It is now spring break, and I am doing everything in my power to relax. This includes hot baths, guitar, hacky sack, and Scrubs. That sums up my past couple of days pretty much, but I did do some interesting stuff before I hit chill town. Last Thursday I hit up the Manga Museum in Kyoto, and went to a talk given by Professor Seaman (of UMASS) at Doshisha University. Friday I went to Karaoke, and Saturday a group of us hit up Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios:Osaka.
On Thursday I was on my own traveling the trains for my first time, I was anxious and did not want to make a mistake. Surprisingly I didn't, and I made it to the exact stop with 5min to spare. That was a small victory for me, but the ride home is another story altogether. I met Seaman sensei at the museum and we spent the next couple of hours browsing, discussing, and catching up. We had to leave a bit sooner than either of us wanted to, so as to make it to Doshisha on time. We left, saw a shrine, and the Imperial palace on our way over there. The shrine we stopped at, the palace was too big for a pit stop. The shrine was in honor of a story about a guy who was saved from getting his legs ruined by a stampede of boars. Lots of boars. Anyway, we made it to Doshisha, I met a professor from Smith College then attended the talk. It was an interesting analysis about the works of Uchida Shungiku. I had fun, and when it was over I took a stroll around the Imperial Palace. I was dark and all, so I walked to the station and boarded the super express home. The super express was a big mistake, because it blew right by my stop (going in the direction of Osaka). I messed up a bit, and wasted about a half hour of my life fixing it. I got home to a messy kitchen, stayed up to clean, then passed out.
Friday came and went, not much to say here, I'll let the pictures do the talking. Saturday too wasn't much up until dinner time. Hard Rock Cafe is (as expected) a good time. I got to eat Fajitas, the only thing that could satisfy my cravings for Mexican food. I stuffed my self to perfection, talked with Chihiro, Daniel, and Honey for a while. When I returned to Hirakata-shi, the buses were done for the night, and I had to walk home. It was warm enough though. I returned to a quiet apartment, and passed out.
Tomorrow is all day tennis at school, so I'll be preoccupied with that. I want to go to Nara later on in the week (there are deer there), and I've been trying to get a package together since I arrived. Hopefully I can be productive and get it all sorted out.
Peace...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Benches and Breakdowns
Wednesday again, and Internet time to kill. I have had a good week since my last post and it is mostly due to the weather. I have endured some hardships within this time frame, but I am as optimistic as ever. Japan in the spring time is truly something else.
As was the plan, this past weekend Johnny and I ventured south to Okayama and visited the Umeharas. It was awesome. After my not being in contact with them for 2.5 years, it was surprisingly not awkward. Sleep deprived Johnny and I rolled into their house at about 7AM though, that was a bit awkward. Manabu, Chie, and the kids were awake, but Johnny and I were cold and tired.
We arrived in Okayama at 4AM, dazed but ready to party. Ironically enough, I had half a flask of Early Times Whiskey in my jacket pocket. The buses didn't start until 6:30AM, therefore we ended up sleeping on the benches in chilly Okayama station. I was prepared for the task (note the new title picture: Okayama Eki, 6:15AM) Johnny on the other hand was smart enough to bring his coat. He had no gloves, scarf, or hat. I'm pretty sure it sucked quite a bit for him because when I went to wake him up at 6 o'clock, he was asleep on the bench: suitcase as a blanket, both hands covering his face. It took me a few hard taps to wake him up (I was afraid he was in shock or something), but it truly was a sight to see. I wish I could have taken a picture of it. It wasn't until after this that Johnny found the camera that he allegedly thought was left in our apartment. After this ordeal, we managed to get to our intended destination.
Saturday was filled with three hour naps, catching up, and playing with the kids. I learned how to use a Japanese top (called a koma) from Yusaku, and Chie taught me how to make some tasty rice. I on the other hand made the kids some excellent 5 yen bracelets. I then taught Chihiro the ways of hemp on Sunday.
Sunday we planned to go to a famous Japanese park located outside Okayama, but their car died forty minutes into the trip. Thus we were stranded on the highway for a good hour, waiting for the tow truck and taxi. Apparently they need a new car, but we made the best of the situation anyways. While waiting, I learned some interesting hand gesture games; they are actually pretty fun. One involves hand beams, a protective vest, and charging.
