Classes and the Like

This morning was our Japanese "most basic grammar test" which really wasn't at all basic. There was an odd part where we have to use the specific aizuchi or "filler speech" (Yeah, Uh-huh, um..., well,) before the response we had to write to an odd scenario / sentence. I didn't know some of the vocab that I would need to respond in some cases. Then we had two dialogues to listen to, and I think I understood most of the first one but nothing of the second one. I'm hoping my Professor will take me aside and help me figure out where I belong in these classes. I'm mystified though, since Ann is in level 3 and says it is way too easy, even though she is a year behind me? I wonder if there's middle-ground somewhere. I know I can handle the new material but how much don't I know?

In Negotiation, Prof. Tracy told us of good places to go for the three-day weekend, and then had people from different countries negotiate a scenario. I failed miserably and the Swedish guy I was working with gouged me, but due to my own faults. Relying on my cellphone calculator which I still can't use well, and just not thinking didn't help, and neither did his business background and strong business demeanor. In retrospect I think I know what Tracy means about how people need to illustrate what they need in a negotiation so that a good compromise, or a win-win can be made...

Anyway, Tracy recommended going to Uji which sounds like a good idea. I might try that Sunday. Tomorrow I'm going to Kyoto to do the Philosopher's Walk (which Pete Henty reccomended, ) and it looks like it will be quite interesting. After that I may try for a visit to Nijo Castle too, if I have time and if it is open. Most of the day will be spent navigating. I was invited to go out to Kyoto tomorrow with some Australians, but it's a group of 10... I wanted a solo trip anyway so I can see more at my own pace.

Dinner tonight was another gyoza failure... I need to fry them for longer, and put in less water. We're almost there! At least I can't screw up miso. I need to learn how to make healthy things out of easily recognizable ingredients. It's fun so far, this foraging thing.

Anyway, hopefully I have good pictures and maybe even video for you tomorrow.