an unconventional ever after

Back in business!

2010-03-21T18:51:00.002+09:00

You know, it's always best to stick to what you know and in this case what we know is blogspot. After months of having limited Chinese access, we finally beat the system. So, since shutterfly has been a pain recently, we won't be desiring anymore of their service. That'll show them. So hopefully everyone enjoys the return of a reliable and dear friend like Mr. Blogspot. Hopefully, that means more frequent blogging.

The Best of Japan

2009-07-22T11:11:00.000+09:00

Best Big City
Sapporo/ Hiroshima

Best Small City
Morioka

Best Country Town
Takko

Best "traditional" Japan
Shikoku

Best "Modern Japan"
Osaka

Best temple
Nikko

Best ramen
Spicy Miso Ramen

Best Fruit
Aomori Apples, Yamagata Cherries, Okinawa Passionfruit

Best "American" food
Bikkuri Donkey- Also places first for the best name in Japan

Best place to be when the sun is shining
In the car, on a long drive past rice fields and seeing hazy mountains in the distance.

Best place to spend a rainy day
Round One, Namja Town

Best summer
BBQ in the Akita Beach

Best Winter
Hakkoda Mountain, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri

Best Fall
Onsen in the middle of Kouyo (fall leaves)

Best Spring
Hirosaki Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms sipping a beer

Best amusement
Odaiba

Best chill place
Oirase River in Aomori

Best festival
Hmmm... Nebuta Festival in Aomori, Tuna Festival in Aomori, Sansa in Morioka

Best beer
Enjuku

Best snack
Rice burger from my school's cafeteria

Best sushi
Su no Ya Kaiten Sushi- cold, good quality fish and only 103 yen a plate!

Best thing to eat on a hot day
Dole Fruit popsicles, they do them right in Japan

Best thing to eat on a cold day
Nabe

Best onsen
Name Unknown in Iya Valley, cable car to the top and the valley below as you lie naked in the bath.

Best people
Okinawa people- Trusting complete strangers to drive your car while you are drugged in the back is TRUST!

Best random tourist trap
Tarabune in Sado ga Shima

Worse tourist trap
Chi no Ike in Beppu

Best place to go for "The Japan Experience"
Local festivals with yukata, food stalls, and the goldfish game

Best place for the "Food Traveler"
Kyushu- in it's entirety

Place I could go to again and again
Hokkaido

Tomorrow is the Last Day!

2009-07-16T14:17:00.002+09:00

I am really going to miss this school, everything about it. Today, I had three classes with my first years. It was fun even though I realized early this week that these students will not have much sentiment over someone they met only four months ago, but I am really feeling the love from my second and third year students. Enough love to let myself know that I did what I wanted to do. I wanted to give these students a good experience with America and English and I think I've accomplished that. In between my classes, I had some great memories. I was going to the bank when I saw students from the blind school that I had just said "goodbye" to yesterday. They were having an exchange with one of my 2nd year classes. THey all gathered and I watched them play すいかわり (breaking the watermelon). I got to talk with a whole bunch of students and got to even play myself, breaking the watermelon. There was cherring and good things everywhere. Then a group of boys, some that I thought didn't have a care about me wanted to take pictures with me. Then in the office, a 3rd year student gave me a letter. I had trapped her into conversation earlier and she wanted to say her own goodbye. Then one of my 3rd year students that always comes to talk to me came and we had a great reminiscent talk. Tomorrow is my last day, but I feel like I can properly leave this school with my head up high, saying that I have done what an ALT is suppose to do.

Silver Dreams

2009-07-11T07:29:00.002+09:00

In the past couple of weeks I have had two creepy dreams with silver in them. Strangely, these did not scare me like most bad dreams do and the story in the dream made a lot of sense rather than just clips of odd things that still makes a choppy story.

The first dream, I was living in an all-girl apartment with my friend Allison. The building and area wasn't very clean, but we didn't seem to mind. One day, we are walking together on the street and a taxi cab pulls up in front of us asking for a ride, we tell him we don't need one although he insists. He then tells us how beautiful he thinks we are and asks us if he can take us out to a big dinner. We imagined a very big buffet with a lot of expensive food, but we say no to him, many times. We returned to our building. A couple dream days later, we realized (in some weird way) that there were many taxi drivers out around the area, all asking for the girls to come in. We further realized that their ploy was to pick up the girls, take them to a really nice meal, drop them off at home and kill them. We did not know how. But then we heard a sound. We looked outside our apartment and saw men in black trench coats and silver masks walking around the apartment. We manage to find a very hot rock that we put on the floor and burned a hole through the next five floors. We looked and all our downstairs neighbors are dead. We realize though, that we are safe because we did not accept the offer to eat with them, but these men we around the halls trying to find the women in the apartment who ate with them.

Second dream, I was at an ALT party with a LOT of people. It was a big park with a fancy restaurant at the end. I was with Ron and an unknown person. As we are walking around, it felt like something was wrong with some of the people. We didn't know what , but it was creepy enough to try and leave the party. We went to the restaurant and managed to hide in the back storage area. During the time of waiting, people would come into the storage shed, in hopes to talk to a talent agent or such and many of them would not come out. Some of them did, but when they came out they had silver coming out of their eyes and nose. After less people started to come, we decided we had to leave since it really didn't feel safe. We left the restaurant and started to run through the park, but when we got to the park it was COMPLETELY empty. There was no one. We wondered where everyone went. Then, the silver people started to come out. They didn't seem to notice us and kept on socializing and BBQ-ing. More of them started to come around us and they knew that we weren't like them but didn't seem to care. We were in this really big group and finally when we knew it was safe to ask, we asked them,
"What happened to everyone?"
The silver people said, "Oh, we ate them. We need them to keep the silver in our bodies."
We asked, "But why don't you want to eat us?"
"Because it's already past our feeding time. We don't need to eat anymore. You're safe."
And we continued to BBQ.

School is starting to suck now.

2009-07-09T11:42:00.002+09:00

This week has been painful. Now that I had my Farwell party with my English teachers, which was painful enough, they have started to make me say "goodbye" to my students. I realize that this is the best, saying goodbye to them personally, but it makes the days so much more depressing. Then I can't really read their reactions. Did they know? Do they care? Do they want me out of here? Are they like me and will start crying two weeks after I leave? I'm sure they wonder the same things. Why am I leaving? Why would I leave them? Who will replace me? amongst other questions. I feel like such a cheat going to China when I had planned to stay for three years. I really fear that they'll find out and think I don't care. I have tried to think of good reasons why going to China is better and that makes a perfectly legitimate reason why I HAVE to leave, but it hurts and sucks just the same. The closest I've gotten is that Ron found a job in China as well as me and we both haven't had a job in a while. I know I may not have reached all the students, but I sure hope I got through most. Even half, I'm cool with. Ugh! This is going to be a long, guilt-ridden, suicide-watching week (just kidding on the suicide).

2009-07-08T10:11:00.000+09:00

The date is 7/8/09 and the time is 10:11:12 am.

2009-07-08T04:05:00.000+09:00

The time is now 4:05:06 am on 7/8/09!

I am the most popular ALT!

2009-07-06T11:17:00.002+09:00

On a drowsy feeling Saturday, I went shopping with a friend and our plan was to meet a bunch of other ALTs for a 4th of July BBQ and fireworks. We made it to the park and the day seemed to get more and more tiring and awkward since there was no food or fireworks, something we were promised. Eventually, we started playing frisbee. I was in the middle of a horrible frisbee toss when I hear a group of people scream "JUNI!!!". I turned around and it was one of my Ichiko classes. 40 students coming right at me. It seems that they were all together to celebrate their victory in the Sports Festival and came to the park to light fireworks. This was luckily one of my favorite classes. Any other class would have been much more quiet and awkward. It started to downpour on everyone so the big group of drinking foreigners were mixed in with my students. I got to have so much fun talking with my students and so many of them were saying how much they would miss me and how they don't want me to leave. I felt so lucky with a little too much pride as the other ALTs saw how my students gush over me and how freakin' brilliant they are with their English. Even after the rain stopped, the kids stuck around to light their fireworks so I know that they weren't haging out because they were stuck. I was light on my feet the entire evening knowing that I would be missed in my school.

Our Old Man Part II

2009-07-01T14:41:00.003+09:00

Remember our old man? He's a funny guy. He will randomly call or just knock on the door at home with bags of "heart presents." He is usually about 5 beers in at this time and wants to drink more at our house. Ron and I don't really drink on the weekdays anymore, but we let him sit and sip on some sochu while we eat what he's brought for us. He prides himself on being "nonbe" (strong drinker) and that his heart is pure and he continuously reminds us that he doesn't want to be an annoyance. Slowly, but surely though he is becoming one. Not only are we not ready for two hours of his intoxicated repetition, but it always ends up with him lecturing me with how to be a good Japanese wife and playing his game of:

Old Man: OK OK. I'm being a bother. I'm going now.
Us: No, no. Stay. You haven't finished your drink. (fueled by guilt)
Old Man: OK. Ten more minutes.

(Ten minutes later)

Old Man: OK OK. I'm being a bother. I'm going now.
Us: No, no. Stay. (Saying it to say it)
Old Man: OK. Ten more minutes.

etc...

Usually he is tipsy and after a while he heads home, but last night was interesting. Yesterday we had a small birthday party with our old man, and our friends Casey. This is a party mainly because our old man insisted that he wanted to buy me a cake. We are all together while we eat cake and he drinks whatever we got. He's pretty toasty before drinking, but with his NONBE NONBE attitude, we think nothing of it. Pretty soon, we are tired and want to close the party and when our old man realizes this he starts getting really hissy and drinking more, refusing to leave. Finally we get him to stand up and he can barely stand. We try to walk him home and he refuses to move, ending up lying down on our little road. We don't know where he lives and don't want to hurt him by picking him up, so we do what we have to do...we call the police and 10 minutes later they try to take him home but our old man is getting angrier and angrier, swinging his arms and not saying where he lives. I go in the house since his yelling will cause attention to our surrounding neighbors, namely my supervisor and students. Eventually, Ron finds out where he lives and the police are able to take him home. That evening got out of hand really quick. I understand that he is lonely and that's why we don't mind him around, but a line of our own threshold was crossed, no matter what he tries to buy for us. I'm in the middle of feeling really guilty, wanting to comfort this man and give him company, but secretly hoping that he will be giving us a "heart present" rest for a little while.

My Birthday, My Lesson

2009-06-29T09:14:00.002+09:00

Lesson Number One
- Completing goals based on vanity is really hard, it's easier just to be accepting.

Lesson Number Two
- Drinking vitamins, sleeping at 10, and going for a power walk at 6am should not wait until you NEED it.

Lesson Number Three
- Making excuses is a habit I need to break COLD TURKEY.

Lesson Number Four
- Depending on people to support my happiness- OK
- Depending on people to make my happiness- Not OK

Lesson Number Five
- Simple willpower can only keep me motivated for a month.

Lesson Number Six
- Friends, even short-term friends are important.

Lesson Number Seven
- Money can be made and memories should not be sacrificed because of it.

Lesson Number Eight
- I do the best I am capable of everyday.

Lesson Number Nine
- Doing things on my own makes me feel a lot better than people doing it for me.

Lesson Number Ten
- By next year, I want to stop making excuses, find what I really want to do, and do it.

The Kunino's

2009-06-28T22:17:00.004+09:00

Our Tokyo family came to visit us in Tohoku and we had a great time showing them around, enjoying onsen, eating delicious food, and loving the cool June breeze.

Thank you for coming Fujinami's!!

Sports Festival!

2009-06-26T17:11:00.003+09:00

3 days of no study and all play.

