Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
On our way - should be there by 1pm!
Thursday, 23rd of September
We are currently sitting in Hong Kong airport with an expression of exhaustion and, although we're sad to be going home, relief and anticipation to see our families. It is clear that Mr. McClelland and Mr. Brysha are relieved to be rid of us in a mere 9 hours. Overall the trip was a success. Personally I am much more motivated to study Japanese and I gained a unique insight into a beautiful culture. The group of guys in the trip were brought a lot closer throughout the trip.
The Waseda Gakuin students were very excited to host us, and were all really friendly and enthusiastic. The teachers at Waseda also involved us in the class and we were never ignored. So much hospitality was given by our host brothers and families, as well as the rest of the school.
Tokyo was a great experience and it was full of traditional sights and extremely modern ones. I enjoyed it more than Kyoto, but both of them are extremely beautiful.
The main highlight for me was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Museum. The A- Bomb Dome was particularly touching, as it was the Hypo-center of the Blast. It is still standing a sad skeleton of a war torn building.
Well, now it is time to fly back to Melbourne.
- Paul
We are currently sitting in Hong Kong airport with an expression of exhaustion and, although we're sad to be going home, relief and anticipation to see our families. It is clear that Mr. McClelland and Mr. Brysha are relieved to be rid of us in a mere 9 hours. Overall the trip was a success. Personally I am much more motivated to study Japanese and I gained a unique insight into a beautiful culture. The group of guys in the trip were brought a lot closer throughout the trip.
The Waseda Gakuin students were very excited to host us, and were all really friendly and enthusiastic. The teachers at Waseda also involved us in the class and we were never ignored. So much hospitality was given by our host brothers and families, as well as the rest of the school.
Tokyo was a great experience and it was full of traditional sights and extremely modern ones. I enjoyed it more than Kyoto, but both of them are extremely beautiful.
The main highlight for me was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Museum. The A- Bomb Dome was particularly touching, as it was the Hypo-center of the Blast. It is still standing a sad skeleton of a war torn building.
Well, now it is time to fly back to Melbourne.
- Paul
Ferris wheel, the Hilton and karaoke
Osaka day
For the first time in around two weeks we got the opportunity to wake up after dawn, something we all happily took advantage of. We set out for Osaka around midday, taking a short trip on the Shinkansen and arriving within half an hour. After meeting up with some native speakers who had a much, much better idea of the city than us, we headed for one of two ferris wheels over looking Osaka. It was interesting to see the differences between Tokyo and Osaka, especially considering Osaka seemed to be more built up. After that we visited an arcade, an experience that was at least bewildering and at best unbelievably strange. By the time we'd exhausted enough of our money on Time Crisis, we moved on to check out the shopping district of Osaka.We split up at this point, I spent most of my time in a music store trialling guitars that were five to six times more expensive than anything I owned while attendants patiently waited for me to stop...
Next up was dinner at the Hilton, definitely impressive, then karaoke with Mr. Brysha, another experience that words can't quite explain, nor prepare you for. All in all, a great day and a great way to see Osaka.
Jakob
For the first time in around two weeks we got the opportunity to wake up after dawn, something we all happily took advantage of. We set out for Osaka around midday, taking a short trip on the Shinkansen and arriving within half an hour. After meeting up with some native speakers who had a much, much better idea of the city than us, we headed for one of two ferris wheels over looking Osaka. It was interesting to see the differences between Tokyo and Osaka, especially considering Osaka seemed to be more built up. After that we visited an arcade, an experience that was at least bewildering and at best unbelievably strange. By the time we'd exhausted enough of our money on Time Crisis, we moved on to check out the shopping district of Osaka.We split up at this point, I spent most of my time in a music store trialling guitars that were five to six times more expensive than anything I owned while attendants patiently waited for me to stop...
Next up was dinner at the Hilton, definitely impressive, then karaoke with Mr. Brysha, another experience that words can't quite explain, nor prepare you for. All in all, a great day and a great way to see Osaka.
Jakob
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Memories
Saturday!
