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, May 28, 2009
Cheap Flights and Pig Flu in the News
Oh great. Just when I thought the end of this chapter was coming down to the closing pages and my travel lust was going to cool for a while so I thought I could focus on school and spend some time back in the states... this happens. Looks like a new US low-cost carrier airline called JETAmerica is looking to become the US equivilent to Ryan Air in Europe. Yep, about $9 for inter-city flights. And this has to come at a time when I'm moving to a new part of America, won't be working, and really want to see more of my country? Not good. ;)
Wow, so it's been quite a week. This sounds insane, but my stomach is still on the fritz. Just really grumpy. I can eat normally and am starting to crave food again, but when I do eat, there are consequences. So it's still basically breads and bananas for me at the moment. Went to the doc here 3 times now so i think I'm OK for meds, etc. Taking it baby steps at a time.
School is back open this week, as well, and the swine flu frenzy has also cooled down. One of my friends from home mentioned how it's so surreal that I'm in the middle of all this influenza epidemic craziness, while it seems so removed when you see it on the news. I know what she means, but it's also a little removed and funny when you're in the middle of it all. The media depictions of life here make it seem surreal while life continues as normal...
After a few days hiatus, I'm back at work again today and things are returning to some semblance of normal. We had a really long all-staff meeting this morning and then another long speech from the principal later this afternoon and it has now been officially decided that schools will re-open for business next week. My home school has exams Monday - Wednesday, however, so it'll be about a week until regular classes begin again.
Despite the hysteria (and trust me, people were freaking out), the swine flu hasn't been as bad as expected. Some stores are sold out of mask because there is such high demand and the number of cases in Kobe continues to climb, but I think people are starting to calm down a bit. On of my coworkers told me a bunch of restaurants in the Mosaic Building on the Kobe Wharf (sort of the main shopping area in that part of Kobe) were closed, but I also read that Kobe city isn't testing for swine flu if not specifically requested to do it now. They realize life needs to go on.
Another really funny thing happened this week - I made my first Japanese friend in Boston (where I will probably be moving ... but more on that when I have made a final decision)! NozakiSensei (my "twin" at work) came to the dentist with me to discuss pulling my wisdom teeth and some other stuff, but she decided to bring along her friend Mika, who is visiting from Boston at the moment. She's told me stories about Mika before, but Mika also used to be a school nurse and knows a lot of medical terminology in English, so she thought she might be better for helping at the dentist. Well, other than the dental stuff, it turned out to be a super fun day of just talking with Nozaki and Mika. After the appointment, we were going to go to a cafe, but ended up just going to the grocery store and making smoothies at my house so we could talk there. It was a lot of fun and it'll be nice to know someone from this area of Japan if I do moving closer to where Mika lives. Goes to show you really never know who you're going to meet!
The dentist visit itself was another story, but for as messed up as teeth can be here (seriously... it's considered cute when they point different directions sometimes because it adds character), the one I found is seriously amazing. He took x-rays in minutes, replaced a filling (with the new, clear type) in 15 minutes and was really good about keeping me informed about what was going on. The place is also really modern, and I cannot believe how cheap dental stuff is here. I'm going back for another cleaning before I go!
Yeah, so not a ton to report right now. It's rainy, I'm sick and it's been a slow week. At the moment, I'm just working on my volunteer stuff (catching up on emails, writing an article, making a PowerPoint for our presentation in Tokyo and then starting to clean stuff up for my hand off in 2 weeks), but all of my coworkers are busy calling all the students in their homerooms. I didn't realize earlier that they are expected to call on their cell phones (and aren't reimbursed!)... both the level of expectations and the workplace milieu of teaching here seem so different from America. Makes me wonder what other differences lie below the surface in other countries.
Gotta get back to the article but have an excellent weekend... and watch out for the pigs ;-p
Ok, this is getting a little ridiculous. In Japan, you are not supposed to use your vacation time. It's considered rude or a faux pax, even though teachers don't get the summer off here and they can only use the vacation time during breaks when students aren't there anyways. It's so extreme that if you use all 40 allotted days, you will have 20 the next year and get a bad reputation.
Well, the same goes for sick leave. Normal teachers don't have it, but it's part of their vacation time package (that they aren't supposed to use). They do use it if they are REALLY ill, but will generally come to work sick (just wearing a mask) as to not use the time or let down the group.
This is probably one of the biggest cultural differences and biggest sources of tension when it comes down to contract differences (or how we view contracts) with foreigners working in Japan. We see time off as part of your compensation, while they see it as you abusing the system (even if it was negotiated). Hate the we/they speak, but it's the best way to describe it. Anyways, most foreigners will use their vacay time anyways, and will usually get away with it as part of the "clause" that non-Japanese people can't be expected to follow all the rules that are set for Japanese people. (just like the manners, such as bowing)
This is obviously a very basic, general explanation of the system, but I've even had some issues with it before and it seems I might today, too.
