Day 2

Mia and I spent from 6:30-8:30 wandering around trying to find the train station — we made it to one, just not the right one. It was fun to explore, but we got back already exhausted — time to go to class.

A total of 5 students, me included, placed high enough on the placement test for the A class. About halfway through class today though, Ani and Mia joined us. We’ll see how they do! It’s challenging. I’ve heard more Japanese (live) in the last couple days than I have ever. I’m looking forward to learning!

After class we got a break, then met back up to make our way to Shittenouji, the temple itself, led by 5 students kind enough to guide us; Ayaka, Koyo, Nana, and I can’t remember the names of the other 2, I’m sad. 

Doggies in city. Yes.

The temple was nice, sadly we dawdled at the beginning for some reason then had to rush through the rest (as it was closing soon by the time we got there). 

We got to do the ritual purifying water thing! Yeah! (But I washed my hands over the water instead of to the side until Cory pointed that out... I felt stupid.)

I got Mia on film. Maybe you’ll get to see that.

We saw turtles! Lots of them. And koi. Koi are big.

We went through a really pretty garden.

Then went to a tea ceremony. Kind of. I think it was because they were closing soon, but we didn’t actually get to see the ceremony. They brought us tea and manju (an cakes). I ate Mia’s.

(Price 400円)

Then we entered a special part of the temple (entry fee unknown, perhaps not charged?) and climbed this:

There were many beautiful displays inside... I didn’t get many pictures (we weren’t supposed to...). 

Ayaka later told us that as part of the entrance process to the university she had to sit in seiza (traditional sitting position, where you sit on your ankles) for 2 hours. Ow.

After that, which was way too short, we milled around then decided on Okonomiyaki. Mia and I paid 10,800円 for ぶた玉とねぎとキムチ pork with green onions and kimchi (Korean pickled cabbage). A large one, the one nearest us:

Here is Mia, Andrea, and Ayaka. Yes, they make the okonomiyaki right at the table.

Around 7 we left, and while most went to get waffles a few of us went home. Although I claimed I knew which bus to take, I lied. I knew the stop though :0 (sorry guys). 

Now it is after 10, meaning after bedtime, really, I’m beat. We’ll try to upload this tomorrow at school, where there is apparently a wireless hotspot (which we may or may not be able to connect to). 

So far it’s been really busy, but fun. Lots of nice people. Lots of Japanese. Lots of experiences. 6 weeks is a long time.

Hope you are having happy thoughts wherever you are :)

~Myra

(and Mia and Ani)