It's been 3 months since I left Japan (well almost!)

I can't freaking believe time has gone that fast! I think I've settled back into day to day Melbourne life which is definitely a good thing after experiencing some "re-entry culture shock" (I googled that haha). Things like forgetting where your pots and pans go in your own house 'cause you haven't lived there for 7 months, wandering the streets of Melbourne forgetting where to go, getting on the wrong tram going in the opposite direction you want to, feeling comforted when hearing Japanese being spoken and a bit puzzled when it isn't...I could go on! I struggled for a while, coming to terms with the life and friends I had left behind in Japan wasn't an easy feat but then thinking about the incredible experience I had made it all the easier to bear! The number one thing I have to be grateful of is my truly awesome husband Mick. To respect my decision to go and live out my dream whilst trying to hold back from saying "Please don't go" is such a selfless and amazing thing! He encouraged me in my times of doubt and always supported my decision 100%. That's why you marry people, he's my rock and always will be. Love you Mick!

So anyway, what a ramble but it had to be said!

On a side note, I've almost finished "The Art Of Happiness" - Conversations with the Dalai Lama. I do believe it's had a really positive effect on me. I usually consider myself quite a positive optimistic person but this big change in lifestyle in the last few months has tested me. But I'm finally getting my groove back and realising that you are the master of your own destiny, how you choose to see things is all up to you! It's hard to remember this when you get burdened with day to day crap but positivity will always reign supreme!

Some words from the great man himself:
One great question underlies our experience, whether we think about it or not: what is the purpose of life? From the moment of birth every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affects this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.

Treats I want to attempt to make!

Top to bottom :
Matcha (Green Tea) Cupcakes
Goma (Black Sesame) Ice Cream
Matcha and Rasberry Parfait

                                 

Back in the land of OZ

I've now been back in Australia a week and I've begun to slowly adjust to day to day life Down Under.

Our last days in Japan were spent eating as much as humanly possible (Mick even grew a little food baby haha) and spending time with the awesome friends I had made in my 7 months living in Kyoto.  Izakaya's, Bars, Karaoke, Sashimi, Sushi train, Teppanyaki, Matcha Parfait, Maiko makeovers, you name it...we did it! PS - Mick has developed a serious love of karaoke, it's a real challenge to get the mic off him haha!

I had a fantastic 30th birthday in Kyoto which consisted of a delicious dinner at our favourite, Donguri followed by hours of karaoke! About half way through screaming "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana (awesome team effort!), I looked around the Joy Sound Karaoke Box and realised how damn lucky I am with the friends I have (both abroad and here in Australia). 

The events of the last couple of weeks in Japan did overshadow our holiday. You can't help but be moved by the constant news coverage, the tragic stories, the fundraising on every corner of Kyoto city. It truely breaks my heart, I can't comprehend the loss of loved ones in such circumstances. Japan is (and always will be) in my thoughts. 

On a brighter note....last Saturday Mick and I attended a Japan Benefit gig here in Melbourne by George Kamikawa aka "The Blues Cowboy" and his sidekick Noriko on Shamisen (a traditional Japanese instrument). The pub in which is was held was pumping, so much love and energy for Japan! They raised a good deal of money which makes me happy!

So things that are strange about being back:

• Everyone speaks English! (I know...crazy but true!) 
• The urge to remove my shoes as I enter the house
• The casualness of customer service "Here ya go love" as opposed to lots of bowing and apologies. 
• My automatic use of "Sumimasen" (Excuse Me / I'm sorry in Japanese) 
• The Australian sun (what heat!)
• TV in English 
• Lots of green grass 
• Seeing stars in the night sky
• Cheaper fruit (but only slightly!)
• Expensive Japanese food products (boo!) 

I could go on but those the differences I've noticed for now. 

Here are some photos of our last days in Japan...don't worry, I'll be back!

