We got up, had breakfast, and headed to the business district of Tokyo. The buildings were amazing. When I thought about Japan, Tokyo was what I pictured-- busy streets (although, given the population, not as busy as I thought they would be), tall buildings, great architecture, and people trying to make sales. We walked around for the morning before taking the subway back to our hotel (yes, we mastered the Tokyo subway) to check out.
For lunch, we had Italian. Again, we were very proud that we navigated our way through ordering.
Our limo bus left for the airport at 2:25 PM from the hotel. After arriving, we spent some time trying to spend the last bit of Yen we had left-- it's not like anyone from that point on was going to accept it as currency.
The flight was very smooth, although, for me, was really anxiety-filled. I kept thinking, "you just have to get over North America and then you will be ok". I was so nervous I was going to have another allergic reaction I took every little weird thing my body did on the trip as a sign of alarm (silently, thank goodness). The air in the plane was really dry and that made it difficult for me to judge if I was feeling ok or not. Luckily, everything was fine and we made it to Chicago with plenty of time to head through customs and get to our gate.
At the gate, we got Starbucks and sat around while we waited to board. After a few minutes, Stacy mentioned that the sign for our gate said "1 minute left in boarding". Oops. We walked on the plane and almost instantly took off.
At the Detroit airport (we arrived 50 minutes after we departed from Tokyo...talk about time traveling), we were greeted by Jason, Dave, and Drew. It was really sad to leave Stacy and Jeff. They were incredible traveling buddies and I owe so much of my amazing experience to them. I also owe my well-being and health to Stacy who stayed by my side the entire last week of the trip making sure I was ok and communicating back home if I had a question I wasn't sure could be answered in Japan.
Things I discovered while in Japan--
1. The man purse does exist for straight men.
2. Bike lanes are something Japan has not yet discovered.
3. Smoking is socially acceptable everywhere.
4. Celcius is not that difficult to understand (and, after a month in Japan, 18 degrees in cold).
5. Telephone conversations are much like the Japanese, small and efficient.
6. Tights serve a purpose other than to keep your legs warm.
7. Japanese men don't eat sweets in public, but they carry pink cell phones.
8. Bean paste is a suitable alternative to sweet desserts.
9. When you find a job, you keep it for life.
10. Most Japanese houses are not livable after 45 years.
11. I am happy with my life, the career I have, and the people in it. (Not that I didn't know that before, but I realized it so much more being away for 30 days. It's amazing how much more confident, strong, and independent I feel after this experience.)
I have to thank Rotary International for this amazing opportunity. As we were saying on the way to the airport, you don't realize how much you have changed in 30 days until it's over.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Day 30
We left Oita Today after one last ice cream with Kenji (the GSE Coordinator) in the airport. Actually, Kenji didn't have ice cream, he had a hamburger because "Japanese men don't eat ice cream"-- as a told Jeff. Jeff announced that at 6 foot 1 inch with big feet, he was clearly not a Japanese man. Jeff also announced to us later that Kenji enjoys ice cream in the privacy of his own home (Kenji's house was one of Jeff's homestays). :)
Much to my relief, I survived the plane ride (the first test of my condition for the long journey home). We checked into our GORGEOUS hotel room. There was quite a lot of fuss in Oita while we were booking the room because Jeff, Stacy, and I wanted to stay in the same hotel room. Apparently, the message came across loud and clear because in our corner room there were three beds (as we referred to them-- papa bear, mama bear, and baby bear's beds). The bathroom was roughly the size of my room at home with a separate glassed off area for the toilet and a separate glassed off area for the shower and bathtub.
We walked around Ginza (the shopping district) for the afternoon before returning to the hotel and having guest services book us a window seat reservation on the 41st floor of the next building for Chinese food.
We were very pleased with ourselves for ordering our own meal and enjoying a drink while overlooking the city. The food was outstanding. There is this mayonnaise sauce that the Japanese serve with fried shrimp in Chinese food. We all want to try to recreate it (we had it the first day we were in Kumamoto as well).
Much to my relief, I survived the plane ride (the first test of my condition for the long journey home). We checked into our GORGEOUS hotel room. There was quite a lot of fuss in Oita while we were booking the room because Jeff, Stacy, and I wanted to stay in the same hotel room. Apparently, the message came across loud and clear because in our corner room there were three beds (as we referred to them-- papa bear, mama bear, and baby bear's beds). The bathroom was roughly the size of my room at home with a separate glassed off area for the toilet and a separate glassed off area for the shower and bathtub.
We walked around Ginza (the shopping district) for the afternoon before returning to the hotel and having guest services book us a window seat reservation on the 41st floor of the next building for Chinese food.
We were very pleased with ourselves for ordering our own meal and enjoying a drink while overlooking the city. The food was outstanding. There is this mayonnaise sauce that the Japanese serve with fried shrimp in Chinese food. We all want to try to recreate it (we had it the first day we were in Kumamoto as well).
Day 29
Today we had a free morning at our host families where Stacy and me (who slept on the floor next to me for another night) relaxed in the morning and had breakfast with my family (it was quite a feast!). We took pictures and then headed to the hotel.
Jeff, Stacy, Carolyn, and I walked to McDonald's to have a snack (McFlurries the size of shot glasses). For the rest of the afternoon, I reorganized my suitcase so that I didn't even have to open the larger one in Tokyo.
We had the Farewell Party in the evening. Each of us (unknown to us) had to give a speech. Jeff went first and, in perfect Japanese, thanked everyone for the trip. Carolyn went next and started to get choked up, which prompted Stacy and me to get choked up. Stacy went next and struggled through tears, which, again, made me get teary-eyed. I really struggled through my speech-- knowing how much the people in the room had done for me through the past few days and, essentially through the entire trip.
It was truly amazing how quickly the trip went by. It was difficult at first (and when I was sick) to be away from my family, but I also created some amazing bonds through the month that I would certainly not have had. I know (and I said so in my speech) that I am taking many of the cultural differences I learned about back to the United States with me. From the detail the Japanese put into everything they do (clothes, food, gifts), to the size of everyone (even though I knew it, this was reaffirmation that you do not need western-sized portions of food to survive), to the friendliness of the people-- I know I will never forget what I learned throughout the trip.
Living with local families and experiencing life through the eyes of the people who experience it everyday was more beneficial to my career than the actual vocational days. It was amazing to see the role of women in Japan-- they were either highly educated and spending their days as housewives, or highly educated, in their late 30s, and unmarried. (I later found out this is very specific to the Kyushu Island.)
It was really interesting to hear the nutritional beliefs of many of the Japanese people. I cannot tell you how many times I picked the fat off the meat on my plate and people pointed to it and explained how the fat had collagen in it and was good for the wrinkles in my skin. Someone even tried to convince Stacy that maple syrup was good for her (which, as a Canadian, she knew wasn't true).
And the tea. OH, the tea. The tea was everywhere (although, I saw more of it in Kumamoto than in Oita). I even saw people put tea in their baby's sippie cups.
While Japanese food is very fresh, there are a lot of sodium-related issues in Japan. In fact, the government lowered the daily recommended allowance recently to steer people away from eating so many salty foods. The conclusion I came up with, each country has their own way of eating and it appears that there is no one correct way.
Jeff, Stacy, Carolyn, and I walked to McDonald's to have a snack (McFlurries the size of shot glasses). For the rest of the afternoon, I reorganized my suitcase so that I didn't even have to open the larger one in Tokyo.
We had the Farewell Party in the evening. Each of us (unknown to us) had to give a speech. Jeff went first and, in perfect Japanese, thanked everyone for the trip. Carolyn went next and started to get choked up, which prompted Stacy and me to get choked up. Stacy went next and struggled through tears, which, again, made me get teary-eyed. I really struggled through my speech-- knowing how much the people in the room had done for me through the past few days and, essentially through the entire trip.
