Tokyo Marathon 2007

Well, the day has finally arrived... I'm racing/running/trying to survive the first ever Tokyo Marathon tomorrow. I'm realistic, however, and know my limitations, so I'm only running half and then quitting and taking a shuttle to the finish line. Ha! 13 miles is a lot for lil ole me, so I'm nervous but hopeful. Worst of all, the forecast is for rain. Oh dear. I don't really know how to run in rain- I'm not that hard core! I usually just hit the treadmill at the gym, so if it rains I think all hell is gonna break loose. Ah well, it'll be a good laugh!

And yes, it will be televised in Japan, so if you're watching from home and see a little halfie huffing and puffing along- cheer for me! (and then say a prayer!!!)

Madrid

I know, I know, it's February and I'm posting about my Christmas trip... but if you've been keeping up with this blog then you know lots has been on my mind. Finally now that things have settled... here it is... Wintertime in Madrid.

The Pablo Kids take over Madrid. That's what a newpaper headline should read about our trip to Madrid. We were in and out in no time- it was only a 3-day trip, but the whirlwind tour that occurred is remarkable. We visited one church, one palace (royal nonetheless!), one underground sangria bar, 3 major museums, countless cafes and restaurants, one amazing lookout spot in the city twice, and then managed to get lost in one huge, shady, urban Madrid park. Yeah, you could say when we travel we Pablos do not mess around.

Here are some of the pics...



Here is a view of the Royal Palace from afar and the Cathedral located directly next to it. This shot was taken from the Madrid Teleferic, a wire cable ride that takes you across the city. The palace itself is beautiful both inside and outside- each room is elaborately designed and certainly took millions of pesetas and long hours of labor.



The cathedral's ceiling in Madrid. This is where the Prince of Spain, Felipe and the new Princess Leticia were married just a few years ago. It is a modern cathedral, but beautifully created in an antique style.



This is the Puerta de Toledo, one of the many arches scattered around the city's rondas, circular intersections typical of Spain. Just before dinner one night we stumbled across this arch and saw the setting sun in the distance.



Here's another shot of the sunset in Madrid. We took the cable ride to the main park in Madrid, but once we got there we realized we were in the middle of a deserted park. Sweet. The sun was setting, there was not a soul to be found in the park and we were a mere 30-40 minute walk from the closest metro station. Ahhhh, the joys of getting lost while traveling. I swear, for a moment I thought my siblings and I were going to be killed by some mangy crack addict, thus officially terminating my status as the perfect older sister. Good thing that didn't happen and I can maintain my impeccable track record. ;)



Then of course we had to hit up a sangria bar before we left this capitol city. We hit up the bar early, at about 10:30 and snagged the last seats in the house, right next to pianist who we eventually befriended.



The sangria, sold by the pitcher for 12 Euros was well worth it for the 3 of us to enjoy good music and atmosphere. The bar was underground and soon after we arrived people were lining up outside the door to get in. The piano dude took requests and played us another "typical" song from Madrid. Never heard of it, but it was titled "Madrid" so I think it must of been for real. :)

Finally, our last to-do in Madrid: wake up and eat a sweet churros i chocolate breakfast. They were not churros I had ever had before- no sugar on them and shaped differently. Instead they were like little donuts except loop-shaped and then dipped in hot chocolate. And, no I don't mean Swiss Miss instant hot cocoa made with water or milk. I mean chocolate, straight up. It's a thick, thick, creamy chocolate, with a slight trace of some milk somewhere but so subtle it's like dipping a donut in a melted Hershey's bar. And yes, it is THAT delicious.



My heart churro and a kiss from Madrid! It was a great city and the best part, hands down, was being with the mini-Pablos for a great 3 day trip. (despite the 8 hr. overnight busride!)

Final thought: I liked Madrid... but it ain't no Barcelona! ;) Hey, you can't blame a girl for adoring her hometown, now can you?!?

The Results are In

Well, thank you to everyone that gave me their advice, opinions, and encouragement. It is much appreciated and while no one can make this decision for me, just hearing others' ideas was very helpful, for real. I always knew y'all had my back.

First of all, let's talk about one issue that many people mentioned… why the heck isn’t Seattle an option?!?

Well, to that I say, Seattle in many ways is home for me. My closest friends live in Seattle. I spent 5 amazing years at a great university building friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Little old Kirkland, Washington will always have a piece of my heart. And yes, I do plan to return someday. But the time just ain't yet. I figure, while I have the chance to live in other countries and enjoy my singlehood, I might as well live away from home. And know that if I don't live in Seattle, I will always come and visit... especially since everyone and their momma is getting married. Dropping like flies, I tell ya. So, be not despaired, Seattleites, I'll be home soon. June to be exact. ;)

Now, on to JET stuff. I have decided to stay in Japan another year, for sure. I really would like to enjoy my time here fully and I would like to learn and improve my Japanese. For now, I have re-contracted with JET, playing defensively. If I find another job before July, I can back out without any penalty or damage to my school. They will have time to find a replacement for me if need be. So, because I was uncertain of my ability to find another position that I love, I re-contracted, will ride out these next 6 moths and keeping an eye out for other jobs.

If I find another job, I will obviously take it and live in Japan trying a new position. If I don't find another job, I will gladly stay on JET, work few hours, travel Asia, pay no rent and enjoy life. And... to help keep me motivated in my third year I will try some new things to prevent the mental emaciation that is often a result of JET.

These are the ideas floating around in my head, some of which I have researched and am currently pursuing, some are still just ideas without action.

1. Join the AJET National Council. This is an organization of JET volunteers who meet with government officials to improve the quality of life for current JETs and make improvements to this organization. There are many aspects of business involved in the council, so this could be a way for me to broaden my resume. Not only that, but AJET Council members get to travel to all orientations and meet JETs from around Japan. Despite it being a volunteer position I think it could be worthwhile and helpful in keeping me fresh and motivated.

2. Take courses at a Tokyo University. I am currently looking into Japanese classes, Catalan classes, history and tourism courses in Tokyo. This could be a great option, especially if I can work it out to take the classes in Japanese, allowing me to study Japanese and another subject at the same time. I would be working and earning a salary but still adding to my education.

3. Become a Tokyo tour guide. There are a few organizations that recruit foreigners or Japanese people to volunteer to guide tourists in Tokyo. I have no idea what the requirements are or if I would need to be certified in any way... but I think it could be a good stepping stone into the tourism industry if I want to head in that direction in Europe/US as a guide.

4. Be a better JET. Duh, obviously, there is more room for me to improve at school, so in my third year I would like to create even better lessons than I have taught in the past. I also think I could do a lot more in cultural exchange, creating more opportunities for outside of class interaction with students. I don't have to be lazy and mediocre at my job. It's always my choice to do more and grow in my work.

5. Pick up some new hobbies. I really want to learn shamisen, a Japanese instrument kinda like a guitar. I want to learn Japanese traditional dance. I want to pick up hula classes again. I want to run more. Travel more. Study Japanese more. Learn to cook Japanese dishes like a pro. And most importantly, have fun. Fortunately, JET is a no stress job. People are always saying they don't have enough time or money. I have both in this job and I should be seriously loving my life.

Well...that's that. And what's the best thing about me staying in Japan another year?! YOU having another year of chances to come and visit!!! Like the wisdom of an old TV show once said, “Come and knock on my door...I’ll be waiting for yoooooou!”