Icciv's notes in Japan

Goodbyes are hard.

It's been so busy the past couple of weeks, with goodbye parties to organise and attend, that the actual goodbyes haven't seemed real. My minds been so busy getting things ready, staying awake etc, that only today has it sunk in that people are actually leaving. Lori goes today at 4pm, and I'm already feeling teary. I hadn't really felt upset before, but now I think about how much things will change with her gone, I feel sad she's going. Lori has been a great friend over this year, we've drank and talked for many hours in the Arikawa bars and restaurants. She's made me see reason when I've needed too, always been honest, and stood by me through ups and downs. Her vibrant and funny personality will be greatly missed in the community, and I will miss her too. I don't know who will keep me company when I need to relax with a drink after a long day. Nor do I know who will gossip with about island events and love issues. When I go to the ferry port today, I know there will be many people there to say goodbye, and there will be lots of eye rain. For now, I want to share the recent events with you.

Last Monday the BB staff put together a BBQ for Lori. The weather was awful, it had been raining all day, but we still packed up the car and headed to the BBQ spot. We went to a small town about 20 mins from Arikawa which had a shelter by the beach and toilets. The BBQ took a while to get started and it was still raining, but it was hot and we could stay dry. There was so much delicious food, I would say better than a BBQ at home! Other people joined us, Ippei and Daisuke. An older man who new Ippei rode past on his bike, and was going to get shell fish. When the rain had subsided he took Lori, Ippei and Kentaro out on his speedboat...I was left to film! The rain calmed and people continued to eat and drink, it was fun, lots of talking. We all knew Lori was leaving next week, it just seemed so far away!

On Thursday Carrie, Melissa and myself organised a dinner to say goodbye from us. Melissa has a friend visiting from America, and she joined us in wishing Lori well for the future. We went to Shiki, a favourite restaurant.
Here's Lori with her goodbye balloons.

We gave our gifts, which were all very varied. I got Lori a photo album, a fan and a Kitty-chan purse. Using a collection of the ALT's photos I also put together a powerpoint display with music (thanks mum for the computer lessons as a child).

Carrie wrote a beautiful poem that made Lori cry.

Melissa gave an exciting Kitty-chan wand.

Maiko does an impression of Lori's new doll pen (given by Melissa).

This picture is just scary...and thats enough of an explanation.

After lots of eating, drinking and crying, we moved on to BB. There was a few familiar faces there, and Koji and Shinya did some DJ-ing for us. It was fun to do some dancing.

Here's Kentaro me and Takuji, yes Takuji is trying to eat my head.

Carrie and Melissa with Daisuke, otherwise known as "Tupac".

Myself and Tupac, trying to look cool.

Koji on the decks!

A fun night was had by all, but I was shattered. This was another night out till 2.30 am and I had work again in the morning. We all promised wake up calls and said our goodbyes.

On Saturday BB was having a live event with bands from Hiroshima and Nagasaki playing. There was also Koji, Ippei and Hiroki DJing. Before the event Maiko called me to tell me that her, Lori and me would wear Yukata. Yukata is the summer form of kimono and is traditionally worn at summer festivals. Maiko's grandmother dressed us in the mini yukata version.

Me, Lori and Maiko. Mine was a little longer as my legs aren't as great as these girls.

This is the Hiroshima band playing in BB. they were really good and created a wicked atmosphere.

Me and Genki stood by a fan, hence the crazy hair.

Lori, Maiko and me in BB, rocking the Yukata.

Sunday was Lori's final night on Kamigoto, so there was one more BBQ. Lori, Maiko and myself went shopping and bought all the food, and me and Maiko prepared while Lori slept. Before the BBQ we visited Maiko's aunt (and owner of Shiki) for a quick snack and for Lori's goodbyes. Then we headed to the BBQ spot at about 11pm.

Lori dances with fireworks by the BBQ

Koji and Maiko take care of the food.

Lori plays with the toys that came with the fireworks.

We actually lit the BBQ with a firework!

Everyones chilling out and enjoying the atmosphere.

Nagisa, Lori and Takuji.

Daistevo sampling some sausage!

After some drinking, Kentaro decided to take a jump in the water. We were sat at the ferry port by the dock, and he just jumped in. Then, when they were playing football, it was kicked into the water, and four people went in for the ball!

Here is Yuki, DaiSTEVO, Kentaro and Shinya after their midnight dip.

Pretty soon all of our Japanese friends had taken a dip, running and jumping of the wall into the sea. Doing it in order. At this point the only people who hadn't swam were Lori, Nagisa and me.

Here's a group shot of all the "swimmers" and Lori.