It was truly amazing how quickly the trip went by. It was difficult at first (and when I was sick) to be away from my family, but I also created some amazing bonds through the month that I would certainly not have had. I know (and I said so in my speech) that I am taking many of the cultural differences I learned about back to the United States with me. From the detail the Japanese put into everything they do (clothes, food, gifts), to the size of everyone (even though I knew it, this was reaffirmation that you do not need western-sized portions of food to survive), to the friendliness of the people-- I know I will never forget what I learned throughout the trip.
Living with local families and experiencing life through the eyes of the people who experience it everyday was more beneficial to my career than the actual vocational days. It was amazing to see the role of women in Japan-- they were either highly educated and spending their days as housewives, or highly educated, in their late 30s, and unmarried. (I later found out this is very specific to the Kyushu Island.)
It was really interesting to hear the nutritional beliefs of many of the Japanese people. I cannot tell you how many times I picked the fat off the meat on my plate and people pointed to it and explained how the fat had collagen in it and was good for the wrinkles in my skin. Someone even tried to convince Stacy that maple syrup was good for her (which, as a Canadian, she knew wasn't true).
And the tea. OH, the tea. The tea was everywhere (although, I saw more of it in Kumamoto than in Oita). I even saw people put tea in their baby's sippie cups.
While Japanese food is very fresh, there are a lot of sodium-related issues in Japan. In fact, the government lowered the daily recommended allowance recently to steer people away from eating so many salty foods. The conclusion I came up with, each country has their own way of eating and it appears that there is no one correct way.
Day 28
I slept until noon. I don't typically do that at home and I certainly haven't even come close to doing that on this trip. When I woke up, I had breakfast and determined that I still did not feel good. I told my host sister (who spoke English) and my host mother and father and he immediately got on the MRP.
I was informed that Takuya, the inbound GSE Team Leader, would come to take my host mother and me back to the Emergency Room.
What amazed me the most about the ER in Japan was that we walked in, and literally walked directly back to the doctor that I saw the day before. There was no waiting. We were among the very few people in the ER area besides the staff.
The doctor said the medicine would probably continue to work but that he could give me another IV if I wanted. Through Takuya, I told him that I was getting on an airplane in 48 hours and I wanted an IV drip.
After another hour, I left the hospital feeling better. We even stopped for tea at an adorable tea shop on the way back to the house.
That evening, I felt well enough to go to dinner (beef, at my request) at a hibachi grill. It was delicious. My poor host mother-- she was so excited I was eating that she was taking beef off of her plate and putting it on mine.
I was informed that Takuya, the inbound GSE Team Leader, would come to take my host mother and me back to the Emergency Room.
What amazed me the most about the ER in Japan was that we walked in, and literally walked directly back to the doctor that I saw the day before. There was no waiting. We were among the very few people in the ER area besides the staff.
The doctor said the medicine would probably continue to work but that he could give me another IV if I wanted. Through Takuya, I told him that I was getting on an airplane in 48 hours and I wanted an IV drip.
After another hour, I left the hospital feeling better. We even stopped for tea at an adorable tea shop on the way back to the house.
That evening, I felt well enough to go to dinner (beef, at my request) at a hibachi grill. It was delicious. My poor host mother-- she was so excited I was eating that she was taking beef off of her plate and putting it on mine.
Day 27
After I tried to get up to go to the school of the children living in my house, I ended up back in bed not feeling well. I slept until I needed to go to the lunch Rotary meeting.
At the meeting, I didn't feel good and I told our team leader that I didn't think I could make it through the afternoon's activities. My heart was racing and I had no strength.
Stacy sent Dave a text message and he instructed us to take my pulse (which I later realized I didn't do correctly). At the end of the meeting, we decided it would be best if I saw another doctor.
So, the rest of the team spent the afternoon at the aquarium (owned by my previous host father) while Stacy, the interpreter, and I headed to the emergency room.
After an EKG and an ultrasound as well as navigating my way through hospital paperwork all in Japanese, it was determined that I was still having a reaction to the buckwheat and the doctor would give me another IV drip to get rid of it-- I would no longer have to take the medicine the doctor in the mountains gave me.
It was really funny to watch everyone when I showed them who I got the medicine from (I couldn't read it, it was all in Japanese, but by the look on their faces, I would have guess it said something like, "Mountain Man Doctor").
After an afternoon in the ER, it was determined that it would be best if Stacy stayed with me at my host family's house. That way, if something happened, she would be with me and, the next day when she went to her vocational day and I didn't, I would still be with my family in case I needed something. The doctor also mentioned that if I still had symptoms the next day, I should come back for another IV.
I slept the rest of the evening and had some ham and toast (my request) for dinner before going back to bed. Stacy was sweet enough to sleep on the floor (which was heated) next to my bed for the night in case I needed anything.
At the meeting, I didn't feel good and I told our team leader that I didn't think I could make it through the afternoon's activities. My heart was racing and I had no strength.
Stacy sent Dave a text message and he instructed us to take my pulse (which I later realized I didn't do correctly). At the end of the meeting, we decided it would be best if I saw another doctor.
So, the rest of the team spent the afternoon at the aquarium (owned by my previous host father) while Stacy, the interpreter, and I headed to the emergency room.
After an EKG and an ultrasound as well as navigating my way through hospital paperwork all in Japanese, it was determined that I was still having a reaction to the buckwheat and the doctor would give me another IV drip to get rid of it-- I would no longer have to take the medicine the doctor in the mountains gave me.
It was really funny to watch everyone when I showed them who I got the medicine from (I couldn't read it, it was all in Japanese, but by the look on their faces, I would have guess it said something like, "Mountain Man Doctor").
After an afternoon in the ER, it was determined that it would be best if Stacy stayed with me at my host family's house. That way, if something happened, she would be with me and, the next day when she went to her vocational day and I didn't, I would still be with my family in case I needed something. The doctor also mentioned that if I still had symptoms the next day, I should come back for another IV.
I slept the rest of the evening and had some ham and toast (my request) for dinner before going back to bed. Stacy was sweet enough to sleep on the floor (which was heated) next to my bed for the night in case I needed anything.
Day 26
I spent the morning in bed while the rest of the team when to the Nori (dried seaweed) factory (and apparently saw some lettuce as well).
I met everyone at the lunch Rotary meeting where I met my new host father and we gave our presentation.
After the meeting, we headed to the OAB TV Broadcasting Center where we met the head of the station, some of the camera men, and one of the anchors. We were able to walk around, sit in the studio, and see the satellite trucks. We even made the news! Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV9roCaedGc.
After the TV station, we went to an embroidery factory which was incredibly more remarkable than I anticipated! The man who owned the factory could freehand the embroidery he did. He showed us how he could write each of our names, the name of someone who we wanted to give a gift to, and Chinese characters. It was amazing!
My host family had a party for me that evening with one of the other Rotarians, his wife, and their son. Everyone is so nice and the house I'm staying in is amazing! It's the first house I've seen in Japan with a backyard.
I met everyone at the lunch Rotary meeting where I met my new host father and we gave our presentation.
After the meeting, we headed to the OAB TV Broadcasting Center where we met the head of the station, some of the camera men, and one of the anchors. We were able to walk around, sit in the studio, and see the satellite trucks. We even made the news! Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV9roCaedGc.
After the TV station, we went to an embroidery factory which was incredibly more remarkable than I anticipated! The man who owned the factory could freehand the embroidery he did. He showed us how he could write each of our names, the name of someone who we wanted to give a gift to, and Chinese characters. It was amazing!
My host family had a party for me that evening with one of the other Rotarians, his wife, and their son. Everyone is so nice and the house I'm staying in is amazing! It's the first house I've seen in Japan with a backyard.
Day 25
We traveled by microbus (I love the microbus) to the geothermal plant and the entire time (as we were wearing hard hats), I kept thinking, "something about removing the energy from the earth in the form of hot water steaming-- at rapid speed-- from the earth seems like it might anger Mother Nature. Still, the entire concept was pretty remarkable.