S aturday 18th September
Once again it was an early for the majority of the group with me waking up 5:45 am so that I could have breakfast and give even time to get to school with suitcase. After saying some final goodbyes to the host father and sister; I was of on what would the last time I would spend with my host brother. It struck me hard when I finally though about this carefully. Before what was like a train ride that went forever; I was at Waseda for the last time.
Our first and final class of the day was double period of Japanese traditional music. We first listened to a part of the last samurai where the music strongly influenced the strong message of the scene. It was revealed that most of the music was from Japanese traditional music. Then we went through the history of many instruments and also "tried" to play some. After a performance from two musicians; the was it for classes at Waseda.
After moving to the multi-media room, we were kindly greeted by our host families. But not of them turned up because it was simply too much of a hustle to get to Waseda. There was a few final speeches both said by Waseda and Xavier College members. After final goodbyes, photos and taking down email addresses we were off to Shinawaga where we would be staying the night.
We had to take two trains to Shinawaga. The first one we had no trouble but of the second we accidentally spilt up; which made a few problems occur. Firstly only a few knew where we were going and secondly we had not arranged a meeting place. So when we got to Shinawaga station, the first thing to do was the find the other half of the group. After a few minutes we found the other group and headed off to the nearby hotel.
This hotel was massive compared to the other hotels which we stayed in. It was about 40 floors and the rooms were Western style. After unpacking our bags; were prepared ourselves for a great night at Disney Sea.
After catching another two trains we were at Disney Sea which is next to Disneyland. We were on the monorail going past the Disney hotel and then getting off at Disney Sea. The difference between Disneyland and Disney Sea is of cause the rides. The only problem is that there is a lot of people in Tokyo and a of people go to this amusement park.
So we found ourselves only getting about two or three rides for the 5 hours that we were there. I we on the Storm Rider and the Indiana Jones Crystal Skull ride. The Storm Rider was a ride which simulated going on a plane into a hurricane. It really feel like we were in a plane though going through a storm was pretty fun. The other ride I went was a Indiana Jones ride which was like been driven down a cavern with lots of stuff from the movie. It was a lot of fun, but it's just the wait that was terrible.
After watching some fireworks and waking around having a look at Disney Sea, we all bought souvenirs for those back home. We then took our last look at Disney Sea and Disneyland and the same two trains back to the hotel for a good night sleep.
By Jackson CopiedImage.png
Once again it was an early for the majority of the group with me waking up 5:45 am so that I could have breakfast and give even time to get to school with suitcase. After saying some final goodbyes to the host father and sister; I was of on what would the last time I would spend with my host brother. It struck me hard when I finally though about this carefully. Before what was like a train ride that went forever; I was at Waseda for the last time.
Our first and final class of the day was double period of Japanese traditional music. We first listened to a part of the last samurai where the music strongly influenced the strong message of the scene. It was revealed that most of the music was from Japanese traditional music. Then we went through the history of many instruments and also "tried" to play some. After a performance from two musicians; the was it for classes at Waseda.
After moving to the multi-media room, we were kindly greeted by our host families. But not of them turned up because it was simply too much of a hustle to get to Waseda. There was a few final speeches both said by Waseda and Xavier College members. After final goodbyes, photos and taking down email addresses we were off to Shinawaga where we would be staying the night.
We had to take two trains to Shinawaga. The first one we had no trouble but of the second we accidentally spilt up; which made a few problems occur. Firstly only a few knew where we were going and secondly we had not arranged a meeting place. So when we got to Shinawaga station, the first thing to do was the find the other half of the group. After a few minutes we found the other group and headed off to the nearby hotel.
This hotel was massive compared to the other hotels which we stayed in. It was about 40 floors and the rooms were Western style. After unpacking our bags; were prepared ourselves for a great night at Disney Sea.
After catching another two trains we were at Disney Sea which is next to Disneyland. We were on the monorail going past the Disney hotel and then getting off at Disney Sea. The difference between Disneyland and Disney Sea is of cause the rides. The only problem is that there is a lot of people in Tokyo and a of people go to this amusement park.
