassing things!) , I guess. While we were caught in a shower, we had a nice time there.

At the same time, I envied them to see them being celebrated and getting presents...because my birthday is in December. Then, I will be in Japan. (Ironically, my passport will be expired on my birthday.) I have already bought an airplane ticket in Japan. I won't change the date of it. I cannot change my birthday...it cannot be helped...If I can say a selfish thing, I wanted to spend my birthday in Australia. For such a person, me, Mai kindly gave me a present even though we have two months until my birthday. Thanks~!

Anyway...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HOPE YOUR MARVELOUS TIME BOTH IN AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN!!!

The first guest from Japan

2008-09-13T23:13:00.001+09:00

Two guests are supposed to come to Australia from Japan. This weekend, one of them came over down under.

He had never been to any foreign countries. So, I really worried him...He did not have even a passport. In addition, though he is in summer vacation in Japan, he seems to be busy. I guess he did not have enough time to prepare because when he was sure to come was quite recent. Anyway, he come here safely. We met each other for the first time in seven months. I told him many thing about my life guiding and also he taught me many thing about Japan. As I wrote, Australia is the first foreign country for him, which made me have a kind of responsibility to show a foreign country. Also, his stay was only for three days. I thought I should tell him everything attractive about Sydney without wasting a time...

Everything depended on me. I felt as if I were a tour planner and a tour guide. What I am familiar to were new for him. He reminded me of what I felt when I came to Australia seven months ago. I could meet my Japanese and Australian friends with him. He is originally shy, so he might have been uncomfortable to talk with them. But, after that, he seemed to notice that he has to study English more, which was good!
I hope he could spend a good time to stay in Australia. C ya soon in Japan:)

with high school students

2008-09-05T19:48:00.000+09:00

In this semester, I go to a local high school every Friday to help teaching Japanese as an assistant. (I will write about this volunteer work later...) Normally, I follow a Japanese teacher and attend Japanese classes at the school. But today, students had an excursion. Kindly, the teacher took me with students for free!

We got on a bus and went to the Nihongo Tanken centre (Japanese Language Centre) in Kirawee high school (30minutes from Central by trains). In the campus, there was a Japanese traditional building like a house next to a gym, which was a bit strange. Staff members are a native Japanese and an Australian who can speak Japanese very well. A lot of activities in Japanese had already been prepared for students such as Interview game, Kansuji game (calculation with kansuji), and so on. For students, it must have been the first time to be in Japanese tatami mat room with a tokonoma and shoji screens. Also, they had rice crackers and a Japanese lunch box. I wish I had such an excursion some times to promote studying English! I do not know what style of excursion we could do though...I strongly thought that there is no culture like Japanese one! Everything there reminds me of Japan.

Students seemed to enjoy activities. However, some students could not catch up with games because two staff members did not speak English at all. It was because they tried to do activities following a new styled teaching strategy. I had heard about the strategy which is done only in the second language without explanation in the first language. Which is better to acquire language skill? No one would have known yet...Today, I did think about language education.

an invitaion from my flatmate

2008-08-31T18:01:00.009+09:00

Among five flatmates in my flat, three of them are from Malaysia. After I moved to dormitory, I have made many Malay friends. It is the independence day of Malaysia, today. The Malaysian festival was held in Darling Harbour. My flatmates said to me 'come come!'

One of my flatmates was working there because she belongs to Malaysian Society at UTS. The event was organized by the Society in some Universities in NSW. Can you imagine so many international students from Malaysia in Australia? According to Malay friends, Malay people come to Australia to study because there are some educational discrimination in Malaysia. It seems to be because of races (Malay, Indian, and Chinese). Since this diary would be very long, I cannot write about the issue. Anyway, it is common for Malay students to study abroad when they are university students. That's why they can have such a big event by themselves...

In the event, we could taste many Malay foods. As my friends said, Malay foods are mixed with Chinese, Indonesia, and Thai. So, it is a bit difficult to define what Malay foods are. What we ate there are Nashi Remak (the left side of picture, cooked rice, spicy sauce, cucumber and anchovy), Roti (plain bread like Nan and spicy sauces) and Ice Kacha (ice and sweet syrup, like Kakigori). For me, these tested too spicy or too sweet. But, I had never eaten Malay foods. I will ask my friends how to make them. At the stage, some people danced with traditional clothes. Dance performance did not stop for a long time... different races have their own special dances. Umm, it is complicated country, Malaysia. I think going traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian capital city, because the city is famous as a good sightseeing resort. However, how many tourists know that complicated fact of Malaysia...? I should know more about Malaysia not only for studying but also being close to my flatmates from Malaysia!

In-fusion!

2008-08-23T20:54:00.001+09:00

An international feast of food, music, dance and more...which is called 'In-fusion'! In this week, UTS was vibrant with the multicultural event. It's just like multicultural country, Australia!

Today, one of in-fusion event was held at a UTS dormitory. Only student residents can attend the event. We were asked to take part in some contest or performance. In particular, we joined the cooking competition! Speaking of Japanese food, a lot of people would imagine 'Sushi' especially 'roll sushi'. It is not interesting to make expected food, so we made 'tsirashi zushi'. It was hard to collect special ingredients of it. But, some friends led us to manage our roles. Thanks to them, we did make a beautiful and fantastic Sushi! (Japanese foods are quite colourful!) Unfortunately, though it could not win on the competition, our sushi was eaten out. Also, there were many kinds of foods from over the world. For example, India curry, French cakes, Vietnamese spring roll, and so on. I ate too much foods! (Because of it, I have stomachache now...) While we were eating, some people had performance from their countries. It showed that everyone has opportunities to tell their culture in Australia. It's nice event, isn' it? If possible, I want to join again!

to my health...

2008-08-18T23:41:00.001+09:00

Nowadays, I'm thinking about loosing my weight seriously....because I gain weight a lot! Three months later, I will be in Japan. My family, friends, teachers, and people who know me might be surprised to see my change! I always say myself 'I HAVE TO EXERCISE'.

One of my choices is YOGA. It was a bit popular among young women in Japan, wasn't it? My friend who is from Hong Kong suggested that I should do YOGA. As she introduced me a cheap trial course, I decided to try it. (I can go whenever I want within two weeks.) Although I had never done before, I thought that it must be easier than running or muscle training to keep doing.

We have to move very slowly and to keep postures and balance well, which looks easy but makes me feel tired. How to breathe is one of the most important elements in YOGA. Some friends said I must have a big amount of breathing capacity because I belong to a wind orchestra...I betrayed such an expectation and was shocked how rigid I am. All lessons are held for ninety minutes. During lessons, we can sweat and make our bodies flexible. Unfortunately, YOGA is not for loosing weight. However, we can feel relaxed and keep our posture beautiful! Also, teachers teach us how to move in English. It is a rare experience so hard to catch specific names of a part of body that I copy others many times. I will go to do YOGA as much as I can.
This is my current way of spending time after school. How long can I keep going?

distance sisterly love

2008-08-15T21:23:00.001+09:00

I received an email from my younger sister in English. It was her reply of my present. Though there were many mistakes in her English, I could tell she put her effort on the email.

My younger sister's birthday is 17th August. I sent her a birthday card five days before her birthday, which was my surprising event for her. She must not have expected me to do something for her birthday because I had not done anything some years in Japan. How bad sister I was! But, in fact, our relationship was so terrible. We had quarrels almost everyday, which made my mother bothered. If our relationship is still bad, I might have done nothing...
So, we are going better now! I can say that my studying here changed our relationship. I had lived with her for 18 years since my sister was born. It was the first time for us to live separately. I didn't care about my sister when I left Japan and so did she, I thought. But, my sister gave me a letter and a picture. (She is good at drawing.) To be honest, I was so surprised and happy that I was likely to cry when I got them. I put the picture on the wall in my room as an encouragement to me.

Although it is natural to do something for siblings, I could not help doing something for her this year. In particular, I wanted to tell my thank and love for her. The reason why I wrote in English is because she is studying English to enter a university. According to my mother, my sister looked up a dictionary to understand meaning of my card. I was glad to hear that and thought she is cute. I could feel her love from her email as well. Yeah, she is only one my sister! I hope we can be sooooooooo good sisters that my mother does not have to have troubles any more! Anyway, happy birthday my sister, Naho~:)

1/70.000

2008-08-10T23:09:00.003+09:00

No one would not expect me to run 14kilometers in Australia. Me neither...!

Sydney has a big running and walking event from Hyde Park to Bondi beach in every August, which is called 'City to Surf'. Although I had heard about it from one of my classmates, I had not thought to join it actually because I don't like a marathon competition, races, and something like that. However, if I miss this time, I will never join the event...Such an idea came up to my mind again. Also, one more reason why I joined is to be able to buy UTS team T-shirt. It might be trivial reasons...But, I guess most of Australian runners are not serious to run:) I had seen some pictures of runners who wore funny costumes. Anyway, even though we knew how long I would run, I was so busy that I could not do any exercise.

When we got to the starting place, Hyde Park, there had already been soooooo many people! This year, about 70,000 people join the event!! Can you imagine that number of crowd? Even if I wanted to run, I couldn't do because of people, people, and people... Some adults were taking baby cars walking as participants. On the way, landscape was really nice. A lot of children worked as volunteer worker and cheered us up. (One of my English teacher said having fun at mass events was a kind of Australian culture!) After three and a half hours later, we finally got to the goal. Though I had run much longer didistance, I was satisfied with a sense of achievement X)

Our name will be printed on a newspaper day after tomorrow...