Around this beautiful time in June, students finish their vigerous exams and get to rest their brains with an all school Sports Competition. Softball, Badminton, Volleyball, Basketball, Dodgeball, Handball, and soccer are the games of choice. Being a teacher in Ichiko the number of female teachers to make up the female teacher team is quite slim. But this year, we managed to win at Badminton and Softball and win second in Soccer. I was goalie. I hate running. I had so much fun since the students would all be so happy to talk to me. I was having conversations with students the whole time. I felt the love. English, Japanese, they didn't care what language, but they were so willing to take their time to talk with me and I really enjoyed their company since they didn't have the reigns of education tugging on them. Last year, I only got to see one day. I'm so glad I got to experience beginning to the end. My body aches from so much fun.

My First Last Day

2009-06-23T09:40:00.002+09:00

Yesterday I got a glimpse of what life will feel like in a couple of weeks. Yesterday and the friday before it, I made my way to another school, Matsuzono Yogo, a school that I visit for about two days while Ichiko has tests. So guess I've been to this school a total of 16 times in two years. But each time I go, I always leave with good memories. The initial smell of the school reminds me of tatami in the winter. The staff room always welcomes me with bright OHAYO GOZAIMASU. The kids in the first lesson are always incredibly shy, but by the end of the day, they are peeking into the staff room to get a HELLO from me. They like me. They want to talk to me. It's a very obvious affection which is what makes me love this school. After leaving Matsuzono Yogo, knowing that I wouldn't come back, it really bummed out my evening. If a school that I have only been to 16 times makes me so depressed, I'm worried about Mo Gakko and Ichiko where I've invested so much more time and effort. It's going to be a depressing three weeks.

Ramen Journal

2009-06-12T17:55:00.011+09:00

A collection of delicious ramen over the past 2 years. Please hold a beer in your hand as you look at these pictures. Beer always tastes better with ramen.

My favorite...Local Morioka Spicy Miso ramen

Also from the same restaurant, Genkotsu(think butter-like meat) Shoyu ramen

Sapporo Miso Ramen

In Aomori, Takko Town's Garlic Ramen

Tokyo's Shoyu Ramen

Yamagata Cold Ramen

Kyoto Style Ramen

Fukuoka Tonkotsu Ramen

Nagasaki Champon Ramen

Okinawa Soba

And now, finish the beer!

Beer Party!

2009-06-12T09:11:00.003+09:00

So, Ron and I promised ourselves that we wouldn't drink until after the Japanese test...but there are always exceptions to the rules.

Yesterday we met with my co worker, her husband, and his parents for a beer party. We have a local brewery in our city and once a month they hold a beer party in a local restaurant. 4000 yen will get you 6 courses of delicious food and at least 4 types of local and imported beers. We had our first encounter two months ago and we were looking forward to going again. So we spent the evening drinking with this new family and Ron and I were so tickled by all the cuteness of love that surrounded us. My coworker and her husband and his parents regained my faith in affection in Japan. The way they looked at each other and the soft touches I noticed the father giving his wife was so adorable, my cheeks hurt from all the smiling. They raved all night about their hometown an hour away from Morioka, which is renown for their onsen, so we made a date with all of them to have a last "onsen hurrah" the day before we leave.

I wish you could taste these pictures!

My Favorite Shirt

2009-06-06T14:43:00.002+09:00

It's so funny how sad it is. Or it's so sad how funny it is.

English Club Cooking

2009-06-05T08:26:00.003+09:00

So after feeling huge guilt for not being an active part of English Club last year, I decided to go full force this year. Last year, they never really asked me to set anything up for them and I didn't want to intrude if they had study time. But I did make an awesome Halloween party and nade it to their end-of-the-year banquet, so I got some points there. This year, I get one day a week to do conversation practice with them. The past couple of times have been fun as we tried to get some short conversation out of this ridiculously shy group of girls.

The most fun though, has been the two cooking classes we had, the most recent being yesterday. Last month we made "American style" pancakes, which just meant making pancakes but with chocolate chips, sprinkles, and nuts in them. These girls love sweet food and gobbled it up. Then yesterday I decided to make Tacos, something these students will hardly get a chance to eat. So, I went to our local foreign food market and got a really expensive taco making set. Expensive because of the fact that imported prices are crazy up here. But they got to eat avocado flavored chips for a snack and each of them had a taco-making job and at the end, we made an assembly line of taco making. I could see the happiness in their faces. They were quite shocked with the meat oil dripping from the taco and freaked out when it got all over their hands. I just told them that "eating tacos is very messy." It was also really funny to see them contemplate how to eat the tacos since there isn't much Japanese food that required the tilting of the head. I had a great time. I gave them the recipe in English and sent them off as I heard "oishii katta" and "onaka ga ippai" exit through the doors.

Our Old Man

2009-06-03T08:40:00.001+09:00

Ron wrote about this on his own blog, but I thought that I would write the translated version. About a month ago we went to the local bath house since our bath tub decided to turn off the hot water...again. So as I was showering up on the girls side, I heard the voice of Ron on the other side, not surprisingly talking to a Japanese man. Ron always comments about hating the foreigner attention when he is naked. So as Ron and I meet outside, he tells me that this man wants to take us out to sushi. He is a man over 70, whose wife is in the hospital and he as no children. So we decided to go on an adventure and hang out with this old man. We went with him to the sushi place and he destroyed us with the drinking. Beer and sochu were coming at every direction while plates of sashimi, katsu, and tempura were also being forced down our throats. We could barely walk back home, but we figured that our company made this man very happy. End of the story...so we thought.

About a week ago, Ron and I went to our donut shop to try and get some quality studying since we had been recently lagging. A phone call comes and it is our old man. He stops by the donut store and begins to talk with us (good Japanese practice?) When we get the chance to leave he insists of buying us some donuts, which we tried so hard to politely pass on. Finally when we tell him, "OK, 1 ko" He says "no no no 5 ko." We tell him that 5 will make us fat and he says "Don't worry, we will also buy fruit." So after buying us 5 donuts, we guiltily follow him to the grocery store where he buys us tangerines, cherries, and watermelon. I'm sure he would have bought us more if we weren't whining so much. Ron and I were feeling really bad about this until at the check out stand our old man goes to the check out lady and says,

"Do you see them? They are foreigners. They are my friends."

And the biggest smile was on his face. So I guess buying our company makes him feel good and he's not a bad guy. We have a tonkatsu date with him on Friday. Luckily, since that drinking night we've decided to give up drinking for the test. Hopefully, he takes our polite rejection for the real thing. NO MORE SOCHU!

Driving and Musicals

2009-06-01T09:56:00.003+09:00

In our 48 hour weekend, we drove for 18 hours, and slept for 11 hours, which equals to 19 hours of being in Tokyo. Not a very long luxurious weekend, but filled with memories. We got a ride from a fellow coworker of mine who turned into our Chinese tutor. He drove us to Tokyo so he could also see his daughter who is a new university student. The first day was filled with driving, arriving in Yokohama, eating Chinese food to our heart's content, and making our way to Tokyo to watch Wicked...in Japanese. It was wonderful. The singing was amazing and since I saw it before in English, I could understand almost everything and it made it as breathtaking as the first time I saw it. Ron and I really enjoyed it.

The next day, we went around Akihabara on the mission of finding a DVD player so we could watch Japanese movies on our computer, no such luck, but we did manage to find some other nice things before we made our way to Yokohama once again. This time it was to watch our friend Kunino perform in Yokohama's 150th anniversary of their harbor being built. It was a surprisingly good performance. It was really interesting to see something historical from another culture. There was another part where they played out the bombings during World War II and it was really frightening to see what they went through. Very eye opening. Well, after the performance and the wonderful singing of Kunino's choir, we met our friend and made 8 more hours of travel until we came back to Morioka. I am so happy that we were able to make this journey, but the next time, we will definately use the Shinkansen.

Whatever happened to studying?

2009-05-25T10:10:00.004+09:00

We had a busy weekend. Friday was finishing work, then meeting up with our ~married friends~ for some wedding sharing time. All their friends and our friends are single or dating, so no one but us is really interested in seeing wedding pictures and wedding videos. Besides, since they can speak only limited English and we speak barely speakable Japanese, connecting through pictures seemed very beneficial for our relationship. On Saturday, Ron had a business pow wow with a friend while I strolled the train station doing some errunds and window shopping, something I don't often so and miss so very much. We met back up and went to the next town to have a big family dinner with Ron's boss/priest agent's family. We enjoyed good company and good food and I remembered why children are so adorable. I should mention that it was a big family gathering with little 3 year olds running all over the place. I enjoyed the company of the cutest little 8 year old.

Then Sunday, we woke up bright and early to go to Ron's baseball game. He played in the later half as left field and did a very good job. He even caught a fly ball to get the batter out. We returned home, put on some nice clothes and then make our way to a little chapel where Ron donned the outfit to make him a "priest." I had weird thoughts of it before, but if they are going to hire foreigners to do this anyway, it should at least be someone who has been married and does believe in the faith. It's better than some random guy that hasn't even gone through the motions himself. That's what I figure. I was in the sound room during this time and Ron did great. I can tell he was a bit nervous, especilly when the couple decided that walking in with their 10 month old baby and holding him during the service would be a good idea. It kinda kills the romantic notions of the TWO people. But, it was their wedding. But the baby cried...and cried...and cried... and Ron did not falter. He says he did, but it wasn't big enough to matter. He did great!

We came home and then off to the next event, matchmaking a date between Ron's baseball buddy and a foreign friend we know. We slipped out to our married friends of the meeting and they decided to come too. But we had a great time. Us, not the matchmade couple. They didn't talk to each other much. But Ron and I had a great time and although we were busy and couldn't study much, I think 3 nights of constant Japanese dialogue works just the same.

2009-05-22T13:44:00.003+09:00

It's really difficult to capture into pictures what has been happening recently, but since it has been fairly busy, perhaps my descriptions will be just as colorful.

Ron will start his marriage duties this weekend. It's been a long awaited process and finally he can start. There was a bit of drama at one point. Ron's boss/agent Joe was able to find Ron a steady church and we were thrilled with the news. However, he called us a couple days later and told us that the company that the church uses to find priests are trying to take money from the church and the priests and putting it into their own pocket. I guess being Japanese, stealing from the church doesn't seem too life-condemning. If Ron took the job, it would be steady income until we left, however Joe would not get rightfully paid and the man whose church it is would also not get his rightful share. In addition to the crazy web one action creates to another, Ron settling for a lesser pay would also give other companies the idea to give their priests less money. After thinking about it, it was simple that the solution was to not commit to the offer unless Ron, Joe, and the church was getting the money that is deserved. The meeting is next monday and we aren't sure what the outcome will be.

Other than that, we've been enjoying the slower pace of staying in town for the weekends. With no more destinations to fulfill and Japanese study on the brain, we have been staying in, however many friends have been pulling us out to have nights out, keeping us for our desire to study but not enough of a desire to reject the invitation. We've also dedicated sleeping an hour earlier in order to get up earlier to exercise. That in turn creates and even more difficult time schedule to do study, eat, bath, relax, and such. 6 hours seems like a lot, but it really isn't.

The other night on a Wednesday, we were treated to sushi by this old man that Ron met at the bath. Ron was telling me the sad story of this lonely man with no children whose wife was in the hospital and who wanted to take us out to sushi. On the day of, this old man took us to his favorite sushi place and drank us under the table. Beer and sochu was all over the place and after a while so were we. Good thing Ron had nothing to do the next day. But for me, I slowly awoke from my drunken stupor and trudged my bicycle to work. As I was getting there, a student on his bike didn't see me and we crashed and I fell to the ground. It didn't help the headache.

Starting today!

2009-05-11T09:58:00.002+09:00

Now that all our visitors have left, Ron and I have serious plans for the rest of our stay. After reading some very motivational books, we've decided to hit the Japanese Language Proficiency test hard. We've also decided to use the time in our day more effectively to make room for exercise and study rather than TV sitcoms on the internet. With perserverance and hard work, we will be able to leave this country with a few more goals set and finished.