After the geothermal plant, we headed to the suspension bridge that swayed back and forth 173 meters above the ground. I think the thing that amazed me the most was the fact that 80% of the people walking across the bridge were elderly. Granted, it was 12:30 on a Tuesday, so that may have had something to do with it, but if I felt like I was drunk and holding on to the edge of the bridge, they had to have felt worse!
We headed to lunch at a small restaurant that had a specialty of buckwheat noodles and chicken. We had a bit of wild mushroom rice (which was delicious...maybe because I was starving) and then the main course. As soon as I took a few bites of the buckwheat noodles, I instantly felt sick. My stomach started to hurt, my throat was scratchy, and the inside of my ears started to itch. I drank some water and tea and didn't finish the meal.
We walked outside to a waterfall behind the restaurant where there were large sandals you could stand in to have your picture taken. I sat down on a bench and said that I didn't feel very well. Stacy offered some Graval (motion sickness medication) and I asked if anyone had any Benedryl-- no one did. I took the Graval thinking it might help...after all, we had been winding through the mountains for a while.
After we got in the car, Jeff asked if I wanted to sit near the door. I accepted. He asked if I wanted to go back and not head to the Sake Brewery-- our next stop. I said I would wait a few minutes to see how I felt.
About 5 minutes later, I started to cry. Jeff instantly put his arm around me and yelled to the driver that we needed to get to a doctor. Instantly, the Rotarians started to make phone calls (a phenomenon we later called the MRP, "Magic Rotary Phone"). After about 15 minutes, we stopped in a parking lot to wait for a phone call-- we were in the mountains and had to find a doctor. Things for me were getting worse. I was informed we would be there in 5 minutes.
By the time we arrived at the doctor, my hands had involuntarily shut into what looked like lobster claws. Everyone helped me into the doctor's office and the doctor tried to convince me (through the interpreter) that I was hyperventilating from the stress of being abroad. After about 20 minutes and the back of my neck breaking into hives, Stacy and I convinced the doctor that it wasn't hyperventilation, but an allergic reaction.
He hooked me up to an IV. Stacy and the interpreter stayed with me while the rest of the team (at my insistence) went to the Sake Brewery.
After an hour, I was still swollen (eyes, hands, ears), but my stomach felt better. I told the doctor I was not comfortable leaving until I wasn't swollen. He gave me medicine to take for the next 5 days and, after about 20 minutes, I felt good enough to leave.
I even managed to make it to the evening Rotary meeting and participate in giving our presentation.
That night, Stacy and I stayed in the hotel instead of with our families. I am forever grateful to her for staying with me through the entire process and waking up in the middle of the night with me when I was having heartburn to text message her boyfriend (who is a doctor) to see what I should do.
After the geothermal plant, we headed to the suspension bridge that swayed back and forth 173 meters above the ground. I think the thing that amazed me the most was the fact that 80% of the people walking across the bridge were elderly. Granted, it was 12:30 on a Tuesday, so that may have had something to do with it, but if I felt like I was drunk and holding on to the edge of the bridge, they had to have felt worse!
We headed to lunch at a small restaurant that had a specialty of buckwheat noodles and chicken. We had a bit of wild mushroom rice (which was delicious...maybe because I was starving) and then the main course. As soon as I took a few bites of the buckwheat noodles, I instantly felt sick. My stomach started to hurt, my throat was scratchy, and the inside of my ears started to itch. I drank some water and tea and didn't finish the meal.
We walked outside to a waterfall behind the restaurant where there were large sandals you could stand in to have your picture taken. I sat down on a bench and said that I didn't feel very well. Stacy offered some Graval (motion sickness medication) and I asked if anyone had any Benedryl-- no one did. I took the Graval thinking it might help...after all, we had been winding through the mountains for a while.
After we got in the car, Jeff asked if I wanted to sit near the door. I accepted. He asked if I wanted to go back and not head to the Sake Brewery-- our next stop. I said I would wait a few minutes to see how I felt.
About 5 minutes later, I started to cry. Jeff instantly put his arm around me and yelled to the driver that we needed to get to a doctor. Instantly, the Rotarians started to make phone calls (a phenomenon we later called the MRP, "Magic Rotary Phone"). After about 15 minutes, we stopped in a parking lot to wait for a phone call-- we were in the mountains and had to find a doctor. Things for me were getting worse. I was informed we would be there in 5 minutes.
By the time we arrived at the doctor, my hands had involuntarily shut into what looked like lobster claws. Everyone helped me into the doctor's office and the doctor tried to convince me (through the interpreter) that I was hyperventilating from the stress of being abroad. After about 20 minutes and the back of my neck breaking into hives, Stacy and I convinced the doctor that it wasn't hyperventilation, but an allergic reaction.
He hooked me up to an IV. Stacy and the interpreter stayed with me while the rest of the team (at my insistence) went to the Sake Brewery.
After an hour, I was still swollen (eyes, hands, ears), but my stomach felt better. I told the doctor I was not comfortable leaving until I wasn't swollen. He gave me medicine to take for the next 5 days and, after about 20 minutes, I felt good enough to leave.
I even managed to make it to the evening Rotary meeting and participate in giving our presentation.
That night, Stacy and I stayed in the hotel instead of with our families. I am forever grateful to her for staying with me through the entire process and waking up in the middle of the night with me when I was having heartburn to text message her boyfriend (who is a doctor) to see what I should do.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Day 24
Today I had my first Starbucks Christmas cup of the season. It was really weird to be sitting in Starbucks, listening to Christmas music in English, surrounded by Japanese people and words.
I visited a dairy farm and a dairy packing plant today.
The person who drove me around today had a car with a left-steering wheel. It's the first car I've seen since I've been here that was like that.
I as able to look at an exercise facility and experienced a Japanese massage. The massage room looked like a hospital room from the 50s with 6 beds in it. Fully clothed, the 75 year old man giving the massage placed a small towel over me (over m clothes) to massage. It was quite an experience.
I tried blowfish tonight. It was actually very tasty and, despite being poisonous, I survived. :)
I visited a dairy farm and a dairy packing plant today.
The person who drove me around today had a car with a left-steering wheel. It's the first car I've seen since I've been here that was like that.
I as able to look at an exercise facility and experienced a Japanese massage. The massage room looked like a hospital room from the 50s with 6 beds in it. Fully clothed, the 75 year old man giving the massage placed a small towel over me (over m clothes) to massage. It was quite an experience.
I tried blowfish tonight. It was actually very tasty and, despite being poisonous, I survived. :)
Day 23
Today we had a free morning, so I slept in, had breakfast with some of the team, and Skyped with Drew.
We had Japanese pizza (really good, but nothing like the American version) for lunch and then took the Yufuin no Mori train. Apparently, the train is a tourist attraction with beautiful scenery.
We returned to our host families and had dinner. Today didn't contain a lot of to-dos, but all of the travel wore me out!
We had Japanese pizza (really good, but nothing like the American version) for lunch and then took the Yufuin no Mori train. Apparently, the train is a tourist attraction with beautiful scenery.
We returned to our host families and had dinner. Today didn't contain a lot of to-dos, but all of the travel wore me out!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Day 22
Today was a fairly laid-back day, although, I was still exhausted by the end of it. after breakfast with my host family (have I mentioned they have a dog named Suma who spent the better part of last night sizing me up?), we headed to the train station.
We took several trains today including the Shinkansen (bullet train) and the subway in Fukuoka.
The main feature of our day was to visit the Kyushu National Museum and a shrine.
We were able to spend a lot of time with the inbound GSE team leader and one of the team members. They are both staying in the hotel with us and will be joining us on our journey back to Oita tomorrow.
We took several trains today including the Shinkansen (bullet train) and the subway in Fukuoka.
The main feature of our day was to visit the Kyushu National Museum and a shrine.
We were able to spend a lot of time with the inbound GSE team leader and one of the team members. They are both staying in the hotel with us and will be joining us on our journey back to Oita tomorrow.
