Brenda in Japan

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brenda McKinney is an American living and working in the Kansai region of Japan. This is an account of her life and adventures among the fine people of Nihon.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Changes to the Naked Man Festival... which I MIGHT be attending?!

Well, I wasn't planning on attending the Okayama Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Man Festival) this year, even though seeing thousands of loin-cloth-clad men literally fighting over sticks in a giant temple all through the rainy night WAS an awesome experience last year... but now it looks like I might be going after-all.  


A lot of people are going and I am starting to think it might be a fun weekend out of town, festival or no festival.  My friend Hong (the girl that came last weekend) wants to come back for the event, and it's not that far away or expensive.  If it doesn't rain, it could be better than last year, too, so I'd be willing to give it a shot.  Oh, and there's maybe someone I'd be willing to go cheer on if he's really doing it (?), but we'll see...


On the topic of the HADAKA Matsuri, though, they changed the rules for runners this year in what I thought was an interesting twist.  You might find the new rules (below) culturally intriguing, as tattoos are considered bad and often associated with the yakuza (mafia) in Japan.  Some hot springs and gyms won't let you in if you have them, but being that strict is somewhat old fashioned and I have heard most places are OK if you just cover them up.



NEW RULES from some people in Okayama Prefecture organizing a group for the run (OAJET):


There are new rules for runners at this year's Naked Man. No one with a tattoo will be allowed to run.


Here is the quote from the temple itself:


2. No tattoos, no jika-tabi socks, no tobi-tabi socks


o The participants who are tattooed and/or wearing

jika-tabi/tobi-tabi will be removed before entering the site.

o Not allowed to participate in the festival even if you

cover the tattoos with clothes, tapes, cosmetics and/or any other stuff.

o Tattooed participants will not be qualified as fukuotokos

(lucky man) even if they get shingi sticks. The shingi sticks will be

forfeited.


In the past, covered tattoos have been tolerated, but this year looks

to be different. If you have reserved to be a runner but have a tattoo

please contact us immediately. If you know a potential runner, please

pass this information along.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

People to People Scandal

My dad sent me an article about a Minnesota boy who died in Japan last summer. I hadn't heard of this story before now, but I find it really concerning.


The program mentioned in the article, People to People, actually recruited me to go on a study trip to Europe when I was in middle school (I remember daydreaming about kissing the Blarney stone...). I think I even knew one other kid who participated in one of their programs and it seemed reputable to me when I got the materials.


As much as I will advocate the importance of learning about other cultures and the value of spending time abroad, this is a reminder that things can go wrong and that you need to be careful when making arrangements. Wow, my heart goes out to this boy's family... what a sad story! Hopefully we can all learn something from this tragedy so it doesn't happen again.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Harimacho 10K Road Race 2008

I just checked and I did beat my 10k time from last year's race... by 21 seconds. Haha! It's a small improvement, but still an improvement. Here is a picture of me crossing the finish line:



Like that? It's me clicking my heels at the end of the race, my running tradition ;-)

I am gearing up more for this marathon now, especially since I dedicated it to PEPY and finished the 10k. I thought I might be sore after Sunday, but I feel totally fine and still no knee problems. I couldn't run yesterday because it was raining, but I just went out for about 45 minutes and feel fine. Lena and I are going to do a long run this weekend (at least 3 hours) so we'll see how that goes... keep you posted!

The Flu, The Race and Brendas i Norge?!

Interesting - albeit not too eventful - day in the world today. I was just scanning the news, trying to get a little more (in the context of needing to get a lot more) caught up on the political situation in America and saw this article about flu vaccines. It sounds like they are researching alternatives to the shot, not unveiling them, but I'm all for innovation on this one.

Both the election and the topic of illness/the flu have actually been on my mind today, as quite a few people are absent with the flu (prompting me to consider getting a shot, even now). I also tried to discuss the upcoming elections with one of my Second Year classes as an introduction today. Only two people (out of 24) knew who Obama was, with a few more for Hillary Clinton. They seemed to recognize George W. Bush's name, but I didn't take a hand count on that one. That is just name recognition! Maybe I am ethnocentric... but I am shocked they aren't familiar with what is going on in America right now (at least names), but I guess I should also consider the fact that I don't know the names of all (ok any) of the members of the Japanese Imperial family, either. I will definitely be doing a (very unbaised) intro lesson on the upcoming election, and maybe another on economics (possibly development?) this spring. This could be fun!

One last little random tidbit: here is an interesting story about popular names in Norway (paa norsk... sorry guys). If anything, it's interesting to see the similarities between popular American names today and trends in Norway (Sara og Mathias were in the top spots for girls & boys this year). Since I was already looking up stuff on names, I checked out the stastics on how many "Brendas" there are in Norway for kicks and it turns out there are 63 women with my name in the country (population is about 4.5 mil) . Koedder du? I've certainly never run into any of the others and that number seems really high, but seriously, who knew?! I guess times do change; Brunhilde may be on the way out before we know it!

Self-Improvement on the Web

Found this random expat's blog in Tokyo (so many notebooks to do... time to get off when I am surfing expats's blogs), but I found something kinda cool.

Check out this self-improvement blog the guy recommended.

I love the furniture-swap idea. Actually, I know of several people who have done clothing swaps, where you bring the stuff you don't want, put it in the pile and then you can take up to the number of things you brought from that pile. My old roommate got a really awesome jacket and vintage t-shirt from one in Minneapolis... I would do it here if most of my friends lived closer together and we had more stuff here. Furniture, though... that's a new one. Love it.

Considering this is still January, I suppose this also could work as a segway into the concept of resolutions. I don't have any huge ones this year; just to make an effort to cherish my friends and family more (like calling and seeing people I always say I will, but don't) and following my instincts, or making choices that are right for me. I've never been one to do diet resolutions, but I did give up chocolate and pop for lent last year and haven't gone back to being a Coca-Cola fiend yet >;-)

Anyways, the site is just food for thought for ya'll to nibble on. I'm off to bed, but Bon Appetit!