Golden Week

2009-05-03T20:56:00.003+09:00

For our Golden week vacation, we will be doing a sunrise-sunset mission. On the early morning of 4:35 am, we will be waking up on the eastern coastal city of Miyako. After seeing the beautiful sunrise, we will take a five hour drive, stopping at various tourist hot spots until we get to the western side of Akita Beach. There we will BBQ, see the sunset, and enjoy the company of the friends and the sand. There are only a few places in the world where the sun can be seen rising and setting on the same day. It is our mission to see both on May 4th.

2009-04-22T14:37:00.002+09:00

We are officially going to Shanghai high school. It was up in the air for a little while, but finally we got our letter. In the city, free housing, free utilities, school lunch, one month Christmas vacation, $2000 a month each, and both of us in the same school. Can't complain one bit.

Cherry Blossoms- American Style!

2009-04-19T18:47:00.006+09:00

Early Saturday morning, our friend Adam was dropped off at our local lake and kept our special spot safe.

At 10 am, I met Adam with our prepared foods. He was so happy to have someone with him.

The sofa was a special part of our Hanami this year. We decided to bring our living room to the festivities. As other Japanese parties brought out their blue tarps, we took out our coffee table, carpet, and couch. Many Japanese strollers couldn't understand our strange set up, but we knew that they were all envious that we though of such a great idea. While the rest of our family arrived, the boys enjoyed some light exercise.

Our Family Hanami Picture

The rest of the warm sunny day was enjoyed playing baseball, eating homemade food, feeding the flying hawks, practicing handstands, and staring down the judging faces of the Japanese community.

Only at Ichiko

2009-04-14T15:51:00.003+09:00

An example that my students are so smart that it's funny.

I asked two of my students whom I've just finished a class with how much English they understood in class. They took a couple minutes to think about it and then said... four-fifths.

Easter

2009-04-14T09:21:00.003+09:00

I forgot Easter again. Last year, we happened to hear that it was Easter the day of and I told myself I wouldn't forget this year. However, I finally realized that I don't actually know when Easter is since the day always changes. I was confused between March and April. I was so used to having decorations around me at home and big scary Easter bunnies at the mall. Not to mention the countdowns at church. I guess being in Japan where people have absolutely no clue about this holiday, it's difficult to sometimes remember those things that were fun all through my life before. It's hard to teach Easter in Japan. I don't want to give them the shallow end and say it's all about bunnies, eggs, and spring. But once I start talking about Christ and religion, it all goes out the window. I've tried it already with Christmas and Hanukkah. Try to explain the Hanukkah story to 16 year old Japanese students- I dare you!

The Forgotten Zamami Island

2009-04-12T22:34:00.003+09:00

Forgotten because of the fact that I didn't include it with the other Okinawa pictures. It's a shame too because it was really so fun and I snorkeled which is something I didn't think I would do because of my fear of the ocean. I can swim around the shallow area, but if I see fish and algae and coral, no way!

On this small island though, two hours from Naha, Ron and I really got to enjoy doing absolutely nothing. I realized that although the purpose of this trip was to relax, going from city to city, taking buses for hours, hitch hiking, and trying to make an adventure everyday, a small island of 500 was just what was needed. Ron and I were able to eat at all 5 restaurants and we made several loops walking around the village. The turquoise water was amazing and going underwater was a completely mind bending experience. It was one thing to see these things through glass, but to be swimming with them was incredible. We saw lion fish, squid, and larger fish about a foot long. I would never try to touch them, but my inner challenge was won when I put on the fins and dove into the sea. Holding Ron's hand while swimming also calmed me down.

My Husband's Uwavering Perserverence

2009-04-10T10:52:00.002+09:00

Japanese companies can be so brutal in their passivity. It's quite an interesting anthropological study to see how Ron is treated in his workplaces because he isn't Japanese. His bosses don't think he can understand them, so they just don't tell him important things like schedule changes, and when he won't have classes, and when they've decided not to use him anymore. He was guaranteed a job for the returning school year, but his school just decided not to call and deal with directly letting him go. So Ron has had 3 months without a job, and I can't believe that they've dealt with it as if it's volunteer work. But Ron has been great at home studying Japanese and keeping the house clean. He does all my errands and I feel that my Japanese is slipping since Ron does all the lingual work for me. He's been a wonderful house husband.

But since a couple days ago, he got the part time job magazine and has been calling a bunch of companies. Many of them don't want to hire him since he's a foreigner, but he's broken down a lot barriers by telling them what a great smile he has and to just give him a try, and because of that persistence, he has 5 interviews lined up. Who knows if any of these will bite, but his efforts to do something has impressed me. I just know that if I was in the position of having to find a job on my own in Japan, I may not be so aggressive. Here's praying that he finds something great.

The beginnings of a new year.

2009-04-08T11:50:00.004+09:00

Today was the ceremony for the new freshmen. Since I am part of the Freshman Staff, I was also included in the photos and even got to go on stage to be introduced to the students. This felt like quite a big deal to me since it made me feel like I was actually a part of the staff and not just the non-speaker that was tossed into the empty seat in the corner. Actually, my seat is in a nice cush location where I can easily harass the students with English as they walk by.

The hardest part of the day, though was trying to decide what to wear. Not because of the girly reasons (kinda), but as a way to physically show everyone that I was the ALT, and not just one of their Japanese teachers. Yet, it was a special occasion so showing up wearing red, white, and blue with cowboy boots didn't seem appropriate. The standard dress code seems to be black suit, white shirt, white tie. I settled on black jacket, black sweater, and red skirt. WHEEE!! I'm a rebel! I always try at school to wear a little bit more color than the other teachers. I guess it's a way to show off my American individuality. Since my face doesn't scream "Foreigner", I've relied on my wardrobe to get that message across. And according to the squeals and かわいい～～　of my second year students, Mission Accomplished.

My last free, yummy, expensive so I would never pay for it bento.

2009-04-01T13:30:00.002+09:00

This is important for everyone to know.

Because of the difficult financial times, it's hard to leave a job that pays so well, so Ron and I have decided not to return to America and stay in Japan for a few more years. I know this is a surprise, but we think this is the best decision for now...

...although the joke would have been funnier to me if this message was replied to with panicky emails, it seems that I have to say APRIL FOOLS DAY with the image in my head that somewhere in the States, someone was at least a little bit gullible.

McCormick's Hotel for Weary Travelers

2009-03-31T08:43:00.003+09:00

Since there are so many people moving out and going home, there are those that get lost in the process and find themselves in a bit of a predicament. Our two friends who decided to stick it out in Japan for another year now find themselves reluctantly planning a trip home, without a place in Japan, and a need to have a last hurrah before leaving the motherland. Now Ron and I find our two empty rooms filled with drawers and clothes and our space seems a wee bit smaller. This seems reminiscent of a time when we lived with other friends in a space a wee bit too small as well. Now who did we live with ?... Can't remember... Not important... especially if they don't comment on the blog...

But things are great. Most of our friends are leaving so it's nice to have them with us until we go as well. Our home has become the sanctuary for all lost things and during this month we will be having friends come back and forth to Morioka in need of refuge. Ron and I have our own little hostel. A little Bed and Breakfast, although the bed is a futon, and the breakfast is a late night beer, but the cozy comfort of non-home is what we can offer. Ron and my time of solitude has ended, but at least this is a good test of how we'll fare when we finally make it home.

Push and Pull

2009-03-27T09:56:00.003+09:00

In Morioka, it's snowing then sunny...snowy then sunny...blizzard than sunny...all in one day. I guess it's funny how the weather outside feels like my insides. We've just finished our last big trip in Japan and we feel like we have completed a big challenge, ready for the next adventure. Then, there are farewell parties at Ichi-ko and many of our ALT friends leaving to return to the normal world, which leaves us a little lonely. They tell me of their frantc stories of trying to enjoy their last moments in Morioka, but at the same time being holed up in their apartment trying to clean and pack everything within their few last hours. That tells the organizer in me to start planning so I don't go through the pain. While matching dates to events, I'm starting to see how really small our time is here. I've been looking on the bright side and telling everyone how long five months is... but that was a month ago. Now it's four and looking at my next school year and realizing that my remaining time is shorter than a Moriokan winter, I can't help but feel that the glass is half empty. I feel relief to start a new journey, but the pangs of fear and guilt as I leave a great place, with great people, and great memories. Snowy...sunny...snowy...sunny... ...

Enjoying Okinawa

2009-03-20T20:01:00.003+09:00

Nago City and the Ocean Expo Park

Nago brought us a lot of adventure and firsts. After arriving and searching for our guest house for an hour, we finally found a series of shacks that barely looked like they were holding themselves up. The walls were peeling, everything felt "beachy" and it just looked worn down. However unsure we (I) felt about it, it was indeed our place. However, after going to the Orion brewery and sitting in the hammock watching the beach only ten steps away while talking with like-minded guests, we changed our one night stay to two. Great choice!

The next day, Ron went scuba diving for the first time. He said that he touched fish and coral and went down nearly 8 meters. I stayed on the boat because of my fear of the underwater world. I just felt like if I did scuba, the fish would scare me enough to panic, burst my eardrum, and die. Afterward, we wanted to go to the nearby ocean park that had Japan's biggest aquarium (apparently, it's not in Osaka) so as our mode of transportation, we hitchiked. I would never try it anywhere else but Japan. However, five minutes of shaking our sign and we were saved by a cute couple from Kobe who took us to the park. After enjoying the aquarium, dolphins, beach, and whale sharks, we were debating how to get back, since lightning may not strike twice. We started to walk with our sign and I was cranky so we stopped at a small Taco rice shop. While we were eating, a random lady saw our sign and asked if we could drive her car to Nago since she just drank some medicine. We gladly accepted her offer and along with a free ride to our destination, she also gave us fresh passionfruit. We came back to our guest house to a huge BBQ party. We drank the local liquor and enjoyed beach roasted chicken and homemade pizza. I like Okinawa.

Enjoying Okinawa

2009-03-20T19:44:00.007+09:00

The capital city of Naha.

Since we finished our two year excursion of our ping pong travels- trying to see as much as we can in a short amount of time, we decided to spend one whole week in one place. Arriving in Naha felt like Hawaii, Philippines, and Los Angeles all at the same time, which equals good nostalgic feelings and promise of a great vacation. On our first full day in Naha, we enjoyed the colorful Kokusai-dori that was filled with souvenier shops and AMERICAN-ish food. Our lunch was tacos, which actually tasted amost authentic. We enjoyed the nearby beach and sun knowing that our friends in Morioka were still relying on heaters. We biked uphill to the famous castle, but since we were on a no castle/temple diet, we didn't enter but enjoyed the surrounding scenery. We were quickly falling in love with this addicting city.

Don't worry everyone, we're still coming back home!

Finishing Japan- Day 5

2009-03-17T09:41:00.003+09:00

Last day in Kyushu

Waking up in Beppu, Ron and I finished our onsen adventure by going to this little house in the middle of nowhere and having a kazoku-buro (family bath), which means a private onsen made for families and couples to take baths together. Ron now knows what his future bathroom will look like.

After our perfect soak, we made it back to the city and endured a 2 hour bus ride back to Fukuoka where a big bowl of Tonkotsu ramen was waiting for us.

Another couple hours and we were on the road to the Fukuoka airport and 8 pm last night, we arrived in the city of Naha , making our 2 year Japan excursion fully complete. We have now been to every large part of Japan; Hokkaido, Tohoku, Honshu, Western Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and now Okinawa. Today we will lie on the beach with happy smiles on our face. Realizing how much we did in such a short time, it makes me happier to be able to finish this summer and head back and show everyone of the feat we accomplished.

Orion beer and Okinawa soba to celebrate our victory!