My neighbor just called me to see how I'm doing and also to urge me to go to the doc today. It's not her fault - she's the messenger - but there's apparently an issue with taking sick time (which I am allowed in my contract) without a note (even though my contract says I can have 2 days off before I need a doctor's note... AND I have a note). The thing that I think it funny is that I have a note and prescriptions from yesterday!! For the same issue. It's just not from today and since I have been sick SINCE going to the doc (again, same issue as 5 hours earlier when I got the note), they want me to go in again.
OK, I know these are cultural differences, but I cannot understand the logic behind it.
I am paying for these doctor's visits and they aren't always cheap, so going again will be time (both mine and whomever brings me), money, and pretty much just plain silly.
This doctor I would have to go see is also the same doctor that asked me what *I* wanted *him* to prescribe the first time I went (instead of him knowing what to give me) and also the same guy that didn't know what was wrong when I had to go in again yesterday (literally... he stroked his chin for 10 minutes and drew this really simple diagram of the two things it could be and crossed them both out). I don't mean to be rude, but what's the point? It's not going to be different this time either (the doc will probably think it's weird I'm back) and it's also annoying that this is the same exact line of thought as making the staff come into school even though we closed it to students for swine flu. You can't bend rules, even if it's logical to do so. I can't believe that "Japanese logic" (a term I've heard before) can be that naive or different from "western logic". I just don't get it. It's like, "work hard" comes before "work smart".
Anyways, I know I sound peeved (and don't mean to offend with this post), but I really do love Japan and understand the rules. I just don't agree and am def going to argue this one if they get aggressive about making me go to the doc. Once in 24 hours for the same thing is enough. Right now, i need to just stay home and rest. Or, I guess if they make me go to the doc, I'm going to the foreign hospital. Done.
Growing up in the Midwest, I always thought it was funny when people that came to visit from other areas of the country would complain about the weather. Yes, it was really extreme (hot, steamy summers and freezing cold winters), but I think I assumed it was just them complaining too much.
Today I looked at the temperature for Minneapolis. While it's still a reasonable 17 degrees C here, Minnesota is currently 36. 36!!!??? That makes no sense when it snowed the week Krystal came a month ago. It looks like they are going to level off and have temps closer to what we have here this week, but I think I am starting to understand what all those people were complaining about. I mean, is that even natural?
Well, I have been more updates from the local government on the swine flu situation and it looks like the government is starting to accept/admit the may have overreacted a bit. The US embassy is advising people to stock up on 2 weeks worth of food (and to not come to their office if they have any symptoms - ha), but it seems that since 1.2 million kids have no school this week, the lines at karaoke joints have been out of control.
A few local festivals have been cancelled though (Peron Matsuri in Aioi, for example) and I heard they might cancel upcoming concerts, even the big names from abroad.
I was talking to one of my friends in America about it and she thought it was so funny how she sees all the hype about it, but it seems so removed for her. I guess we are sort of that American generation that has grown up never experiencing major illnesses, extreme economic hardships or war on home soil (just seeing it on TV), so this might be the first time that something like this is really relevant to me in my daily life (vs going to another country where I can experience traces of these effects on other people). It's not war, no, but it's big enough to close the schools.
This is becoming a tragic case, but I'm home sick again today, too. So in Boracay, we had some issues with bedbugs, food poisoning and bronchitis. I came back to Japan from that trip in pretty sore shape, not having slept for a whole night because I was so uncomfortable, hadn't eaten for close to 48 hours because I couldn't hold it down (threw up the water I tried to drink behind a chair at the airport... or, erm, I mean someone did... pretty nasty) and then there were the coughing attacks. I had gotten sick 10 times in one night on a different night, so I had already been to a doctor for antibiotics, and thought it was a matter of time until I got better. My school, however, had just been informed that swine flu had arrived in the country and made me see a doctor again upon my return (even calling the airport to try to contain me before I came in) to confirm that I was safe. And - of course - I was.
Well, this last week all the swine flu stuff has hit, but I have started to get better. The coughing is gone, but for some reason, my appetite is not back and when I try to eat... well, it's not working out so well.
