Japan_Bound
Friday, January 30, 2004
Well I'm back after an absolutely amazing weekend in Kyoto!
Our day started at 10 A.M. on Thursday when we met at Yodoyabashi Station and caught the Keihan train to central Kyoto - that was about an hour. Then we caught another, much smaller, train to Kibune - a small and VERY remote town in the mountains of Northern Kyoto - that was about half an hour. When we got off the train in Kibune we were absolutely ecstatic, as it's small, quiet, remote, and about as far away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka as you can get. We stopped at the tiny train station to buy snacks and bottled water and then began our half hour hike. That was just the first part of the hike, as the real hike came later when we crossed a bridge over the river and began our ascent. And when I say ascent, I mean ascent. We literally walked UPHILL for 45 minutes through the trails of Mt. Kurama - if Ali hadn't been a personal trainer before coming to Japan I don't know if I'd have made it, as it was really tough. Not only was it wonderful to be in the middle of the forest with a river and waterfalls nearby, but the only sounds we heard for about an hour and a half were the birds and the river - it was breathtaking. On the way to the top of Mt. Kurama are many temples that dot the mountainside; at the one at the very top (Kurama Temple) we stopped to listen to the monks chanting while overlooking Kyoto and its snow covered hills. I don't think I've ever experienced anything so enchanting or magical - I actually had chills running up and down my spine. After that the descent FINALLY started and that only took about half an hour. FINALLY we were in Kurama - a little neighbourhood in Kibune that only has one road! We walked the road through a very traditional Japanese neighbourhood and after another half an hour finally reached Kurama Onsen. We were exhausted and in much need of a good soak.
Kurama Onsen (remember - an onsen is a hot spring/public bath where everyone bathes nude) is also breathtaking, and totally peaceful and good for the soul. We paid at the counter for our use of the onsen and a 6" square towel (I was thinking yeah right - this might dry my foot off). From there we went into the women's section of the complex and took our clothes off and stored all of our things in lockers. At that point I was no longer nervous about the nudity; not only because my muscles were dying to get into that hot water, but because there were naked women of every size and shape everywhere who couldn't care less about their own nudity. And then, ahhhh... we soaked for over an hour in a natural sulphur (no smell) hot spring while overlooking the hills of Kyoto. Magnificent. Breathtaking (that word keeps coming up but it WAS!!). We spoke to some women who can speak English, meditated, and just took it all in. I have to say, as many of you suggested would happen, it was the most liberating and enlightening moment of my life. I've never been less concerned about how I look or what people think; no one there cared about appearance as it's all about relaxing and soaking your worries away. I realized that we're all beautiful because we're unique. That sounds so trite, but it's true. And I absolutely can't wait to go to my next onsen - luckily they're everywhere in Japan due to their popularity.
Here are two sites with pictures that will show you exactly how we got there and what we saw (the second has a picture slideshow so enjoy!!):
http://www.planetkyoto.com/nils/archives/000531.html
http://www.livelovelink.com/kyoto_en/kyoto/scenery/sc_back/sc_kibune.htm
Here's a site all about the onsen we went to:
http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue56/kurama.htm
After soaking for over an hour, showering, then trying to dry off with said tiny towel, we began our trek back to the train station in Kibune. This time we didn't take the hike through Mt. Kurama but stayed on the one road for half an hour, then caught the train back to central Kyoto. From there we had to transfer to another train that took us to East Kyoto. And then we had to walk for 45 minutes to get to our ryokan (Japanese style hotel). Unfortunately there are 2 ryokans in Kyoto with similar names, so we were following the wrong directions in Ali's guidebook and went to the wrong one!! When we got there and discovered that it would be over an hour to walk back to the right one we said to hell with it and caught a cab! We'd been walking for 6 or so hours by that point and just couldn't fathom walking for another hour. When we got to our ryokan we were greeted by Mrs. Yuhara, our adorable proprietress. It turns out that she's been running the ryokan for 50 years now! and absolutely loves foreigners. We took off our shoes, changed into slippers, and she took us up to our room, called Take (pronounced tah-kay) which means bamboo. She slid open the Japanese rice paper doors and our jaws hit the floor - the room was absolutely beautiful! We took our slippers off at the door as you can't wear them on tatami mats and she showed us around, how things work, where the bathrooms and baths were, left, then returned five minutes later with Japanese tea and cakes! It was so wonderful! The room was incredibly spacious - much bigger than we were expecting. It had a large closet, a sitting area with a low table (you sit on cushions in front of it), two large futons, and a large sitting room at the end that closes off behind more paper sliding doors. There were even two beautiful kimono-style bath robes at the end of our beds! We were so excited!
After getting settled, we went on a half hour trek to downtown Kyoto and had dinner at a beautiful Italian restaurant. We spared no expense as we were treating it like a vacation. So we had salads, wine, and pasta. It was sooo good! Afterward, we had coffee at a little cafe, then went and picked up some Chu Hi (a wine seltzer drink like cider that you can get in lots of flavours here - so good!). Then back to our room where we enjoyed an evening of reading, chatting, laughing and relaxing. The Chu Hi had nothing to do with the amount of laughter ;). I went to sleep by 11:30 and Ali not much later as we were really tuckered by that point! Check-out time is 10 A.M. so we were up at 9 today and went for breakfast near Kyoto station. There Ali and I parted ways as she had things to do and will be taking her mom to the Golden Pavilion in March so she decided not to go today. I was on my own which turned out to be a good experience for me because when we travel together Ali always does the navigating - she really loves it.
