Tales of a Gaijin

So, it seems like most of my experiences in Japan can be best explained in comics. So, aside from long vacation breakdowns, most of my living here will be posted at this link:

http://triaelf9.deviantart.com/gallery/#Tales-of-a-Gaijin

Please go there and enjoy!

Golden week!

Giant post ahead...

Friday we headed to Kobe.

Saturday, we got on the super hakuto and headed out to Tottori. Pretty scenery, lots of tunnels and ear popping >_<

After dropping off our stuff at the nice little hotel we were going to stay at, we headed out to catch the bus. 40 minutes later, we got to the bottom of the mountain and started climbing. This wasn't just a hike. This was a CLIMB. Like, half the time we were horizontal, clinging for dear life to branches and roots and rocks. It was mostly pretty fun in the beginning and the end, but about halfway through, I got stuck on the middle of a smooth rock face and panicked. Like, total panic attack. I started hyperventilating, my throat closed, I was crying and I totally froze up. Luckily Hannah and Bill were near me and they got me breathing again. When we got up to the first lookout post, I couldn't stand on it b/c my inner ear was all AHHHHHH and the panic was still there.

I did better at the second post, and fine at the bell. We got to the top, saw the temple build into the rocks, then climbed back down. All the downhill jumping and landing hard busted up my knees, so I had a hard time going down things for the next few days.

At the bottom we got omiyage (souvenirs) and DANGO!!!! Delicious dango. I frikken love dango. MMMMM.

While waiting for the bust to come, we saw these kids who had spoken to us while we were climbing (they tried to use English on us ^_^ ) On the way out they were all "Bye! Goodbye! Bye!!" like 60 times. It was really cute.

We got back to the hotel and there were really nice rooms waiting for us. (amazing heated toilet seats! I MUST get myself one when I get back to the states). After a giant debate, we ended up going to yakininku and it was DELISH. After that, we went to BOWLING! There was this really funny moment when the screen on the floor in our area showing the scores went nuts and wigged out. It was all wigging, and zig-zaggy, when this alley worker came up, smacked it, and walked off. And it worked. It was the first time seeing the smacking of electronics actually WORK. It was pretty hilarious. The scoring seemed to be set on Elementary school scoring, or something, since the ball would totally miss and it would be all, still, "HOORAAAY! YOU KNOCKED DOWN THE MIDDLE PIN! THAT YOU CAN'T SEE FROM HERE! WAY TO GO!" and we were all "…but I gutter-balled that"

Next morning (Sunday) we got a tasty buffet breakfast and hopped back on the train. Took the train to Tsuwano. Got off, dropped bags off at our ryokan and headed out again. Grabbed lunch, then climbed a path with 1,000 torii gates on it. Saw the shrine at the top, bought more things, then went to go see the castle ruins. We took a chair lift up (and when I say chair, I mean, a single chair for each of us). Hiked some more, got to the top, looked around, it was nice. On the way down Brad realized that he'd left our bag of snacks at the top. Oooooh boy ^_^;;; No time to go back up and get it.

We then headed to the section of town with the Koi fish in the gutters. Apparently, back in olden times, the townspeople kept the fish there in case of siege. Then, they could lock down the city and live off these fish. I could see them doing that, as these fish were GIANT, like, the size of a small child. They were SO overfed. Usually, koi fish will eat and eat and eat, even if they aren't hungry. THESE fish, were SO past not hungry, that they were ignoring the food. It was really surprising. I'd never seen koi fish NOT want food.

We went back to our ryokan and met the lady responsible for us. She asked us to teach her English, as EVERYONE does in Japan, and then asked us all our ages. The funniest was when Brad said he was 27, and she was all "EHHHHHH??? MITANAI YO!!" ( Whaaaaaat? You don't look it!)

Went to the onsen, and all the old ladies stared, smile and gestured at us, as usual. Nice onsen, overlooking everything.