I went back to the doctor yesterday since two weeks isn't normal for not being able to hold down food (or having it come back at ya in unpleasant ways), but they can't figure out what's wrong. I got a PILE of pills AGAIN, but last night I got sick when I took them. Thankfully my neighbor Miwa was amazing and both helped me out when I was glued to the bathroom floor (couldn't hold down the cup of tea I drank - wtf?!) and then called my work supervisor to explain (even though it was late). Feeling OK today, but this probably means no food quite yet :-(
Starting to wonder if it's really a SE Asian bug of some sort (like a worm!).... maybe the kind you get without the benefit of losing all the weight? Otherwise, while I know it isn't swine flu with all the hype around it (no fever), I'm going to request to go to the foreign hospital next week if this doesn't go away by then.
Getting sick has also definitely made me realize how much my life in Japan revolves around food, though. Going out to eat with friends, all-you-can-eat/drink at work parties, dinner at neighbors houses, going to the cool foreign stores to get food you can't usually find here, and - of course - cooking. It's not just Japan, it's me... but not really being able to eat and not even craving food almost seems like a cultural shift!
An Ode to Food(I have too much free time right now...)
The Philippines was grand. Greek, sandwiches and shakes abound. But then things changed to a lesser note, and my once-so-hungry tummy just completely turned around.
Oh how I miss the feta, Now how I miss the fruit. I miss banana pancakes, and the meat served in a chute.
Since getting back to J-land, The piggy illness found. Still no yummy goodies for moi, but I think I could still hunt them like a hound.
Oh how I miss the cocktails, Now how I miss the fruit. I miss adobo chicken, and even crappy natto (smells like a filthy BOOT)!
This has to be one of the most random posts I have ever put up, but I thought I'd share two more small things that are sort of funny.
First, I thought I would mention that I finally figured out what the "Fairytale" comments about Syttende Mai were all about. NORGE VANT GRAND PRIX!!!! Norway came in first place in the Eurovision Song Competition 2009, the biggest music competition in Europe. I watched all of the performances on Youtube at work the other day, and while some of them were sort of funny and cheesy (classic Eurovision), I definitely see why Norway won.
Instead of being over the top, Alexander Rybek, the main singer is cute, charasmatic, seems really authentic/real, and he even plays the fiddle (ha! so norsk!). The song itself is upbeat, catchy, Rybek has beautiful background singers and the gig has entertainment (awesome dancers) for the audience... it's just fun.
Check it out for yourself:
Finally, I have been getting more comments about my resemblance to a certain Japanese girl (not the same one from before). Mona Yamamoto is apparently this half-Japanese, half-Norwegian model who had a scandalous affair with a politician a few years back.
I can sort of see it (in the video on the above link) and sort of not. What do you think of this one:
Here we go... another little update on the crazy swine flu frenzy over here. A few days in and overall mask count is definitely on the rise. As of yesterday, the number of confirmed swine flu cases in Hyogo (my prefecture... sort of like a state) is at 53 people and the total number in Japan is 96. I don't exactly know where they get the number, but the Japanese National Infectious Disease Surveillance Center (our CDC) estimates there are probably 1000 cases in the country.
While there were no kids at school yesterday, work at my visit high school seemed pretty normal... just a bit boring with nothing to do. Today at my regular high school, however... GHOST TOWN. There are probably a total of 15 people in the staff room (all the rest are using vacation time to stay home) and Hyogo Prefecture has closed all prefectural schools until the 22nd, so I assume it's the same everywhere else (1440 schools and 640,000 students!).
While most of the cases have also been teachers and students, a bank employee in central Kobe just came down with swine flu and I heard yesterday the library and local government offices in my town are also closing.
Living here sort of feels like being in a movie right now. I mean, people aren't wearing full on medical suits or anything, but they are wearing masks and there's nobody around. I haven't been to Kobe yet since this happened, but I've heard 80% of the people there have masks on and now they might even try to close the department stores. Creepy!
I'm doing alright, but I think I might have to go to the doctor with a coworker (and go home sick?) - again - today :-( My stupid stomach is still a mess. Tried to eat again last night and not feeling so well because of it. I actually love the Philippines but am starting to get annoyed by the backlash of that visit... Beyond sick of being sick, but I guess this is a good time for it to happen (thanks piggies). I just like food and would like to have some again :-p
OH... and this is kind of hilarious but my coworker just told me I have the wrong kind of mask, too. Apparently, the style I am wearing is for sinus problems, but there is a different style for virus (which we got for free at school). Are you kidding me? I don't think any of them make THAT big of a difference... but really had no idea there are different styles for different purposes.
While the news and even social messaging boards are aflame with chatter about swine flu, there are some other things going on. I was way too tired when I got back to finish the Philippines post (which is sort of huge and monstrous now, anyways, so not sure if I even should post it!), but I saw the new Star Trek movie the last night in Singapore. Totally cheesy, but I really loved it. I saw it in a really nice mall in Cebu City, Philippines and i have to say it was SO nice to just sit and relax in a huge, cool movie theater. They were pretty aggressive with anti-piracy (checked our cameras, told us there were undercover anti-piracy officers in the theater and then played about 5 commercials about why piracy is bad), but I suppose a lot of the rip-offs come from the Philippines so I can understand why.
