Thurs, May 30: Tokyo

On Thursday, May 30, Yumkio`s daughter Asako took me into Tokyo, and it was magical.

Our group had actually been to Tokyo twice for activities, but I didn`t feel like I had seen the real Tokyo.  For instance, we went to a Noh theater in Tokyo, but we didn`t have time to look around. We got there, went into the theater, watched the performance, and got back on the subway to get to Yokohama. I mean, I`m 40 minutes from the largest city in the world. I need to take advantage of that and explore while I have the opportunity.

The UPB trip was great, but it was definitely focused more on the past: the history and heritage of Japan. I think Americans know a lot more about the older, elegant, formalized eras of Japan than the modern, changing entity. (I know I do, at least.) While it was really interesting to see temples, shrines, and former capitals, I felt like I was missing an important part of the picture: the present. Asako felt the same way. She kept saying, `but you haven`t seen modern Japan. You need go where young people go!`  So, Asako took me to Harajuku and Shibuya. I should note that Tokyo is divided into sections, like any other large city.

I was so excited because Harajuku and Shibuya are very famous sections (think Manhattan in NYC). If you think you haven`t heard of them, you`re probably wrong. Just do a google search (or wait until I post pictures). Harajuku is an area with crazy, random shops and very colorful people. On the weekends, everyone dresses up in crazy costumes. Know the singer Gwen Stefani? She helped make this area famous because she was sort of obsessed with the culture, so she recruited these girls to go on tour with her and be in her videos. They are called the Harajuku girls and you can recognize them dancing around Gwen Stefani in crazy outfits. When we were in Harajuku, there were only a handful of people dressed up, but it was still colorful and noisy. Almost every shop played American music; it was great to recognize songs & sing along to the radio!

Then, we walked quite a distance to Shibuya, which is a fancy/hip shopping area. Part of it is young and eclectic. You might find a juice shop next to a thrift shop next to a store that only sells socks. (Sounds great, right?) Another section of Shibuya is super upscale: Dior, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Brooks Brothers, etc etc. It was so much to see it all.


Sorry, I have to run. I`ll finish post this later!

May 30: Futbol anyone?

I know I`m jumping ahead a lot, but I`m too excited about today to wait to write about it!

Today, we went to the soccer stadium in Yokohama!!! It`s the first REAL soccer stadium I`ve been in. It`s not huge by stadium standards, but it`s the biggest sports facility in Japan. It was amazing. It`s where the final between Germany and Brazil during the world cup in 2002 was played. We walked around the whole stadium, went into the locker rooms, the practice room, the museum part, the VIP seating area (as in the place the Emperor and Empress sit!).

We got to go into the warm up room and kick the practice ball at a life sized goal painted on the wall. I was so excited when they told me I could kick it, so I wailed it and scored. It felt so good to kick it hard and accurately. I didn`t think that it would surprise the other people (strangers from Korea). But it did! They were shocked I could kick it like that. They kept saying how strong and good I was. It was pretty funny, actually. I felt bad though, because I was the first person and no one really wanted to follow me. Two more people shot, but it was pretty lame. Then, I took another shot so Yumiko could take my picture and they all clapped again. It made me feel like a star; and it made me miss playing a lot. But it feels like a dream to have had an hour and a half tour! Then, we ate tacos! I couldn`t believe they even HAVE tacos in Japan, but it was the only food available at the stadium. Naturally, I didn`t mind. All in all, it was a great day.

Right now, I`m at Yumiko`s house (I call her Mama though). She is so sweet and she takes such good care of me. I really love the people here. Morio definitely feels like an ojiichama (grandpa) and Yumiko really feels like a mama. Sanshiro is like my brother. So, I have lots of family here taking care of me. :)

Mt. Fuji

More photos: temples & the beach

We spend so much time on the go, that sometimes you just have to take advantage of the chance to nap. James and Don Ulin are pictured here on the `train,` which is really more like a tram. They are very neat and clean here, despite the number of people who crowd onto them each day. Thankfully, we have also ridden during non rush hour times, which is more comfortable.

Nyssa and I waiting for dinner. We ate okonomiyaki (best described as what looks like pancakes but has cabbage, eggs, flour, bacon, and I`m sure several other things). They were quite yummy!

