The rest of my long long week

I've just realised that I forgot to blog about the 2nd day of the school festival, and of course, the Leavers Party. So, only a few days late, here goes ;

Saturday was the 2nd day of the school festival, and although not as fun and varied as the first, it was still enjoyable. The day was all about the music! The school orchestra (with some impressive tunes; inc Copacabana, and a J-pop fave of mine 'No More Cry'), and the legendary school chorus competition. In the competition, every class in the school had to go on the stage and perfom a song together that they had been practising for weeks and weeks. I had been asked to be a judge for the competition, and so I had a front row seat for the performances. They were really great. I enjoyed listening to most, if not all, of the songs, and felt like I had my own personal concert! However, I actually got a bit stressed as I looked over the complicated marking system. Aaaaarrrghhh..the responsibility and the pressure! In the end the classes that I had wanted to win, were indeed the winners...and so at least I know the other judges had the same thoughts as me!

As soon as the festival had finished, I dashed to the toilets, changed into my party gear, and jumped in a taxi to Yanai station. I was off to the Yamaguchi AJET Sayonara Party 2005!..(just rolls off the tongue doesn't it!!) The first part of the night was 3 hours of all-you-can eat/drink at Kenko Park in Kudamatsu. The food really wasn't great, but alcohol was unlimited, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was really nice to wander around everyone, chatting, taking photos, and taking in the atmosphere. After Kenko, we headed off to Susie Wongs, a new snazzy bar in Tokuyama, where we held the first ever Zenny Awards. The Zenny Awards were devised by Jo (thanks for all your hard work Jo!), and were given out for categories such as 'JET most likely to end up in rehab', 'JET most most likely to never leave Japan', and 'First year JET most likely to become a weird third year' (won by Tori, Patrick, and Tom respectively). This was a really nice part of the evening, as everyone was sitting around together, cheering for their favourite nominees, and heckling both winners and losers alike! After the awards, the last Zenzen magazines of the JET year were given out, along with Yearbooks (thanks Jo and Tori!) As soon as the awards had finished, me, Sarah, Rosie, and Ellen ran off to Tikita to get the place ready for the final portion of the night....the party! After putting up pictures of leavers around the walls (thanks girls!), and hastily blowing up balloons, the others began to arrive. After collecting money, and giving out tickets for the first hour (oh the joys of AJET!), most people had arrived, and so Gillian, Sarah and I could start to relax and just enjoy the party. It was great to have a night of dancing, and maybe even better for not having drunk a lot (as my dancing was more co-ordinated!!!) Kat and Neal shared the DJing with Jimmy (our Tikita regular!), and they both did a stirling job! Kat you were great, and the wig....perfect! I lasted until about 1.30, and then retreated to my Tikita hotel room upstairs. After the busy week, and day I had, I feel I did quite well to last until then!!!

I really enjoyed the night...as far as AJET was concerned, it ran smoothly, and everyone had a good time, so mission accomplished.....as far as I was concerned, it was a good party, good fun, and great to be with everyone for one last time before half the ken leaves. To all of you who are leaving, best of luck with everything, and know that Yamaguchi-ken will miss you all!