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