Wanderlust

Random note for the day:

2007-09-20T10:34:00.000+09:00

In Japan, there is Hanami in the spring- cherry blossom viewing. (hana=flower, mi=look) In fall, there is Tsukimi. (Tsuki=moon, mi=look) So, in the fall, people go out at night under the trees that have changed colors and view the harvest moon. It's a classic part of Japanese culture.

And the randomness is...

McDonalds just introduced (in true we-love-the-seasons fashion) a Tsukimi Burger. A fried egg (Tsuki!) on a bun. Genius!!

My Backyard

2007-08-11T08:24:00.000+09:00

Here all the shots of Tokyo with the family. We saw everything there was to see in Tokyo... at least all we could cram in. It was nice to be reminded of all the weird things about Japan that have now kinda sorta become normal for me and I don't notice anymore. I know- scary desho! But it was also nice to be reminded of all the small, awe-inspiring things about Japan that I now take for granted too. Plus, playing a tourist in your own city is fun! I visited places with my family that I had never even been too, in 2 years of living here!

We took a river cruise down the Sumida River in Tokyo which went under 11 bridges. There's really nothing at all remarkable about the bridges, so I swear the tour guide kept saying stuff like, "Now here is the red bridge." And that was it. Nothing left to say. Then, "and here if you look ahead you will see the blue bridge." Which, the blue bridge looked not that different from the red bridge, or the green bridge, or the orange bridge for that matter. So... the bridges weren't astounding, but seeing Tokyo from water was quite nice, nonetheless.

Me and mom on the river. The boat trip ended at a port, so from there we walked to a beautiful Japanese style garden, Hamarikyu. 30 minutes before closing the park we make it to the entrance and the Japanese worker looks at us like, "uh, yeah, you know you only have 30 minutes to see the park, right??" We said, yeah, fool, we know. Just let us into the park! It was dusk and no one was left at the park so we had it all to oursleves to sit and enjoy the view.

This was my family's last day spent in Tokyo. It was a great day, nice weather, lots of walking and laughing and just enjoying each other's company. You come to realize, with people you love, you can do anything and somehow it's fun. Just a walk, a chat, and a sunset is far better than any other entertainment you could buy!

Aquarium Life

2007-08-10T02:04:00.000+09:00

There's an aquarium in Osaka... who knew it was popular?! I seriously thought it was gonna be lame, and it cost 2000 yen, so I was a little sceptical. In the end it turned out to be amazing! It had been YEARS since I last went to an aquarium and this one did not disappoint. We saw a sweet same (shark) but it's actually a whale shark, which was cool. Then we saw some crabs, lil teeny guys that could climb up the side of rocks, even with water cascading down on them from a waterfall. Amazing! These two crabs were even escaping from their enclosure!! Crazy, crazy. There were also penguins, dolphins, otters, seals, deep sea crabs, rays, turtles... just to name a few.

Here are a few pics... enjoy!

and of course.... the beautiful family outside the aquarium at the Osaka Port at sunset.

A few more randoms...

2007-08-08T00:23:00.001+09:00

Kitty in Kyoto

View from a train window.

My school boys cycling away from the ALT to avoid painful conversation in English.

Fushimi Inari on a breezy day.

Blue skies.

Firsts in Kansai

2007-08-07T23:44:00.000+09:00

Well... I couldn't avoid Kansai forever. FINALLY, this week I visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara with my family. And heck, it's summer vacation, so a girl's gotta take advantage of that, right?!

The trip was great for me- I got to discover (along with family) all the beautiful temples and the tranquility of Kyoto, the beauty of Himeji Castle, the bustle and the aquatic life of Osaka and grandeur (read: BIG Buddha) of Nara. I'm so glad I got to see it for the first time with my family... here's the week's best shots.

Welcome to Kyoto...

Our first day in Kyoto we dedicated to temples. Uh, which is good, because Kyoto is pretty much temples, and more temples. Beginning with Ginkakuji, we headed to the northeastern side of Kyoto to see a beautiful temple, set over water, nestled in a park up on a hill. From there you could see out over the city. The zen gardens around the temple were meticulously created and showed such attention to detail. A beautiful begin to a great city.

While in Kyoto, we also went to see some Japanese performing arts at a Kabuki Theatre. On the way we got a little hot and decided to cool off. We certainly got a couple of looks from the neighbors, but I don't think you coulda pulled us out of the cool stream for anything. Except maybe ice cream.

We also visited Kiyomizudera, which was actually my favorite temple of Kyoto. It is a short walk away from the busy streets of Kyoto, but all of a sudden, you're at the temple, you look out, and you realize you are completely surrounded by trees. It was really, realy beautiful. So simple in design yet the location made it stunning.

Kiyomizudera with my new friend Satoru-kun. He was hilarious.

Another one of my favorites was Fushimi shrine. It's a ways out of central, touristy Kyoto, thus less crowded and just as beautiful. There is a 4 hour hike which is lined with the red tori gates the entire time. If you've seen the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" you've seen these red gates. On the hike up I even ran into two friends. From Tokyo! What a crazy small world.

Gotta was those hands!

My family said the city they loved most was Kyoto. I tried to get them to say Tokyo, but they just couldn't be bought. Booo. Oh well. I must admit, Kyoto, being the former capitol of Japan for more than a thousand years, kinda has a one-up on Tokyo. No matter, though. I still love it!

I'll be sure to post on Osaka, Himeji, and Nara soon. Not to mention more Tokyo pics. I'm back on blogging track, and with the sweltering heat keeping me inside, I'll probably have plenty of time to blog!

Love from Nihon!

Summer time catch up

2007-07-31T18:17:00.000+09:00

Since it's summer and I've got free time now, thank goodness, I thought I'd post up some new pics I took around my kinjou (neighborhood) and Tokyo. Enjoy!

Kawagoe is known for it's old Japanese-style buildings, sweet shops, and temples. There was a recent festival around the city so my brother and sister and I checked it out- and I must say it did not disappoint.

We also saw this kid performing on a small shrine with Taiko drummers, being pulled to the temple. Love that face!

Old and new in Japan.

Yeah, I live countryside. And yeah, I DO love my morning bike-ride commute.

A view from the train as the world flies by. I've taken the train a million times- sometimes I forget to actually look out the window and enjoy the scenery. Life is in the journey, not the destination, right?!

Blue buses in a black and white world.

Night festival at my local temple. Taiko drumming, karaoke competitions, and cotton candy!

The shop around the corner. Always good for yaki imo (sweet potato) and fresh veggies, straight from the backyard.

Harajuku girls. You'd have to see it to believe it. And... I hope you DO see it someday!

Come and see Tokyo- you've got a guide waiting for you!!

Goodbyes and Hellos

2007-07-30T16:03:00.000+09:00

Life has been a crazy blur lately- hence the lack of posts, but as I now have a second to update, here's what's been going on in my world lately....

Well, as July is coming to a close, it also marks the end of the JET contract. Not for me, but for other people. I'll be staying on another year, which means I've had lots of sayonara parties and farewells to take care of.

Just a few of the people that I've grown to love these 2 years...

Here's me and Scott sharing a Mister Donuts moment. Scott and I met in Seattle 2 years ago and have been kicking it ever since. We came to Japan on JET and luckily he loves to party, so he knows Tokyo better than I do even though he lives out in the country. That always feels good- getting shown up by the country folk in my own backyard! HA! Thanks Scott for all the memories- I'm gonna miss you 'round here!

And then, my partner in crime, Cassie. She's been living here in my lil city for 2 years, so there's been plenty of good times for us around here. Japanese lessons, camping, Taiwan, and here at the baseball game with her boy Bryn. I love this girl! Ganbatte back in Oz. I'm gonna come visit you soon!

Luckily, I've had a few hellos around here too...

My brother and sister arrived in Japan! Finally, people. ;) They're here for two weeks, so we've been having lots of fun checking out Tokyo and we'll be off to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe this week. Yahoo.

We even fit in some soccer viewing- seeing Japan in the Asia Cup. Glad I have two soccer pros to teach me about the game and cheer for Nihon with. We have been checking out the city, staying up late every night and sleeping in late every day! Can I get what what for summer vacation?!? :)

I'll be sure to post pics of the travels around Tokyo and Kyoto soon. Mom just arrived 2 days ago so the whole gang is...reunited and it feels so goooooood!(can you name that song?!)

Be well!

Home At Last

2007-06-24T13:56:00.000+09:00

I finally made it home to the states- my first trip in 2 whole years! I was overwhelmed and yet so comfortable right away... how nice it is to be in a place where you understand your surroundings and have friends and family to greet you warmly. Maybe one day when I'm not living in Japan anymore I'll come back to visit and feel that way about this place. Maybe! ;)

Anyway, here are the pics of the homeland- Melissa's BEAUTIFUL wedding and all the fun I could possibly cram into 10 days.

The Fam in SF. Everyone says we look exactly the same. Really?! Now, all good-looking, this is true. ;)

Chris and I at the Mariners game at Safeco Field in Seattle. They won! (and, yes, for all my Japanese readers: I saw Ichiro! haha)

5 college friends+ Bridesmaids+ Dancing at the reception= Good times.

The ladies and the groom.

Me and the beautiful bride. So lucky to know this girl. The trip was worth every penny and I'm really glad I got a much-needed break from Nihon. I mean, I love this place... but we all know there's no place like home!

Love you all,
C

Sakura with Sakuragi

2007-05-01T16:36:00.000+09:00

The sakura in Japan bloomed early this year thanks to freakish weather I like to blame on global warming. They may have bloomed early this year but they were just as beautiful as ever, so my friend Miss Sakuragi (Sakura Tree!) went on a voyage to find the most beautiful sakura in all of Tokyo. Here's what we came up with...

We headed off to Kichijoji, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo. There is a great park with a lake and the streets are lined with gold, er, I mean, with great restaurants, antique shops and bohemian cafes. I love the area- and if didn't cost me an arm an leg, I'd move there in a heartbeat. (although, I might be persuaded to give up my non-dominant limbs)

Here's the lake- famous for its swan boats. I know, cheesy but the Japanese people eat it up like it's good sushi.

Afternoon sun and sakura at the lake.

5 old men sitting by the lake, talking stories on a beautiful Friday afternoon. Something to look forward to during retirement!

Miss Sakuragi and I getting getting traditional tea and sweets at a Japanese-style cafe. We needed replenishment after a hard day of looking at pretty things. Now I know how my students feel in my class! haha. (shamelessly BAD joke, I realize) And yes, I chopped my hair. It's much, much shorter now with chunky bangs, and although I'm not sure this is blogworthy exactly, in my world it's a big deal. So, just pretend it's enthralling and humor me. ;)

This week is Golden Week, a 4 day holiday in Japan so I'm heading camping in Chichibu National Park west of mi casa. By now you must have realized... this "working" in Japan thing is really code for, "travel and put off adulthood as long as possible." So far so good!

Taipei and Back

2007-04-07T00:07:00.000+09:00

Cassie and I were in Taipei for 5 days, but a beautiful 5 days it was. It was nice weather, great food, onsen, beach, waterfalls, museums, monuments, people, the whole nine yards. Cassie was the most amazing travel partner. She was oh-so-kind even when I was grumpy, she was laid back but down for adventure (she ate snake!!!), and her Chinese sucked just as bad as mine so I didn't feel so silly all the time attempting to speak to the locals. What more could I ask for in a travel buddy?

The whirlwind wrap up of the trip...

First things first, WE FLEW ON THE HELLO KITTY PLANE!!! I was in Kitty chan sensory overload. The in-flight video screen was kitty. The ice cream, sugar packets, and barf bag were kitty. I was amazed. That alone could have made my entire trip.

Our first day in Taipei was in the city... we visited the National Museum in the morning and saw the famed "Jade Cabbage", went to the beautiful Linshin Temple where lanterns from the Lantern Festival were hanging, and saw the Chiang-Kai Shek memorial. We were all over Taipei in just one day and felt like we saw so much... that left us 2 more days to sit back and enjoy the vacation.

A view of a huge lantern outside of Linshin Temple.

The gate leading to the courtyard. The architecture was amazing and it was the perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

A view of the courtyard from the Chiang-Kai Shek memorial.

Day two was a trip to an aboriginal village and onsen. Not sure what was so aboriginal about the place, but it turned out to be good times nonetheless. Unfortunately for the gentleman, no pictures of the onsen. ;)

The river than runs through the village, lined with houses and businesses.

A delicious lunch of rice cooked in a bamboo container you crack open to eat, veggies, and wild boar. We can't really verify the wildness of the boar, though. The guidebook said they just use regular pork and call it boar. Who knows. All I know it was deee-lish.

Before lunch we took a short walk up to this waterfall. There was even a lil train shuttle you could take to get here but we decided a walk through lush tropical jungle was a better option. The waterfall was nothing super impressive, but it was nice to be outside doing a lil hiking and enjoying the view.

That night we went out to a night market and ate some amazing food... I must say, 98% of the food we ate was really, really good. I was impressed. All along the night markets there are great food booths and cheap shops selling Cucci bags and the like.

This one was a little bit different though...

It's a really old man(obviously), sitting under a light chopping up wood. And somehow, he had a crowd of men standing around watching him. We guessed it was a special wood that requires some techinique to chop. It seemed he was making wood chips but our Chinese was for sure not good enough to ask so I guess the truth will remain a mystery!

Last up on the menu for day 2, we dropped by Linshin Temple again since it was right next to the market and caught a night view. There were flowers, fruits, food and incense everywhere in the courtyard as offerings made for prayers of good health, prosperity, and even good fortune with studies.

Alright... so on to day 3, our last full day in Taipei. Day 3 was strictly reserved for snake and beach. And not at the same time. During the day we rode the bus outside of Taipei to the beach where we soaked up some rays and simply enjoyed the sand between our toes. Seeing the beach, the ocean, anything green was such a change from urban Tokyo- it was lush.

Cassie chillin by the ocean.

Me with flowy beach hair.

Sand writing our memory.

After heading back to Taipei that night, we visited Snake Alley where Cassie bravely tried Snake and I only ate it after she confirmed it was edible and not, in fact, disgusting as I had thought it would be. I had a freakout moment though, walking through the alley. I mean, what would you do if a 10ft. long boa was chilling at the restaurant's entrance out in the open?! No, there was no cage. Nope, no leash. No protection between me and the snake. I wasn't freaking out about that so much, but then, the lady at the restaurant brought out a teeny lil bunny in a clear box and set it down next to the snake. I seriously thought she was going to feed it to the snake in front of everyone as some kind of sick, twisted show. Luckily, it was just a teaser and the rabbit got to live (for a little while, at least) but I wasn't so keen on seeing all that. Anyway, the snake was chewy and probably could have been good but the sauce they added wasn't so great. I was proud of Cassie for being so brave.

