J'11 5/6, 5/7
Disclaimer: These reports are just meant to be recaps of a personal trip I made in may. For show reports please see their separate post. Also due to the public nature of these posts, Sumire code, and respect of the privacy of the people involved I will not be going into detail for certain events. Please do not email me or bug me in comments to elaborate.
5/5 - 5/6 Take off!
I left for NY on megabus at 6am and it was fricking COLD that morning. It wasn't fun standing in line in that cold. Though I conked out almost as soon as I got onto that bus. I hadn't slept the previous night due to pre-trip jitters and excitement. Plus, the drama that happened with my school prior to the trip really had exhausted me.
I arrived in NY a bit later than expected due to traffic. Apparently Obama decided to visit ground zero that day. No matter, I gave myself at least a two hour leeway to get from the bus to Penn Station (and to get lost). I dragged my big suitcase to the station got on the Long Island Railway to JFK. Slept some more... and zombie walked my way to where I was to check in. Thankfully everything went without a hitch and I had some downtime before my fight left.
I mostly chilled on the net. Did some last minute banking and goodbyes. Bought certain people cheesy NY key-chains and talked with the wife till I had to leave. Oh and ate a hot dog.
The actual plane ride was all right. I was nervous since I hadn't flown on this airline before, but was glad that my fears were unfounded. Service was decent, seats comfy, food good... even watched a movie! I just slept for most of that looooooooooog trip.
Arriving there and getting to J Hoppers wasn't too bad either. Kansai Airport is far less confusing than Narita and since I arrived at 6pm there wasn't much in the way of lines. It felt kinda surreal though. I was slightly numb from travel and had already switched into Japanese mode... so just got into J Hoppers.. unpacked and explored. I think. I don't remember much of that night haha.
J Hoppers is a really nice hostel. I was happy with the staff and location. Right. That was the night I woke up at 3 in the morning even though I had gone to be at 11? I think? I walked outside, got my first combini meal of the trip and found the station I needed to go to. I was also pretty dumbfounded at how much my Japanese has improved from the last time I went. I can follow directions!!! And spent the rest of the night configuring my phone for twitter and etc.
5/7 - Tadiama~! Nijinsky
So, I did go back to sleep for an hour or so, but I was too excited to really sleep. After all I was going into the mura for the first time in four years and well NIJINSKY. I got myself all prettied up (fangirled the showers on twitter omg I loved the showers) and headed out around 7:30am.
I knew that the station had a direct line to Takarazuka and I had been using Hyperdia religiously to figure things out. But once there, I always had to try and figure out which side I was supposed to be. Which I got wrong anyways as I ended up on the Kobe bound line when I thought I was on the direct line. Ah well the worst that happened was that I went all the way down to Sannomiya, learned my lesson, got back onto Takarazuka line and missed Yuki/Hoshi iri.
But, I was very much on time for soragumi okeiko iri. It was quite the surreal experience being in the mura again. I was so happy to be there I could barely stand it. Even the fact I had a broken camera and actually couldn't take pictures couldn't dampen my mood (it broke when i was trying to take it out of my luggage the previous day). Plus, this time I wasn't in a club. I HAD FREEDOM. Freedom I could barely handle apparently cause I ran away after Mii-chan passed two feet in front of me.
Um.. I guess then I went into QR? I bought the Nijinsky program and wao_wao's otome. Then I went on the hunt for the post office. Now, see I was functioning on my memory from four years ago. I ended up going in the opposite direction. So I inadvertently explored a good part of Takarazuka-shi, before I realized the post office was the other way (this would also be a trend). I really had no rush as the show wasn't until 1pm and it was only 11am by the time I found a post office. Only, I discovered I lacked Julie's full address <= shame on me. And so package didn't go out as planned.
The only bad thing was... I hadn't worn proper shoes for exploring. I was semi limping by the time I got back to the theater and my heels were burning in pain. Also smart me, I forgot to actually eat lunch before I went in. Wasn't feeling the best, but sitting in the theatre helped. I people watched for a bit. There was another foreigner with I guess a Japanese girlfriend/wife which I found amusing. There was this super adorable child behind me with her grandfather. Oh and to make matters more amusing it was the same place I sat the last time I saw Junjou X3
The actual show I will talk about in a separate post, but honestly I'm so glad I got to see it once in Bow Hall and from such a great seat. I loved the story, the dancing, the acting, and staging. It was so well casted and acted. I can't attest for the quality of writing as actually much of the plot went over my head initially. Yet, the basic story isn't hard to follow at all. I was also impressed with Chigi's dancing. She has always been a mediocre dancer, especially in ballet. I was bursting with pride as seeing this former baby Sora-sei all grown up and lovely. I may have cried. Not to mention there were other yukigumi-sei that left a deep impression on me. But, that is for another post.