Sports pass across the border

2008-07-27T20:13:00.004+09:00

There is something which can pass across the border around us...

Today, I went to the Olympic Park where Sydney Olympic was held to watch Judo! One of my Japanese friends Tomoko took part in a Judo competition. Even though she is from Yamanashi university, I had never seen her Judo. Also, it was the first time for me to watch Judo directly. (I should have watched Judo in Japan!) As her friend, I went there to cheer her up with her international friends.

She could not win. However, to our surprise, it was cleared that her competitive was a Representative of Sydney Olympic team! Tomoko had a match with a big athlete!!

By the way, I respect her because she enjoys her interest even in Australia. Though I was going to join a wind

orchestra club, I have not found yet. In my plan, I want to make through my interest, music. But, it is not so easy because wind orchestra does not seem to be popular in Sydney. For me, she is my classmate as well as my senior in a meaning of doing an interest as a communication tool. Today, she inspired me a lot...!

To Brisbane~Day3

2008-07-26T22:05:00.001+09:00

To my surprise, today was the last day...Mai went back to Sydney earlier than us to watch a rugby game. Three of us, Kanako, Sooyoun, and I and a Korean girl who stayed in same room at an accommodation went to Brisbane all together.

Fortunately, it was nice weather today. We hanged around a beach in the morning. Although there was no surfer, it was just like 'surfer's paradise'! I wish I could surf...In fact, I have tried to surf only once in Australia. But I wasn't brave to try alone. After that, we said good bye to Gold Coast. On our way to Brisbane, I don't know how many times we got lost. When we arrived at the first destination was around 2p.m. We ran out of time to go some places. So, we went to Town Hall, the botanic garden. Though Brisbane is a quite small city, it would have developed like Sydney. What I was surprised there is how big Brisbane airport is! I have been to some airport in Australia. Brisbane one would be the biggest among airports I used.

Finally, I can say I had a good traveling with friends. As I wrote, I could discover their unexpected characters. Thanks a lot Yamanashi girls!!!

In Gold Coast~Day2

2008-07-25T23:46:00.003+09:00

Fortunately, it was gooood sunny day today! We planed to go to one of theme park, the Movie world. Before we came to Gold Coast, we asked many friends who have been to theme parks which is the best one because we were going to only one theme park.

If I describe the Movie World, I can say that it was like a small USJ. I have never been to USJ though... The main movies are 'BAT MAN' and 'SUPER MAN'. But, we didn't have to make a queue longer than fifteen minutes. It was strange and unexpected situation for us Japanese who used to wait about one hour to ride attractions in Tokyo Disneyland or Fujikyu highland. You would see how small the park was. Oh, I had one more unexpected thing, which is about Mai and Kanako. To my surprise, Mai was really scared to ride coasters with Sooyoun. However, Kanako was so curious that she said 'interesting!'. (I looked up to her because she shouted something in English even though we were riding a coaster.) I was between them. I was not scared to ride and wanted to try everything but was not so active as Kanako. In the afternoon, we met our friends Jason and Takashi there and hanged around together. They, Kanako, and I rode a 'SUPER MAN' coaster at last. I seemed to shout and have an ugly face...haha......

The theme park was big enough to go around in a day. Though I could not help comparing it with Japanese theme parks, we enjoyed a lot:)

To Gold Coast~Day1

2008-07-24T10:33:00.000+09:00

Since I came to Australia, I had been traveling by myself. The reason why I traveled alone is because I want to be independent. If I go with someone, I think I would depend on the person. So, this travel was the first time for me to go with my friends. Does it sound lonely? No worries, I have friends to go traveling if I want.

Yamanashi girls, Mai and Kanako made a plan. Our destination is Gold Coast, Queens Land! We supposed that Gold Coast is good place to go with friends because there are some theme parks. Actually, I did not want to go a theme park alone. It's nice choice, isn't it? But, the only thing difficult for us was to make our schedule. Mai and Kanako went ahead. I and Korean girl, Sooyoun who stays with same house with Kanako got to Gold Coast.

Unfortunately, it was heavy rain there. We could not see a beautiful beach though we stayed at Surfers Paradise. Instead, we enjoyed shopping. I was surprised that Kanako loves shopping so much! Members of us were only girls, which was good. On the other hand, we did not have a sense of direction...So do typical girls, don't they? Mai had the best sense of it among us and took us to our backpacker. umm, I could see different characters of Yamanashi girls!

thank you my australian family!

2008-07-17T22:49:00.004+09:00

Today was the last day to stay with my host family because I decided to move to UTS dormitory. Tomorrow, I have to check in and move to new place.

Since I came here, I have lived with my host family. As I wrote before on this blog, they are immigrants. So, their life styles are different from Aussie family whom Kanako and Mai stay with. Sometimes, I felt cultural differences and difficulties to stay. But, I could have very very precious experiences! Even though I go to the UK (my host father's home country) or Belgium (my host mother's home country), I cannot have such a life. Don't you think so?

The last week was the worst week. Everyone except my host father was sick... Though I wanted to help them somehow, I think I could not do anything special for them. However, fortunately, I could have a last dinner with them all. Finlay they recovered from sickness! I tried to talk more than usual. Sure thing...I was very quiet when I had a dinner with them for the first time. haha.

Anyway, after the dinner, I gave them a present. I wrote mannnnnnnnnnnny massages and collected my favorite pictures of them to make them remember me whenever they have a look my present. My host sister and mother gave me presents as well. There would remind me of staying with them for five months!

Because of my defect of vocabulary, I cannot express my appreciation in words... The longer I was with you, the more I knew your family, and the more trouble I made to you, which must be my memory forever...THANK YOU VERY MUCH for taking care of me as a part of your family! I will visit you at least once before I go back to Japan!!!

Who was he?

2008-07-13T21:49:00.001+09:00

For a couple of days, it was so crowded in Sydney. I had not known the reason why so many people came to Sydney from over the world. Because of the event, Christian people who had same huts and backpacks were everywhere. This event made me think about cohesion of religion.

Anyway, today, I joined a walking event which was run by UTS from Circular quay. We walked to Balamora beach with Salad bowl member. Salad bowl is one of UTS community like JASS. International students and local students who are interested in international people join the community. I have participated some events of it so far. Whenever I attend events, I can make new international friends. Today, I got friends with Chinese and Polish girl!

After the event, we dropped at Star Bucks coffee to chat. Then, there was a man who wore a colourful robe which was decorated with many national flags. He smiled us and spoke to me hello in Japanese! Who is he...? A common idea about him among us was that he might be Pope! In Circular quay station, many Christian people marched to the Opera House...He must be Pope!...We met one of the most famous people in the world! Even though no one is Christian, we were happy to see him. I could not help talking about this story to someone! However, everyone whom I told the story doubted the man. Definitely, he must not be at Star Bucks alone...maybe he was an imitation Pope. If you want, please laugh me~

to be relaxed...

2008-07-06T20:40:00.000+09:00

Almost everyday, I drink more than three cups of coffee...Do I have too much caffeine? While I'm drinking, I can be relaxed~! On my way to our university, there are so many coffee shop that I cannot count them. Sometimes, I buy a cup of coffee in the morning even though it does not wake me up. Western coffee culture spreads over Australia. I can kill time finding new cafeterias and chatting having coffee with my friends.

As that fact was shown, a massive and dangerous (for me) event was held at the Rocks! It is called "the Aroma festival." A lot of coffee, chocolate, and tea shops gathered at the venue and sold their products cheap. I was satisfied with smells hanging around. But I could not stand without having anything! I bought an affogato, a latte, a chiller and a waffle. There were so many shops that I could not judge which shop was better. After I felt full, I enjoyed tasting many kinds of sweets. (I noticed why I'm getting fat...) Anyway, this event is held once a year. I did not miss a lovely event!

In Alice Springs~Day4

2008-06-28T20:04:00.003+09:00

I had a looooong sleep. Though I stayed at a share room with three females, two of them had already gone out when I woke up. A woman was very kind. I asked her many things about around the accommodation. She explained and took me to the main street.

I hanged around the central town of Alice Springs. I sent a post card to my family as I did in Melbourne. There were souvenir shops, accommodations, petrol stations, tour shops... most of shops were for tourists. I saw a lot of Aboriginal people. Central Australia is the place where Aboriginal people live. We should not live there for long time. I found a kinder garden and a hospital for only Aboriginal people. As I learned about complicated racism in a class in last semester, it might be difficult to live together... I could study a little for an hour on my way to an accommodation.

This trip was quite different from last one to Melbourne. I touched nature and had a wild experience. I did not want to be a typical Japanese tourist who went there just for having a look a model of a movie. I tried to think about a lot of things including myself. Could I mature a little bit...?

At Kings Canyon~Day3

2008-06-27T23:23:00.001+09:00

Following yesterday, we got up before 6 o'clock. We went to Kings Canyon to climb. Before I came to Central Australia, I asked about it to my local friends. No one knew it as a sightseeing spot. But I wanted to go there because I thought I would never go in my life. That is why I chose the tour including Kings Canyon. It was much harder than I expected!!