Here's a link to the ryokan where we stayed (called: Ryokan Yuhara, after the owner):
http://www.itcj.or.jp/facility/5/facil/526007.html
After an hour long bus ride I finally made it to Rokuonji Temple (otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion). I paid the entrance fee and just looked at the temple for about 10 minutes. This is the one temple I've been dying to see - not only because my mom did a bunka (Japanese embroidery) picture of it years ago, but because it looks amazing in all the guidebooks I've seen. The entire thing is gilded in gold leaf; you can't believe it until you see it in person. Even its reflection in the pond it sits on is amazing; wish I could have seen it covered in snow, but we missed the snow by 4 days apparently and it's all melted. I took lots of pictures and looked at the gardens a bit, but I just didn't have the energy to do the 3-hour trek through the whole complex today, so I did some shopping at the gift shops outside the gates (many of you will be very pleased with what I found - wink wink!!), and spent some time looking at the amazing bamboo forests they have outside the temple gates.
Here's a link to Rokuonji Temple (the Golden Pavilion):
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/intro/trad/isan/kinkak_e.html
Then I caught the bus back to Kyoto station - during rush hour. What did that teach me? Hmmm... That you'd have to be completely insane to ever want to drive in Japan - I think our bus driver almost crashed a few dozen times, and if there were more close calls I missed them because I was busy squeezing my eyes shut and praying to God, Allah, Buddha, and whomever else came to mind. At Kyoto station I just managed to catch a Rapid Express train bound for Osaka station; I was thanking my lucky stars the whole time too, as the Rapid Express only takes 20 minutes as opposed to the others which take over an hour due to the amount of stops they make. I had lunch at Umeda (the station near my work), then caught my regular trains home. Phew!! It's been a really long weekend. Lots to take in, but really relaxing and enjoyable despite all the walking and travel time involved. I'd definitely recommend that onsen and ryokan to anyone interested in travelling to Kyoto - I'll never forget it and hope to go back some day. Anyway, I'm off to make some dinner and then hop into bed to watch a movie before I go to sleep really early - I'm really needing it!! Take care and enjoy the links (remember to highlight them, copy them, then paste them on the address line of your browser, then hit enter).
Our day started at 10 A.M. on Thursday when we met at Yodoyabashi Station and caught the Keihan train to central Kyoto - that was about an hour. Then we caught another, much smaller, train to Kibune - a small and VERY remote town in the mountains of Northern Kyoto - that was about half an hour. When we got off the train in Kibune we were absolutely ecstatic, as it's small, quiet, remote, and about as far away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka as you can get. We stopped at the tiny train station to buy snacks and bottled water and then began our half hour hike. That was just the first part of the hike, as the real hike came later when we crossed a bridge over the river and began our ascent. And when I say ascent, I mean ascent. We literally walked UPHILL for 45 minutes through the trails of Mt. Kurama - if Ali hadn't been a personal trainer before coming to Japan I don't know if I'd have made it, as it was really tough. Not only was it wonderful to be in the middle of the forest with a river and waterfalls nearby, but the only sounds we heard for about an hour and a half were the birds and the river - it was breathtaking. On the way to the top of Mt. Kurama are many temples that dot the mountainside; at the one at the very top (Kurama Temple) we stopped to listen to the monks chanting while overlooking Kyoto and its snow covered hills. I don't think I've ever experienced anything so enchanting or magical - I actually had chills running up and down my spine. After that the descent FINALLY started and that only took about half an hour. FINALLY we were in Kurama - a little neighbourhood in Kibune that only has one road! We walked the road through a very traditional Japanese neighbourhood and after another half an hour finally reached Kurama Onsen. We were exhausted and in much need of a good soak.
Kurama Onsen (remember - an onsen is a hot spring/public bath where everyone bathes nude) is also breathtaking, and totally peaceful and good for the soul. We paid at the counter for our use of the onsen and a 6" square towel (I was thinking yeah right - this might dry my foot off). From there we went into the women's section of the complex and took our clothes off and stored all of our things in lockers. At that point I was no longer nervous about the nudity; not only because my muscles were dying to get into that hot water, but because there were naked women of every size and shape everywhere who couldn't care less about their own nudity. And then, ahhhh... we soaked for over an hour in a natural sulphur (no smell) hot spring while overlooking the hills of Kyoto. Magnificent. Breathtaking (that word keeps coming up but it WAS!!). We spoke to some women who can speak English, meditated, and just took it all in. I have to say, as many of you suggested would happen, it was the most liberating and enlightening moment of my life. I've never been less concerned about how I look or what people think; no one there cared about appearance as it's all about relaxing and soaking your worries away. I realized that we're all beautiful because we're unique. That sounds so trite, but it's true. And I absolutely can't wait to go to my next onsen - luckily they're everywhere in Japan due to their popularity.
Here are two sites with pictures that will show you exactly how we got there and what we saw (the second has a picture slideshow so enjoy!!):
http://www.planetkyoto.com/nils/archives/000531.html
http://www.livelovelink.com/kyoto_en/kyoto/scenery/sc_back/sc_kibune.htm
Here's a site all about the onsen we went to:
http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue56/kurama.htm
After soaking for over an hour, showering, then trying to dry off with said tiny towel, we began our trek back to the train station in Kibune. This time we didn't take the hike through Mt. Kurama but stayed on the one road for half an hour, then caught the train back to central Kyoto. From there we had to transfer to another train that took us to East Kyoto. And then we had to walk for 45 minutes to get to our ryokan (Japanese style hotel). Unfortunately there are 2 ryokans in Kyoto with similar names, so we were following the wrong directions in Ali's guidebook and went to the wrong one!! When we got there and discovered that it would be over an hour to walk back to the right one we said to hell with it and caught a cab! We'd been walking for 6 or so hours by that point and just couldn't fathom walking for another hour. When we got to our ryokan we were greeted by Mrs. Yuhara, our adorable proprietress. It turns out that she's been running the ryokan for 50 years now! and absolutely loves foreigners. We took off our shoes, changed into slippers, and she took us up to our room, called Take (pronounced tah-kay) which means bamboo. She slid open the Japanese rice paper doors and our jaws hit the floor - the room was absolutely beautiful! We took our slippers off at the door as you can't wear them on tatami mats and she showed us around, how things work, where the bathrooms and baths were, left, then returned five minutes later with Japanese tea and cakes! It was so wonderful! The room was incredibly spacious - much bigger than we were expecting. It had a large closet, a sitting area with a low table (you sit on cushions in front of it), two large futons, and a large sitting room at the end that closes off behind more paper sliding doors. There were even two beautiful kimono-style bath robes at the end of our beds! We were so excited!
