The Japanese like their get-togethers. And hey! When in Japan, do as the Japanese do, right? :D
Over the weekend I got to hang out with a friend that I met in America. She’s from Ozu, but she visited Hastings last year, so she was the very first person that I met from Hastings. Anywho, we went to Kumamoto City (very close), had dinner, met up with her friends, drank “beeru” ;) and went dancing. It was a very fun evening! I won’t disclose the hours of my absence…we had a lot of fun dancing and lost track of the time! But it was neat to meet some really nice, open-minded folk, and boogie down. :D
Also, I just got back from Enkai number two. This one proves that not all Enkai are alike. ;) The first Enkai I attended was sort of quaint and I felt like I talked personally to everyone. The second Enkai was comparatively raucous. :D Someone offered to teach me some samurai moves, I had a nato eating contest with “Tom”, and most had a “beeru” in hand at all times. And yet, there were some really special moments for me also. To being the party, the director of the Ozu Board of Education gave me a gift (sushi and the infamous nato), and two teachers from my school gave a speech. I almost cried. : ) I think that would’ve freaked them out though, so I did my best and held in the tears. Also, throughout the evening I got to talk with people I really enjoyed. The Ozu Mayor is really a nifty person. I like him. Also, “my father for two days” (host family’s father!) came. It was especially nice of him because he and his family have already done so much for me. Then, I was honored to speak with the Vice-Principal of my school! He is a very cool guy and has a lot of profound ideas about education. I had never had a good conversation with him before, so I really appreciated getting to speak with him. Which brings me to the best point of the evening-oh, I wish I could say their names! I would proclaim them everywhere I went as the nicest, most considerate people I know. Although I shouldn’t disclose their secret identity, I am sending them the best mental juju possible. ;D One of these people organized the party and personally introduced me to the guests. (And he also brought homegrown “lemons” (what I would call limes) for the mojitos!) The second of the two mystery people was by my side the entire evening translating. I can’t even begin to tell you what a nice friend she is to me! I had all of these lovely conversations because she was able to interpret beautifully. It’s all thanks to her that I wasn’t the lonely American in the corner, not talking to anyone because I didn’t know Japanese. Because of these two people (and many others!) It was a lovely evening.
So there you have it! I’m officially a party-er! You never thought it would happen, eh? Now only come visit me in Japan and you’ll see how the Japanese have fun. :D
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Silver Week
I can’t write for very long this evening, even though I have SOOO much to talk about! The past five days were one big, long vacation for me! It started Friday, when I went to school,…but had no classes! (: O It’s true. They paid me for absolutely nothing that day.
By the way, I’m going to try to write all of the following without including any names…I don’t like to leave you in the dark like that, but I haven’t asked anyone but my neighbor who will be known as “Tom” (he said it was fine as long as I called him “Tom”…which is not his real name). I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.
Onward and upward then-Saturday was a very nice day. I slept in, then went phone shopping with ALT, neighbor, and friend, “Tom”, then to the Enkai party. What a lovely, awesome group of people.
Sunday was absolutely no less awesome! Again, I slept in, then went shopping with another English teacher from school! She lives in Kumamoto and so she picked me up at the train station and we went shopping at a huge-gantuan mall! We then spent a super evening talking at the chicken shop. :D
Now, new stuff: Monday, I had lunch with my new friend, “Miha!”. She works at Ozu Yakuba (town hall), and she and her husband invited me over for lunch! This lunch extended into an entire afternoon and evening of music, food, and friendship. : ) Cheesy perhaps, but true nonetheless. “Miha’s” husband fixed my computer for me (it’s lightening fast now!), and they both helped me figure out my a.c. and filled out my internet application for me, and fixed my landline telephone. Not only are they very nice, they’re very generous. It was a really great day and I feel like I know them both a lot better now. ( :D Smiley face! )
Tuesday was action packed-“Tom” and I left at 9am to meet up with the “Migamolo” family. We thought we were only going to an onsen, but NO! We had an entire day full of fun activity! First, we went put-put golfing. The golf course wound around burial mounds (???) and there was a real, live mountain goat living on one of them. The goat didn’t seem too interested in golf. Next, we drove around the Aso mountain range (Sugoi!-beautiful!) then had lunch (fried chicken, rice, pickled veggies, and miso soup. Mmm!). After that, the men and women of our party parted ways and I had my first onsen experience. An onsen is a (very) public bath…no one wears swimsuits. However, after the initial awkwardness it was quite nice! The baths use water from a hot spring so it was sort of like a hot tub. Very nice. After the we were all squeaky clean, we drove back down the mountain and to an ice cream shop where the ice cream is made by local brown cows that also produce the milk served for school lunches in Ozu. After THAT, “Tom” and I went to buy me a cell phone! It ended up being VERY expensive ($175 this month and $125 every month for a year plus 40 cents per minute. Yowzaz!), but now I have a cool cellphone with a touch panel screen and internet access. If I want to, I can pay for things WITH my cell phone (like a credit card), or I can scan barcodes or share information with other cell phones via ESP, or watch TV. It’s ridiculous! Whew-Tuesday was busy!
Today, Wednesday, was the last day of my break from school. I went to Kumamoto Castle with my host family! It was really awesome! Perhaps not was I envisioned a 17th century castle to look like-it was really elaborate and showcased incredible masonry ;). We toured both the six-story castle and the lord’s grand mansion. Both were rebuilt after a fire that burned most of the castle to the ground just before the Japanese civil war. It was really interesting to learn about some of Japan’s history. I’ve been itching for this experience. : ) After Kumamoto Castle, we went to a book store where I bought two English translations of Japanese horror/ghost stories written by a foreigner! We visited his house (ironically also in Kumamoto!) and learned a bit about his life and writings. After that, we visited a six-story department store! Florists, dresses, perfume, manga (animation), toys, groceries, you name it-it’s there. Then, on the way home we watched sumo wrestling! Ha! Very fun. The whole day was very fun! This family has been so kind-not only did they let me impose on them night and day when I arrived, but for the entire month I’ve been here they’ve done everything imaginable to welcome me and help me have a really great Japanese experience. I’ve learned a lot from them and I can’t imagine my first month here without their influence.
