A few little packages and cards from my family had arrived the previous day, just in time. Just before time, perhaps, but just in time to tempt me. Anyhow, as a result I was able to wake up and open presents, and have a lazy morning, which sort of balances out last year, when I was taking exams on this day. Presently I set of toward Osu with a spring in my step and a 10,000 yen note burning a hole in my wallet. One of the presents I'd received was a CD set of "Fry's English Delight," which made me laugh out loud even in crowded streets, likely cementing my image of a strange foreign person.
My first port of call was a shop called "Gamers," I think I may have mentioned it before as being a bit of a sensory overload with bright colours, different soundtracks playing and the delicious smell of fresh manga. I walked in and walked out a few minutes later, feeling that I needed to get my thoughts together. Thus I took a moment to have lunch, sitting underneath the large cat statue and taking in the view. I returned to the aforementioned shop and bought an illustration book and a few packs of trading cards. Next came a trip to a clothing shop where I picked up a Chinese-style dress... yes, some may say a kimono would be a more appropriate choice considering I'm in Japan, but it caught my eye and rather appealed to me. My final purchase was a collector's edition of one of my favourite games, Disgaea 2. Yes, I don't have a Japanese PS2 so I won't be able to play it, but it came with a soundtrack CD and artbook, so I consider it a worthwhile investment.
Later that day the housemates gathered together for some drinking and cavorting. Although we were somewhat late assembling everyone, we still had a good time - played our international version of Ring of Fire a few times, along with "that Finnish Clapping Game" and "that Korean Clapping Game." The latter two are very simple but surprisingly effective, and since they require no special equipment beyond voice, hands and drink they strike me as the kind of games that would be good to introduce when I get back to England. I think they'd be handy for getting past the initial awkward period when you first arrive at a club while on a night out. To summarise, a relaxing day full of buying nice things, followed by a fun evening of intoxication and tomfoolery. Who could ask for more in a birthday?
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| Presents from me to me |