As for the movie itself, cheese galore as I said, but for someone who used to watch the old 50s show (and a bit of the Gen X stuff) as a kid, it was really fun to see where the characters came from, especially with such advanced special effects in this film. I also loved the whole space-time crossover theme and all the pop-culture-historical references. I can only imagine how excited the klingon-speakers of this world (real trekkies) were ;-p
Also finished a few books over the last week (usually like Sedaris, but loved his new book... check it out!) and finally got caught up on LOST. The show was really good in the beginning, then sort of stupid, then bad... and now it's getting good again. The season finale wasn't as amazing as I thought it was going to be after everyone raved about it, but the twist at the end did sort of get me. And even I was a little emotional about it (<>). I also watched the last half season of 30 Rock (been a while since I've watched TV... lots to catch up on!), which I am now craving more of, too. The show is really clever, often in really witty and subtle ways.
I just looked around and I am literally the only one in the staff room, so I'm going to go see if I'm supposed to be somewhere. Going to the doc when my coworkers meeting is over, too, so prob more tomorrow....
In other (than crazy swine flu is in Japan!!!) news...
What a week for girl power!
Have more time with the news this week and have to point out that: Lithuania has it's first female President, women were elected to the National Assembly in Kuwait for the first time in history and Ruth Padel is the first female Oxford Professor of Poetry.
Rock on - amazing to think of what that means on a global level compared to 100 years ago.
Well, the suspected cases of swine flu in Takasago were confirmed and both of my schools have been closed for a week.
It's a little bit funny because we were supposed to have midterms this week (so no class this week, midterms next week and I'm in Tokyo the following week), so I'm not really going to have seen my kids in class for about a month and a half once I do see them again (and this was not long after spring break and the beginning of the school year!). There have been several other reported cases (now 8 in Kobe and in other universities and high schools in the area), but the most ironic thing is that even though school is cancelled, the staff still needs to come in. If you ask me, there isn't much logic behind it as teachers could spread any infectous disease that students could (and would have been present in the same situations as the students when the flu was contracted - takes a week to incubate so we wouldn't even know!), but I guess that's Japan. I asked about it and was told it was the rules and we'd have to take vacation time to stay home... it's a group society thing (and the reason why teachers come to work during all breaks, even when there are no students). I understand it, but I guess I just don't really agree.
Anyways, so teachers are calling students with homework assignments but we're basically just hanging out all week. I have a friend at a Junior High in Takasago and she said her coworkers have to go visit each student and give them their homework (which seems to defeat the purpose of them being home at all!?), but otherwise, I think people are just taking it easy... and hopefully calming down.
Midterms are also postponed until next week, so to be honest, I'm going to have a lot of free time coming up and am not sure if it's a good thing or bad thing. The year started in March, then we had spring break for a few weeks, then about 2 weeks of school before the Golden Week holidays (two weeks I was in the Philippines)....and I was pretty sick and missed a few days when I got home. So I basically haven't really had real classes in several weeks, and with no classes this week, midterms (no classes next week), and then me being gone in Tokyo for meetings Friday - Wednesday the next week... wondering if these students are going to remember my name! :-p After that, we only have about 3 or 4 weeks of classes before summer holidays, too.... and then I'm done. Pretty crazy (which seems to be quickly becoming the tagline of the day).
At least the new schedule this week will give me a chance to bike to school. I don't need to be there to prepare for classes in the morning, can wear what I want and the weather is beautiful. Good to get some exercise since I haven't been running in a bit, too.
Today, I've just been on the internet reading the news and watching Facebook and the message boards here blow up with the buzz about swine flu. People are definitely talking and more schools are closing (even since I started writing). A teacher also gave me this really amazing series of Japanese Fairy Tales (that I think I might go buy this week, actually) so I have spent some time learning all about the Bamboo Princess, why the sea has salt and Sleepyhead Taro. Very, very strong similarities to the nordic folk tales (Asbjornson and Moe, in addition and close parallel to the brother Grimm). Reminds me of my camp counselor days when I used to read them to the girls in my cabin every night ;-p
I'm gonna go grab lunch (still on ramen) but more later. Things seem to have calmed down a bit now that everyone has a sick mask and feels safer (the stores are sold out!) but it's strange to see. Willing to bet $10 the convenience store workers (and people at the grocery store) will all be wearing them!