Last up...Friday night in Taipei and it was time to go out in style. We stopped back at the hostel for a bit, changed up and then went out to party at Luxe, the biggest club in Taipei. We went with a bunch of friends we had made at the hostel and it turned out to be an awesome club- good music, a sweet interior and a fire show (think lit, swirling alcohol bottles) included. A nice end to our lovely, lovely trip. All in all, gotta say I really enjoyed Taipei. Glad I saw it as a good preview to Chinese culture for when I visit China someday. But... you know how it is... coming home is always nice too. :)

Now all I do is dream of Golden Week plans!

Old News...

2007-04-04T23:54:00.000+09:00

So I realized I missed some pics of good times.... so here they are! My birthday was obviously forever ago but Cassie and I had a joint bday party for her birthday and here are the results.

Me, Aiko and Cass. Aiko's gone to London now... my first Japanese friend gone, gone, gone. Oh dear me. :(

We had a oishiiiiii cake that Hitomi-chan bought for us. First of all, it was delicious. I've never tasted better cheesecake in Japan. Second, it had an amazing message written in English for us... "Celeblate your 24th birthday! Many happy returns of the day!" Classic, seriously.

Can't tell you what I wished for...

Clearly you can see as the night went on the fun got better and better! A belated thanks to all who made my brithday ever-so-sweet!

Taipei (what what!)

2007-03-20T12:28:00.000+09:00

Tonight I am off to Taipei for 5 days with my Tokorozawan Trooper, none other than Cassie. We're off to see the sights, try the food, and undoubtedly speak the most battered, mangled Chinese the locals will have ever heard. Oh the sheer joy. I'll be back on the weekend, ready for spring to have arrived in Japan and eager to hit up the hanami. School's also just finishing up here, so when I return I'll have 2 weeks of vacation. I know, you're wondering, "Does Christina EVER really work?!" The answer is: rarely.

I'll be back with reports next week!!

Ume

2007-03-08T17:28:00.000+09:00

The first ume blossoms of the year and thanks to global warming it's earlier than ever. Boo for global warming. Yeay for hanami season beginning!

2:25

2007-03-08T14:16:00.000+09:00

2:25. That's was my finishing time of the half marathon. But in the end, it's just a number... the real fun was in the adventure. The getting to the finish line, (well... the imaginary finish line in my mind) the view of the sights of Tokyo running with 30,000 people, the taiko drummers and cheerleaders along the way, the poncho-wearing, rainy-weather run, the burn in my legs and the pumping in my heart. Maybe it doesn't sound too fun to you, but it was in fact one of my greatest memories of Tokyo to date.

Let me walk you through it...

The night before my race. I pack my back and get my rain gear ready for the wet forecast. I buy a hat and a raincoat just in case tomorrow it pours like it says it's gonna. I have never run in cold rain... but I paid for this race and gosh darn it I'm not quitting now. I drink a big glass of water before crawling into bed. I try and sleep but I can't... not a wink. Tossing and turning, more tossing and turning. I am so nervous I can't quiet my mind. I wonder if I ate a big enough dinner. I wonder if I ate too big a dinner. Finally I fall asleep. I wake up some hours later and jump out of bed, nervous I have overslept. Turns out it's 5 am. Back to bad for another 1 and half. Finally 6:30 rolls around, I wake up, get my bag, drink more water and make sure I have my gear. On the train ride I eat a protein bar, I've got 2 hours and counting before the race starts. I'm nervous so I turn on the headphones to calm my nerves. I spot a few more runners around me on the train. They look fit. I wonder if I'm as fit as them. I decide I'm not. haha. But, I will finish. And it ain't about them. It's about me and what I want to accomplish only for me.

I finally arrive at the race sight and see racers lining the train station walkway outside, changing into running shoes and strapping on the ponchos. I set down my bag and start getting changed, lacing up the shoes, putting my new hat on. Oh crap! I don't have my jacket! Oh crap! What am I gonna do?!? I'm gonna freeze. I'm gonna die! I figure it must have fallen out of my bag at my house that morning when I was double checking everything. I'm pissed off at myself and even more nervous now... before I thought I might die of exhaustion in the race. Now I'm wondering if it won't be hypothermia that's gets me first.

I move towards the starting line, stopping at a conbini first to buy a poncho, but they're sold out. (surprise, surprise) Shoganai. It can't be helped. Eventually I drop off my bag at the trucks that will take everything to the finish line. I manage to find a poncho from one of the sponsor give away vans and am stoked I'll have a little more shelter from the rain. I make my way to the starting line where I will spend the next 45 minutes waiting with thousands before the race. I'm wet. I'm cold. I can't move because there's no where to move to. I just stand, bobbing from side to side trying to get the feeling back in my toes.

Finally after what seems like an eternity, the race starts. The first runners cross the start line at 9:10 and 25 minutes later I'm crossing too...aaaaaahhhhh, my cold body begins to warm up. The crowds cheer, I wave at the mayor who is cheering for the runners, and my spirits are lifting. The first 2 kilometers are a slow, slow warmup. It's wet and slick and my muscles are cold... just take it nice and slow, Christina. 21 kilometers is a long way and there ain't no rush.

After the first kilometers I am feeling good. My body is warming, I am setting my regular pace, and I'm LOVING the energy of the people on the sidelines yelling, "Ganbare!" to cheer us on. I'm amazed people are out there in freezing weather, holding tightly to bright colored umbrellas and cheering for me. I know, they're cheering for everyone, but as far as I'm concerned, they're there just for me. Man it feels good. Yeah, I'm running a marathon!(okay... half marathon!) As we run along, I get a beautiful view of Tokyo... no cars, just runners. Streets blocked of, roads never taken, buildings unseen, neighborhoods yet unexplored.

I run along, the kilometers rolling by, I run past some runners and other runners pass me. I don't really mind, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. We pass Sofia Univerisity around km 7 and a group of unoversity cheerleaders and a brass band play and cheer for us. Japanese girls with pom poms make me laugh out loud. I keep going and soon I hit a taiko drum group also playing. This really is Japan. And I'm running in the first Tokyo Marathon ever. What a feeling.

Heading to the halfway point of the race, 10 km, I start feeling like I gotta find a bathroom. I look, but I'm not finding one on street level... I keep running and I after I pass the 12km mark I can't wait any longer. I am more than halfway now and figure I can stop for 5 minutes to pee. I run into a train station, head down two flights of stairs and look for a bathroom... but there isn't one! What the?! What kind of train station has no bathroom?! So, I head back out and start running again, jumping in with the flow of the race. Except for one thing. I look around and notice there aren't any women around me now. There are only men and they are running pretty darn fast compared my slow lil legs. I start thinking... wait... did I come out the same exit of the train station? I think I am running the wrong direction!! I keep going and the next sign I notice says km 19. Yup. I skipped a whole 7km of the race. Oh well, I decide... I'll just have to run to the 28km mark instead of 21. And now EVERY runner is passing me by. I'm not at the front of the race with the leaders by any means, but I've jumped ahead quite a bit. I spend the next 30 minutes getting passed by everyone, but I don't mind- I want to get with my people at the back of the race. That's more my stle, ya know.

The next leg of the race proves to be the best part. From 21-28 we run through Ginza, the most expensive neighborhood in Tokyo, which is beautiful in and of itself, but running by crowds of people cheering is exhilerating. I pass a Louis Vuitton and an Apple Store and bright flashing lights and know I'm in Tokyo again. The streetsides are full, my legs are doing good and the feeling of having to pee is slightly diminishing. It's going good. I check my watch and see I'm running a slow but happy 10 min 30 sec. mile. Good enough for me, that's for sure.

The Final Leg: The 28 km mark is coming up and the best view of the race is sure to be up soon. I am heading down a main street in Tokyo leading to Asakusa, Tokyo's most famous and beautiful temple. Man, there it is... it's stunning bright red, people everywhere, cheering like crazy, offering food and drinks as we run by. I'm gonna make it. I'm gonna finish. Just a little bit more. As I pass the temple I know I only have 20 more minutes to go and while my right hip is starting to ache I keep running, just looking for that 28km endline.

Finally... it's in sight. I sprint the last hundred years, literally raise my hands in elation (no joke) and cross that imaginary finish line tape. The guys holding the flag encourage me in Japanese...."Ganbare! Keep going! Just a little bit more!" Nope, I reply... this was my goal. I'm here. I'm done. I'm happy. I walk for a little bit more to cool down, stretch out, and go to the nearby medical center where I am given blankets, warm water and bananas and shuttled to the finish line to pick up my things. My body is getting cold as it is still chilly and windy... but man I'm happy. I spot Bryn and Cassie right away after getting changed and we enjoy a delicious curry lunch and a walk around Odaiba.

I am exhausted. I'm borderline limping from the pain in my right hip. But my body feels strong. I finished something I didn't think could be done. I had never run more than 6 miles in my life... and here I am running double. I never stopped once during the race. I'm happy. It was a slow and calm but nonetheless energizing run... and I'm part of history marking the first ever Tokyo Marathon. I will never, ever forget this race. I will never forget my years living in Japan and the new experiences that have highlighted my time here.

Yeah, you could say it was a good day.

Tokyo Marathon 2007

2007-02-17T12:23:00.000+09:00

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

2007-02-13T03:01:00.000+09:00

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

2007-02-06T11:21:00.000+09:00

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!”

Deadlines

2007-01-30T23:33:00.000+09:00

In my line of work, I don't face too many serious deadlines. I prepare lessons, yes, and I have to have everything ready by the time the students walk in the door, but... it's no matter of life and death. And being the procrastinator that I am, there's always the last minute "I'm-winging-it-hoping-my-students-don't-notice" lessons. However, these days I'm confronted with one deadline: my re-contracting deadline. Should I work on the JET program for one more year until July 2008? Can I handle this country another year?! I'm just not sure. I need your help, por favor.

Here are the options. Please send in your responses and based on audience opinion I'll make my decision.

1. Stay another year on JET. Work the 3rd year at my same school, teaching the same exact lessons again. I will teach 11 hours a week but be at school 40 hours. So, for you math whizes, I'll have 29 hours a week of free time to prepare lessons (yeah, riiiiight), study japanese, go for my afternoon jog and do whatever else my little heart pleases. I will make good money for a no-stress life, and I will have lots of time to travel around Asia and enjoy myself.

2. Stay in Japan another year, but find a cooler, more challenging job. I will explore different job opportunities, maybe in tourism, international business, or even some pr stuff. It's a risk- I'm not too sure of my qualifications but at least it will be a chance to try something else and gain some new skills in case I don't want to teach forever. And, while I'm young, why not take some risks? If I take a differnt job, I will have to move out of my free housing and will undoubtedly earn about the same if not less and have to pay more in housing as well as not having as much vacation time. Not to mention I will probably actually have to work when I am at work. Imagine that. But... on the upside, I can get a job where I speak more Japanese and will be able to increase my language skills while earning money.

3. Peace out of Japan and head to Europe. Yeah, well, if I'm done with Japan, the next place calling my name is my good ol' hometown in Spain. I will look for work possibly teaching, or tourism with the Japanese people. I will live with my family there rent-free, save some cash and work as little or as much as I like. I have a passport, so I don't have to worry about the visa, but I realize that I can be in Spain anytime so there isn't too much rush. If I do take option 3, I will be leaving Japan with conversational level Japanese, but it won't be business level yet. I will also have no work experience directly related to anything but teaching... so what kind of work will I actually be able to find in Spain?! Who knows. Good thing I do love teaching, because that will probably be my best bet.

4. Forget Japan. Forget Europe. Join a gang of pirates, sail the ocean and take lots of booty. I will get to have a cool pirate name, wear an eye patch and cool striped outfits, and can drink beer while I mop the deck. Maybe they will even give me a big sword or machete or some other equally scary weapon. I will also be really tan from lots of sun while on the deep blue and I will be in top physical form because I will spend my days beating people up to get their treasure. I think it could be a good life.

So, let me know what you guys think. I'm leaning towards option 4, but I need to get some second opinions. Ladies and gentleman, cast your votes soon... the deadline is approaching and the clock ain't standing still.

T'estimo Barcelona

2007-01-28T22:35:00.000+09:00

Here are just a few pics of my family in Spain and some of the sights I visited. Spain is always the perfect balance of home life with a little sighseeing on the side. I couldn't ask for a better way to spend 3 weeks... good food, great sights, a family to make anyone envious. Yeah, you could say I had an alright time in the fatherland.

Check it out...

Queralt, turning 9 this year. She is convinced Santa is real and it is the cutest thing ever.

Enric, turning 4 in March. He was trying to escape the camera but I caught him on the floor and snapped a pic while he laughed.

Then there's Robert, Sofia, and I in Girona, a historical city just north of Barcelona. My family and I went there for a daytrip and we snapped this pic on the famous Girona bridges lined with houses. (check out the pic below)

It was a beautiful sunny day so we walked around the city and checked out some of the architecture and sights. The city has a small river that flows through it so there are lots of bridges and the houses are built all along the river. Imagine waking up to that view.

Last up, I went up to Banyoles, another city in Catalunya to visit the lake, go out to the countryside and get some fresh air. Here's the lake of the city surrounded by a stunning park where we saw many a happy hiker or biker enjoying the crisp winter day.

Isn't Europe beautiful?!?! (and by that I mean, isn't my family beautiful! haha) I'll be sure to post more pics soon, starting with our 3 day adventure in Madrid that included pitchers of sangria, museum overload, and almost getting killed in a middle-of-nowhere-park. Ahhh... nothing like life-threatening events to spice things up. ;)

Before there was me in Barcelona...

2007-01-14T23:35:00.000+09:00

Before there was me in Barcelona, a little bit of Barcelona was brought to me.

Here in Japan, the annual Toyota Cup brings in the best club teams from around the world to compete in Yokohama. This year, BarÃ§a, having won the Champions League, was able to come and play. Not only did I attend the semi-final, at the game I met 3 men working for the club team who needed a translator to help with their 40 Japanese volunteers setting up the half-time show. I got a free ticket to the final match, got a super-duper reversible puff jacket, and a full day speaking Catalan and Japanese- my two heritages somehow colliding at a soccer game. Despite the unfortunate loss of my hometown team, it was a day I will not soon forget. Check out the pics.

The beautiful field in Yokohama before the game starts.

Some BarÃ§a fans with a lovely home-made sign that says, "I Love You Pibito" in Catalan. (Pibito is a player- duh)

The Three Amigos. Ernest. Jordi. Miquel. After the half-time show was over we had plenty of time to have a celebration beer and then lots of cheering. Just hearing Catalan in Japan was like being in a dream. A great, great dream.