We climbed the first point. It was enough to see a great landscape. At the moment, a tour guide said "we will come back here after 3 and a half hours~!" I doubted of my ears. I have never climbed so long time:-( It must be a good exercise! I did not turn back to release my daily fat! Everything was rocks. All of them were shaped by nature. The tour guide told us that canyon means rocks which was made by earthquake. In this meaning, Grand Canyon which was made by water in the US uses the word "canyon" in a wrong way. We were in a real canyon. Thought it was not so popular spot, there were grant walls and "Lost city". I could see an unique atmosphere of "Lost city". I heard winds like voices.

We survived! We came back! I talked about like that with girls. This activity made our lunch more yummy:) Our tour schedule nearly finished. We had got on a bus for five hours to get to accommodations. I had a good sleep on the bus. Tour members got off the bus one ofter another. In the tour, many members were from German spoken countries. I could not talk so much...But I enjoyed the tour with them. "A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CHANCE."

At Uluru~Day2

2008-06-26T23:36:00.001+09:00

The reason why we got up 5:30 was... to watch Uluru at sunrise! It was still very dark and cold. A tour guide took us the best point. We stood for a while in admiration of the view. (I prefer sunset view to sunrise though...:)

Today's destination was only Uluru! We walked around Uluru for about two hours. It seems to be 10kilometers. What we saw walking was rocks, rocks, and ROCKS! I found a rock like a monster. I could not believe that Uluru was a monolith. There were some places where Aboriginal people prohibited us from taking pictures. Although it was hard for me to understand Aboriginal customs and faith, it must mean that nature is so big that we cannot explain without such a legend!

Even though Aboriginal people do not want others to climb Uluru, many people enjoyed climbing. I thought it would be a good memory. But I was so tired and gave up to do. I advised me to have followed Aboriginal will. According to the tour guide, some people was wound or dead by falling down. I did not want to die at Central Australia even if Uluru is famous for a Japanese movie which a heroine wished her boyfriend to sprinkle her bone there...

We spend all day around Uluru and moved to a campsite near by Kings Canyon. A dinner was made by Dutch ovens. We slept in a swag tonight as well. However, dingos started howling at 2am. I was so scared that I could not fall asleep...it was a wild night, wasn't it?

To Ayers Rock~Day1

2008-06-25T22:18:00.001+09:00

I went traveling alone again! My destination was Central Australia! I heard that it was the best season to go there now. As you know, Ayers Rock is famous for a Japanese movie. The reason why I wanted to go was not only because of the movie but I wanted to visit natural places of Aboriginal people. I thought I would never go there if I miss this time!

I left Sydney in the early morning. To my luck, I did not have any trouble of an engineering strike. I got Ayers Rock airport at noon. There are a time difference for 30minutes between Sydney and Ayers Rock! In total, I took on an airplane for 3 hours. In case of Japan, we can go abroad with 3 hours flight! Can you imagine how big Australia is?

I joined a tour from Ayers Rock on the way to Katajuta. Katajuta was made by 36 rocks. There is the valley of wind which is a model of "風の谷のナウシカ". Definitely, I have seen the view in the movie... I talked with tour members walking around there. Most of them were from Europe. (Germany, France, England, Ireland, and Austria)

We moved to Uluru which is the most famous sightseeing spot in Central Australia. We enjoyed watching sunset and drinking champagne. Colours were changing with sunset. I cannot describe how beautiful it was...! I was typical Japanese tourist then, so I took funny pictures. Other tour members imitated me :)

At a campsite, we had a BBQ around campfire. I think it was Australian camp style. I chose this tour because I can sleep in a permanent tent at night. But, our tour guide suggested that we should sleep outside with a swag. Swag is like a sleeping bag and has a mattress in there. No one sleep in any tents. I followed others and saw falling stars!

for the first time, and the last time

2008-06-21T22:29:00.001+09:00

IELTS, International English Language Testing System, is one of the most common English tests in Australia. Today, I took the test at UTS. We, international students, need a high score of IELTS to enter a faculty. But it is quite expensive to take it. I applied only once because I did not have enough time to prepare. I had never taken it before...

I was busy to do assignments in this semester. So, I actually started studying just for the preparation after I finished all assignments. Though it might not be enough and cannot be an excuse, I went to UTS library to study almost everyday. (To my shame, I had not studied so hard to take English tests since I took TOEFL test in Japan...) I had Japanese friends who would take it at the same day. We encouraged to study each other, which stimulated me to study very much. Some local friends helped me to practice speaking and to check my writing. Thank you everyone!

Nevertheless, to be frank, I cannot say I did well on the test. I do not have a confidence to get a good result... However, the most important thing must be a process of preparation of it. I have to accept the result as my English ability. Unless I want to get a civil right in Australia, I will never take IELTS in my future. It was the first time and the last time for me. But, I could notice that I need more study. KEEP STUDYING!

unexpected present

2008-06-15T22:59:00.005+09:00

Today, I got a present from Mandy, one of JASS (Japanese and Australian Students Society) members. (an eco bag, UTS ball point pen, and a card) "Akiyama Miho 先生", which was written on the envelop of a card. It was a gift for us who were teachers of Japanese.

In this semester, I taught Japanese to students who belong to JASS as a teacher. Students were divided into three levels. I was a teacher of a intermediate class with Mai. There were no textbook and no plan. We could teach anything we wanted, which was the most difficult to have classes every week. We do not have any teaching skills because we had not taken education subjects even though we belong to the education faculty. Sometimes, we made a document referring a Japanese textbook of an official Japanese class at UTS. I could not teach and explain Japanese well. I feel sorry for students to be a bad teacher. To be frank, I had felt nervous to have a class. But, thanks to Mai and students, I could continue teaching Japanese. At the same time, they told me difficulties of Japanese very much!

I did not expect to get any present from them because I could not play a role as a Japanese teacher... So, I was very surprised and glad to receive it. Thank you, JASS!

One of my desire...

2008-06-08T23:34:00.006+09:00

Speaking of Sydney, what image do you have? One of the most famous places is the Opera House, isn't it? Our friends who are leaving Australia wanted to go there. They booked a ticket for me.

The name of the program is 'Edward Scissor hands'. This story became a movie before. While I had never watched the movie...I did enjoyed watching the musical!!! The musical had no songs, no lines. Actors and actresses just danced with music. But I could understand contents and have a fun to watch so many elements of dancing that I did not want to blink not to miss any dancing and performances. Though I tend to see musicals and concerts as one of music players (I don't like this habit...), I was impressed and pleased! I'm frustrated not to be able to describe my impression because of a lack of my vocabulary!

It is said that we should wear a formal costume to the Opera House. So, I wore a dress which I brought from Japan and had never taken on so far. However, surprisingly, there were many people who took quite casual clothes like jeans. A custom seems to be changing. We were satisfied spending a night with an affected way. Night views from the Sydney Harbour were so beautiful! I really thought that I lived in such a stunning city! Even if I'm with a normal guy there, I might fall in love easily~:-) I want to go to a brass band concert If I have money...

No music, No my life!

2008-06-07T22:45:00.003+09:00

Following yesterday, Hoe Yin took us to the Jazz and Blues Festival. She is really kind:)

This festival was held in Darling Harbour for three days. When we went there was the second day. We could listen to jazz and blues which were played by famous bands for free. I didn't know any bands and solo singers, which did not matter! I heard Australian jazz for the first time. As it is said that Japanese are not good at playing impromptu performance, I cannot play jazz music well. Is it because of nationality? Especially, a session of the drums and the conga was so cool! I remember that I played the conga in a big competition two years ago. Among many kinds of jazz groups, I liked a big band jazz the best. It might be because I used to listened to the brass band music. I was so excited!!

Since I came here, I have not touch any musical instruments. If I were in Japan, I would be busy to practice playing music with my members of the wind orchestra club... Though UTS has a orchestra club, they do not seem to have a percussion section. Are there any place to play music in Australia...? I NEED MUSIC! Today, I carefully thought about that.

Are they high school students...!?

2008-06-06T23:56:00.001+09:00

They were very good actors and actresses!... One of my friend, Hoe Yin, got tickets for us to watch a high school musical. Her high school has an annual big musical. The title of musical was 'La Perichole'. Students seemed to have an audition at the beginning of a year. From them, they had practiced performance for four months. While I expected to watch a nice musical, their performance was much better than I expected!!

As you know, I love music. What I was excited about at first was a youth orchestra. There was a legitimate orchestra pit. I really wanted to join them. Surely, their singing and acting were so marvelous! I could not believe that all of them were students. I have performed a little in a school festival when I was a junior high school and high school student. But I think it was not in the same class as the musical. I should not compared with two of them... In spite I could not catch their lines and lyrics, I could see their efforts so much. At the same time, I thought I wanted to watch it before my presentation. We had to have a presentation about Australian culture as the last task in a subject. I explained about music habits of Australian youth. I said that Australian youth people do not listen to classical music because of a current musical trend (For example, it is common for them to get new music especially pop and rock online, etc...) My hypothesis and opinion might have changed if I watch the musical earlier. They must have opportunities to touch music more than Japanese students. I wish I joined a youth orchestra club when I was a high school. On my way to home, I could not help describing my impression!

Mystery Excursion

2008-06-05T21:29:00.005+09:00

Today, we had the last class in this semester! The content of today's class was... MYSTERY EXCURSION! No students knew our destination. We just gathered at Circular Quay and followed our teachers.

