Final glimpses

Frankly, I thought that there would only be around 5 people coming to see me off.
The turnout was so surprising (around 15 people) that I was too moved and happy to shed any tears (I had been expecting myself to start bawling during the sendoff for days...)

It was the best gift I could ever hope for :D
I love Kagoshima, I love you guys, and I will surely go back <3

Thanks for everything, you guys
I especially loved your cards and messages
See you again in the future!
(Come visit me also!)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=309958&id=850320496&l=4002f7ee85

"Jenny Party"

My farewell party was held on a cruise ship (納涼船, Nouryou Sen)
We had to name the event, so we called it the "Jenny Party"
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=309943&id=850320496&l=546ff2559d

PS. Special thanks to Izumi and Shinobu for making the event possible! Love you guys! <3

January highlights: January 29 - Faiz packing and departure from Kagoshima

Faiz's four-month stay in Kagoshima came to an end on January 29.
Time really flies. It made me realize that the six to seven months I have left could also go by in a blink of an eye.

Although I spent a lot of time with Faiz during his stay, it wasn't nearly enough.
Although this may sound like a cliche, I can still remember the time when we first me him as if it were yesterday.

Parting sure sucks.
Still, I'm glad to have known you, Faiz.
Thanks for the memories and the changes you brought about in me.
I think I've said this before, but I believe that every single person we meet in life help shape the person we become.
So thanks for your contribution :)

The night before departure day, I went to Faiz's place to give him some photos and helped 'supervise' his packing cuz he was clueless as to how to proceed at one point (see photo above for visual support)

It took him almost all night to sort out the small items here and there

He almost forgot to throw away the trash he has been 'keeping' for so long in his freezer
The kimchi expired on September 23, 2008. Right, Faiz? :P

His luggage weighed over 45 kilograms in the end, if I remember correctly

The room was now back to its original state - clean and bare

Lots of people came to see him off: (from right)
Zhao, me, Tienchi, Shinobu, and Emi
Mr. Imamura drove Faiz to the airport as part of his duties

Hiroki made it at the very last minute

Parting words between comrades

Bye Faiz!

Hiroki and Zhao couldn't come with to the airport cuz they had classes.

January highlights

January has been really busy, what with the semester coming to an end and many of my friends either graduating or finishing up their stay in Kagoshima. It's been one event after another, leaving little room to think and making it seem like the month just zapped by in a second.

In the following posts, I will revisit these gatherings and look back at the great time that we shared. Sad as parting is, I'm really glad I got to know everyone and had such a grand time with all of you!