October 5 - October 18: Two Busy Weeks

Although the sheer number of things on my schedule has made it a bit more difficult for me to update this journal these recent days, I still find time to relax, enjoy myself, meet new people and explore new places. Since I don't personally find the subject of class very interesting to showcase in a journal, I'll stick with updating whenever I do something interesting!

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10/06/09, Tuesday
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Aside from class, I was allowed to join the experiential course and visit the nearby Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery) club's building; whereas my Aikido club has a room designated for usage, the Kyudo club has been assigned its own building. I've heard from some students that apparently Oberlin University has the best Kyudo club available in Japanese universities, and to be honest, I wouldn't doubt that after seeing the demonstrations and facility. The fact that it was raining made it feel all the more movie-like.

The Kyudo club's building; you can see the yumi (traditional Japanese bows).

The Kyudo members demonstrate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3BnmuE2fQI

The building has a moving wall that allows the members to practice.

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10/09/09, Saturday
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Today, I traveled with several international students to Yokohama for the first time. Since the goal was to experience the Taiwanese festival, however, I didn't see as much of it as I would have hoped... Of course, that does not mean I didn't have fun.

We ate lunch at a Chinese restaurant before exploring; this dish in particular includes a Peking Duck wrap.

The Chinatown portion of Yokohama.

A food vendor in a shop from Chinatown; these steamed buns were cutely designed.

The schoolyard was decorated especially for the Taiwanese celebration.