November 21-27, 2005

Hey everyone

Had another AMAZING WEEK!!! Got so much to tell you all!!
Last Monday I went to visit Kazuya with my friend Emerald. We travelled to Hakone early in the morning (after getting back late on Sunday night from our Shirakawa Trip). I had only one class on Monday, so I kind of thought it was okay to take it off and go visit Kazuya.He is moving to a new job next week, so it was really my last chance to goand visit him while he is working in Hakone.
We took a small tour on a ropeway to the top of Togendai mountain to seesome hot springs and geysers - volcanic activity. It was really amazingwalking through the "egg-like" mist. We could see Mt. Fuji from the top ofTogendai Mountain - it was really amazing. I hadn't been able to see Mt.Fuji because everytime I had come to Tokyo previously, it was Winter andclouds covered the mountain.So it was really nice to see it. I have plans to climb Mt. Fuji nextsummer with Kazuya and a few other friends.

After eating some hard-boiled eggs that were prepared in the hot springs,we took the ropeway back down the mountain and had lunch, on Lake Ashino - a really beautiful lake nestled at the bottom of the Hakone Hills.
We did a little exercise when we rode in a Swan boat - across lake Ashino.Self-peddled, the mini boat was really hard to get moving, especially against the wind!!! But it was very nice peddaling out to the middle ofthe Lake and lying there relaxing. The scenery is very pretty in Hakone.Anyone who ever comes to Japan, should definately make a day-trip tothere.
I caught the coach back to Tokyo late on Monday evening - and crashed into bed!!! Much needed sleep!

Tuesday was spent at uni and doing the usual catch-up or get-ahead onstudy. I ended up being able to chat with my family including my nan in theevening (over the internet), so that was really good. We always catch up once a week, but I don't often get to speak to my nan.Anyone who wants to chat with me on MSN Messenger, should add me to there address book:
ttiimmyy2000@hotmail.com
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I had uni and many tests - including 4kanji tests on Friday alone!!

My friend Ben (who I met in Australia a few years ago and it currentlyteaching English is Kochi), came to visit me in Tokyo on Friday night.He came to Tokyo for some work-related matters, and had the weekend free, so we caught up.
On Friday night we went to a club n Shinjuku and danced the night awayuntil 5am!! It was an awesome club - great music and dj!! Quite a small club(for Australian standards), but it was (as usual) packed to the max!! Very hot and sweaty! But all good fun!

Saturday was spent sleeping in and recovering!!
Then last night Ben and I hit the dancefloors again with two otherfriends - Emerald and Ky-lee (who are both studying with me in Tokyo). We had dinner at a really nice Japanese restaurant - all you can eat and drink menu - quite dangerous really!!!!We danced from 11pm till 4am!! This time however, a few dramas occurred (as always) - thats what makes the nights memorable! Emerald's stomach decided that 2 straight shots of tequila along with Bailey's wasn't that exciting, so she retreated to a corner to ....... well I don't need to explain!I was bequested with the duty of looking after her....which was fine withme, because I was dancing too much and my stomach was feeling quite queezy too!
But we had an awesome night dancing the night away!!

Today (Sunday) I have slept in until 3pm...much needed sleep. I have a lotof study and homework to catch up on....so I better get back to it.
Kazuya is coming to visit me this Tuesday and Wednesday - as he is in thetransition of jobs - he finishes in Hakone tomorrow and then start inGunma (3 hours north of Tokyo) on Thursday.

It should be another exciting week...
Take care everyone and let me know how everything is....
Speak to you all next week.

Tim
xx