The venue was...a teacher's house! It was so grant and big. She must be rich...More than 30 students and teachers were there and enjoyed talking and eating, which was like a party! Was it a sort of excursion. We were divided into three classes at the beginning of this semester. The party was held for us all together. All of us were international or exchange students. As far as I know, there were students who are from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Korea, and Japan. We rarely have opportunities to meet such international people at the same time. Some of us are leaving Australia in this month. We had a precious time to talk with many students. Whenever I talk with international friends, I can notice a power of languages. Even though some people argue if English is the main language in the world or not, our common tool to communicate each other is English. One of reason why I chose to come to Australia is because I can meet many kinds of people. I do achieve my purpose just now! Thank you teachers and my friends for spending with me in this semester! My first semester passed very quickly!!

...Of course, I have to study English even in holiday anyway...

a little before...

2008-06-01T21:29:00.004+09:00

One of my classmates, Hikaru, left Australia. He had studied in Australia from last semester. Even though this semester has not finished yet, he had to go back to Japan for job hunting.

For him who leaves a little earlier than others who will finish their studying in Australia, my classmates organized a farewell party. We went to Taramara (I'm not sure the name.) beach and had a BBQ. Even in Autumn, there were a lot of surfers. Not only Japanese but also local students whoever know Hikaru came to the party. However, today's main character did not come early because of his assignment. I had a same one. So, I could not ask him to come earlier... Finally when he arrived, most of foods had already left. Though I could not talk with him a lot in the party, I remember many memories with him. He helped and gave me advises many times! Otherwise I could not continue to take a subject on Thursday...His character often made me laugh:) Hikaru, I hope your good future and seeing you again in Japan!

Following him, Hiroko and Yu who are also my classmate will finish their studies in Australia. I could not believe that some Japanese students would leave. Untill then, I want to share time with them a lot. At the same time, I thought about my future when I will go back to Japan seriously. When I leave, how am I going...?

The last Tandem coffee~

2008-05-29T22:14:00.001+09:00

We, new international students, had the last Tandem coffee chatting today. For me, Tandem coffee chatting is a favorite regular event at UTS. I had never been absent. During mid vacation, I went to UTS just for the event. At the event, we could meet our Tandem buddy regularly and get free coffee. Most of Japanese gathered every Thursday at 4 o'clock to talk with local and other international students. Thanks to the event, we could have opportunities to make many friends. As I wrote before, I got a nice buddy Edward! While I heard this event was not so fun and important from our seniors who had studied in here like me, I do recommend our juniors who will come to UTS next year to join the events!!

However, from next semester, we cannot have an official Tandem buddy any more. Our buddy will be a buddy of new students who will start their studies from next semester. Even if I cannot have any buddy, I will go to a cafeteria to find and talk my friends as well as this semester;^)
Thank you for goooood time, Edward!

Happy Birthday, Soomin!

2008-05-24T21:06:00.002+09:00

As I wrote before, I have a Korean friend, Soomin (the left of a left picture). Today, she invited me to go to her 22th birthday party. (In Australia, it is common to held a birthday party by oneself.)

It was held at her place, one of UTS students' residences. There were many UTS students having BBQ. I wrote a card with some Japanese friends and gave her. She is a year older than me. But, she had thought we were same age. She said I'm like her younger sister after she knew my real age:) I was very happy to hear that because I feel she is like my older sister! Happy birthday, my sister~!

Then, Soomin was very busy to talk with others as well. I spent chatting most of time with Laure (the right of an above picture) who is an exchange student from France and takes the same class on Thursday with us. So, we had a same dinner party at the last weekend. To my surprise, she is a year younger than me. I felt as if I got a younger sister as well! Unfortunately, she will go back to France at the end of this semester. We talked about so many things drinking wines which we brought our own. We were a little bit drunk...(it was for the first time for me to get drunk.) Anyway, so many people got together to the party. Ah, I wish I could spend my birthday in Australia...

International Night☆

2008-05-17T23:50:00.003+09:00

Every Thursday, I take a subject about an academic writing with international students who study in faculties. Today, Janne, a French girl, held a dinner party at her room. It was not a mere party to have a dinner. We had to take foods from our own countries! It sounds interesting, isn't it?

We could take any foods which we can cook. I made Sushi at home. (It was the first time for me to cook rice with microwave at home in Australia!) Ingredients were tuna, cucamber, and sea stick (Kanikama). Surely, I did never put abocado in it to let them know original sushi:D

One more Japanese, Hikaru made Nikujaga. I think he is good at cooking better than me... We had a lemon tart, crapes, cake (from France), potato salad, sausages (from Germany), pulukogi (from Korea), and so on. We rarely eat such foods at once! All foods were so nice! I had much without taking care about my weight:P

Everyone felt stuff~. We gave up eating and started playing UNO! But, everyone knew different rules of it. It took some times to unity the rule. Our rule was; We can interupt if we have a exactly same card with a central card. We can finish with words card like reverse or skip...It was quite fun!!! I played as if I were a representative of Japanese UNO player:-) Unfortunately, I had to go back to home before we finished the party. But, I spent an international night☆

Thank you pepe, meme!

2008-05-13T17:51:00.002+09:00

As I wrote before, I had stayed my host mother's parents. Today, they went back to Belgium.

It was a very short stay. My host mother cried in this morning. If I were her, would I cry like her...? She said she would go to Belgium next year if they have money. "Why don't you live with your parents?" Her answer for this question was that she cannot change her life anymore. I should not have asked such a question easily. It is one of difficulties in multicultural country just like Australia, isn't it? I had lived with my family in Japan since I came to Australia. I may not have understood an importance of parents. Also, my grandpa and grandma are right next door. I could meet them almost everyday in Japan. I can meet them again easily after I go back to Japan. For my host sister and brother, it is a precious time to spent time with their grandpa and grandma.

They shared the time with me. I did not expect to stay with Belgium people. Even though I could not communicate with them very well, they treated me as one of grand children. I think I can never see them again. Thinking about it, I was likely to cry when they gave me a big cuddle. Thank you pepe(grandpa), meme(grandma)! Take care your bodies!

Happy Mother's day

2008-05-11T18:19:00.002+09:00

The second Sunday in May is Mother's day in Australia. It is as same as Japan, isn't it? I sent email to my real mother. Surely, I did something for my host mother.

According to my teacher, family members make a breakfast for their mother. I was going to do this morning! But, I didn't know what she wants to eat...because we always have breakfast individually. My host father seemed to think the same thing. I wrote my thank on a card seriously and gave it to her. For her, I might write funny things. She read the card laughing and gave me a biiiiiiiiiiig cuddle!

I went to St.Mary's Cathedral with my friends with happiness:^) Today seemed to be a ceremonial day "Pentecost" for christian as well as Mother's day. I spent a religious weekend following yesterday. While I'm not a christian, I like an atmosphere of the church. In addition, I can understand Christian's faith because I went to Catholic preschool. We attended a math and a special Baptism. Robert who invited us to go there explained about Pentecost, which reminded me my life in preschool. In this event, bishop has an important role. He spoke to us like my director who was a bishop at the church in my preschool and went to heaven.

Certainly, I could think about religion a lot at this weekend.

Religious weekend

2008-05-10T18:57:00.002+09:00

Today is Buddha's birthday. Hoe Yin took us to the festival in Darling Harbour. In Daring Harbour, there is the Chinese garden. I have been there once with my host family. No one around me knows why Sydney has a Chinese garden in central of City. Truly, Australia is a fantastic country...

Anyway, Hoe Yin's mother worked at the festival as a volunteer and took care of us kindly. We had Asian foods and enjoyed the event. I saw many nuns but male monks. In Japan, we rarely see nuns. Umm, it must be a cultural differences. I remembered my family followed Buddhism at a funeral. But, to our shame, we didn't have any idea what we should do in front of a statue of Buddha. We said to ourselves, "there is no rule..." Is it o.k. to join religious events even so we don't know anything about the religion? Whenever I join religious events, I think why most of Japanese don't have their religion.

Congratulations!

2008-05-06T19:19:00.002+09:00

One of my friends, Hoe Yin graduated from UTS today. She had studied in Yamanashi University for a year as an exchange student. We met in here and went some events together.
She seemed to get double degree at UTS. (if students want to get and work hard to study, they can take double degree in here.) She had already found a job which she can speak Chinese, English, and Japanese. I was happy to hear that she could get a job putting her knowledge of studying in Yamanashi University.

Students have a graduation ceremony some months after they finished taking subjects. Also, they graduate at different days according to faculties and take on a costume with a collar which shows their degree. Graduation style is quite different from Japanese one. Hoe Yin lent me her graduation hat to take a picture. I wanted to take it on! Anyway, whenever I noticed differences of it between UTS and Yamanashi University, I imaged a graduation ceremony. I cannot believe it that I will graduate next year!? I want to work in society but I still want to be a student...!

25, April

2008-04-25T22:32:00.000+09:00

If you are Japanese, do you know ANZAC day? ANZAC means Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

It was ANZAC day, today. It is one of important public holidays when we remind soldiers who fought and died in World War. We have learnt about it as a part of Australian culture in classes. Though it seems to relate with Japan, I did not know anything. Have you Japanese studied about it in history class?

The service and a big parade were held in City. I saw the parade on our way to Darling Harbour with my host family. What I heard at first was sounds of the bagpipe. With these sounds, many people walked slowly taking medals which praise going to the War. They did never look happy but serious.

