The Japanese Language Proficiency Test – level 1

The more I study, the less convince I am of the gamble I took when deciding to challenge Level 1.

3 years ago, just back from Japan, I would have probably passed Level 2 comfortably. A little extra effort and I would not have cried about Level 1.

Right now. I have no idea what I’m studying.

You see, the train of thoughts in my optimistic frame of mind at the time of applying was this: if i take Level 2 this year, I would have to take Level 1 next year. If I fail Level 1 this year, well, Take Two next year.

The worse that could happen – my pride takes a hit with a fail next to my name.

Who knows, I might be ok! How bad can it be…..?

Weeelll…..

@Office, after hours

P.S Yes, I know I’m two posts behind in my Photo a Day project….

With the Guys

Love breakfast on Sundays.

Even better under the sun.

Olivia @ Myer

A quick stroll through the city on detour to the train station told me that somehow, without my noticing, Christmas has already crept up ’round the corner.

Do you see what I see?

After three absences, I went to Shaberoukai (しゃべろう会) tonight after giving up on work at about 7.30.

“Shaberu” is to talk in Japanese and the Shaberoukai is a small get-together of Japanese and Australians organised by one of several Japanese clubs in Melbourne.

Apart from the educational benefits (cough), it’s a nice way to unwind after work and I can hardly refuse food … (yes, dinner usually follows though not part of the official agenda). I’ve met some great people here and many of those I travelled to visit on my recent trip to Japan I’d met through the Shaberoukai. The sad part however, is that the majority of the people I meet are only here temporarily – on study or working holiday visas. A never-ending cycle of hellos and goodbyes.

Still,  as the Chinese say, ‘where there are meetings, there will be partings. Because there are partings, there are meetings’.

Ok, so I need to work on my translating skills

Even a short encounter can become a long-life friendship. Sweeter than it is bitter.

The above photo was taken in my friend’s car on the way back from dinner at a Shanghai dumpling restaurant in Chinatown. What you _can’t_ make out is the incredibly bright, yellow, round moon sitting low on the horizon – left of the middle of the photo

Seeing how I’m failing miserably at posting on this blog on a regular basis, I’ve decided on a new approach!

Called [A photo a day] approach. Original, I know.

So now, I’m giving you a 2 second glance into my life each day… or as frequently as I remember – which shouldn’t be hard given my reputation for having my camera permanently glued to my hand.

Today’s snap:

Feeling short...

My view from the back of the carriage of fellow commuters on the train on our way to work after a long weekend. Having to stand, as I woke up approximately 40 mins later than anticipated and hence without the option to take the slower, less crowded ‘Stop every station’ train where I normally manage to secure a seat and catch an extra 20 minutes of shut eye Which apparently appeals to me more than the 40 mins extra I got in bed – please dont ask.

Back from Japan!

Back to my blog!

….now to figure out what to write… hmm…. cough… weellll 9.9

In the meantime though, for those who have Facebook and are friends with me (=P), there are quick snaps of my travel journal with snippets from my 3 weeks in Japan uploaded there, feel free to have a flip though.

Will be back soon, with proper post (promise)

Think its time to plan a quiet day in.

Haven’t had one of those for a while …

Good night! Sweet dreams everyone.

I… hate Mondays.

I’m sorry.

I don’t mean to neglect you.

I haven’t forgotten about you.

I think about you all the time.

But I’ve been busy lately…and tired.

Please understand.

I promise I’ll spend more time with you… once things die down.

I promise.

Skipped  to Knox today to watch “Red Cliff” (some would say I floated).

「赤壁」 A Chinese film, originally in two parts, depicting the historical battle of Red Cliff.

Being the only Chinese there, I felt some obligation to be the one to ask my friends how it was at the end and I listened with some inner pride that they did, in fact, find it enjoyable.

I also listened, with amusement, to the guy next to me as he laughed and commented on scenes that I had grown up with – still amazing of course, but not exactly wow-provoking. I also read, with slight dissatisfaction, at some of the subtitle translation. That however, was not unexpected.

I realised as I took in my neighbour’s reaction that not everyone had grown up movies that didnt come out of ‘Hollywood’…

Never one to bother with imposing ‘my’ culture on other people, when I got home I found myself rummaging through our shelves for old Hong Kong movies on VCDs (yes, those ancient things) and DVDs for my friends.

I wanted others to watch them too.

—–

Growing up, I disliked being a Chinese living in Australia.

I looked Chinese, I certainly grew up with Chinese values – as handed down from my parents. But, I was surrounded by Western culture – and just as I picked up their language, I picked up their ways.

And so, I was always a foreigner.

Both in Australia, and in Hong Kong.

I was continuously looking for a place to be, to belong.

I kept the two worlds apart. But I belonged in neither.

It wasn’t until I understood that both were my worlds – and that together they made me, me – that I became comfortable with sitting in the middle.

Now I understand (and appreicate): Growing up the way I did actually gave me the biggest advantage I may ever have in life- Access to more than one set of movies, music, foods. Insight into more than one country, culture, mindset, value and habit. Pride in what each world has to offer the other. Satisfaction that I am part of both.

….And the ability to pick and choose the best parts from both. To make my own world.