期末

The fated day finally arrived! What can I say? I was up in good time and feeling ready to take on the last exam. This one took more time compared to the others, but I still got it done to my satisfaction. Questions included one section for writing one's opinion on education - specifically, where 'tis nobler in the mind to endure harsh studies in High School, with the promise of a laid back life at University (as in Japan) or the other way around (as in the West). There was also a portion for filling in blanks to demonstrate understanding of various grammar points. I was tempted to write humorous sentences, but in the end stuck with tried and tested examples that I knew would do the job. And with that the Autumn term came to an end.

Of course, there was much to do before the day was out! A few hours to relax, pack, paint my nails and put on my face, then off to the Farewell Party! A great number of people were gathered, for in addition to the usual suspects there were also dormmates, host families and even a few families from home to join in the celebrations. Some were dressed in finery, some bidding emotional farewells, but all in all a fine spirit of jocularity reigned. Food was consumed with great passion and gone before one knew it. I was satisfied enough, though, to have eaten karaage again and to have tried nikuman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikuman) for the first time.

Yet there were still more appointments to keep! Four of our number from Yamazato Koryu Kaikan were leaving us, so we had one last soiree, marred only slightly by most of us still being full from the previous party. It was good fun to be all together one last time, and looking back on what we've done together in these last three plus months really seem to have flown. As a gift everyone received a commemorative photo collage, and everyone wrote a message on each, though I must admit trying to think of something even vaguely thoughtful/insightful for everyone was unexpectedly difficult. Had to be up early to leave next morning, so tried to go to bed at a decent hour, though I doubted I would get much sleep for the excitement.

Th-th-th-th-th-th-that's all, folks!