Well, it's the end of another year. My birthday came and went, with lots of warm wishes from everyone. Thank you so much to all who thought about me yesterday. I really, really appreciate it.
Well, Mark is off to Taiwan today. He will be spending 2 days with the family without me...fingerscrossed. They all love him anyways, bet they're more pleased to see him then me...kekee. I will be going on holidays as of the 24th Dec.Christmas Eve. Will be missing everyone heaps. I don't think I'll update here until after I come back on the 11th of Jan.
I have been having Christmas parties left, right and centre. It's been a blast...my Adult conversation class held a Chrissy party on Monday. Everyone brought in a plate of food...it was so good. The atmosphere and the people were just so nice. I was really touched by it all. Our Gun also had a Christmas party. It was the last party with Marcos, who is home already after a whirlwind of a travel to Tokyo.
So many emotions are going through me right now. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards everyone who has made each day of my 24 years on Earth such a great experience ^_^' Thank you for a great year! Be sure to tune in for more fun, excitement and happy stories in 2005.
Love, hugs, kisses and chocolates.
Signing out for 2004. Vicky
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Monday, December 13, 2004
low period
I'm feeling down...It's a bad state to be in when I have to teach Christmas lessons to the students. Very bad! I guess the reason that I'm down is that one of my best friend is leaving Japan. It's funny, because I met him only 5 months ago. We were in the same group that came together at the end of July.
Marcos, he is from America , 24 years old, Pisces, loves to run, loves watching Scrubs, downloads lots of movies and Sex and the City for me. We hang out together and get on each other's nerves...but he is the second closest friend that I have here. It's an early reality bite. I guess I knew that in the end we all have to go home. But, when he told me he was leaving in a couple of days, I couldn't help but break down in front of him. We were out at karaoke and I cried. It's like loosing a family member. When you have attached yourself to someone, it's pretty hard to let them go just like that. Then it made me think about all the other friends that I have met along this journey, whom I have to leave either next July or after.
I am so confused right now. I don't know whether I should stay for another year or not. Right now I'm lost for words about how I feel. There's just this emptiness inside that's asking the question, would it be a smaert idea to stay for another year? Or would I benefit from just going home. I don't want any regrets.
Anyways, this is a sad entry, just pouring my emotions out.
Marcos, he is from America , 24 years old, Pisces, loves to run, loves watching Scrubs, downloads lots of movies and Sex and the City for me. We hang out together and get on each other's nerves...but he is the second closest friend that I have here. It's an early reality bite. I guess I knew that in the end we all have to go home. But, when he told me he was leaving in a couple of days, I couldn't help but break down in front of him. We were out at karaoke and I cried. It's like loosing a family member. When you have attached yourself to someone, it's pretty hard to let them go just like that. Then it made me think about all the other friends that I have met along this journey, whom I have to leave either next July or after.
I am so confused right now. I don't know whether I should stay for another year or not. Right now I'm lost for words about how I feel. There's just this emptiness inside that's asking the question, would it be a smaert idea to stay for another year? Or would I benefit from just going home. I don't want any regrets.
Anyways, this is a sad entry, just pouring my emotions out.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Festive Season
Yeah, it's nearly my birthday (11 days) and I'm going on a holiday in exactly 2 weeks. I'm so excited!!! I finally get to see my cousin's son, Derrick! (Oh, and of course Mum, sis, the rest of the family and Mark...kekee) How could I've forgotten all those people?! Silly me.
Christmas is so commercialised here, they have so many different types of decoration. Families really do go all out with the fairy lights and what not. I was driving down this country road, with rice fields all around, then all of a sudden...in the middle of nowhere, I see this house, it was so bright and "flashy" the whole house was covered with Christmas fairy lights. It was very pretty, but still a bit much. I haven't decorated my house, I haven't bought any presents, I haven't sent out Christmas cards, I haven't done anything Christmassy (except with the kids)...
SO, all my lovely, forgiving friends...know that I'm thinking about you during this festive season and I hope all of you will have a lovely holiday. Please forgive me for not sending anything or giving you anything now...just wait till I go back to Australia.