At grocery shops, we can buy ANZAC biscuits which evoked biscuits made by mothers and wives of soldiers to send to fighting places. Naturally, this biscuits sold out on that day. I will buy it to taste a military food and for a snack.

In Melbourne city~Day5

2008-04-23T21:37:00.000+09:00

The last day, I enjoyed going around rest of Melbourne city.

I confirmed if I can enter or not, I had a look in St. Paul Cathedral. When I went to St. Patrick's Cathedral, I could not take a picture in there because of a service. Can you see a beautiful stained glass?

Thinking about traffic routes, I went to the Albert Park. This park is famous for a venue of Formula One Melbourne Cup. I used to watch F1 with my father in Japan. But, there were nothing related with this big event. It was normal and so quiet that I could not believe that the event was held in here. I wanted to come here during the event...

One of important events of traveling for girls is shopping! I walked along Chapel Street in St.Gilda. Unfortunately, I did not have enough money to buy clothes. In addition, if I buy many thing, I can't take them to Japan...I bought only a tea assort set as my souvenir. I really wanted to have a lunch at the Pancake Parlor which was printed on many guide books. I was satisfied having a last rich lunch in Melbourne.

The last point is the Immigration Museum. In fact, I didn't know about it and included my traveling plan. But, it was very useful for me to study. I want to recommend especially ELSSA students to go there! Many immigrant from several areas were introduced in a specific section. A delegate of Japanese immigrant who spread Japanese traditional NOU and KYOUGEN seemed to be born in Yamanashi. I want to be proud of it!

If I can speak English better, I might have enjoyed the travel more and more... I need study...This travel made me notice the purpose of staying in Australia!!!

From Melboune ~Day3,4

2008-04-22T23:56:00.001+09:00

I joined an English tour and went to Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park. These places are famous as sightseeing spots. When I talked about Melbourne with a tour planner, he recommended me to go there strongly!

In the English tour which he day before yesterday, some Japanese participated while I didn't talk with them a lot. However, there are NO Japanese, NO Asian except me in this tour! I was very nervous at the same time I thought it was a big chance to speak and listen English and not to depend on others...

We went to some beaches and have a look beautiful landscapes driving along seaside. On our way to main spot, we dropped in a restaurant in Apollo bay and had shark as a Fish and Chips. I didn't expect to have shark though I couldn't define difference of it with other fish.

The place where I was impressed me was Twelve Apostles. It was much better than what I had seen in a guide book about it! I was excited quietly...! I irritated not to be able to express my feeling in English because of a lack of my vocabularies. Stephenie, who is from France and met in this tour, said "it must be changing everyday. We can never see the same view..." We didn't want to leave there standing cold and wind.

After all schedules, we stayed at an accommodation. It was the first time for me to do that. But I was more comfortable than I expected and I experienced one of Australian traveling styles. A bus guide invited us to go bush walking at night. We came across wild Kangaroo!

We left the accommodation early morning to Grampians National Park. I could not believe it that there was so natural and inartificial place in the world. This place has a eucalyptus smell. Wherever I went in the tour, I was surprised how wonderful wild nature was!

In spite of two day tour, it took much time to move to other places.

This tour finished at noon. We had to say good bye to other participants. Most of them got on another bus and went to Adelaide. See you and thank you, traveling companion;^)

In Melbourne city~Day2

2008-04-20T23:06:00.000+09:00

The second day was a free day. I planned by myself and enjoyed going around some places just where I was interested!

I went to the Fitzroy garden at first. There are Captain Cock's cottage. His house was small and so cute. I could not believe that famous Captain Cock lived at so pretty house. He seemed to have many herb gardens. I want to live such a house!, which is my comment I wrote on a comment book in his house.

At St.Patrick's Cathedral, I attended the Fifth Easter service. I tried to be a Christian and did something together with others. I could hear beautiful hymns and sounds of a big pipe organ. I reminded my Catholic preschool...The atmosphere made me relaxed.

Royal Exibition building was set as a World Heritage Site. The art festival had been held until that day in there. It seemed to be a art event for purchasers. So, I hesitated to be in venue. But I continue to have a look many pictures. I noticed that I like abstract pictures and photographs. But, I did not understand what some pictures described in the campus. I have to train my sensitivity as well as English...

Accidentally, I met my friends, Tomoko and Simon at Melbourne museum! We talked about our own travel and said see you again in Sydney. I was so happy and excited;) Unfortunately, I did not have a time to watch everything,
At night, I went to the Observation Deck to see a night view of Melbourne city. This city is built by grids like Kyoto. I could define it very well. Also, how large Australia is! If it is sunny in daytime, I might have saw Sydney city from there.

I got lost sometimes, which was all my faults. But I did not have a trouble with anyone. Do I get used to go around an unknown place alone?

To Melbourne ~Day1

2008-04-19T23:58:00.001+09:00

Yesterday, I left Sydney to Merboune. It's the first traveling alone. I was going to go travel with friends at first. No one had a good schedule with me. This travel was not just for a fun, but a challenge!

I got a night bus from Sydney to Melbourne. It took almost twelve hours... When I arrived at Melbourne, I was like economy class syndrome. Today's schedule was to join a tour to the Philip island. I hanged around the Visitor Centre and the Queen Victoria Market until a meeting time. This market was similar with Paddy's market in Sydney, and sold many stuff (vegitables, fruits, meat, fish,dairy products, clothes, and so on).

The tour I joined today was day trip. We went to the Maru zoo and watched some animals. There were rare white kangaroos. I could watch Koalas as well! But touching them is banned even in Victoria...I just enjoyed taking photos.
We dropped in a beach on our way to the Penguin Parade. I sunk down in thought watching sunset and over the ocean (There must be the South Pole)! We had already been in the Philip island. Little penguin which is the most little penguin in the world came out at sunset. Many people waited them taking on big jackets. Because of a sea gull which is a natural enemy, penguins were scared to appear. It took more than one hour to watch them. It was so cute that I wanted to take one of them to home. Unforunately, taking photo is prohibited to protect their lives. According to a bus guide, tourism issues are quite serious esperially in Australia...

Although I have been to some zoo in Australia, today's tour let me know new faces. Also, I made a friend who is from Germany and stays in Sydney in the tour!

Sushi day!

2008-04-18T15:05:00.003+09:00

JASS organized "Sushi Day", Sushi party. Japanese members were demanded to teach local students how to make Sushi which is called "Roll Sushi". For Roll Sushi, what JASS presidents prepared all ingredients for Sushi were cooked rice, tuna, cucumber, carrot, wasabi, and soy source. We, Japanese don't eat carrots with Sushi, do we? But it is nomal for them.
At the party, I didn't have to teach them how to make it actually. As you know, it's very easy. I just showed to make it. The only difficult thing for them was to use Makisu. Some of them made wasabi sushi and tried to make others eat it! I was likely to eat a terrible sushi!

After eating, we went to Karaoke. It was the second time for me. This time, majority of members were local students. But they can sing Japanese songs very well. Also, they know Japanese songs better than me. We enjoyed dancing with singing "Chu-lip" which is sung by Ai Otsuka. I challenged to sing a English song "Sk8er boi" as well. I wish I could sing naturally... I decided to listen to English song more to go to Karaoke with them again!

My Tandem buddy!

2008-04-16T22:02:00.002+09:00

We, international students, have several Tandem buddies. Tandem is one of UTS project for us to make local friends and to know about life in Australia. We participated "Tandem party" in February. And then, I found a buddy, Edward. I have kept contact with him. Today, I will introduce my Tandem buddy!

My buddy, Edward (everyone calls him Ed), is a UTS student and a member of peer net workers which is an association to help students. He is famous among local students because of his character. He is very very friendly and sooooooo kind that Japanese friends envy me! (According to him, he is a friend of Koimai san who was my senior in Yamanashi University and stayed in here like me) At the party, he spoken me and became my buddy. Actually, he has more three buddies. But he seems to share time with most of us. we sometimes have a lunch and meet at a Tandem coffee chat which is held for us to get opportunities to talk with our buddies in spite of his busy life. He helps me to study as well. Last week, I asked him to do my homework. In this week, we have an interview assignment to research Australian culture. He took on to be my interviewee readily and answered all questions helpfully.

I don't know how many times he has helped me and how much advice he has given me so far! Someday, I want to repay kindness with kindness to him ;^)

In Flemish...

2008-04-11T21:51:00.005+09:00

As you can find a picture in this blog, host mother's father and mother have stayed at home. They came here three weeks ago from Belgium. It seems to be an annual event for them to visit my host family in this season. So, I will have spent with them for six months. Host grandma speak only Flemish which is a public language in Belgium. Flemish is mixed language with French and German. I can't use English with her as a communication tool. But, I can learn non-verbal communication and a little Flemish. For example, "good morning", "thank you", and so on. (I don't know these spellings...) I barely communicate with her without any common languages with gestures.

Today was Meme (grandma in Flemish)'s birthday. I gave her a birthday card. Though I tried to search a Flemish dictionary and to write a message in Flemish by myself, I could not find anything. So, I asked my host mother to translate my massage into Flemish.

Gelukkige! (Happy birthday!)

Blij dat je hier bent. (I'm happy to spend with you.)

Geviet van de dag. (Hope you have a wonderful time.)