After getting settled, we went on a half hour trek to downtown Kyoto and had dinner at a beautiful Italian restaurant. We spared no expense as we were treating it like a vacation. So we had salads, wine, and pasta. It was sooo good! Afterward, we had coffee at a little cafe, then went and picked up some Chu Hi (a wine seltzer drink like cider that you can get in lots of flavours here - so good!). Then back to our room where we enjoyed an evening of reading, chatting, laughing and relaxing. The Chu Hi had nothing to do with the amount of laughter ;). I went to sleep by 11:30 and Ali not much later as we were really tuckered by that point! Check-out time is 10 A.M. so we were up at 9 today and went for breakfast near Kyoto station. There Ali and I parted ways as she had things to do and will be taking her mom to the Golden Pavilion in March so she decided not to go today. I was on my own which turned out to be a good experience for me because when we travel together Ali always does the navigating - she really loves it.
Here's a link to the ryokan where we stayed (called: Ryokan Yuhara, after the owner):
http://www.itcj.or.jp/facility/5/facil/526007.html
After an hour long bus ride I finally made it to Rokuonji Temple (otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion). I paid the entrance fee and just looked at the temple for about 10 minutes. This is the one temple I've been dying to see - not only because my mom did a bunka (Japanese embroidery) picture of it years ago, but because it looks amazing in all the guidebooks I've seen. The entire thing is gilded in gold leaf; you can't believe it until you see it in person. Even its reflection in the pond it sits on is amazing; wish I could have seen it covered in snow, but we missed the snow by 4 days apparently and it's all melted. I took lots of pictures and looked at the gardens a bit, but I just didn't have the energy to do the 3-hour trek through the whole complex today, so I did some shopping at the gift shops outside the gates (many of you will be very pleased with what I found - wink wink!!), and spent some time looking at the amazing bamboo forests they have outside the temple gates.
Here's a link to Rokuonji Temple (the Golden Pavilion):
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/intro/trad/isan/kinkak_e.html
Then I caught the bus back to Kyoto station - during rush hour. What did that teach me? Hmmm... That you'd have to be completely insane to ever want to drive in Japan - I think our bus driver almost crashed a few dozen times, and if there were more close calls I missed them because I was busy squeezing my eyes shut and praying to God, Allah, Buddha, and whomever else came to mind. At Kyoto station I just managed to catch a Rapid Express train bound for Osaka station; I was thanking my lucky stars the whole time too, as the Rapid Express only takes 20 minutes as opposed to the others which take over an hour due to the amount of stops they make. I had lunch at Umeda (the station near my work), then caught my regular trains home. Phew!! It's been a really long weekend. Lots to take in, but really relaxing and enjoyable despite all the walking and travel time involved. I'd definitely recommend that onsen and ryokan to anyone interested in travelling to Kyoto - I'll never forget it and hope to go back some day. Anyway, I'm off to make some dinner and then hop into bed to watch a movie before I go to sleep really early - I'm really needing it!! Take care and enjoy the links (remember to highlight them, copy them, then paste them on the address line of your browser, then hit enter).
Friday, January 23, 2004
Just a quick update as the shit is hitting the fan here today. Eloisa's (my roommate) mother called her from Italy today to tell her that her father had died suddenly of a heart attack. We're running around madly trying to make arrangements for her to fly out tomorrow morning so she can be home in time for the funeral. She just left Italy a week ago and has to turn around again, is in total shock, and fortunately her boyfriend has done the first nice thing I've heard of - he's trying to make arrangements to go with her. Anyway I guess I'm mentioning this in my blog because it's really upset me too. Not just because I love her and feel so bad for her, but it's made me realize just how far away you are when you're in Japan and something like this happens. I'm thinking about all of you and thanking my lucky stars that you're allright. I'd also like to mention something that really pisses me off about times like this - in our age of technology, why is it that you can only contact an airline or an airport during "business" hours? It's kind of like when you have a really bad cold in the middle of the night and can't find a pharmacy that's open. People fly at all times of the day and night, so you'd think a human being would be available to talk to. We're not having any luck arranging her flight, which is maddening. Why do they have bereavement flights but only let you book them from 9 to 5? It's ridiculous in my opinion, especially considering the fact that people don't pass away just during business hours. Frustration central, but I guess we'll figure it out.
SURE WISH I COULD HUG YOU GUYS RIGHT NOW.
SURE WISH I COULD HUG YOU GUYS RIGHT NOW.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Not much to report! Just wanted to share news. (A) It's snowing here today and there's more in the forecast for the next several days - WOO HOO!! (B) Ali and I have rescheduled our trip to Hiroshima for next week and are going to buy the tickets tomorrow - WOO HOO!! and (C) While walking out of a coffee shop today in downtown Osaka, Ali and I saw a Geisha! We had no idea there are Geisha here, but apparently there are a few. Imagine our luck - that we just happened to see one of a few Geisha in the middle of busy downtown Osaka - WOO HOO!! It's been a good day all round.
I did some shopping before I met Ali for coffee (didn't buy anything), and when we were done I bought some groceries and came home. Right now I have my heater on full blast as it is FREEZING. -6 today (worse with the windchill), so the apartment is feeling like an igloo. Looking forward to all that snow they're predicting - keep your fingers crossed for me!