By the way, a BIG shout out to my girl Cassie, who let me re-schedule our Christmas dinner plans so that I could go to the final match. Thanks!! We set up Christmas dinner for our Japanese tutors and re-scheduled for the next week. Cassie made delicious chicken anpotatoesos. I brought a salad and sparkling cider and for the first time ever, I tried Christmas pudding. It's really a cake. I don't get why the British insist on calling it a pudding, but that's besides the point. Here are the pics of the fun.

Here are Cass and her tutor, Hiromi.

Our beautiful Christmas pudding. Did you know it's like 80% raisins? No, I didn't either! :)

The four of us, Cass and Hiromi, Yukie (my tutor) and me. Junichi, Yukie's brother and my other tutor, isn't anywhere to be found, though. I think he's taking the pic, but if you want to get a look at him, check out my fishing blog when he took me out on the lake for the day.

Anyway, that was our lil Xmas dinner in Tokorozawa. After dinner we swapped stories about Christmas, Santa, the Easter Bunny and then the Tooth Fairy. It was pretty hilarious explaining the concept of these fictitious characters to Japanese people. Along the way, though, I found out that in Japan, teeth that have fallen out don't warrant cash, but they do have their own traditions. Upper teeth are buried in the ground to ensure that the next tooth comes down firmly, while lower teeth are thrown over the roof of the house so that the next one will grow up strongly. All this in the country that has the worst teeth I have ever seen. No joke.

After Christmas dinner I finished my last day at school, my last-minute shopping and headed to the airport to fly off to Barcelona. Lots more to come about Barcelona, Madrid, family and friends.

España

2006-12-29T01:51:00.000+09:00

Here I am, in Spain. Another Christmas and New Years spent with family and friends here in Europe! So far the trip has been nothing but relaxing: sleeping well, eating well, drinking well. Just enjoying the chance to feel at home again, understanding my world around me, seeing familiar faces and sights. It's quite nice and it's certainly a welcomed change from ultra busy Tokyo and rural small town Tokorozawa. I have lots of pics to show of my recent adventures in Japan and life in Spain, so as soon as I am motivated I will get on that. Until then, I'll be enjoying home.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Octopus and Sake- A Winning Combination

2006-12-05T14:14:00.000+09:00

Immediately after the vicious JLPT (see the post below), some friends and I hopped on a train to the Chichibu Festival. The city of Chichibu is in my prefecture, Saitama, often known as the New Jersery of Tokyo. Saitama can be a little (okay a lot) drab and its main draw is the convenience to Tokyo. But, in Saitama's defence there are a few great hidden treasures- Chichibu being one of them. With a national park, great mountains and hiking trails, it is possibly the only really cool natural spot in metropolitan Saitama. Chichibu is thankfully not too far from me and has the 3rd largest night festival in Japan with a fireworks competition that puts American fireworks to shame. The night was frigid but with some hot amazake (sweet rice sake) I was nice and toasty. It was just what the doctor ordered- a relaxing, fun evening after weeks of diligent study for the test.

One of the best parts of the Japanese Matsuri? The matsuri food of course! With yummy oden (hot soup), yaki tori(grilled chicken skewers), and yakisoba(pan-fried noodles) among other favorites it's always hard to decide what to eat. Above is a pic of hundreds of pink, frozen mini octopi (is that the correct plural?!) waiting to be made into delicious tako yaki, a batter cooked with octopus in the center. Might sound gross but it's delish, I promise.

Jess, George and Ian enjoying the hot sake. They look like they are having fun because they were! George and Jess got to the festival at 4 and you can take a guess at what time it is from the pitch black sky. Some good solid drinking at any Japanese matsuri is a must! (I swear, I only had 1 cup!)

Here's a pic of Mark and I chilling around the cardboard streetfire we found. Some young Japanese guys were sitting around after pulling the mikoshi (the portable shrines used earlier in the festival for a kind of parade) burning up cardboard and selling sweet amazake. So, we parked it on the side of the street and chatting with these guys for a good half hour while we enjoyed the heat from the fire.

In the end, the guy sitting on my right gave me a little gift, the headwrap you can see me proudly displaying with our newfound friends. They were cool dudes. And I got a rad omiyage!

Loved the Chichibu Matsuri. Glad I went- it was the best thing I could have done after a long Sunday morning taking a test. If I'm still in Japan next year, you can believe I will be back for more wintertime festival fun, Japanese style.

Bye Bye JLPT... Hellllooooo Freedom!

2006-12-05T11:39:00.000+09:00

As you can see by the title of this post, I'm quite happy that obscene test is over. However, judging from how I felt on Sunday, I don't think I'll be receiving a pass certificate in February. Now, you may be thinking I am just being modest. However, the Japanese people have not rubbed off on me in such a way. I'm not being modest- I seriously think I crashed a burned. This test, though, to my credit, is pretty darn tough. The reading and vocabulary were the really difficult parts for me and although it has all been crammed into my head, I'm not at the level where I can recall everything in a split-second. All that to say, I probably failed the test but there are certainly benefits to having studied so much. I am still trying to convince myself of this truth though, so I have composed a list in case my memory fails me and I need to refer to this post.

Reasons Why Even Though I Failed the JLPT I Am Not a Loser
1. Plenty of other people don't even bother taking the test. At least I tried!
2. Even if I can't read passages about REM sleeping patterns in Japanese, I can order a gin and tonic. This is crucial.
3. I have lots of friends I only speak Japanese with. Therefore, I must have some social abilities in the language.
4. Unlike other people taking the test, the results have no effect on my current employment status. I can keep my job. This is a good thing.
5. The people that passed aren't better or cooler than me. They just have a piece of paper. I can make my own "My Japanese Still Rocks" certificate if need be.

Pass or fail, I LOVE studying Japanese. I love the challenge of learning something new and then actually using it in a meaningful way. I enjoy reading kanji. I like memorizing a new grammar pattern and testing it. I laugh when I make mistakes. The more I speak the language, the more I can listen and learn about Japan from Japanese people. That's way more important than some test.

Next up on the blogger menu: See how I rid myself of PTT (Post Test Trauma) at the Chichibu Night Festival.

Now, off to more studying! ;)

MIA

2006-11-21T13:44:00.000+09:00

So, not that any of you out in cyberworld see me on a regular basis anyway, but if you did, you wouldn't be seeing me these days. My life has become consumed with the ever-ridiculous JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). Now only 2 weeks away, my every free moment is spent learning how to read kanji like this: 投票, studying essays and texts, practicing grammar and memorizing vocabulary. Yeah, sounds thrilling, I know.

Anyway, so if I am missing from this blog for a bit, don't freak out- I'll be back. If, however, you still haven't heard from me after December 3, the test date, send out a search party to revive my broken and battered body. Please.

Here Fishy Fishy Fishy

2006-11-16T13:04:00.000+09:00

Last week was Culture Day in Japan, so a couple of Japanese friends and I hit up the man-made lake to go fishing. Not only was the lake man-made, the black bass were imported from America. What the heck?! Being that it was culture day, I think our days lineup was perfectly culturally Japanese. Lots of people crammed around a fake lake, paying money to indulge in their hobby and not even getting to keep the fish.(catch and release only, even in the land of sushi!)

Nonetheless, it was good times. Beautiful sunny weather, a cup of coffee, and friends. What more could a girl ask for?!

Me getting bored, taking picks as I wait for the fish to bite.

Here's a view of the lake. It's pretty darn small. Unbelievably, on the dock in the middle of the lake there was even a vending machine. As you can imagine, vending machines are overrunning this country.

Finally... our first catch of the day!! Junichi rounded out the day as the fishing king, catching 4 fish.

And... yes, FINALLY I caught a fish! I was gonna try and take the hook out of its mouth but I took one look at it and decided to pass. No way was I touching that slimy creature.

I might not have touched my catch, but you better believe I was still proud I caught it! Check out that disgusted look on my face! I was so happy I caught something the old Japanese man next to us asked if I wanted to measure it. Ha! It's like 3 inches long. I guess he could tell I was quite ecstatic to have actually caught something after hours of nothingness on a dock. :) Yeay for Culture Day. Anything is better than, work, right?!?

Happy Happy Halloween

2006-11-02T12:29:00.000+09:00

So this past week has been a whilrwind of Japanese style Halloween. And, I must admit, I'm sad the Japanese kids don't get to enjoy the sheer beauty of dressing up and getting loads of candy. I mean, remember when Halloween was THE event in October? Just the prospect of every adult I knew freely giving out candy was too much for my teeny candy-hyptonized brain at the age of 6.

First up on the list was the annual house party in Tokorozawa. Cassie and I were both there last year and decided we certainly couldn't miss it this year. Here's the pic of the crew. Maybe you can spot me, yes, that's me in a clam shell bra. Some weird Japanese men gave it to me as a birthday present last year. I mistakenly thought I could never use such an impractical gift but as it turns out it is a great addition to any hula dancer's outfit.

Cassie and Bryn- I LOVE the costumes. At one point during the night the conversation turned to prostitution and Cassie englightened us about the brothels in Australia. Hilarious.

This is my kids English Conversation Class (Eikaiwa) on Mondays. I have a class with kids and one with adults- both of which were hilarious. These are the cuties I get to play with every week... they are so adorable they make my job easy.

Two of the cuties... Kaori and Yuri.

And then there is the adult class... they are not as cute as the kids but equally as sweet. One of my students is 93 years old!

This is Yuko. This picture cracks me up like no other. (I'm even laughing now...)

Here's Shigeko. The peace sign pose apparently is cool at any age. I still have yet to understand this phenomenon.

Anyway, all in all Halloween was good times. Saturday night my pal Scott and I hit up the clubs in Roppongi and Monster Mashed the night away. Halloween in Japan is nothing like back home, but then again, nothing here is like back home. I'm getting over it. ;) Till next time...

While you were out...

2006-10-26T22:56:00.000+09:00

So this past weekend, in celebration of my ENTIRE apartment building being vacant I decided to throw a party. However, my apartment is the size of a shoebox, so I thought I would use my neighbors empty apartment instead, and it turned out to be good times. If you're asking how I broke into my neighbor's place, I actually have all the keys in the building since I am in charge as everyone has moved out. Hence... reason to party. Anyway, to set the stage I linked up an extension cord so we had a kicking sound system and some mood lighting, moved the small furniture from my house into theirs and set up camp. I even cooked my grandma's famous truita de patata, a Spanish de-lite made of egg, potato and onion. It turned out to be, as expected, nothing even close to the taste of heaven that is my grandmother's food--- but it was my feeble attempt to bring Spain to Japan.

Being that I am no cook, I did my best. Here are the results and you can clearly tell I'm quite proud to have created something actually edible.

There she is. Ain't she a beauty?! C'mon... admit it... she looks de-lish.

Me and my creation. Bonissima!

And, of course a party is only a party with people you love... so, here's a pic of me and Cassie. Cassie is the other Tokorozawan JET, who just happens to make my life in Japan a hundred times more fun!

Well... for now, I'm off. Time for bed- this weekend is pre-Halloween fun and I gotta get my rest in now before the festivities begin. What's on the lineup? Party, film festival, more party... yeah Tokyo, here I come.

It's Go Time

2006-10-11T22:37:00.000+09:00

I did it. I finally signed up for the race I have been putting off. And by race I mean, yes, actually running. If you know me, you know I am not in any possible way a runner. In fact I might be the exact opposite of a runner. But, nonetheless I will be running a 10K in exactly 4 weeks. And, this race is just the beginning- hopefully I'll have a half marathon under my belt in January. But for now, 10K is quite enough, thank you. Wish me luck folks, it's go time.

On another completely unrelated note... Halloween is around the corner and this year I'd like to have a costume that people actually recognize without having to ask, "So, uh, what are you?" I'm open to suggestions. Hit me up, people.

And then the craziest thing happened...

2006-10-05T13:56:00.000+09:00

Last night after a nice meal in Tokyo I was on the Seibu train coming home. It was packed out, as usual. Just me, some salarymen in stuffy suits and briefcases and the Shibuya-style, mini-skirt wearing, blinged-out young ladies. The normal Tokyo scene, really. As the train was just about to close the doors, the last few came pushing, back-side first into the train, shoving the masses back further in the carriage. This is standard train happenings and usually isn't misconstrued as rude in the least. There are 30 million people in Tokyo- you get used to being cramped.

Anyway, a tall Japanese man (I'd say 6'4 at least) came pushing in the train. I noticed he sort of pushed a young man standing by the door all the way to the corner, nearly pressing him up against the metal hand railings. Well, you could see the young man was a little ticked that the guy had excessively crowded and pushed him, but he said nothing and continued reading his manga. A few minutes later the businessman continued to inch and push, boxing out a lady next to me, pushing her from nearest the window to the middle of the car. Now she had nowhere to hold on to and he had a prime spot near the suitcase rack above where he could lean his head. At this point I noticed a man grumbling about the giant- he was noticeably bullying(ever so slightly) the other passengers to make space for himself. He said nothing, he wasn't being violent or aggressive, but certainly a little annoying.

Finally... getting to the real action! At this point he is standing next to me and he starts pushing up against me. I stand my ground, don't budge, and even give him a hip knugde so he knows I'm there and not appreciating his being so darn close to me with no reason. Well, this continues for a while. Eventually, I look up at the guy, towering over me, and in simple, polite Japanese I say, "Excuse me, but could you please stop that." He looks down at me and says, "Stop what?" At this point I bust out the death look. You know the one. The one your Mom gives you. The look that says, "Don't you dare even act like you don't know what you are doing." Yup. That's the look I gave. Then, he started off about how the train is small and there's no room and how I shouldn't be saying anything. I almost couldn't believe he was going off about it. But... thankfully and miraculously, a Japanese man next to me chimed in... "Enough already!" he retorted. He more or less told the giant to put a lid on it. He even tapped him on the shoulder with his book to send the message that the guy needed to shutup. I was shocked. Not only did a Japanese guy actually get semi-confrontational, another Japanese guy stepped in for me! Woah. This in the land where passive-agressive behavior rules. So here I am, in the middle of a showdown, wondering what is going to happen next.

But... no one says anything more. The train goes back to a silen hush and the train clears out a bit. The old man next to me is about to get off the train. I turn to him so my back is to the giant and I mouth, "Arigato" with my most sincere look of thanks. It's nice to be stood up for, especially when you lack the language ability to stick up for yourself. He smiled, nodded, and stepped off the train.

At the next stop, the giant finally gets off. But right before he does, he hits the suitcase rack and then as he walks out the door he hits the ceiling as well, storming out of the train in a mad frenzy. Yikes.