It's 5:30 and people are starting to look seriously bored as we wait for a decision from the Board of Education. I think we might be waiting on official test results from the CDC in Tokyo (about the Takasago Swine Flu outbreak), but they originally told us we would know by 4:30, then 7 and now people are saying 8. I think some teachers have to wait around, but I talked to a coworker and I'm going to head home soon. Chances are good school will be cancelled for the week, but the official announcement will be posted on our school website by 8pm and someone is going to call me to let me know what's up later. So much for a 9am meeting, though, eh? Shoganai...
I guess even if they cancelled one day, I would be at my visit high school tomorrow so it doesn't really matter, but I just spoke with a coworker from there and they've also been in meetings at work all day. I suspect most of the schools in the area are doing the same, and I heard the nearby (Kakogawa) elementary schools and junior highs have been shut down. At least all the kids (about 30) and the three teachers that went to the hospital from my school today are alright. One girl had a really high fever and people were nervous (kind of seemed like everyone FREAKED OUT if someone had even a trace of a fever for a few hours), but she's OK, so now it's just a matter of making sure nothing spreads more than it needs to. The principal wants to tell the kids to stay inside this week (and, hey, they get an extra week to study for midterms if school's cancelled, so maybe they will...) but I'm not as worried about all of this.
Anyways, yeah, I'm going to head home. Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend.
Swine Flu in my District - At School for a While...
Wow, so things are kind of crazy right now. Already this morning, I have noticed a lot more people wearing masks and there was a huge info board in front of the ticket machines at my station this morning about influenza and how to protect yourself.
When I arrived at work, there was a table waiting by the shoe lockers providing us with sick masks, ethenol spray for our hands and they even had a box of thermometers to check our tempature (immediately) if we haven't been feeling well. Pretty intense...
I am still at work and we just got out of the emergency staff meeting that the principal called yesterday. I unfortunately took my school laptop home with me Thursday night so I could use it for the presentation in Aioi on Friday but I am using a coworkers computer to check the Japanese news in English (and thought I'd also jump on here... shh).
So here is the situation as it stands. Three kids in Kobe (or it sounds like maybe 4 now?) have been confirmed as having swine flu. We just finished the Golden Week holidays, probably one of the most popular times to travel abroad in Japan, so I am not that suprised that the first case of swine flu would come immediately after we resumed a regular working schedule nationally (or at the end of the holiday, as with the cases in Tokyo), but what makes the Kobe cases strange is that the infected kids never left Japan. My friend Kym works at the school that these kids go to and it sounds like they have quaruntined anyone that is slightly sick (including my friend) and are cancelling school trips abroad for now.
The problem and reason for the worry at my school right now, however, is that it doesn't stop with those three or four kids for our area. The kids in Kobe are apparently all on the same volleyball team and last week, they played in a tournament in Takasago, the town I work in. As of last night, there seem to be approx. 6 more swine flu cases (maybe confirmed?) from students at Takasago High School, which is about a 15 minute walk from Takasago Minami, where I work. This was also a prefectural volleyball tournie, so there were teams from all over the prefecture, not just my district, which is also fueling concern on the part of the Board of Education and teachers in general.
I didn't understand all the announcements during our meeting today (which involved the principal just giving us news - in very fast Japanese - for 20 minutes, followed by a review of our handouts and procedure explanations), but it sounds like a teacher somewhere in the prefecture is also sick, as well as kids at Hyogo High School (?) and Harima Minami, also in my immediate school district.
So what are we going to do? Well, one week ago, the Hyogo Board of Education and greater Ministry of Education published a statement telling school staff to prepare for 3 days of provisions because school would be cancelled for one week (and they would be potentially confined?) if one case in Kansai was confirmed. The government is now changing it's stance, but they are definitely taking a very professional, stern and swift approach.
Right now, the staff room is sort of buzzing as student phone networks are being iniated and all 1,000 kids at my school are called. If anyone has not been feeling well, they will be asked to come to school between 10 and 11:30 today to get tested. Anyone that has gone abroad must also be tested. Not sure what they are going to do if people aren't home, but for now, that's the game plan.
I asked a coworker if I was included in the group to be tested since I came back from the Philippines last Sunday, but I am fine because the doctor confirmed I am clear of the pig flu last week.
I still stand by the statement that I am getting sick of the media drama surrounding swine flu (not to mention I have counted three pretty major spelling errors in CNN.com's articles this week), but it is interesting how the story keeps getting closer to home. On the other side of the Pacific, even my mother was given Tamiflu yesterday because she isn't feeling well and they didn't want to take any chances. Another friend here in Japan came back from Singapore not feeling well last week and was detained in Tokyo and put on an IV because they suspected she could have swine flu, but she was eventually cleared and let go. Personally, I am still not feeling perfect myself (stomach is still a mess, but I could finally eat vegetables at dinner last night - yay!), but because I do not satisfy all 3-4 symptoms of swine flu (which includes a cough, but always a fever as well), it's thankfully not considered a threat.