So we found ourselves only getting about two or three rides for the 5 hours that we were there. I we on the Storm Rider and the Indiana Jones Crystal Skull ride. The Storm Rider was a ride which simulated going on a plane into a hurricane. It really feel like we were in a plane though going through a storm was pretty fun. The other ride I went was a Indiana Jones ride which was like been driven down a cavern with lots of stuff from the movie. It was a lot of fun, but it's just the wait that was terrible.
After watching some fireworks and waking around having a look at Disney Sea, we all bought souvenirs for those back home. We then took our last look at Disney Sea and Disneyland and the same two trains back to the hotel for a good night sleep.
By Jackson CopiedImage.png
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Kyoto
Kyoto sightseeing - Colin
After a simple breakfast at the Kyoto tower hotel annex, the group met up in the lobby at about 8:30. After a quick meeting, we made our way to the bus, which was right outside of the hotel. The bus was fantastic. I think that everyone was getting a little tired of all the trains and subways, so having a bus in which everyone coulee chill out between attractions was the way to go. And it was air conditioned!
Before each stop, the group leaders, Andrew and myself, gave a quick overview of what the place we were about to experience was all about. We went to, in order:
Kiyomizu-dera
Nijo-Jo -nijo castle
Ryoanji - the rock garden
Kinkakuji - the golden temple
Kiyomizu-dera was an incredible experience. The view of Kyoto was beautiful, and the buildings exuded a certain ancient elegance. There were many shrine, offerings and blessings to be had. Around every bend someone was lighting an incense or paying their respects. A unique blessing that I experience was one with three streams of water flowing into a small pool. You could only drink from one, but each bestowed a different blessing upon you: study, love or long life. Of course everyone chose study. Also, the shopping was very goo, similar to Asakusa, with lots of different trinkets. Then we got onto the bus again and headed to Nijo-Jo.
Nijo-Jo, for me, was extremely cool. The buildings were just like ones i had seen in various ninja movies and games. The squeaking floorboards were very interesting. Again, from one of the towers , the view of japans ancient capital was breathtaking. The example of the timeless architecture, which s forever depicted in multiple art forms, was indescribable to experience first hand. It was also interesting to see how the castles of dual japan codifier from those of typical European or English castles. The design reflected something of the era it was designed in , and shed some light on not only military affairs of ancient japan, but also what was considered luxurious at that time. Afterwards, we headed to the rod garden.
The Ryoanji was just a simple rock gnarden inside of a harmonious temple, consisting of only white sand 15 laid out rocks, but it was a prime example of zen and a masterpiece of Japanese culture. The temple gave out an aura of peacefulness and I think it was well needed after the busy week and a half that we had completed.
After a simple breakfast at the Kyoto tower hotel annex, the group met up in the lobby at about 8:30. After a quick meeting, we made our way to the bus, which was right outside of the hotel. The bus was fantastic. I think that everyone was getting a little tired of all the trains and subways, so having a bus in which everyone coulee chill out between attractions was the way to go. And it was air conditioned!
Before each stop, the group leaders, Andrew and myself, gave a quick overview of what the place we were about to experience was all about. We went to, in order:
Kiyomizu-dera
Nijo-Jo -nijo castle
Ryoanji - the rock garden
Kinkakuji - the golden temple
Kiyomizu-dera was an incredible experience. The view of Kyoto was beautiful, and the buildings exuded a certain ancient elegance. There were many shrine, offerings and blessings to be had. Around every bend someone was lighting an incense or paying their respects. A unique blessing that I experience was one with three streams of water flowing into a small pool. You could only drink from one, but each bestowed a different blessing upon you: study, love or long life. Of course everyone chose study. Also, the shopping was very goo, similar to Asakusa, with lots of different trinkets. Then we got onto the bus again and headed to Nijo-Jo.