I hate to think that I instigated someone's unhappiness. I didn't mean to get him so upset, but really, was my response unwarranted? So what is my assessment of last night's happenings? It seems to me that in life, one's reactions are always an outward represntation of what's actually going on inside the person. Maybe it was a bad day, too many hours at work, or an unsatisfying marriage. Who knows, really. And it's certainly not for me to worry about. All I know is I witnessed an inner unhappiness waiting to unleash itself on the first girl that came along. I hope I am never this way with other people.

黄色(Kiiro) ＆綿飴(Wataame)

2006-09-26T13:23:00.000+09:00

Let me introduce you to Kiiro and Wataame. These are the names we gave our chicks at the petting zoo when we visited over the weekend. Their names mean Yellow and Cotton Candy, and I think they are the cutest little balls of soft fluffiness I have ever seen.

Saturday, my friend Yoshi had a BBQ with his friends so Cassie, Bryn, and I along with a couple of Japanese folks went out to the park and had a big BBQ. It was good times and in the park there was a small, chintzy zoo. It's the kind of zoo perfect for only children or being used as a date setting in a cheesy chick flick. Good thing we were with kids. At least I got to hold a cute baby chick... no complaints from me!

雨はダメ！

2006-09-14T09:12:00.001+09:00

It has been pouring rain for what feels like days now. Seriously Japan, why say the rainy season is in May and June if the typhoons roll around in September?!? Japan loves the 4 seasons. It is inevitable that someone will always ask me as the seasons are changing, "Does America, like Japan, have 4 distinct seasons?" I usually answer, "Yes! Of course!" with a silly grin on my face just to avoid a lengthy conversation that I will invariably struggle through. But what I'm really thinking is more like, "No, moron. America is a big place. We've got a gazillion different climates. If you live in Alaska or Hawaii or New York or Kansas, the weather is different. Japan only has 4 seasons? Pathetic." Okay, so I'm not really that harsh in my head, but why love the 4 seasons of Japan SO much? Is it really neccessary? Then you get days like today, when it's changing into fall, and it's not the rainy season, but it's pouring down rain. Such unreasonable rigidity regarding the seasons only leads to disappointment if you ask me.

All I'm thinking is 雨はダメ=Ame wa dame... in other words...Rain, rain, for the love, please go away.

They don't know what they're missing...

2006-09-05T23:47:00.000+09:00

Last week Monday I climbed Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji. Or Fuji-san as the Japanese affectionately call it. I call it, "The beast that I conquered." Fuji was GREAT! I loved every single moment of it, which is quite surprising being that every foreigner cringes at the name of this mountain. The usual complaints vary from, "It's soooo cold at the top" to "it's so slippery coming down" and everything else in between. Although I understand and sympathize with the whimpering crybabies, it ain't all that bad, people.

In short, here's what I learned from Fuji: sometimes the Japanese just do it best!

I climbed Fuji with Yukie and Junichi, a tag-team brother/sister duo who have been faithfully teaching me Japanese for a year now. (for free, might I add!) I have become great friends with them and so when they asked if I wanted to climb Fuji, I was all about it. They booked a Japanese tourguide to go with a group and I am convinced this was the best gift they could have ever given me. While the Japanese are known for loving the tours, (and Americans known for hating them) sometimes it DOES pay to have a pro. So... now onto the big day!

We arrive at Fuji around noon and begin the four hour hike to the 8th level, about halfway up the mountain. Now, you must understand, this hike can actually be completed in less than 2 hours if you are young and fit. But, although there were no sexier, more fit people that Junichi, Yukie, and I, alas we were with a big group consisting of middle-agers, grandpas and kids alike. So, we took it slow. So slow I could barely tell I was moving. This was quite annoying, especially when I did see other young, fit hikers practically bounding up the mountain, passing us at remarkable speeds. All along, just thinking, "How annoying. Who do they think they are? They're not so tough... I could keep up with them... heck they'd be trying to keep up with ME! Yeah!" Well, something along those lines, anyway. But, I resisted the urge to start a battle on the mountain and kept with the group. Slow but steady wins the race, right?! (At least I hoped it did...)

Finally, four hours later we arrive at the 8th level. We had a hut arranged for us to sleep, so we gobbled up a fish bento and some curry rice and hurriedly ran off to bed. We sleep like babies for 8 hours and then wake up to finish the trek. Let me explain that most people climb Fuji in the middle of the night. In the day, the heat is too sweltering to handle, so people hike at night even though the temperatures drop because of the high altitude. So, we hiked half in the afternoon, slept in the evening, and finished the journey at night.

So... Fuji Part II! With fresh legs we set off on the mountain to finish the climb. On the way up we see a sign that says 3 hours to the summit, but then our guide informs us it will be another 4 hours for us. Slow the first time around, slow now. Then again, there's really no rush. The mountain ain't going anywhere. And, really? What is the big freakin' rush?! I mean, if you get to the top in 2 or 3 hours, you end up sitting at the top, freezing your behind off as you wait for the sun to rise and warm your aching body. No thanks.

But, what is the best part of hiking Fuji at night, you ask? The stars! Way high up, above the clouds there were a gazillion stars and planets and the moon and it was beautiful. We even saw a couple of shooting stars and it was hard for me to keep my eyes off the stars and on the path. But, we trudged along, flashlight in hand, bundled up in winter clothes in August, hiking up the mountain. Only a few more hours to go before we'd see the stunning sunrise... or so I hoped.

Let me just add now that our tourguide was the MAN! After 4 hours of hiking we arrive at the top jsut 10 minutes before the first glimmers of sunrise began to flood the sky with color. I grab a front row seat, sit down and enjoy the view. And what a view it was. I watched the clouds rolling over the peak of the mountain then dropping and dispersing to leave a perfect view of the sunrise. It was worth every minute of the uphill climb.

We stayed at the top for about half an hour and then back down the mountain it was. The sun was already fully up and the heat beginning to penetrate our winter layers. We peeled back the parkas and shed down to t-shirts to walk the last leg of the trip. And, it is true what the gaijin say, the downhill sucks. It is crumbly gravel slipping and sliding underfoot as you try and maintain your balance. But what did I do? I turned on the IPod and cruised down the mountain, taking my time not to hurt my backside (or my ego) by falling, and enjoyed the view. Finally, now going downhill I could see the green trees and the lakes and the nearby cities that I had missed on the climb up the day before. And whenever I grew weary I had only to remember the beautiful sunrise to be reenergized.

At long last, another 4 hours later we reached the 5th level where we had started more that 24 hours before. Our bus was waiting to take us to one of my favorite places in Japan... onsen! The outdoor and indoor heated pools are heaven, especially to the weary hiker. I soaked in their warmth and let every muscle in my battered body relax and ease the exhaustion. Afterward, Yukie and Junichi and I had a nice lunch of ramen before boarding the bus to come home.

I loved every moment hiking Fuji. I loved the clear stars against the black backdrop of the night. I loved the warm curry dinner before a nice night's rest. I loved writing haiku with Junichi and Yukie on the way up. (It is very cold, but we will survive this night, and beat the mountain!) I loved arriving at the top, having worked every step of the way. I loved watching the sunrise, not as when it sneaks up on you after a long night of partying, but intentionally and purposefully enjoying it's beauty.

I loved it. I simply loved it.

Sado Sado bo Bado

2006-08-29T20:32:00.000+09:00

Last week I returned to the beautiful island of Sado. It was natsukashii!! (nostalgic and tingly goodness combined) I went with a couple friends, camped out next to the sea, went to free concerts and events all day and then saw amazing concerts by the host group, Kodo, at night. Also, every year Kodo invites a guest group to perform, this year being Urban Tap, a tap and African dance group from New York. They were off the charts and it was so fun to be back in the place where my adventures in Japan began a year ago. Check out the pics.

Sado Kitty at the concert venue. She's in the famous tub boats that fisherwomen push at the island.

The Kodo drummers giving us a private concert while we waited in line for tickets to the last concert.

Visiting the Kodo forest where the drummers live and train year round. The group plants the trees they use for flutes and drums... a cool idea, huh?! We received a tour and mini concert from the flutist.

The four of us at the concert. Heather, Yukiko, me, and Chris. The concerts were AMAZING! It was an unbelievable memory with lots of great music and me dancing my behind off. How could that NOT be great?!?!

Thailand and Laos

2006-08-16T00:41:00.000+09:00

This post is going to be a whirlwind glimpse at all that Thailand and Laos were. And, although I cannot describe every adventure or every scene of a picture, do your best to imagine it all.

Here's a rough outline of the trip... I have never done SO much moving in SO little time.

July
26th: Arrive in Bangkok airport, directly fly out to the southern island of Phuket. Find a way too expensive hotel but take it because it's midnight and we're pooped.

The beach. Oh it was glorious!

27th: Go for a run early in the morning, get my first glimpse on the island. Jillian and Mark sleep in, meet up for a BIG brunch (taking advantage of the hotel's breakfast included). Head out for the beach. Spend the day lounging around, relaxing and exploring.

Beach side restaurants in Ko Phi Phi

28th: Find a new, cheaper hotel on a different beach. Again, more beach time hangout, good food, see the city, shopping area and clubs of Patong. Head for the REAL beautiful beach, the island of Ko Phi Phi. (Where The Beach was filmed). Again, hit the beach, make friends with stray dogs, enjoy the most beautiful day of the trip.

Longboats lined up along the beaches of Ko Phi Phi

29th: Contrary to yesterday's glorious sunshine, today it is pouring rain. We wake up to rain pounding on the tin roof of our hotel. Mark and I run outside to make sure the hotel isn't about to collapse like it sounds it is. Turns out it wasn't. Just some rain. Spend a relaxing day in outdoor covered restaurants, playing cards, reading, just hanging out. The rain stops at night and we wonder around.

30th: We all decide we HAVE to spend one more day at Ko Phi Phi, so we spend another night and then wake the next day to check out some of the neighboring islands by boat, including James Bond island where one of the older films was made. See some cool caves and canals, boat through the national park on the northern part of the island. Good times.

James Bond Island and Jillian on our boat tour.

31st: Head on the ferry to Krabi, where we bus to Suratani, where we catch a train to Bangkok. On our bus our backpacks are under the bus and we sit above... well little did we know someone was underneath rummaging through everyone's bags during the 3 hour ride. We get to our destination and a girl notices her shoe, which she packed in the middle of her bag, is lying in the street. It was then that we realized something was up, so everyone is frantically checking their bags to see what was stolen. Jillian had $30 worth of yen in her bag- she wouldn't be needing it in Thailand, right?! But alas, the money was gone. Coulda been worse, though.

1st: Spend the day in Bangkok, see the gliterracci Imperial Palace that is bling-blinged with sparkly metals everywhere, check out the awesome backpackers neighborhood, have lunch at an outdoor market in town, drink a smoothie in the afternoon, ride the city boats up the canals, and head back to the train station for the night train to Chiang Mai.

A temple garden in Chiang Mai.

2nd: Arrive Chiang Mai. Check into the lovely French-inspired guesthouse, have a croque madame for breakfast, head out to see all the many temples in Chiang Mai. We spend all day checking out the monks' living quarters next to the many temples and check out the night market.

3rd: Spend the morning at the Chiang Mai museum, then once again leave for a new city! Mark returns to Bangkok- he's had enough of the traveling while Jillian and plow on ahead to what turns out to be an awesome leg of the trip. We arrive at Chang Khong, on the border of Laos, 6 hours later in a mini-bus with 7 other foreigners. By the end of the trip we are all good pals and knew each other's life stories- they were actually really awesome people. We all stay at the same hotel and have breakfast together, anticipating crossing into Laos tomorrow.

Jilliand and I having breakfast next to the Mekong River in Pakbeng, Laos.

4th: Cross the border into Laos by small boat, head off to Pakbeng by slow boat down the Mekong River. The boat ride will be 6 hours today, but the scenery is lush and green and it gives Jillian and I time to read our books and make new friends on the long ride. Speaking of which, the girls in front of me turned out to be from Barcelona and were speaking Catalan! I got to chat with them and it was SO nice to hear my language again. Lovely.

The moon over the Mekong.

5th: After spending the night in Pakbeng and having a feast of a dinner for only $3 we get back on the boat to Luang Prabang. It is SE Asia's most historically preserved city and a UNESCO World Heritage city. The boat ride is long, but when we arrive at 4pm Jillian and I promptly grab a hotel, rent bikes for $1 and cruise around town. Jillian gets a Hello Kitty bike and I have to admit I am jealous. We stroll around like kids, racing up and down streets, admiring the two rivers that enclose the city and enjoying monks chanting during their afternoon prayers. Beautiful.

Staircase leading to a mountain-top temples in Luang Prabang.

6th: Spend the whole day in Luang Prabang, exploring mroe beautiful temples. I go get a full body, one-hour massage for $3 and enjoy a slice of heaven for mere pennies. Jillian and I have a nice afternoon lunch and enjoy the architecture and scenery. Then... it's another night bus to get to Vientianne, the capitol of Laos.

Lady heading to the market in Vientianne.

7th: After the most grueling bus ride ever we arrive to the uneventful, or "magical" city of Vientianne. We can't believe it's a capitol city by the mud streets and lack of things to see. After Luang Prabang, this place couldn't be more dull. We walk around a bit, go to a day market and try to block the city out of our memories. Hit the night train back to Bangkok... the party is just about over. :(

Flowers in the exquisite garden at the Jim Thompson house.

8th: After the great night train, (we slept like babies!) we arrive in Bangkok, send off some postcards and regroup over a cup of coffee. What's up for our last day? We first head to the Jim Thompson house. He is the most famous foreigner in Thailand, known for his contribution to the silk industry making Thai silk known worldwide. Most impressive is his home, though, located in Bangkok and was constructed using traditional Thai architecture. Next we're off for some final shopping and in the afternoon we catch a Thai flick which was a weird cultural experience in and of itself.

And then what? Back to the airport. Japan is calling our names. Now I'm back home in lil old Tokorozawa, but not for long. Tomorrow I am off to Sadogashima for a 3-day Taiko (Japanese traditional drum) festival. If you are an avid reader of my blog, (all 3 of you!) you might remember one of my first posts from last year... it was a post about my trip to Sado. So, this year, marking my one year anniversary in Japan I am heading back to the festival. I can't believe it's already been a year!