At dinner, we had a bunch of ladies serving us, as though they all wanted a chance to talk to us, like we were an attraction ^_^ Being a foreigner in Japan is a lot like being a celebrity. If you want to know what it's like to be stared at all the time and admired all the time, and talked to (or shied away from) Japan is the place to try it out. Speaking of which, during dinner, we had this little boy and girl peeping over at us from the next section, and every time we looked, they hid. So cute ^_^

Dinner was like, a billion courses long. Started at 7pm and didn't finish until 8:45. I ate about half of what I got… perhaps a little more. It wasn't so much that it was weird traditional food, it was that I was SO FULL after eating SO SLOWLY that it was nearly impossible to finish everything. The servers spent the whole night trying to get us to teach them the names of things in English. And each lady that came through said "Nihongo, jouzu desu ne!" (you're so good at Japanese, huh!), which I denied vehemently each time b/c my spoken Japanese SUUUCKS.

After diner, there was MOCHI POUNDING! YUUUUUM! Delicious green mochi! They wanted all of us to pound, which was really cute. The counting guy wanted Hannah to pound a little more, so he kept counting "three. Three. Three" to her, and on the third "three" she realized what he was up to and started laughing. When we all got our mochi, all the guests wanted to know if it was tasty! (as though we'd never eaten it before) and we were all "of course it's tasty!" Got back to our rooms, and our futons were put out and made up for us! So awesome ^_^

Monday morning, we woke up, had a Japanese style breakfast (fishies for breakfast! Great miso tho) but I didn't eat much b/c I wasn't that hungry (too early). We got on the train that took us to the Shinkansen station. When we got on the shink, we weren't sure we were on the right one, but every time I tried to check on my phone, we hit a tunnel. And there were lots of tunnels. So tons of ear popping >_<>

We got to the hostel, dropped our bags off. Grabbed lunch, then went to the Genbaku dome (A-bomb dome) which is the only building they left from the bombing. We saw the hypocenter, where the bomb went off, and then headed over to the museum where were were inundated with SAD T_T I never thought I'd ever see this stuff in person, so it was very shocking and moving. I think I was the most moved when I realized I was actually there.

We got home and discovered a TERMITE INVASION!!! I was able to identify them, as my family had termite issues when I was young. We went out to dinner. While riding on the streetcars, a ton of kids giggled at us, were surprised when we spoke Japanese (they kept saying "sorry" for being in the way, and when we replied with "iiyo" and "daijoubu" they were all "EHHHHHHHHH???" So the spent the whole rest of the ride recalling all the English they knew and giggling wildly.

Went to dinner in the okonomiyaki town at a place that made it into "lonely planet." Hiroshimayaki is YUM YUM YUM. Too bad I couldn't eat it all. I really must learn to MAKE okonomiyaki ^_^ We found an ice cream place after that was a lot like cold stone. I had chocolate, coconut and almonds. I must try that again sometime. Rode the streetcar back, went to bed.

Tuesday, up early! Got on streetcar, took a ferry across to Miyajima. Got to the island, walked some more, took trams and gondolas to the top-ish, then hiked to the real top. Saw the fire that hasn't been put out in 1200 years (which also lit the peace park fire). Nearly died from smoke inhalation in the 15 seconds we were in there. Saw tons of little cute deer, but no monkeys. Bought things, and then hiked to the real top. Looked all around. Went back down, ate some yummy faire food (French fries and ice cone things), saw some cats. Then we hit up the floating shrine. Very cool. Bought more things (I think I spent most my money at shrines. Good thing I love Shintoism ^_^ ). I have a ton of good luck charms and such. I had to pick up a health one too ^_^;;;

Walked back, headed all the way back to the hostel, grabbed our things, headed to the train station and headed home. Then we died of tired.

And that was golden week.

On how Japanese ATMs are significantly better

Man, they're awesome. No, seriously. Firstly, you can deposit COINS in them, which is awesome. Depositing money is a sinch, and it counts it all for you.