So that’s it! Whew, what a great vacation! I feel like I’ve been doing something every minute of every day, but no objections. I really loved seeing, tasting, touching, all that there was to take in. I’m definitely charged up and ready for school to start.
By the way, I’m going to try to write all of the following without including any names…I don’t like to leave you in the dark like that, but I haven’t asked anyone but my neighbor who will be known as “Tom” (he said it was fine as long as I called him “Tom”…which is not his real name). I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.
Onward and upward then-Saturday was a very nice day. I slept in, then went phone shopping with ALT, neighbor, and friend, “Tom”, then to the Enkai party. What a lovely, awesome group of people.
Sunday was absolutely no less awesome! Again, I slept in, then went shopping with another English teacher from school! She lives in Kumamoto and so she picked me up at the train station and we went shopping at a huge-gantuan mall! We then spent a super evening talking at the chicken shop. :D
Now, new stuff: Monday, I had lunch with my new friend, “Miha!”. She works at Ozu Yakuba (town hall), and she and her husband invited me over for lunch! This lunch extended into an entire afternoon and evening of music, food, and friendship. : ) Cheesy perhaps, but true nonetheless. “Miha’s” husband fixed my computer for me (it’s lightening fast now!), and they both helped me figure out my a.c. and filled out my internet application for me, and fixed my landline telephone. Not only are they very nice, they’re very generous. It was a really great day and I feel like I know them both a lot better now. ( :D Smiley face! )
Tuesday was action packed-“Tom” and I left at 9am to meet up with the “Migamolo” family. We thought we were only going to an onsen, but NO! We had an entire day full of fun activity! First, we went put-put golfing. The golf course wound around burial mounds (???) and there was a real, live mountain goat living on one of them. The goat didn’t seem too interested in golf. Next, we drove around the Aso mountain range (Sugoi!-beautiful!) then had lunch (fried chicken, rice, pickled veggies, and miso soup. Mmm!). After that, the men and women of our party parted ways and I had my first onsen experience. An onsen is a (very) public bath…no one wears swimsuits. However, after the initial awkwardness it was quite nice! The baths use water from a hot spring so it was sort of like a hot tub. Very nice. After the we were all squeaky clean, we drove back down the mountain and to an ice cream shop where the ice cream is made by local brown cows that also produce the milk served for school lunches in Ozu. After THAT, “Tom” and I went to buy me a cell phone! It ended up being VERY expensive ($175 this month and $125 every month for a year plus 40 cents per minute. Yowzaz!), but now I have a cool cellphone with a touch panel screen and internet access. If I want to, I can pay for things WITH my cell phone (like a credit card), or I can scan barcodes or share information with other cell phones via ESP, or watch TV. It’s ridiculous! Whew-Tuesday was busy!
Today, Wednesday, was the last day of my break from school. I went to Kumamoto Castle with my host family! It was really awesome! Perhaps not was I envisioned a 17th century castle to look like-it was really elaborate and showcased incredible masonry ;). We toured both the six-story castle and the lord’s grand mansion. Both were rebuilt after a fire that burned most of the castle to the ground just before the Japanese civil war. It was really interesting to learn about some of Japan’s history. I’ve been itching for this experience. : ) After Kumamoto Castle, we went to a book store where I bought two English translations of Japanese horror/ghost stories written by a foreigner! We visited his house (ironically also in Kumamoto!) and learned a bit about his life and writings. After that, we visited a six-story department store! Florists, dresses, perfume, manga (animation), toys, groceries, you name it-it’s there. Then, on the way home we watched sumo wrestling! Ha! Very fun. The whole day was very fun! This family has been so kind-not only did they let me impose on them night and day when I arrived, but for the entire month I’ve been here they’ve done everything imaginable to welcome me and help me have a really great Japanese experience. I’ve learned a lot from them and I can’t imagine my first month here without their influence.
So that’s it! Whew, what a great vacation! I feel like I’ve been doing something every minute of every day, but no objections. I really loved seeing, tasting, touching, all that there was to take in. I’m definitely charged up and ready for school to start.
A Lovely Day
Today was a lovely day. A really, really lovely day. : )
I slept in for a good long while, and then went shopping with my friend and supervisor at work! She has really awesome English-she’s lived and visited abroad a great deal and visited a lot of countries. I really enjoy talking with her, not only because of her English, but because she’s so friendly! I think we have similar personalities and maybe we have a lot in common. She picked me up at the train station and we drove forty minutes to the mall. It was a big mall, but not quite big enough to house any stores I had heard of before! Actually, there was one-Eddie Bauer. I thought that was surprising! Most of the stores were small and you could walk the circumference in about 30 seconds, so we got to go into a lot of different little stores. It was really fun!
After shopping, we visited my friends house and I got to meet her Mom, Grandma, and dog-Keita. They were very nice. : )
Finally, we went out to eat at a “chicken restaurant”. :D Not really, but there was a lot of chicken there and it came in many different varieties. We had lettuce in a yummy dressing, salad mixed up with raw egg, cheese roll things, raw chicken (haha!!), and two types of chicken on a stick. I really loved it all! It was delicious and I felt a little more Japanese just eating it (especially the raw variety!).
I slept in for a good long while, and then went shopping with my friend and supervisor at work! She has really awesome English-she’s lived and visited abroad a great deal and visited a lot of countries. I really enjoy talking with her, not only because of her English, but because she’s so friendly! I think we have similar personalities and maybe we have a lot in common. She picked me up at the train station and we drove forty minutes to the mall. It was a big mall, but not quite big enough to house any stores I had heard of before! Actually, there was one-Eddie Bauer. I thought that was surprising! Most of the stores were small and you could walk the circumference in about 30 seconds, so we got to go into a lot of different little stores. It was really fun!