Maiko Makeover

Before I leave Japan, one thing I wanted to do was have a Maiko Makeover. It's been something on my "To Do" list for ages but never actually got around to it until now! And I was so glad Mick could come along and share in the experience too.
I went along with my friend Katherine and I was so happy we could both experience the process of transforming into a Maiko. As the makeup was applied, I could understand the time it takes to change from an ordinary girl to a poised and mysterious Maiko.
There were so many layers of Kimono and it felt quite tight and restrictive to wear. But it also helped you stand up straight and learn how to carry yourself gracefully (not always easy in giant Geta sandals haha). I hope you enjoy the photos....

Cruising in Kyushu

Last week Mick arrived after 6 months of us being apart. Needless to say we were happy to see each other! I couldn't stop laughing at his big beard but I think I'm now used to it! 


We spent our first day together chilling in Kyoto (and visited my favourite sushi train - Kappa Zushi). After packing our bags we made our way to Osaka where we caught an overnight ferry to Kyushu. It was cheap but very basic, we were in a shared room and were given a thin hard futon with pillow (but the pillow looked like something a Geisha would sleep on to keep her hair in place haha). Our plan of attach was to drink some beer, have some food and get sleepy in enable us to fall asleep amongst the other travellers! Mission somewhat successful but let's just say it was not the best sleep haha! At least there was a Sento (bathhouse) on the ferry which I took full advantage of!


We arrived on Kyushu Island around 8:30 in the morning and headed to Fukuoka to wander around. After dropping our bags at the accommodation (a cute place "Guesthouse Kaine" which has a noodle shop/bar at the entrance) we sought out Ippudo Ramen, a famous shop where we could sample Hakata Ramen. It was super delish and so was the bite size Gyoza ( the best we have ever eaten!) Mick got a REALLY spicy ramen and it almost beat him! But he conquered! To walk off the ramen we decided to head to the Fukuoka Castle ruins which had some lovely plum blossoms.


That night we headed to the Yatai Food stalls which are set up beside a road and are very famous. We had some yummy seafood and yakitori, paired with beer! We then decided to call it a night so we could plan our next day of travel. After a bit of web surfing we decided to head to Kumamoto to check out the famous castle then spend the night in Aso.

The castle in Kumamoto was beautiful, really spectacular! The reconstruction of Honmaru Goten Palace nearby was particularly stunning. We also visited a Samurai villa, a really interesting old building with a tea house attached. We then headed to the town of Aso, to get ready to see Mt Aso volcano the following day. The backpackers we stayed at "Aso Base Backpackers" was fantastic, really new and cosy.

The next morning (before we went up to the Mt Aso volcano crater) we planned our next movements. We came to the general consensus that the ferry was a little tiring and a better return method of transport could surely be found. So we decided to book flights out of Kumamoto that evening. Anyway back to the volcano. On our way up on the bus we witnessed some wonderful scenery - the landscape was so barren yet beautiful. At the top we travelled on a short ropeway (cable car) and saw smoke coming out of the crater and smelt the sulphurous gases! We tried some black sesame ice cream which was amazing! I love the stuff!


Back in the town of Aso we chilled out for a bit, eating some snacks and waiting for our bus to Kumamoto. Little did we know that a major devastating earthquake had just hit Northern Japan as we didn't feel a thing. What alerted us to the fact was an email from Mick's mother wondering if we were ok. We emailed our parents to reassure them we were ok. When we arrived at the airport all flights except ours (to Kobe) and to Osaka were cancelled. A big screen TV was televising the earthquake aftermath and I think it was only then we realised the severity of it all. And were thankful we chose to fly back to Honshu rather than cross the seas (after the Tsunami warnings).


It's just been absolutely horrific for the people of Japan, my heart goes out to everyone affected. Japan has been my home for the last 7 months and has made such a huge impact on me. Recently I feel pangs of guilt when I am out enjoying myself. But I guess what you can take from something like this is that life is precious and you need to make it count. I pray for all those who are having a rough time of it and hope they can pull through with the support of people all around the world

A tribute to the awesome food of Japan!