Cool event in KYOTO next weekend!

I am already booked out through next weekend, but if I weren't, I would definitely consider checking out this event:

JAPANESE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE DAY

Just an FYI if you're in the Kyoto-area. It's free and looks like a lot of fun!

Monday, January 28, 2008

More on WHY I am going to CAMBODIA (and supporting PEPY Ride)


Did you know?...


• Cambodia's population has doubled in the last 30 years

• Less than 30% of Cambodian students enroll in secondary school

• 75% of Cambodia's forest has been lost in the last 20 years



To learn more about how education, health, and environmental issues are related in the development of Cambodia, click here.

Help Me Help PEPY RIDE

If I asked people who know me well in a personal context to describe me in three words, I think most would come up with a combination containing at least one of these:

Oshaberi

Genki

Passionate


So the first two are obviously in Japanese, meaning talkative and energetic (or spirited/passionate/driven), respectively. I also consider Passion, the third word, especially true and a driving force in my life.

When thinking about this word, passion, there are three aspects (and big influences in my personal life) that immediately come to mind: learning, travel and helping others. Education is
my biggest media for helping others at the moment, I hope law will be the tool I use in my life’s work to integrate these interests, but volunteer work has definitely had a big impact on me, especially as chair of the Hyogo AJET Charity Committee this year. For me, these things go hand-in-hand.

This March I will be combining these passions as I take part in a volunteer trip to Cambodia. I've wanted to go to Cambodia ever since I supported my friend Jessica on her volunteer trip three years ago. I followed Jessica's experiences with PEPY Ride both before, during and after her trip to Cambodia, which opened my eyes to not only the tragic conditions that many Cambodians live in, but also what we can do to help. Prior to coming to Japan, my former CEO and constant role model, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, also reflected on her experiences with Cambodia in her opening speech at a company-wide conference I once attended. Her humanitarian work in the region, specifically in the battle against child trafficking, also inspired me to do more to help. I'm really grateful to be able to do something meaningful to help Cambodians on my trip and am really looking forward to meeting all the children and seeing Ankor Wat.

In addition to volunteering at schools in rural Cambodia with PEPY Ride, I'm also raising donations for them. We’ve been raising money to give directly to the school, and so far, I have raised over $300 of my $500 goal! I am reaching out to you to help me help Pepy Ride. Give as much or little as you can and remember that donations are tax deductible.

On March 2nd, I will also be running the Sasayama ABC Marathon to raise awareness and support PEPY Ride. Yup, 42k through the mountains of Japan for a good cause!! I am making TEAM PEPY RIDE t-shirts for my running parter and I, and for each person that donates, I will add you to the “team Pepy roster” on my t-shirt. JOIN THE TEAM TODAY!

To make a donation, simply click here to place your donation or feel free to give me money in person. If you donate online, please put my name in the Personal Message field. Again, 100% of your donation goes to the children (not to my trip) and a little can really go a long way in Cambodia. I will be submitting all donations I receive one week prior to my departure and adding names to the "Team Pepy Ride" t-shirt roster up until the race.

For more information on the Pepy Ride program, visit http://www.pepyride.org/.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! :-)



(To place a donation and HELP ME SUPPORT PEPY RIDE, please visit www.firstgiving.org/brendamckinney)

(You can also visit PEPY Ride's page at http://www.firstgiving.com/pepyride - remember to use my name in the Personal Messages area)

Spring Breakin' It for the KIDS

When I made the decision to move to Japan a year and a half ago, going to Cambodia with PEPY Ride, an amazing volunteer program established by a small group of young, motivated people from Japan like me, was one of my goals (or at least on the wish list!?).

Therefore, it is extremely exciting for me to be able to tell you more about my upcoming Rural Experiential Tour to Phnom Penh, Stung Treng and Siem Reap, Cambodia in March!

I am not sure how big our group will be yet, but we will be volunteering at the PEPY Friends School in Stung Treng province, as well as getting to do some pretty awesome cultural activities like visiting a Mekong dolphin conservation group in Kratie and exploring the less-traveled areas of Cambodia (hopefully with the kids).

Prior to making our way over to Phnom Penh to meet the group, my friend Tam and I are also planning on spending several days in Laos. I would also like to visit Ankor Wat in Siem Reap at the tail-end of this trip ("like to" is an understatement), but those plans are also in the plannign stages. The reason I am going is for the school, however, and majority of my time will be spent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I can't wait :-)

I know about 5 people who have participated in this program, and have full faith in what they are doing. Anyways, I just wanted to share, but more info on Cambodia and what I will be doing shortly!!



The Weekend Review - International Whirlwind of Visits!

It. Is. COLD.
When you think of Japan, you think of Tokyo, video games, anime, crazy fashion and Samurai, right? Little would many suspect that this high tech wonderland would be so "backwards" by other standards. Like, say, heating.
I am wearing a t-shirt, lambswool sweater, button-up wool sweater, fleece, tights and two pairs of socks under my pants and have a hot packet in my sleeve. I am freezing. I know we have had unusually warm winters in Japan these last two years, but I do not know if I could survive anything colder without having insulation (and quite often no heat inside). When I explain how cold my home is to people, their reaction is often that I should be used to this... but seriously... no heat?! I think I prefer the snow. I can see my breath inside.

Enough whining, though. Onto the weekend... it was busy, but I had a good time.

FD on the DL
I went for a long run after work on Friday, had Chinese for din and stayed in with DVDs. I had been pretty pumped about getting out and doing something on Friday evening, but after the previous weekend and really feeling the stress of the long week, keeping the evening low-key was honestly the most perfect plan I could have asked for. And besides, I finally got to see the first episode of Wired. I am not usually huge on police dramas, but I like it so far and am really looking forward to seeing the rest of the season. A friend of mine ordered Season 1 two weeks ago and has since watched that and the second season... so I think it's going to be good (and yeah, it's cold, so a good excuse to stay in with DVDs, no?).