After shopping, we visited my friends house and I got to meet her Mom, Grandma, and dog-Keita. They were very nice. : )
Finally, we went out to eat at a “chicken restaurant”. :D Not really, but there was a lot of chicken there and it came in many different varieties. We had lettuce in a yummy dressing, salad mixed up with raw egg, cheese roll things, raw chicken (haha!!), and two types of chicken on a stick. I really loved it all! It was delicious and I felt a little more Japanese just eating it (especially the raw variety!).
My First Enkai
I have to write about tonight. It has been a night that I don’t think I will ever forget! Ironically, there is a lot about it that I’ve already forgotten! But the event itself was really unforgettable.
I’ve just been to my first welcoming party. :D These parties are called “enkai”, and everyone and their dog is throwing one for me! Tonight’s was organized by the OIEO-the international committee in charge of the exchange between Hastings and Ozu. It was incredibly heartwarming. I felt that if given the opportunity, I could probably have burst into a puddle of gratitude at any second!
The event lasted for over three hours. We sat on the floor Japanese style, and ate at a low table. The place was SO homey and lovely! There is only one small room where the guests sit and it’s upstairs. All of the food was prepared on the ground floor and brought up about 20 steps! There were about 20 people there and they filled up the room where we ate.
The occasion started with three speeches-one from the man who started the exchange program, one from the president of the committee, and one from me (eeeeek!). Even worse, I don’t know how it happened, but something I said got translated into “I want to drink alcohol.” (?) I don’t exactly remember what I said, but I’m SURE that it wasn’t that!! No one seemed to remember it for too long though, so it must not have been too bad.
I could go on and on about the evening’s events, but the thing that really hit home for me was the fact that everyone wanted to know me. : ) It sounds weird, but it’s true! They had come to the party, specifically to help me feel welcome. They spent three hours being slightly uncomfortable on the floor, just to make sure that I knew they cared. Not only that, but they introduced themselves, told me stories about their lives, talked about their experiences of Nebraska, answered all of my questions, and always tried out all of the English they possessed. This in itself was so wonderful-more than I can say. Usually people are shy about speaking English with me. And I completely understand! I’m intimidated by using Japanese! But nevertheless, sometimes it gets to me. I know they’re just shy, but I can’t help but feel like I’ve got the plague or something. This night was completely reversed-everyone felt open to talking with me…with the exception of a three year old who was very shy and didn’t really like me. ;) It was SO NICE to have conversation after conversation about Japan, about how I like it here, about past ALTs, the weather, whatever!. And everyone I spoke with was genuinely interested.
It was heartwarming beyond compare. I’ve already forgotten almost everyone’s names, but my heart will remember their intent.
I’ve just been to my first welcoming party. :D These parties are called “enkai”, and everyone and their dog is throwing one for me! Tonight’s was organized by the OIEO-the international committee in charge of the exchange between Hastings and Ozu. It was incredibly heartwarming. I felt that if given the opportunity, I could probably have burst into a puddle of gratitude at any second!
The event lasted for over three hours. We sat on the floor Japanese style, and ate at a low table. The place was SO homey and lovely! There is only one small room where the guests sit and it’s upstairs. All of the food was prepared on the ground floor and brought up about 20 steps! There were about 20 people there and they filled up the room where we ate.
The occasion started with three speeches-one from the man who started the exchange program, one from the president of the committee, and one from me (eeeeek!). Even worse, I don’t know how it happened, but something I said got translated into “I want to drink alcohol.” (?) I don’t exactly remember what I said, but I’m SURE that it wasn’t that!! No one seemed to remember it for too long though, so it must not have been too bad.
I could go on and on about the evening’s events, but the thing that really hit home for me was the fact that everyone wanted to know me. : ) It sounds weird, but it’s true! They had come to the party, specifically to help me feel welcome. They spent three hours being slightly uncomfortable on the floor, just to make sure that I knew they cared. Not only that, but they introduced themselves, told me stories about their lives, talked about their experiences of Nebraska, answered all of my questions, and always tried out all of the English they possessed. This in itself was so wonderful-more than I can say. Usually people are shy about speaking English with me. And I completely understand! I’m intimidated by using Japanese! But nevertheless, sometimes it gets to me. I know they’re just shy, but I can’t help but feel like I’ve got the plague or something. This night was completely reversed-everyone felt open to talking with me…with the exception of a three year old who was very shy and didn’t really like me. ;) It was SO NICE to have conversation after conversation about Japan, about how I like it here, about past ALTs, the weather, whatever!. And everyone I spoke with was genuinely interested.
It was heartwarming beyond compare. I’ve already forgotten almost everyone’s names, but my heart will remember their intent.
Friday, September 18, 2009
International Creepy Crawlies.
Well, it`s official. My apartment is infested. Blegh.
I have now had three cockroaches in my aparment. The first one was dead, but the second one was alive and well. I had generously left some dirty dishes for it and it was very happy...but I was not. I didn`t kill him because the Japanese cockroach variety can fly. And I was terrified. But three is my limit. Upon spotting it, I immediately headed for the drug store for "hotels". (They check in but don`t check out.) I don`t really like the idea. Just because I don`t like it, the cockroach must be lured into a trap where it must either rip out its own legs or starve to death. But it was in my sink. I had few options.
Apparently, cockroaches are fairly common in Japan. DISGUSTING!!! This is by far the worst thing about Japan. Well, no. Maybe it`s the poisonous centipedes. I haven`t encountered one of those (I think it`s a good thing I live on the second floor). Also, there about 5 spiders living around my front door. I don`t bother getting rid of them because they would just be back tomorrow. Their very creepy looking, but non-poisonous and really are quite convenient. They keep to themselves and get rid of other creepy crawlies.
So, now you know the good and bad of Japan. I will definitely, absolutely, positively immediately wash every single dish I dirty from now on.
I have now had three cockroaches in my aparment. The first one was dead, but the second one was alive and well. I had generously left some dirty dishes for it and it was very happy...but I was not. I didn`t kill him because the Japanese cockroach variety can fly. And I was terrified. But three is my limit. Upon spotting it, I immediately headed for the drug store for "hotels". (They check in but don`t check out.) I don`t really like the idea. Just because I don`t like it, the cockroach must be lured into a trap where it must either rip out its own legs or starve to death. But it was in my sink. I had few options.