That night we had a wonderful Nabe dinner, then hopped on the Shinkansen back to Hirakata. Slightly more enjoyable than the bus, I got to see Himeji castle (the most visited castle in Japan) through the window at one point. In the end it was a very fun weekend. I can't wait to visit them again during spring break.
The weekend being over and done with, school has been a bitch this week. A test, a forgotten homework, and two skipped classes. One of these classes being now, one more tomorrow. I unwittingly told my writing teacher that I didn't like the class, and now she thinks I'm a bad student. I don't care though, I'll do well in the class regardless. Anyways, I have actual work to do now. Tomorrow I go to the Manga Museam in Kyoto. It should be good, I'll try to get some pictures.
Until then....
As was the plan, this past weekend Johnny and I ventured south to Okayama and visited the Umeharas. It was awesome. After my not being in contact with them for 2.5 years, it was surprisingly not awkward. Sleep deprived Johnny and I rolled into their house at about 7AM though, that was a bit awkward. Manabu, Chie, and the kids were awake, but Johnny and I were cold and tired.
We arrived in Okayama at 4AM, dazed but ready to party. Ironically enough, I had half a flask of Early Times Whiskey in my jacket pocket. The buses didn't start until 6:30AM, therefore we ended up sleeping on the benches in chilly Okayama station. I was prepared for the task (note the new title picture: Okayama Eki, 6:15AM) Johnny on the other hand was smart enough to bring his coat. He had no gloves, scarf, or hat. I'm pretty sure it sucked quite a bit for him because when I went to wake him up at 6 o'clock, he was asleep on the bench: suitcase as a blanket, both hands covering his face. It took me a few hard taps to wake him up (I was afraid he was in shock or something), but it truly was a sight to see. I wish I could have taken a picture of it. It wasn't until after this that Johnny found the camera that he allegedly thought was left in our apartment. After this ordeal, we managed to get to our intended destination.
Saturday was filled with three hour naps, catching up, and playing with the kids. I learned how to use a Japanese top (called a koma) from Yusaku, and Chie taught me how to make some tasty rice. I on the other hand made the kids some excellent 5 yen bracelets. I then taught Chihiro the ways of hemp on Sunday.
Sunday we planned to go to a famous Japanese park located outside Okayama, but their car died forty minutes into the trip. Thus we were stranded on the highway for a good hour, waiting for the tow truck and taxi. Apparently they need a new car, but we made the best of the situation anyways. While waiting, I learned some interesting hand gesture games; they are actually pretty fun. One involves hand beams, a protective vest, and charging.
That night we had a wonderful Nabe dinner, then hopped on the Shinkansen back to Hirakata. Slightly more enjoyable than the bus, I got to see Himeji castle (the most visited castle in Japan) through the window at one point. In the end it was a very fun weekend. I can't wait to visit them again during spring break.
The weekend being over and done with, school has been a bitch this week. A test, a forgotten homework, and two skipped classes. One of these classes being now, one more tomorrow. I unwittingly told my writing teacher that I didn't like the class, and now she thinks I'm a bad student. I don't care though, I'll do well in the class regardless. Anyways, I have actual work to do now. Tomorrow I go to the Manga Museam in Kyoto. It should be good, I'll try to get some pictures.
Until then....
Friday, February 29, 2008
My how the time flys...
It's March. School is tolerable now, despite the test, quiz, and proposal I have due tomorrow. The work is coming and going in waves, and most of my time is spent procrastinating. I think I've recovered from my lack of creativity; however I seem to have picked up the cold that has plagued our apartment. The weather going from spring to winter in shifts isn't helping much either. This weekend Johnny and I are heading to Okayama, visiting the Umehara's. There is a slight issue with this, we have to take the midnight bus after hitting up a night club in Osaka. I don't know why we're doing it, we just are. Pretty much our plans conflicted and instead of turning down one party, we're doing both. Not quite what I wanted to do, but it beats staying up all night in one location.
2 Hours Later: Well I skipped lunch to upload a ton of photos. Now they are finally linked, and in the left column here. Yes! So now all of you people interested in my adventures, check it out. I went to Fushimi Inari this weekend, and it was beautiful. That should be your first stop in my photo album.
Other than that, I've been sitting in the same spot since 10AM (it’s now 3:12). I’ve seen the weather go from cloudy to rain/snow, to beautiful blue sky, only to return to grey and dismal. I don't think I left New England at all.
