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.

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!

(★^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(∀＜●)

Learning about Geiko & Maiko!~

Today's cultural activity we learned about Geiko and Maiko. We headed to the auditorium on Ritsumeikan's campus to view three women formally dressed in kimonos. 

*Note: "Geisha" is the term used in and around Tokyo, "Geiko" is used in and around Kyoto.

Geiko are traditional Japanese entertainers that perform several arts, such as dancing, singing, and playing instruments. Their main objective is entertain and keep parties lively. 

Geiko

Maiko (A) Front

Maiko (A) Back

Maiko (B) Front

 Maiko (B) Back

Played games like musical chairs!

It was a tie!

Wearing Yukatas & Gion Matsuri!~ ☆*゜ﾟ*\(^O^)/*゜ﾟ*☆

Gion Matsuri is one of the most popular festivals in Kyoto, Japan. The narrow streets are highly packed with natives and tourists, back-to-back food and clothing stands. The staff took us to "Kimono-PRO", a popular clothing boutique specializing in yukatas. At orientation, all of us filled out a survey listing our height in centimeters and the color we would like to wear. Most of the females listed for pastels like pink or blue. Majority of the males chose black or blue. 

(Heart of the festival)

(Our beatuiful Yukatas!~)

(At Teramachi)

(At Gion by the river)

(There were lots of great food!)

(In front of Kimono-PRO)

Sanjo Dori!~ (三条通り)

Good ole' Sanjo Dori! I love this area! Harbors a 24 Fresco food market, Drug Store, Park, an abundance for fresh farmed goods, and boutiques!

About 8 minutes towards the other end of this street reveals hidden family owned ramen shops and other accommodations of RSJP students! 

The locals are very welcoming with the biggest smiles and warmest hearts!

Kyoto City Bus

There are two Kyoto City buses I can ride to Ritsumeikan University, #12 & #50. Buses here in Japan have a balanced system, you enter in the rear left siding door. I wish we can have this in NYC, there would be less traffic and swifter travel time when boarders get on the same time as the riders depart.

When you arrive at your destination, you pay by either exact change, bus ticket, or day/monthly pass.

It's a smooth 23 minute ride to campus! (。⌒∇⌒)。