I did some shopping before I met Ali for coffee (didn't buy anything), and when we were done I bought some groceries and came home. Right now I have my heater on full blast as it is FREEZING. -6 today (worse with the windchill), so the apartment is feeling like an igloo. Looking forward to all that snow they're predicting - keep your fingers crossed for me!
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Well, as predicted I did make an ass of myself at bowling that night! I was soooo bad, and the other school beat ours, but on the bright side it was really fun AND the bowling balls and shoes were plastered with pictures of Hello Kitty - so cute. We wanted to steal the shoes because they were so funky - way better than the bowling shoes we have at home.
Unfortunately Ali and I aren't going to Hiroshima this week afterall, as she's come down with the dreaded Japanese plague and is suffering big-time. Bummer! We're going to try to go next week however if that deal we found is still available. If we can't we'll have to reschedule for some time in the spring as I'm doing a bunch of shift swaps for people in February and won't have my usual days off. And if we do go to Hiroshima next week we'll have to put off our ski trip. I'm a little disappointed, but I completely understand how she feels because I've been there, and it's not a pretty bug.
My roommate finally made my decision for me regarding living arrangements (remember we've been thinking of finding a new apartment?). When I got home tonight she and her slimeball boyfriend were having dinner and this is how she greeted me - "We drank the bottle of wine you had in the fridge. Do you mind?" OK, so granted it was only half full (I'm such an optimist!), but what nerve! And what's the point of asking after the fact if someone minds? What if I'd said yes? Anyway, as I'm horribly passive-aggressive I decided not to make a big scene out of it. I just want to get out of here now and find a single apartment. I've had more than enough of her boyfriend and have had enough of her presumptuousness (I imagine that's the biggest word I've ever used in my blog!). I love her and get along with her, but I'm getting really tired of certain things. Like her boyfriend constantly being here. And having my things eaten. And the two of them constantly wanting to use my computer. I NEVER go in her room, so I don't understand why they think it's OK to hang out in my room - I usually say yes, but lately I've been honest when it's not a good time. Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but I can't stand it when they're in here laughing, sitting on my futon, using my computer - it really pisses me off quite frankly, so I just don't say yes very often now. I really need to find my own place. Sorry for ranting, but I needed to get that off my chest.
Anyway, as our plans got cancelled and I haven't made alternate ones, this weekend probably won't be too exciting. I have all the usual things like laundry and grocery shopping to take care of, and Ali and I are going to meet for coffee tomorrow. That's about it. Oh yeah - they're calling for snow over the next several days as the temperature is supposed to stay below zero until atleast Monday. Woo hoo! Everyone else is complaining and dreading it, but not yours truly! No way, Jose!! Take care and I'll be in touch!
Unfortunately Ali and I aren't going to Hiroshima this week afterall, as she's come down with the dreaded Japanese plague and is suffering big-time. Bummer! We're going to try to go next week however if that deal we found is still available. If we can't we'll have to reschedule for some time in the spring as I'm doing a bunch of shift swaps for people in February and won't have my usual days off. And if we do go to Hiroshima next week we'll have to put off our ski trip. I'm a little disappointed, but I completely understand how she feels because I've been there, and it's not a pretty bug.
My roommate finally made my decision for me regarding living arrangements (remember we've been thinking of finding a new apartment?). When I got home tonight she and her slimeball boyfriend were having dinner and this is how she greeted me - "We drank the bottle of wine you had in the fridge. Do you mind?" OK, so granted it was only half full (I'm such an optimist!), but what nerve! And what's the point of asking after the fact if someone minds? What if I'd said yes? Anyway, as I'm horribly passive-aggressive I decided not to make a big scene out of it. I just want to get out of here now and find a single apartment. I've had more than enough of her boyfriend and have had enough of her presumptuousness (I imagine that's the biggest word I've ever used in my blog!). I love her and get along with her, but I'm getting really tired of certain things. Like her boyfriend constantly being here. And having my things eaten. And the two of them constantly wanting to use my computer. I NEVER go in her room, so I don't understand why they think it's OK to hang out in my room - I usually say yes, but lately I've been honest when it's not a good time. Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but I can't stand it when they're in here laughing, sitting on my futon, using my computer - it really pisses me off quite frankly, so I just don't say yes very often now. I really need to find my own place. Sorry for ranting, but I needed to get that off my chest.
Anyway, as our plans got cancelled and I haven't made alternate ones, this weekend probably won't be too exciting. I have all the usual things like laundry and grocery shopping to take care of, and Ali and I are going to meet for coffee tomorrow. That's about it. Oh yeah - they're calling for snow over the next several days as the temperature is supposed to stay below zero until atleast Monday. Woo hoo! Everyone else is complaining and dreading it, but not yours truly! No way, Jose!! Take care and I'll be in touch!
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Hello. You can all stop worrying because I'm back (all 5 of you!!).
Today we actually had snow in Osaka which obviously made me very happy. It's too warm in the city to stick but it was really beautiful to watch. Can't compete with what you had recently, but it'll have to do for me!
A few days ago I experienced my first real joy at the school and for the first time felt like a real teacher. One of my favorite students has been studying to take the TOEFL test and has been having some difficulties. So I offered to stay late one night after classes to help her study and was actually able to help her with some things! She thanked me profusely and was so excited that she finally understood something she'd been having difficulty with. I've had some really amazing moments in my life, but I have to say that that was probably the most rewarding. And for the first time I actually felt - down to the bones - like teaching is my calling. And I'm excited. I mean really excited for the first time in a long time. And I finally feel hopeful that I'm not going to be wandering around aimless for the rest of my life. You wouldn't think a big life epiphone would come in the 20 minutes it took to stay after hours and help someone, but I'm greatful for it nevertheless. I can't tell you how glad I am that I came, or how wonderful it feels to finally feel useful and like I'm doing something worthwhile. People whine and complain about this company and never stop to think about how much they can learn from the students, or how rewarding it can be. I swear my students have been teaching me more than I'll ever be able to teach them - and I'm greatful for that too. And it's going to break my heart to say goodbye to some of them.