5hrs Later:
Wow. I really had all the time in the world today, but no time for this post. Sorry that I failed to jot down even the most trivial details of my life. My anthropology blog took up most of my time today. Check it out if you want to be enlightened. (Japan: an Invasion of the Mind) The linking on this computer sucks (I'm now in the lab), I'll put a permanent link in later. Also I changed the format, a bit because I wanted a decent header. I didn't eat all day, so I'm going to go make dinner now. Peace.
2 Hours Later: Well I skipped lunch to upload a ton of photos. Now they are finally linked, and in the left column here. Yes! So now all of you people interested in my adventures, check it out. I went to Fushimi Inari this weekend, and it was beautiful. That should be your first stop in my photo album.
Other than that, I've been sitting in the same spot since 10AM (it’s now 3:12). I’ve seen the weather go from cloudy to rain/snow, to beautiful blue sky, only to return to grey and dismal. I don't think I left New England at all.
5hrs Later:
Wow. I really had all the time in the world today, but no time for this post. Sorry that I failed to jot down even the most trivial details of my life. My anthropology blog took up most of my time today. Check it out if you want to be enlightened. (Japan: an Invasion of the Mind) The linking on this computer sucks (I'm now in the lab), I'll put a permanent link in later. Also I changed the format, a bit because I wanted a decent header. I didn't eat all day, so I'm going to go make dinner now. Peace.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Another absence
Well another 10 days and too much stuff to really go into detail. Not having the Internet at my place is slightly to blame, the majority of my down time is spent spent there. Being busy with school is also another large factor. I have another blog that I started for my Visual Anthropology class, it analyzes Japanese culture. I haven't had much time for the posts on it (much like this one), but there is an inkling of interesting stuff there.
The first month's rent is paid off, and it wasn't until then that I felt at home. I have settled into the Japanese lifestyle. I bike everywhere, eat sitting on the floor, I even made real curry last night. It was a delicious first attempt, can't say I wasn't worried though. Being settled doesn't help me to be motivated enough for anything creative though. Basically this is the extent of my keeping on the ball with posts.
Tomorrow I will have a break from 10-4, most likely there will be better stuff to post. I'll be putting an RSS feed up for anyone who would like to subscribe to my blog. My pictures will soon be moved to a host site, due to unsightly long posts. Well then, until tomorrow I will try to keep it real.
The first month's rent is paid off, and it wasn't until then that I felt at home. I have settled into the Japanese lifestyle. I bike everywhere, eat sitting on the floor, I even made real curry last night. It was a delicious first attempt, can't say I wasn't worried though. Being settled doesn't help me to be motivated enough for anything creative though. Basically this is the extent of my keeping on the ball with posts.
Tomorrow I will have a break from 10-4, most likely there will be better stuff to post. I'll be putting an RSS feed up for anyone who would like to subscribe to my blog. My pictures will soon be moved to a host site, due to unsightly long posts. Well then, until tomorrow I will try to keep it real.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
One week and One holiday later.
Classes have been in session for a week now, thus the one week absence. I'll do my best to summarize the past week and a half's events. As you can see below, I did a bit of sightseeing. The trip to Kyoto was the Fri. before class started, and I'm glad I chose to go. Thankfully I wasn't too hung over from Johnny's birthday to enjoy the tour. We went to Kyomizutera (translation: Holy Water Temple) and it rocked my world. It was the most beautiful temple. Not only do you have an amazing view of Kyoto, but you are able to drink the holy water. It flows from the mountain spring and divides into three chutes. The three stand for love, health, and knowledge. Being as sick as I was I took health. I loved every moment of it, and I can't wait to go back when it is warmer. That was Kyoto pretty much though. Hopefully I'll be able to go back soon and see more.The rest of the weekend I spent relaxing from the stress I had since arriving. Sunday I went bowling and came very close to getting a turkey.
Last Mon. through Fri. seems like ten years ago, that is how incredibly busy I have been. Since I was placed in lower level Japanese classes, I observed the ones I wanted. This sounds nice but it is truly hellish. While observing, you are required to attend all of your classes. Essentially I had double speaking and writing all last week as well as this week. I got very little sleep. I did ok in the level 4 speaking class, and ironically wound up observing Johnny and Maria's class. This was lucky and helped me feel very comfortable right away. The sensei for their class is very demanding but fair, she has helped me out so far and I will take the replacement test on Thu. We had a review test on Fri. and apparently it is the same one. I'll be ok I think.