Then, there's the little book. You put it in and it prints out every transaction, so you have a record of everything in your hands. PLUS, if the page doesn't have anymore room for stuff to print, IT TURNS THE PAGE FOR YOU. DUDE, that is cool.

In other news, I'm finally picking up my Japanese studies. And by studies I mean watching anime, reading at least a chapter of manga a night, and going through all the kanji ever, writing them in a book. It takes time, but it's really fun.

Spring is here, at least today. It's sunny, warm (almost 70 degrees out, I think), I'm in a tee-shirt and the sakura trees are blooming. (makes me think of okami...). I really need to get out and take some pictures around town. Hopefully the weather will be nice this weekend and I can bike to the river and get pictures. Then maybe hit up the book off again, or something ^_^

In anime land: Natsume Yuujinchou is really, really good. Everyone should see it. Finished Toradora, Kuroshituji (meh, the manga was better), and Kobato (cute, even though the manga is totally different). My reading pace has picked up, I can now watch anime OTHER than conan while drawing (my listening is better!). I just need to get through all the anime I'm behind on before I get bored again and go on hiatus ^_^;;;

Looking forward to vacation at the end of the month! Very exciting ^_^

Hope you all are well ^_^

Kyoto Trip!

FINALLY I posted all the pictures. Head over here to check them out!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Enjoy!

Darn rain! Trying to kill me again!

Weather apparently hates me everywhere.

So, essentially, I have a class in Okazaki, about 15-20 minutes away. It's pouring outside and windy, so I gear myself up for a somewhat bothersome drive, but don't really think about it.

Until I try to go the speed limit and some JERK decides "Hey, we're all blind, why don't I ride the tail of the car in front of me". This car he decides to tail gate is me, of course. when I finally get him off my tail, I'm happy but I can't see very well still. This is not helped by the fact that the stretch of road that I'm on has no street lights. So, it's raining, I'm blind and the street is pitch black.

That's when I hit the puddles of doom. Seriously. Remember how Japan has stairs of death? Their puddles are also death. The roads are pretty old so they accumulate these HUGE deep puddles that go way out into the street and sometimes you have to swerve into oncoming traffic to not be drowned in them. So I hit one of THESE puddles. The car feels like I've hit something and the water gushing over the windshield makes me wonder if I've somehow managed to drive into a lake. I go WAH! then calm down, right in time...to hit ANOTHER one. I hit three on the way to juku.

The drive back was better. The rain had let up a little in spots, but the wind was having a field day. I could actually feel the car rocking when I stopped at lights and the rain was blowing sideways. At least I had no one behind me most the way home.

I fear what a typhoon is going to be like....

Ponderings

So, out of all my pictures, I only have Kyoto left to post on Facebook. and hopefully, I'll get that done before my next vacation, that will probably lead to MORE pictures that I'll have no time to post ^_^;;;

I'm thinking that I'm not posting as much here as I thought because, well, things in Japan just aren't as surprising to me. Maybe I studied enough, or got acclimated to all the parts I didn't know before but... I feel pretty much at home here. Even though my spoken Japanese SUCKS PANTS, I remember enough to get around. You know, in stores and such. I can't have an in depth conversation on, well, anything, but I can get around. I'm learning numbers a lot better, for one. But, even though I still get stares when I go out and even though I look different from most everyone here, I don't feel any more out of place than when I moved away to college, or lived in Madison. So yes. Things that seem normal in my eyes may be totally fascinating for some of you people, so I shall attempt to explain a few things that feel normal and boring to me. And I'll try to write things down more often ^_^;;; ( didn't buy a notebook until after I went on trips, so I'll have to use it next time I travel.

Mostly, my weeks consist of being cold, teaching, cross stitching, reading or drawing, driving to classes and teaching some more and eating food.

I will note that the pizza here has this strange need to always have corn on it. I mean, jeez, corn is great, but it's not THAT great. Needless to say, the pizza buns (which are AWESOME) also have corn in them. The Japanese really love corn.