Finishing Japan Day 3

2009-03-15T20:18:00.006+09:00

Nagasaki

Nagasaki was a day for eating. There was so much incredible yummy things. Ron and I ate Champon, Sara-Udon, Castella Pound Cake, Turk rice (I want to say it's something from Turkey, but I dunno) and Pork Sandwiches in Chinatown. We used our pedometer that day and managed to walk our 10,000 steps to keep us in top eating form. We also saw the Peace Park filled with beautiful statues. At night we enjoyed ourselves by drinking wine through the streets and listening to street performers entertain the night folk. For the food lover, we recommend Nagasaki.

Beppu

We managed to endure the three hour+ bus ride to the other side of the island. Luckily we had the movie King Kong to entertain us...in Japanese. When we arrrived at Beppu, the rolling green hills, and natural steam coming from the ground looked a little bit like from a movie in itself. There's no well known food in Beppu so Ron and I ate on the cheap. But we did manage a side trip that took us to the biggest tourist trap I had ever seen. We took a 30 minute bus ride to the "Blood Pool Hell" that is suppose to be a deep red gurgling pond of the hottest onsen water. When we got to the location, paid our 800 yen, and meander through the big gift store, we made it to a pond of water with red clay on the bottom, giving the illusion of red water. The funny part is, this is one of 8 hells in Beppu, each with their own unique character, but I'm betting my 800 yen, about the same amount of disappointment. Adding to my belief that Japan puts too much effort in their tourism industry. It was fun and Ron and I enjoyed our adventure.

Finishing Japan Day 1

2009-03-13T20:27:00.003+09:00

Fukuoka, Japan

After 7 hours on the night bus, we finally made it to Tokyo Station at 5:30 am. We hopped on the plane at 7:50 and arrived in Fukuoka by 10:00 am. Unfortunately, when we arrived it was raining raining raining. Luckily, Fukuoka is not big on sightseeing, but it is huge on FOOD! Indoor, warm, satisfying food. We ended up spending the day at the prettiest outdoor mall I have ever seen. Ron and I surprised ourselves when we decided to watch The Lion King since it was playing at the mall. We enjoyed it so much, which was surprising since it was all in Japanese. But since we are the Disney generation, all it took was tapping into the archive of Disney movie plots. We also ate delicious ramen. The famous Tonkotsu, pork broth and a type of Kyoto ramen with thick chewy noodles. And even though it was rainy, we made it to the food stalls that were lined up along the river. We had overpriced yakitori and delicious beer to finish the greatness. Next stop for tomorrow...Nagasaki.

One Less Craving

2009-03-12T11:24:00.003+09:00

The other day we went to a Kyushu Food Fair in Morioka. Since we are going there tomorrow, we wanted to sample the food we would we would be gorging very soon. There we found Sasebo Burgers. Since there is a Navy Base in this small world of Sasebo, they have American style burgers, just what I needed.

Bun, thick patty, ham, bacon, egg, cheese, (onion), tomato, lettuce, mustard, ketchup, bun... YUM!

The dangers of a new spring

2009-03-10T22:08:00.004+09:00

Here are some pictures of the dangers you will face going from negative degree temperature to sunny springy days. FALLING ICE!

Graduation Day

2009-03-03T08:49:00.003+09:00

Graduation flowers

Today the sun is shining more than the breeze can be cold. The end of winter also calls for the end of a school year. After three years of studying, prioritizing work over play, and having too much stress than a normal high school student should, these kids can (almost) put their feet up. Many of them already know if they are going to University and unfortuantely many of them will see this time wasted because they have not been accepted into their University. It's a terrible system, but I'm sure the focus for these students today is to enjoy their "last" day at school (they'll be back) and remember the fun times they did have here. There are a few students that I will miss, a few more than last year, which makes this graduation not the anthropological study that it was last year, but more of the purpose of seeing these young adults challenge a new world. The best part of today is... I get a bento!

My wonderful senior students. The only ones who sat down and talked to me almost everyday. The girl was my lunch buddy and the boy would talk to me after school about America's political situation and Obama. Told you this was a smart school.

Ending the Year

2009-02-24T12:31:00.003+09:00

Today is the last day of teaching class. I had a really good year. I am really glad that I stayed another year to experience everything again. This year I got to know my second year students a lot more. I had a great freshman class. I had a lunch buddy for the entire year. I had a great Halloween party and English club and helped the students traveling to Australia. My only regrets was not being a big part of the English club and not participating in the Speech contest, but I know that if I left before, I would have a lot more regrets. Now I'm looking forward to making my last 4 months at Ichi-ko really shine. The reality of leaving is starting to hit.

By the way...

When asking one of my students if they want to do more activities in English Club next year, you know they are in the smartest high school when instead of answering in English, she draws a pie chart showing that she wants 15% study and 85% fun.... I love my school.

322 student interviews

2009-02-17T08:43:00.005+09:00

I am now in the final stretch of the school year, students are taking their final exams and I have just finished doing 5 minute interviews with all of them. Overall, I was quite impressed. These students study so much English, but it's difficult for them to use it in real life. However, for the interview, they really stepped up and surprised me. So, for everyone to enjoy, I will recall some of my favorite answers.

What is your future plan?
"I want to get married my 25 and make many sweet children."
"I want to be very rich." How? "I don't know."
"I want to be a teacher and I want to make a school that is filled with smile."

What is the most important point of archery?
"Your mind." (Does the FRIENDS 'unagi' sign)

Why did you like Oral Communication class?
"Because Juni and Ms. Kasai are beautiful women."

Why did you decide to go to Kyoto for the school trip?
"Kyoto was a 5 day trip. The other places were only 4. I wanted more vacation."

What are you looking forward to next year?
"I am looking forward to watching Heroes Season 2 on DVD."
"I am looking forward to eat a lot of delicious food."

What is your future plan?
"Of course, I want to graduate university and marry my girlfriend?"
Why do you like your girlfriend?
"When I am with her, I don't feel stress. She makes me happy."
Wow! Make sure you don't let her go.
"Oh yes, of course, I won't."

Proof That We Can Ski

2009-02-08T21:20:00.003+09:00

Hakkoda Mountain.

On any given day, Hakkoda Mountain has blizzard status on top and the only way to get down is to ski or snowboard while praying, but this Saturday the sun was shining, there was fresh powder and 100% visability. So, it was a perfect day to show you the beauty of Hakkoda and some actions shots showing that we are actually skiing.

New Year, New Blog Layout

2009-02-04T14:03:00.002+09:00

I realized in December that my blog looked the same as my friend Allison and we can't have that. So, I made my own customized layout. I really wish I could do more to it, put pictures and what not, but I really am not that savy. But I like color, so...I put color. Problem solved!

Things You Can't do in Sunny Los Angeles

2009-02-02T22:05:00.002+09:00

Our weekend plans have been booked ever since we bought our Hakkoda monthly pass. We dedicated the next 5 weekends to ski, ski, ski. However, bright and early Saturday morning, a blizzard covers Tohoku. It lasts from late Friday night to most of the day on Saturday morning. It leaves Tohoku with a tall layer of powder snow, great if you are 10 minutes from the mountain, painful if you are two hours away. The ski day was shot, but not all was hopeless. Ron, our friends Adam and I went to the nearby soccer field that was covered with untouched snow and made snowmen---Calvin and Hobbes style.

On Sunday, it was a clear, bright day. Unfortunately our friend Adam got sick so it was another day away from Hakkoda. Ron and I weren't going to let it get in our way so we made a car trip to our neighboring mountain. However, there was a large amount of traffic to get there because of our city's Snow Festival. So we sidetracked and went to a less crowded ski resort. Two quick runs and we were back on the road to find the festival. We walked around and enjoyed the ice sculptures. It was really sad because there was much less ice and sculptures than the year before. There were even patches of grass in some areas. Global warming! Ron and I left with a couple samples of festival food, but our fun was not over. Since we were in the area, we also went to the Handmade Village, Ron had been there with my family, but I was at work at the time. So Ron showed me how to make my own senbei and we watched old men made iron pots and slurped tea while eating sesame and red bean dangos. We made it home and treated ourselves to our homemade okonomiyaki.

I think that this weekend was the best example of lemons becoming lemonade. Make no mistake though, next week is definitely Hakkoda.

Ron's birthday weekend

2009-01-25T21:07:00.004+09:00

Ron is 25! Yay!

Ron is very happy. He got socks from his dad and cereal from his wife. Our English conversation students got Ron 8 slices of cake. Of course it is meant for everyone to have a slice, but it was a sweet gesture from the sweetest ladies.

Ron's birthday weekend took us two hours away to the city of Aomori, specifically Hakkoda Mountain. The best place we found for skiing. It has a long ropeway and the mountain is slightly groomed, which makes the snow powdery and a great challenge. It isn't for the faint-hearted and the family weekends. This is where the hardcore snow goers go. We spent two days going up and down this gorgeous mountain. I got multiple faceplants full of snow and Ron lost his skis while skiing and had to hike up knee height powder snow for 45 minutes. We found the skis. We plan on coming here every weekend.

Our New Year's Day

2009-01-22T19:54:00.004+09:00

Soon after our fire, onsen, and Chinese food, we made it to Tokyo just in time for the new year. We spend the countdown singing karaoke with Kunino's family. We would have forgotten about the New Year if we weren't paying for our karaoke at the time. I know that we were in Tokyo and there were probably a billion things to do to ring in 2009, but being with a close family, singing songs, and NOT driving was the perfect way to finish off the year after so much adventure.

The next day, like last year, we helped Kunino's family with preparing the New Years meal. Her mother made everything and it all tasted so good. Before we left for our trip back to Morioka, I made the family Morioka's famous Jajamen. Probably the only thing I am confident of making for her connoisseur mother.

A Foreigner's Fire

2009-01-22T19:41:00.002+09:00

Japan has small portable stoves that are used to put on the dinner table to make one-pot stew. In our case, we used it to cut our food costs in half by cooking the food ourselves. After all, we live here. We know what the food tastes like. So after a long morning of driving, we stop by a rest stop in Nagoya on our way to Hakone for some onsen. We find a really nice spot away from the restaurants and we were planning a wonderful meal of corn pasta. I assembled the small stove, put in the gas can, and turned on the flame... It started to burn much bigger than usual. Becky and I looked at it with the same amount of strange curiosity when... BOOM!!

Our stove burst into a large fire. I put in the gas can improperly and the gas was seeping into the fire. Becky and I took the water in the pasta pot and pour over it, but the gas was still leaking through making more of a fire. Afraid of an explosion, Ron quickly took the stove and tossed it far away from us. Unfortunately, where he threw it was a large amount of dry grass. We screamed for Ron's attention and he again tried to pick up the stove and started to bash it with his foot. By the all the luck in the world mixed in with a little grace from God, the gas ran out and the fire stopped. My jacket singed a bit, but that was the most damage, besides to our new broken stove. Looking behind us, Japanese families stared speechless at the foreigners who tried to burn down a Japanese rest stop. No wonder they hate us. Ron yelled out a "Daijyobu desu" (We're alright!) and they snickered away.

The worse part was that we were still hungry and in a couple minutes we took out some money that we hoped to save for another time and headed into the restaurant with our tails between our legs. These are the challenges we faced on our voyage. May we be a lesson learned to any traveler who does not look at their gas can when attempting to make a fire.

The Japanese Fantasy

2009-01-13T10:53:00.002+09:00

Since Ron and I had been to Kyoto, I wanted to do something different rather than look at temples all day. One of my students recommended taking maiko and samurai pictures. A maiko is like a wanna-be geisha. They are much more decorated and probably what most Americans think of when they think of a geisha. I really wanted to do it. I wanted to see what I would look like as a maiko and Ron being the good sport that he is, joined me as well. The experience was excellent. It was strange to see the process. I got covered in white paint. I looked like a ghost. Then the make up as put on. I still can't get over how different I looked. And then they put the wig on me. Luckily, they used the front of my hair and weaved it into the wig so that it looked more natural. In the end, I was stunned. It didn't look like me at all. I was a little disappointed since I thought that I would look very beautiful and elegant. My first impression was that I looked like a clown. Even after choosing the beautiful kimono and taking the pictures with Ron (who looked very good in his kimono), I still did not feel very confident in the makeup. I guess I just don't think I look good with a lot of makeup. Even with regular makeup, too much overwhelms me. I think after this experience, I missed my face. After washing it all away, I was pleasantly welcomed by my original face. It's not the most beautiful thing, but in that time of playing dress-up and becoming a lady of traditional Japan, I really appreciated the face that I have and the comfort I felt by not wearing makeup. I do, however enjoy the souvenir pictures. It is a great memory of Japan.