Day 21
To add to my vending machine comment from yesterday, I was told today that there are 5.5 million vending machines in Japan. Number one, I'm impressed that that number is actually known. Number two, that means the is one vending machine for every 20 people in Japan.
Today we were able to make our own perfume. Watch out America, I'm bringing back a one of a kind fragrance!
To add to the incredible experiences from this trip, we saw a dolphin show today and then we got to interact with the dolphins-- touch them, talk to them, and feed them. It was AMAZING!
I met my new host family tonight. They are very sweet people and, from the sounds of it, well travelled. I think they might be visiting Mackinaw Island after I showed my pictures from our 4th of July trip. :)
Today we were able to make our own perfume. Watch out America, I'm bringing back a one of a kind fragrance!
To add to the incredible experiences from this trip, we saw a dolphin show today and then we got to interact with the dolphins-- touch them, talk to them, and feed them. It was AMAZING!
I met my new host family tonight. They are very sweet people and, from the sounds of it, well travelled. I think they might be visiting Mackinaw Island after I showed my pictures from our 4th of July trip. :)
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Day 20
Today I left my host family for the Oita Toyo Hotel in Oita City. The day was filled with organizing and eating.
Jeff, Stacy, and I decided it was time to give Japanese McDonald's a try. First, McDonald's is not on every corner as it is in North America. In fact, we walked for 30 minutes to get to the closest one. The thing that Japan has everywhere that we don't are drink vending machines. They are everywhere and in completely random places..like in the middle of the country on the side of the road (typically where you would find a McDonald's in North America).
After our walk, we ordered food. In Japan, the combo meals come with a sandwhich (double cheeseburger for me), North America's 'small" fries, "small" drink, and six-piece chicken nuggets. After our meal (I am happy to report it tastes exactly the same as it does in North America), Stacy and Jeff ordered McFlurries. It took about 5 minutes and 4 workers to figure out what they wanted, but, at the end, they were very excited with the results.
For two or so hours after lunch, I tried to play tetrus with my suitcase. I have a 20 kilogram weight limit per bag from Oita to Tokyo...I may be getting close to surpassing the limit...we'll see. I do know that I came into this hotel with my two original bags, a shopping bag, and a box. If I can leave the hotel with the original two bags, I will be very pleased.
Tonight for dinner, I tried snow crab. It was delicious! I find it rather humorous that in North America, we eat crab with a hammer and butter. In Japan, they eat it plain and cut it open with kitchen scissors.
Jeff, Stacy, and I decided it was time to give Japanese McDonald's a try. First, McDonald's is not on every corner as it is in North America. In fact, we walked for 30 minutes to get to the closest one. The thing that Japan has everywhere that we don't are drink vending machines. They are everywhere and in completely random places..like in the middle of the country on the side of the road (typically where you would find a McDonald's in North America).
After our walk, we ordered food. In Japan, the combo meals come with a sandwhich (double cheeseburger for me), North America's 'small" fries, "small" drink, and six-piece chicken nuggets. After our meal (I am happy to report it tastes exactly the same as it does in North America), Stacy and Jeff ordered McFlurries. It took about 5 minutes and 4 workers to figure out what they wanted, but, at the end, they were very excited with the results.
For two or so hours after lunch, I tried to play tetrus with my suitcase. I have a 20 kilogram weight limit per bag from Oita to Tokyo...I may be getting close to surpassing the limit...we'll see. I do know that I came into this hotel with my two original bags, a shopping bag, and a box. If I can leave the hotel with the original two bags, I will be very pleased.
Tonight for dinner, I tried snow crab. It was delicious! I find it rather humorous that in North America, we eat crab with a hammer and butter. In Japan, they eat it plain and cut it open with kitchen scissors.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Day 19
Today we visited several hot springs...the `hell` tour! As we were walking through the first hot spring area, I mentioned that I found it odd that people just set up their homes in the middle of bubbling, steaming earth. I would think that would be a huge red flag to run away. :) Also, the smell. Oh, the smell! Our translator today referred to it as a `special` smell. I thought that was an excellent way to describe it. There is nothing quite like the smell of sulfur. To make it worse, everyone seems to steam their eggs on the hot spring steam, so it is double egg/sulfur smell!
We took our microbus (I will miss the microbus...it was a great way to sightsee and be able to talk to everyone at the same time) back to a hotel for a Rotary meeting. I am extremely proud of myself, I gave my first presentation entirely in Japanese. I am sure it sounded awful, but the fact that I tried it and completed it, is wonderful for me. By the end of this week, there should be three of us that will present entirely in Japanese (Jeff has been able to do it since the beginning and Stacy is going to give it a try at the next meeting).
After the meeting, we went to the African Safari Zoo. I was excited about it, but it completely surpassed my expectations! We took a bus shaped like an animal with cages on the sides through a large `park` complete with gates like we were entering Jurassic Park. During the entire trip, I had an Australian voice in my head explaining all of the animals to me (and overriding the Japanese tour guide). Each time we came to a group of animals, we were able to feed them with tongs that looked like scissors through the cage on the bus. We fed a lot of animals-- lions, goats, bears, giraffes, etc. I took a lot of pictures, but I am sure they do not do the experience justice. It was incredible!
Tonight, I had a little time to relax before my host grandmother made Chinese food. I feel like I am eating so much at this house-- I have probably gained back everything I lost when we first arrived in Japan! After dinner, the host grandmother and host aunt showed me how to do a Japanese tea ceremony.
We took our microbus (I will miss the microbus...it was a great way to sightsee and be able to talk to everyone at the same time) back to a hotel for a Rotary meeting. I am extremely proud of myself, I gave my first presentation entirely in Japanese. I am sure it sounded awful, but the fact that I tried it and completed it, is wonderful for me. By the end of this week, there should be three of us that will present entirely in Japanese (Jeff has been able to do it since the beginning and Stacy is going to give it a try at the next meeting).
After the meeting, we went to the African Safari Zoo. I was excited about it, but it completely surpassed my expectations! We took a bus shaped like an animal with cages on the sides through a large `park` complete with gates like we were entering Jurassic Park. During the entire trip, I had an Australian voice in my head explaining all of the animals to me (and overriding the Japanese tour guide). Each time we came to a group of animals, we were able to feed them with tongs that looked like scissors through the cage on the bus. We fed a lot of animals-- lions, goats, bears, giraffes, etc. I took a lot of pictures, but I am sure they do not do the experience justice. It was incredible!
Tonight, I had a little time to relax before my host grandmother made Chinese food. I feel like I am eating so much at this house-- I have probably gained back everything I lost when we first arrived in Japan! After dinner, the host grandmother and host aunt showed me how to do a Japanese tea ceremony.
Day 18
Today I went on the vocational day I was most looking forward to-- a visit with the faculty at Beppu University! I was able to sit in on an exercise physiology class, a nutrition class (today`s subject was Phytochemicals and Health), and a food preparation class. It was like I had stepped back into college-- the nutrition class even used the same text book used by Lansing Community College. The professor of the nutrition class was also my guide for the day. He lectured entirely in English and I am not certain if that was for my benefit or not.
It seems as though the qualifications for becoming a Registered Dietitian are very similar in Japan, however, the internships they have only last about 4 weeks before they can take their exam. I also found it interesting that the RDs are required to complete fitness courses as well-- I think that is excellent.
I tried fried oysters today. They were excellent! I also got to help prepare the meal the students were focused on in the food preparation class. They were very excited to have me and many told me they want to travel to the US.
Today, I only saw the rest of the team for about 1 minute. I did not like going the entire day without talking to them. It is amazing how I have come to rely on them to vent about the day, share stories, and speak English!
It seems as though the qualifications for becoming a Registered Dietitian are very similar in Japan, however, the internships they have only last about 4 weeks before they can take their exam. I also found it interesting that the RDs are required to complete fitness courses as well-- I think that is excellent.