Also, hilarious note, I was at juku last night and some how something sounded like "tin" to them, to which someone yelled "Tintin" and I started drawing him on the board. They all DIED of laughter, it was great.

Going to a party tomorrow night, with other foreigners! It will be so exciting. New friends! ^___^

High school classes

Last day of high school classes! So sad! They were, by far, the high point of my last 4 weeks. In fact, I was having so much fun, that I even forgot the homesickness that was starting to build! It really cheered me up and made life a lot more fun.

So, the class today was questions for me and a game. From both classes, I got: "What's your favorite type of man". HEHEHEH. There was one girl who wanted to ask me how many kids I planned to have, but she didn't manage to ask (it was on her paper). There was another girl who asked me what the words of Brad's proposal were. I bet they were disappointed by how un-romantic it was (Brad is very practical, thus he was very practical in asking me). I got the usual "what's your favorite food, do you like Japan or America better, where's your favorite place to travel in Japan, etc. They determined that I was a "Rekishijo" or history girl (a girl who likes history- it's a thing now in Japan). We played the game, that was fun.

Then, after pictures, at the end of the second class, the first class came in and presented me with flowers! I was so surprised! A potted plant for me to take care of, oh deeeear ^_^;;; Ma, help! But the class rep gave a speech thanking me for coming and saying that my English was very easy to learn, and if I wasn't understandable, it was ok b/c my Japanese was so good. (ha). But yes! They want me to come back again ^__^

I really think I'm in my element there. I don't know what it is, though it's probably idea of having coworkers to talk to between classes and all the students… turns out I'm more of a social butterfly than I thought. Who knew?? ^____^

Here are the pictures. I was going to post them here, but Blogger has the STUPIDEST way of handling pictures, so I said screw it and posted them on FB.

So, enjoy! Picture link here

Various other sets of pictures

Here are pictures from around Nishio:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028992&id=49201285&l=f96332750a

Pictures from Rice pounding:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028994&id=49201285&l=40961b8118

And pictures from my Birthday!:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028996&id=49201285&l=30ff7b1cbe

Enjoy!

Winter in Kobe pictures

Here are the pictures that go with the Kobe entry. Enjoy!

Kobe Pictures

Pictures!

So, here are pictures from Iga and Ise. Facebook is the easiest place to post tons of pictures, so that's where I'll do the bulk of the posting.

Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028724&id=49201285&l=6bc68edc41

Quick things

While driving to class today, I noticed a bumper sticker on the car in front of me. It said " I'll keep safety in mind." I laughed so hard. While I know what they mean, all I could think of is "Well, I'll consider it, but I doubt I'll go through with it" which amuses me in that most Japanese drivers are NOT very safe.

Also, I've gotten sushi in packages here twice, and I've seen them at the store tons of times. Not ONCE do they have wasabi in the packages. Sure, maybe more people here have wasabi at home, but if they're getting it to run, would they have wasabi in their cars? WHY can't America LEAVE OUT THE DAMN WASABI??? Especially since the wasabi is MUCH more overkill at home.

So, I'm through volume 6 of Conan, on to reading the rest... being 49 more volumes that I have here... ^_^;;; Ah well. Hope everyone else is doing well, I'll post more pictures at some point ^_^

Vacation in Kobe

So, the trip mostly included trips to the bookstore. Also, a trip to the most awesome anime store ever.

Aside from that, and awesome time with Hannah, Bill, Cat and Audra, we also went to a really cool exhibit on an artist who works for Ghibli. Also got some really need Ghibli stuff at the giftshop. We took many trips around the area on the train. And we also went to Himeji castle, which was really awesome cool!