The Myth of Kansai

2009-01-10T23:08:00.006+09:00

December 26-29

NARA

Nara deer- not as friendly as Miyajima

Spoiler **Japan bubbles will be busted**

After Hiroshima, our energy started to fade. It's the halfway part of our trip and after the driving, sightseeing, waking up at random early times, and just not getting enough sleep is starting to take its toll. But we move on to Kansai, the traditional Japan. I appreciated what I saw in Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, but as a resident who has traveled most of Japan, I am starting to see past the "rose-tinted" glasses of the serenity of the temples and the "must see" attractions. Unfortunately, a temple is a temple. Sad to say, but true. I would probably have enjoyed seeing the temples, but to get to the temples, one must pass seas of vendors, numerous Starbucks, temples selling their charms, and loud foreigners trying to get a picture with the local deer by feeding it and screaming when the deer decide to eat their jacket when not fed. Actually, it is a very entertaining thing to see. Even in Nara, home to complete Japanese history and the largest wooden temple which houses the largest golden Buddha, the tour ended with postcards, keychains, T-shirts, and candies being sold IN the temple. It felt like that story of Jesus going in the temple to see the people disgracing it by selling local goods. It felt dirty and offensive. Even in Kyoto, where many Americans feel is the heart of traditional Japan, I heard more English than Japanese. I was pushed in all directions from travelers trying to get a glimpse of the gardens. My pictures were always messed up by the hoards of people walking in front of it, getting in the way. And this is in winter, a low tourist point.

KYOTO
Kiyomizu-dera, this was the temple we didn't see last time we came

I thought this was interesting, people lining up for 30+ minutes to drink "temple water." Luckily I brought my own.

Anyway, this will not end in unhappiness. Simply, the guide books have it all wrong. If they want to show the true tranquility and beauty of traditional Japan, people need to venture to Tohoku. As a first time foreigner to Japan, I can imagine seeing Kyoto as the "true Japan" despite it's neon signs and lines of taxi cabs. However, as a person who has lived here and can safely say that they have traveled, I wish I could tell these travelers of what they are missing by not coming to Northern Japan. The magic of being the only visitor on the temple grounds, not hearing any noise but your own, and selfishly soaking up all the feelings of Japan are unable to be described with words. That's the beauty of Tohoku.

OSAKA

Back to life...Back to reality

2009-01-07T15:56:00.003+09:00

My first day back at Ichi-ko and I am late. I wobble through the doors and everyone does their surprised "I can't believe you came to work today even though I have been at school all week with nothing to do" face. I get that face a lot. These teachers need to take a quality vacation. I give them all the sweets that I promised them, MOMIJI manju (soft cake shaped like a maple leaf with sweet bean in them). Little do they know, the manju is a week past its expiration date. I realized that by taking a 2-plus week trip, I have destroyed the freshness of an omiyage that is meant for the typical 5 day vacation Japanese person. I'm a failure. I quickly reasoned the hardness of the cake being from the coldness of the weather...nice Juni. The teachers ate it with relish. But here I am, back at work, which I did miss a great deal while I was away. Not really the boring nothing to do quiet workroom, or getting up at 7 am, but I did truly miss my students. I guess that's a good sign. But here I am at work, doing nothing because there is nothing to do, so what do I do with my time? I start to plan my next trip, a 10 day vacation to Kyushu and Okinawa, which would make it the final lap of completing the Japan travel circuit. I feel a bit glutonous, planning for a vacation just after finishing another. I try to hide my guide book so that my English-speaking teachers won't see what I'm up to. I make a very showy deal when I do a little real work so that it qualifies me reading about the tropical beaches of the Okinawan Islands. And although Morioka is still not snowy, the coldness makes me look forward to tropical weather. So here I am sitting at work, dreading and counting down for my next class and wishing for warmer weather.

We've Made It!!

2009-01-05T00:14:00.003+09:00

4 people
2 Americans
1 Britain
1 New Zealander
17 days
3 holidays
4 nights sleeping in a car
8 onsen

2,264 total driving miles!

We have arrived back to the -what should be snowy- town of Morioka. It's amazing how the clean air, wide span of sky, amd the smell of Jajamen and your own tatami can make a 17 day excursion come to a close. The four of us felt that we could return to our normal lives, which is a pretty good sign of a successful road trip. I am very proud of our group for being able to handle each other and still manage to find the jokes in every situation for that long of a time. We experienced the traditional Japan (Chiiori House- Shikoku), the very modern (Dotombori- Osaka), the "what should be appalling, but came out peaceful" (The Atomic Bomb Museum- Hiroshima), and the "What should be peaceful, but came out appalling" (Kiyomizudera- Kyoto). We had very good memories (Summer Wine) and very dangerous times (almost blowing up a service station). All in all, it was the best way to end the year and to start a new one and with my new ACCEPTANCE into the China program, it was a great way to see most of Japan before having to leave it. The beginning, middle, and end was satisfying.

Hiroshima Christmas

2008-12-25T23:29:00.001+09:00

December 24 and 25

We finally arrived in Hiroshima, the land of my roots, my people. We went to all the typical sights and the one thing that I felt in the end was a sense of pride. From what I know, I am from this area. When such a disaster happened, the idea was that Hiroshima could not become a place worth living for more than 70 years. Yet, immediately after the explosion, the people picked themselves up and started to restore their city and in only a few years later, they created a wonderful thriving city. Everywhere I looked I couldn't imagine that the city I was looking at was once completely leveled. It really gives a sense of hope to humanity, being able to pick themselves up at even the hardest times. It was a humbling way to bring about Christmas.

On Christmas we woke up bright and early to visit Miyajima. Then when we came home, I was happy to talk with my family on Christmas only to find a great Christmas present, my acceptance into the China program. We all then took a nap to get us ready for a Spanish dinner.

Iya Valley , Chiiori House, and the oldest Onsen

2008-12-22T23:07:00.001+09:00

December 22 and 23

I have always wanted to see the most traditional side of Japan. Little by little, I am learning that the "old Japan" that is usually advertised in guide books, are mostly restored temples next to convenience stores and banks. But in the secluded world of Iya Valley, there was not one vending machine and all stores closed at dinner time. The Chiiori House became the best experience of how traditional Japanese people experienced their lives. It is a NPO that focuses on educating people about old style farming and thatched roof houses. We spent our evening over a fire, drinking sochu and enjoying each others company, minus TV, radio, or any other media. It was refreshing.

Then we made it to the oldest onsen in Japan. All over Japan, this onsen is said to be the best and the ultimate in traditional. When we arrive, we came into the biggest city in Shikoku and found the oldest onsen. It ended up being a old-looking onsen surrounded by souvenir shops, boutiques, and cafes. It did not have the Japanese feel I was looking for, but we enjoyed a nice soak and watching the naked old ladies gossiping in the bath.

Naruto Whirlpools- Shikoku

2008-12-21T11:08:00.000+09:00

December 21

*Try to look at the bridge base-you can see a little bit of the whirlpool*

Shikoku's main star of interest is in its 88 temple journey. A quest that usually was a suicide mission because those that did it tried to complete the journey on foot for more than a month. Today, people ride bikes or cars to complete the journey so the beauty of completing the 88 is a bit lost, some still take on the adventure. Since we had only 3 days, we decided this quest would be best saved at another time. Instead we went to see what else Shikoku was known for... the whirlpools. Just getting off the bridge to Shikoku are the only whirlpools in Japan, sometimes so strong, it can suck up the sightseeing boats around it. Unfortunately, since it was 7 in the morning where the sight spots weren't open and winter time, the whirlpools looked more like big ripples-BUST! But we did enjoy a miso soup and senbei breakfast. Next was Tokushima, also a BUST city, but the udon noodles which are a specialty here were delicious. By the evening, we tried to find the Iya Valley and slept in a rest stop- four of us in the car. Ron got a little touchy in the middle of the night, unfortunately not with me, but with our buddy Sam. We all woke up as both Ron and him were screaming in the car in surprise and digust.

Osaka

2008-12-20T10:44:00.000+09:00

December 20

We saw two whale sharks, a penguin march, and a scuba-diving Santa Claus. I've realized that the additional perk of traveling in the winter is being able to see Christmas illuminations. Morioka's illuminations are limited to a string of lights looking like a christmas tree on the walls of our bank on the main crossroad. Not very impressive. So it was nice not only to see a different city, but also the collection of their pretty lights. Osaka was our first real tourist stop after Tokyo, but we were also given a little detour challenge. Our friend Kunino's dad asked us to take a TV in our packed car and take it to Tenri Town, a hour away from Osaka, but on our way from Tokyo. Well, we named it "Casey" and departed to find this town. The temple was beautiful, but it is not the usual tourist sight. So seeing four foreigners in this sleepy town, holding a television and asking where to put it, was a challenge in itself.

Finally it was dropped off and we made it to Osaka. Soon after the aquarium, the okonomiyaki, and the ferris wheel, we departed for three more hours til the isolated island of Shikoku.

**okonomiyaki- egg, batter, veggies, and meat mixed together and fried in a roundish shape. It tastes like a Japanese egg pancake.**

BECKY AND SAM

JAPAN! Part One

2008-12-19T18:26:00.000+09:00

On friday, five Moriokans left their home of Iwate to travel 500 kilometers to Tokyo, the first destination of their adventure. Late in the evening, we arrived and was welcomed by our friend Kunino's family. We said goodbye to our Tokyo-bound friend and the four remaining enjoyed a night of eating nabe, raw oysters, and countless amount of Otosan's sake.... Early on Saturday, we made the second part of the long haul to Osaka, the real beginning of the voyage.

OSAKA

After battling the confusing toll roads of Osaka City, we found our way to the port part of the city and enjoyed our first Tourist sight... the Osaka Aquarium, known to be the largest tank in the world- 15 stories tall, and housing two whale sharks. We took the elevator up and wound our way down to the bottom, appreciating all forms of ocean-life. We ended the night with Osaka's famous Okonomiyaki and the largest Ferris Wheel in Japan.

~Going on a Road Trip~

2008-12-17T21:17:00.003+09:00

This Friday four friends will be making a long two week journey through the main island of Japan and the small unknown island of Japan- Shikoku. Our 19 day excursion will start Friday morning when we go to Tokyo and stay the night at Kunino's. Then, the next day we will go to Osaka to see some big fish. Next stop are the whirlpools and old temples of Tokushima in Shikoku. Then we will visit Iya Valley and work as old-style farmers in a refurbished thatched-roof house. Then we will visit the oldest onsen in Japan in Dogo Onsen. Soon after, venturing to the Hiroshima homeland for Christmas. Then scooting back to the traditional worlds of Kansai for a couple days with drunk middle-aged men. Eventually making it back to Tokyo to celebrate the new year and on a very sad day, make our way back to the snowy tundra of Morioka. Bliss, sweet bliss.

Year End Onsen Party

2008-12-15T09:20:00.003+09:00

This is year two of going to one of the famous onsens in the area. Here, we cook dinner, exchange gifts, and drink until the night is young. Of course along with many many baths. It was a very different group from last year which made the traditional gathering new and different. We had a delicious Greek Chicken dinner and two beautiful Christmas cakes. Ron and I ended up with a random Froggie set of goodies and we enjoyed our evening with baths, massages, baths, card games, baths, and great conversation.