This past weekend had a holiday attached to it, National Foundation day. The day that Japans first government system was signed into existence. Apparently it was abolished during the occupation because it celebrated Imperialistic history, however it was revived under the PC name it is today. Thanks to Imperialism I had no school yesterday. Fri. I went to Karaoke with ten other people, Johnny and Maija went to Osaka clubbing all night . I stayed at Karaoke for 4 hrs, nomihoudai'd, and went back to Maria and Tina's apartment with most of the Karaoke crew. There I saw a delapitated guitar and they were nice enough to let me fix it up and use it. Now I have a guitar and I am pumped. It is Nylon andI have never used one before, so it is an interesting experience. I goes out of tune after a while and the sound isn't perfect but it gets the job done.
Saturday it snowed like crazy all day and it was beautiful. I hardly ever snows enough down here to accumulate, so I set out on an adventure with Johnny's Camera. It was beautiful and I will post the pictures as soon as I get them off of his camera. Also while I was taking the pictures, I witnessed a huge branch break under the weight of the snow.
Sunday Daniel, Maija, and myself went to Osaka, while Johnny and Yuri went to the mountains of Kyoto. The Osaka crew went to Den-Den town and visited various erotic shops, the Kyoto kids saw various ancient buddha shrines. One shop was five stories of mostly dvds, I was in shock. For having such strict censure laws (anything south of the beltline is blurred), Japan has a lot of fetish shit. At the end of the day we all met up in Osaka at Yuri's resturant. It is Korean food and it was delicious. A big skillet of cooked beef and vegetables, much like sukiyaki. Good times were had all around.
Monday I learned how to knit rather than do my laundry, and was rather lazy all day. I couldn't sleep well at all last night, and I was told that I look hung over...TWICE. Woo-hoo. Thats about it for now, and despite the hung over look I'm in good spirits.
Last Mon. through Fri. seems like ten years ago, that is how incredibly busy I have been. Since I was placed in lower level Japanese classes, I observed the ones I wanted. This sounds nice but it is truly hellish. While observing, you are required to attend all of your classes. Essentially I had double speaking and writing all last week as well as this week. I got very little sleep. I did ok in the level 4 speaking class, and ironically wound up observing Johnny and Maria's class. This was lucky and helped me feel very comfortable right away. The sensei for their class is very demanding but fair, she has helped me out so far and I will take the replacement test on Thu. We had a review test on Fri. and apparently it is the same one. I'll be ok I think.
This past weekend had a holiday attached to it, National Foundation day. The day that Japans first government system was signed into existence. Apparently it was abolished during the occupation because it celebrated Imperialistic history, however it was revived under the PC name it is today. Thanks to Imperialism I had no school yesterday. Fri. I went to Karaoke with ten other people, Johnny and Maija went to Osaka clubbing all night . I stayed at Karaoke for 4 hrs, nomihoudai'd, and went back to Maria and Tina's apartment with most of the Karaoke crew. There I saw a delapitated guitar and they were nice enough to let me fix it up and use it. Now I have a guitar and I am pumped. It is Nylon andI have never used one before, so it is an interesting experience. I goes out of tune after a while and the sound isn't perfect but it gets the job done.
Saturday it snowed like crazy all day and it was beautiful. I hardly ever snows enough down here to accumulate, so I set out on an adventure with Johnny's Camera. It was beautiful and I will post the pictures as soon as I get them off of his camera. Also while I was taking the pictures, I witnessed a huge branch break under the weight of the snow.
Sunday Daniel, Maija, and myself went to Osaka, while Johnny and Yuri went to the mountains of Kyoto. The Osaka crew went to Den-Den town and visited various erotic shops, the Kyoto kids saw various ancient buddha shrines. One shop was five stories of mostly dvds, I was in shock. For having such strict censure laws (anything south of the beltline is blurred), Japan has a lot of fetish shit. At the end of the day we all met up in Osaka at Yuri's resturant. It is Korean food and it was delicious. A big skillet of cooked beef and vegetables, much like sukiyaki. Good times were had all around.
Monday I learned how to knit rather than do my laundry, and was rather lazy all day. I couldn't sleep well at all last night, and I was told that I look hung over...TWICE. Woo-hoo. Thats about it for now, and despite the hung over look I'm in good spirits.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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