I wrote down these sentences on a birthday card. It's precious experience to spend Belgian and to cerebrate her in Australia. Gelukkige Meme!

time slip

2008-04-06T21:58:00.003+09:00

Australia adopts Summer time. Today, it finished at 3a.m. We set our clocks back one hour . Time difference between Australia and Japan became for an hour. When I came to here, I must have moved two hours before during flight. It was the first experience for me to feel as if I did a time slip.
Talking of time, time flies very fast though our life must be slow in Australia. People don't care about time. Buses drive more than fifteen minutes late. Sometimes, train leave a station a couple of minutes before. When I came here, I was often annoyed about it. But, I seem to get used to Australian lifestyle for time. Surely, I do not be late to go to school! Some friends said that Japanese people were too punctual. It's one of nationality. I may have trouble to change my attitude of time after going back to Japan.

fashionable afternoon

2008-04-05T21:14:00.007+09:00

Today, one of my friends invited me to go to the Rocks market. She is Soomin, cute Korean girl;^) We met at the first cocktail party and took a same class. She is also an international student (I will post her photo next time!). Sometimes, we talk about worries of life just for international students. Her English is much better than mine!

The Rocks market is famous as a sightseeing place. I wanted to go there when my mother and younger sister came to here. (Then, we gave up to go to the Rocks market and went to the Paddington market.) It was similar with Paddington market. But I think travelers can find good souvenirs at the Rocks market better than the Paddington market. I bought a ring which Soomin recommended me, a bracelet, and postcards.
After enjoying shopping, we went to the pancake restaurant. I was going to take my family there as well! Pancakes are too big for girls like us who take care about weight. So we shared strawberry one with a cup of coffee with chatting. Recently, I tend to think that it is usual to stay here and to talk with foreigners. I should treasure fabulous everyday...

"Custom makes...

2008-03-31T23:29:00.002+09:00

One of our friends, Harshini invited us to go to a BBQ party. UTS students who went to Japan to study as exchange students got together at the party. According to them, they used to go to meet others who went to other Uni. (in Tokyo,Yamanashi, Hakodate, and Yokohama) while their study in Japan. University of Yamanashi has an arrangement with UTS only in Australia. We can't see other Japanese students from Yamanashi in Australia. I envied them.

Anyway,we talked about Japan and Australia. I was happy to hear that they had great times in Japan. Sometimes, we corrected their Japanese mistakes as they do our English mistakes. They understand our felling and difficulties of studying language. Speaking of our English...

We use many words after looking up dictionaries. It is a common way among learner. But, in daily conversation, we seem to speak unusual words. For example, when we want to say "慣れる" in English, we had used "be accustomed to~" since they pointed out. They told us that native speakers spoke "get used to~" usually. I thought it was one of weak points of Japanese learners who has studied language at a desk. As Mr. Makimoto who helps us to come here in Japan said to me, "CUSTOM MAKES ALL THINGS EASY", which may be the best way to be a good speaker.

Guests from Japan

2008-03-30T22:10:00.005+09:00

My real mother and younger sister came to Australia. Their stay was for only 3 days. Also, this time was the first time for my younger sister and the second time for my mother to go abroad.

Their purpose was perhaps visiting me and knowing my current life(?) I took them to my home in Australia, which was the main event. My host family welcomed my family. We talked having late breakfast at ease. Sometimes, host father and mother spoken to my family kindly. But they couldn't express their feeling as they do usually. So, I felt as if I were a translator while I must have had many mistake in my English. My mother said she would not be able to nothing without me. In addition, she seemed to have a good expression from my host family. Did I show them my life in Australia?;) Anywhere else, we went to China town, Sydney Tower, Paddington Market, and Sydney aquarium.

Surely, I had two nights with them and spent a good time. What I feel sorry for them is that my plan was not enough. I was comfortable talking with my mother, and I had a quarrel with my sister even in Australia as we used to in Japan. Our relationship changed nothing. It mustn't change for two months. But, I want to be said to have varied in a good meaning when I meet them next time!

What's the Australian foods??

2008-03-27T23:42:00.004+09:00

Recently, I often ask my friends what is the Australian foods?

Yesterday, our friends who had studied at University of Yamanashi until last semester invited me to go to a Korean restaurant. (The restaurant seems to be popular among local students.) We enjoyed eating and chatting a lot. After going back to my home, my host mother said my room smelled chili and garlic as same smell as she went to a Korean restaurant in Korea. So, I apologised her and had to spray fragrant in my room... but it must be a proof of having real Korean foods!

Today, I went to a Vietnamese restaurant with other friends. I had a chicken and fried tomato rice. It was like a Western pilaf. But it seems to be a popular Vietnamese food according to a my friend who has Vietnamese background.

Besides, we can eat many real foods in Australia. And most of my friends don't know what the Australian foods are. While I thought steak was one of them, a friend who is from America said it was an American food. Um.

I will find the answer of this question eating many foods taking care my body not to be fat! Also, I guess my current Engels coefficient is higher than before. I have to save money...

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T15:40:00.003+09:00

Yesterday, I went to the Easter show with Salad bowl members. Salad bowl is the name of a community for international students. Fortunately, it was the first time for Salad bowl to go there as a their event!

The Easter show is held for a week each year at Olympic park for agricultural people. But it seems to have nothing to do with Easter. Visitors can enjoy many kinds of pavilions, shows, attractions, and buying show bags. I thought it was like an international exhibition. It was so crowded that we couldn't have a look expected things. I rode a roll coaster and released my stress by shouting! After a long hesitation, I bought three sweets show bags. Surely, these were not only for me, but for my host sister and brother.
At night, we enjoyed watching fire works. In my opinion, Japanese technology of fire works is higher than that. But it was so fantastic to arouse finale☆

Multicultural experience

2008-03-21T16:55:00.002+09:00

One of my friends, Rachel invited me to stay at her home and go to the church with a Japanese friend. She is a Chinese-Australian. Her family welcomed us in English and Chinese.
Her house looks like an English house. But, there were many Chinese ornaments in the living room. At dinner, her mother served us Chinese home dishes.

The next day, we went to the church and took part in the 13th Baptism Service. My friend's father is a priest. He proceeded the service in Chinese (Mandolin and Cantonese) and English. I don't study Chinese... so I read a booklet and guessed the meaning of Chinese characters. According to a my friend, it was the special day when Chinese, Hong Kong people, and Chinese- Australian get together at the same church, today. Religion get over the barrier of languages! I have ever been to the church in Japan because I went to Catholic preschool. However, the service had a different atmosphere in spite of that the service was as same as Japanese one. I felt the power of languages!
After the service, her family took us to a Chinese buffet restaurant. Even it was a Chinese restaurant, we could eat Chinese foods, Thai foods, and Western foods. There was only one Japanese food, Tempura. It was beyond my expectation to define what Australian culture is!

Farewell to Jolin

2008-03-20T15:39:00.001+09:00

As I wrote before, there was a new family, Jolin, in my home. Today, she left and went back to Japan.

When I was depressed about English, she encouraged me and gave me wonderful words. Her words are sometimes severe but tender. As a my senior for studying languages, nothing was useless. I could understand what she was confused with homestay, and she got lost on our way to home. It was very fun to go to Taronga zoo, Blue mountain, and a Chinese restaurant together. Also, thanks to her, I could learn about cultural differences between Japan, China, and Australia, which got me think myself deeply.

While she had stayed for two weeks, I felt lonely after she left our home. We promised to see each other again in Japan.

I will work hard to study English, and I won't forget you. See you again, Jolin!

Blue Mountain

2008-03-16T17:40:00.002+09:00

My new family booked a tour plan to go to Blue Mountain. I went there with her and her friends.

It is said that it takes for two hours to get there by bus. We got together at Town Hall at 7:00. In the bus, most of passengers were sleeping including me... A bus driver who can speak Japanese as well guided us half a day.

At first, we went to Echo Point. It seems to be a famous sightseeing spot to have a look Blue Mountain. According to the driver, Blue Mountains their name was caused by rays of light striking droplets of oil dispersed by gum trees. From there, we could viewed Three sisters (In Aboriginal history, three beautiful women were changed into three stones not to be picked up by others.) It seems to be set World Heritage Site in 1998. It was so beautiful that I could understand why it was chosen. Stones and forests stretched as far as we could see. There was no artificial thing.
Next, we went to view the Mountain from another points. We had choices to have a look taking sky way, railway or cable way ( the left photo). The rail way has the high grade in the world. It was like a role coaster.

We could learn history about it... I can't write all. Why don't you know going there actually?;)
After that, the driver took us to his "secret point". (Other visitors were there. I don't know there is secret point.) As you know from the right photo, it was a Cliff. You can feel a natural thrill and dynamics.

I recommend you to go to Blue Mountain to touch a magnitude of Australia!

Japanese Party

2008-03-15T21:50:00.003+09:00

We, international students, have several buddies at UTS. Today, Kanako planned to Japanese party for our buddies at her house. We made Sushi and Miso soup. However, all of us who were then lived with our families in Japan. No one was good at cooking! The most important thing of cooking is taste but shape! We said that each other and finished making them without mistakes (^^;

People came the party one after another, there were twelve people. Unfortunately, my buddy couldn't come to the party. But I know Kanako's buddy and Mai's buddy. Moreover, Kanako invited other local students, Sandy and Melissa, who will go to University of Yamanashi. We talked about Yamanashi a lot. The reason why they chose Yamanashi seems to be that they like rural cities and it is easy to go to Tokyo. Definitely. Anyway, Melissa said "Umasou!" having a look Japanese dishes. After that, Sandy asked that "does it mean it is like horse(umamitai) ?" Do you understand? They leaned "~sou" meant "like~". Ah, how difficult Japanese is! Besides, they had already been able to speak Japanese very well! I'm looking forward to seeing them in Yamanashi. Thank you, Kanako!