Our First Skiing Weekend

2008-12-10T20:43:00.005+09:00

This past weekend opened up the Skiing Season for Iwate... Finally! So we took a couple of friends to the famous Appi Ski Resort, known for their powder snow and family friendly courses. I was really nervous about going since it had been a year. Luckily, I readjusted quite well and soon went to the very top of the mountain to ski down below. I took some pictures, but I realized that taking pictures of people bundled up with a white background does not make for award winning pictures. But, for the fun, enjoy!

Amazing News!

2008-12-01T12:16:00.003+09:00

This past week, Ron was accepted into a teaching program in China. Once my diploma gets sent to them, I too will be accepted. We have been waiting for two months for this answer and finally it is certain that we can teach in China for a year.

This was a really new idea that started in September when Ron and I were planning out our new JET year. With so many of our friends leaving because they don't/can't stay in Iwate, we too were thinking about our options. We really love Morioka, but we knew that after this year, we would be satisfied with it and leave on a happy note. That was when Ron looked on the internet and found Appalachians Abroad. This program starts in September and finishes the following June. We will most likely work at the same school with free housing and a month off for Christmas. Being in China just gives us an opportunity to travel more, which was the main reason we left the States. We are so happy and even though this secret was not well kept by us, I am happy that I can finally talk about it, now that we are accepted. The next problem is figuring out how to tell my school.

What I am Thankful for

2008-11-27T13:57:00.002+09:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

In school, I am teaching a lesson about Thanksgiving. I asked my teacher what students knew about Thanksgiving and he says "Turkey." So I have a lot to explain. At the end of their lesson, students write in their journal of 3 things they are thankful for. I was surprised by two students responses. Since it made me so happy, I would like to share their amazing English with everyone.

"I appreciate you. I didn't know about Thanksgiving Day. You taught me very important thing."

"I appreciate Ms. Juni. Because it is easy for me to listen to her English and she often talks to me. I like to talk in English, but sometimes I don't know what to talk to. She makes me take it easy to speak in English."

Three Cheers for crying in school!

Held Hostage

2008-11-22T12:11:00.003+09:00

I've been feeling a little bleh lately. In the sense of having all this energy, but not many ways to use it. It's gotten too cold to go outside especially when my little bedroom is sooooooo warm. Luckily, I was invited by a friend to go to her fancy gym and try out some fitness classes. I trudged through the newly fallen snow (after Ron dropped me off at the shopping mall it was at) and I was ready to have some fun. I was told that guests can get in for free if it's their first time because that's what happened with her other friend. Once we get in and she *beeps* her membership card, the staff looks at me waiting for my card. Without my own card, I got the stare that after one year of being here, I knew it's meaning. "You are going to pay for entering." I start playing the American card and trying not to understand what she was saying, but that was something else I learned after being here for a year. My face means that I understand Japanese. So, I bit the bullet and told her that a did understand a little bit. I ended up spending $20 for the day. So, I let out my frustration with Latin Aerobics and Flamenco Dancing. By the way, my friend and her other friend were caucasian (majority discrimination *angry fist*).

I stayed at the gym for three hours. I felt that I had to after paying $20. I was very relaxed after working out. It was worth it. I was very satisfied. I changed my clothes and headed out the gym, but the doors were already locked. I asked the staff if I could be let out and they said that they are only letting people out at 10:30. (It was 10:20). Ron was already waiting outside for a half an hour. But with stupid Japanese bureaucracy, I conceded and waited the ten minutes... in a massage chair. At 10:30, I left my massage chair and headed to the door, locked again. I asked the lady and she said the 10:30 group already left and I now had to wait until 10:45. I looked at the clock, it was 10:31. The security guards were right outside and the elevators were directly to the right of the gym, but I could not get out. I said in my nicest- angry voice that my husband was waiting outside, it was only a minute, they would only need 10 seconds to escort me out and I had already waited. This is why I should have kept playing the dumb card, but as another thing I learned after being here for a year... Japan makes really stupid rules sometimes. At 10:46, yeah they were late, I was escorted ten steps to the elevator, and then escorted another ten steps to the outside where Ron had been nicely waiting for an hour.

No more gym.

2008-11-19T15:38:00.003+09:00

On this day, Morioka has been gifted with snow. It is now 34 degrees and will end up being 28 degrees tonight. Instead of going to my warm cave at home, I will be venturing to the downtown to brave the cold for a work party. I can't complain. It's a time to window shop, look for Christmas goodies, eat expensive food and a lot of beer, and the best of all, my honey will pick me up so I don't have to endure the cold way back home.

SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW

2008-11-18T08:49:00.002+09:00

I can feel it... The impending doom of snow.

Last bits of autumn

Talking Politics

2008-11-06T08:56:00.002+09:00

An Insider's Outsider Point of View

The elections passed and it looks like this is something worth putting into the history books. Not being active in the voting process, but following this election more than I have any other election it really made me see how much America needs something special to happen. It seems that we've really lost faith in the government and its systems. In a nation that outwardly ridicules and makes fun of its leaders and even wants to make a Sewage Plant named after their former President...something seems wrong. I think that's why Americans think Obama is "the One". America seems to need a positive change so much that many of their conservative and traditional views seem to be pushed back with this new way of thinking. Which, for a new America is great. The part I'm having so much trouble over with is this huge anticipation and expectation for Barack Obama. It seems like he has so many holes that he needs to fill and it seems that America in its hasty nature wants the results NOW. Now, bring the troops back. Now, bring oil prices down. Now, stop global warming. Now, make the poor, middle class, and rich happy. Now change the world. I think we've watched too many episodes of Heroes.

I am in full support for the new President. I do believe he can make a positive change in America and get us out of this crisis that we have. I think his optimism is infectious and hopefully will also infect those who can help aide him. But, I'm hoping that we don't hold him under a microscope and demand the results that he promised, today. I know that we are in for a couple more rough years before we see his change. I hope America can be patient.

I am not an expert in politics and have actually never been interested in elections. Perhaps that's what the past elections have done to me. Now, with an uninterested person's interests, perhaps that's a good sign for our future.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T21:52:00.003+09:00

I just finished my school's Halloween Party. This was quite a large feat since I had never planned a party before. Plus, making a party for about 1,000 students in a 30 minute time period. This past month has been pretty busy with making decorations, costumes, and other Halloweeny things. But it was worth it. The party was a big success. I also had to teach 4 classes that day which didn't help my stress, but with some lucky breaks before the party and super helpful students, it was flawless. Once lunch time started, kids just started spewing into the classroom. We had a Candy Jar guessing game, a voodoo game and a bobbing (fishing-it's cleaner) for apples game. We gave out some prizes and students all left with a little bit of American culture. One of my teachers even came in and offered some of his own candy for me to share with the kids. My English Club especially seemed to have a great time and I think that this will be a good memory for Ichi-ko students. It's one of my favorites.

かわいい～　Part 1

2008-10-27T17:27:00.005+09:00

I've decided to start posting all the ridiculously cute things that I see in Japan.

Number 1: Apple Bread

Number 2: Pumpkin Bread

Number 3: Individually wrapped fruit flavored Kit Kat bars

Number 4: Ukon- this is the Japanese hangover drink. It is said that if you drink one Ukon before and after a night of chugging them down, you will wake up feeling A-OK! If this image doesn't trigger anything, this is the stereotypical Japanese drunk. Their work tie on their head while trying to sing karaoke.

And a cute word for the day...

O-choco-choi (おちょこちょい）= clumsy

BIg Fruit PART II

2008-10-26T12:15:00.001+09:00

Japan brings you....BIG PEAR!

2008-10-26T11:55:00.003+09:00

Another week of school, and then another weekend of fun. This seems to be the blogging trend. Not that I am one to complain. This weekend, we drove to the highest point of the Honshu Island to the small town of Mutsu. A town so small that the name of it isn't even in Kanji. Our friend Adam who lives in Morioka did live near this small area and wanted to show us the pride of Mutsu, THE TUNA FESTIVAL. This is a fisherman's village and they patrol the waters nearby and catch 200 pound tunas. So on this day we ate the freshest tuna possible, right off of the fish itself. We finally even tried the famous OTORO, the fattiest part of the tuna which is usually triple the price of normal raw fish. Yummy!

Sand in Strange Places

2008-10-21T22:01:00.003+09:00

Last weekend, Ron,a couple friends and myself went to Nishiwaga, which is a small onsen town. Our friend lives there and for $10 a month, he can go to over 50 onsen in the area. We made the two hour drive south to his place and took in the beautiful changing leaves. When we arrived we enjoyed a 30 minute hike in his backyard. There were steep and narrow hills only 100 meters from his house. Then later that night, we went to a sand onsen. Even being a California beach girl, I have never buried myself in sand. So it was really strange to put on their yukata and have little old women pouring hot sand over my body. The effects were quite nice. I lost a kilo. Unfortunately after we came home and made a huge curry dinner with lots of beer. Two kilos plus. It was a very enjoyable experience.

This is actually a foot onsen, where people take off their shoes and soak their feet. But the boys had just finished swimming in the river and this was the closest source of warmth. I wonder what is more dirty, onsen with feet or boys with river?

MONSTER DEFEATED!

2008-10-16T12:51:00.001+09:00

We climbed Mount Iwate!

2008-10-13T22:44:00.003+09:00

My legs are so sore. So much in fact that it takes me 10 seconds to get up from the floor and another 10 seconds to return back down. Yesterday, Ron and I came back from the largest mountain in Iwate (hence, Mount Iwate). It is about 2,500 meters high. On Saturday we hiked uphill for three hours. About 2, 000 feet. We slept over with 30 other foreigners in a small hut. The following morning after no one could sleep because of the blustering wind, we awoke at four in the morning to climb an hour and a half more to the top. It was very cold and we couldn't see the sun rise, but just knowing I was at the top was enough for me. Then the rest was "easy". Just five more hours descending and ascending three mountains until we got to the other side. The grand prize of it all was a hot onsen waiting to relieve out tired tootsies. I was very proud making such a trip. I was even in the "fast" group. Although I can safely say that I will not do that again. I'm glad that I did it at least once. Ron... I'm sure could do it again and again. I am not that strong.

A 10 cc lawnmower can cut a lot of grass

2008-10-10T13:28:00.003+09:00

READER BEWARE YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ SOMETHING NOT FROM JUNI, YES RON HAS FOUND HIS WAY ONTO THE BLOG.

OK so if you were concerned about what is going to be written because of the introduction you can exhale now. Recently I have been thinking about the different types of rooms a house has and what people do in them. There are the obvious ones: the kitchen where one makes food and then theres the bathroom where ya... you know. but yeah we have been using our 'bedroom' as a multipurpose room for quite some time now. I found it funny that the two of us use this room pretty much exclusively and ignore the other three rooms. we have used our room as our living, dinning, entertainment, study, and even a kitchen at times (see previous posts on Nabe if you are confused). so yeah, I had always wondered why a study was really needed and I also wondered why I have such a hard time studying at home. well after I pulled the ripcord on my lawnmower engine powered brain, it sputtered out the idea to construct a study room. And as soon as Boo Boo (juni) gets home I am sure she will put up pictures up for you all to see my wonderful creation.

What happens when there are no pictures

2008-10-06T09:26:00.003+09:00

This blog has been a blessing and a curse at the same time. While keeping it up to date makes me (us) want to do things in order to give everyone at home a good show, I feel empty if a weekend passes and there is no event to mention. After Nikko, both our bodies and our wallets needed a break. So recently, we've been entertaining ourselves with simply prepared home meals, watching Japanese TV on the internet, and sleeping early. There have been a few events that have kept us socializing such as a Rocky Horror Picture show movie night with some new friends, going to the Culture Festival of my School for the Blind, and continuing our Italian cooking lessons with a friend. Although this is not a typical "Adventures of Juni and Ron" (Ron and Juni), smaller things have made the weekends more of a weekend. It's a time to get over the last week of work and recharge. No thinking of lessons or ways to get the kids to talk. Not having to wake up early and get through the dense bike traffic (yes, it exists). And not having to waste six hours of my day behind a computer waiting for a class or some project to come up. Instead, the idea of sleeping in, having cereal for lunch, watching TV until our eyes hurt, and getting outside for a nice walk, seems like a better remedy for a long work week than a jammed weekend driving 500 kilometers to a new destination. Balance keeps both events valuable. We need these eventless weekends to appreciate the adventures. And visa versa.