That being said, I got a message from a friend early this morning asking if my illness started with a sore throat and headache (which it did...). Turns out I had given someone the half bowl of ramen I couldn't finish at dinner on Friday and now they have whatever I have, too, so I should be careful.
Anyways, I have a book and my iPod with me, so think I am going to read the news for a while and then finish my book before our next staff meeting after the kids are tested (around 12). We were told we should also have a decision and announcement from the Hyogo Board of Education by then, telling us if school - and what schools - will be closed. We've been informed that we will most likely be closed for a week due to our proximity to the latest cases, but this whole situation is obviously developing (hmm, and hopefully it's cool that I'm sharing this information...). I am just curious if we will still have to come to work if the kids don't.
This is definitely a new situation for me - for any country, I suppose - and I have to admit that while it's really terrible that people are getting sick and I really hope I/we don't get quaruntined, I am also a little jazzed up about the excitement and having something new going on...
Updates later. Off to read the news...
Click here to read more about the Kobe cases.Surprised they closed 75 schools in the prefecture already, but also shockingly progressive that Kobe city has established a hotline for non-Japanese speakers seeking more information on the flu and health services available (080-6115-9901, 9-5). Love it.
About two months ago, I was sitting in the monthly staff meeting, somewhat listening and going over the large stack of handouts in front of me, and someone reading the book under the table (hey - other teachers were sleeping - no joke!), when the phone tree came up. They just announced that the pattern has changed and even made a special note of that fact that a new person was to call me if anything happened. So we get back to the staff room after the meeting and I ask a teacher what the phone tree is actually used for (literally, "so we just use this if the school burns down, right?"). Well, apparently it's used about 6-10 times a year, particularly to inform people of weddings, funerals, etc. Except nobody has ever called me. The teacher I had asked was shocked when I told her this.
And then tonight... my first call.
Three cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Kobe (the first domestic cases in the country). Earlier in the week, my school was really concerned I had contracted the sickness when I returned very ill (bronchitis & food poisoning combo = notfun) and wouldn't let me come in for 2 days, telling me that the Board of Education would close all schools for a week if any cases in Kansai were confirmed. I wasn't told that school will definitely be closing, but the coworker that called me said we have a staff meeting at 9am tomorrow (Sunday) morning to discuss what to do.
Curious to see what they will say tomorrow... especially since it's midterms week. Can you imagine if we did have a week off this week, then the make-up midterms (ie no classes) the next week.... and then I'm gone for a week in Tokyo for my volunteer organization? Crazy. I'm never going to see my kids!
Anyways, I've had a long day so I need to get to bed, but all of this swine flu frenzy seems a little out of control. I've thought the media was overreacting, but I suppose it is spreading and it's good to be cautious. We'll see what they say, though.
Other than that, speech contest and interesting night in Himeji last night and tonight I was out at this AMAZING cafe in Osaka. Had a really excellent time (new favorite part of town - Orange Street!), but the train schedule I was using was wrong (do.no.trust.JORUDAN!) and I just spent the last 2+ hours walking home from Nishi Akashi station ($50 for a cab). I'm spent.
Feeling a bit better today, although I haven’t been able to start eating normal foods again yet. I actually considered trying to just go on Japanese baby food for a while (hoping it resembled apple sauce, like in the states), but after talking to my coworkers and realizing it was more of a porridge-like mush that you add water to (and apparently tastes like crap), I’m sticking to the bananas, crackers and hopefully a peanut butter sandwich today.
ANYWAYS, so I know I just came back from vacation and all, but I’ve been totally exhausted from being sick and all the planning for next year that has really culminated this week. So I decided to go out and do something I’ve been dying to try for a long time… ACUPUNCTURE!
A lot of people are skeptical about Chinese medicine, especially acupuncture and new age stuff, but part of me wanted to see what it was like and another part of me figured that – since insurance will cover part of it here anyways – what did I have to lose if I just went in to see if they would help with the cough (and sore shoulders, etc etc).
I went to this orthopedic doctor that a Japanese friend of mine recommended that I think Tam used to go to for her back. You don’t need an appointment, so I called ahead to see when they were open and went in around 6pm.
The check-in process was fairly straightforward and easy (or at least enough so that I was fine with the Japanese on my own). The nurse at the desk asked me what the problem was and then asked me the questions on the form, rather than giving it to me, which was awesome because it’s the kanji that gets me. Then I basically just read Japanese women’s magazines (which are mostly pictures of different fashions) until it was my turn to go in.