The Taipei Crew Comes a'Visitin
I met Hong, who came into Akashi from Gifu Prefecture on the Shinkansen, on Saturday morning. I overslept a bit ended up being late, so instead of bringing her back to Kelly's apartment to drop off her things, I took her bag, showed her how to get to Himeji Castle (her destination for the afternoon) and made plans to meet up later on. I spent the afternoon essentially running errands and got home just in time to meet Hong and get ready to go out for dinner in Kobe. We went to a surprise birthday dinner at an Indian restaraunt in Sannomiya. The food was good, but the portions were so small and prices were high compared to some other places I've been, but it was fun to catch up with friends and the surprise went well.

Outcome of the First Charity Event
The concept of face (representing yourself and protecting your dignity and that of those you represent) is important in Japan. We stopped one of the that hosted our charity event last week to pick up the donation, and ended up walking to all three venues to show our face and say thank you (showing your appreciation and keeping face). The great news is that we earned over $500 towards the cause on this one event. I'll be posting more on other charity events and fundraisers I am working on soon, but that money will go a long way for a good cause. After the stop at the bars, Hong and I headed back with one more friend. I was supposed to run a 10k with Lena on Sunday morning so I needed to get back early, but since my running buddy was sick, Hong decided to run it in her place. Because we were both getting up early, I decided I'd just crash at Kelly's too... our friend Robyn missed her last train and came back a bit later with Robyn, so it wasn't the earliest of nights (especially for a race day), but we just hung out and chatted for a while. I like living alone, but do miss having people around, especially housemates, at times; it was fun to do the "slumber party" thing again.

Harimacho Road Race
The race on Sunday morning went well. I remember being so nervous about it last year, especially since it was the precursor to my first full marathon and I had all the knee issues, but I knew the route this time around and wasn't at all concerned about the distance (10k). We started off with Tam, Clayton, Hong and I running and chatting, but Hong and I broke off after a few kilometers and started going faster. I was trying to keep my training pace and kept telling Hong I needed to slow down, but once we passed 7k, Hong made a comment about how I was going faster. I guess I decided to just screw it and run. We ended up picking up the pace as the snow started to fall (never sets, though), passing probably 10 people in the last 2k, sprinting at the end, and - of course - I upheld the tradition of clicking my heels as I passed the finish line. We came in at an hour, one minute and three seconds, which isn't amazing, but isn't bad at all... faster than the marathon pace!

Playing Tour Guide in KOBE
The race finished later than expected, so we were a little late getting to Sannomiya to meet JJ, the other friend from Taipei (living in Korea) who was visiting for the day. He didn't have a phone here, but thankfully I had given him my mobile info, so he just went to an internet cafe and emailed my phone when we were late (we use email instead of text messaging on cell phones here). Hong, Robyn and JJ threw their stuff in lockers and we headed through the shopping arcade and posh districts of Kobe over to Nanjingmachi, or China Town. We were planning to go to a tabehodai buffet, Sky Buffet, for dinner, but the street food in China Town is just too tempting! We spent a while testing out the different dumplings and rolls before moving on toward the harbor. We showed our guests Meriken Park, the Hanshin Earthquake Memorial with preserved rubble, the black ship at the harbor, walked through the romantic, shopping area around Harborland and then made our way to the station. Hong had to get back to Gifu, so we said our goodbyes there, but the rest of the group (me, Kelly, JJ and Robyn) went back to Sannomiya to meet up with Caoimhe and Tu and go to dinner.

I almost didn't go to dinner at Sky Buffet because I was getting tired, wasn't that hungry and had been to another birthday dinner for the same person the day before, but I swear I change the moment I step into that place. Even without drinking, the view is the best in Kobe and the buffet isn't bad (or too expensive for an All You Can Eat). We had a good time just relaxing and having dinner. It was a really good time, but it really is funny who you meet in life. JJ and Hong are a lot of fun, and I think Hong might even come back to hang out again next month... wish I had met them last year. They're interesting travel buddies. Anyways, once we all parted ways (half on the JR line and half on SANYO to see which was faster... got back the same time), I essentially hung out and watched a movie for a while before calling it a day. Not a bad weekend.

Train Etiquette

I had two interesting little run-ins on the train this weekend that I wanted to share, but didn't fit into the book of a "weekend review" I posted... so here ya go. Just consider it an extra dose of culture:)

If you visit Tokyo, one of the first things you'll notice about the trains (ok, other than that they are confusing, often packed like sardines and have women-only cars) is the posters on the walls explaining appropriate (and inappropriate) train etiquette. The Japanese take it very seriously, also shown by a recent essay one of my favorite students submitted, talking about how teenagers today are very rude on trains (blasting behavior such as talking, sitting in priority seats, using their phones, sitting on the floor, etc).

I have been repremanded or approached by strangers for talking on the train before (even for talking in a quite voice), as have many other expats I know here, but it often seems to be by people who want to say something in English and see it as an opportunity to approach the foreign girl.

Anyways, it happened again twice this weekend. The first time, I walked onto a Hankyu train and looked around. There weren't a ton of people, but most of the seats were full except for the section next to the door (the priority seats), which were basically all open. There was nobody else standing, so I decided to sit down as the train scooted forward. Then, suddenly, this little, old Japanese man sitting at the other end of the cushioned benches on my side of the car starts yelling at me; absolutely throwing a fit.  He is using the local dialect.  I cannot understand everything he is saying, but I understand enough.  He talking about how these are special seats and that I have no business sitting here and need to move immediately...in a rather load voice. I actually started to get up, shocked by the reaction, and then looked around and realized there weren't really any other free seats in the normal section, afterall... or anyone in need of my seat. The man saw me budge and got louder. I sat back down, turned over to him and politely told him in Japanese that there was nobody there (waiting)!   I mean, of course I would move if an older person needed the seat. He didn't say anything for the rest of the journey, but I am sure if he had a blog, his recent post would be about the inconsiderate foreigners who sit where they aren't supposed to.  Drama!