Look at this apple!

My Japanese Style Pasta

2008-10-01T00:01:00.001+09:00

Back at home, I often go to Spoon House which has the best Japanese Style spaghetti, even in Japan. There are few places that compare. There is this one dish that I absolutely love and I have been looking for it in Japan, but can't find any place that does it. Additionally, Ron and I have finished our new Japanese drama called "Bambino" which is about this Japanese guy who wants to be a chef for Italian food. Needless to say, they make a lot of food in the movie. More so, we have been having dinner at a friend's house and he makes us dinner showing off his skills of living in Italy, while I take notes.

Spoon House+ Bambino+ Italian lessons= My own recipe!

I actually made my own Japanese pasta that greatly resembles the pasta that I love so much in America. Ron loved it, I loved it, and I am so happy that I was able to think of what I tasted and it came out the way that I wanted.

Brava me!

ジュニのあさり和風スパゲーティ　Juni's Japanese Style Clam Spaghetti

Clams with sauce
Dashi
Shoyu
Sake
Pasta
Shimeji Mushrooms
Garlic
Sliced nori

I think we've skipped a season

2008-09-29T09:35:00.002+09:00

After living here a year, I am calm with the fact that there are few surprises in Japan now. I know when the Yakitori car goes in front of our supermarket (tuesdays). I know when tofu goes on sale (wednesdays) and I can plan our travels knowing when I can and can't take off work. Although I enjoy the surprises in life, there is something safe knowing that where you live, you know some secrets.

However in good ol' humorous form, the world throws us for a loop. After a sweltering summer that took a little long to come and left all too shortly. Now, I wake up in the morning and a see my breath. I leave to work wearing a scarf and mittens. At night, Ron and I bundle in our warmest clothes and thickest blanket. The heater and the electric blanket are already out. Did I mention this is September and last year we didn't feel this cold until November?

I was told that last year was a very mild winter. Apparently -15 degrees C is mild. I guess this year will be a bit rougher, starting with the short, near skipped altogether autumn.

I miss T-shirts.

Finding my name- Day 1 (Nikko)

2008-09-24T11:04:00.001+09:00

This past weekend, I had a four day weekend, which in Japanese terms is HUGE! The only other time something like this happens is in May for Golden Week, and that is a National Festival. So anyway, to commemorate this extended weekend, Ron and I decided to make a driving trip to Nikko, the place where apparently the name "Jun Niko" was created. Finally, I could visit it. So Ron and I made the 5 hour drive and the $85 toll road to get to Utsunomiya where we met our friends Shizuka and Kunino who came from Tokyo.
Utsunomiya is famous for their gyoza, something I could not understand because of my cold, which led to no taste for the entire trip. A little bit of hell for me. But with the look on Ron's face, I knew that it must have been tasty. Utsunomiya is only a small drive to Nikko so soon we were at the Welcome gates of Nikko deciding where to sleep. We ended up parking in an empty parking lot across from a brightly lit convenience store. Kunino and Shizuka slept in the car, Ron and I slept in a tent next to the car... in the parking lot.

NIKKO

The next day we started our trip making it to the brightly colored temples of Tosho-gu. There we saw the famous monkeys, sleeping cat, and crying dragon. Each temple was astonishing and completely detailed with paintings popping out of their canvas and mutiple colors lined with gold in the temple walls. Nikko had a Chinese feel to it, but was definately a great representation of Japanese culture. My favorite was the Crying Dragon Temple. On the ceiling is a large painting of a dragon. When two sticks are hit together, there is a chilling echo sound that sounds like the cry of a ?dragon? I guess. Either way, the sound was very cool. Then, our group went to Chusenji-ko, the nearby lake. Along the way, we saw monkeys on the road, super windy roads up the mountain and at the end, a beautiful waterfall. We went to an onsen to clean up and made our way back down to sleep, yet again in the same parking lot. Trips are cheap when it's McCormick-style.

CHUSENJI-KO and KEGON FALLS

Finding my Name- Day 2 (Aizu- Wakamatsu)

2008-09-23T11:40:00.001+09:00

After dropping off Kunino and Shizuka at the Train Station, Ron and I drove directly north, 100 kilometers to Aizu Wakamatsu, a town with a fully reconstructed castle. There aren't many in Japan. Morioka had a castle, but after if was destroyed by the war, I guess no one wanted to rebuild it. This is the case for most castles. Sometimes you'll find the ruins of a castle, but a real castle (even reconstructed) is nicer than authentic rubble. So we took a small break looking at their museum and the different parts of the castle. Then we drove 115 kilometers to Nigata City, ate their coastal sushi, and slept a wonderful sleep.

Finding my Name- Day 3 (Sado Island)

2008-09-22T11:49:00.002+09:00

To get off our island of Japan, Ron and I took a 2 1/2 hour ferry to the smaller island of Sado. It was a bit empty when we were there, but it could be the fact that we traveled on a work day (most people didn't get the holiday that we did, LuckY!) We then took a two hour bus to Oga, the other side of the island to see their wash boat tubs, たらい舟. It was a cute ride, Ron and I got to even try steering it, with not much success. We then made our way back, stopping at Sawata to try their sushi, and then back to our drop off point of Ryotsu. All in all 9 hours of travel on this teeny island, but the wash boats and the relaxing atmosphere of the island, made it a restful part of our busy trip. This island truly has not been touch by the modernity of Japan, which was refreshing to see.

Finding my Name- Day 4 (Returning Home)

2008-09-21T12:37:00.001+09:00

Finally, after 3 days we could say we are done with Tohoku (Northern Japan). We have passed through 6 prefectures and driven over 700 kilometers, but of course, we still need to drive the 300 kilometers back. The morning started out as a bust. We woke up on the sleepy coastal town of Sakata. Saw these interesting storehouses and drove to Tsuruoka. Didn't spend much time there in order to get a much needed bath at Yunosawa Onsen. But when we got there, we found out this onsen village had no onsen, which is just mind-boggling. There was one foot onsen in the middle of town, but besides that, there were only rickety hotels with an ocean view. Still needing a bath, we went to the temple nearby which slightly redeemed our onsen shock. From there we started our coastal drive and along the way, we did manage to find an onsen that was on the fourth floor overlooking the beach below. Beautiful sight!

After we finished our bath and started again, we came across the most amazing thing. We found OKEYA MACHI (Okeya Town). This block of 6 houses was all that was there of Okeya Town. Our trip came full circle. We found the place where my name came from and then finished the trip to find the town with my name on it. I thought that maybe the Japanese characters of my name was wrong because my students made fun of my name, but now I had proof that the characters exist. Ron's super Japanese led us to the nearby temple where we talk to the temple's monk about possibly finding my family crest. She said that the name Okeya died out in Edo period. How cool that I am what's left of the Edo period. According to her, if I want to find my Kamon (Crest), I need to find the hometown of my family. I'm a bit closer to finding it. I just need to go to Hiroshima. But this surprise was the best way to complete our long trip.

My School Festival

2008-09-14T19:45:00.003+09:00

My school has just finished their school festival, one of the best parts of a school year. Last year, I experienced the school festival, but since I was only at the school for a month and had not started teaching, I knew none of the students. It was a lot of wandering around, not knowing where to go, and all these faces that knew me, but who I didn't know. This year was much better. Not only did I know what a school festival actually was, but I was constantly pulled into different rooms and booths since my students wanted my attention and to see their handiwork. They probably wanted me to spend money on their booth, but in my eyes, they really wanted my attention.

A Blind Mistake! Part II

2008-09-11T08:45:00.004+09:00

The week following last at Mougakkou (School for the Blind).

There is a service for all the students and some teachers called "Teishoku", which is going to the students' dormitories and eating lunch there. For a well-prepared lunch for ￥300, I couldn't refuse. So today, I started eating lunch with the students. First, I had to wait with my supervisor teacher for the senior high students so we can walk them to the dormitories. I introduced myself to all the students that I haven't met and gave them some English practice. Then Junior high started to make their way out. There was one girl who seemed shy at first, but slowly made her way over to me. It was obvious that she was fully blind so I came up to her and offered my hand. She took both my hands and started to grip really tight.

No problem.

Then she started scratching my palms while she was holding my hand.

No big deal, I thought it was to feel the lines in my hands or something.

Then... too quickly, she lets go of my hands, grabs the bottom of my shirt, and tugged down...really hard. So hard it left my pink bra exposed in front of the students and my fully-seeing male supervisor.

I was later told that this student suffers from a disability where she can't control her movements of her feelings. I soon saw her in the cafeteria subdued by three teachers as she grabbed a handful of rice and started to shake the rice everywhere. Hopefully this was just a bad day for her. I couldn't imagine her going through this everyday. Needless to say, however shocking that experience was, it didn't feel that embarrasing. Maybe I'm getting used to embarrasing things happening to me at my school.

A Blind Mistake!

2008-09-05T08:39:00.004+09:00

During my 25 years of life I have taught a number of different people; from toddlers, elementary age, high school, to adults and the elderly. I've worked with the very sick, and those that are physically, mentally, and emotionally disabled. I feel that I have a pretty good range so far. However now, every Wednesday, I work at the School for the Blind. It's a whole new experience for　me. I don't think that I've ever really met blind people. But I looked forward to the experience, knowing that the best I could do was treat them as if nothing is different.

My class at the end of the day was a class of 6 of adult students learning acupuncture (isn't that cool?!) I gave my introduction and the team teacher asked if I could ask each person a different question to get to know them. As I was trying to think of questions, my mind was racing as to find good, personal questions that did not deal with seeing, fashion, movies, and vacations. Since I am not a person who can multi-task, I ended us asking one student the worse possible question I could ever imagine to ask.

...What is your favorite color?...

By the time this processed as completely wrong, my teacher already hesitantly translated it in Japanese. It got quiet for a little while and then the student graciously answered,

"My favoite color is black and white."

I could not feel more of a horrible person. In my defense, there are various levels of seers. Some of them are completely blind, some need technical resources, others are legally blind, but can see colors. Since this girls looked like there was nothing to really aide her, I made the mistake of assuming she could at least see color. Rookie mistake! Never again. At least I can look back at that moment after I'm done with this school and hopefully see how much more sensitive and understanding I have become.

I hope, I hope, I hope.

A Whole New Start

2008-09-01T12:20:00.000+09:00

As of the first of September (unintentionally, it just worked out this great) 3 major things have started that give Ron and I all new things to work hard for together.

1. Ron's New Job- Ron has taken out his last bag of garbage, and mopped his last floor. He has left his Senior Center job, due to the work constantly changing his schedule without talking to him about it. Luckily we were able to find another job... Teaching, yet again. However, Ron gets to work a third of the hours he did at Kurumi and more the same amount of money. He now works for the Morioka School of Business, a trade school where various college-aged students learn beauty, hotel or restaurant management. So far, Ron works three days a week for 2-4 hours a day. We are hoping for additional hours as time progresses.

2. P90X- Thanks to our Choseph, Ron and I are in possession of a butt-kicking workout video. This has made us feel so sore this week, but it's a sore, we haven't felt in a long time, and we are enjoying it. We have also been currently enjoying Vegetable Sandwiches for dinner, and Chicken Soup for dinner. Nabe (soup) season is coming, and Ron and I are more than excited.

3. 勉強- Since my family was here and left and right I was being pummeled with having to translate and explain things that I should know, but couldn't say, I've started to feel a little more motivated for Japanese. Luckily, I have a great motivation coach, and we are trying to spend more time studying. Since Ron has his time freed up, he also gets more time with his studying.

Lots of goals for us.