I didn’t actually take my whole shirt off, just stripped down to my camisole, which I was a little surprised about with acupuncture and the doctor I went to see spoke a little English. He asked me a lot of questions about being sick recently and then made sure I wanted the hari (needles) and not just a massage, which is apparently what Tam got. Then he showed me what the needles look like so I wouldn’t be scared (basically two thin and hollow plastic tubes with a long, need-sized pin sitting in the middle) and had me lay down. To my surprise, and delight, I got a massage for about 15 minutes while the doctor located the sore muscles that he would focus on with the needles. He had me lay on my side and I felt him put the plastic tube on my neck and sort of hit it with a hammer. Then there was a slight pinch (that I could hardly feel), we’d wait a second, and then he’d do the next one down the row to my shoulders. About 10 minutes later, I was sitting up again and they put a self-adhesive menthol pad on my shoulders that gave both a strange hot and cold sensation simultaneously. And I just had to pay (an apparently reasonable fee since insurance covered a lot of it) and I was on my way home.
So did it work? Well, I’m not sure. I felt so mellow when I got home that it was almost like I was either on drugs (I've heard) or drugged, but it wore off later on and today I feel about the same if not a bit better. They were worried I’d have some pain today, but things seem totally normal.
Glad I tried it either way and I have more of the menthol patches, so maybe I'll stick with those before I go under the needles for a while... fun stuff.
Back at school. To be honestI am kind of glad to be here. I was sort of worried about coming back to Japan when we left the Philippines for some reason, but the moment I hit Kobe, I felt a little refreshed because it’s familiar and I’m happy to have more time here, even though I definitely feel like the end of this chapter is near.
The same goes for school. I haven’t seen the students yet, but there are so many kind and supportive coworkers. When I walked in before the meeting today, gave my greeting with a bow and sat down, everyone looked a little shocked to see me. I guess it has been over two weeks since I was last at school, but once the meeting finished, so many people came up and asked how I was because they had all heard I was sick. Ok, some might have also told me I still look like crap and look "weak", but that’s cultural and I’m used to it… suppose I could look at the positive side and say at least they’re paying attention?
I am actually feeling a little weak today and was sick both last night and this morning, so not quite at 100% or ready to eat normally again yet (which makes this bronchitis & stomach stuff officially suck), but they told me I can take even more time off if I want/need it and I think getting out of the house isn’t a bad thing. They’re being really careful about my classes, even doing a prep-course about the Philippines before my Philippines presentation to give me more time to rest and canceling all my lunchtime discussion sessions for the next two days. Pretty sweet, especially considering I was gone for two weeks, sick for two days and I am supposed to do a presentation and judge a speech contest at another school on Friday, so I’ll miss all those classes, too.
There’s also been a bit happening outside of work lately. I wish I could tell you running (the weather is so perfect and beautiful – not humid yet), but not so much. I have heard back from most of the schools I applied to for graduate school and am now trying to make some big decisions about where to move next year. I definitely have options, so I shouldn’t complain, but I can’t believe how tough this year was. Plans may be quite different than I originally thought they would be (maybe even if you had asked me last week), but it’s still TBD on exactly where I’ll be moving in August. Definitely America, though.
I am also finishing up my tenure on the National non-profit. In addition to regular things, like my Block Rep, Advertising stuff and national e-Bulletin stuff I do, lately we’ve also been working on reports for the Opinion Exchange with CLAIR and the three ministries responsible for education in Japan. My group is focusing on the new mandatory English curriculum for elementary students. I can’t take credit for doing much work on the report, as I helped with creating the survey and editing drafts, but didn’t do much by way of writing, but I am still looking forward to the meetings and might be presenting the English version. Before the Opinion Exchange, which will last two days, we have two days of changeover meetings with the incoming council and I’m planning to pad in some extra time on both sides to meet-up with my brother (who will be in Tokyo with friends) and personal time exploring the Nikko temple complex. Should be good.
Anyways, I am going to plan some lessons and start looking at stuff for Friday (America presentation again - yay), but not so bad to be back ;-)
This is very random, but after an appalling experience at a guesthouse/hostel in Boracay, Philippines, I feel the need to make a note for anyone going there.
After going through the motions of arguing with "Claus" (not his real name, but the european owner of said establishment) at Melinda's Garden on the main beach, we've only found more evidence for the bed bug prognosis (also diagnosed by the Boracay hospital doctor) for all the little red bites we got at the resort! According to the stuff Emi found in Japanese, the bites aren't even always visible. So Emi probably had them, too.