Also, hot springs in Arima!!!! MMMMM. And massages. SWEET. Onsen are totally awesome, if a bit too hot on the feet. The best part was this outside thing where you put your feet in warm water, then sat on this black slate seat that has this waterfall that pours down your back and such. Comfy! We also stuck our feet in some water with tiiiiiiny little fish who eat dead skin. It was like a billion tiny little kisses all over my feet. A buzzing that, at a certain level it TICKLED and I had to keep yanking my feet out. They kept trying to get between my toes, but OH NO, I wasn't about to let them! They were called "Dr. Fish" hehehe.

I got to travel on the trains a lot. It was very fun! And as I suspected, I'm not at all bothered by the crowds here. But, it's nice! I'm less scared to go outside. It's just DAMN COLD right now.

Perhaps pictures later of Kobe. Is kinda annoying to post pictures on this site ^_^;;;

Our Apartment

So, I thought I would attempt to get some pictures up, and why not start with our apartment!

So, here goes:

The Kitchen! Notice the snacks on top of the refrigerator ^_^

The Bathroom. Now, in Japan, the bathroom doesn't include the toilet. They separate the shower and tub from the toilet. Next is the sink in the little room outside the bath and shower.

The front door. The door on the right, that's where the toilet is ^_^

The living room. Brad playing video games at his little work station. He has the kotatsu. Next is a shot out that window, it shows the other apartments.

My area! I love my little nook for hard drives ^_^ Next picture is one of the new bookshelves we got. It's getting very full, which isn't helped by living down the street from a used bookshop...

The bedroom. The round thing on the bed is called an "Eco Poka" and you heat it up in the microwave for 6 minutes, before slipping it under the sheets. It keeps the bed warm all night! like, 12 hours later, it's still warm! It's pretty awesome. Next is a shot of the bedroom from the window. That's the closet with most of our clothes in it ^_^;;

And one last shot, out of the window of the bedroom. Laundry!

Hope you enjoy this!

INTERNETS

So, may I first say, that getting the internet is… GREAT. Imagine Scrooge McDuck, rolling around in his money pile, but substitute the money for the internet and make the rolling a metaphor. Yes, exactly like that.

Almost two months in and I think I'm getting the hang of teaching.

Funny thing, the little ones I teach Friday (but they had to stop b/c one girl is too busy) had no idea that, in America, the toilet is in the same room as the bath. While that is understandable, as many American kids have no idea that Japan separates toilet from bathtub, their reactions were hilarious. "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? No way! I had no idea! WHAAAAAAT?" for like, 10 minutes afterwards. Then they gave me pictures they had drawn of me and were all "byeeee" and I nearly started crying T_T Those two were sooo good!

Oh yeah, and it's freaking cold here. Yeah, I know, it's not as cold as Wisconsin outside, but the teeny thing about houses here is that they have NO INSULATION. So, it's 29 degrees Fahrenheit outside and about that inside of the apartment. And we're cheap, so heating the place doesn't happen all that much. We eventually had to get a space heater. Mmm, nice.

The used bookstore people now know me, which is hilarious. I bout a whole bunch of Detective Conan, so they know me as the girl who bought lots of conan. I was also able to speak Japanese with them, which is nice. They now also say, instead of "irasshaimase" (a greeting that store owners/clerks say to customers) they say "heh, good morning" or "good afternoon" in that amused tone of "I see you're back again." I can also say that the Japanese games are awesome in that they have Japanese subtitles along with the talking. Great practice!

The convenience store near us have this food called "American dog." Can you guess what it is? Yup, Corn dog. But the best corn dog I've ever had. As Brad says, it has the right amount of American to dog. The breaded part is awesome, and if you put it in the toaster oven, the outside becomes slightly toasty and crunchy and delicious.

Winter Vacation

So, spent a lovely trip in Kobe with everyone. I was planning to type up a big long thing about it, but was too tired once I got back to my computer. So, I'll mostly post pictures and commentary when internet goes up (the 8th!!! SO SOON!)

Been reading, writing and playing video games, but still not enough time in the day. Ah well.

Hope everyone had a great Xmas and new years!