The second situation took place on Saturday night as we were making our way to the surprise dinner party. I had planned the dinner and told everyone to meet at a central place in Kobe about 45 minutes before the birthday girl was supposed to get to the restaraunt (so we could go over together). Well, we got ready, left, and then realized Hong forgot her wallet when we got to the station (it happens, no biggie).  Crap.  We were already pushing time, so once we went back to get the wallet, we knew we'd be late. 

The problem was that everyone else was on time at the meeting spot, but they didn't all know each other.  I told them we'd meet them at the restaurant, but I still needed to describe other group members to my friends who were already waiting so they could grab everyone. I was in the middle of doing this on the train (quietly, I swear) when the man next to me looks over at me and tells me in a stern, serious tone, "it's prohibited to use yor phone on the trains in Japan." 

Hmm, ok

I told him it was an emergency. He told me again it was prohibited, this time giving me a more serious glare. At this point, I calmly put the phone down, turned to him and said, "No.  It is very rude to use the phone on the train, but it is not prohibited. Gomenasai." (with a slight bow with my head). Well, he turned away and I didn't hear any more of it, but I bet that situation would have intimidated me enough to get off the phone when I first got to Japan and I can see it happening with other foreigners here (including with eating, talking, and yes, using the phone on the train). People aren't always chatty on subways in America, no, but talking is not "probited." Man.  Cultural divides... I have a better handle on the differences now, but it doesn't mean I accept all of them.

Yeah, so those are my train stories from the weekend, but they can be pretty common occurrences.  I think I am going to arrange a debate with my students this spring and I really want to use train etiquette as a debate topic, just out of curiosity to see how my kids feel about the subject...



Friday, January 25, 2008

Music In Osaka

The best part of living in/near a big city is access to and variety of entertainment. What's more, while it can be a bit pricier in Japan than at home, the venues are often smaller so you have a more intimate experience at concerts here.

I'm gonna hit up Bjork's tour next month (getting excited just typing that), had to miss the Roots for the Conference last week (but they come about every year), and was just a little crushed when I checked a list of events and found out I missed Suzanne Vega this week. You know her, right?... Luka and Tom's Diner (do, do, do-do... do, do, do-do...do, do, do-do, do-do, do-do)... love that song!


Anyways, just thought I would mention it because a) I love music, b) I am in the mood to post things here and c) because I wanted to see if anyone thought Suzanne was looking a bit much like Dita Von Teese these days?:

Another view of India

Here's a recent travel article about a recent trip to India. We were interested in heading to Jaisalmer, the first loc in the peice, but the 40-hour train ride was more time than we could afford. Halfway down the page, you'll find information on Jaipur ("pink city")... there we were!

Reminds me I need to get on those India updates too... they'll be coming as backlogs, so check the December and early January posts periodically for updates. In the meantime, cheers:

http://www.kansaiscene.com/current/html/travel.shtml

On Posting My Pictures from the Trip.

So you may have noticed those pictures I promised to get up "soon" have not appeared yet. I have a confession. My startup disc is full and I am really stubborn about moving things to my external harddrive and deleting anything from my computer... even though I don't have enough room to upload like 300 pictures!

That being said, I thought I would try to share some of the photography that I posted on Facebook. I don't think you need an account to see these albums, but let me know if you do. Ofoto to be updated... I swear... sometime!

Taipei:
http://stolaf.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035796&id=40401683

Varanasi, India:
http://stolaf.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035920&id=40401683

Nepal, Part I:
http://stolaf.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036145&id=40401683

Nepal, Part II:
http://stolaf.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036148&id=40401683

Yet to come (to FB): Highlights from the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra), New Years and Pushkar

Snow, Friday thoughts and another 10k

This has, without a doubt, been one of the craziest weeks of my life. It has also been one of the coldest at work... I am literally wearing tights and three pairs of socks under my pants today. Sexy, I know. With all of the excitement, decisions, drama, change, anticipation (yeah, I am sure you are pining for details, but I'll have to wait to share) that I have encountered this week, I have had trouble sleeping or have been on the phone to America a lot (and often late into the night). It hit me a little hard to read about Heath Ledger's death because his main ailment was similar to mine this week (well, lack of sleep) and he was around my age.

Anyways, with all that being said, things aren't going too badly today. I can feel the sun getting a little stronger as the winter drags on, still enjoy watching it rise from my bed in the mornings and there have been several small snowfalls in the past week, which always brightens the twinkle in my eye. I guess I have a "sense of snow" and will always have an afinity for it; you can take the girl out of Minnesota but there are parts of Minnesota you can never take out of the girl. Not complaining about missing the -22 degrees (C) weather (-6 F) this week, but the white winters are nice... did you know Minnesota is actually as cold as Antartica, though?

Our friend Hong comes in from Gifu Prefecture (north of Tokyo) tomorrow and JJ, the other American we met in Taiwan, is coming on Sunday. This weekend is Kelly's birthday and Sunday morning is the 10k. I am not going to be super competitive with this one, but am looking forward to running it with my friends Tam and Lena. Keep those fingers crossed for us;-)

Anyways, I just read this quote somewhere and thought I would leave you with some food for thought. It's an important reminder of how we should remember to be grateful for the people and things we have in our lives... everyday. Even when things are rough, friends really do add richness and we're still pretty lucky:

The word for poverty in the Andean native language (Quechua) means "that who is alone or lacking social relations."

Monday, January 21, 2008

More on the Election: Ballot Blues

A very politcally active friend of mine sent me a message with this address. I don't "do" forwards, but am at least willing to post this info. Take a look at this website or the New York Times story if you have some time:

The cover story in The New York Times Magazine on Sunday, January 6, 2008, makes plain the threat: The winner of the 2008 presidential election could be decided by flawed, insecure, and hackable electronic voting machines. This is the most prominent news coverage this issue has ever gotten, so it could be our one last chance to get this right before the election in November.