I should have gotten paid back for that Lysol we had to buy in the nights before we could switch hotel... but since that isn't going to happen, I feel some solace in providing a tip to beware of Melinda's (who seems to have stopped trying after being included in the Lonley Planet) if you go to Boracay. Just not worth it on vacation.
Back in Japan from the Philippines! There were a few changes to the master plan, but overall, I have to say I left with fond feelings for the Philippines and it is definitely a place I would return again. If I was to compare it to another place I've been, I'd probably say certain aspects of the culture or landscape reminded me of Cambodia, but there was definitely a strong American influence (obviously...) and - even though I am returning a bit ill with bronchitis - I also feel really refreshed and am glad to be back. There was some stress along the way, but this trip was the break I needed, way more than I realized.
THE TRIP So I went to SE Asia with a group of 6 others, mostly teachers and all friends. We had originally decided we wanted to go to Korea, but when we found the insanely cheap airfare on Cebu Pacific Airlines ("less than the price of tickets to Tokyo for a warm location?... hello Philippines!!"), we were swayed to changed location plans. The trip lasted 12 days in total and we visited several cities, including the capital city of Manila, the rice paddies in Banaue, beautiful Boracay and (briefly) the bussling city of Cebu.
MANILA The trip started with me leaving for the airport straight from school on a Tuesday, with only my little school-style backpack and a purse in hand. I met the rest of the group at the airport and we checked in and headed to the gate. The flight to Manila took a little less than 4 hours and there were a few other acquaintances on the plane ride over (no surprise as cheap tickets are making the Philippines a hot spot this year), but we were all really impressed by the cheap beer and food on the plane (at least compared to Japan). The journey didn't seem that long as we played cards for most of the ride over (sort of funny with a group of 7 on a plane). I would definitely recommend Cebu Pacific to others.
When we arrived at our destination, Manila, we exchanged money (the rate was the same pretty much everywhere in the airport & even the rates in Japan weren't actually that much worse) and then looked for our pick-up to get to the hotel. The guy was sitting on the chairs right outside the arrival gate and had a tiny sign with our names on them, but it was actually over an hour (and a phone call to the hotel) before we connected with the driver and loaded into two cars to take us to Malate, the area of Manila we were staying in.
When you drive into Manila for the first time, things you may notice immediately are the lights - bright, multi-colored and everywhere, the variety of stores and restaurants (food from everywhere!) and the perplexing automobiles zooming through traffic that look like a taxi-meets-jeep-meets... submarine (?) hybrid, jeepneys.
The jeepneys (which, in my mind, are almost a symbol of the country) are an evolution of the surplus of jeeps that the Americans either sold or gave to the Philippines after WWII. The front looks like a jeep, but the extended-back more like a covered vegetable truck sheethed in metal (pretty much the car version of a mullet). The jeepneys operate like buses (going certain routes) and it would be an understatement to say that each one has personality (let alone it's own name, like a boat, always proudly displayed on the side).
The stay in Manila was actually really nice. I liked the city. Our hotel was located in an area called Malate, with a lot of restaraunts and clubs, located near Manila Bay, the CBD and Intramuros, the old walled city. I got the lodging recommendation out of the LP and was pretty pleased. The woman running the place told me the house was built before the war (rare for a city that was essentially leveled) as a city apartment for a very wealthy family with 5 children. They even had a parking garage and staff quarters, all of which have now been converted into hotel rooms. I especially loved the wood everywhere, and while it hasn't been confirmed, I was also sort of excited when the women told me the building was also the local headquarters for the Japanese military during the war. Pretty cool.
We only had a few days in Manila did a fair bit while we were there. We got in sort of late the first night and landed at the pub across from where we were staying, but it turned out to be an amazing American-style bar, with good music, fun customers (people were so relaxed and would sing along, etc), excellent food and good beer (bottle of Red Horse for about 80 cents and you could get it in a bucket of ice). Loved it... we even went back several times. We spent one day checking out Rizal Park and all the monuments, although I think a few of us were disappointed that the Butterfly and Orchid Gardens were gone. We also went to the National Museum for the History of the Filipino People, basically the national museum and probably one of the most well-presented, thorough and interesting museums I have been to (on par with the National Museum in Shanghai if you've been). I especially liked an exhibition showing artifacts from several recovered shipwrecks and an interactive athropological exhibit talking about sub-cultures, regions and traditions in different parts of the country (amazing prep when you've just arrived). The building was also the old Ministry of Finance and had been restored to it's prewar state... stunning!
Other highlights included, well, food (land of buffets!), the Manila Zoo (got to hold a crocodile and a python!), the Mall of Asia (Mall of America has it beat, but was still cool to see an American-style mall again)...