Apparently, cockroaches are fairly common in Japan. DISGUSTING!!! This is by far the worst thing about Japan. Well, no. Maybe it`s the poisonous centipedes. I haven`t encountered one of those (I think it`s a good thing I live on the second floor). Also, there about 5 spiders living around my front door. I don`t bother getting rid of them because they would just be back tomorrow. Their very creepy looking, but non-poisonous and really are quite convenient. They keep to themselves and get rid of other creepy crawlies.
So, now you know the good and bad of Japan. I will definitely, absolutely, positively immediately wash every single dish I dirty from now on.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Japanese Pop Music
I`ve been getting some reccomendations from my students for Japanese music, so I thought I should check them out. I looked them up on youtube and they were fun! So...
From Ozu Junior High School to you, here is Japanese music! Enjoy!
Kimono Gakari-Blue Bird
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mM8QVc2Ci8&feature=related
Tohoshinki-Stand By You...I`m convinced they have little to no talent and I found one of their videos seriously disturbing. You be the judge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLzujr-rgkI&feature=related
Utada Hikaru-You Make Me Want To Be a Man...This one`s kind of freaky, but I listened to some other songs and they`re more pop-y and normal...for better or worse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR_GCMkRfbE&NR=1
From Ozu Junior High School to you, here is Japanese music! Enjoy!
Kimono Gakari-Blue Bird
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mM8QVc2Ci8&feature=related
Tohoshinki-Stand By You...I`m convinced they have little to no talent and I found one of their videos seriously disturbing. You be the judge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLzujr-rgkI&feature=related
Utada Hikaru-You Make Me Want To Be a Man...This one`s kind of freaky, but I listened to some other songs and they`re more pop-y and normal...for better or worse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR_GCMkRfbE&NR=1
A word about fine dinning
I try not to compare Japan and America. I just don’t think that’s a healthy mindset to constantly debate about which way of doing things is better, so I try to stick to “It’s just different.”
On the other hand, Japanese food is really quite good. It’s tasty, it’s odd, it’s fun to eat, and although I’m trying not to pick favorites here, it’s much more healthy. :D
Lasagna’s still my favorite though. ;)
I’ve had a few cooking experiments, but nothing to really speak of. I made a video about making miso soup, but so far I can’t upload it. So I guess I’ll have to leave you in suspense if you’re interested. However, I have eaten several other people’s cooking and it has been extremely tasty! The mother of my host family is a very good cook! She made lots of different things while I was staying with them. Also, the other ALT introduced me to his host family and that mother was also an extremely good cook. AND I eat kyu shoku (school lunch) everyday. Again, I hate to compare America and Japan like this, but school lunch in Japan is infinitely better than in America. Chicken nuggets and mystery meat just don’t compare to homemade stew and soup. Kyu shoku usually consists of rice or bread (depending on the day), soup or stew or a bowl of some kind of hot stuff, cool vegetables or salad or something, and milk.
I don’t mean to say that I will never eat pizza again and that I’ve turned my back on all American food. On the contrary, there are some American foods I miss! However, before I came to Japan, I was a little worried that I would be eating rice and soy sauce all day everyday. Or I would be hungry all of the time. Or raw fish (sashimi) would be served at breakfast. And I won’t say that these things aren’t true to some degree, but no food is perfect. I really like Japanese food because it’s fresh and light tasting, but I’m ALWAYS full after kyu shoku. It’s healthy too, so I can eat my fill and not worry about a thing other than how full I am! ;) Also, eating with chopsticks (hashi) is really fun. It’s a little challenging with noodles…I still need lots of practice. :D Also, I really like slurping and drinking soup from a bowl. You can put your elbows on the table and it’s not terribly rude (awesome!), and I like the sharing aspect-when eating with friends it’s sort of like al acarte.
In conclusion, lasagna and veggie burgers (Ha!) will always have a special place in my heart, but I’m experiencing a new culture with my stomach and enjoying it all the way down. :D
On the other hand, Japanese food is really quite good. It’s tasty, it’s odd, it’s fun to eat, and although I’m trying not to pick favorites here, it’s much more healthy. :D
Lasagna’s still my favorite though. ;)
I’ve had a few cooking experiments, but nothing to really speak of. I made a video about making miso soup, but so far I can’t upload it. So I guess I’ll have to leave you in suspense if you’re interested. However, I have eaten several other people’s cooking and it has been extremely tasty! The mother of my host family is a very good cook! She made lots of different things while I was staying with them. Also, the other ALT introduced me to his host family and that mother was also an extremely good cook. AND I eat kyu shoku (school lunch) everyday. Again, I hate to compare America and Japan like this, but school lunch in Japan is infinitely better than in America. Chicken nuggets and mystery meat just don’t compare to homemade stew and soup. Kyu shoku usually consists of rice or bread (depending on the day), soup or stew or a bowl of some kind of hot stuff, cool vegetables or salad or something, and milk.
I don’t mean to say that I will never eat pizza again and that I’ve turned my back on all American food. On the contrary, there are some American foods I miss! However, before I came to Japan, I was a little worried that I would be eating rice and soy sauce all day everyday. Or I would be hungry all of the time. Or raw fish (sashimi) would be served at breakfast. And I won’t say that these things aren’t true to some degree, but no food is perfect. I really like Japanese food because it’s fresh and light tasting, but I’m ALWAYS full after kyu shoku. It’s healthy too, so I can eat my fill and not worry about a thing other than how full I am! ;) Also, eating with chopsticks (hashi) is really fun. It’s a little challenging with noodles…I still need lots of practice. :D Also, I really like slurping and drinking soup from a bowl. You can put your elbows on the table and it’s not terribly rude (awesome!), and I like the sharing aspect-when eating with friends it’s sort of like al acarte.
