Farewell! (*´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥﹏°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ )人(´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)

Sadly, I've reached to my last glorious day of the Ritsumeikan University Summer 2014 study abroad trip. I've made unbelievable memories, life-long friends across the globe and learned amazing new things about Japanese culture. (✿◠‿◠)

This was definitely a life changing trip I was utmost grateful to experience 日本 thanks to:

Thom Fisher

Laura Vural

Sharena Kevelier

Angelique Figueroa
Matthew Brittain

Cheryl Wray

Cory Brodnax

This has been a great chapter in my life, I'll never forget the memories I've made this summer.

Walking through Gion!

With some buddies, we've travelled from our apartments to Gion! 

Near the heart of Kyoto, crowded on the weekends but worth the effort if you want to see traditional Japan!~

Karaoke! (カラオケ)

YES!♬♫♪◖(●。●)◗♪♫♬

We finally went to do some singing at karaoke in Gion! I've always went back at home but why not do so where it originated?

Japanese Cuisine!( ･ㅂ･)و ̑̑

Split into five groups for cooking in five different styles. Mandatory, I was placed into the Sashimi group (刺身) due to my severe allergy to shellfish. I learned hands on how to slice and dice fresh tuna and salmon. After all groups were done preparing the food, we all came together and had a great feast!

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Today, we had a lecture on "Chado" (茶道)which some refer as the Japanese tea ceremony. It is a precise and comprehensive art, not only surrounding the serving and drinking of tea, but the ritual of preparation, tools and decoration.

(★^O^★)~Taiko~(★^O^★)

"Taiko" (たいこ), a shorter version of "Wadaiko"(和太鼓) is a type of traditional Japanese drums. 

Today we took a charter to Chion-In Wajun Kaikan for a lesson in playing Japanese drums. We had an amazing sensei who was energetic, fun and a little crazy. (lol)

We've learned multiple measures and rhythms commonly used during the Gion Matsuri. Some of us were musically challenged--but we made it!

 I've learned from one of the Japanese buddies on campus that the Japanese term for "selfie" is "jidori"!~ (じどり) 

Me & Sensei 

(●ゝω)ノヽ(∀＜●)

Gold Kyo-Yuzen Workshop at Kinugasa Seminar House

Yūzen-zome is one out of many traditional dyeing methods used to create patterns and designs on kimonos.

In this workshop we have access to 7 colors of the rainbow to color on a tote bag or shirt. After coloring when apply fine gold fold on the outlines of our designs. I choose to design a crane, which was the hardest compared to simpler choices such as dragon, rabbits, or cats.

(I did take a photo of my work of art today but somehow it didn't save on my phone.)