As for non-work experiences, Ali and I are going on Monday morning to book our trip to Hiroshima - 17000 yen ($185) for the train both ways and a night in a hotel (and we thought we'd have to stay in a crappy old hostel!); a totally great deal and one we were lucky to find. I've had reservations about this trip because I'm looking forward to my first overnighter, but feeling guilty at the same time because I know it's going to be a really emotional experience and not something it seems right to be excited about. On the other hand, after we spend the first day looking at museums and memorials in downtown Hiroshima, the second day will be spent in a less overwhelming way - we're catching a 15 minute ferry ride to a nearby island (forget what it's called but I'll let you know so you can look it all up) which apparently is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Japan, and has one of the 9 architectural wonders of Japan (a huge arch on stilts in the ocean that looks like it's floating on the water when the tide is in - I'll post a website when I find out what it's called. I've been dying to see it as it's in all the guidebooks).
So that trip is next week on Thursday and Friday, and the following week on January 30 Ali and I and a bunch of friends from work are going skiing in Nagano. I'm verrry excited about that. How cool will that be - to be able to say I've been skiing in Japan? And not only in Japan, but in the place where the Olympics were held!!
And tomorrow our branch is having a Bowl-athon against another branch! Bowling in Japan! I'm pretty excited about that too! And fortunately the branch we're competing against (Tukatsuki) is the one where I did help shifts in November, so I know everyone. That should make for some really fun ribbing and competition! Our names were all drawn out of a hat to make teams and loh-and-behold Ali and I ended up as a team! According to her, she sucks about as much as I do so if nothing else we'll have a really fun evening making complete asses of ourselves.
I'm telling you, you guys - this has definitely been the wisest decision I've ever made. No regrets despite missing you! I'm trying to appreciate every moment as I know how truly fortunate I am to be experiencing all of this. And I know that some day, many years down the road, I'll look back on all of this and it will all feel like some enchanted dream. Maybe I'll even think I dreamed all of it! Whatever happens, all I know is that I'm so greatful to be here and that I have honestly got to be the luckiest girl on earth. I have an amazing family (with several branches!), the sweetest most amazing boyfriend a girl could ever have, amazing friends (now on several continents), incredible life experiences in the making, the discovery of what I want to do professionally, and to top it all off, all of you to come home to. Life couldn't possibly be sweeter or any better than that. I am really and truly blessed.
Today we actually had snow in Osaka which obviously made me very happy. It's too warm in the city to stick but it was really beautiful to watch. Can't compete with what you had recently, but it'll have to do for me!
A few days ago I experienced my first real joy at the school and for the first time felt like a real teacher. One of my favorite students has been studying to take the TOEFL test and has been having some difficulties. So I offered to stay late one night after classes to help her study and was actually able to help her with some things! She thanked me profusely and was so excited that she finally understood something she'd been having difficulty with. I've had some really amazing moments in my life, but I have to say that that was probably the most rewarding. And for the first time I actually felt - down to the bones - like teaching is my calling. And I'm excited. I mean really excited for the first time in a long time. And I finally feel hopeful that I'm not going to be wandering around aimless for the rest of my life. You wouldn't think a big life epiphone would come in the 20 minutes it took to stay after hours and help someone, but I'm greatful for it nevertheless. I can't tell you how glad I am that I came, or how wonderful it feels to finally feel useful and like I'm doing something worthwhile. People whine and complain about this company and never stop to think about how much they can learn from the students, or how rewarding it can be. I swear my students have been teaching me more than I'll ever be able to teach them - and I'm greatful for that too. And it's going to break my heart to say goodbye to some of them.
As for non-work experiences, Ali and I are going on Monday morning to book our trip to Hiroshima - 17000 yen ($185) for the train both ways and a night in a hotel (and we thought we'd have to stay in a crappy old hostel!); a totally great deal and one we were lucky to find. I've had reservations about this trip because I'm looking forward to my first overnighter, but feeling guilty at the same time because I know it's going to be a really emotional experience and not something it seems right to be excited about. On the other hand, after we spend the first day looking at museums and memorials in downtown Hiroshima, the second day will be spent in a less overwhelming way - we're catching a 15 minute ferry ride to a nearby island (forget what it's called but I'll let you know so you can look it all up) which apparently is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Japan, and has one of the 9 architectural wonders of Japan (a huge arch on stilts in the ocean that looks like it's floating on the water when the tide is in - I'll post a website when I find out what it's called. I've been dying to see it as it's in all the guidebooks).
So that trip is next week on Thursday and Friday, and the following week on January 30 Ali and I and a bunch of friends from work are going skiing in Nagano. I'm verrry excited about that. How cool will that be - to be able to say I've been skiing in Japan? And not only in Japan, but in the place where the Olympics were held!!
And tomorrow our branch is having a Bowl-athon against another branch! Bowling in Japan! I'm pretty excited about that too! And fortunately the branch we're competing against (Tukatsuki) is the one where I did help shifts in November, so I know everyone. That should make for some really fun ribbing and competition! Our names were all drawn out of a hat to make teams and loh-and-behold Ali and I ended up as a team! According to her, she sucks about as much as I do so if nothing else we'll have a really fun evening making complete asses of ourselves.
I'm telling you, you guys - this has definitely been the wisest decision I've ever made. No regrets despite missing you! I'm trying to appreciate every moment as I know how truly fortunate I am to be experiencing all of this. And I know that some day, many years down the road, I'll look back on all of this and it will all feel like some enchanted dream. Maybe I'll even think I dreamed all of it! Whatever happens, all I know is that I'm so greatful to be here and that I have honestly got to be the luckiest girl on earth. I have an amazing family (with several branches!), the sweetest most amazing boyfriend a girl could ever have, amazing friends (now on several continents), incredible life experiences in the making, the discovery of what I want to do professionally, and to top it all off, all of you to come home to. Life couldn't possibly be sweeter or any better than that. I am really and truly blessed.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Hello all! As I don't really have any big news to share, I thought I'd tell you a little about my day.