Mata ne,
Christina

Hanabi

2006-08-15T02:49:00.000+09:00

Back home in Nihon- and I sure am glad. Don't get me wrong... Thailand and Laos were awesome, but there's no place like home. (How has THIS place become home?!?) I have lots and lots to show and tell about my most awesome vacation, but first things first- HANABI! The night before I left for Thailand I experienced my first display of fireworks (hanabi) in Japan. My friend Yoshi invited me to the Japanese Air Base where he lives and works to see the hanabi, have good food, and best of all, sport my new yukata. Yukata are summer kimono, much lighter to wear and pretty colorful. They are worn with wooden shoes called geta, and are the most casual kimono worn. A summertime MUST in Japan. So, just a few weeks ago I went shopping and picked out the perfect maroon and pink yukata with a deep green obi (the sash that ties at the waist). I got matching geta and purse too. Obviously the only thing left to work out was getting it all on...

The final product! Not too shabby, huh? I think I look pretty darn locally grown. ;) The obi is really the only tough part, and although I did learn how to tie the bow all by my self, I opted to have my ever-so-kind teachers at school help me. The bow they made was a trillion times better than my shoddy attempt. And I didn't want to be THAT gaijin who wore the kimono wrong and insulted Japanese tradition and honor. Not on my first time out of the gates, anyway.

A small uchiwa, or hand fan is tucked into my obi on my back. It's like a little carrying spot for the fans, although I did see a couple cell phones tucked in those obis too. Let me also add that under the obi I was tied up with silk strings around my waist to keep the yukata tight, then a towel tied to my back to help show off the shape of the bow, and then the obi. The Japanese version of the corset, I tell ya. How does every culture come to believe that beauty is pain?! Somebody look into that answer and please, for the love, get back to me.

A close-up of that complicated bow. Thank goodness for my helpers- how do you think I woulda tied that thing by myself?!?!

Me and Yoshi a couple beers into the night. Good times. My first yukata wearing was a big success. I loved wearing it and finally after a year here in Japan, I felt okay wearing it. When I first arrived it seemed silly to buy or wear a yukata, like it would be silly to be a foreigner rushing to become "cultured" in all things Japanese. But now... it's not silly at all to me. I love Japan. I love my new home. I love being a part of my community and learning about the traditions of Japan. And after a year, I've paid my dues and now I get to enjoy it all, not as a spectator but as a participant. Now that's real.

The Land of Thailand

2006-07-30T22:05:00.000+09:00

Yo! I am officially out of Japan and summer vacation has begun. I am currently in Ko Phi Phi, and island of the coast of Phuket, in Thailand. This island is where The Beach was filmed, and I can certainly see why. The beaches are absolutely stunning. Yesterday I lounged around hard core with Jillian-sensei and Mark-sensei. (my fellow JET teachers and co-travelers) We hung out, swam, tanned, and ate good Thai food. It was some much needed fun in the sun after a long, long semester. I will be sure to post the beautiful pictures of my surroundings soon, those which will most definitely make you wish you were here.

I will be out and about in Thailand and Laos, but will be sure to write and post more, maybe not any pics till I'm back in the motherland. Till then, take care, enjoy yourselves wherever you may be and know that I'm sipping a mai tai in your honor.

I Heart Hiroshima (even more than before!)

2006-07-21T02:13:00.000+09:00

Continuing on my adventure in Hiroshima I decided to visit the infamous Peace Park and Peace Museum, the site of the atomic bombing and the museum dedicated to ending nuclear weaponry, respectively. The whole experience was slightly surreal... to be standing in a place that 60 years ago was completely destroyed by the country I call home. And certainly as a historian, the museum was enlightening and I have learned and experienced so much more that I hope to impart to young students one day.

There are two photos that I took inside the museum although it was hard to take photos, actually. There were so many things I had to force myself to even look at, just to make me realize the gravity of that bomb, in all its ugliness and truth.

However, the photos I took were of things that symbolize much more hope than despair.

This is a picture of the paper cranes folded by Sadako, a little girl diagnosed with leukemia as a result of the bombing. She had the idea that if she folded a thousand of the teeny cranes, she would be healed. She died before she finished all one thousand, so her classmates finished the remaining cranes for her and today it is a symbol of both hope, perseverance, and community. Particularly in Hiroshima, the crane is a reminder of peace and a memorial has been constructed in Sadako's memory.

On a personal note, being the daughter of a Japanese woman, in our family we fold 1000 paper cranes for the weddings of relatives. It's a nice tradition that I hope to continue.... if I ever meet that lucky man! ;)

The following photo was also taken in the museum. On the day of the actual bombing, one photographer dared go into the city with a camera. He was only able to take 5 pictures of the victims before he was too paralyzed to continue. Walking through the museum a group of school girls were on a tour. They stopped at the photo and I snapped a picture, wondering what their impressions were.

All in all the museum and the park were, of course, sobering. It was a unique and heavy experience tempered with thoughts of how far our world has come since WWII... and realizing not much has changed, either.

I wonder what the historians will write about us some day.

I Heart Hiroshima

2006-07-21T01:48:00.000+09:00

For my first trip to southern Japan, I decided to visit the ever-so-wonderful Callie and Phil- old college friends from Seattle and also English teachers in Japan. Lemme just say, I Heart Hiroshima! I absolutely loved it down there, although I can't really tell if it was just because I was with my friends or if really the city is all that cool. :) Compared to Tokyo, Hiroshima is a walk in the park. It is smaller, still beautiful and has the usual array of both modernity and antiquity. I'm a believer.

Allow me to introduce my lovely guides: Callie and Phil. Callie studied Education with me at Northwest and Phil and I were both athletes at our university. And... these guys are wonderful! I had so much fun with them and they were truly great, great hosts... letting me pick the tv shows we watched, graciously allowing me the first shower after a long day of hiking, and best of all, showing me local hot spots in Hiroshima. Thanks again you guys!

Here's the beautiful gate at Miyajima island, near Hiroshima. The gate is on every single flyer for Japan- it's known as the floating gate, as you can see it is surrounded by the tide and appears to be floating. The whole island was one great big fun memory... there are savage deer everywhere that you can feed but they will try and eat paper or your shirt. I was afraid. But otherwise the island was awesome!

I even brought a friend. A la Amelie... here's my Hiroshima/Miyajima Kitty... she's a deer, fitting of the island.

Lastly, throughout the day on the island we ate delicious food and hiked around checking out the view. Phil and Callie took me to get tempura style momiji manju, a deep fried sweet cake with anko (red bean) flavored paste inside. It was chou oishii! (that is, finger-licking good) Anyway, after a great meal of oysters with egg served on rice and shave ice, we hiked up to the highest point on the island to get a 360 degree view. It was breathtaking and worth every minute of the hike, even under the blazing sun.

Coming back down from the hike, the tide had gone out and we were able to go up to the temple gate and stand near it on dry land. It was awesome to see the temple both floating and standing on solid ground.

All in all, a pretty good first day in Hiroshima. Did I already mention that I Heart Hiroshima?

Buechner for the Day

2006-07-18T15:14:00.001+09:00

Just something I was reading today at work, from Frederich Buechner's Listening to Your Life. Today's entry for July 18th. Give it some thought and read slowly.

Vocation

"It comes from the Latin word vocare, to call, and means the work a man is called to do by God.

There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work, and the problem is to find out which is the voice of God rather than of Society, say, or the Super-ego, or Self-Interest.

By and large a good rule for finding out is this. The kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work (a) that you need most to do and (b) that the world most needs to have done. If you really get a kick out of your work, you've presumably met requirement (a), but if your work is writing TV deoderant commercials, the chances are you've missed requirement (b). On the other hand, if your work is being a doctor in a leper colony, you have probably met requirement (b), but if most of the time you're bored or depressed by it, the chances are you have not only bipassed (a) but probably aren't helping your patients much either.

Neither the hair shirt nor the soft berth witll do. The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

So, I ask you as I ask myself... Are our (a)'s and (b)'s intersecting?

Sinecure

2006-07-04T15:03:00.000+09:00

Sinecure. This is the definition of my job. I was perusing the dictionary the other day (I know, I have too much free time and I'm a nerd!) and I came across this word. I think it aptly describes my position as an ALT on the JET program.

sinecure: sinikyoor

• (noun): a position requiring little or no work but providing a salary.

Hmmmm... sounds sneakily familiar, huh JETs?!? And the most shocking bit of all is that everyone involved in this operation recognizes how LITTLE work we do sometimes. It's like, my principal knows I am taking 30 "study leave" absences this summer. Does he REALLY think I am working?! No! Does he care?! No! Unreal. But I'll tell you what is real... when I head back to the States for "real" teaching I'm gonna be so lazy I don't know that my body will withstand an 8 hour working day. How pathetic. At times I feel productive and kids are learning and it's great, and then other days it just feels like one long time-killing session, waiting for the bell to ring to send me home.

Yup, my job is a sinecure. All you lazy, under-achieving, don't-know-what-else-to-do-with-your-life people, feel free to apply.

Karaoke

2006-07-01T10:03:00.000+09:00

Okay, please brace yourself for the beauty of what you are going to see: drunk Japanese people at karaoke. It ain't pretty.

One night we went out for an enkai, literally, a banquet. It's usually a big dinner party to thank all the teachers for their hard work. Or, just an excuse to get to drunk. I'm not too sure. Anyway, after the initial enkai all the grandma's and grandpa's go home and only the drunkest or the bravest of the young men and women go out for karaoke. And Japanese people LOVE their karaoke.

These guys can't even keep both their eyes open! Are we to entrust the future children on Japan into their care?!?!

And this my friends, this is what karaoke in Japan really looks like. One small room crammed full of drunk Japanese people grabbing for the microphone while another fails to keep beat on a tamborine. All you can drink for a couple of hours to help soothe the pain of listening to the tone deaf sing Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder. And trust me, they love the cheesiest of American classic songs. That and bad, bad, bad Japanese music. I'm talking songs about fruit and how grown men miss their mom's home cooking. Bizarre-o.

Not Just the Professionals are Ballin...

2006-06-21T23:53:00.000+09:00

Yeah, ya seen the picture. I'm a baller. Officially. Last weekend I played in the Nagano JET soccer tournament and here's the picture of our 3rd-place-not-too-shabby-for-having-no-subs-team. It was sweltering heat sprinkled with raindrops every now and then plus lots of fun times. We played four games on Saturday with a 2-1-1 record and then 3 on Saturday, finishing 3rd. All in all, I had a blast, especially considering for the past decade I have played a sport which only uses hands.

And, not only do we have an amazing team of girls, we also have an awesome coach AND... cheerleaders! They sported our uniform and rocked the pom poms and when I was dead tired it really made a difference. It was nice to know someone was there supporting us! So, here's Atsushi in the pic, one of our cheerleaders. He's awesome, and Saturday night at the JET party he had another team (made up of cute foreign girls) dancing the night away with him. Hilarious.

Finally, our beloved trophy. I will admit it's the size of a soda can, but we won it, it's ours, and we love it. I loved it enough to kiss it, anyway. And, besides the trophy we got a case of beer to celebrate our victory. Not bad, eh?!

Growing up in a soccer family, I always felt the black sheep for picking a different sport. I grew up watching soccer. I LOVE soccer. But, I have never really played. So, look out family. Look out Mundial. A new ballers on the block.

My Life as of Late

2006-06-09T01:34:00.000+09:00

There's been so many crazy happenings in my life lately I am not even certain where I should start. So, I'm gonna rewind a month or so, to a special lil trip I took with my girl Aiko. Ok, it was really Aiko, her dad, and her pug, Betty. So the four of us went for a weekend trip to Hakone, a national park with a beautiful lake, a view of Mt. Fuji and the best sushi I have EVER had.

The weekend began with this... my breakfast, a Hakone tradition.

I know you're wondering what in the heck that crazy blackish looking egg thinga-ma-jigger is... well, it is, in fact, a black egg. It has been hard boiled in a natural onsen, or hot spring. The chemicals from the onsen, probably sulphur, turn the egg black. It looked a little freakish, but the inside is milky white and tasted like any other egg. I was skeptical, but I had to give it a go.

After a delicious breakfast we set out for Fuji-san. Mt. Fuji turned out to be beautiful... a stunning portrait of Japan's sacred mountain, the most photographed mountain in the world.

However, although I really enjoyed the natural beauty of Fuji, it has simply been butchered into a tourist trap, and it was quite disappointing. We visited the 5th level of Fuji, one of the highest points that can be driven to by the public. At that stop we saw pony rides, food shops, and souvenir shops to suit the Japanese people's obesessive culture of gift giving. So really, the tourist trap is for the Japanese- not foreigners, surprisingly enough. Fuji is a beautiful mountain itself.... when I looked up it was a wonderful sight. But, to look around me was quite a shock. In fact, Fuji is so touristy and dirty from the visitors that is not a World Heritage Sight. What a shame. Nonetheless, I was happy to see it and experience all of it--- good and bad, for myself.

Moving on, we visited Ashinoko, a beautiful lake near the city of Hakone. Aiko and her father actually have an apartment in Hakone and the view was stunning. We woke up every day and had breakfast overlooking the hills and mountains and the lake. Just beautiful. This picture was taken from a cafe where we stopped for a cup of coffee to sit and chat.

And... finally, we also visited onsen (hot springs) and had scrumptious sushi. Onsen are hands down, one of my favorite things about Japan. The water is so fresh and so clean, clean, (you feel me?!) and is said to have health benefits. Whatever's in that water, it sure felt nice to me.

Here's a pic of my Hakone Kitty at the onsen. Ain't she a beauty?! (Sorry if this is just TOO cheesy.... but I was Amelie inspired.... don't hate)

So that's that... just another adventure in the land of the rising sun. Next up... Nagano next weekend for a mad soccer tournament. Hiroshima after that, then an overseas adventure to Thailand, followed by Sadogashima for another trip to the Taiko festival, and wrapping up the summer with Akita. I love this life!

The keyboard is my friend

2006-05-22T08:53:00.000+09:00

Yesterday night, I lost something very important. Which usually is not such a big deal because if you lose something in Tokyo, you have a 95% chance of getting back. And, I seriously didn't just make that up... it's statistically true! But, what I lost, no one can give me back. I lost my voice! Ahhhhh! For those of you who know me, you know I'm quite the talker, so it looks like I overstepped my bounds this weekend recovering from a slight cold. I completely have no voice. Boo. So, at least I have this blog to be my voice.... not that I really have much of importance to say. ;)

Any news in my world you ask?! Well, I went on my first date with a Japanese boy, so that was exciting. However, he speaks fluent English and lived overseas, so maybe I really can't count him as a "Japanese" date, whatever that means. Nonetheless, it was very fun and maybe we'll hang out again, although I think we both just have friendship in mind. Maybe it's better that way. I'm not too sure I can allow myself to get too attached to this place... then however will I find my way back home?!