I tried fried oysters today. They were excellent! I also got to help prepare the meal the students were focused on in the food preparation class. They were very excited to have me and many told me they want to travel to the US.
Today, I only saw the rest of the team for about 1 minute. I did not like going the entire day without talking to them. It is amazing how I have come to rely on them to vent about the day, share stories, and speak English!
Day 17
I am getting ready to go home. It seems as though each meeting with a mayor is getting more difficult and pictures are harder to smile for. I am also finding that (and my other team members have said the same thing) I am less willing to experiment with foods. I now know what I like and won`t like and I don`t even attempt to eat the things I didn`t enjoy the first time. There are two things that make my stomach flip flop without even eating it. 1- egg soup (affectionately referred to as `egg goo` by my teammates). Japan, I have found, has a love for eggs. I, however, will be taking an egg vacation immediately upon my return to the US. 2- the little golf ball cup full of kelp and yam (I don`t remember it`s name). I will spare everyone the description of what it tasted like. The best part of that food experience was, after gagging, looking over at Stacy and noticing the look on her face as she attempted to swallow it.
Today we took the Beppy Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi. Between the moutin, the temple, and the shrine we visited today, I am quite sure I climbed about 400 stairs, but the scenery was gorgeous! At Mt. Tsurumi, we were higher than the clouds and it was amazing.
I met my new host family today. We had spaghetti and chicken for dinner and then my host mother and her sister took me shopping and out for ice cream. The host mother is a choreographer. I do not believe I mentioned my dance background in my bio, but it is a fun coincidence!
Today we took the Beppy Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi. Between the moutin, the temple, and the shrine we visited today, I am quite sure I climbed about 400 stairs, but the scenery was gorgeous! At Mt. Tsurumi, we were higher than the clouds and it was amazing.
I met my new host family today. We had spaghetti and chicken for dinner and then my host mother and her sister took me shopping and out for ice cream. The host mother is a choreographer. I do not believe I mentioned my dance background in my bio, but it is a fun coincidence!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Day 16
Today, I slept in until 9! Yes, that's right, sleeping in is now 9 am for me. We will see how long that lasts when I get home. :)
We had the morning to ourselves and I was able to catch up on a bit of news from home as well as check out Facebook and answer some emails.
In the afternoon, we went to another onsen. This one had a sand bath where you changed into a robe and disposable underwear and got buried in the sand. As odd as it sounds, it was really relaxing! After the sand bath, we headed to the public bath. I have noticed I am getting used to the no bathing suit thing...not completely, but a little bit.
I have to mention at this point (because we experienced in on the ride back to the hotel) that all cars have GPS screens here. Not only GPS screens, but DVD players and television channels in the front seat. Yet, wi-fi is few and far between. Go figure. I also say someone pay at a 7-11 today with a cell phone. Amazing.
Two things I'm going to have to re-learn when I get home-- the driver's side is the left side of the car and in Michigan, we use farenheit, not Celsius. :)
We had the morning to ourselves and I was able to catch up on a bit of news from home as well as check out Facebook and answer some emails.
In the afternoon, we went to another onsen. This one had a sand bath where you changed into a robe and disposable underwear and got buried in the sand. As odd as it sounds, it was really relaxing! After the sand bath, we headed to the public bath. I have noticed I am getting used to the no bathing suit thing...not completely, but a little bit.
I have to mention at this point (because we experienced in on the ride back to the hotel) that all cars have GPS screens here. Not only GPS screens, but DVD players and television channels in the front seat. Yet, wi-fi is few and far between. Go figure. I also say someone pay at a 7-11 today with a cell phone. Amazing.
Two things I'm going to have to re-learn when I get home-- the driver's side is the left side of the car and in Michigan, we use farenheit, not Celsius. :)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Day 15
Greetings from Beppu! Today marks the halfway point of our trip!
We left Kumamoto today and it was very sad to leave. I have made quite a few friends since I've been here and starting to become comfortable with my surroundings. Kotaro and Kyoko have posted pictures and videos on my Facebook page if anyone would like to check them out. Also, we have a team blog at http://carolyn-gsejapan.blogspot.com/ with a few more pictures.
I plan to stay in touch with many of the people we met in Kumamoto and, upon my return to the US, I also plan to continue learning Japanese.
Our hotel in Beppu is right on the water and, apparently, a very popular spot for visitors. Carolyn, Stacy, and I are in Japanese-style rooms. When we arrived, our room was set up like a living room with a table and chairs. The best feature of the room is the spectacular view of Beppu Bay from our window! At about 7:30 or 8 pm, the staff come to the room to lay out our mats to sleep.
Stacy and I tried our first onsen last night at the hotel. For anyone not familiar with an onsen, it's a public bath, complete with having to walk around naked. For us North Americans, this is an extremely different experience! We decided to visit the outside bath. It was very beautiful and covered in rose petals. Still, wearing my bathing suit would have been nice. :)
We left Kumamoto today and it was very sad to leave. I have made quite a few friends since I've been here and starting to become comfortable with my surroundings. Kotaro and Kyoko have posted pictures and videos on my Facebook page if anyone would like to check them out. Also, we have a team blog at http://carolyn-gsejapan.blogspot.com/ with a few more pictures.
I plan to stay in touch with many of the people we met in Kumamoto and, upon my return to the US, I also plan to continue learning Japanese.
Our hotel in Beppu is right on the water and, apparently, a very popular spot for visitors. Carolyn, Stacy, and I are in Japanese-style rooms. When we arrived, our room was set up like a living room with a table and chairs. The best feature of the room is the spectacular view of Beppu Bay from our window! At about 7:30 or 8 pm, the staff come to the room to lay out our mats to sleep.
Stacy and I tried our first onsen last night at the hotel. For anyone not familiar with an onsen, it's a public bath, complete with having to walk around naked. For us North Americans, this is an extremely different experience! We decided to visit the outside bath. It was very beautiful and covered in rose petals. Still, wearing my bathing suit would have been nice. :)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Day 14
Today was our last day in Kumamoto. We went to a park/Japanese garden and had a tea ceremony. After a Rotary Club lunch, I headed to a vocational study at the health department.
We had a farewell dinner this evening with our host families. I have a lot of pictures and, hopefully, tomorrow I will upload the video of our team singing "country road, take me home". The Internet connection has been bad tonight, so I was not able to upload it.
As a farewell gift, I received a cookbook of Japanese cuisine. I can't wait to try it out!
I'm not sure how my Internet will be once I am in Oita, so the blog posts may be few and far between, but I will update when I can.
We had a farewell dinner this evening with our host families. I have a lot of pictures and, hopefully, tomorrow I will upload the video of our team singing "country road, take me home". The Internet connection has been bad tonight, so I was not able to upload it.
As a farewell gift, I received a cookbook of Japanese cuisine. I can't wait to try it out!
I'm not sure how my Internet will be once I am in Oita, so the blog posts may be few and far between, but I will update when I can.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Day 13
So, the past few days have been a blur...I can't believe it is already day 13!
Today was not one of my favorite days, but it definitely had highlights. In the morning, we met the deputy mayor of Kumamoto City and then headed to the traditional crafts center. After that, we went to a rotary club meeting where the district governor spoke. He spoke for 40 minutes and, since we didn't understand a word of it (actually, not true. I understood the word "rotary"), we were all struggling to stay awake. I had about 5 cups of tea to try to keep my eyes open.
That lull in the day caused to next part of the trip, a visit to a factory, to be a struggle as well.
After that, we went to a traditional Japanese restaurant where we were able to relax, watch the food being made, and then have dinner. I had to get over my issue with seeing my food whole before eating it when the chef cut open a fish and then asked me to try it as sashimi. It was very tasty, actually, but the process was a bit disturbing.