It was raining and cold, but we still had a beautiful view from the wrap-around covered porch at this temple.

We visited the Kiinkakuji (Golden Temple), which is one of the most memorable temples. It really looks gold!

Morio, my host dad, on the beach. I call him ojiichama, though, which is a cutesy name for grandpa. He taught it to me because that is what his granddaughters call him. So I jokingly call him that, too. He always laughs and pretends to dissaprove, but you can tell he loves it. Then, he says no one else is allowed to call him that. Just me. Boy, do I feel special!

This girl is always happy to be on the beach!!

We went to this palace, but it was closed. It still looks impressive from the outside, though!

On our way to Mt. Fuji, we stayed at the seminar house that YCC owns for their students, faculty, and staff to use when they have to travel to this region. Even though there were more rooms, all of the girls piled into this one together. Instead of beds, we have floor mats (which is what Nyssa - who is lying down - and I have been sleeping on the whole time in Japan). This house was so dusty and musty from not being used that it sent all of us into allergy attacks and made some of the girls sick (I already had a cold). The upside: there was a hot spring tub inside! Man, that made me feel better!

Kyoto and Nara

Naturally, we had to go to the Pokemon Center. To be honest, I never got it to Pokemon, so I didn`t understand the craze. But, I still felt like I had to go. It was neat to see all of the little kids scampering around and their parents indulging them on what they felt was frivolous. It seemed very similar to the Beanie Baby craze, and that`s something I can understand (right mom?). This store was in a HUGE mall - 5 stories of sparkling white (marble?) and glass. There were tons of (expensive) Western shops: Tiffany`s, Banana Republic, Starbucks (ok, that`s just coffee, but I can`t remember some of the other stores). 

We were so excited to ride the bullet train to Kyoto. I must admit, it was one of the coolest things we did. I think if I lived here, I would take the bullet train all the time (even though it is expensive). It`s nicer than an airplane! You have tons of leg room, you can stand up and walk around freely because there is enough room, and the seats are actually comfy! On second thought, maybe that`s what first class on an airplane is like....hmm...

Beautiful pagoda.

Ringing the bell.　They say the sound pleases Buddha.

They have these tame deer in Nara. You can walk right up and pet them. Sorry to all you hunters, but no, you can`t turn them into dinner. It just wouldn`t be right.

Leaping stag sign, just like at home!

Yes, I know I shouldn`t take pictures of people I randomly see, but these little kids were just so cute. How could I resist?

This group of middle schoolers asked for our help with an assignment. They asked us a ton of questions in Enlgish. I was impressed with how good they were at speaking. It was definitely a highlight of our trip!

Temples & Shrines in Kamakura

At the temple I really liked in Kamakura. It was the very first one we visited and it`s still my very favorite one.

This is at the entrance, with pretty gardens. But it was built on the side of the mountain. The more you climbed, the better the view, and the more at peace you felt both with yourself and with nature. They appreciate nature so much here, that it adds a special element to places like this.

They told us to waft the incense because it would make us beautiful and intelligent. Here`s to hoping!

Just look at that view!!

Then, we went to visit the Big Buddha. So impressive.

This is Yumiko, our hahakuma (Mama Bear). She takes such good care of us. I keep telling her I`m bringing her back to Bradford with me because I can`t stand the thought of leaving her!

Every shinto shrine can be recognized by this bright red torii (or gate).

See what I mean about embracing nature? Even at this shrine, which seemed more touristy, there are still these beautiful little scenes.

Thank goodness our group is a fun bunch. The girls decided it was time for an interesting photo op. From left to right：Erica, Heidi, Megan, me, and Nyssa

We sat at this pond a while to watch the turtles because Nyssa loves turtles.

Some early pictures to catch you up

This is my loft bed. Despite the 12 step ladder and floor mat, I am always grateful to get to sleep!

The museums here are gorgeous. It`s like they read the textbook and then did one better. I`m so impressed with how clean they are and how well everything is displayed without being crowded. I think they only place that isn`t crowded in Japan is a museum display!

I was so excited to show off the obi (beautiful sash bow) once I got my kimono on for the tea ceremony. Why don`t we dress like this at home?

