Day 4: Marooned in Miyajima on Mt. Misan

Day 4 found us eating breakfast in a very lovely Japanese garden in Hiroshima. (Yes, that is a Starbucks coffee that I am holding!)










After a lovely chat with a very friendly turtle and a nice nap on a park bench (there are few more relaxing things than napping in a Japanese garden!) it was off to Miyajima -- one of the top-three most gorgeous and photogenic places in all of Japan (or so says Wikipedia) -- and the place I was most looking forward to visit during our trip.





Miyajima is most famous for its "floating" shrine and torii gate, which can be appreciated best at high tide. However, by the time we had successfully taken a bus, street car, and ship, it was low tide and the "floating" torii was stuck in the mud. So to pass the time, we enjoyed one of Miyajima's most popular occupants -- very friendly deer.



We discovered that if you feed them French fries, they will adopt you and follow you home. This man and his baby are proof!Then it was time to take the cable car up to Mt. Misan.......where were greeted with this Ingrish warning. Little did we know! On Mt. Misan we were joined by Miyajima's second most famous occupants -- monkeys!!!


They were quite cute -- for monkeys! Actually, they were complete clowns and obviously loved all of the attention.

As we continued on our hike on Mt. Misan, we saw some beautiful views of the ocean...

...a very tasty Mound bar...

...and a very stern guard of the"eternal" flame.

Housed in the below building, the "eternal flame" has been burning for thousands of years (according to the placard), and in fact, its fire lit the "peace flame" in Hiroshima that will not be extinguished until all nuclear weaponry has been destroyed.

Supposedly, water boiled over the flame has healing powers for all kinds of diseases, and for only 500 yen (approximately $5.00), one could partake of its "miracle." All I could think of was Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan women at the well and how lost the Japanese people truly are.

After a brief respite, and a bottle of Japanese lemonade (complete with a glass ball inside the bottle), we decided we should start hiking back because we didn't want to miss high tide or the last cable car down since we were told that anyone who was late, would have to walk down the mountain themselves (at least an 90 minute hike). As we headed back, we noticed that the clouds were looking ominous the temperature dropped. Soon rain was pattering around us. However, the cable was still running so we got in line. Just as we were about to board, the technicians announced that they were stopping the cars due to the weather. So, for the next few hours, we entertained ourselves with talking, games, singing, and counting the length of time between lightening flashes and thunder blasts. When things continued to look grim, we dug in our backpacks to scrounge together our meager snacks. As much as being stuck on top of the mountain wasn't exactly "fun" we decided it was better than being stranded in a metal cable car in the middle of a valley in a lightening storm!

By the time, the cable car was finally opened, it was dark and the tide was going out again. However, we were determined to see the shrine and torii since we had made the trek all the way to Miyajima. This is what we saw.

This was what were supposed to see according to a postcard in one of the gift shops.

But all was not lost, the world's largest wooden rice paddle was still visible!!!

Once again, I had an adventure!! How many people do you know that can say that they were marooned in Miyajima on Mt. Misan with mischievous monkeys as mates?

Day 3: Hiroshima -- Peace, Paper Cranes, and a Prisoner's Promises

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives....

John 14:27a

Hiroshima! What can I say? A city that was destroyed. A city that faced horror. A city that won't let you forget what happened to them.



A city that is attempting to build back up from the rubble.




A city that cries for peace evident in the ever-present origami peace cranes, but a city that is seeking peace in the wrong place.











My time in Hiroshima was extremely heartbreaking. The city has decided to become an international ambassador for peace. The citizens believe that if all nuclear weapons are destroyed, peace will finally arrive. Oh, how sad! Oh, how lost the people are! Oh, may God have mercy on these wayward children.

ADDENDUM

While I was in Hiroshima, I couldn't help but to think of my Grandpa Boothroyd. A prisoner of war in Osaka, Japan for approximately four years, he too could be bitter. He faced atrocity. He faced persecution. He still suffers... but his life is so different. While in prison camp, his life radiated Christ's love. He promised God that if he would be mercifully saved, he would dedicate his life to helping the church. God was gracious, and Grandpa has kept his promise. To this day, grandpa still remains a spiritual leader both to his church, family, and fellow ex-POWs. He is not bitter about what has happened to him. He is not angry at those who hurt him. He knew the true source of peace and that Peace saved him. May God be glorified!

Day 2: Himeji-jo -- Klutzes, Castles, Cellos, and Crazy Cuisine

Constitution Day began with a bang (literally!!) as I toppled down the ramp way from our hostel. (Tall I may be, but graceful I am not!) Needless to say, our first stop for the day was to the kobini for sprained ankle care. Surprisingly (or maybe not since this is Japan), we were more successful requesting an ice pack when we said "like one for a cake" versus when we said "like one for an injury." I guess its more popular here to send baked goods wrapped in ice home, rather than injured kids. Soon sporting a new ACE bandage, really snazzy stick-on menthol instant ice packs, and an ankle brace, I was ready to conquer the many stairs of Himeji-jo (i.e. Himeji Castle)

But don't let the size fool you... this castle is huge! It is considered to be one of the three most famous castles in Japan. Originally built in 1346, it is one of the few castles that wasn't destroyed in fire or war and is thus it is in its original state.

Inside it is completely made of wood and paper (thank goodness there wasn't a fire!) and had a million (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration!) steps. Any enemy that survived scaling the huge stone walls, would have definitely been defeated by the steep stairs...