Congress is poised to consider a new emergency paper ballots bill next week—but we'll have to convince them to act right away. This is an urgent petition asking local, state, and federal officials to require paper ballots for our votes. Click here to add your name:http://pol.moveon.org/paper2008

The Weekend Review - Slow Monday

I walked into work this morning, having been gone at a conference on Thursday and Friday, and sat down in front of my large, metal desk. It was a pretty normal Monday morning: looked around and greeted my coworkers, looked hrough my schedule for the day, leafed through some paperwork that I need to deal with this week and listened to the daily staff meeting, now understanding at least the gist of everything they talk about. I swivel around in my chair, getting settled, and then I look down and notice a lime green envelope with my name on, it sitting under the plastic sheath that covers my desktop. I pulled it out and carefully opened it.

Inside the envelope was a birthday card with a large picture of Mickey Mouse in 80s-style shades on the cover. It read "SMILE". I opened it. "...IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!" is written in large letters across the top.

It was a birthday card from my colleague! They remembered:-) The message was simple and cute and a very genuine attempt at rhyming. I was impressed.:

Happy Birthday. I like your smile! You're always cheerful. And you cheer me up (because you were a cheerleader). I'm grateful for your help. Let's enjoy teaching.

(Yes, I was once, long ago, a cheerleader... don't hold it against me;-) )

Anyways, I thought the card was sweet and wanted to share... Monday morning can be slow, but it made my day. The weekend, on the other hand, was a little crazy. Between the birthday party, the conference, the charity event and everything else that happened over this long, long weekend, I am just grateful that we somehow survived. We didn't get the numbers at Friday night's event that we expected (especially for the volume) and there was a bit of drama, but I do think we made a bit of money for the chidren in Cambodia and it was nice to see a lot of people out. I didn't make it to the New Years party on Saturday and the rain (and snow fall!!) prevented me from doing real training for the marathon, but I also squeezed in a long-overdue visit to a friend working in Osaka.

Not too much else is new. The American travel buddies that we met at the hostel in Taipei are also coming to visit next weekend and all my second year students are in Singapore. Oh, and I've gotten some questions about all the India posts and pictures that I promised, but have yet to produce... they're still coming. To be honest, my computer's start up disc is full and I have been relectant to move files to my external harddrive, especially pictures, but just need to do it so I have the space. I just don't have enough room to upload everything! Thanks for the patience and hope you all had a lovely weekend. Cheers!

Eleanor Roosevelt's Nightly Prayer

I liked this. Hope you enjoy:

Our Father, who has set a restlesness in our hearts and made us all seekers after that which we can never fully find, forbid us to be satisfied with what we make of life. Draw us from base content and set our eyes on far-off goals. Keep us at tasks too hard for us that we may be driven to Thee for strength. Deliver us from fetfulness and self-pitying; make us sure of the good we cannot see and of the hidden good in the world. Open our eyes to simple beauty all around us and our hearts to the loveliness men hide from us because we do not try to understand them. Save us from ourselves and show us a vision of a world made new.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Internet Cafe

Hello, hello.

I am sitting at an internet/manga cafe in central Kobe right now. I wouldn't have noticed what it was if it weren't for the large pictures of computers out front, but my friend had actually been here before and brought me and several of our girlfriends here to get a few hours of shut-eye (or internet time) after the seminar ended today (and before we head out for more fun later tonight). I will say one thing, we needed the rest time... last night was a lot of fun, but I am still totally beat!

Don't Read Manga, but Love the Manga/Internetto Cafes Like Crazy!

It's hard to believe it's my first time ever at manga cafe...this place rocks. You basically walk into the establishment (which looks like a restaraunt or business hotel) and pay at the front desk. Then they will either bring or direct you down a labrynth of halls to rooms where you can choose the comfort and type of chair/computer you want, order food, pay for a place to sleep or read the hundreds and hundreds of manga (Japanese cartoons) they have on hand. The price of being here is all based on time (about ¥180 for 30 minutes) and they are open 24 horus a day. These establishments would have been such a lifeline on those all-nighters last year... I feel foolish for getting in the game so late... but better than never.

But onto last night... and turning 26. Wow.

I had originally decided to do a small girl's night at the spa (this sort of expensive one in Sannomiya that puts rose petals in the hot springs and gives great massages) to celebrate my big debut into my late 20s, but when two male friends asked about the birthday plans, I decided to do a dinner instead. I invited the girls, of course, but five people turned into more when I hit Facebook and my cell phone email... and we ended up with about 30! I chose a little italian place I know of that looks like a stone cellar and has a great wine deal (I mean $7 for 90 minutes all-you-can-drink WINE... pour your own from the bar!). I didn't want to do a 'set course' (is that even real English? I honestly don't know anymore...basically 'party menu') since they can be really expensive and not everyone has the same food prefereces but rather wanted everyone to be able to order what they wanted. To my delight, the restaraunt obliged. We ordered some pizza and salad in advance, hoping there wouldn't be such a rush, but I should have known better with so many people and so much wine. We ended up not really getting dinner (ate McDonalds on the way home...), which was a wacky combination with so many people, but I will say it was a fun night. And as has sort of always been the case with me, I tend to lime with a lot of different groups (or people in different areas of Japan), but bringing all those friends together last night also really made me realize how lucky I have been over the last year and a half and how many amazing people I have met. They really have been my Japan in many ways.

Bigger Topics

And on the topic of my Japan... I haven't written or spoken about it publically before now because I wanted to weigh all of the options and make the right decision for me, but there is a strong possibility I will stay a third year. Yeah, I know...suprising, right?

I would have thought it impossible a year ago and I did apply to law schools this fall (waiting to hear back... deferring is a maybe), but there are a lot of pulls on both the pro and con sides. My biggest worries with staying revolve around my current job (I love what I do now, but am getting really ready to get back to school and am excited to start my career... worried I will get too ready... and about being older when I start that career), what I have seen "too much time in Japan" do to other women (it can be challenging to stay in a male-dominating society; some really strong women have gotten bitter... although I know some that are very happy), the fact that many of my close friends will be returning to their home countries soon so the life I know now will dramatically change.