Also, we enjoyed watching Totoro in English. This movie seems to be not only Japanese movie any more. Local students had known the whole story. I prefer original one to English one because their voices were quite different from original one. The movie is one of my favorite movies. I can remember many phrases correctly. I will try to watch it again!

New family and Taronga zoo

2008-03-09T22:55:00.004+09:00

The day before, a new student came to our home. She is Jolin, Chinese (the right side of the bottom of right picture). She studies at Japanese University as a postgraduate student and came to Australia as a trainee at Sydney University. Naturally, she can speak Chinese, Japanese, and English. Her stay is very short, for only two weeks. So, I invited her to go to Taronga zoo with my friends. One of my friends who went there is Outiv who had went to University of Yamanashi since last semester.

We get a train and a ferry to get to Taronga zoo. I got a ferry and seasick for the first time in Australia... But we could view Opera House and Harbour bridge at the same time. I really recommend you to get the ferry if you have a confidence not to be seasick!! Thanks to Outiv, we enter the zoo cheaper than usual. As I posted, I have been to the other zoo before. However, Taronga zoo was much bigger than the other zoo. I think it is impossible to watch all of animals there in a day. The zoo was almost same as what I expected. I could felt a large-scare of Australia!

JASS

2008-03-08T22:40:00.004+09:00

UTS has many kinds of international communities. For example, Australian and Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, and so on.
Today, I joined JASS (Japanese Australian Student Society) and went to Coogee beach with members of JASS. Almost all of Japanese at ELSSA centre and local students who study or are interested in Japan participated today's event.
We arrived at the beach about noon and started to have BBQ. Organizer prepared not only Australian but also Japanese ingredients for BBQ. We had meats and vegetables with noodle, don't we? In Australian BBQ style, they have sausage and vegetables with bread. Food is one of important tools to communicate with foreign people. We enjoy eating them teaching how to make Japanese style's BBQ.
After eating, we played some games. The first game was getting together the number of people which organizer said. The Second game was message game with gesture. Both of games made it easier to contact with anyone. After that, I talked many friends for a long time. In front of a beautiful beach with bikini, it was so fun that I missed the time to swim in the ocean :D
JASS seems to plan some events coming soon. I surely will join them!

Mardi Gras!

2008-03-01T23:50:00.005+09:00

Do you know "Mardi Gras"? It is said to be one of famous festival in the world. In Sydney, the festival is held for homosexual people every year. We went to the venue for three hours before to have seats as same as I waited a parade when I went to Tokyo Disneyland.

After three hours, the festival began with noise of so many motorcycles. Participants rode each motorcycle with their partner and wave with a smile at spectators. Can you imagine such an atmosphere in Japan? I actually saw homosexual people for the first time. According to my Japanese friend, we often can see them in Tokyo... But, the festival made us think about human rights. They wore funny costumes with strong spirits!

The parade lasted until midnight. This year is 30th anniversary. Their feeling over the festival seemed to run higher than usual!

I could have a precious experience and come back to home without being picked up by them. (The reason why I wrote it is because I heard some people were often picked up by participants!)

The first week at UTS

2008-02-29T21:05:00.000+09:00

Finally, our school life started! In this semester, I have class on Monday to Thursday at City campus and on Friday at Kuring-gai campus where it takes for forty minutes by shuttle bus from City campus. I take most of my classes from 9:30 to 15:00. This schedule is simpler than my previous one in Japan.

However, I felt this week was very long! Maybe, it is because I haven't been accustomed with taking all classes in English all day long. Every after school, I sensed my ears being tired. I believe that it is a proof of training my listening ability.

One of my enjoyments of school life is having lunch with my friends! We have lunch outside taking about classes, plans, friends, each other's lunch and so on. Australia is worthy to be said a multicultural country. There are many kinds of cafeteria in City campus. We can eat Sushi, Pasta, Sandwich, Kebab, Curry... These don't make us bored. I will learn how to spend after school from native students ;)

Accidental barrier

2008-02-24T18:55:00.003+09:00

It was the last spring vacation today. I spent with my host family. Afternoon, they took me to Cronulla. While I expected to go to Crunulla beach again, we enjoyed just shopping. My host mother and sister seem to dislike swimming in the ocean.

Have you ever eaten Teppan ice cream which is a kind of ice cream mixed with some sweets on iron plates? The shops, "Cold Stone creamery" is famous for making such ice cream. In Australia, we can see a same kind of shop "Cold Rock". It was very hot today. I ordered "Aussie vanilla ice cream mixed with "M&M's" chocolate. I thought that how to order ice cream is not so difficult as how to order sandwich in "Subway". But a salesgirl didn't seem to understand... I shouted many times. When my host mother said the same thing, a salesgirl finally nodded. My pronunciation of "M&M's" was incorrect. I couldn't conceive that I can't say such a easy and famous name of sweets properly.

As one of students in English phonetic laboratory, I want to acquire natural pronunciation.

The first cocktail party

2008-02-20T20:20:00.005+09:00

At UTS orientation, we got a ticket of cocktail party. As participants were set to wear smart casual clothes, I asked my host mother how clothes are smart casual and bought a tunic blouse for the party. Anyway, I was puzzled to go cocktail party. (While some people wore casual clothes...) But I can get a chance to talk with students for the first time at UTS. I really wanted to take part in the party.

In front of an entrance, many national flags were decorated. When we entered the hall, the party had already started. It was a kind of buffet party. At first, Chinese boy spoke to me. And then, his friend, a friend of his friend, a friend of the friend of his friend...We could meet each other expanding a circle of friendship drinking cocktail. How fun taking is! I noticed that I was excited to communicate with them in English! Such a situation was just what I wanted to experience here. As some seniors said to us, Asian people tend to get together with Asian people. Mostly, I talked with Chinese and Korean students.

After the party, we went to a bar. I drunk Aussie beer for the first time. I don't have a good palate for beer. It felt it was a little stronger than Japanese one. It was too noisy to speak there. However, then, I could learn new Aussie culture!

Don' t worry about such a little thing!

2008-02-18T22:55:00.005+09:00

My host mother took me to a library which I can go within fifteen minutes from our house. After making my library card, she ask a librarian what kind of books suit my English skill. And then, she said that I'm a beginner. Though I think so myself, I was shocked by being said by others. While I won't show off my English ability... Sometimes, I feel frustrated about lack of my achievement. I really thought when I leave this home, I want to be a good speaker!
I borrowed two books, "Now and Zen" and "The Great Blue Yonder". "Now and Zen" is a story of Japanese American who had never been to Japan. It is fun to know foreign people's views for Japan. Also, I have read "The Great Blue Yonder" in Japanese. It was my favorite book when I was a junior high school student. I will go to the library many times and train my reading skill!

Afternoon, I went to the aquarium next to the zoo with Japanese friends. The aquarium was different from them in Japan. Speaking of an aquarium, what images do you have? I think you would say dolphins and penguins. But, we could watch sharks, crocodiles, turtles, and so on. As you know, Australia is famous for Great Barrier Reef. Specially, the event of Finding Nimo was set there. Thanks to a very kind staff, Steve on the left side of left picture, I could enjoy watching a lot.

My host family

2008-02-17T14:53:00.005+09:00

The time has passed for a week since I started to stay with family in Australia. Recently, very happy things happened to me!
My host brother is four years old. He is friedly and speaks to me many times. When I stay at home, I play with him. But I can't catch his continuous saying well... I had thought I am a just match to play with him because he seemed to play by himself. Also, I have a host sister who is eight years old. She is so busy to go to an elementary school and a ballet school that I can't get oppotunities to talk with. Sometimes, host mother tell me to do something that host sister wanted to do. I had attempted to take time to get along with her.
However, it was wrong. He wanted to watch movies only with me and to sit next to me! At a lunch and dinner time, he calls me and takes me to a table hand in hand! On the other hand, she invited to play Wii and made another "me" for me in Wii world! She gave me her pierced earring!
I want to be a member of the family. And then, I hope to talk with them naturally!

New Japanese friends!

2008-02-14T20:35:00.000+09:00

Really, I missed an orientation of ELSSA which our English school of UTS. Because I didn't know that the date was changed the day before. Though I was anxious about being absent, it was not so important according to my friends.

So, today, I went to the zoo with Mai, Kanako, and three Japanese friends. When we talked with them, we tried to use English as much as we could. They also go to ELSSA. Their English skills seemed to be almost equal as mine. Being with them stimulated my motivation to study. Of course, it is the best for us to do something with native speakers...

In the zoo, there were many insects, raptiles, and a few mammals. I touched a real sneak for the first time! I wanted to hold koalas...But, in NSW, to touch koalas was prohibited three years ago. It was written that many wild animals are threatened with extinction in Australia. We could learn a kind of Australian culture.

