Another Three Day Weekend

Last week I finally decided on classes, that being Japanese Pop Culture, Japanese Fine Arts, and Osaka-Ben (and of course my required twelve hours of Japanese language, but I didn't get a choice in the matter). The week lasted forever, but my life generally does take its time. Which is fine. I believe it was Tuesday that I went to Umeda, where everyone decided Friday would be our day to go to Namba, the entertainment district of Osaka.

Come Friday, a few friends and I went to Namba. It was how I had always previously imagined Japan when I thought of the city-life. The tall buildings, lots of lights, and everything being awesomely overwhelming. I didn't get home until late, but that was okay. Saturday I did not go to pottery as my host mother's grandson came over so things were a little different than the usual. We went to the theatres and watched Miyazaki's latest film, "The Wind Rises" in English or, "Kaze Tachinu" in Japanese. I honestly did not find it as enjoyable as his previous films, but after learning that it was based on a historical personage I felt a bit different about my opinion. I think it is definitely worth a watch and worth learning about the history behind it.

Sunday I went to an art exhibition with my host mother, the Bologna Children's Book Fair Exhibition 2013. It is a collection of artwork from around the world, done by artists that draw from children's books. Some of it was very abstract, but I very much enjoyed it. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed. There was a Japanese garden nearby and afterwards we headed home.

Yesterday, Monday, was busy, hence why this update is on a Tuesday instead of the designated day. I went to Kyoto with my Fine Arts class where we took a bus up to Mt. Hiei, a place famous for having the toughest monks apparently. There were beautiful shrines and temples, but the insides never allowed for photos unfortunately. It was a wonderful place. I enjoy Buddhism, I find it to be much more of a peaceful religion than the Western Religions.

The reason Monday was a national holiday was because it was the Autumn Equinox. Although it technically was on the weekend, the Japanese simply take the next Monday off.

At the moment, I have really nothing else to say. I could possibly talk about many things, but perhaps I will save it for later this week.

Until next time~