Nijo-Jo, for me, was extremely cool. The buildings were just like ones i had seen in various ninja movies and games. The squeaking floorboards were very interesting. Again, from one of the towers , the view of japans ancient capital was breathtaking. The example of the timeless architecture, which s forever depicted in multiple art forms, was indescribable to experience first hand. It was also interesting to see how the castles of dual japan codifier from those of typical European or English castles. The design reflected something of the era it was designed in , and shed some light on not only military affairs of ancient japan, but also what was considered luxurious at that time. Afterwards, we headed to the rod garden.
The Ryoanji was just a simple rock gnarden inside of a harmonious temple, consisting of only white sand 15 laid out rocks, but it was a prime example of zen and a masterpiece of Japanese culture. The temple gave out an aura of peacefulness and I think it was well needed after the busy week and a half that we had completed.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima/Myajima James
This morning was an early start. We left at 7.30 to get on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and most of us grabbed the opportunity for a little extra extra sleep during the 2 hour trip. We arrived in Hiroshima at around 10 and took the tram to the atomic bomb dome. We walked across to the peace park and saw the various monuments around the park before heading into the museum. We were all amazed by the museum and gained an incredible insight into the effects of the atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. I don't think any of us really understood the power of the bomb or the devastating effects it had on the people of Hiroshima.
In the afternoon we headed for Miyajima, an extremely famous island not far from Hiroshima. Here we visited Itsukushima shrine and the .............. gate. Because it was low tide we walked right out to the gate which is over 16 metres tall. We spent another hour exploring Miyajima and were all amazed that we could just walk up and pat the deer that were around the town.
Then it was back onto the ferry, then train back to Hiroshima and we are now back on the Shinkansen heading back to Kyoto for a dinner of Okinamyaki, and then I think a few of us might sneak in a quick trip up to the top of Kyoto tower.
The trip has gone so quickly, it's difficult to believe that tomorrow is our last full day. We are going to be heading to Osaka so it should be another fun day.
Sayonara
This morning was an early start. We left at 7.30 to get on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and most of us grabbed the opportunity for a little extra extra sleep during the 2 hour trip. We arrived in Hiroshima at around 10 and took the tram to the atomic bomb dome. We walked across to the peace park and saw the various monuments around the park before heading into the museum. We were all amazed by the museum and gained an incredible insight into the effects of the atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. I don't think any of us really understood the power of the bomb or the devastating effects it had on the people of Hiroshima.
In the afternoon we headed for Miyajima, an extremely famous island not far from Hiroshima. Here we visited Itsukushima shrine and the .............. gate. Because it was low tide we walked right out to the gate which is over 16 metres tall. We spent another hour exploring Miyajima and were all amazed that we could just walk up and pat the deer that were around the town.
Then it was back onto the ferry, then train back to Hiroshima and we are now back on the Shinkansen heading back to Kyoto for a dinner of Okinamyaki, and then I think a few of us might sneak in a quick trip up to the top of Kyoto tower.
The trip has gone so quickly, it's difficult to believe that tomorrow is our last full day. We are going to be heading to Osaka so it should be another fun day.
Sayonara
School diary continued...
DAY 4
The first period was free where everyone must relaxed in the computer lab where we just checked email and any updates on facebook. After having one period of a free we went to a calligraphy class. The teacher showed us the traditional way to make the ink though we were not allowed to do it as it takes a long period of time to make a strong ink. We had a choice between light or dream. Many of us picked light. Though looking simple it was quite a hard to make a perfect light kanji. After calligraphy I went to my class which was social studies and quite interactive as they made me do a simple introduction in front of the class. After that it become a bit boring as a couldn't understand any of the kanji. In German, they only spoke in German with one of the teachers friends coming to the class which made it a little interesting. They threw a rabbit around where only they could speak and the teacher never noticed I was in his class.
Day 5
In the morning, we had two free periods where host brother and I had a sleep in, which felt great after the late nights we been having. After arriving at the school. We hurried straight to the first class which was English grammar. The class was a great experience in how they learn English. They used me as a example as I said words and told them about some words.
Chemistry, the class I have been waiting for and it came which was a great relief and it was the best period I had at the school. It was chemicals and how they react with others which was very basic and simple and I already learnt about it.