The first thing is that today is "Coming of Age Day" (seiji no hi) in Japan. Seiji no hi is celebrated on the second Monday of January and any young person who turns 20 in that year is celebrated on this day. Here, 20 is the age at which adulthood is reached, and it's a very big deal. I saw literally hundreds of girls wearing really beautiful kimono today (called furisode; a special kimono for unmarried women) as well as a few young men wearing their own traditional garb. It was really fascinating! I had expected to see more kimono when I got here than I have been, so it was a nice treat to see them everywhere today. Apparently dressing up for their coming of age is as exciting and important as prom is for us - even moreso actually. Their parents spend thousands of dollars on their outfits, ensuring that they have the best of everything so as to bring honour and pride to themselves on their special day. I found a website that explains this in more detail if any of you are interested in reading more about it:
http://www.jinjapan.org/kidsweb/calendar/january/seijinshiki.html
Another interesting thing (for me) was that I finally tried a new Japanese dish today. Called curry rice, this is such a popular dish here that you'll see a curry-rice restaurant on every street, if not several. Anyway, I'm not that fond of Indian curry or spicy food for that matter, but my students told me today that Japanese curry is very different and that I should try it. So off I went, feeling adventurous, to one of the many thousands of restaurants available to me, and ordered a curry-rice dish called hyashin-rice. It's rice smothered with a kind of thick Japanese-curry stew, simmered with caramalized onions, thinly sliced beef, and peas. OMG it was soooo good! The best thing I've tried here actually, and that's saying alot as I've tried some really delicious things. See what comes of being adventurous? Anyway, I thought you'd all be proud of me for trying something new as you know how picky I am. I think you'd all really like it (there are sooo many different ways to serve it), so I found a website with a description and some links to recipes in case any of you want to try it (I'm betting mom will try it out anyway as she's a very adventurous cook!):
http://japanesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa052701a.htm
As I've not actually figured out how to post links in my blog, you can highlight the web addresses, copy, then paste them on the address line of your browser. I've decided to post as many websites as possible to go along with my description of things - that way you'll all have a visual and stay informed about my activities.
So that's about all for now! Enjoy the websites and learning about Japanese culture along with me!!
The first thing is that today is "Coming of Age Day" (seiji no hi) in Japan. Seiji no hi is celebrated on the second Monday of January and any young person who turns 20 in that year is celebrated on this day. Here, 20 is the age at which adulthood is reached, and it's a very big deal. I saw literally hundreds of girls wearing really beautiful kimono today (called furisode; a special kimono for unmarried women) as well as a few young men wearing their own traditional garb. It was really fascinating! I had expected to see more kimono when I got here than I have been, so it was a nice treat to see them everywhere today. Apparently dressing up for their coming of age is as exciting and important as prom is for us - even moreso actually. Their parents spend thousands of dollars on their outfits, ensuring that they have the best of everything so as to bring honour and pride to themselves on their special day. I found a website that explains this in more detail if any of you are interested in reading more about it:
http://www.jinjapan.org/kidsweb/calendar/january/seijinshiki.html
Another interesting thing (for me) was that I finally tried a new Japanese dish today. Called curry rice, this is such a popular dish here that you'll see a curry-rice restaurant on every street, if not several. Anyway, I'm not that fond of Indian curry or spicy food for that matter, but my students told me today that Japanese curry is very different and that I should try it. So off I went, feeling adventurous, to one of the many thousands of restaurants available to me, and ordered a curry-rice dish called hyashin-rice. It's rice smothered with a kind of thick Japanese-curry stew, simmered with caramalized onions, thinly sliced beef, and peas. OMG it was soooo good! The best thing I've tried here actually, and that's saying alot as I've tried some really delicious things. See what comes of being adventurous? Anyway, I thought you'd all be proud of me for trying something new as you know how picky I am. I think you'd all really like it (there are sooo many different ways to serve it), so I found a website with a description and some links to recipes in case any of you want to try it (I'm betting mom will try it out anyway as she's a very adventurous cook!):
http://japanesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa052701a.htm
As I've not actually figured out how to post links in my blog, you can highlight the web addresses, copy, then paste them on the address line of your browser. I've decided to post as many websites as possible to go along with my description of things - that way you'll all have a visual and stay informed about my activities.
So that's about all for now! Enjoy the websites and learning about Japanese culture along with me!!
Friday, January 09, 2004
Well, it's back to work with me tomorrow. As I slept through my alarm yesterday and missed my Japanese lesson (God I'm a great student) I didn't do anything this weekend. All I have to show for it are a bunch of downloaded movies, a trip to the grocery store, some phone calls home, and a yummy dinner. I cooked my first ever real meal here tonight - I had mixed veggies, mashed potatoes, and ham. That's what happens when I'm bored sometimes - I cook. I definitely got that from my mom - the propensity to cook I mean. Too bad I had no one to pawn the food off on, although it was really good and I didn't feel inclined to share anyway. It's back to rice and salad again tomorrow, until I feel so inclined again!
A few quick notes:
(A) Happy Ukrainian Christmas David!!
(B) I hope you decided to make perogies mom - and that you froze some for me!!
(C) THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Dud, from the bottom of my heart!
(D) Good luck with all your shows Jess - I miss you like crazy.
(E) I hope school is going well for you Laurie, and thank you for the post card!
(F) Hope you're home this morning Frank - I need to talk to you!
(G) Happy Birthday Sean!
(H) I love you and miss you all! Smooches!
A few quick notes:
(A) Happy Ukrainian Christmas David!!