For now, I hope my telepathetic love and warm wishes will be enough. I love you all (if that counts for anything =^.^=)
Christmas is so commercialised here, they have so many different types of decoration. Families really do go all out with the fairy lights and what not. I was driving down this country road, with rice fields all around, then all of a sudden...in the middle of nowhere, I see this house, it was so bright and "flashy" the whole house was covered with Christmas fairy lights. It was very pretty, but still a bit much. I haven't decorated my house, I haven't bought any presents, I haven't sent out Christmas cards, I haven't done anything Christmassy (except with the kids)...
SO, all my lovely, forgiving friends...know that I'm thinking about you during this festive season and I hope all of you will have a lovely holiday. Please forgive me for not sending anything or giving you anything now...just wait till I go back to Australia.
For now, I hope my telepathetic love and warm wishes will be enough. I love you all (if that counts for anything =^.^=)
Monday, December 06, 2004
Nagasaki
Went to Nagasaki on Saturday with Marcos. The journey started at 6:15am from my house...It was way too early for my liking, but "apparantely" the drive was suppose to take 7hours (according to Jap friends) Since it was only going to be a day trip, we thought we'll start early. Drove to Nagasaki with Marcos asleep next to me ( bastard :p) Got there by 10:15. Don't ask and don't even go there. Yes, I am a bit fast on the road, but it was all good.
It was relatively warm that day...thought it was going to be a bright sunny day...turned out to be the worst day, it rained the whole time we were there. All my photos were bleak and grey...but did get some really good pics. Went to the Atomic Bomb memorial centre and the Peace Park. It was very sombre. Bit depressing. But, totally cheered up when we went to CHINATOWN. It was good, had lunch there...best spring rolls (harumaki) YUMMY!!! Got home at 11:00pm, not too bad.
Sunday, I attended mochisuki...kekee...used this HEAVY, big wooden pounder thing...it was very interesting and very Japanese. The kids were having a ball and it was great to see all these parents there. The community spirit is very high here. Made me miss my family...boohoo.. but it's all good! I get to see them in 19 days...I'm going to Taiwan, I'm going to Taiwan...woohoo
I had the BEST Korean food on Friday. Absolutely devine I tell ya. It is one of my favorite places to eat now.
It was relatively warm that day...thought it was going to be a bright sunny day...turned out to be the worst day, it rained the whole time we were there. All my photos were bleak and grey...but did get some really good pics. Went to the Atomic Bomb memorial centre and the Peace Park. It was very sombre. Bit depressing. But, totally cheered up when we went to CHINATOWN. It was good, had lunch there...best spring rolls (harumaki) YUMMY!!! Got home at 11:00pm, not too bad.
Sunday, I attended mochisuki...kekee...used this HEAVY, big wooden pounder thing...it was very interesting and very Japanese. The kids were having a ball and it was great to see all these parents there. The community spirit is very high here. Made me miss my family...boohoo.. but it's all good! I get to see them in 19 days...I'm going to Taiwan, I'm going to Taiwan...woohoo
I had the BEST Korean food on Friday. Absolutely devine I tell ya. It is one of my favorite places to eat now.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Sumo
Saturday, woke up bright and early to get ready for the 3hour drive to Fukuoka...Met up with Jen, Phil, Marcos and Alan at around 11o'clock and we were on our way. Me, being the speed demon drove very fast, but realised I needed to slow down in order for them to catch up with me. The drive up was fun, just imagine me singing away in my lil' pink car and having the time of my life. The weather was great for the drive.