Strike it Rich

2006-05-17T21:42:00.000+09:00

Yeah- Melissa, Grant and I tried our hand at pachinko, Japan's favorite "legal" gambling game. Men often vie for the best machines in a pachinko place so they show up at 10 in the morning and go until late at night. We, however, decided to play only 1,000 yen, about 10 bucks. And sad to say, but we lost it all. In about 3 minutes.... maybe less. The game starts by of course, inserting your money into one of the themed pachinko machines (ours was Indiana Jones). Then you push start and little bb sized metal balls come streaming from the top of the machine, the object of the game being to get the balls into a small hole in the center. For all you "The Price is Right" fans, it's just like Plinko, but with teeny lil balls. Anyway, needless to say, we did not strike it rich, but it was a cultural experience nonetheless. I think I still prefer Vegas. At least you get free alcohol while you blow your cash!

Reunited and It Feels So Good....

2006-05-04T00:10:00.000+09:00

Best friends are great. And to have mine in Tokyo was a de-lite. Here's the update...

DAY 1

Wednesday night we went to see a local baseball game. The Lions game was sweet- we won the game AND we got cool balloons to release during the Japanese version of the 7th inning stretch. They sing their team's anthem and then at the end of the song let the balloons go which creates the most deafening, horrificly amusing sound. It was fun.

Here's Melissa and Grant at the game, loving their first full day in Japan.

Then you got me and Aiko, my Japanese counterpart and translator/interpreter of all weird Japanese things.

Put all of us together and what do you get? Internationalization at it's finest. Well done, JET progam, well done.

DAY 2

I surprised Melissa and Grant and took them to Tokyo Disneyland. I was already going with my school's students on their day trip so I figured I'd bring the two gaijin around to have some fun. Turned out the weather was not so agreeable but it actually worked in our best interest... NO ONE was at the park. In only half the day we had ridden on every single ride and some we went on twice. It had rained that morning but an hour into our trip the rain had stopped and we had the park to ourselves. It was all the best of Disneyland without the insanity of waiting in hours and hours of lines to see Mickey for 0.2 seconds.

So here are Lis and I with one of the Tweedle Brothers... I'm not sure if it's Dee or Dum, but more importantly does anyone else think that Melissa's hand is a little too low?!? ;)

And, here are Grant, Melissa and I posing with some of my students at Disneyland. My students met Melissa and Grant the previous day when they observed my class and the kids FREAKED to see the massively tall foreigners with crazy hair. They were total superstars in Nihon. Darn my half-blood, I just blend in.

Anway.... there's so much more to tell. Tomorrow Melissa and Grant leave and I will be so very sad but I will post more blogs so I can remember all the bizarreness of this week.

Back in the Game

2006-05-01T00:02:00.000+09:00

It's been a while since I've updated. I haven't been at school enough to be bored to write.... funny I have to be at work to update my blog. Recently I have quite a few adventures. For right now, my best friend Melissa and her boyfriend Grant are visiting Tokyo. It has been SO much fun visiting the sights and seeing everything although I never realized how exhausting sight seeing can be! And, there are tons and tons of places I haven't even seen yet in Tokyo so it's been a challenge trying to show these two around. Plus, factor in my Japanese incapabilities and it can be a rough day. But, so much fun, nonetheless. I will for sure post up some pics soon... just sit tight and when I get a quick second I will drop my loyal readers (all what, five of you?!?) a new update.

Seoul In 5 Pics

2006-04-06T08:27:00.001+09:00

HEY!!! So, I'm back from Seoul. Ironically, it feels so nice to be home. Crazy that Japan now actually kinda feels like home. Only it's a home where there are too many people... and the food is strange sometimes... and they talk funny.... but besides that I guess, it's a nice home. ;)

Well, yes, I know you're dying to find out about my kick ass adventures in Korea. So I will tell you- and show you.

Exhibit A: During this trip we wanted to interact with the locals, but we didn't think we stumble upon so many eager-to-play Koreans. They were very short and looked slightly underdeveloped but they were funny and playful and their English was off the hook. This shot is taken outside of a museum were the kids were running around crazy, teaching Jillian and I their traditional cultural games. I call the games "throwing stick into hole" and "pushing metal ring with metal pusher-thingy." Quite fun, really.

Then of course they huddled around the camera to throw up the peace sign and smile for the foreigners.

Exhibit B: In this photo you have your palace guard, watching over the ancient palace gate. I don't think they serve any real purpose except to appease the tourists into thinking this is a "cultural" aspect of Korea. I felt bad for the poor saps. They can't move or talk or smile. And they have to stand there all day while dumb tourists (like me) take pictures. But maybe once a long long time ago they really guarded important people in the palace.

Exhibit C: Moving on, we went and checked out the famous Insadong area, renowned for its artsy feel and handmade goods. I, always having been a firm believer in the importance of arts and crafts in brain development, much enjoyed walking around this area. I especially enjoyed this picture, which is framed by the toilet seat you can see if you look close. Yes folks, anything can be art. This pic is taken from the second floor of a shopping courtyard, the center had streams of flowers hanging overhead the people below.

Exhibit D: At this same shopping area there is a famous truck vendor selling all sorts of weird handmade stuff. The mini-truck is on the second floor and is decorated inside and out. I'm a fan of the creativity.

Anyway, there you have it... a quick photo overview of my first (and hopefully not last) trip to Korea. I had a blast, and I'll be sure to update you all with more of the details pronto... till then... mata neee! (see you next time, sucka!)

Pre-Departure

2006-04-05T02:29:00.000+09:00

Before leaving for Seoul I had to do some partying in my backyard, so I hit up Tokyo with some old Seattle friends. It was good times! We ate fresh sushi, checked out the Imperial Palace, visited Harajuku (anyone know Gwen Stefani's album?!?), and even ate some Indian cuisine. Check out the pics.

My Northwest Profs at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Callie, Phil, and I at the Imperial Garden in Tokyo for Hanami.

Here's a brief Japanese lesson:

A+B=C

A=Hana=flower
B=Mi=to see
C=Hanami=?!?!

Ding ding ding! (cue cheesy gameshow music) You guessed it...Hanami=Flower viewing. (particularly viewing the most sacred of all Japanese flowers- the cherry blossom) These people love to love the cherry blossom. They can't get enough of 'em... probably because the flowers bloom and then are gone two weeks later. So sad to be a cherry blossom.

Off to the Races

2006-03-28T17:35:00.000+09:00

The next few days are guaranteed to be an adventure. I'm off to Tokyo for two nights to kick it with my visiting ex-profs/friends/smartest people I know... Suzan and Jim. And then of course, the rest of the motley crew... Phil, Callie and Sherry. Definitely gonna be good times- these are my Seattle folks and the first familiar faces I will have seen in Tokyo. Holler.

Anyway, after that I am off to Seoul, so I'll be on blogger hiatus for a couple of days. But, don't sweat it... I'll be back, don't you worry your pretty little heart. And I'll have tales of killer kimchee eating Koreans to share with you all. Stay tuned...

Spring is in the Air (at long long last)

2006-03-26T23:08:00.000+09:00

Spring time has finally hit Japan.

I (along with everyone on this island) have been waiting anxiously to say good bye to winter and hello to spring. It's not unlike the way a pregnant woman can't wait to pop that baby out and finally meet her child. That's just how happy I am.

p.s. AND... it's spring break. Another reason to love spring even more.

The Happiest Place in Tokyo

2006-03-22T20:58:00.000+09:00

Sunday I went to Disneyland with a few Jr. High kids which was pure comedy. One of the three, Haruka, spoke awesome English. All day long she tried in English and only when she was really stuck would she switch to the Nihongo. I was really proud of her. The other two boys, Iori and Kento didn't speak a lick of English, so despite all efforts to drag the English out of them, we had to resort to Japanese.

Anyway, all 3 were rad kids- really funny and cute and shy and outgoing all at once. It was a rockin' good time. Check out the pics.

Here we are working the 3D glasses for a flick. The boys almost look like they're being held hostage in Disneyland. I promise, just a second ago they were having fun.

And here's me with, er... a rabbit of some sort. I don't even know who this second rate Disney character is. But, you can't turn down a photo opportunity with any 7 foot animal, can you?! Especially not at Disneyland.

Sweet Music to My Ears

2006-03-20T15:57:00.000+09:00

I've got lots and lots to update on lately, my adventures over the weekend proved to be financially a blessing and lots of fun as well. But... there was one thing that occurred this weekend that was sweet music to my ears.

Sunday, I took 3 jr. high kids to Disneyland. I sometimes help teach at their private English school and the teacher paid me well and bought my ticket to go have fun at Disneyland. The kids were hilarious, and one of them, after talking to me for only 5 minutes, said the following...

ええ、ぺらぺらしゃべる！

English translation: Huh?!?! You speak fluently!

I almost cried.

But then... we hung out the rest of the day, so I'm pretty sure he realized I'm certainly not "perapera." (fluent) But, I'll take what I can get these days.

I Got Seoul

2006-03-16T11:46:00.000+09:00

My first Asian travel experience is just around the corner! At the end of March our school year officially ends and we will have 2 weeks vacation before the new school year. And, I am taking this opportunity to get off Japanese turf and see some new faces and places... I'm going to a little city called Seoul. I am looking forward to a warm welcoming in the land of kimchee and the word on the street is Seoul is world-famed for its cheap eyewear. Oh, if only I didn't have 20/20 vision.

Anyone with travel recommendations/hot spots/must-sees please send a shout out!

You Know You Have To

2006-03-14T22:24:00.000+09:00

Today is White Day in Japan, a day started by chocolate companies to boost their sales once Valentine's Day is over. In Japan, only women give chocolate on Valentine's Day. Chocolates are given to sweethearts but also to coworkers and especially bosses. These chocolates are an intricate part of the Japanese workplace and even have a special name, "giri choco" or "duty chocolate." The chocolate is expected from female coworkers as a duty and women usually spend around $5-$10 on a box of chocolate for bosses and single chocolates or sweets for colleagues. So, this year, for Valentine's Day I wanted to try and play this game, so I bought chocolates for my principal and vice principal, the teachers in my department and my neighbors in my apartment building. (I have only met one of my neighbors but they all got the cocoa goodies on V-day.)

Now, there is a second part to women giving chocolate on Valentine's day. It's White Day, and it's today. On this day, men give chocolate or gifts to their sweethearts and return the gift of chocolates to coworkers. Returning gifts, or giving a gift as a token of thanks is normal and expected in Japan. It's called "kaeshi." Today I got my "giri kaeshi." By giving chocolate on Valentine's Day I obligated my neighbors, coworkers and maybe even bosses to return the favor. I think it's a really funny game to force people into giving me gifts! Sure enough, my coworkers brought me sweets, my vice principal gave me a box of cupcakes, and waiting for me when I got home were two neatly wrapped bags of cookies from two separate neighbors.

Ahhh... Japan.... we must maintain good relations and therefore give gifts, even if insincerely given. I feel so loved!

Obstacle #369: The School Cafeteria

2006-03-07T22:50:00.000+09:00

Every day the school cafeteria is an adventure. They always make great, home cooked food.... but it's always a little tricky when the menu is in kanji. (by the way, did I mention I'm still illiterate?!) So, my kitchen staff know I like veggies, steer clear of the fried goods, and despise anything too fishy or seaweedy. They usually do a good job guessing what I would like.

Then there are days like today, when I just didn't get what I was expecting or hoping for. I sat down at the table all alone with the baseball team sitting at the other end and tried to eat what was in front of me. It was actually tasty, just not what I was in the mood for if you know what I mean. I almost cried. I wondered, "Is this PMS or just part of living in a foreign country?"

Awkward Train Moments

2006-03-05T00:19:00.000+09:00

Tonight, I attempted to play soccer for the first time in probably a good 5 years. Maybe I kicked a ball around once or twice in college, but I was way too busy pretending to study, leaving no time for giving soccer a go. But, if you're not familiar with the Pablo clan, we are soccer people. The World Cup is hands down my favorite sporting event. I could watch soccer for hours and not grow weary. But... actually put me on a field with two nets, a ball and people who actually know what they're doing and I freeze. I tried tonight but I was running around madly, figuring what I lacked in skill I would make up for with hustle. I felt bad for my team (having the lame girl) on their side, but I did what my poor little legs could.

Anyway, back to the title of this blog, on the way home I rode back with a friend of a friend. We've met once and our last conversation was torturous. The boy just lacks in conversation skills. So, needless to say, I wasn't too excited about the one-on-one train conversation that was about to ensue. Being all tuckered out from the game, I really didn't even feel like talking, but of course I tried to not be rude.

It went something like this.,..(I won't torture you by word for word transcribing the awkwardness)

Awkward Boy: "So, Christy, you live in Sayama-shi, right?"
Me; "Uh, it's Christina and I live in Sayamagaoka."

a few seconds later...

Awkward Boy:"Did you want to stop in Tokorozawa for a beer?"
Me;"Well, I'm actually not much of a drinker and I'm pretty tired."
Awkward Boy: "I'll make you a deal. How about if I buy the train ticket?" (he should have offered to buy the beer!)
Me: "Uh, nah, I'm gonna pass."

[Insert: lots of random comments about Formula One racing, his Japanese girlfriend, and other things I have blocked from my memory.]

Then, in an effort to be nice I offer him a snack...

Me:"Oh, hey, I have a couple bananas in my bag. Would you like one?"
Awkward Boy: "No. I just downloaded the 16th season of the Simpsons."

HUH?!?! I gave up right then and there and pretended to be asleep the ride home.

10 Things I Hate about You (You=Japan)

2006-03-02T10:50:00.000+09:00

Here's my top ten list- well the first installment anyway... It hasn't been well thought out. It's whatever enrages me most at this very moment. Be prepared for ranting.

10. THE WEATHER: It seems no matter what season, the weather in Japan is God-awful. Now, I can't say I'm really qualified to make this statement, being that I haven't even lived through the four seasons in Japan as of yet, but so far, it's lame. Winter is freezing. Its only upside is that it's not a wet winter, actually rather dry. But... it's still numbingly cold. Then of course when it's not winter it's summer, and scorchingly hot. The himidity is insufferable and you can barely breathe let alone walk or move or even live. So, what about fall and spring, you ask? Well, autumn's cool weather with a little bit of sunshine lasted but only a few days, pushing a couple of weeks. And as for spring, it has yet to be seen. Spring is supposed to be beautiful with the cherry blossoms but... it's rainy season. Oh joy.

9. HYGIENIC "DIFFERENCES": Japan has a weird cleanliness fetish. They are overly careful about certain things and just don't seem to care about others. (Granted, I'm sure they think Americans have crazy habits, too) For example, dirt and shoes. Shoes must always, always be taken off in homes. This I totally understand. But... I have to take off my shoes and wear slippers at school. And even then in school there are "gym" shoes Taking off heels in a gym I can understand, but taking off your indoor slippers?!? I just don't see it. Why the paranoia about a little dirt?

