Hello my name is Andika Tri Saputra. I am student of Short Term Regular Program of Ryukyu University for 2007-2008 periods that got time to visit mainland of Japan especially Kyoto and Nara Prefecture. University of The Ryukyu laid on the special trip for final year graduate student of master and doctor program. Beside that, they gave a chance for another international student also to join this trip. But in a fact, they only provided about 40 persons who could join for this trip. So, University of The Ryukyu limited the applicants with lottery procedure. The gave first priority for final year graduate students of master and doctor program, the second priority are STRP and URSEP students, the last are another international students of Ryukyu University. However they just took nine students only with lottery procedure. Fortunately, I was chosen as one of Kyoto and Nara trip 2007. We just have to pay 5000 yen for three days and two night’s trip.
Having passed about 2 months in Okinawa and enjoy Japanese culture in my daily activities, I got this chance to try the “real
” Japanese culture. I remember when my friend told about Kyoto, she said “In Kyoto, you will see and feel the very Japanese”. Why she can say like that? Because Japanese lifestyle in Okinawa not “100 % Japanese”, 50% Japanese and 50% American. After I passed this trip and also compare, I think my friend’s opinion is true. For example, winter season already come, but I did not fell so different like in Indonesia. When stayed in Kyoto for one day, I equip my self with warm coat because there is very cold. The temperature was about 5oC, and even when we visited one temple in Kyoto the snow flurries. That is amazing; I just saw it for the first time. We visited many temple, traditional places, and also saw the red leaves (maple/momiji) as sign of winter season. It was very nice.
About forty students from Ryukyu University were accompanied by three staff of International Student Office and also Mr. Onaga, the MFP- “Most Funniest Person”. He contributed to make our trip very interesting. He made a lot of joke and some “carefulness” questions. Nan-piki; nan-hiki; nan-biki; desu ka? They who have high ‘intelligence’ only could answer his questions. At the first time, I was so confuse. But I knew how to answer his questions by degrees.
I want to thank the sponsor, Mambukagakusho who made very unforgettable moment. Also to Mr. Toru Kinjo, Makiko San, Mayo San, and the last but not the least to all of participants who joined this trip and made the memorable one. Thanks All!!
(ditulis sebagai laporan perjalanan, Okinawa 30 Des 2007)