I received my math test back and I only got 2 out 10. It was a decent effort when it was in a different language. They started to talk about sin, cos, tan in how you find the degrees. It was quite easy. Though I noticed that they don't calculators which I am used to use for.
The last period which was physics. A simple lesson talking about force and mass. Luckily it was a experiment where we just moved around a block measuring the force needed to push it or pull. It made the lesson much easily. After finishing all the periods on a good note we left to go home.
The time at the school endless as everyone has made new friends where we can email, Facebook or Skype. It will be a strong build between the school that many of us hold that it will hold for a long time.
It made the experience much better having the home stay as we saw Japanese culture in the eyes of the families that live in it. All of the people were so respectful and helpful for us as they want that strong bond as well. The home stay and the school will be what I will not forget as it was superb experience.
By Andrew
The first period was free where everyone must relaxed in the computer lab where we just checked email and any updates on facebook. After having one period of a free we went to a calligraphy class. The teacher showed us the traditional way to make the ink though we were not allowed to do it as it takes a long period of time to make a strong ink. We had a choice between light or dream. Many of us picked light. Though looking simple it was quite a hard to make a perfect light kanji. After calligraphy I went to my class which was social studies and quite interactive as they made me do a simple introduction in front of the class. After that it become a bit boring as a couldn't understand any of the kanji. In German, they only spoke in German with one of the teachers friends coming to the class which made it a little interesting. They threw a rabbit around where only they could speak and the teacher never noticed I was in his class.
Day 5
In the morning, we had two free periods where host brother and I had a sleep in, which felt great after the late nights we been having. After arriving at the school. We hurried straight to the first class which was English grammar. The class was a great experience in how they learn English. They used me as a example as I said words and told them about some words.
Chemistry, the class I have been waiting for and it came which was a great relief and it was the best period I had at the school. It was chemicals and how they react with others which was very basic and simple and I already learnt about it.
I received my math test back and I only got 2 out 10. It was a decent effort when it was in a different language. They started to talk about sin, cos, tan in how you find the degrees. It was quite easy. Though I noticed that they don't calculators which I am used to use for.
The last period which was physics. A simple lesson talking about force and mass. Luckily it was a experiment where we just moved around a block measuring the force needed to push it or pull. It made the lesson much easily. After finishing all the periods on a good note we left to go home.
The time at the school endless as everyone has made new friends where we can email, Facebook or Skype. It will be a strong build between the school that many of us hold that it will hold for a long time.
It made the experience much better having the home stay as we saw Japanese culture in the eyes of the families that live in it. All of the people were so respectful and helpful for us as they want that strong bond as well. The home stay and the school will be what I will not forget as it was superb experience.
By Andrew
Monday, September 20, 2010
No rest for the warui...
After a sad farewell to the newfound friends at Waseda University Gakuin on Saturday afternoon, the intrepid Xavier exchange travellers made a quick transition, moving into the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, not to be confused with the Prince Hotel or the Takenawa Prince or the Shinagawa Annexe and so on... A short time later, after a quick trip via Tokyo station, they found themselves in a monorail with Mickey ears for handrails and windows. Disneysea was a welcome injection of crowds, elevator music played at high volume and lights.
The next morning Tokyo faded at the speed of a very fast train into the distance as the group attached earphones and settled for an under 3 hour trip to Kyoto.
After a misadventure with a ramen ticket vending machine, the group was finally fed by 3pm and somewhat bleary eyed, as they were, it was decided to cut our losses and have a break before venturing out again to Gion for dinner. Dinner was a laid back affair to say the least, sitting on matting backing in the open air onto Kyoto's Kamo river.
On Monday we weee back at our full on pace, with the help of a trusty coach, which had soon moved us between Kiyomizudera, Nijo-Jo, Ryoanji and Kinkakuji. The final step was a train trip into the hills, where all the boys took to a Japanese onsen and the majority also relaxed in the outside rotenburo. Tomorrow? Hiroshima.
