It's The Final Countdown...

You have to admit, Europe's The Final Countdown is ridiculously catchy if it gets you at the right moment. Like, say, counting down the two weeks until we fly to Japan for the start of the JAL Foundation scholarship programme. It's been a long wait, but finally we're off to Nippon!

I'm excited. :D

That being said, it's time this blog started to perform it's intended purpose. An Australian Scholar in Japan will be an ongoing chronicle (of sorts) of our experiences and adventures in Japan. Any MISadventures that we happen to get up to won't be reported here; it's not that I don't trust ya'll, it's just that I'd like to keep some things on the down low.

We received a "Preparation For Arrival" document via email a few weeks back. Part of our requirements are as follows:

1. To bring a national costume (or suit/jacket) as recommended attire for receptions in Tokyo and Kanazawa.
Do you think they'd be offended if I wore stubbie shorts, thongs, and a singlet? ;) Joking!

9. Slippers for wearing inside the dormitory (at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Centre), especially if your foot is a size 11 or higher, as it is difficult to find slippers in these sizes.
I think my Australian side is going to show here. Since my foot is a size 13, I'm going to have to bring my favourite uggboots from New Zealand to wear. On the plus side, they can double as a cool fashion statement!

And my favourite...

In addition, group of scholars from each country will be invited to give a ‘country presentation’ at the farewell reception on July 24^th (Tuesday), as well as in Kanazawa. This may be a traditional song, dance or some other short performance. You might like to take the opportunity before you leave for Japan to think about what you would like to present and what things you think would be appropriate to bring from your country.

In advance, I would like to apologise profusely for the representation Australia is going to get. I may in fact be forced to sing Waltzing Matilda. Monica suggested some form of interpretive dance. I wanted to sing Slim Dusty's "A Pub With No Beer". Katelyn suggested re-enacting the Cronulla riots and attacking the other students, but I somehow doubt that'd go down very well. ;)
Anyone have any ideas of what we can do for this?

The programme documents will be arriving in a week or so via snail mail, so when they turn up I'll let you all know what's happening. Until then!