Okay, so besides the shoe thing, the Japanese also have weird bacterial preconceptions. They wear surgical masks when they are sick, out of consideration for those around them. First of all, this jsut seems bizarre to me. It looks crazy SARS-ish and makes me think they have some highly contagious disease when it's really just a sore throat. But, the real question is if the mask really helps. As far as I know, the mask may stop some air-borne bacteria from getting to others, but it ain't really doin' all that much.

Alright, so far, the Japanese seem rather hyper-hygienic, but there are other areas where ya just think, WHAT?!?! For example, heated toilet seats- really common in Japan. I'll be honest, it's rather pleasant on a cold day to warm up your toosh... but think about the massive amounts of festering bacteria. Ugh...I'd actually rather not think about it. And yes, public nose pickers are completely accepted in this nation. AND... I never see Japanese people wash their hands in the bathroom. I always hope the lady next to me will surprise me and wash her hands, but she just never does. And you know if the ladies aren't doin' it the men certainly aren't.

SO, I will leave my top 10 list to just 2 for today. I'll save the pent up aggression for another day.

p.s. I swear I love my life in Japan, I really do.

A Slow Life and a Rich Gentleman

2006-03-01T21:42:00.000+09:00

My sannenseis (third year students) are getting ready to graduate next week, so for our last lesson we discussed future plans. Contrary to popular opinion, not all Japanese students are serious, disciplined workers who all want to be engineers or businessmen raking in the big yen. Especially for the girls in this country, sometimes the best options are just a slow life and a rich gentleman. Check it out.

Ok, this girl is onto something. Foreign countries, living freely, and a slow life. If this is her only ambition it ain't too bad, huh?

This girl seems like she knows what she want, even if it only adds up to a white dress. Happy live every day. Very very happy bride.

Okay... now here's the smartest one of them all... not only does she want to get married... it needs to be a rich gentleman. Trophy wife here she comes! I mean, who doesn't want a sugar daddy?!?

As you can see, I'm working with some ambitious girls here in Japan. Ah, if they only had a brain.

Kasahata Children's Home

2006-02-23T13:40:00.000+09:00

Last Sunday I visited the Kasata Children's Home, an orphanage/foster care home where about 30 Japanese children live. We went for a Valentine's Day party which was an incredible time. The kids were great- really genki (excited) and lots of fun to play with. But, at the same time, it got me thinking about Japan.

Japan has very few orphans. In fact, the population rate has drastically dropped from the 1970's. Previously, on average, couples were having 2.1 children. (how to handle that .1 I'm not too sure!) But, now the average birthrate is 1.1. So, in short, there are fewer couples having fewer children and orphans are not the country's greatest problem. It is creating a somewhat silmilar problem to what is seen in China- a whole generation without siblings.(ugh... one spoiled child is enough, but a whole generation?!?!) Now of course China has no option...the government took radical measures to try and slow the population problem. However, in Japan, the reasoning is obviously by choice. Cost of living is high, the island is overcrowded as it is, and who needs a second child when you can spoil a miniature poodle and dress it like Paris Hilton's pooch?

Obviously, though, we can see that orphans still exist, either those given up by families or removed from abusive or negligent parents. And, seeing these kids in the orphanage was rough. They were clearly starved for attention, which, can you blame them? They also really showed traits of scavenging, fighting, and being overly greedy with simple things. Now, let's be honest, ALL kids are scavengers and fighters and greedy. Okay, scratch that... all HUMANS are scavengers and fighters and greedy. I suppose it was just interesting to see how being an orphan affected these children's behavior. Some were very polite and others were rude. Some were standoffish and other wouldn't give an inch to breathe. But... despite the differences in each child's personality, like all flesh and blood humans the kids really just wanted to be loved.

We did what we could for 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon... I just hope someone can take them home and love them forever.

The Most Amazing Thing

2006-02-16T11:48:00.000+09:00

I love my job, really. Part of the being on the JET program is that I am an assistant teacher, so although I teach the lessons, there is always a Japanese person who helps me translate or give directions. Most of my teachers are awesome people who speak English relatively well. Except for one teacher. Ito sensei. I'm not even sure you can call him a teacher. He doesn't ever have a lesson planned and most of the time the majority of the students are either asleep or text messaging unashamedly. It's pretty comical and depressing all at once.

So, every two weeks I have the pleasure of "teaching" with this man. Let me say in his defense, however, that although he is unorganized and weird and sometimes I question his personal hygiene- he is a sweet man at heart. It's just hard to see it. BUT... today in class we were reading about the cultural differences between America and Japan. One difference is that publicly blowing your nose in Japan is considered impolite.

NOTE: Let me just say also that in Japan, verbs are memorized in trios. "Sing, sang, sung," for example, teaching the present, past, past progressive (I think?!) tenses of a verb.

So anyway, back to blowing your nose, Ito sensei did the most amazing thing today. He began to explain the following verb conjugation pattern to the students...

"Blow, blew, blung."

I didn't have the heart to correct him, but I couldn't help but crack a smile. I mean, BLUNG?!?!

Gotta go- I haven't blung my nose is a while, I think it's time I did that.

English is a Girl's Best Friend....

2006-02-11T02:24:00.000+09:00

As I rode on the train the other day I spotted this GEM of an advertisement. I couldn't help but snap a pic of it- it turns out English is a girl's new best friend.

Yes, folks, this add does in fact say,
"I want a soft, fluffy sweater,
I want shiny, glittering jewelry,
but what I really want is sparkling English skills."

Ha! I love it!

So Blue

2006-02-06T15:40:00.000+09:00

My poor Seahawks have lost the Super Bowl. It's surely a sad day in Seattle. To all the Seattle-ites reading this blog, know that I was cheering for the Hawks from the other side of the globe. I must go and cry myself to sleep now. Hopefully my next post will be much cheerier.

Holla for the 'Hawks

2006-02-03T08:54:00.000+09:00

The Seahawks are Superbowl bound.... holla! I keep wanting to sing that song from the movie Hardball (yeah, I know, with that excuse of an actor Keanu Reeves). "We're going to the 'ship... we're going to the 'ship." I'm sooo excited for them, and knowing a Seahawk or two makes it even more exciting. The time difference in Japan stinks to watch the game, so I've got a couple of options.

Option A. I stay out all night and watch the game at a sports bar in Tokyo at 4 in morning with who knows what kind of ruffians and hooligans out at that God-awful hour.

Option B. I pray that ITunes puts the game up for downloading and I stay in the comfort of my home with my pj's on and cheer for the team.

I'm kinda leaning toward Option A. I'll never have this kind of Super Bowl Party again, huh?! Let's hope they win it...

Sneaky Sneaky

2006-02-03T01:00:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I called in sick to work. I woke up not feeling the greatest, but I wasn't deathly ill either. But... then... an idea hit me. It was approximately 10 am and I realized Jillian's friend Greg is visiting from New York, who said he would take me out to sushi. I mean, certainly I didn't feel like I could run a marathon but then again, who can turn down a sushi offer?!? So, he and I went out to lunch at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo where we loaded up on fatty tuna (it was phat, too) and salmon as well as plenty other delectable treats from the sea. Oishii. Hontouni oishii. That's Japanese for: It was the bomb.

Then after lunch Greg and I went to Ueno Park to check out the Museum of Western Art. Kinda bizarre to be in the East and checking out Western art... but it was alright. And, it was cheap, so that's a plus. All in all it was a nice sick day. I was rested and rejuvenated for work today. I needed lots of sushi to replenish and reboot my system. Now I'm feeling good.

BUT.... just remember.... this is between me and you. Don't let the boss find out about my little excursion! Shhhhhhh!

Sapporo in the Snow

2006-02-01T23:14:00.000+09:00

It speaks for itself...

Old Hokkaido

2006-02-01T23:07:00.000+09:00

The second day of our trip we headed to Old Hokkaido, a village set up for visitors to check out what life in Hokkaido back in the day would have looked like. This building is the Hokkaido train station, no longer in use for trains but used in the village. We had an amazing time here. We went for a horse-drawn sleigh ride, tried cross country skiing and took many a tumble sledding. It was "sugary happiness melting inside." (As quoted from a Japanese comic describing elation)

Ramen Alley

2006-02-01T22:59:00.000+09:00

Here's what I affectionately call Ramen Alley. You can only put up a restaurant that seats less than 10 people and serves only ramen. It's where we had dinner the first night in Hokkaido and it was so wonderful. We were tired and cold and being inside trying Hokkaido's miso ramen was a de-light.

See how much we are lovin' the ramen?!? No talking was allowed- just slurping.

The Snow Gallery

2006-02-01T22:37:00.000+09:00

This is how the snow festival sculptures are made. Insanity! There are SO many people working to create the enormous pieces of artwork, it was incredible. The first day we arrived in Sapporo we checked out the creations and then two days later went back to see the progress. It was unbelievable. This scultpure is of a female Japanese golfer, Ai something-or-other, who is from Okinawa hence the palm trees and the tropical flowers. Imagine it, a huge block of snow carved to look like you. Forget the Wheaties box, people, just give me a huge snow sculpture.

This one... any ideas?

It's the Chronicles of Narnia. You can see the White Witch being pulled by the polar bears and in the background at the top is Azlan. (You can only see his head on the very far right corner of the pic) This one rocked my world- I was a big fan. There were also plenty of other sculptures- some of Japanese anime and others of the Melbourne Train Station. So, there was obvoiusly some variety to this snow show.

Warmin' Up

2006-01-31T10:15:00.000+09:00

Got home safe and sound from Hokkaido last night. The whole weekend was amazing- I had such a blast despite the cold weather and actually, I wasn't too cold. I thought I was going to freeze my behind off and granted, it was cold, but then again we were prepared for it with more layers than I ever wanted to have on my body at once. On the bright side, though, once I got home it seemed nice and warm in my hometown, not nearly as cold as Sapporo. All I can say is, snow's nice to play in but not nice to live in. I'm glad to be in Tokorozawa.

Pictures coming soon...

Sapporo- More Than Just Beer

2006-01-27T17:01:00.000+09:00

Tomorrow morning I'm leavin' on a jet plane for Sapporo, located on the northern island of Hokkaido. I'm excited, lemme tell you, but I'm gonna freeze my behind off. I don't even have snow gear. Duh, I know I'm not really prepared, but that's half the fun, right?!? We'll see.... being wet and cold is not so much fun, so I'm gonna try and stay warm. Most excitingly, there's a Snow Festival coming up in Sapporo, where they carve enormous sculptures out of mounds and mounts of snow/ice/anything cold. From the pictures I've seen, there are mini versions of the Parthenon and Big Ben. Well, that and of course a huge Hello Kitty or Pokemon. True to Japanese nature there is a bit of outlandish cuteness/anime obsession in ever corner of this great country. We're going to Sapporo (which is also famous for their beer) a little before the festival starts, but hopefully we'll get to see the workers forming their creations. If not, we can always hit up the beer tour! Enjoy the festival pics for yourself in the comfort and warmth of your home!

http://www.reggie.net/album.php?albid=636

p.s. I haven't yet mastered the link field, so you'll have to use good ol' fashioned cut and paste!

2007

2006-01-26T23:40:00.000+09:00

Today, I stared down the blank sheets of paper sitting on my desk, waiting for one simple signature. The papers forced me to circle one of two options, and then scribble my signature deciding the fate of my time here in Nihon.

1. Yes, I would like to recontract for the 2006-2007 JET term.

2. No, I would not like to recontract for the 2006-2007 JET term.

Hmmmm.... faced with a challenging decision. So, which did I circle, you ask? Well, being that I'm still not fluent in Japanese, I figured I would need a little more time here to get the knack of things. When my contract ends this July I will be staying another full year. So, until then, get used to this blog, cause that might be all ya see of me for a while. Yup, I'm officially tied down to Tokyo until 2007.

The Little Ones

2006-01-26T00:37:00.000+09:00

Here's my class of third year students. They are getting ready to graduate and this was our last class, so we got together for a family picture. Me not having my camera on hand, on of the girls offered to send it to my cell phone email. Attached with the picture were the following emails. If anyone can translate these for me I would bow down to your deciphering skills, because I got nothing.

Let me also say these three texts are typed, letter for letter, as I received them on the ketai.

Number 1:

"Hello. My name is mami. picture present for you."

Number 2:

"It..voice..disregards it when It not good? we graduate and it meets so mewhere Because Cristena..me..talk..is put."

Number 3:

"You may see
Let's email a lot
Because happily to the person in a different country the dream it's glad."

So......

Did anyone catch what that all was trying to say?! Nope? Me neither. Yeah, um, imagine trying to respond to that text message. What is there to reply to? Then again, I could probably say anything and my students really wouldn't get it. They are still irresistably cute, though, I'll give 'em that.

Snowy Tokyo

2006-01-22T22:53:00.000+09:00

So, here's the wrap up of the weekend.

Friday:

1. Went to Kumagaya for a joint birthday party thrown for me and Jillian. (Happy birthday, Snake!)
2. Stopped at Mark's place, the usual crash pad for pre-funk drinks and birthday presents. (I got a rockin' plant, a mini violin, an ever so thoughtful bottle of wine from Catalunya, yummy chocolates, and a velvet brown/green blazer.) I thought I made out pretty well.
3. Headed to Daikoku, the local bar, where the ruffians there gave me a hot pink fleece top (what's up new pj's), a Mickey Mouse birthday cake, and, best of all, a clam shell bra. Weird. They made me pose with the clams on. Over my shirt, fortunately, but they seemed hopeful for a different decision. That wasn't gonna happen.

Saturday:

1. Woke up at Mark's place to SNOW!
2. Had coffee and toast and headed to Tokyo for the afternoon.
3. Stopped in for lunch at a Freshness Burger- Jillian can tell you every location of the chain restaurant in Tokyo.
3. Walked to the Mori Museum to check out an exhibition and see the view of Tokyo. But... the exhibition was over and the view was too hazy because of the snow... boo. So, to stay out of the cold, we headed to Tully's and grabbed a cup of joe to pass the time before we...
4. Met up with Temple University Japan crew in Shibuya to hit up the nomihodai (all you can drink) session at I Love New York restaurant. Met lots of new friends and had some good grub and drinks, too.

Sunday:

1. Chilled. All day. I went to bed too late last night and church was just too early. Instead, I did nothing but relaxed, watched an episode of Lost via ITunes, made some toast, grocery shopped, went to the 100 yen store, pretended to study Japanese, and, of course, posted this riveting blog entry.