UTS and Cronulla

2008-02-12T19:50:00.000+09:00

Yesterday, we had an orientation at UTS. I could go there without getting lost. There were many international students in the hall. During an orientation, office workers spoke English very fast. I recorded on a MP3 recorder not to miss important information. They gave us the first training to listen to English.

Today, I went to a beach with Tomoko who is a student from University of Yamanashi. We haven't had Australian friends yet because our classes will start from 25th. We went to a beach in Cronulla. On our way to the beach, we were caught in a shower. We enjoyed shopping and droped in a Sushi shop. Japanese man managed a Kaitenzushi shop "Sushi train". This is a "Teriyaki chicken avocado roll". These Sushi were a little different from Japanese Sushi. But I want to eat again when I miss Japanese food. By the way, I have been to Cronulla when I was a high school student. The experience of staying promoted me to choose going to Australia. Then, I used to go swimming with host family. I wish I could contact with them! Beautiful sea made me remember my memory. I forgot that time passes for a minute.

From Australia!

2008-02-09T20:30:00.000+09:00

Hello! I arrived at Australia safely. It is not hotter than I expected.
There are four people in my homestay family. Father, mother, sister, and brother. Yesterday, there were also four Chinese people in the house.

Today, I tried to go to UTS (University of Techmology, Sydney) which I will go to study myself. As Trains stopped for construction, I gave up to go to school today. After walking around the station, I got a wrong bus. It was too late when I noticed to have a mistake. I went around the city once for three hours. When I return to the bus stop which I got the bus, the last bus had gone. A very kind bus driver took me to my house. Finally, I could come back.
Though only two days have passed, I have already failed.
However, I work hard to try to talk with more people and to be accustomed to live with hostfamily!

Coming of Age Day

2008-01-13T23:40:00.000+09:00

In general, Coming of Age Day is January 14th this year. In my home town, Coming of Age ceremony was held in January 13th.
Today, I wore red Furisode which is one of Kimono having long sleeve. I made up my face a little thicker than usual. My mother and younger sister said to me " who are you? You are like another person!" what did it mean...? It was rare opportunity to were Furisode. My grandfather whose hobby is taking pictures took a lot of my pictures. I felt I were a fashion model.
At the ceremony, I met many friends who went to same junior high school. Girls became beautiful women. I couldn't define who he or she was because I met them since we graduated from junior high.
After the ceremony, we had a drinking party with junior high school members. The girl on the right side of right picture planned the party. About 100 people joined it. I was surprised that some of friends had already worked in social, one boy had his child, one girl was a lover of one boy and so on.
Although we became adults and we are in several situation, we have been friends. I really want to get along with them and remember in youth (u_u*)

Over the final a month

2008-01-07T23:30:00.000+09:00

I noticed that I would be in an air plane this time next month. Thinking that makes me count down many things unconsciously. For example, meeting someone in _ times, being somewhere in _times, and so on. Today, I informed friends studying abroad on "mixi".

"Mixi" is like a blog only in Japanese. Almost all of my friends have several account. We can know others recent situation from them. I'm not a ready writer, I post new one once in a while. Someday I will introduce this blog to my Japanese friends. If I write something about Australia, I will post this blog first to train English skills. Then, I plan to write both in English and Japanese for readers.

A Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T23:50:00.000+09:00

I feel that the time flies very fast. 2008 comes! This year must be different from usual.

Today, I went to Kanazakura shrine where I have been since last year. Naturally, I prayed for God that... It's secret. It is better not to tell a wish to others to come true. After prayer, I tried to draw a fortune slip. But there is no box of it. It was too late to go there.
I tend to believe fortunetelling. So I really mind about fortune. However, I decided not to go to the shrine again or other shrines to draw a fortune slip. I reconsider that it may be good for me not to think fortune. Sometimes, I'm apt to be influences by other's opinions. What I could think like that may be a lesson from God!

Yes, one of what I would like to achieve this year is to have positive thinking!

Ski

2007-12-28T22:00:00.000+09:00

The wind orchestra club which I belong to have a skiing camp every spring vacation. But I can't join the camp this year. So, my seniors took me skiing with some members of the club.

I tried funski which is a kind of skiing using short boards and no stocks. We can turn easier. Other people are very nice skier. They said to me that "the best way to improve skiing skill is to keep up with good skiers." I glided as hard as I can. But by the time I got back to home, I could get better if I do say so myself.
On the way home, we took a hot spring bath. We gave massage not to have mustles ache. After our bodies became warm, we had a full stomach with chinese noodles.

In Australia, I would not see snow. I don't have a plan to go skiing right now, this time may a last looking of snow. Instead of skiing, I want to try to enjoy marine sports!

Drinking party

2007-12-23T23:10:00.000+09:00

A drinking party was held yesterday. Some Japanese students who are interested in foreigner, international students (Englishman, German, Australian, Italian) and one of my English teacher who is from Scotland) took part in the party. Which seat can we sit were decided by lot to communicate with foreigners. I sat in front of and next to Englishmen. We talked about many things drinking and eating Nabe. Sometimes, I talked to them in English. Then, they answered in Japanese. It seemed that Japanese beer is weak than British beer. They drunk so much that I couldn't keep drinking pace with them.

What I felt the most was that they are very aggressive to study. When we choose a drink, a Englishman challenged Calpiswari which is a kind of Shotyu diluted by Calpis that he hadn't drunk and is popular in Japan. If I said the word that they didn't know, they took a memo or asked me the meaning. If they couldn't make a phrase in Japanese, they asked me how to use a phrase naturally. One of them who has been to Australia taught me some good places in Australia. The other one who has a girl friends advised me something about long-distance love. I also made efforts to talk about their interests of Japanese.

Thank them very much for having nice time! I want to talk with them more next time without getting drink power.

Realization and Imagination

2007-12-21T21:50:00.000+09:00

Today, I got an airplane ticket with my friend who will go to Australia with me. We investigated many plans and chose the flight which is fit our schedule and finance. What we could learn is that prices of airplane tickets are different according to seasons and airplane companies. It took much times to choose one.

We got round- trip ticket. The leaving date has been set in February 7th. When I saw the date, I finally began to realize that I leave Japan for a while. I should be in Australia within two months!

Also, I wrote the application form of homestay. I can fill in my hope for host family. For example, do I prefer a family with children, am I willing to live with a family that has pets, and so on. I wish I could live with family who have children and no pets. (I want second brothers or sisters. I'm not natural with animals.) It gives me a lot of fun just to imagine lives with host family. I have had a homestay in Australia for only two weeks. Then, the host family treated me as a member of the family. But this time, I will stay with them for 10 months! So, I can't help imaging!

The last club activity

2007-12-20T14:35:00.000+09:00

I belong to the wind orchestra club in this university. Yesterday, we held a Christmas Concert for lunch time in front of Seikyo. It is one annual events of our activities. We performed Christmas songs to make audience feel the coming of Christmas. After the concert, we take a winter vacation.

So, the concert is the last activity in this year for all members. At the same time, it is the last activity for me before leaving Japan. Because I have to prepare to go to Australia. Other members will practice in January. But I decided to suspend the activities of the club until I come back to Japan. I have practiced musical instruments since I was a junior high school student. It is the first time for me to live with no practice. I must miss not being able to perform with members...

If there is a wind orchestra club in the university which I will go, I want to belong to it. No matter where I am, I will always be close emotionally!

My Birthday♪

2007-12-18T22:30:00.000+09:00

Today, December eighteenth, is my birthday! I became twenty years old.
My family and friends cerebrated me. I spent very happy time.

At the same time, I think about my myself. I am still childish... I should behave more maturely...
While studying abroad, I should do all the more! It is the first thing for me to live separate from my family more than half a year because I have lived with them almost all the day. In Australia, I will home stay. Although I can live with the second family, I would face many trial. For example, how to communicate, how to live, and so on. In addition, what I should do and want to do depends on me. However, I want to change these trials into chances to live my own life.

Thinking such a thing, I made the vow to grow up.
Besides, I am old enough to drink, I drunk cocktail with my family. I felt realization of being adult a little!

To get money...

2007-12-12T16:20:00.000+09:00

It costs a lot of money to study abroad. Until now, I spent on taking TOEFL tests, getting a student's visa, receiving a medical examination, and so on. From now, we have to pay much money. For example, expenses of plane tickets, costs of living...
So, I thought I should earn pocket money even though it is a little. Because I depend on my parents to spend almost all money to study abroad. I have worked at Western restaurant as a waitress since this summer vacation. My pay is not expensive. But I work keeping the proverb "little and often fills the purse." in my mind.

However, manager of the restaurant called me on last month. He said to me that "you don't have to come the restaurant to work." I was so surprised that I asked him what happened. Any trouble seemed to happen at the restaurant. I couldn't work and earn any more... So, I often read job magazines and wanted advertisements in case the restaurant wouldn't open.

About a month was passed, yesterday, manager finally told me that the restaurant reopen! I really felt relief at the news because I intended to work in winter vacation only at the restaurant. I will consume much time working. Naturally, I will study English hard...

The first post!

2007-12-12T15:30:00.000+09:00

Hello!

I started this blog as a part of English presentation class. In class, we shared our blogs about ourselves or several culture with American students. Writing a blog in English was useful for me to learn English and differences of culture between America and Japan.

By the way, I will study in Australia from next February to November. On this blog, I want to write about preparation in Japan to study in Australia and my daily life in Australia!