The next morning Tokyo faded at the speed of a very fast train into the distance as the group attached earphones and settled for an under 3 hour trip to Kyoto.
After a misadventure with a ramen ticket vending machine, the group was finally fed by 3pm and somewhat bleary eyed, as they were, it was decided to cut our losses and have a break before venturing out again to Gion for dinner. Dinner was a laid back affair to say the least, sitting on matting backing in the open air onto Kyoto's Kamo river.
On Monday we weee back at our full on pace, with the help of a trusty coach, which had soon moved us between Kiyomizudera, Nijo-Jo, Ryoanji and Kinkakuji. The final step was a train trip into the hills, where all the boys took to a Japanese onsen and the majority also relaxed in the outside rotenburo. Tomorrow? Hiroshima.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Maths tests, health Ed and Waseda
Day. 2
The day that everyone did not expect to know what was going to happen. After a great time with the host family, everyone seem quite tired. My host family came me a great breakfast made by the MsT. My host brother name is Wataru.
The walk was nervous as you didn't know if they knew which station to get off. My host brother seem quiet throughout the walk. He didn't know much English though my Japanese skill match up with his English so I didn't mind.
Everyone was talkigg to their friends as we went to the multimedia room to start the day. We said goodbye to the host brothers as they went to their subjects. We watched 3 DVDs about Japanese food, architecture and music. They were quite interesting and gave a small insight into Japanese life.
The Waseda Tour gave us a look in what it is like at the school and showed us places like classes where we are going to be taught in, the tuckshop, the ovals, computer lab, multimedia room, library and many other places.
After the tour we had a Japanese lesson with some students where we did a quiz, Japanese accent and a introduction about yourself. I was nervous throughout the speech but once i got halfway I just went for it. The winners of the speeches were Colin, Billy and Jason. They were awarded lollies. Even though My group did not win, I made some great friends whom I can email now.
After the tiring experience we have a welcome party by the students for us. We had some speeches and sat away from friends where we talked with the Japanese students. I met one of my host brother friends whom wants to become better at English. It was a relaxing feel as the day finished. When arriving home.
Wataru told that I needed to study for Japanese math test with I did not expect I had to do. He helped be write in my book about every kanji that could be used about the question. I tried to write the kanji that were though some were too tough for me. Wataru is like a expert at kanji as he put a katakana name in KANJI. The Japanese dinner are always so good. The cooking is nice and makes me amazed. After a tiring night I fell to sleep like a log.
Day 3
I never liked waking up in the morning as they are so tiring though I had 30mins more than I did back in Melbourne. I am really bad at remembering names of the food that they gave me but it was great.
My first subject was Japanese and they were doing media analysis on T.V brands like ads, drama, anime, news, movies and documentaries. I had my host brother friend and we were doing it in English. It made my life easier.
I had health education in which was very boring I did not one much and all I knew it was puberty. The teacher used kanji for every word except particles.
I had a Japanese maths test that everyone in the class were fearing as any chance they could. I didn't mind as Japanese was my second language and they would let me off if I only answered a couple of questions. The test was on geometry which is easy for me in English but quite hard in Japanese as I didn't understand the questions. I knew I could't ask anyone as that would be breaking the rules. I managed to answer 3 questions though I didn't get to finish the last one.
The Waseda tour was interesting insight In why students go the school to reach the university. We had a personal tour by one of then students of Waseda. The tour took us around some buildings some the administration building; the theatre museum and the huge library. This is a very interesting painting; which represents that you have to study very hardhat Waseda to get anywhere. Another of the painting was the you can study no matter where you. The last place we visited on the tour is the clock tower; which was very hard to get to because the only way up is by stairs. However the exercise was worth it because the clock tower was very interesting.
The day that everyone did not expect to know what was going to happen. After a great time with the host family, everyone seem quite tired. My host family came me a great breakfast made by the MsT. My host brother name is Wataru.
The walk was nervous as you didn't know if they knew which station to get off. My host brother seem quiet throughout the walk. He didn't know much English though my Japanese skill match up with his English so I didn't mind.