When you drink the tea, there is a ritual you must follow (of course). Turn the cup twice clockwise. Take to large gulps and a half sip, which you slurp. The tea is VERY green and almost tastes grassy. I don`t think I`d want to drink it every day, but I liked it.

This fine fellow was so cool. I adopted him as my uncle (I`m not sure how he feels about that...)

Conyeor belt sushi bar

Eating tempura squid tentacle. I look skeptical, but it was actually very good. Tastes like chicken! No, seriously, it tastes like chewy chicken. Add tempura to just about anything and I`m a fan. ;)

Fri, May 11: Kamakura

Today, we went to Kamakura. You can do a google image search to see what it's like. It was about an hour train ride to get there. We saw a Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine and a GIANT buddha. I loved the first temple on the outskirts of Kamakura. Before you go in, you have to rinse your hands in freezing cold water. I liked the ritual of it. It was set back in nature, surrounded by hills, trees, and gardens full of flowers, fountains, and ponds. We climbed up the mountain past the different levels of the shrine and had a spectacular view out over the rooftops, the sea, and the coastline. It was so beautiful I didn't want to leave. But, we had to hurry. That's the one thing I don't like. We're always in such a hurry. I wish we could just savor the moments and take it all in, but we're always off to the next thing.

We were in a hurry because the boys were leaving for Tokyo to watch a sumo match. I think it would've been neat, but the boys wanted to do it alone. Whatever. We ended up having a fabulous day without them! We stopped to get gelato (to celebrate Megan's birthday). Then, we took another train back into Kamakura and visited the Buddha. It was massive and amazing. We ate lunch at a Japanese style restaurant where I had udon noodles and tempura veggies. Yum! The last temple we went to was beautiful, but it was so jammed with people. Something about it just felt touristy and not as "authentic" as the first shrine. It was still neat, though. Then, we had time to shop (I bought presents). We came back to Yokohama, and ate dinner at an American style place. There was a salad bar and a bread bar to go with our steak. Oh bread, we had missed it so much! It was such a great day!

Thurs, May 10: Tea Ceremony

We went to Morio's sister's house because she is a very high ranking teacher (I guess there are levels and she's the second highest). Morio`s sister`s name is Yukie. To get there, it was about 3 hours by car because we got stuck in traffic for a while. But it was totally worth it! When we arrived, they had lunch set out for us: tea sandwiches (triangles with the crust cut off), soup cups, and fruit. Then, they demonstrated how to make the tea. There are so many steps, each one ritualized, and she has done it so many times. Trained, studied, and perfected it. I could have watched her fluid, beautiful motions all day. Then, we all got dressed in kimonos. It's what I was most excited for. We all looked so beautiful!! Morio's sister's apprentice (I didn't catch their names) made a bowl of tea for each of us. Before you drink, you have to turn it twice clockwise so the face is away from you. Then, you drink the tea in two large gulps and the last sip is slurped. It's green and sort of grassy. After we each had a bowl of it, it was finally our turn to try making tea. We eat make a bowl, helping each other to remember what step came next, which was things were supposed to be facing, what not to do. It was so neat. The little house where we learned was so peaceful. But, all too soon, it was over.

When we left, it was cold and ready to rain, which it did the whole way home. We stopped to pick up Prof. Don Ulin's son from the airport. He just finished his freshman year of college, where he has been studying Japanese. We were supposed to go to the botannical gardens, but we didn't because of the rain. We were also supposed to eat somewhere along the way, but since we didn't stop at the gardens, it was too early for dinner. So, when we got back, we went to a conveyor belt sushi bar. It was pretty neat to see. We stuck to the veggies and cooked stuff, but Sanshiro ordered some specialty. Let's just say, we watched the fish come out of the tank and onto the plate. It was a bit more than I could handle...

But hey, I'm here for the experience, right? Well, every day has been chock full of them!!

Wednesday, May 9: Exploring Yokohama

Hello again.

I need to apologize for the typos. The keyboard here is completley different, so I'll do my best.

 

I wrote this entry on Thursday, May 10. . . That is the day we went to the tea ceremony at Morio's sister's house!!! I was so excited! We wore kimonos and learned a shorter version of the tea ceremony. But first, I should tell you what we did on our first full day in Japan.