At the act break I rushed out to try and find food. I remembered there was a 7-11 somewhere, but I failed at finding it and gave up and grabbed a drink from a vending machine. Though because I was limping and slow... I managed to be late. I hate this with a passion. I find it utterly embarrassing, most especially since I was so close up and it was filming day. I missed the first 5 minutes of the opening and felt like dying. So I couldn't really enjoy the first bit, but Kitarou and Chigi quickly remedied that. Plus Ayu was the cutest, most incredible thing ever too.
The bows were super cute. I don't remember exactly what Chigi said anymore, but she was cute. Everyone was cute. I really enjoyed myself and felt incredibly elated afterwards, if in incredible foot pain.
But, so you see how dumb, idiotic dedicated I am, I actually stayed for demachi despite the pain. It wasn't so bad as long as I kept very still.. Though I had to wander for a bit cause I actually didn't know where exactly to line up. After chatting to some staff members, I got into place ...really early. Nobody started to really even get in position until 30 minutes later. My poor feet.
Once everyone seemed to finally get lined up, I went in search of a friend's club staff and I handed her letter over. Then I promptly got introduced to the whole club as her friend which apparently got them excited... then I stood near one of the ladies in the club that was on crutches. (THATS DEDICATION. Put me to shame). She kept motioning for me to get closer, then even closer... any closer and I'd be doing guard as well. Which I have a feeling was what she was hinting at. I would later on know her as C-san. I slipped in my Japanese and went "dekinai!" which made her chuckle.
I was saved by sieto coming out. I really wish I kept note of who came out when and wearing what, but I was in pain and everyone was so cute. Finally an hour later, my friend's star came out (whom I shall call H-chan from now on) and I was relieved. My feet hurt! It was really nice being in the gallery. Well it was nice until staff lady decided H-chan absolutely had to know where the letter came from. Which resulted in a hilarious moment of her looking up into the crowd trying to figure out which one it was and being startled when she me. She gave me this sweet big grin, bowed, and thanked me for the letter from my friend.
I was pretty much dumbfounded and embarrassed cause everyone in the gallery near me looked over. I just wanted to hide behind a tree. I had never done this before so I didn't know. I just chalked it up that I was actually an intermediary for an beloved oversees kaiin. But I admit my heart had melted.
After Chigi came out, said things to her club and addressed everyone else I bolted out of there. Well as much as I could. Cause, damn I had to stop every few feet I was in so much pain. Though thanks to one moment of stopping I got to witness Mickey-kai photography session. I was amused. In pain but amused.
When I got back to the hostel, I examined the damage to my feet. Oh yeah I tore up my heels pretty bad. I could barely put any pressure on it. I can't even describe it was so disgusting...so I took a shower, cleaned my feet as best i could and wrapped it up before I went to bed.
I tossed those shoes into the dumpster in the morning. They were old anyways.
Anyways the following day... NBN!!!!!!
5/5 - 5/6 Take off!
I left for NY on megabus at 6am and it was fricking COLD that morning. It wasn't fun standing in line in that cold. Though I conked out almost as soon as I got onto that bus. I hadn't slept the previous night due to pre-trip jitters and excitement. Plus, the drama that happened with my school prior to the trip really had exhausted me.
I arrived in NY a bit later than expected due to traffic. Apparently Obama decided to visit ground zero that day. No matter, I gave myself at least a two hour leeway to get from the bus to Penn Station (and to get lost). I dragged my big suitcase to the station got on the Long Island Railway to JFK. Slept some more... and zombie walked my way to where I was to check in. Thankfully everything went without a hitch and I had some downtime before my fight left.
I mostly chilled on the net. Did some last minute banking and goodbyes. Bought certain people cheesy NY key-chains and talked with the wife till I had to leave. Oh and ate a hot dog.
The actual plane ride was all right. I was nervous since I hadn't flown on this airline before, but was glad that my fears were unfounded. Service was decent, seats comfy, food good... even watched a movie! I just slept for most of that looooooooooog trip.
Arriving there and getting to J Hoppers wasn't too bad either. Kansai Airport is far less confusing than Narita and since I arrived at 6pm there wasn't much in the way of lines. It felt kinda surreal though. I was slightly numb from travel and had already switched into Japanese mode... so just got into J Hoppers.. unpacked and explored. I think. I don't remember much of that night haha.
J Hoppers is a really nice hostel. I was happy with the staff and location. Right. That was the night I woke up at 3 in the morning even though I had gone to be at 11? I think? I walked outside, got my first combini meal of the trip and found the station I needed to go to. I was also pretty dumbfounded at how much my Japanese has improved from the last time I went. I can follow directions!!! And spent the rest of the night configuring my phone for twitter and etc.
5/7 - Tadiama~! Nijinsky
So, I did go back to sleep for an hour or so, but I was too excited to really sleep. After all I was going into the mura for the first time in four years and well NIJINSKY. I got myself all prettied up (fangirled the showers on twitter omg I loved the showers) and headed out around 7:30am.
I knew that the station had a direct line to Takarazuka and I had been using Hyperdia religiously to figure things out. But once there, I always had to try and figure out which side I was supposed to be. Which I got wrong anyways as I ended up on the Kobe bound line when I thought I was on the direct line. Ah well the worst that happened was that I went all the way down to Sannomiya, learned my lesson, got back onto Takarazuka line and missed Yuki/Hoshi iri.