Everyone was talkigg to their friends as we went to the multimedia room to start the day. We said goodbye to the host brothers as they went to their subjects. We watched 3 DVDs about Japanese food, architecture and music. They were quite interesting and gave a small insight into Japanese life.
The Waseda Tour gave us a look in what it is like at the school and showed us places like classes where we are going to be taught in, the tuckshop, the ovals, computer lab, multimedia room, library and many other places.
After the tour we had a Japanese lesson with some students where we did a quiz, Japanese accent and a introduction about yourself. I was nervous throughout the speech but once i got halfway I just went for it. The winners of the speeches were Colin, Billy and Jason. They were awarded lollies. Even though My group did not win, I made some great friends whom I can email now.
After the tiring experience we have a welcome party by the students for us. We had some speeches and sat away from friends where we talked with the Japanese students. I met one of my host brother friends whom wants to become better at English. It was a relaxing feel as the day finished. When arriving home.
Wataru told that I needed to study for Japanese math test with I did not expect I had to do. He helped be write in my book about every kanji that could be used about the question. I tried to write the kanji that were though some were too tough for me. Wataru is like a expert at kanji as he put a katakana name in KANJI. The Japanese dinner are always so good. The cooking is nice and makes me amazed. After a tiring night I fell to sleep like a log.
Day 3
I never liked waking up in the morning as they are so tiring though I had 30mins more than I did back in Melbourne. I am really bad at remembering names of the food that they gave me but it was great.
My first subject was Japanese and they were doing media analysis on T.V brands like ads, drama, anime, news, movies and documentaries. I had my host brother friend and we were doing it in English. It made my life easier.
I had health education in which was very boring I did not one much and all I knew it was puberty. The teacher used kanji for every word except particles.
I had a Japanese maths test that everyone in the class were fearing as any chance they could. I didn't mind as Japanese was my second language and they would let me off if I only answered a couple of questions. The test was on geometry which is easy for me in English but quite hard in Japanese as I didn't understand the questions. I knew I could't ask anyone as that would be breaking the rules. I managed to answer 3 questions though I didn't get to finish the last one.
The Waseda tour was interesting insight In why students go the school to reach the university. We had a personal tour by one of then students of Waseda. The tour took us around some buildings some the administration building; the theatre museum and the huge library. This is a very interesting painting; which represents that you have to study very hardhat Waseda to get anywhere. Another of the painting was the you can study no matter where you. The last place we visited on the tour is the clock tower; which was very hard to get to because the only way up is by stairs. However the exercise was worth it because the clock tower was very interesting.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
First Impressions
Being our first full day in Japan、the eager minds of the students were evident as we sat cramped in the Tatami room awaiting our traditional hot breakfast. With the day already planned,we first organized a meeting with Ryosuke in Asakusa. Leaving the Daimachi Bekan, the temperature was already soaring above 30 degrees.
With our day coming to a conclusion, we all arrived tired and exhausted from what was definitely an enjoyable first day. With another 1 and a half weeks of the trip still remaining, I'm sure that everyone is definitely excited about what the future holds. Jas.
Arriving at Asakusa, we were amazed by the historical temples that were present in the area. Walking through the markets, we couldn't help but notice the range of goods that were up for sale: food, tatami mats, toys, luck charms, treats, swords, guns and so much more.
Our next destination was Akihabara. Famous for its wide range of electronic goods, Akihabara was one of the biggest districts in Tokyo. Buildings were soaring above 10 stories high, and the game arcades were amongst the largest I had ever seen. Whilst the stores each offered their own variety of goods, we only spent 1 hour in the district, for it was time to travel to Ryogoku and enjoy our traditional Chanko Nabe lunch.
Sitting at the table, the Chanko Nabe was a Sumo Wrestlers daily lunch. It was HUGE! Meats, vegetable and noodles all lay within the large pot of boiling water. With our stomachs full, we entered the Ryogoku stadium, and were amazed as we sat down to enjoy the Sumo Wrestling. I was surprised at the popularity of the event, and whilst I had no clue on the players, there was always a cheer and a roar present for each of the individuals.