We made it to Fukuoka at around 2ish. The others checked into their hotel rooms, then we headed out to the convenient store to stock up on alcohol and snacks. Caught a bus to the Fukuoka International Centre and there I experienced my first sumo tournament. It was an experience I'll never forget. Totally AMAZING! These men are huge, I think this is the only time that the Japanese men out do the Westerners. Anyways, took some amazing pics. It was a shame that I couldn't actually take a photo with one of them (such a tourist...hehee)
Drove back home Saturday night. Went out to this really cool/weird very un-Japanese restaurant on Sunday. ChaHana was the name of this place. It's owned by Kyoko, one of my eikaiwa student. She is a mother of 3. She speaks English relatively well. Her husband and her built ChaHana by themselves. It's made out of thick tree branches and everything in it was just authentic. The food was absolutely scrumptious as well. She made Nun, red tomatoe curry and green curry. It was yummy. Then spent the rest of Sunday lounging around at home...All in all a great relaxing weekend.
We made it to Fukuoka at around 2ish. The others checked into their hotel rooms, then we headed out to the convenient store to stock up on alcohol and snacks. Caught a bus to the Fukuoka International Centre and there I experienced my first sumo tournament. It was an experience I'll never forget. Totally AMAZING! These men are huge, I think this is the only time that the Japanese men out do the Westerners. Anyways, took some amazing pics. It was a shame that I couldn't actually take a photo with one of them (such a tourist...hehee)
Drove back home Saturday night. Went out to this really cool/weird very un-Japanese restaurant on Sunday. ChaHana was the name of this place. It's owned by Kyoko, one of my eikaiwa student. She is a mother of 3. She speaks English relatively well. Her husband and her built ChaHana by themselves. It's made out of thick tree branches and everything in it was just authentic. The food was absolutely scrumptious as well. She made Nun, red tomatoe curry and green curry. It was yummy. Then spent the rest of Sunday lounging around at home...All in all a great relaxing weekend.
Friday, November 26, 2004
It's The WeEkEnD
The weekend has finally arrived, well not really, give it another hour before I'm outta the school. I'm going to go to Fukuoka with some mates to watch a Sumo tournament. Really looking forward to it!
Going to Sumo was one of my must DO'S in Japan. It's the finals weekend for the tournament so I'm hoping it'll be pretty exciting. Either way, just getting out of Mizukami and into the city is a pretty good deal!!!
It's also my dad's birthday this Saturday. HaPpY BiRtHdAy Daddy!
I think one of the down side to being here is that you miss out on special events back home. 2 of my best friends are getting married early next year and I won't be there to celebrate it with them...boohoo :( But, my thoughts are with them, as they prepare for the big day!
The weather has suddenly changed again. It's 3pm here and it looks like it's 7pm in the evening. Thick clouds and heavy fog have settled in and it looks miserable. Will be spending another night indoors under the kotatsu (heater/table - Japan exclusive!) Have a great weekend :)
Going to Sumo was one of my must DO'S in Japan. It's the finals weekend for the tournament so I'm hoping it'll be pretty exciting. Either way, just getting out of Mizukami and into the city is a pretty good deal!!!
It's also my dad's birthday this Saturday. HaPpY BiRtHdAy Daddy!
I think one of the down side to being here is that you miss out on special events back home. 2 of my best friends are getting married early next year and I won't be there to celebrate it with them...boohoo :( But, my thoughts are with them, as they prepare for the big day!
The weather has suddenly changed again. It's 3pm here and it looks like it's 7pm in the evening. Thick clouds and heavy fog have settled in and it looks miserable. Will be spending another night indoors under the kotatsu (heater/table - Japan exclusive!) Have a great weekend :)
Thursday, November 25, 2004
COLD~~
It's so cold right now...Cold weather here is so different to Sydney. It's like ice and it chills your bones. Students and teachers here all walk around and say "samui, samui" meaning cold, but they don't turn on the heater?! Strange! And then they will all say to me it's just going to get colder from here. Apparently it snows where I am...What am I to do?
