When I first arrived, I was a little worried that I would be overwhelmed by the lumberingingly huge beast that is the City of Osaka. From the time you leave Kansai International Airport, which is good 50 minutes from central Osaka by train, the population density smacks you in the face. The view from the train basically looks like buildings, on top of buildings, with more buildings sticking out of the side. Somehow though, the crazy jumble of Osaka has a way of growing on one. I wouldn't even try to compare it to Sapporo. The two cities are just too different. Both have their good and bad ponts.
My class
My last day of Classes at Kanasai Gaigo Senmon Gakko (関西外語専門学校）was December 12, 2006. A bittersweet day to say the least. The bitter; well the obvious saying goodbye to everyone. Looking around and remembering how I felt on the first few days of classes, recalling friends that left before me, etc. The sweet; well we had cake.
I got a card from my class and teacher, which I read about 100 times. Like I said, bittersweet. But I still have to go back again to get my Japanese Proficiency Test results, so hopefully we'll all meet up again then.
皆さん、ありがとう。一緒に勉強するのはかなり楽しかった。また遊ぼう。
The crew
Having some cake
The day after the Japanese Proficiency Test, our class went on a field trip to Kiyomizudera in Kyoto. Even though it was the beginning of December, many of the trees still had leaves on them in beautiful fall colours. Naturally this makes for a some naturally natural scenery. The temple itself is actually quite interesting as it is divided in 2 or 3 interesting sections. The first of note is the large stage overlooking the forest, with a great view of Kyoto. Apparantly in olden days, plays and whatnot would be performed here.
There's also a section devoted to praying for love and romance, featuring two stones about 20m apart. If you can walk with your eyes closed from one stone and touch the opposing stone, it is said that your wish of love will be granted. It's actually pretty difficult considering there are usually ten thousand people in your way. Before you ask, no, I didn't try it. The grounds around the temple are just as beautiful as inside, and of course, since it's in Kyoto, there are geisha. Not real geisha, but tourists dressed up like geisha. Still the kimono are pretty neat.
The roads leading to and from the temple are also packed with souvenir and craft shops. If you're looking to pick up some macha (the bitterish japanese green tea that green tea ice cream is supposed to mimic) or other Kyoto souvenirs, this is probably the place to do it. Like most souvenirs in Japan though, they're not cheap, but where else can you pick up a Hello Kitty in a kimono decorative fan/plate/cell phone strap with the word "Kyoto" on it? In any case, here are the pictures.