In conclusion, lasagna and veggie burgers (Ha!) will always have a special place in my heart, but I’m experiencing a new culture with my stomach and enjoying it all the way down. :D
More kind people of Japan
Last night I had a lovely evening with another ALT and his original host family. He’s been here for two years, so he stayed with them for a short while two years ago, but their relationship has grown and become something neat for everyone involved, I think.
Anyway, I cut up a fruit that’s sort of a combination of an apple and a pear, bought some cut flowers to take, and made stir-fry. I was pretty proud of how edible it was…other than the green bean things I put in. After I tasted the resulting stir-fry, the beans were still really tough and leathery. I left them in, hoping that they would sit in soy sauce and soften up a little. The family was incredibly nice and when I showed them the stir fry, they said “gambatte”-you did your best. :D I wasn’t quite sure if this was a compliment…but their tone of voice implied that it was…until they got to the beans that is. Turns out what I thought were green beans were actually soybeans! You’re supposed to shell them before eating! Of course, this was all relayed in Japanese and I had been eating the soybeans, skin and all, until the translation came along that I wasn’t supposed to. Oops!
And then I spilled ketchup all over my hands and almost all over the white, lace tablecloth.
It’s amazing that we all have plans for another activity together. They must be pretty accepting to be so patient with an American barbarian.
Anyway, I cut up a fruit that’s sort of a combination of an apple and a pear, bought some cut flowers to take, and made stir-fry. I was pretty proud of how edible it was…other than the green bean things I put in. After I tasted the resulting stir-fry, the beans were still really tough and leathery. I left them in, hoping that they would sit in soy sauce and soften up a little. The family was incredibly nice and when I showed them the stir fry, they said “gambatte”-you did your best. :D I wasn’t quite sure if this was a compliment…but their tone of voice implied that it was…until they got to the beans that is. Turns out what I thought were green beans were actually soybeans! You’re supposed to shell them before eating! Of course, this was all relayed in Japanese and I had been eating the soybeans, skin and all, until the translation came along that I wasn’t supposed to. Oops!
And then I spilled ketchup all over my hands and almost all over the white, lace tablecloth.
It’s amazing that we all have plans for another activity together. They must be pretty accepting to be so patient with an American barbarian.
A Sad Day
I have solemn news to write about today. A student at my junior high school died on Sunday.
I got to school this morning and was told straight away. This student had cancer and had not been able to attend the school for some time. I don’t think I knew her. Nambu sensei told me that she really liked English class. Judging by the reactions today, I think she must have been a wonderful girl.
Today a wake was held after school. I didn’t attend, but tomorrow there is a funeral that the whole school will attend. I’m slightly apprehensive about it because I didn’t know her at all and I don’t know how to act at a Japanese, Buddhist funeral. Funerals are never comfortable for anyone though. Maybe it will be okay. Nambu sensei gave me some information to read-I know to wear black and that this ceremony will be a farewell before the ashes are buried in a cemetery.
I hope I can be a support to anyone who needs one tomorrow. The teachers are very upset-I found myself crying right along with them today. I didn’t know this student, but I feel her absence nonetheless.
I got to school this morning and was told straight away. This student had cancer and had not been able to attend the school for some time. I don’t think I knew her. Nambu sensei told me that she really liked English class. Judging by the reactions today, I think she must have been a wonderful girl.
Today a wake was held after school. I didn’t attend, but tomorrow there is a funeral that the whole school will attend. I’m slightly apprehensive about it because I didn’t know her at all and I don’t know how to act at a Japanese, Buddhist funeral. Funerals are never comfortable for anyone though. Maybe it will be okay. Nambu sensei gave me some information to read-I know to wear black and that this ceremony will be a farewell before the ashes are buried in a cemetery.
I hope I can be a support to anyone who needs one tomorrow. The teachers are very upset-I found myself crying right along with them today. I didn’t know this student, but I feel her absence nonetheless.
Hello again! I just posted a bunch of random pictures! I rode my bike to the internet cafe and here`s what I saw along the way! Captions from top to bottom:
#1: Where I am right now! Can you tell what it is by the sign? Well, Colin can, but if you`re like me, you can read one word, amusement. That`s the way most signs are in Japan: you can read one random word and the rest is left to guess for English speakers. This is the internet cafe that I`ve been using until I get internet in my apartment. I`m SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to Skype you!
#2: The culture center across the street. I went here last week with part of my host family for a folk song sing-along! It was really fun/odd and I enjoyed and met a host of new people. :) I will be having weekly adult English conversation classes here soon!
#3: 2 shots of Ozu Junior High School where I work! It is the most awesome place in Ozu, I`m pretty sure.
#4: A present from the Ozu Board of Education! Isn`t it cute?!
#5: The view from my #6: front door! ;) In the foreground is rice (a lovely view and also the source of many disgusting bugs) and in the background, soybeans!
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
#1: Where I am right now! Can you tell what it is by the sign? Well, Colin can, but if you`re like me, you can read one word, amusement. That`s the way most signs are in Japan: you can read one random word and the rest is left to guess for English speakers. This is the internet cafe that I`ve been using until I get internet in my apartment. I`m SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to Skype you!
#2: The culture center across the street. I went here last week with part of my host family for a folk song sing-along! It was really fun/odd and I enjoyed and met a host of new people. :) I will be having weekly adult English conversation classes here soon!
#3: 2 shots of Ozu Junior High School where I work! It is the most awesome place in Ozu, I`m pretty sure.
#4: A present from the Ozu Board of Education! Isn`t it cute?!
#5: The view from my #6: front door! ;) In the foreground is rice (a lovely view and also the source of many disgusting bugs) and in the background, soybeans!
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Heart warming
I want to write a little about my reception in Japan. Here are some of the things that I will remember forever:
The employee at the library who smiles everytime I come in: our first encounter was absolutely soaked in language confusion, but now we are something resembling aquaintances/friends. She gives me a map or a pamphlet or something everytime I come in and we speak in a combination of English and Japanese and hand gestures (thanks to a very handy book that Chelsea gave me!).