Today

2006-01-18T00:32:00.001+09:00

Now that the bday's over, (yes sad, I know, but they do only come once a year) I gotta move on. I live knowing there will be no birthday cake for me for at least another 360ish days... and that's if I milked it a bit to get the cake early.

In light of my newfound maturity, I am posting an entry written by one of my favorite authors, Federick Beuchner. Beuchner, a Christian man, writes profoundly and honestly about the both the difficulties and joys of life. And it's about time someone told it like it is. Not only this, but he demonstrates what a life of faith and thought can produce. Today I'm encouraged to live my life with purpose in order to find the sacred in everything. No, it's not my "special" day anymore... but then again... each morning I wake and breathe and live and have the chance for life to be a endless slice of goodness. Read on.

"Listen to your life. All moments are key moments.

I discovered that if you really keep your eye peeled to it and your ears open, if you really pay attention to it, even such a limited and limiting life as the one I was living on Rupert Mountain opened up onto extraordinary vistas. Taking your children to school and kissing your wife goodbye. Eating lunch with a friend. Trying to do a decent day's work. Hearing the rain patter against the window. There is no event so commonplace but that God is present within it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize him or not to recognize him, but all the more fascinatingly because of that, all the more compellingly and hauntingly.... If I were called upon to state in a few words the essence of everything I was trying to say both as a novelist and a preacher, it would be something like this: Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and the gladness: touch, tase, smell your way into the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."

- Frederick Beuchner

Before and After

2006-01-17T16:28:00.000+09:00

Yike! I'm 23! And... just like yesterday... still look the same. However, I am certainly far more wise and mature now than I was 24 hours ago. So I guess that's something. Yeay for birthdays.

Kiss 22 Goodbye

2006-01-16T23:29:00.000+09:00

This is it. The countdown. I've got exactly thirty more minutes till I have to kiss 22 adios and say hello to my new best friend, Mr. 23. Here's a pic of me to go down in cyberspace history. My youth and vitality at this young age will forever be immortalized on the 'net. Woohoo. Tomorrow I will take another picture of the much wiser, more mature me. 'Til then I will basque in the glory of being 22.

Sitges Shmitges

2006-01-15T16:11:00.000+09:00

Day trips! I loves 'em! So, with the family we packed up two cars in Terrassa, and 45 minutes later we were in Sitges, a beautiful beach town in Spain. It was a crisp, warm, sunny day and we spent the afternoon walking the coastline and checking out the local shops. Here's a couple of shots of the family.

Here's the family walking along the beach... Robert (bro), Mari-Toni (aunt), Sofia (sis) and Iaia (grandma).

Here's us again. Same beach. Just a shot where you can actually see our faces.

Queralt- my baby girl cousin. Well... not so much a baby anymore. Anyway, she scootered around the whole day and enjoyed the view.

Little cousins. Obviously playing on the swings. You got Enric on the left and Queralt on the right. Rockin' kids. Don't you just long for the days when swings were the best thing in life?! I should swing more often.

Champagne on Christmas

2006-01-12T23:36:00.000+09:00

Christmas this year was spent in Spain. The Spanish people don't usually give gifts on Christmas, although they do share a meal on baby Jesus' bday. But, I figured I wasn't going home to America, so I had to bring some American tradition to Spain. So, although there was no Christmas tree, my family and I did play some Christmas music on the IPod using our computer speakers as a home stereo system. And, I made us each Christmas stockings which Santa faithfully filled on Christmas day.

Here's a pic of the fam: Iaia, Robert, and me (duh). Sofia, my little sis, is taking the picture, hence the empty bowl of soup at the table where she belongs.

More pics of my winter adventures in Europe to follow. Stay tuned.

Back Home?

2006-01-12T09:30:00.000+09:00

As for my recent lapse on the blogspot- sorry peeps. I was in Spain having the time of my life without a cable to upload all the pics. Boo. But, now I am back home (really this is home now?) in Japan and back to life... back to reality. (okay, who else was singing along with that song... anyone know the song I mean?) I'm still a bit jet lagged and trying to adjust back to games of charades to explain myself, weird Japanese television, and being illiterate. Good times.

Anyway, so yesterday I called my old college roommate, Tara, just to say hello and catch up with her. She was in Spain with me last year, so she knows all the fam and it's nice to reminisce with someone who knows what you are talking about. [p.s. let me just say that's why you all reading this should come and visit me in Japan... then when we talked we could reminisce about weird Japanese people and stories and it would be hysterical.]

Okay, so I'm talking to Tara and here's the dialogue:

Tara: So what are you doing right now?

Me: Uhhhhhh, I'm actually eating sushi and watching sumo.

Tara: Wow, you really are Japanese now.

Me: I know!

Both: (laughing)

I guess I really have integrated my life into the Japanese culture. Okay, well, that's if watching sumo and eating sushi make you Japanese. But, amazingly, I was somewhat eerily happy to be home after leaving Spain. Don't get me wrong, it was SO hard to leave the family in Terrassa this year. I didn't want to leave. At all. I mean, really, not one shred of me wanted to come back to Japan at the time. But, once I got back into Narita Airport, and I was on the train, I somehow smiled to be home. Weird, I know. I zoomed by all the Japanese style houses and the fields and the countryside, with the sun shining, and somehow, I felt alright about it. It was a weird feeling. Maybe this place really is becoming home.

Home Sweet Home

2005-12-24T03:14:00.000+09:00

So, 16 hours after leaving Narita International Airport, I finally arrived at my beloved Barcelona. The family was all there waiting for me- except I had no luggage. I accidentally exited the wrong place and went to the wrong baggage claim. So, I had to go back around the building and work my way inside to the baggage claim. Finally I found the right place and my poor lonely bag was rotating on the machine nearly all by itself. It was a great reuniting, though. I was happy to have her back.

Anyway, so today was sleep-in-and-recover-from-jetlag-day. I slept 12 hours. Yup. I was spent. Today I've just been lounging around the house, doing nothing. Just relaxing and unpacking and wrapping Christmas presents and the like. Tonight for dinner (9:30 is dinner time here) I'm meeting a friend, Marta, and my cousin, Marta, for dinner. Yeah, that's right, two Martas. Anyway, so we are meeting at the Placa Vella, the central plaza in my city- the locale where children run and play, teenagers hang out for way too many hours, couples sit and have a cup of coffee, men sit and chain smoke, and women get together and chat. And, yes, where friends meet to have dinner. I love my hometown!

Looking Forward to...

2005-12-20T23:53:00.000+09:00

There are a couple of things I am looking forward to about Spain. Let me introduce you to them...

This is Queralt.

And this is Enric.

But... there are certainly more than just two things I love about Spain:

* My Iaia's truita: a traditional Spanish dish- a potato, egg, and onion omelette.
* Horchata: a Spanish cinnamon milk. It's heaven.
* Reis: or Epiphany, when the kings came to give gifts to baby Jesus, so we also give gifts that day.
* Speaking Catala: my father's dialect from Barcelona. Quina il.lusio!
* Cups of good coffee in cafes in my town's center.
* Pa amb tomaquet: Bread with tomato and olive oil. Yum.
* Neules and torrons: the typical Christmas sweets.
* Barca: My home town soccer team. Maybe I can take in a game.
* Tapas: If you don't know what these are... you need to get on that. The best thing about dining out and having drinks.
* Quinto: The Spanish version of Bingo. We play games at home on Christmas Day.
* Cousins dinner: A yearly tradition of crepes and drinks with all the cousins.
* Alp: Trip to the mountains for skiing and games of cribbage.

Last, but certainly not least... time with family and friends. The sights and sounds that are familiar to me, the voices of people I love, the hugs and kisses from people who love me. For really... what are memories without people to share them with. I can't wait to reminisce about old memories and make new ones, too.

A couple more pics...

2005-12-20T23:33:00.000+09:00

Here's a couple more for y'all. This one is my first kimono experience. It was at one of my first orientations in Saitama. It took the girl a good 5-10 minutes to get all the layers on me. Kimono is no simple task. The thing was heavy, but man, it was awesome to wear the traditional Japanese attire.

This one is my English Club girls and my teaching supervisor. We all went out for sushi and attempted to chat in English. They struggled, I'll be honest. Kids in Japan are drilled certain phrases, but really their English level is pretty low. The one question they can answer, without a doubt, is, "How are you?" To this question, the ONLY, and yes, I do mean ONLY response is, "I'm fine thank you, and you?" If I had to bet my life on anything, it would be this truth in Japan: Japanese people are always fine, thank you. Nonetheless, the girls try hard, so I guess that's an A for effort.

Catalunya Countdown

2005-12-19T10:25:00.000+09:00

Officially, as of this moment, I have less than 72 hours to go before I board a flight at Narita airport to head to Spain. I cannot wait to see my family and friends. Another thing I can't wait for... being able to actually understand what in the world is going on. As of late I understand about 10% of what is being said around me- and reading signs is even worse. So, finally I will be in a place where I can feel comfortable and have meaningful conversation with people and not be completely illiterate. Oh man, sayonara japan... hola spain!

Mickey you're Bilingual?!?

2005-12-18T21:15:00.000+09:00

So I visited Tokyo Disneyland two weekends ago and I realized that Mickey Mouse is bilingual. He's a MOUSE! Seriously, thank you Mickey, for making me feel even worse about my inability to learn Japanese. Now, I have to go to sleep with the knowledge that even a rodent can master this language. Sweet. Anyway, besides that depressing realization... Tokyo Disneyland was off the charts. Well, the standing in line was not so much cool, but the rest was awesome. I even realized a few things about Japanese women. They are altogether out of their minds sometimes.

Three things I found out:

1. Japanese women wear huge ridiculous furry Russian style hats at Disneyland. But they are shaped like mouse ears. The hats were not just your standard black mouse ears, no, these were take-over-your-whole-head large furry things in a whole range of colors. No thank you. A standard beanie will keep my head warm just fine, thank you.

2. Japanese women sometimes wear knee high boots and mini skirts to Disneyland- and let me remind you it is, in fact, winter on this island and there are no personal busses to shuttle the princesses from one ride to the next. Who in the world thinks that high heels are appropriate attire for a full day of walking?!? I don't care if it is the happiest place on earth, with achy feet not even "It's a Small World" can be enjoyable.

3. Japanese women shop in huge, astronomical proportions. I saw many a crazy Japanese woman lugging 5 or 6 bags full of the Disney booty they made out with. As though you can't find Winnie-the-Pooh paraphernalia in every shop in Japan. These women were buying like it was the only chance they might ever have to buy every man, woman, and child they know a gift. A few of these women had to stop walking to take breaks from carrying all their loot. Maybe Disneyland should start renting out pack mules.

Now... here's the kicker... a couple women I saw were committing all three of the above crimes simultaneously. How's that for crazy.

But... nonetheless, I had a great time with my sane, non-shopaholic, tennis shoe wearing friends. Here are Michiyo and Rebecca on the carousel, which is Rebecca's favorite ride. Michiyo is a friend from church and Rebecca, my neighbor. They are awesome girls.

Old Happenings

2005-12-16T00:48:00.000+09:00

Since the blog breakdown, I decided to go back and post some of the pics that were previously up and also add a couple new ones. These are all from Nikko and Ashio- I visited friends up there about a month ago and went to their town's festival.

This one's a five story pagoda at Toshogu shrine in Nikko. Well- the pagoda and a man with a rented red umbrella. It was a rainy day.

This shot was taken on a path in Nikko's National Park. It was drizzling the day we went and the leaves were still bright, bright green and it was breathtaking. This rock path lay around a small koi pond- I guess you can imagine the path will go any which way you like.

Seriously, such a cutie pie. She was at her town's festival eating cotton candy. She was SO adorable I could barely stand it. Japanese kids are the bomb, I tell you. I can't wait to have some.

Here's a pic of Miki- a little girl I met playing the taiko drums. She was such a sweet little girl and she was rockin' on the drums. Miki played in my friend Heather's taiko group. The whole weekend was really, really fun. I even got to carry the town's shrine along with about a hundred other people. Everyone helps carry this enormous portable shrine through the city streets. I laughed. It was awesome.

Fuku What?!?

2005-12-16T00:12:00.000+09:00

Fuku. Fukushima, that is. That's where spent the day a couple of weeks ago. It's a neighboring prefecture up north and the owners of a local Saitama bar invited us up there to see a ceremony at the temple their bar is named after. So, we made the LONG trip up there and certainly had a good time. But... worst part of the day? Hands down waking up at 6 in the morning to begin the journey. The bar owners has rented a bus for us all and we were heading up there together with a bunch of other middle aged men and their kimono wearing wives. Nice touch. Anyway, the worst part of the busride? Definitely the lame middle aged men insisting on chain smoking at 6 o'clock in the morning. I mean, really, can you imagine it? Here we are in the mini bus with a haze of smoke hovering over us. And, there were small children in the bus with us... as though destroying our lungs wasn't enough they had to go and tarnish the pure lungs of the wee little ones. Boo for inconsiderate smokers.

Anyway, so we finally arrived after numerous pee breaks/more smoking breaks. We got to the temple and all the people crowded in as the obosans, or monks, starting chanting and entering. They chanted a bunch in Japanese, none of which I could understand. Then they had these wooden clacking thingys that made lots of noise which they clacked above the audience to ward off evil spirits. That was my guess, anyway... it really coulda been anything. After that, they then came out into the audience and tapped each of our backs with what I like to call the blessing stick. I can only imagine they were praying a blessing over us. Either that or checking for early signs of osteoporosis or checking our reflexes. Who knows.

Then.. we hit the jackpot. We each got money for the afterlife. The obosans tossed out these colored papers cut out in the shape of leaves which are money for the afterlife. The more leaves you caught the more sixpacks you can buy in heaven, I guess. Well, that's what we (Mark, James, Jillian and I) decided we would do- hit up the afterlife 7-11 and get some drinks to enjoy in eternal bliss.

The after party was also cool- lots of good food and drink with the family. Good times. And then, of course, there was the long ride back home. Oh what a day.

Here's us with one of the monks at the temple. Mama-san, our surrogate mother from Saitama insisted that we snap a shot.

Why Japanese Websites are WEAK

2005-12-15T23:08:00.000+09:00

Yeah, so I was at school today, checking up on my blog, adding some new posts, etc., when... I pushed some button and realized my blog had been deleted. WEAK! Blogger's homepage was in Japanese so I couldn't understand what I was doing and before I knew it- poof, my cyber identity had disappeared. So, regrettably I will just have to start again... but, on the bright side, this gives me a clean slate to start over and be the blogger I always dreamed of being: witty, entertaining, and ineteresting. Well, I'll do my best, anyway, folks.