(B) I hope you decided to make perogies mom - and that you froze some for me!!
(C) THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Dud, from the bottom of my heart!
(D) Good luck with all your shows Jess - I miss you like crazy.
(E) I hope school is going well for you Laurie, and thank you for the post card!
(F) Hope you're home this morning Frank - I need to talk to you!
(G) Happy Birthday Sean!
(H) I love you and miss you all! Smooches!
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Phew! I made it through my first day back at work! Today was a short day - only five periods plus a break, rather than the usual eight periods plus a break. My first lesson was a no-show, my second lesson was a no-show, and the next three were all man-to-man. What a piece of cake! Tomorrow is really going to be painful though as it will be a huge dose of reality. Ah well, such is the plight of the working man! Plus it was really nice to be greeted by students who were so excited to see me and asked a million questions about Jesse's visit. It's so hard not to feel as though you have a family away from home when your students and co-workers care so much about you and your well-being. I really am truly blessed in every aspect of my life.
Last night was really tough, and I've been pining away for my Jesse. I had to find out from his mom that he landed safely (you're in soooo much trouble Jesse!) as he promised to call when he got home and didn't. When I get my hands on him . . . Actually, I don't envy him his arrival at the house as his mom stopped by yesterday to tidy up before he got home and said it was like the Arctic in there - she had to wear her jacket while vacuuming and said she could see her breath! Speaking of cold weather, I hear you're all suffering through an extreme cold patch AND that you have a heavy snowfall warning in effect. That is such bullocks and it's only because I'm not there. Bahhh!
I'm enjoying the care package from Mom and David - ate a bunch of the yummy popcorn and woke myself up at 3 AM when I rolled over onto the stuffed mouse they sent (if you squeeze its hand it recites the Night Before Christmas story). I would not be exaggerating at all were I to suggest that half the apartment building woke up to the sound of my terrified scream! Luckily I didn't have to do anything like change the sheets, but it took me quite a while to get back to sleep as my heart was racing madly.
That's about all for now! Japanese lessons resume on Thursday and I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.
Last night was really tough, and I've been pining away for my Jesse. I had to find out from his mom that he landed safely (you're in soooo much trouble Jesse!) as he promised to call when he got home and didn't. When I get my hands on him . . . Actually, I don't envy him his arrival at the house as his mom stopped by yesterday to tidy up before he got home and said it was like the Arctic in there - she had to wear her jacket while vacuuming and said she could see her breath! Speaking of cold weather, I hear you're all suffering through an extreme cold patch AND that you have a heavy snowfall warning in effect. That is such bullocks and it's only because I'm not there. Bahhh!
I'm enjoying the care package from Mom and David - ate a bunch of the yummy popcorn and woke myself up at 3 AM when I rolled over onto the stuffed mouse they sent (if you squeeze its hand it recites the Night Before Christmas story). I would not be exaggerating at all were I to suggest that half the apartment building woke up to the sound of my terrified scream! Luckily I didn't have to do anything like change the sheets, but it took me quite a while to get back to sleep as my heart was racing madly.
That's about all for now! Japanese lessons resume on Thursday and I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.
Monday, January 05, 2004
Well he's off. Leaving Jesse at the airport today was worse for me than when I left home to come here. The apartment is so empty and quiet without him! I just finished doing all the housework I didn't get done while he was here - I think I'll be picking up his toe lint for weeks!
Anyway, I don't know what Jesse will miss more - me or the heated toilet seat - but I am sure he had a good time despite not feeling well for the last half of his stay. It's still hard for me to believe he was actually here! At least we have lots of pictures and memories to last a lifetime.
It's back to work for me tomorrow - blech - and back to my routine, which will be good for me and help to stave off some of the loneliness and missing Jess. As I said before, I'm just greatful I got to see him at all.
The package from my mom and David finally got here this morning, just in time for Jess to open his presents before we had to leave for the airport! Lots of really great, thoughtful stuff - so thanks again guys.
Hope you're having a good flight Jess, wherever you are!!
Anyway, I don't know what Jesse will miss more - me or the heated toilet seat - but I am sure he had a good time despite not feeling well for the last half of his stay. It's still hard for me to believe he was actually here! At least we have lots of pictures and memories to last a lifetime.
It's back to work for me tomorrow - blech - and back to my routine, which will be good for me and help to stave off some of the loneliness and missing Jess. As I said before, I'm just greatful I got to see him at all.
The package from my mom and David finally got here this morning, just in time for Jess to open his presents before we had to leave for the airport! Lots of really great, thoughtful stuff - so thanks again guys.
Hope you're having a good flight Jess, wherever you are!!
Friday, January 02, 2004
Hope you all had a great time on New Year's Eve and that you're recovering well. We've been keeping an eye on your forecast and it seems you're expecting cold temps and lots of snow over the next few days. That's so typical - I knew the one winter I wasn't there would be the one when you got lots of snow. Let me know how much you get, if any, but try not to rub it in too much!
We didn't end up going to Kyoto today, or anywhere for that matter. Jesse is really, really sick with the Japanese plague I had last month. It's still going around Osaka in full force and it seems even Jesse, who usually has an immune system of steel, is susceptible. I'm doing my best to take care of him; plying him with tea, making him drink lots of fluids, get lots of sleep. He's stubborn as a mule (but you all know that), and difficult to mother, but I'm making some headway the worse he starts to feel. We're both hoping he feels better tomorrow as it will be our last chance to take a day trip somewhere. If not it'll be a drag for him, but at least we've packed quite a bit in to his short stay. I'm not at all looking forward to seeing him off and am still in denial, but I'm just greatful I got to see him at all. I think it will be even more difficult to not have him around because he's the only thing stopping me from going right off the deep end about T. I guess this is the best example I'll ever have of what it means to have to "dig deep." I know I can do it, I'm just not looking forward to it!