Happy 60 dad!

2008-08-28T22:04:00.003+09:00

Wow... may dad's old! But at least he can still eat 80 bowls of soba while wearing a funny outfit.

I miss my family!

2008-08-25T15:11:00.002+09:00

Two and a half solid weeks later and the Okeya family (minus Jon) must say goodbye to the land of the Rising Sun. Waking up super early Monday morning, it didn't register that they were really leaving Morioka until they took the elevator to the train platform. And then the weirdest thing happened. I actually cried a little. I guess last year, with us leaving them and going off in our new adventure, there was no room, or time for tears. But seeing them leave us this time made my heart really hurt. The beauty of living away is to appreciate family and friends instead of seeing them all the time and getting sick of them. And I did learn to appreciate them. I really, truly had an amazing time with my family. I'm looking forward to missing them so that it makes the next reunion that much sweeter.

Our Hokkaido Adventure

2008-08-19T11:35:00.004+09:00

To start off the trip on the right foot, we made it on the train that would take us from the top of the main island, underwater, and then emerge back out on the other side to Hokkaido. In total, a 7 hour trip. Once we got on the train we were so happy to see beds with linens, pillows, and sleeping yukatas (PJs). We quickly started to unload. As we got ready for bed, another group of people came and claimed that we were in their beds. Apparently these beds were for special seating, we had unreserved seats. Since the train had already left, we couldn't make our way to the unreserved seating since the way to get there was super-crowded with other non-reserved people in the isles. Think of the slave ships from Africa to America, minus the diseases, but the crampness, stuffiness, and loss of happiness was still there. We couldn't get though so we ended up staying in the middle of two train cars and positioning our baggage to make a bed. Mom and dad ended up staying awake the entire time. I was not that strong. We made it to Sapporo feeling the dead achy weight of not being prepared. I assured my family several times that on the way back, we had reserved seats. Strike 1 for Juni!

Sapporo- Day 1

2008-08-19T11:33:00.003+09:00

Internet Cafe

Here's a picture of mom sleeping in the closest internet cafe to our hotel. The question of the matter is "Why would we need to sleep somewhere else if our hotel is so close?" The answer is that since there was a huge rock concert playing this weekend, which was also the reason of the cattle-stuffed train, all hotels were booked and no one in the hotel had checked out to open up a room. Additionally, it was 7 in the morning, with a check in time a 2. Whoops! Strike 2 for Juni! But ROn and I had never tried an Internet Cafe before and this seemed like an opportuned time to show the family "real Japan"- real MODERN Japan. We got a good strong 4 hours of sleep and was now crazy enough to start our day.

Ramen Street

Of course food is the answer to all problems when you're in a zombie state. Hokkaido boasts having the best ramen in Japan, and they aren't liers. The salty soup warmed up our tired bodies and the chewy noodles perked up our groggy brains. Everyone was much more lively after ramen. I think ramen is the cure for all worldly problems. War, famine, air pollution. All of this can be solved with ramen.

Susukino

Along the way to our next destination we came across the entertainment district. Well, actually Susukino is entertaining at night. Not so much in the early afternoon, but there all shops and stores, which makes my mom just as happy. We walked around, sampled some food, and tried on ridiculously cute hats (see above).

Beer Factory

I think Ron is corrupting my dad to drinking at his consistency. I know my dad drinks, but both of them have taken this trip to really use the "beer with dinner" rule. However it's more like "beer with dinner, lunch, and an occasional breakfast." So we had to take them to their Beer Paradise. Last time Ron came here, he was fluishly sick and couldn't enjoy the beer, plus the beer sampling area was closed. Not a good day for Ron. So I think Ron wanted to pull double-time with this trip. Mom and I went to the local mall while Ron, dad, and Ben enjoyed the museum. Well, dad and Ron enjoyed, Ben just took some nice pictures.

Furano- Day 2

2008-08-19T11:31:00.001+09:00

The Belly-Button of Hokkaido
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Cheese/Pizza/Ice Milk Factory

Farm Tomita

Winery

Home to Sapproro

The Long Ride Back- Day 3

2008-08-19T11:29:00.001+09:00

Sapporo
The morning of mom's birthday was spent doing what mom loves best...shopping. We went through the floors of the train station for a couple hours. Now, in our American minds, a train station wouldn't seem like much for shopping. But in Japan, that's usually where the best shops are. The station of Sapporo is built like a maze and I was so thankful to find the exit just as we needed to catch up with the guys.

Noboribetsu
To break apart a five hour train ride to Hakodate, we stopped off at Noboribetsu that has the best onsen in Hokkaido. How could we say no? The boys went to the cream of the crop Onsen Hotels while mom and I looked through their shopping streets. It was a necessary rest that got us through the other three hours to our next destination.

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Hakodate
To top off the trip, we ended our night in Hakodate that boasts one of the most beautiful nightviews. And they weren’t　joking. Pictures can't even catch a bit of what we saw. Not to mention there was also a gigantic full moon that night.

Happy Hokkaido Birthday!

2008-08-17T11:27:00.004+09:00

We spent mom's birthday shopping in the morning (Sapporo), going to a famous onsen village in the afternoon (Noboribetsu), and seeing the greatest night view in the evening (Hakodate). A total 250 kilometer (approximately) trip. Happy 35th birthday mom!

Bringing the Family Home

2008-08-16T11:24:00.003+09:00

Finally after a whole year...almost exactly... the Okeyas are back together. Ron and I got to play Tour Guide and show everyone the sights, tastes, scents, and feelings that makes this area home for us. I think dad is addicted. We took them to our local Samurai Town, the deepest lake in Japan, and a 7 story entertainment center. Next stop was Hokkaido.

Tanabata Festival

2008-08-14T22:40:00.000+09:00

Orihime (織姫, Weaving Princess?) the daughter of the Tentei (天帝, Sky King, or the universe itself?) wove beautiful clothes by the bank of the Milky Way (天の川 Amanogawa). Her father loved the cloth that she wove and so she worked very hard every day to weave it. However, she was sad that because of her hard work she could never meet and fall in love with anyone. Concerned about his daughter, Tentei arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi (彦星, Cow Herder Star?) sometimes called Kengyuu (牽牛, Chinese name of Hikoboshi?) who lived and worked on the other side of the Amanogawa River (Milky Way). When the two met, they fell instantly in love with each other and were shortly married. However, once married, Orihime no longer would weave cloth for Tentei and Hikoboshi allowed his cows to stray all over Heaven. In anger, Tentei separated the two lovers across the Amanogawa River and forbade them to meet. Orihime became despondent at the loss of her husband and asked her father to let them meet again. Tentei was moved by his daughter’s tears and allowed the two to meet on the 7th day of the 7th month if Orihime worked hard and finished her weaving. The first time they tried to meet, however, they found that they could not cross the river because there was no bridge. Orihime cried so much that a flock of magpies came and promised to make a bridge with their wings so that she could cross the river. If it rains, the magpies cannot come and the two lovers must wait till next year.

This is in Sendai City on the eighth of August.

Philippines Yummies!

2008-08-13T22:26:00.002+09:00

The Lao Family and my many Mango Shakes

2008-08-11T08:29:00.003+09:00

TAAL VOLCANO

Finally...After so many months of waiting and planning. We finally made it to Philippines to see my family. It had been so long that it made it so wonderful to finally see them. It was also my first time to show off Ron to the entire family. I unfortunately forgot to make flashcards to prep Ron of the tens of family members he would be meeting, but he overcame his shock quickly and really made the most of his time. My uncles too also felt that they needed to show off as well and they took us to so many places, even some tourist spots that I've never been to. We got boated upstream and into a waterfall. We took horses up a small island to look in an active volcano, and even made it to a real Philipino Beach. All other moments was with the infamous Lao eating, 24 hours of stuffing our faces with all the yummy fruits and Philipino cuisine. Ron ended up with an upset stomach. I warned him of the amount of food he would have to eat, but I guess learning by doing is the most effective way. At the end of our quick 5 days, we left Philippines happy, but sadly unfinished because of our quick trip. Now we know better and we will plan for a longer trip next time. We stole the Okeyas and brought them to our homeland.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON AND BEN!

Travel Music

2008-07-30T09:19:00.003+09:00

set to the tune of "If you're happy and you know it" (SING IT!)

I'm gonna see my family in Philippines... clap, clap

I'm gonna see my family in Philippines... clap, clap

I've waited almost a whole year, to finally get them here.

Tomorrow I'll see my family in Philippines... clap,clap

But first I have to take a bus to Philippines...clap, clap

A 7 hours bus to Philippines...clap, clap

And we really hate the bus, cause then ours butts tend to hate us.

But it is worth to see our family in Philippines...clap, clap

And in 8 more days, I'll finally see my dad...clap, clap

Another 8 more days, I'll finally see my dad... clap, clap

And we'll take him to the bath, where some old men will wash his back.

Just kidding dad, please still come over to Japan... clap, clap

Tummy Troubles II

2008-07-28T23:11:00.003+09:00

5 days was WAY too long for a tummy ache. I am blogging this to let myself know that whatever I did to make this 5 day stomach hell happen, will never happen again. Even though I have no clue what made it happen in the first place. Spicy food, cold nights, stress, lack of nutrients, indigestion, too much salt, too little salt, acidity, little people having a disco party in my organs.......... ARGH!!!

It's safe to say that some things happen for the most nonexistent reasons.

Tummy Troubles

2008-07-27T12:00:00.002+09:00

Does anyone know what to do with a lingering stomach cramp for 5 days?
Besides the doctors, stomach medicine, constant warmies, early sleeping, soft rice, no salt, bananas, ginger tea, pain medication, Vitamin C, LOTS of water, and Lamaze breathing exercises.

No, I'm not pregnant.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Especially with Philippines three days away.

an unconventional ever after

Back in business!

The Best of Japan

Tomorrow is the Last Day!

Silver Dreams

School is starting to suck now.

I am the most popular ALT!

Our Old Man Part II

My Birthday, My Lesson

The Kunino's

Sports Festival!

My First Last Day

Ramen Journal

Beer Party!

My Favorite Shirt

English Club Cooking

Our Old Man

Driving and Musicals

Whatever happened to studying?

Starting today!

Golden Week

Cherry Blossoms- American Style!

Only at Ichiko

Easter

The Forgotten Zamami Island

My Husband's Uwavering Perserverence

The beginnings of a new year.

McCormick's Hotel for Weary Travelers

Push and Pull

Enjoying Okinawa

Enjoying Okinawa

Finishing Japan- Day 5

Finishing Japan Day 3

Finishing Japan Day 1

One Less Craving

The dangers of a new spring

Graduation Day

Ending the Year

322 student interviews

Proof That We Can Ski

New Year, New Blog Layout

Things You Can't do in Sunny Los Angeles

Ron's birthday weekend

Our New Year's Day

A Foreigner's Fire

The Japanese Fantasy

The Myth of Kansai

Back to life...Back to reality

We've Made It!!

Hiroshima Christmas

Iya Valley , Chiiori House, and the oldest Onsen

Naruto Whirlpools- Shikoku

Osaka

JAPAN! Part One

~Going on a Road Trip~

Year End Onsen Party

Our First Skiing Weekend

Amazing News!

What I am Thankful for

Held Hostage

Talking Politics

Happy Halloween!

かわいい～ Part 1

BIg Fruit PART II

Sand in Strange Places

MONSTER DEFEATED!

We climbed Mount Iwate!

A 10 cc lawnmower can cut a lot of grass

What happens when there are no pictures

My Japanese Style Pasta

I think we've skipped a season

Finding my name- Day 1 (Nikko)

Finding my Name- Day 2 (Aizu- Wakamatsu)

Finding my Name- Day 3 (Sado Island)

Finding my Name- Day 4 (Returning Home)

My School Festival

A Blind Mistake! Part II

A Blind Mistake!

A Whole New Start

Happy 60 dad!

かわいい～　Part 1