The other teachers at my school: I think I got five cookies on my first day. The person that sits next to me in the staff room keeps me nice and plump with a steady supply of brown sugar candy and ginger snaps. My other neighbor, my supervisor, gave me a sumo wrestling poster, draws me endless maps and gives me all kinds of advice and guidance. She also speaks English so well that to me it feels like I`m talking to another native speaker. Another teacher squeezed out my mop for me, one other invited me to go to a crafts fair with her, another desk neighbor asked me to visit her house, and another English teacher likes to talk about America and my culture...and I like to share.
I`ve spoken very little to my neighbors. In fact, I`ve probably seen them in total for about 5 minutes. However, they always smile like they really mean it when we see each other. They have a very cute baby (girl?) and even SHE smiles at me!
The people at the Ozu Board of Education have done even more things for me than I probably even know about: they drive me around for all types of errands. They`ve helped with bank accounts, registration photos, inkans, my utilities, hooking up my internet and telephone, getting me a library card, and next Monday, they`re going to throw me a welcome party! I never could have done any of that stuff on my own. Ever. I wouldn`t have even known where to start.
And of course my host family was incredibly welcoming and hospitable. They not only let me invade their home for 3 days, but they`ve also invited me to several outings since then! Their kindness and generosity and patience have been truly astounding. I really can`t believe how lucky I`ve been to know them.
And I haven`t even mentioned on all of the random people whose names I don`t know, but who welcome me sincerely nonetheless.
All of this kindness has got me to thinking about how I acted towards foreigners in America. Have I ever reached out a hand or spent any time with immigrants or foreigners? Have I gone out of my way to make them feel welcome as the Japanese and the community of Ozu have welcomed me? Did I ever make a concentrated effort to make sure that a new member to my community had everything they needed or asked if I could help them get situated? How do the people new to my hometown and state and country feel about living there and have I made any positive impact on how they feel? I feel very guilty when I compare my reception in Japan with my own welcome to new people in my native community. This experience, if nothing else, has already taught me more about the boundaries that I set up for myself. They are so firm, that I rarely show the appropriate kindness to visitors or strangers. I am really grateful for these experiences so far and I hope that I can put into practice a fraction of what I`ve learned about hospitality.
The employee at the library who smiles everytime I come in: our first encounter was absolutely soaked in language confusion, but now we are something resembling aquaintances/friends. She gives me a map or a pamphlet or something everytime I come in and we speak in a combination of English and Japanese and hand gestures (thanks to a very handy book that Chelsea gave me!).
The other teachers at my school: I think I got five cookies on my first day. The person that sits next to me in the staff room keeps me nice and plump with a steady supply of brown sugar candy and ginger snaps. My other neighbor, my supervisor, gave me a sumo wrestling poster, draws me endless maps and gives me all kinds of advice and guidance. She also speaks English so well that to me it feels like I`m talking to another native speaker. Another teacher squeezed out my mop for me, one other invited me to go to a crafts fair with her, another desk neighbor asked me to visit her house, and another English teacher likes to talk about America and my culture...and I like to share.
I`ve spoken very little to my neighbors. In fact, I`ve probably seen them in total for about 5 minutes. However, they always smile like they really mean it when we see each other. They have a very cute baby (girl?) and even SHE smiles at me!
The people at the Ozu Board of Education have done even more things for me than I probably even know about: they drive me around for all types of errands. They`ve helped with bank accounts, registration photos, inkans, my utilities, hooking up my internet and telephone, getting me a library card, and next Monday, they`re going to throw me a welcome party! I never could have done any of that stuff on my own. Ever. I wouldn`t have even known where to start.
And of course my host family was incredibly welcoming and hospitable. They not only let me invade their home for 3 days, but they`ve also invited me to several outings since then! Their kindness and generosity and patience have been truly astounding. I really can`t believe how lucky I`ve been to know them.
And I haven`t even mentioned on all of the random people whose names I don`t know, but who welcome me sincerely nonetheless.
All of this kindness has got me to thinking about how I acted towards foreigners in America. Have I ever reached out a hand or spent any time with immigrants or foreigners? Have I gone out of my way to make them feel welcome as the Japanese and the community of Ozu have welcomed me? Did I ever make a concentrated effort to make sure that a new member to my community had everything they needed or asked if I could help them get situated? How do the people new to my hometown and state and country feel about living there and have I made any positive impact on how they feel? I feel very guilty when I compare my reception in Japan with my own welcome to new people in my native community. This experience, if nothing else, has already taught me more about the boundaries that I set up for myself. They are so firm, that I rarely show the appropriate kindness to visitors or strangers. I am really grateful for these experiences so far and I hope that I can put into practice a fraction of what I`ve learned about hospitality.
Learning Japanese
So, a word or two about my language learning here in Japan (Ha ha! No pun intended!):
When I arrived in Japan, I knew maybe 10 words. Eek! Mom, this is the part where you say, “I told you so!” For what it’s worth, you were totally correct. Now I really wish I knew more. I thought that there would be more people here that would know more English. After all, many people start studying in Elementary school and there is English everywhere you look-road signs, grocery stores, movies and music. However, I think I know one person who speaks perfectly understandable English, and about 4 more people who speak really good English, and a lot of people who speak some English, but communicate primarily with body language and the universal grunting.
With all that said, I know very little Japanese. I very often feel foolish living here-how could I move to Japan for a year and not know Japanese?! What was I thinking?! To rely on other people for everything-getting a library card, paying bills, ordering at a restaurant-gets old…quickly.
So, I’ve been learning Japanese! I’ve made a vow to learn at least one Japanese word per day. This may not sound like a lot, but I figure that if I know 365 words by the time I leave, I’ll be in okay shape. Also, I am officially signed up for a weekly Japanese class at and International Center in Kumamoto City. I will be learning conversational Japanese and the written characters, Katakana. There are several different varieties of Japanese characters, Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji. Kanji is by far the most difficult and originates in China. It’s also the most commonly used in Japan so I should learn that too…but it’s really difficult looking. ;)
Well, I’m going to listen to some Japanese TV now and not understand a word of what’s being said.