I am not posting these thoughts as rumblings or to moan and groan, but because I think they're very realistic concerns a lot of people have when in my shoes and it's good to be realistic about them and it's part of what this experience is really all about. On the opposite side of the debate, I will say that if I stay, I'll still be coming home to perform my Maid of Honor duties at my best friend's wedding in Minneapolis this summer, will be visiting Oslo for a few days and have plans on the table to take the Trans-Siberian Railway back to Japan (probably through Mongolia) with a good girlfriend from Norway. Doing a volunteer trip to Tanzania (and fulfilling a childhood dream of visiting the Queen Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfall in Zambia/Zimbabwe) in the spring, finally doing the Tokyo Marathon (applying EARLY this year to secure that... although next marathon is in March!) and experiencing Hatsumode (traditional Japanese New Year with drinking at temples and shrines all night) are also possibilities, in addition to the fact that I can still save more money here. These are all amazing experiences, yes, but it's all about opportunity costs. Anyways, that's just an update, but I will let you all know in the next few months what I decide (and where I am moving to/going to to school/deferring to if I am on my way out).

Charity Event TONIGHT

Anyways, as I mentioned earlier, I've been in Kobe for a big conference, which I actually got a lot out of (was strangely good timing for the theme and very applicable to what I do). The Charity Committee that I am chairing is hosting a funraising event for the Pepy Ride Program tonight (it's an All You Can Drink special at two bars and a club from 8pm-5am for about $30). I don't know if or how much I will drink and I feel a little funny hosting an event that may or may not seem to promote drinking, but at least we will probably get a good turnout and $5/pp is going directly to charity. Wish me luck!

Alright, I have to get a few things done and this is a long post (the other girls are definately dreaming away by now...) so I should go. I think I'm heading to a Celebrate the New Year party in Osaka tomorrow night (if I'm not too tired) and doing another long Marathon-Training-Session with Lena, the friend I am running the next marathon with, on Sunday, so I'll be back in a few days. Thank you to everyone who sent me all the beautiful birthday wishes - again - and I hope you are genki (well). Matta ne!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Off to my Conference in Kobe!

Gotta love the two-day work weeks! Well, ok, I'm not actually getting off that easily. Monday was a national holiday (Youth Day, actually) and I have a conference in Kobe tomorrow and Friday. The weekend was more low-key, as predicted. Karaoke with Tam and her guests on Friday (Amy Winehouse is finally on the menu!), Osaka Saturday night, great indian food, finally met up with Kristin's friend from college in Osaka for a spot of shopping and just hanging out...

This week (yes, all two days) has been BUSY, but I'm running again (Marathon is in less than two months!) and feeling good. Doing a little birthday din with friends in Kobe tomorrow and hosting a huge charity event at 3 bars in Kobe on Friday (9 hours of All You Can Drink, 3 bars and all for one cause... wish us luck!). Hoping for a few hundred people and to raise a lot of money. It's my first BIG event, so I'm a little nervous, but with flyers in hand and a will to get out there and party... we're ready!

More soon... heading out of town!

Friday, January 11, 2008

The New Tata Nano

On the topic of India, it seems Kelly and I barely missed the 9th annual New Delhi Auto Expo in New Delhi (took place two days after our departure from this neighborhood). Ok, Ok... to be honest, I normally wouldn't care much about auto fairs, but there was something about this one that caught my attention: the Tata Nano.

The Tata Nano is the name of a new model that was just unveiled by Indian car company Tata Motors. I don't love the yellow paint job on the press photo, but I actually think the model is pretty cute and the size is really practical for city-driving (especially in India!). And the kicker is that this newbie is officially the world's cheapest car, with a standard model MPR of only $2,500 (Rs 100,000 plus delivery charges). I know people who spend more than that on a bike!


Anyways, the company is only going to produce 250,000 units per year for now (with no word on better colors), but isn't it adorable?!:


Oh the Places You'll Go

It's already Friday afternoon. I have one more class today and then I've made it through my first week back after vacation. I've been told I look better than I did when I left, but I'm definately tired this week. I grew up going on "educational vacations" (not beach trips) and I've now been around the world on my own, so I am used to running around and looking at sights while I travel... but I have to admit that this last trip left me pretty beat. I wouldn't have thought it likely, but I would definately enjoy some relaxation time on the next big holiday (ok, or the one after Laos and Cambodia in March); Thailand last year was proof enough that it does the body good.

But, anyways, as I mentioned, I'm back in my good, ole desk at Takasago Minami High School and slowly but steadily getting back into full-swing. Not much has changed since last year, but it's been fun to talk to some of the kids about India (showed one class how to tie a sari and gave them bindis yesterday...which they all proceeded to put on their notebooks as stickers...hmm) and I'm excited to get my pictures organized and get an India/Nepal presentation together. The kids do seem a little more genki (energetic) after the holiday, too, but that can be both a good and bad thing. One girl got kicked out of my class today for talking too much (found I still very uncomfortable with the teacher screaming at a kid for 5 minutes in front of the whole class), but it's good to see the students and hear what they've been up to.
We also have a girl visiting from Australia, who has come to a few of my classes and I have been showing around a bit. It's nice to have another native speaker around and I think she likes getting the random little tipcs from me. Now that finals are over and the students seem to have more steam, I've been trying to direct my Japanese kids' energy into ways to approach the Australian exchange student (especially since she's here for two weeks), but that's been a bust, too... the Japanese students are just too shy and haven't talked to her much. Even when Emily, the Australian girl, came to my classroom for daily cleaning on Wednesday, the first graders that I introduced her to would only look at and talk to me... not her (and they wanted me to translate rather than practicing English with her). Well, you can't say I didn't try but it's also funny being on the other side of the fence; I remember when people were like that with me here. We'll see if it goes better next week.
Other than school, I'm just getting settled back in, trying rest up (Kelly got really sick on the last day and is home all week, so I am avoiding the same happening to me) and I've been reflecting a lot on the travel experience we just had. Now that I've had a few days, I guess I could share some of those thoughts on India....