I am staying with a new host family tonight. Kotaro, a member of the Japan GSE team, is hosting me. As soon as I walked in the door, his two little girls sat me down so we could read stories. Then, we played with sticker books and toys while one of them played the piano. They are absolutely adorable (2 and 5 years old). :)
Today was not one of my favorite days, but it definitely had highlights. In the morning, we met the deputy mayor of Kumamoto City and then headed to the traditional crafts center. After that, we went to a rotary club meeting where the district governor spoke. He spoke for 40 minutes and, since we didn't understand a word of it (actually, not true. I understood the word "rotary"), we were all struggling to stay awake. I had about 5 cups of tea to try to keep my eyes open.
That lull in the day caused to next part of the trip, a visit to a factory, to be a struggle as well.
After that, we went to a traditional Japanese restaurant where we were able to relax, watch the food being made, and then have dinner. I had to get over my issue with seeing my food whole before eating it when the chef cut open a fish and then asked me to try it as sashimi. It was very tasty, actually, but the process was a bit disturbing.
I am staying with a new host family tonight. Kotaro, a member of the Japan GSE team, is hosting me. As soon as I walked in the door, his two little girls sat me down so we could read stories. Then, we played with sticker books and toys while one of them played the piano. They are absolutely adorable (2 and 5 years old). :)
Day 12
Well, today I think I might be getting sick...I can't tell if it's a cold or hay fever.
We drove to Mt. Aso today. Our driver was not so good and there were a few moments when I thought we might die going up the mountain. When we got to the top, we couldn't go any further because the volcano's activity was at a 4 (out of 5... Our translator said 5 meant we needed to run).
At dinner, we experienced the Japanese chicken wing...apparently there is a secret to eating chicken wings...I will be bringing it back with me to teach everyone. :)
Tonight ended with...KARAOKE! It wasn't what I expected. Basically, you rent out a room...some have themes and some our plain (ours was plain) and you sing with your group in the room. It was very fun. Not only did I take pictures, I took video too. :)
We drove to Mt. Aso today. Our driver was not so good and there were a few moments when I thought we might die going up the mountain. When we got to the top, we couldn't go any further because the volcano's activity was at a 4 (out of 5... Our translator said 5 meant we needed to run).
At dinner, we experienced the Japanese chicken wing...apparently there is a secret to eating chicken wings...I will be bringing it back with me to teach everyone. :)
Tonight ended with...KARAOKE! It wasn't what I expected. Basically, you rent out a room...some have themes and some our plain (ours was plain) and you sing with your group in the room. It was very fun. Not only did I take pictures, I took video too. :)
Day 11
Today was another amazing day in Amakusa. We met the mayor and created and then painted pottery. Don't worry, there are pictures of all of us on the pottery wheel.
I visited a junior high to experience school lunch. The entire process was pretty amazing. All of the student come into the lunchroom and within a half hour, they serve each other, eat (they have to eat it all and it is a lot of food...ginger sardine, mushroom rice, salad, and fish balk soup...and milk), and clean up. Everyone eats school lunch in junior high and in high school, everyone brings their own lunch.
We left Amakusa this afternoon and I cried saying goodbye to my host family. They were the sweetest people and my host mother cried too. The entire two days in Amakusa are a blur, but they were amazing.
We took a dolphin watching boat across the water to meet the next Rotary club. The boat ride was hilarious...the water was really choppy and most of us were soaked by the time we arrived.
In the evening, we went to a Spanish restaurant and I tried escargot. It is delicious! We also got to experience Japanese drinking at it's finest...or maybe craziest would be a better word. :).
I visited a junior high to experience school lunch. The entire process was pretty amazing. All of the student come into the lunchroom and within a half hour, they serve each other, eat (they have to eat it all and it is a lot of food...ginger sardine, mushroom rice, salad, and fish balk soup...and milk), and clean up. Everyone eats school lunch in junior high and in high school, everyone brings their own lunch.
We left Amakusa this afternoon and I cried saying goodbye to my host family. They were the sweetest people and my host mother cried too. The entire two days in Amakusa are a blur, but they were amazing.
We took a dolphin watching boat across the water to meet the next Rotary club. The boat ride was hilarious...the water was really choppy and most of us were soaked by the time we arrived.
In the evening, we went to a Spanish restaurant and I tried escargot. It is delicious! We also got to experience Japanese drinking at it's finest...or maybe craziest would be a better word. :).
Monday, October 24, 2011
Day 10
Today was an amazing day...definitely a highlight so far. I am still in Amakusa and I don't want to leave! Everything about this area is beautiful-- the mountains, the ocean, the towns...everything!
Today, we left the house and headed to meet the others for a morning of dolphin watching. We saw at least 50 dolphins. It was incredible...I have great video of the dolphins near the boat.
After dolphin watching, we went to a pearl farm where we each opened and oyster to see if there was a pearl inside.
Before I go any further, have I mentioned how spoiled I am on this trip? I never have to worry about where I am going or what I am doing. After the first 5 days, I stopped looking at my itinerary because I knew things would be like Addy pushing Bo and Ruby outside. The Rotarians tell us what to do and when to do it and I dont have to think about a thing. I also don't have to do my own laundry, cook my own meals, straighten my own shoes by the door, or drive myself anywhere. It is going to be serious culture shock when I get home.
To continue, the pearl factory is making each of our pearls into a necklace as a gift. Wow!!!
After, we went to lunch. I had delicious ginger pork.
We then went to the hot springs footpath. Laying in the sun with my feet in the hot water...I could've taken a nap! Then, we went to a pottery shop where everything is handmade and hand painted. We visited an old church and drank fresh orange juice. Our final stop was at a fishing company where we saw fish being put on ice...and then into a cooler that ended up in one of our vans. I also have to mention that the fish in the cooler were still flopping around.
After we left the rest of the team, my host father took me on a tour near his house. We went to the market where he introduced me to another Rotarian (half of the time, I feel like I'm on display with everyone here) and explained all of the food to me. We bought a few snacks and he showed me his fishing boat.
We went back to the house and waited for my host family's three children to come home. We had...you guessed it...sashimi from the fish in the cooler for dinner. Don't worry, I took lots of before and after pictures.
I am extremely sad to leave this family. I have promised to email and already told Drew that if their daughter wants to come to the US, we are hosting her. :)
Today, we left the house and headed to meet the others for a morning of dolphin watching. We saw at least 50 dolphins. It was incredible...I have great video of the dolphins near the boat.
After dolphin watching, we went to a pearl farm where we each opened and oyster to see if there was a pearl inside.
Before I go any further, have I mentioned how spoiled I am on this trip? I never have to worry about where I am going or what I am doing. After the first 5 days, I stopped looking at my itinerary because I knew things would be like Addy pushing Bo and Ruby outside. The Rotarians tell us what to do and when to do it and I dont have to think about a thing. I also don't have to do my own laundry, cook my own meals, straighten my own shoes by the door, or drive myself anywhere. It is going to be serious culture shock when I get home.
To continue, the pearl factory is making each of our pearls into a necklace as a gift. Wow!!!
After, we went to lunch. I had delicious ginger pork.
We then went to the hot springs footpath. Laying in the sun with my feet in the hot water...I could've taken a nap! Then, we went to a pottery shop where everything is handmade and hand painted. We visited an old church and drank fresh orange juice. Our final stop was at a fishing company where we saw fish being put on ice...and then into a cooler that ended up in one of our vans. I also have to mention that the fish in the cooler were still flopping around.
After we left the rest of the team, my host father took me on a tour near his house. We went to the market where he introduced me to another Rotarian (half of the time, I feel like I'm on display with everyone here) and explained all of the food to me. We bought a few snacks and he showed me his fishing boat.
We went back to the house and waited for my host family's three children to come home. We had...you guessed it...sashimi from the fish in the cooler for dinner. Don't worry, I took lots of before and after pictures.
I am extremely sad to leave this family. I have promised to email and already told Drew that if their daughter wants to come to the US, we are hosting her. :)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Day 9
This morning, we were greeted by all of our host father's family. All of them. We took pictures and then some of us went on his boat. It was an amazing trip near Amakusa, where we ended up later in the day. We were able to see all 5 of the bridges that take you to Amakusa. We also saw dolphins in the water- it was perfect!