But, I was very much on time for soragumi okeiko iri. It was quite the surreal experience being in the mura again. I was so happy to be there I could barely stand it. Even the fact I had a broken camera and actually couldn't take pictures couldn't dampen my mood (it broke when i was trying to take it out of my luggage the previous day). Plus, this time I wasn't in a club. I HAD FREEDOM. Freedom I could barely handle apparently cause I ran away after Mii-chan passed two feet in front of me.
Um.. I guess then I went into QR? I bought the Nijinsky program and wao_wao's otome. Then I went on the hunt for the post office. Now, see I was functioning on my memory from four years ago. I ended up going in the opposite direction. So I inadvertently explored a good part of Takarazuka-shi, before I realized the post office was the other way (this would also be a trend). I really had no rush as the show wasn't until 1pm and it was only 11am by the time I found a post office. Only, I discovered I lacked Julie's full address <= shame on me. And so package didn't go out as planned.
The only bad thing was... I hadn't worn proper shoes for exploring. I was semi limping by the time I got back to the theater and my heels were burning in pain. Also smart me, I forgot to actually eat lunch before I went in. Wasn't feeling the best, but sitting in the theatre helped. I people watched for a bit. There was another foreigner with I guess a Japanese girlfriend/wife which I found amusing. There was this super adorable child behind me with her grandfather. Oh and to make matters more amusing it was the same place I sat the last time I saw Junjou X3
The actual show I will talk about in a separate post, but honestly I'm so glad I got to see it once in Bow Hall and from such a great seat. I loved the story, the dancing, the acting, and staging. It was so well casted and acted. I can't attest for the quality of writing as actually much of the plot went over my head initially. Yet, the basic story isn't hard to follow at all. I was also impressed with Chigi's dancing. She has always been a mediocre dancer, especially in ballet. I was bursting with pride as seeing this former baby Sora-sei all grown up and lovely. I may have cried. Not to mention there were other yukigumi-sei that left a deep impression on me. But, that is for another post.
At the act break I rushed out to try and find food. I remembered there was a 7-11 somewhere, but I failed at finding it and gave up and grabbed a drink from a vending machine. Though because I was limping and slow... I managed to be late. I hate this with a passion. I find it utterly embarrassing, most especially since I was so close up and it was filming day. I missed the first 5 minutes of the opening and felt like dying. So I couldn't really enjoy the first bit, but Kitarou and Chigi quickly remedied that. Plus Ayu was the cutest, most incredible thing ever too.
The bows were super cute. I don't remember exactly what Chigi said anymore, but she was cute. Everyone was cute. I really enjoyed myself and felt incredibly elated afterwards, if in incredible foot pain.
But, so you see how dumb, idiotic dedicated I am, I actually stayed for demachi despite the pain. It wasn't so bad as long as I kept very still.. Though I had to wander for a bit cause I actually didn't know where exactly to line up. After chatting to some staff members, I got into place ...really early. Nobody started to really even get in position until 30 minutes later. My poor feet.
Once everyone seemed to finally get lined up, I went in search of a friend's club staff and I handed her letter over. Then I promptly got introduced to the whole club as her friend which apparently got them excited... then I stood near one of the ladies in the club that was on crutches. (THATS DEDICATION. Put me to shame). She kept motioning for me to get closer, then even closer... any closer and I'd be doing guard as well. Which I have a feeling was what she was hinting at. I would later on know her as C-san. I slipped in my Japanese and went "dekinai!" which made her chuckle.
I was saved by sieto coming out. I really wish I kept note of who came out when and wearing what, but I was in pain and everyone was so cute. Finally an hour later, my friend's star came out (whom I shall call H-chan from now on) and I was relieved. My feet hurt! It was really nice being in the gallery. Well it was nice until staff lady decided H-chan absolutely had to know where the letter came from. Which resulted in a hilarious moment of her looking up into the crowd trying to figure out which one it was and being startled when she me. She gave me this sweet big grin, bowed, and thanked me for the letter from my friend.
I was pretty much dumbfounded and embarrassed cause everyone in the gallery near me looked over. I just wanted to hide behind a tree. I had never done this before so I didn't know. I just chalked it up that I was actually an intermediary for an beloved oversees kaiin. But I admit my heart had melted.
After Chigi came out, said things to her club and addressed everyone else I bolted out of there. Well as much as I could. Cause, damn I had to stop every few feet I was in so much pain. Though thanks to one moment of stopping I got to witness Mickey-kai photography session. I was amused. In pain but amused.
When I got back to the hostel, I examined the damage to my feet. Oh yeah I tore up my heels pretty bad. I could barely put any pressure on it. I can't even describe it was so disgusting...so I took a shower, cleaned my feet as best i could and wrapped it up before I went to bed.
I tossed those shoes into the dumpster in the morning. They were old anyways.
Anyways the following day... NBN!!!!!!