Let me just start by saying that my first impression is that India is unique.

People always tell you India is like nowhere you've ever been, even if you've traveled a lot. This was, however, something that took me a while to come to a conclusion on. I was talking to a friend we met in Jaipur about this topic one day and we both agreed that it wasn't that different from other places we had been to in the Middle East (in my case) and Africa (in hers). But after some time, I think the characteristics sort of creep up on you, and you realize that it does stand out. Again, my introduction to this massive country was just in the north, so there are definately very different cultures in the south and in different states, but you can make some generalizations that hold true to everywhere.
At first sight, yes, the scene on the street looks a lot like the Middle East, but then you will see a few cows walking down the street and goats and pigs grazing on the garbage piles. Yes, garbage. It's everywhere. Bicycle and autorickshaws zoom past, nearly taking your right arm with them. Wild dogs and cats run by, carting their pups along with them. Women in beautiful, colorful saris stand out like jewels in the crowded streets, while some kneel over the blankets covered with the vegetables and beans that they are selling (or are busy sweeping the street in their gold jewelry - 16 pieces for married women). There is a strong love affair for film and the beats of Bollywood songs and MTV often grace cafes. Men sit in circles on the side of the rode, heating up tea pots over small, open fires and sipping their rich, sugary chai. It's candy for the senses.
Furthermore, another striking factor is langauge. The bilingual ability in India is remarkable. People naturally switch in-and-out of English and other native tongues (mostly Hindi in my encounters) on television and on the street, assuming it is understood, and doing it with such ease that it is as if it were assumed that everyone, everywhere just naturally spoke several langauges. It's just normal. Sound is a big part of India. Most travel journals and forums will recommend ear plugs (those stray dogs and cats do fight..loudly... and early), but walk around on any given day and you will hear the sounds of drums coming from small Hindu temples, praying for exotic elephant and monkey gods. Or maybe you'll come across the music of gypsies or munks on the street, competing with the unmistakable sound of wailing prayers streaming from the many mosques that dot city neighborhoods.
In one word, India has spirit. These are people who were abused and beat down again and again, but who never gave up (look at the Great Uprising in 1857, for example). But, ironically, while India is a country on the rise, with so much potential, it is also a place of almosts and maybes. My light skin and foreign appearance made me prey for scams and beggers, but this discrimination or disrespect was by no means exclusive to me as a foreigner. There is a lack of trust, not for the "outsiders" but for everyone, and people in India do it to each other. It's a paradox. They'll lie to a neighbor to get a deal, but then really be there for each other in ways that seem extrodinary (and simply don't seem present in more wealthy - maybe isolated? - societies I have gotten to know, like America, Japan and even Norway). Simple conflict resolution was put into place from the bottom level up. I never once saw a real fight, even though I saw the makings of one a few times. Someone would always step in to help two strangers sort things out. It's an interesting place.


We weren't in Nepal long enough to really get to know the people there (unless you count the Enrique Iglesias-singing boys that drove us from the border to Chitwan Park in the middle of the night... glad I didn't take them up on their offer to let me take the wheel... found out a few days later we were on the edge of a cliff!). I will say, however, that because Nepal is less touristy than India, there are less hassles for money and the people come off as kinder. We met some really funny and generally kind folks during our short sojourn in the country. While there are still many people that can't communicate very well, the English levels are high (even for people who grow up on the street), but poverty is also widespread. There was a large influx of hippes in the 60s and 70s, but today, most tourists come for the trekking or to volunteer. Like India, there's a lot of potential.

You know me, I could go on forever... I could (should?) write a book filled with whistful, wandering thoughts. But I'll stop here and leave some space for stories and pics to come. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but India definately gives you something to think about.
We were on the move a lot and I am tired, but in hindsight, I am really grateful for all the experiences we gained and especially for getting to know some of the people we in India. Hote and shop people aside, Kel and I made friends in two muslim guys on New Years (who came to our rescue after we were mobbed and molested by groups of boys whom the police beat off with sticks) that we ended up hanging out with again on our second trip to Delhi. Even after only a few days together, I know we'll definately keep in touch with and maybe see each other again. They even invited us into their homes to stay with their mothers...ha! We also spent several full days getting to know some very interesting characters that drove us around in their autorickshaws (called a "tuk-tuk" in SE Asia and India) to see the sights in various cities, and met various people (from everywhere) who haved traveled to some pretty out-of-the-way spots. We even met one family who tried to adopt us for a few days after spending time together on a 8-hour train ride from Jaipur to Agra. The mother couldn't speak English and didn't talk much (she was sick with cancer, but really like Kelly; she called her "daughter" and played with Kel's hair), but the two sons, ages 8 and 11, were very sweet and I had fun getting to know them.
My next big trip will be touring schools and volunteering in Cambodia this March through the Pepy Ride Program (
http://www.pepyride.com/) so I am looking forward to spending more time getting to know more of the people that live in these places I get to experience... and especially spending time with them.

I need to get to class and then do some work on my personal computer afterwards (the memory is almost full... and I really only use it for pictures, music, internet and some writing...yikes!!). I'm going to karaoke with friends tonight, doing a long run tomorrow (did one this week and, wow, my body hates me right now...this marathon in March is going to be a stretch) and hanging out near Osaka tomorrow night, so I'll probably be back with more next week. Until then.... there might be a little hold on the India stuff, but a huge T.G.I.F. and hope the new year is treating you well!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

STD ISD PCO

If you've been to India or are going anytime soon, you know (or will soon learn) that "S.T.D. I.S.D. P.C.O." is a sign for a calling/communication station... and I definately think it's time to check in!

