It was Monday afternoon when I thought to myself for the first time "I'm leaving next week". It hit me like a ton of bricks how close in fact my departure is, and I'm now getting quite excited by it. But with less than a week to go, I really  need to tie up all those loose ends.

Yesterday I got my currency (and left the bank looking shifty with all that cash in my bag), which I intend to use to buy all the necessities once I arrive  - bedding, pots and pans, rice cooker, electronic dictionary, bike, and if there's any spare, a good digital camera.

(If anyone can give me some advice on buying a digital camera or electronic dictionary I would be ever so greatfull)

Haven't quite started packing yet, so at this rate it will be panic job.  I also need to sort out a hotel for my first night, as i arrive too late to move immediately into halls. I am coming round to the idea of staying over night in Osaka rather than Kyoto as it may be cheaper and it will break up the journey by train. the queston is to stay somewhere near Namba or Umeda station (Umeda might be easier for the train the next day?). I stayed one night in a hotel near Umeda last year, which wasn't bad, so I could always go back there.

Oh, I need to come up with a dissertation topic as well. But without a contact at uni to guide me, I have no clue if my ideas are any good... damn the whole 'joint honours students are bottom of the pile' ethos!


Beyond all that, I just need to say my farewells to everyone. Had a bit of a BBQ last weekend so got to see a lot of people there and had a few laughs. This weekend has been put aside for spending time with my family. Depending how organised I am, I may have time to go out for a drink one evening too.