After the boat ride, we went to a buffet-type of sushi restaurant where plates of sushi rotate on a conveyor belt next to the booth. If you want something custom, you call the waitress with a button and she takes your order. It arrives by mini bullet train to your table. It was really interesting and I think would be a great idea for America!
We met the rest of the team and took a bus to Amakusa. We stopped to see a beautiful marina and a giant Octopus sculpture on the way to an amazing hotel on the water. We changed and then went to our Welcome party. We sang all three of our national anthems and then ate and drank. Every time my glass of beer would get the slightest bit empty, a Rotarian was the to fill it up and introduce themselves. At the end of the party, an older Rotarian tied a towel around his head and had everyone hold hands, walk in a circle, and sing the Rotary song. He then came up to me, gave me a hug, and told me he liked me in perfect English. It was a moment I wish would've been captured on film.
After the party, my host family (this is my first home stay by myself) and Stacy's host family went to see lanterns (carvings in bamboo and lit up with candles). It was beautiful and, of course, the evening would not have been complete without Japanese tea.
When I arrived back to the home of my host family, they connected me to wi-fi and I was able to show them pictures on Facebook of my family and a You Tube video of the start of the Crim.
I will be at this house until Tuesday morning (Monday night in the US) if anyone would like to Skype or send emails...I will be able to respond at night or in the morning!
After the boat ride, we went to a buffet-type of sushi restaurant where plates of sushi rotate on a conveyor belt next to the booth. If you want something custom, you call the waitress with a button and she takes your order. It arrives by mini bullet train to your table. It was really interesting and I think would be a great idea for America!
We met the rest of the team and took a bus to Amakusa. We stopped to see a beautiful marina and a giant Octopus sculpture on the way to an amazing hotel on the water. We changed and then went to our Welcome party. We sang all three of our national anthems and then ate and drank. Every time my glass of beer would get the slightest bit empty, a Rotarian was the to fill it up and introduce themselves. At the end of the party, an older Rotarian tied a towel around his head and had everyone hold hands, walk in a circle, and sing the Rotary song. He then came up to me, gave me a hug, and told me he liked me in perfect English. It was a moment I wish would've been captured on film.
After the party, my host family (this is my first home stay by myself) and Stacy's host family went to see lanterns (carvings in bamboo and lit up with candles). It was beautiful and, of course, the evening would not have been complete without Japanese tea.
When I arrived back to the home of my host family, they connected me to wi-fi and I was able to show them pictures on Facebook of my family and a You Tube video of the start of the Crim.
I will be at this house until Tuesday morning (Monday night in the US) if anyone would like to Skype or send emails...I will be able to respond at night or in the morning!
Day 8
Today we FINALLY visited Kumamoto castle. Everyone points it out when we drive by (that and the bullet train), so it was nice to visit it. We took some great pictures. We were accompanied by two of the inbound GSE members. It was nice t spend time with them.
We had two very ethnic dishes- Chinese for lunch and German for dinner. It's interesting to see each country's take on ethnic cuisine...have you ever used chopsticks for German food? :)
In-between lunch and dinner, we quickly checked a few emails at the international center and then went to a rotarian's house for tea.
The party at the German restaurant included three of the inbound GSE members. It was a lot of fun, although the only person who spoke English at my table was Kotaro. I very much enjoyed talking to him, learning a few things about his trip to north America and his family...who I will meet in less than one week.
We had two very ethnic dishes- Chinese for lunch and German for dinner. It's interesting to see each country's take on ethnic cuisine...have you ever used chopsticks for German food? :)
In-between lunch and dinner, we quickly checked a few emails at the international center and then went to a rotarian's house for tea.
The party at the German restaurant included three of the inbound GSE members. It was a lot of fun, although the only person who spoke English at my table was Kotaro. I very much enjoyed talking to him, learning a few things about his trip to north America and his family...who I will meet in less than one week.
Day 7
Today was our first rainy day complete with thunder and lightning. What did we do? We went to the zoo and botanical gardens! It was actually very cool and I got to eat a banana from a banana tree. I have to say, I am getting a bit tired of sightseeing. I would prefer to have hands-on experiences.
For lunch, we went to a buffet that had ice cream and Coca-Cola. It was just what I needed!
At night, I got to see pictures of the son and daughter-in-law of my host father's wedding pictures. The brides in Japan have two to three wedding dresses. It must cost a fortune! The son told me that last dress, a deep purple gown, was very expensive.
I feel that when I return from this trip, will have a bizarre accent. The only people who speak English are Canadian, so I fear that I am developing a weird use of my vowels. On top of that, I am trying to speak Japanese and, according to my team members, my Michigan accent already has "twang".
For lunch, we went to a buffet that had ice cream and Coca-Cola. It was just what I needed!
At night, I got to see pictures of the son and daughter-in-law of my host father's wedding pictures. The brides in Japan have two to three wedding dresses. It must cost a fortune! The son told me that last dress, a deep purple gown, was very expensive.
I feel that when I return from this trip, will have a bizarre accent. The only people who speak English are Canadian, so I fear that I am developing a weird use of my vowels. On top of that, I am trying to speak Japanese and, according to my team members, my Michigan accent already has "twang".
Day 6
Today I joined a new host family. The father of the family is a Rotarian and he lives with his son, daughter-in-law, their baby boy, and her sister. They are young and do not speak any English. I am staying at this house (very large and out in the country) with Carolyn.
Our dinner tonight consisted of meat and vegetables cooked in a pot on the table in a sauce made of soy sauce and sugar. You dip the meat and veggies in a bowl full of raw egg before you eat it. It sounds awful, but it was actually very delicious! We finished dinner with delicious desserts (hooray dessert!) from a bakery owned by the man's son-in-law, Maple. To finish the night off, we saw our host father play the Japanese guitar and then he gave me a type of alcohol that smelled like tequila...yikes!
I am covered in mosquito bites...apparently the japanese Mosquitos are silent and you don't realize they are biting you until it is too late!
I am using more Japanese language throughout the day and I have lost 6 lbs since this trip started!
Our dinner tonight consisted of meat and vegetables cooked in a pot on the table in a sauce made of soy sauce and sugar. You dip the meat and veggies in a bowl full of raw egg before you eat it. It sounds awful, but it was actually very delicious! We finished dinner with delicious desserts (hooray dessert!) from a bakery owned by the man's son-in-law, Maple. To finish the night off, we saw our host father play the Japanese guitar and then he gave me a type of alcohol that smelled like tequila...yikes!
I am covered in mosquito bites...apparently the japanese Mosquitos are silent and you don't realize they are biting you until it is too late!
I am using more Japanese language throughout the day and I have lost 6 lbs since this trip started!
Day 5
Today Stacy and I went with our host mother and her cousin to the stone bridge. It looked like something out of a fairy tale! It was next to a lot of rice fields where the rice was drying. It was really interesting to see.
We completed our first presentation. It was a large failure in my opinion...way too long! We need to cut a few things out to make it less than 30 minutes long!
We went to an outdoor childcare center today. It was amazing...I want to build one in Michigan. There are no toys, the children use earth materials to play. We learned calligraphy and made pottery while we were there.
At night, we made sushi with our host mother and her friend. After dinner, we were bombarded with questions about marriage. It was really uncomfortable because we were basically being told that it was not okay to be single and have a boyfriend. I also noticed that the master bedroom included two single beds.
We completed our first presentation. It was a large failure in my opinion...way too long! We need to cut a few things out to make it less than 30 minutes long!
We went to an outdoor childcare center today. It was amazing...I want to build one in Michigan. There are no toys, the children use earth materials to play. We learned calligraphy and made pottery while we were there.
At night, we made sushi with our host mother and her friend. After dinner, we were bombarded with questions about marriage. It was really uncomfortable because we were basically being told that it was not okay to be single and have a boyfriend. I also noticed that the master bedroom included two single beds.