It's been a while, but a big hello to everyone! I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to the blog. It's ironic that at the times when I have the most to write, I am least able to.

I have been back in Japan for two days now after a mind-blowing three week trip around Asia, specifically Taiwan, India and Nepal. The trip was FANTASTIC. With luck, and to my great surprise, I never got "Delhi belly" or came across a pickpocket that was willing to take me on, but I will admit in hindsight that the trip was maybe a little heavy on the crazy, whirlwind adventure at times. I can't complain much about getting to travel to the places I've just been, but I am still a little envious of my dark-skinned and very relaxed-looking buddies coming back from Thailand... I'm beat!

Anyways, I'm going to work on getting back-posts (from my journal/notes) and pictures up, but to give a recap of the trip, I was traveling with my Trinidadian friend Kelly, whom I went to Thailand with last winter. We basically ended up spending three days in Taipei on an extended layover and headed straight to Varanasi once we hit India (one of the oldest cities on earth and home of the "holy mother" herself, the Ganges River). After Christmas, we hired a car and drove north over the border of Nepal to Royal Chitwan National Park for a jungle safari before spending a few days in Kathmandu. We never made it on any treks in Nepal, but we did do a spectacular Mountain Flight around Everest and the Himilayan Chain. And even if I had the will and strength to do it, I don't know if I'll ever be able to afford the $40k in taxes it takes to climb to the top of Everest... so I didn't take the opportunity to get a bird's eye view of the region (and glimses of beautiful Tibet) lightly. Just wait 'til you see all the shots of the flight. It was glorious.
Nepal was wonderful and we wanted to stay in Kathmandu for New Years (it's surpringly tourist-friendly and the "place to be for the holidays" if you can't make it to Goa), but we couldn't get a later ticket and returned to India.
After a spot of sightseeing in dizzying Delhi and a crazy New Years Eve in Conaught Place (CP is the heart of New Delhi...and incidentally not a place for lone ladies after dark...ahem), we hit up the classic "Golden Triangle" route (Delhi - Jaipur - Agra) with a side daytrip to Pushkar (on the border of the Thar Desert) for a short camel safari. After that, a few last days in Delhi and a short stop in Taipei on the way back... and here I am, back in Akashi, Japan.

Whew... and that was just the basics!

So anyways, more to come, but I seriously have 16 discs worth of pictures and a million more stories to tell from this trip. Coming back to Japan has been nice in some ways (it's not quite home, but it's familiar and comfortable), but also a wake-up call in many other ways. I didn't go to India to discover myself or chase spirituality, but I definately have a different perspective of Japan after being exposed to so much poverty for days on end. The heartbreaking scenes of so many children begging for food (or shampoo and pens) on the street in India just makes you want to do more. It didn't help that I counted at least 8 designer purses from where I was sitting on the train on the way back from the airport in Osaka, either... do you realize how far that money could go to help in India? Wow, talk about opportunity cost. Anyways, we did get the names of some reputable charities along the way, so I can hopefully use my position on the HAJET Charity Committee to plan some fundraising events to help... only if a bit... and in the meantime, I'm grateful for the experience.

I need to get some rest, but for now... here's some of the highlights from the trip:

- Standing at the top of the highest building in the world (at least until next year), Taipei 101
- Riding the world's fastest elevators (also at Taipei 101)
- Wheeling and dealing way past bedtime at the night-markets in Taiwan
- Eating out of mini toilet bowls at a bathroom-themed restaurant in Taipei, Modern Toilet
- Attending Christmas mass in a hindu-inscriped cathedral
- Being blessed by an Indian priest with a dot on the forehead on Christmas Eve in Varanasi
- Indian antibiotics (don't know the doc gave me, but man did it work well for influenza...)
- Witnessing "Arti" (hindu ceremony) in Varanasi, Kathmandu and Amber
- Crossing the India/Nepal border on a rickshaw in the middle of the night
- Driving through the small towns of northern India where few a tourist seem to go (we got lost in the car so it wasn't
originally the plan... but was pretty cool, nonetheless)
- Going on a jungle safari in Royal Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal (on an elephant!)
- Cheering on the annual Elephant Races (and baby elephant soccer games!) in Sauhara, Nepal
- Getting a bird's eye view of Everest and the Tibetan border from a Buddha Air Mt. Flight
- Received my "passport to Pushkar" (red Punjab bracelet) from a Brahmen priest
- Touched a 5,000-year-old stone that (I think...) baby Krishna was born on
- Did mehendi (henna flowers and designs painted on my right hand and feet)
- Learning to deal with getting mobbed and groped... and then getting two marriage proposals
- Hearing interesting travel tales from other world travelers (never know who you'll meet!)
- Witnessing the entire process of a hindu cremation ceremony and learning about the significance behind it,
including the 5 elements (the sight and smell will stay with me forever)
- Was gnarled at by a dog-sized monkey
- Swapped jokes and got my butt kicked at Tic-Tac-Toe by a 10-year-old Mumbai native, part of a family that we
made friends with on a train and that tried to adopt us for a few days
- And speaking of which... Spent days on trains, buses & planes (note: I would recommend you take the bus from
Jaipur to Agra & Train from Agra - Delhi... learn from our mistakes!)
- Had my photo taken by a "world famous movie producer"
- Visited the Taj Mahal in a sari, the Jahal Masjid and Red Fort in a shalwa
- Taking the reigns and getting to steer a camel into the Thar Desert on my own
- Watching the sun: rising over the Ganges and Taj Mahal and setting over the Rajput mountains from a camel, from
the banks of the Bagmati River and from inside the main chamber of Humayan's Tomb (with persian, patterned
shadows dancing around the marble)
- Meeting some of the happiest people in the world... who own less in life than I was carrying on my back at any
given time during the trip
- The wild green and blue parrots in India (literally mingling with the pidgeons... so pretty!)
- FOOD, food, FOOD!

And the list goes on... More soon :)