Next we arrived at Harajuku, which was the 'teenagers' district in Tokyo. The place offered many clothing and accessory stores, each with their own uniqueness. Unfortunately, time wasn't on our side, and we only spent 1 hour in the area, leaving for Shibuya.
Shibuya was definitely a busy sight. Lights were glaring everywhere to what looked like an outdoor nightclub. Splitting up, we went on search for dinner, and were able to find, a cheap but enjoyable restaurant. With no clue on how to order, or how to prepare our dish, the group took it step by step, and eventually came out with what appealed to us as a delicious dinner.
Monday, September 13, 2010
First day of homestay
On Sunday the 13th September, the Xavier Japanese exchange trip boys were fortunate enough to establish the start of a five day relationship with a Waseda High School which would be the reconnection of ten year old bond shared between the two schools. The day started out in the hotel where the boys had spent the past two nights and after breakfast the group progressed to the local train station where they headed off to Ikebukero. While there, the boys spent the next two hours in a large seven story department store confided within the train station. After finishing up at the department store, the boys headed off to the hotel to pick up their bags and progress to Waseda High School where they were to meet the people they would call their new family for the next week. For some, it meant a 10 minute bike ride to their new home, but for others like myself, it meant nearly a 2 hour trip consisting of 4 separate trains. The students then spent the night with their families and became acquainted with the people who would play such a large part in making their trip an experience to remember.
Michael B
Omikuji at Sensoji Temple
Buying Chikatetsu tickets
Update - photos coming!
Things have been very busy here... from a massive day on Sunday, to entering Waseda University High yesterday.
The students are all happily adjusting to their homestays and this morning (Tuesday) have undergone an orientation at Waseda High, including a tour of the impressive new building only opened in April this year. Waseda High has a very large campus and considering that there are around 550 boys in each year level, with up to 40 students in each class, it is not surprising. Some of the differences from X include a cafeteria, where you can order your food by buying a ticket through a vending machine as well as the three gymnasiums, which seem to be in use most of the time. The X students have various stories about their homestays, but I`ll let them pass these on themselves.
On Sunday, we went to Asakusa (Sensoji temple), Akihabara (electric town), Ryogoku, where we had a sumo lunch of Chanko nabe and then onto the Sumo tournament itself. Lastly, we headed for Harajuku (youth culture and fashion) and then Shibuya to see the lights of Tokyo.
The students are all happily adjusting to their homestays and this morning (Tuesday) have undergone an orientation at Waseda High, including a tour of the impressive new building only opened in April this year. Waseda High has a very large campus and considering that there are around 550 boys in each year level, with up to 40 students in each class, it is not surprising. Some of the differences from X include a cafeteria, where you can order your food by buying a ticket through a vending machine as well as the three gymnasiums, which seem to be in use most of the time. The X students have various stories about their homestays, but I`ll let them pass these on themselves.
On Sunday, we went to Asakusa (Sensoji temple), Akihabara (electric town), Ryogoku, where we had a sumo lunch of Chanko nabe and then onto the Sumo tournament itself. Lastly, we headed for Harajuku (youth culture and fashion) and then Shibuya to see the lights of Tokyo.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Day 1 Hong Kong airport
Nine hours... Nine hours in a single seat, in-between three other people. Time moves differently while in flight, you forget when night and day begins. After a lack of sleep and constant visual stimulation your senses change, it may have been just me but the food tasted insanely deious, like I hadn't eating in weeks. But enough of my dramatic description, my memory of my first international flight is defiantly one of a goodness. Now situated in Hong Kong, the feeling is sireal, the emensity of it hasn't yet sunk in, I still feel like I'm going to fall asleep and wake up back in Melbourne. I can't wait to see how the rest of the trip unfolds like a fine origami swan :]
I'm Rory wearing my "I am the greatest" shirt, signing off.
I'm Rory wearing my "I am the greatest" shirt, signing off.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Link to the weatherly forecast
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/week/319.html
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2009 exchange trip to Japan
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