It was inevitable that Lori would want to swim, and want me to swim. I was not going in wearing my own clothes, so Kentaro went home and got me a T-shirt and shorts. I had no excuse! Me and Lori joined everyone for races, I beat Takuji and Kentaro!

Here's Lori and me looking very wet. Whose going to make me go swimming at 2.30am? Lori...we're all going to miss you.

*This post has taken longer to get up because my computer hates me. Lori has left now, she left on Monday. It was sad, many people came to say goodbye. I s'pose change is never a bad thing, but it's still sad.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

posted by Icciv @ 12:17 pm 0 comments

Final Trip for a regular visitor.

Last Saturday my good friend Alistair payed Kamigoto a final visit before he ehads back home to England at the end of the month. Alistair has not only been Kamigoto's most regular visitor, but he's also travelled with me on all my big holidays and listened to my moaning. He's a great guy and I'll miss his humour, and his sense of reality. He's got a great job lined up at home though, and I'm sure we'll catch up when I return home.

Alistairs partner in crime, Pippa, joined him on Saturday, and me and Carrie took them sightseeing.

Here's Pippa, Alistair and me at a view point outside of Arikawa.

Carrie, Pippa and me at the secret beach.

Why am I leaving somewhere beautiful like this?

Nipple rock...must learn it's real name one day.

Alistair plays a final game of pool.

In the evening we went to Shike for dinner and BB for drinks. We drank lots of wine and chatted excessively. I was happy they got to meet all my friends, and even Genki came out to meet them. It was a really fun evening. The next day me and Genki drove them to the ferry port and said goodbyes. It was sad, and Alistair, I'm bloody going to miss you. Thanks for being a great friend and good luck in the future.

You better keep in touch!

posted by Icciv @ 5:28 pm 3 comments

Big smile!

I found out some news last week that made me very very happy. So happy that I actually danced outside Melissa's door for five minutes while telling her the news. I found out that Cristin is moving to Kagoshima. Cristin is one of my very best friends from home. We met while I was at uni, and me, her and Suzanne spent large amounts of time drinking tea, drinking beer, watching neighbours, talking for hours, making hilarious prank phone calls, and singing lots. I've really missed both her and Suzanne while I've been away. I have known Cristin was going to be teaching for GEOS for some time now, but I didn't know where. I didn't want to get my hopes up incase she was put in Hokkaido, where I would only see her once a year as it's so far. Thankfully she was placed in Kagoshima, a mere 4 hours train ride from Nagasaki. This means that we can easily meet up for weekends and long holidays, and we should see each other often. I'm even happier because Cristin's birthday is two weeks after she arrives, and I can celebrate with her. Hopefully we can go to Mitsu Greenland (the theme park me and Will visited last year) and have a great time. I'm getting even more excited now I think about it. I couldn't think of anyone better share my experiances of Japan with. I know Cristin will take every challenge that faces her in her stride, and I can't wait to show her all the exciting and weird things Japan has to offer. She's great fun and I really really can't wait.
Cristin at a scarecrow festival in Lancaster.

In sad news though England are out of the World Cup. I think they played well, and it was a sad result, and I now hate stupid Ronaldo even more than before. He's an arrogant little so and so being all pouty and thinking he's cool. I'm also shocked at the loss of both Argentina and Brazil from the tournament, especially as I put money on them. I don't like any of the teams remaining in the game, and so I'm glad they are all on exceptionally early so I can't watch them anyway. I have also noticed I've been getting a little bit of stick for supporting England (Cristin and Rhys). I am aware I'm Welsh, and if Wales were playing I'd back them all the way, but there not. England are my reserve team, I live right next to the country, I have English friends, we are all in the United Kingdom, I can sing the national anthem, I know the players. It just makes sense to support England.

Aside from watching football there isn't really much news. I'm happy because I've found enough activities that I enjoy to fill my week. I was really excited to discover a dance class which is practising for the dance festival in Urakuwa and Sasebo this year. Lori called me about going last week, though we didn't realy know what to expect. It was great, the dance is quite complicated but a great workout and so much fun. Me, Lori and Melissa are all taking part. I just hope I learn quickly! Judo has been good but painful, lots of ab work and push ups. The throws can be quite a shock to the body too, I have to learn to fall better.

This weekend was busy, I played volleyball with Uonome JHS on Saturday which was fun, I quite like the game! On Sunday I had work, the cutting grass thing. I cut grass for an hour and a half in the sun wearing a straw hat that someone had lent me. I looked like a right tool. After lunch we played basketball which again was my first time (basketball being a boy only sport in my high school) though I didn't do too badly. We won a game anyway.

In final news, it's hot. It's really humid and sticky hot! I like the heat but my hair is very angry with me. We're currently arguing most days, which makes me frustrated. Anyway, time to get back to work.

posted by Icciv @ 11:47 am 2 comments