Anyway, here's hoping Jess starts to feel better soon. Take care and enjoy the snow!!
We didn't end up going to Kyoto today, or anywhere for that matter. Jesse is really, really sick with the Japanese plague I had last month. It's still going around Osaka in full force and it seems even Jesse, who usually has an immune system of steel, is susceptible. I'm doing my best to take care of him; plying him with tea, making him drink lots of fluids, get lots of sleep. He's stubborn as a mule (but you all know that), and difficult to mother, but I'm making some headway the worse he starts to feel. We're both hoping he feels better tomorrow as it will be our last chance to take a day trip somewhere. If not it'll be a drag for him, but at least we've packed quite a bit in to his short stay. I'm not at all looking forward to seeing him off and am still in denial, but I'm just greatful I got to see him at all. I think it will be even more difficult to not have him around because he's the only thing stopping me from going right off the deep end about T. I guess this is the best example I'll ever have of what it means to have to "dig deep." I know I can do it, I'm just not looking forward to it!
Anyway, here's hoping Jess starts to feel better soon. Take care and enjoy the snow!!
Thursday, January 01, 2004
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Well we had our best New Year's Eve ever and are now paying for the privilege (but it was worth it!!).
Yesterday we walked all over Umeda looking for a theater that's actually playing Western movies. Eventually we got tired of being given the wrong directions, so first we caught a cab to the sky building (one of the most popular skyscrapers in Japan - look it up on Google as it's impossible to get a good shot of the whole thing with my camera being that it's too big) and then to a big shopping center where we finally found a theater playing Beyond Borders, which we've been wanting to see. It was a really good movie, but really disturbing (which it's meant to be).
After we went for dinner at the Pig & Whistle - a British pub in downtown Osaka and came home to wait for my friends to call and give us directions to the party we were all supposed to go to. At 10:30 they called to let us know that they'd decided to go to - get this - the Pig & Whistle, where we'd just been!!, so we caught the train and met them there in time to have a few drinks before midnight. We ended up staying until just after 3 AM and honestly did have the best New Year's Eve we've ever had. It was soooo much fun. And the bars here don't have limits on capacity, so we were jammed in shoulder to shoulder for a couple of hours. I'll be sending lots of pictures as there was lots of debauchery and madness.
Some of you will be surprised to hear that Jesse, the adamant non-dancer, danced with all of us several times during the night - and not just for a few seconds, but for several song stretches. That was probably the highlight of my night as I'm always bugging him to dance with me. I think once he saw my drunken co-workers making complete asses of themselves on the dance floor he realized that there was no way he could embarrass himself!
I'm also soooo glad I had my sweetie here for the traditional midnight kiss, as it probably would have sucked big-time without him (there were lots of couples in the group).
Anyway, we left the bar just after 3 AM, as I mentioned, grabbed some food, then caught the train home (they were running all night for New Year's Eve) where Jesse immediately crashed. He's feeling alot rougher than me this morning, so we're not going to go far today. Tomorrow we're going to go to Kyoto, which I think he'll really enjoy.
Can't believe he's leaving in a few days! Where did the time go? Oh well - we've both been having an amazing time and I'll always be greatful for the memories we've made. My co-workers love him (no surprise, as everyone loves him) and we're amassing invites to so many different countries that if we keep it up we'll never see Canada again. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but we are really looking forward to doing some more traveling together in the future. Jess has already decided to come back in September when I finish my contract - I wasn't exaggerating when I told you how amazing it is here, and none of it is lost on him. We're really happy.
Well we had our best New Year's Eve ever and are now paying for the privilege (but it was worth it!!).
Yesterday we walked all over Umeda looking for a theater that's actually playing Western movies. Eventually we got tired of being given the wrong directions, so first we caught a cab to the sky building (one of the most popular skyscrapers in Japan - look it up on Google as it's impossible to get a good shot of the whole thing with my camera being that it's too big) and then to a big shopping center where we finally found a theater playing Beyond Borders, which we've been wanting to see. It was a really good movie, but really disturbing (which it's meant to be).
After we went for dinner at the Pig & Whistle - a British pub in downtown Osaka and came home to wait for my friends to call and give us directions to the party we were all supposed to go to. At 10:30 they called to let us know that they'd decided to go to - get this - the Pig & Whistle, where we'd just been!!, so we caught the train and met them there in time to have a few drinks before midnight. We ended up staying until just after 3 AM and honestly did have the best New Year's Eve we've ever had. It was soooo much fun. And the bars here don't have limits on capacity, so we were jammed in shoulder to shoulder for a couple of hours. I'll be sending lots of pictures as there was lots of debauchery and madness.
Some of you will be surprised to hear that Jesse, the adamant non-dancer, danced with all of us several times during the night - and not just for a few seconds, but for several song stretches. That was probably the highlight of my night as I'm always bugging him to dance with me. I think once he saw my drunken co-workers making complete asses of themselves on the dance floor he realized that there was no way he could embarrass himself!
I'm also soooo glad I had my sweetie here for the traditional midnight kiss, as it probably would have sucked big-time without him (there were lots of couples in the group).
Anyway, we left the bar just after 3 AM, as I mentioned, grabbed some food, then caught the train home (they were running all night for New Year's Eve) where Jesse immediately crashed. He's feeling alot rougher than me this morning, so we're not going to go far today. Tomorrow we're going to go to Kyoto, which I think he'll really enjoy.
Can't believe he's leaving in a few days! Where did the time go? Oh well - we've both been having an amazing time and I'll always be greatful for the memories we've made. My co-workers love him (no surprise, as everyone loves him) and we're amassing invites to so many different countries that if we keep it up we'll never see Canada again. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but we are really looking forward to doing some more traveling together in the future. Jess has already decided to come back in September when I finish my contract - I wasn't exaggerating when I told you how amazing it is here, and none of it is lost on him. We're really happy.