When I arrived in Japan, I knew maybe 10 words. Eek! Mom, this is the part where you say, “I told you so!” For what it’s worth, you were totally correct. Now I really wish I knew more. I thought that there would be more people here that would know more English. After all, many people start studying in Elementary school and there is English everywhere you look-road signs, grocery stores, movies and music. However, I think I know one person who speaks perfectly understandable English, and about 4 more people who speak really good English, and a lot of people who speak some English, but communicate primarily with body language and the universal grunting.
With all that said, I know very little Japanese. I very often feel foolish living here-how could I move to Japan for a year and not know Japanese?! What was I thinking?! To rely on other people for everything-getting a library card, paying bills, ordering at a restaurant-gets old…quickly.
So, I’ve been learning Japanese! I’ve made a vow to learn at least one Japanese word per day. This may not sound like a lot, but I figure that if I know 365 words by the time I leave, I’ll be in okay shape. Also, I am officially signed up for a weekly Japanese class at and International Center in Kumamoto City. I will be learning conversational Japanese and the written characters, Katakana. There are several different varieties of Japanese characters, Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji. Kanji is by far the most difficult and originates in China. It’s also the most commonly used in Japan so I should learn that too…but it’s really difficult looking. ;)
Well, I’m going to listen to some Japanese TV now and not understand a word of what’s being said.
My day
Alright, well, it’s 9:42 and past my 9:30 bedtime (ah, the lingering effects of jetlag!), but I have, have, have to write about my day because it was a good one!
First of all, I woke up and I was COLD! Can you believe it?! I usually sweat all day, every day, but today, I was cold.
Secondly, I had a lovely, awkward conversation with my desk mates at lunch. They speak very little English, but more than I speak Japanese. They’re really nice and it was a really nice conversation.
Thirdly, I had a full day of classes. I really enjoy it when that happens. The alternative is sitting in the staff room all day reading books and checking papers. That’s fine every so often, but teaching and being around students is infinitely better.
Forth, I got a cash card and lots of money today! That’s bound to make anyone happy, right?
Last, every Friday afternoon is spent learning culture enrichment activities. I think this is a really, super cool idea. They have some kind of martial arts for the males, and probably more things but I’m not allowed, and for females they have koto practice (the koto is basically a 13-stringed, horizontal guitar. If you know “Sakura”, it’s the instrument usually used to play that piece.) and last week I was allowed to try to play! I don’t know Japanese numbers, but another English Sensei is learning koto also, and wrote in numbers in my sheet music. It was AWESOME!
Another activity for females that I tried today was the tea ceremony! They’ve been learning and practicing for three weeks and they still haven’t learned much of it. It is SO detailed! How you walk and when. How you pick up anything and where you put it. Where you look. How you chew. There are rules for all of it! The main office secretary taught the lesson and it seemed like we were transported through time-she was wearing a kimono and she had special socks to wear with her wooden sandals and her hair was all tucked under and she was wearing special makeup. She was hardly recognizable! We practiced offering and receiving food on the tatami mats in the library (I got to be on the receiving end-thank goodness, or I’m sure I would have spilled something!), then we moved to a tatami mat meeting room where we learned how to pour and make and clean up tea. It was incredible to watch! There are so many rules and procedures that you’d have to remember and rehearse, and I’m sure I don’t know half of them. And all the while you have to sit up straight while sitting on your knees-something that I had a great deal of trouble with! Try sitting like that sometime and time yourself. I bet I couldn’t last 30 minutes, but the Sensei was probably sitting like that for about two hours. YIKES! Anyway, the whole lesson was just fascinating. I really enjoyed watching the students get into it. Most were wholeheartedly focused and dedicated. It was neat.
Okay, one last amazing thing from my day-I went grocery shopping. I’ve been before, but the other times I was either accompanied and had help, or I just purchased things that I recognized and knew how to eat. This time, I chanced a couple of things! I bought some fruit that looked delicious but was absolutely disgusting, and everything else has been pretty safe so far. I checked out a Japanese cookbook written in English from the library, so I’m hoping to get into that soon. The first thing the cookbook says is that to taste a country’s food is to experience their culture. I think I absolutely agree.
It’s now 10:11 here, so I’m off to bed! By the way, if you’re interested in Skype conversations, I don’t have internet yet, but someone from the board of education is getting me all hooked up. So download Skype if you haven’t already and add me!
Take care, all of you! And email me updates about what’s going on with you!
First of all, I woke up and I was COLD! Can you believe it?! I usually sweat all day, every day, but today, I was cold.
Secondly, I had a lovely, awkward conversation with my desk mates at lunch. They speak very little English, but more than I speak Japanese. They’re really nice and it was a really nice conversation.
Thirdly, I had a full day of classes. I really enjoy it when that happens. The alternative is sitting in the staff room all day reading books and checking papers. That’s fine every so often, but teaching and being around students is infinitely better.
Forth, I got a cash card and lots of money today! That’s bound to make anyone happy, right?
Last, every Friday afternoon is spent learning culture enrichment activities. I think this is a really, super cool idea. They have some kind of martial arts for the males, and probably more things but I’m not allowed, and for females they have koto practice (the koto is basically a 13-stringed, horizontal guitar. If you know “Sakura”, it’s the instrument usually used to play that piece.) and last week I was allowed to try to play! I don’t know Japanese numbers, but another English Sensei is learning koto also, and wrote in numbers in my sheet music. It was AWESOME!