I had my first alcohol test on Tuesday night. I was just driving down this back, narrow, country road and then all of a sudden I see all these police lights, then he waved me down. Feeling very scared, I thought I was being pulled over for speeding. But he took out the breatherliser thing and told me it was to test for drink driving. The breatherliser was different from OZ. They don't have a tube thing, instead it was like a mini recorder. All in all, it was quite an experience. ^.^
I had my first alcohol test on Tuesday night. I was just driving down this back, narrow, country road and then all of a sudden I see all these police lights, then he waved me down. Feeling very scared, I thought I was being pulled over for speeding. But he took out the breatherliser thing and told me it was to test for drink driving. The breatherliser was different from OZ. They don't have a tube thing, instead it was like a mini recorder. All in all, it was quite an experience. ^.^
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Taiwan Trip
I'M BACK!
Went to Taiwan on Xmas Eve, flight took 1hr51mins. Met mum and Mark at the airport, scared both of them because they didn't see me come out of customs...they were both too busy looking at the display board. It was so nice to see them getting along really well.
Christmas dinner was really good too. We went to have steak...mmm...delicious. Yes, meat is not as readily available here as they are in other countries (...or maybe just not in my town...) Went clubbing that night as well. Saw my cousin perform at LUXY with his crew. Wendy and I acted like little loyal fans, waving around and jumping around, whilst Mark and Evans just stood back watching us go crazy. It was a great night though.
The weather in Taiwan was really horrible though. It rained the whole time Mark was there, not really nice when we went on a day tour with a whole lot of Japanese people. (^_^)? Quite funny, the tour guide ended up just speaking in Japanese (thank goodness we understood 85% of it)
Mark came back to Japan on the 28th of Dec. Which left me to do things by myself...and what did I do??? Hahahaha, I took great advantage of my holidays and just ate, slept, watched TV and hung out with the family. Which was very nice. I even rode a bicycle with my aunty around town, very adventurous...considering how bad traffic is in Taiwan!
New Year's Eve...Sorry to tell you guys this, but I sat at home in my PJs in front of the television and watched movies and TV series. Hey! It was COLD in Taipei. The wind and the rain just wouldn't stop, so I stayed at home. It was a nice change to have a relaxing NYE...instead of fighting the crowd for a spot on the dance floor.
Went to Kaoshuing and stayed there for a while. It was so much warmer in KS. The weather is def. really strange.
Came back to Japan on the 7th and went on my first ever road trip! Details on that later.
Well...that's the latest of my life! Just letting you know, Japan's winter is a killer! No wonder they have loads of Onsens (Hot Springs) It is FREEZING!!!
Went to Taiwan on Xmas Eve, flight took 1hr51mins. Met mum and Mark at the airport, scared both of them because they didn't see me come out of customs...they were both too busy looking at the display board. It was so nice to see them getting along really well.
Christmas dinner was really good too. We went to have steak...mmm...delicious. Yes, meat is not as readily available here as they are in other countries (...or maybe just not in my town...) Went clubbing that night as well. Saw my cousin perform at LUXY with his crew. Wendy and I acted like little loyal fans, waving around and jumping around, whilst Mark and Evans just stood back watching us go crazy. It was a great night though.
The weather in Taiwan was really horrible though. It rained the whole time Mark was there, not really nice when we went on a day tour with a whole lot of Japanese people. (^_^)? Quite funny, the tour guide ended up just speaking in Japanese (thank goodness we understood 85% of it)
Mark came back to Japan on the 28th of Dec. Which left me to do things by myself...and what did I do??? Hahahaha, I took great advantage of my holidays and just ate, slept, watched TV and hung out with the family. Which was very nice. I even rode a bicycle with my aunty around town, very adventurous...considering how bad traffic is in Taiwan!
New Year's Eve...Sorry to tell you guys this, but I sat at home in my PJs in front of the television and watched movies and TV series. Hey! It was COLD in Taipei. The wind and the rain just wouldn't stop, so I stayed at home. It was a nice change to have a relaxing NYE...instead of fighting the crowd for a spot on the dance floor.
Went to Kaoshuing and stayed there for a while. It was so much warmer in KS. The weather is def. really strange.
Came back to Japan on the 7th and went on my first ever road trip! Details on that later.
Well...that's the latest of my life! Just letting you know, Japan's winter is a killer! No wonder they have loads of Onsens (Hot Springs) It is FREEZING!!!
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