Yesterday (Wed., May 9), we walked A LOT! It was great though. We walked through the city of Yokohama, then took a train, and walked some more. We went to one of the most beautiful museums I've ever seen. Everything was clean, crisp, and sparkling. The displays were spacious and properly lighted, the cards were of good size (though I couldn't read them). All of the glass was crystal clear. The artifacts were perfectly preserved and everything was beautifully maintained. I loved it, but it was NOTHING like the museums in Costa Rica!

Then, we ate lunch at a fancy Chinese restaurant where we took our shoes off (it was fabulous. We need to do this at home. I felt cleaner than in most American restaurants and I was barefoot! Plus, best waitressing job ever cuz you don't wear shoes!) - nothing like what we have at home. It was delicious (oishi-des). I'm trying to learn more Japanese and feeling guilty about how little I know. I'm the typical American I try to avoid. But somehow I can only think in English or Spanish. Japanese words fly through my head, but no meaning is attached to them. Hopefully, I'll improve some over the month.

After lunch, we went to their Chinatown, which is the biggest in Japan. A bit odd... But hey, this is a multicultural trip and I'm loving it!!! We saw this beautiful, ornate temple and then walked around. I didn't buy anything because I'm still thoroughly confused about the conversion to yen. My goal for today: figure that out!!

After Chinatown, we took a seabus (which they mistakenly call the Sea Bass - which I find hilarious!) back to the bus station, then a bus back to campus. They had a welcome ceremony/dinner for us. The dean and a former dean and bunch of other men were there. I've never seen so many suits, so much bowing, and so much clapping in my life - and it's only day 2! Everyone made a little speech and they gave us gifts. There was a ton of food. I feel like all we do is eat things that are unidentifiable to me. I ask Yumiko questions constantly, and her repsonse is normally taht I should try it because it's good for me. Too cute. I just wanted to know what it was...

 

But after seeing all of those men in power at dinner last night, I really appreciate the fact that she is the ONLY woman we have dealt with. It must be difficult to be the only woman with that kind of power. From what I can tell, the work world in Japan is still very much a man's world.

 

Still, women do have some power, I guess. When we watch the news in the morning at breakfast, there are several women on it (covering traffic, the train stations, new products, etc.) and the newsanchor is a woman. Maybe it's because they're cute so it gets men to watch. I don't know.

Simple things really make you happy when you travel. I got a gift from Morio`s son-in-law`s grandmother in Korea. At the table, I have my own chopsticks. My very own to use at breakfast, like I"m part of the family. And I'm getting better at using them. Woo hoo.

 

May 7-8: travel days

Sorry it took so long to actually start this blog. If this post seems odd, it`s because I started it the night I arrived, but didn`t get to posting it until now...Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy it. :)

They said we could use the computer labs on campus, but I have yet to see them and I don't have a log in, either. But that's ok. I didn't stay on campus with the rest of the group. I found out I would be with Morio and his family the whole time. I was really excited to have so much time with him and with a Japanese family!

The plane ride over here was long. I mean, torturously long. Nothing can prepare you for the feeling you get when you`re in a tin can thousands of miles in the air, trapped for hours with strangers. Except for the one to come home, I hope to never be on a plane ride that long again. Torture, I tell you!! But if that`s what it takes to have some adventures in Japan, well then, I`ll have to deal with it. Morio & Yumiko picked us up at the airport in Tokyo and we brought us to Yokohama. By the time we arrived in Yokohama, we were so exhausted we didn`t care it was too early to sleep.They dragged us to dinner at Denny's which is NOTHING like the Denny's at home. I had Ramen because it was safe and I wasn't hungry...

  

My room here is interesting...it's a loft...a REALLY high one...which is great for those of us terrified of heights. Oh well. I have to sleep somewhere! I managed to climb up the 12 step ladder, sleep, and come back down without a panic attack, so I guess we`ll be good.

There is another student from UPB staying here. Nick has been here for a month now, so I'm hoping to learn a lot from him.

We are touring Yokohama bay area today and then having a welcome party/dinner. I'm glad we'll be really busy for the next two weeks so I won't have a lot of time to miss home.