Game Music - Ico #Cover#

Hi everyone! I just saw a video my dad shared on facebook, and was very happily surprised by what it was.
Now, my dad is not the person to normally post game music related videos just like that, so naturally the video sparked my interest. The fact that Ico is one of my favourite games ever only added to my curiosity. Upon hearing the singing and reading the video description, I suddenly realised:

"That's my little sister singing!"

I was totally taken aback. I knew that my sister was pretty good at singing, but I had no idea she was this good. And she's only twelve! To my knowledge, she hasn't gone to any musical school, apart from piano class, and I don't think they taught much about singing there. This basically means that she has this talent naturally. Now, if she did receive training and education, imagine how even more awesome she would be... I already knew she was great at drawing, but her singing talent really surprised me. Though, to be completely honest, it might just be the fact that she played and completed Ico that has me all worked up like this. Anyway, here it is:

"You were there"

Now I feel a little homesick... Oh well.
Until next time, everyone, have a good day!

Internet Fixed...? - A General Update

Hi everyone!

Today, some people from the local internet service provider came by and fixed our internet connection. Everything seems to be working fine, for now at least. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will last.

Anyway, since last time, orientation here at the university has finished, and lectures have begun. Today, I went to the first class, which was about how the Japanese language, like all languages, is gradually changing. What used to be "correct" grammar some 50 years ago is quite different today, and in the future, things will probably change even more. Being the language geek that I am, I find these kinds of subjects very interesting. I'm definitely going to stick with this course if I can. Oh yeah, I should probably explain this properly.

Now, the way the system works regarding classes is basically as follows: The first week we go to as many classes as we can, to see what they are about, and if they are of interest to us. Then, after applying to them and getting our preliminary schedule, we can choose to cancel ones that we don't want to take any more, excluding the ones that are compulsory.

That said, we're limited to what time periods the classes are held on, and it just so happens that I have no classes to go to tomorrow. Feels a bit weird, but I guess that's just the way the cookie crumbles.

In other news, my girlfriend came to visit me this weekend. It was great seeing her again, and we had a great time checking out some tourist spots in Kyoto, from the tranquil riverside "Philosopher's Road" to the old Gion district, full of old buildings and a truly classical Japanese atmosphere... and chock full of tourists. But whatever, it was still fun. And of course, strolling around town means more purikura.

It just so happened to be our 1 year and 2 months anniversary. Smile and say cheese!

 Well, that's all for now, I think. I hope the internet connection will be okay from now on, so I can update a little more frequently in the future. Until next time, have a good day!

Yay, I can connect again!

Hi everyone! Today, the internet actually seems to be working! Huzzah! Anyway, just a quick update on what I've been up to the last few days.

Yesterday, I got on my bike and took a little tour of Kyoto. It is a pretty nice city to bike in, and most bicyclists seem to be operating on the basis that the traffic rules are just a loose set of guidelines... that only drivers have to pay attention to. Well, some people at least. Anyway, biking in Kyoto is nice.

I had some trouble sleeping last night. Remember that lovely little fridge I have in my room? That fridge can get really loud, and last night it was just ridiculous. I got fed up and unplugged it for the night. I just wondered, is this safe to do? I mean, obviously the food in the fridge will spoil if you don't keep it refrigerated, but will it go bad if you just leave the fridge unplugged over the night? Does the fridge retain some cold? I'm no fridge expert, so if anyone knows, please tell me. Oh well, I suppose I could always get some earplugs or something if I can't sleep.

Well, that's all for today. Until next time, have a good day!

In the Dorm

Hi everyone! I have some good news, and some (slightly) bad ones.

The good news is that I have arrived in Kyoto and made it to my dorm safely. I am currently in my room, chilling out after a long day. It is really nice here, and I'm hoping that I can make many good friends.

My room upon arrival. Note the smexy refrigerator ;)

My room name tag. Cute, isn't it?

The bad news is that the internet connection here is kinda dodgy, so I might not be able to upload as many pictures as I would like. I'm going to try my best to keep the blog alive and well, but there may be times when there won't be much activity around here. I hope you understand.

Other than that, it's all good. Until next time, have a good day!

A Warm Welcome

Hi everyone!
It's been another hot couple of days here in Nagoya, I swear the sun is actively trying to burn people to death. Luckily, there's lots of shade to hide in, both indoors and outdoors. I don't mind the weather so much, since I've really been wanting to come here for quite a long time. Anyway, let me show you a few photos, all taken by me and my less than professional camera. (I'm not one of those people who carry a 9-pound beast of a camera with me on vacations. As long as you can make out what a picture is, that's good enough for me.) So, let's kick it off!

"Welcome to Japan"

Okay, I lied. This picture was not taken by me. Well, at least I'm in it... It was taken in one of the ever-present "Purikura" (Print Club in plain old English) photo booths that can be found in game arcades and shopping malls all over the country. Basically, it's like an ID photo booth on crack, with lots of options for making the most sugary-sweet, disgustingly cute souvenir photos you could ever imagine. The picture above is nothing compared to many other ones. Moving on...

The entrance to the Tokugawa Museum

Yesterday, my girlfriend and her mother brought me to the Tokugawa Museum, a museum mainly dedicated to the Tokugawa family, related to the old historical person. (Okay, I'll be honest, I don't know that much about him. Look him up if you're interested.) It was quite an interesting experience, although the weather was, as always, hot.

Nice view, don't you think?

 Unfortunately, photography inside the museum was forbidden, so no pictures of samurai armour and ancient tea service sets for you. Now, now, don't cry! After the museum, we went to have lunch at a tempura restaurant. I had a bowl of delicious fried prawns and squid, laid out on a bed of rice, with a green pepper on the side, and... Oh, just see for yourself, why don't you?

In your face, KFC.

Well, it's been awesome so far, and I haven't even gotten to Kyoto yet! I'm really looking forward to it, but I have to admit, I am a little nervous.

Well, until next time, everyone! Have a good day!