seven days

Konnichiwa from Japan!!

First of all, I apologize for not replying all facebook wall/ message/ e-mails in the past week. I'm trying my hardest to settle in at the moment - so apologies from me! But THANK YOU SO MUCH for asking me how I'm doing (I read all of them!), your care and affection has kept me going :)

So how is Japan I hear you ask?

Steak! (In Japanese, the way you pronounce 'fabulous' is identical to the word for 'steak'. Yes, the juicy cow!)

Despite the long and strenuous flight, I arrived in Kagoshima safe and sound last Wednesday. Although it has only been a week, I feel like I've been here for quite a while! People often say that exchange is a fantastic and rewarding experience; and it is rightly so. I have treaded into unfamiliar territories and have develop skills that would make my parents, or you, very proud.

Upon acquisition of these skills, I am now:

1. An ash-inhaler

I have mastered the art of walking, running, cycling and breathing in volcanic ash. Kagoshima is famous for three things: 1) Hot springs. 2) Black pork. 3) Ash from Sakurajima



On the streets

 



One of the special ash-collection spots on the street

 
Sakurajima, being a living volcano, causes heavy ash-fall approximately twice a year. From what I heard, Kagoshima is experiencing an exceptionally heavy ash-fall this month. When it rains, it rains ash plus water - my transparent raincoat turns grey after a walk in the rain. Of course, your face is not immuned from it!

2. A skilled cyclist/ an alright navigator

I'm going to introduce you to my new BFF: say hello to Fawks!



Fawks!

 
You might wonder why my new bike is named after the phoenix in Harry Potter. Well - ash and reborn? This baby of mine is actually a testimony of how gracious God is: some students from America were here for their summer holiday program last month and bought new bikes for the duration of their stay in Kagoshima. My sensei at uni kept the bikes after their departure and voila! I'm here and scored a (almost new) bike for free :))))))) What can I say? God provides abundantly! It happens to be a nice and comfy bike too.
Some might have criticised my skills of navigation or doubted my sense of direction in the past: may they be silenced forever! I have been travelling all over Kagoshima city by myself (and Fawks) with a map in my hand (or in my bag, I have yet to master the skill of steering with one hand and holding miscellanous objects in another). Woohoo!
But really, having a bike is such a delight. It's like having your own car - but instead, you're improving your health and at the same time pay nothing for parking (or gym)!
*the occasionally forced-consumption of ash or rain might be the only disadvantages.

3. A cook.. sort of

Contrary to popular belief, I can cook myself a meal. Ready to see what I did?




Tada! Cheesy toast with ham and tomato.

 An omnivore no more! Look mum, I am eating my greens, sort of.
Anyways, I am planning to cook, the only thing that is lacking is a pan and a saucepan. I promise I won't eat food from the convenient store after this week!

 Well I might write more tomorrow, oyasumi!