Another activity for females that I tried today was the tea ceremony! They’ve been learning and practicing for three weeks and they still haven’t learned much of it. It is SO detailed! How you walk and when. How you pick up anything and where you put it. Where you look. How you chew. There are rules for all of it! The main office secretary taught the lesson and it seemed like we were transported through time-she was wearing a kimono and she had special socks to wear with her wooden sandals and her hair was all tucked under and she was wearing special makeup. She was hardly recognizable! We practiced offering and receiving food on the tatami mats in the library (I got to be on the receiving end-thank goodness, or I’m sure I would have spilled something!), then we moved to a tatami mat meeting room where we learned how to pour and make and clean up tea. It was incredible to watch! There are so many rules and procedures that you’d have to remember and rehearse, and I’m sure I don’t know half of them. And all the while you have to sit up straight while sitting on your knees-something that I had a great deal of trouble with! Try sitting like that sometime and time yourself. I bet I couldn’t last 30 minutes, but the Sensei was probably sitting like that for about two hours. YIKES! Anyway, the whole lesson was just fascinating. I really enjoyed watching the students get into it. Most were wholeheartedly focused and dedicated. It was neat.
Okay, one last amazing thing from my day-I went grocery shopping. I’ve been before, but the other times I was either accompanied and had help, or I just purchased things that I recognized and knew how to eat. This time, I chanced a couple of things! I bought some fruit that looked delicious but was absolutely disgusting, and everything else has been pretty safe so far. I checked out a Japanese cookbook written in English from the library, so I’m hoping to get into that soon. The first thing the cookbook says is that to taste a country’s food is to experience their culture. I think I absolutely agree.
It’s now 10:11 here, so I’m off to bed! By the way, if you’re interested in Skype conversations, I don’t have internet yet, but someone from the board of education is getting me all hooked up. So download Skype if you haven’t already and add me!
Take care, all of you! And email me updates about what’s going on with you!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Summary
Friend and fellow ALT, Tom is letting me use his computer and internet! Yay for saving money and thank you Tom.
It makes no sense to start in the middle of a story, does it? So, I’ll start at the beginning!
I arrived in
After loading up my suitcases, we went for a tour of Ozu, ate some cake, visited the library, and took my suitcases to my apartment. Etsuko san (the mother of my host family) came there to meet us and she and her friend (…Runi? san…oops!) helped me get settled in. It’s thanks to them that I can work all of the appliances in my apartment that are marked in Japanese! ;)
That afternoon I went with Etsuko san to stay with her family. What a hospitable, generous, and completely lovely family! They were kind and friendly in every way and I felt like I got to understand a bit more about what it’s like to be Japanese by staying with them. Etsuko san has very good English and she told and taught me lots of great things. I got to hear a recorded performance of the family band plus Colin! (It was awesome!!) I also went to a Junior High track meet and Suienji (did I spell it right?) Park in
Monday was my first day of official work, though not at school. I went to “Yakuba”, the
Tuesday was no different; it was my first day at
Japanese schools are both different and similar to American schools. There are obvious differences: teachers change rooms every period rather than students, there are no janitors or lunch ladies-there are cooks but they don’t serve students. Students and staff do all the cleaning and each class has designated servers for lunch. Also, almost all students participate in some type of club or after-school activity. Of course there are also similarities: teachers have high expectations for their students, some students rise to the occasion while others choose to fall asleep instead. ;) Some students are outgoing and love to talk to the new, terribly intimidating English teacher, while others are quite the opposite. (I swear that I never thought I was intimidating, but you should see the way some students absolutely run away in order to prevent having to speak to me!)
I think I’m going to have some issues with classroom management-every time someone talks out of turn I pine to give them the teacher eye or make them sit up front by the teacher’s desk or something, but “when in Japan, do as the Japanese do”, eh? And in
Well, I could go on and on. I’m experiencing a lot of new things and meeting so many friendly faces. I’m GOING to write regularly, I’m GOING to write regularly. I AM. So I won’t have to backtrack like this and leave out all the fun details!
I think about you all a lot. I hope you’re doing so well! And for now, saiyonara!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Videos!
Hey everybody! I wrote a big long post and saved it on my jumpdrive to bring here and post it...and I forgot my jumpdrive. Gr. :) But I do have my video camera so I`ll post some video and pictures!!
Okay, so there will be better descriptions of all of these pictures in my next post, but the first 3 are of Suienji (spelling??) park. I went here with Etsuko san and it was really wonderful! The next 3 were taken at Daiso, a 100 yen store...or your typical dollar store. Ha! We have obento boxes and house slippers in these pictures. The last three were taken of a grave yard. I just think they`re kind of cool and creepy.
And I can`t get my videos to upload! I`ll have to try again later. :(
Hope you like these! I`ll have a big long post to read soon! Also, I can`t skype yet because I`m still using this internet cafe. I think the soonest Sype date will have to be scheduled after September 14th.
Okay, TTFN.
Friday, September 4, 2009
I`m here!!
Ozu machi is officially my new home! Wow, what a week I`ve had! I had a lot of difficulties getting here (those darn visa applications!), but now that I`m here, all of that`s forgotten. I`m just so excited! I left Friday at 12:30 Imperial time, and traveled for over 24 hours, arriving at Kumamoto International Airport Saturday at 11:20.
When I got to the airport, there where three smiling faces there waiting for me! Chisato san, who has been kindly keeping track of the crazy American all summer, Mr. Yano, who is a big name in the Ozu Board of Education, and Tim, who has been here for three years through the JET program (similar to my situation, though not the same).
Anyway, I`ve been here for a week and I`m totally excited to inform you on what I`ve been up to, but...I`ve been in the internet cafe for three hours now and I`m racking up quite a bill! I will tell you that I can`t quite believe it`s all happening! I`m having a great time! Except for missing my family and friends like crazy, I really love Ozu and Japan and all of the incredibly kind people that live here! I`m so excited to tell you all about my journey so far!
When I got to the airport, there where three smiling faces there waiting for me! Chisato san, who has been kindly keeping track of the crazy American all summer, Mr. Yano, who is a big name in the Ozu Board of Education, and Tim, who has been here for three years through the JET program (similar to my situation, though not the same).
Anyway, I`ve been here for a week and I`m totally excited to inform you on what I`ve been up to, but...I`ve been in the internet cafe for three hours now and I`m racking up quite a bill! I will tell you that I can`t quite believe it`s all happening! I`m having a great time! Except for missing my family and friends like crazy, I really love Ozu and Japan and all of the incredibly kind people that live here! I`m so excited to tell you all about my journey so far!
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