Day 4
Today I went on my first vocational study. The first stop was the public health center. I met two dietitians and we discussed (over tea, of course) the differences in Japan and the US's food guide system. First, while we fund programs to target low income families with MyPlate, they provide counseling to all classes of society. They said that there isn't much difference between rich and poor. Second, their food guide system is more specific than ours (I like it much better). It takes into consideration the size and fat content of foods. For example, we say "three ounces of meat". They say, "one serving of tofu, or one fish, or half a chicken breast.".
I have noticed that Japanese people have a lot of dental issues. At the health clinic, they we're testing for "rotting teeth germ" in the parents of one year olds. It seemed very strange to me.
My second stop was at a hospital with Kotaro. Kotaro was an inbound GSE member and he is one of most host families as well. He is an anesthesiologist and took me into surgery. It was amazing how little security existed and I was able to walk right into the operation and take pictures! I also met with the dietitians at the hospital and the trainers in the fitness center. They have an entire center where people can stay overnight to get health screenings and learn how to have lifelong health.
It was interesting to learn that diabetes and kidney disease are still a problem in Japan even thoug obesity is not.
Things I am still getting used to- very narrow streets and no water at meals (you have to ask).
I am starting to crave western food!
I am also starting to mix my languages. In the midst of trying to speak Japanese, I am remembering (and wanting to use) French phrases that I haven't thought about since 11th grade!
I have noticed that Japanese people have a lot of dental issues. At the health clinic, they we're testing for "rotting teeth germ" in the parents of one year olds. It seemed very strange to me.
My second stop was at a hospital with Kotaro. Kotaro was an inbound GSE member and he is one of most host families as well. He is an anesthesiologist and took me into surgery. It was amazing how little security existed and I was able to walk right into the operation and take pictures! I also met with the dietitians at the hospital and the trainers in the fitness center. They have an entire center where people can stay overnight to get health screenings and learn how to have lifelong health.
It was interesting to learn that diabetes and kidney disease are still a problem in Japan even thoug obesity is not.
Things I am still getting used to- very narrow streets and no water at meals (you have to ask).
I am starting to crave western food!
I am also starting to mix my languages. In the midst of trying to speak Japanese, I am remembering (and wanting to use) French phrases that I haven't thought about since 11th grade!
Day 3
It's amazing that people still smoke in public here. There are cigarette vending machines everywhere. The funny things is, you can't tell...no one smells like smoke!
I feel like I have stepped back in time...the hotel keys are not our usual cards, but actual keys. When you walk into the room, you have to place the key next to the door or the light won't turn on.
The school I visited had no security at all. If we hadn't been extremely out of place, we probably could've walked anywhere in the school. The kindergarten sang "Jesus loves me" to us. It was adorable.
Every meeting we go to involves tea. I am officially sick of tea...and I have a few more weeks to go!
We had lunch at a temple and I am still trying to get used to the fact that I have to take my shoes off wherever I go.
We had a kimono experience today and there were three women helping me get dressed. Yes, I will be extremely spoiled after this trip.
The cars here are so small! Everything is mini...even the hallways in the houses. I am also still getting used to driving on the "wrong" side of the road...oh, and the fact that the bathrooms and toilets are separate.
Internet is hard to find and wireless is almost non-existent. My entries on this blog may be written in large chunks of days!
I feel like I have stepped back in time...the hotel keys are not our usual cards, but actual keys. When you walk into the room, you have to place the key next to the door or the light won't turn on.
The school I visited had no security at all. If we hadn't been extremely out of place, we probably could've walked anywhere in the school. The kindergarten sang "Jesus loves me" to us. It was adorable.
Every meeting we go to involves tea. I am officially sick of tea...and I have a few more weeks to go!
We had lunch at a temple and I am still trying to get used to the fact that I have to take my shoes off wherever I go.
We had a kimono experience today and there were three women helping me get dressed. Yes, I will be extremely spoiled after this trip.
The cars here are so small! Everything is mini...even the hallways in the houses. I am also still getting used to driving on the "wrong" side of the road...oh, and the fact that the bathrooms and toilets are separate.
Internet is hard to find and wireless is almost non-existent. My entries on this blog may be written in large chunks of days!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Day 2
Our first full day in Japan was exhausting! We took a lot of pictures...the weather here is beautiful!
We met the GSE Committee in the afternoon and had lunch with them. It was a Chinese meal, but very different from American Chinese food. There was an orange sauce that was incredible...and I am not sure when the last time I was that full was.
The coffee is also amazing. Very strong and delicious. I probably drank too much, but we walked a lot, so I shouldn't have any trouble falling asleep.
We had a Welcome Party to introduce us to a lot of the Rotarians and to meet a few of our host families. From the sounds of it, my days will be very interesting!
We finished the evening with a very large Japanese meal...the food just kept coming into the room. After a while, I couldn't eat anymore!
I am learning a lot of the Japanese language...just in one day I've picked up quick a bit more than I knew when I arrived.
Tomorrow is our first night with host families. Stacy and I are staying together, so that should be a nice transition before we are on our own with host families. Tomorrow is also our first presentation which we are all trying to present in Japanese. It should be interesting!
Today was exhausting, so we are trying to get a lot of sleep this evening. Our first trip to a high school begins at 8:15 tomorrow morning!
We met the GSE Committee in the afternoon and had lunch with them. It was a Chinese meal, but very different from American Chinese food. There was an orange sauce that was incredible...and I am not sure when the last time I was that full was.
The coffee is also amazing. Very strong and delicious. I probably drank too much, but we walked a lot, so I shouldn't have any trouble falling asleep.
We had a Welcome Party to introduce us to a lot of the Rotarians and to meet a few of our host families. From the sounds of it, my days will be very interesting!
We finished the evening with a very large Japanese meal...the food just kept coming into the room. After a while, I couldn't eat anymore!
I am learning a lot of the Japanese language...just in one day I've picked up quick a bit more than I knew when I arrived.
Tomorrow is our first night with host families. Stacy and I are staying together, so that should be a nice transition before we are on our own with host families. Tomorrow is also our first presentation which we are all trying to present in Japanese. It should be interesting!
Today was exhausting, so we are trying to get a lot of sleep this evening. Our first trip to a high school begins at 8:15 tomorrow morning!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Day 1
We made it!
After just over 24 hours of travel, we arrived in Kumamoto! We were greeted by Rotarians in the area and took a very nice taxi cab to the hotel (our luggage followed us in a truck). Our first meal was quick food from...7-11! We asked one of the inbound GSE members from Japan what she liked to eat and, after returning to the hotel, I enjoyed noodles and what tasted like grape juice.
It took me about an hour to figure out how to turn on the air conditioning in my hotel room last night...I just hit every button until it started working. :)
Breakfast this morning was delicious. It was a buffet with a lot of things I couldn't identify, but there was miso soup and strong, delicious coffee!
We have lunch with the GSE committee today and a welcome party this evening. Tomorrow begins our presentations and experiences.
The weather is absolutely beautiful here and our hotel is right across from a castle. I'm taking a lot of pictures to share with everyone!
After just over 24 hours of travel, we arrived in Kumamoto! We were greeted by Rotarians in the area and took a very nice taxi cab to the hotel (our luggage followed us in a truck). Our first meal was quick food from...7-11! We asked one of the inbound GSE members from Japan what she liked to eat and, after returning to the hotel, I enjoyed noodles and what tasted like grape juice.
It took me about an hour to figure out how to turn on the air conditioning in my hotel room last night...I just hit every button until it started working. :)
Breakfast this morning was delicious. It was a buffet with a lot of things I couldn't identify, but there was miso soup and strong, delicious coffee!
We have lunch with the GSE committee today and a welcome party this evening. Tomorrow begins our presentations and experiences.
The weather is absolutely beautiful here and our hotel is right across from a castle. I'm taking a lot of pictures to share with everyone!
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