...or the scary-looking occupants.One of my favorite features of the castle were the tiny hidden rooms (modeled here with Helen-Marie sans doors) that could work both as a closet and a hide out complete with shooting windows. Can you just imagine being shot at from what you thought was a futon?

That evening we visited Mt. Rokko via a cable car to see the Osaka harbor at night (A.K.A. the Million Dollar View) An unexpected treat was to also see a mountain hog enjoying his supper. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera ready to capture the bovines' buffet.

While enjoying the view, I also had the chance to overhear a man brag (in English) that he invented the cello. Since he didn't look like he was 500 years old I suspected it was a pick-up line. I wasn't impressed...Dinner that night consisted of takoyaki (octopus balls) for which Osaka is famous. Although its favorite of many Japanese young people, I personally wasn't impressed. I mean, what is delicious about a fried gooey ball of octopus covered in mayonnaise and dry roasted tuna skin????? Plus, the octopus suckers stuck to my tongue :-( It took all my effort to keep from gagging and keep the slippery globs from following off my chopsticks. The whole scene, though, was quite amusing for some old men who were bystanders. Oh well, at least someone enjoyed the gastronomical experience!

Next Stop: Pancakes and Peace

Golden Week Day 1: Osaka -- Animals and Asian Amusement

At the beginning of May, is one of Japan's biggest holidays. Starting out as one holiday (Constitution Day), a second (Children's Day) was added occurring two days later. Several years later, a third (Greenery Day) was added to connect the previous two holidays. Then, as its Japanese law that if the holiday lands on a weekend, the following Monday also becomes a holiday (Sub Day). Add the weekend, and *BAM* its Golden Week or in my book, Spring Break II. All that to say, it seemed like a perfect time to gallivant around Japan, so two other ALTs, Sarah and Helen-Marie, and I decided to take a trip, which ultimately turned into quite an adventure as does anything that I do in Japan!

Our first stop was the Kobe Zoo to see the panda as they happen to be Sarah's favorite animal and she had never seen one in real life. Personally, I found the zoo to be very depressing (I highly don't recommend it), but I did have the opportunity to spot Yoda hiding in a tree.

As well as see first-hand what has to be the world's slowest roller coaster, which was powered by the riders peddling. Unfortunately, as I did not have a child to ride with (and I didn't think it would be a good idea to attempt to kidnap one) I could not ride.

After the zoo, we decided that we wanted to see some happy animals. So, utilizing the magic of purikura, we transformed ourselves into smiley creatures without zoo syndrome.

Then it was off to Osaka and Cat's Cafe where for 1500 yen (approximately $15) we could enjoy the company of 20 resident kitties, petting them to our hearts content, while sipping coffee in the restaurant. Cafes like this are quite popular in Japan since many apartments don't allow their tenants to have pets. It was amazing to see how many Japanese people enjoyed the experience just as much as we did. And for those of you wondering, the place did not smell at all like cat at all since one of the worker's chief job was to clean the multiple litter boxes whenever they got dirty.

On our way back to our hostel, we passed this familiar face dressed like a samurai....

...marveled at our newest vending machine find (yes, you can buy rice, fried chicken, hot dogs, and french fries in a vending machine in Japan)...

...and rode in a hot pink "Women's Only" train car decorated with a female, raspberry pudding character.

"Why a women's only car," you may ask? Well, come to find out, Osaka isn't the safest of Japanese cities and thus they are designed to keep the ladies separate from the gropers on the crowded trains. Thankfully, we did not have any issues with safety (and yes, that is a man getting on our train car too!) In fact, we were probably the scariest individuals on the car since we passed the time practicing the relaxation breathing techniques advertised on the in-service TV to the amusement of our fellow passengers!!

Next stop.... Castles, Cellos, and Crazy Cuisine.

Easter

In Japan, where the holiday only exists in the German-imported chocolate bunnies, Resurrection Sunday slipped passed many without them ever knowing its significance. As for me, every Easter, I find myself contemplating a different aspect of the holiday. Some years it has been the pain of the crucifixion, others the awesomeness of the resurrection or the impressions of those present during Christ's last days. This year, though, my thoughts led to something completely different than ever before -- the beauty of new life. Coming from the bitter, windy winter into the gorgeous flower-adorned spring made me actually fully appreciate the parallel of rebirth when one becomes a Christian. Just as the the tulips hibernate in the winter in their ugly bulbs only to blossom into beautiful flowers during the spring, so our lives are transformed by God's graciousness. But, just as the flowers can only grow with God's provisions of sun and rain, so do we need spiritual food and communion with him as well. This point has been especially difficult for me recently as I have often found myself thirsting for English Christians with whom I can stay accountable and worship alongside. I have been blessed with a wonderful Japanese church which has adopted me as one of their own, but still the lack of Christian communion in my native language has been difficult. Many of you have asked how you can pray for me... this, dear friends, is one of many prayer requests.

The Land of the Rising Sun

Have you ever seen the rare and beautiful Mhoon Berry?

Well now you have...

I'm so excited. I am going to be an aunt again! This time its my dear college roommate Allison and her wonderful husband Justin who are expecting. So far the pregnancy has been going well, but please keep the little Mhoon Berry in your prayers.

The Epitome of Conbenience

Japanese people love to use the word convenient (or when they say it -- conbenient). Because their lives are so incredibly hectic all the time, they really savor those things that make life just a little bit smoother. Kobini are no exception. Enter any Circle K or 7-11 and you can buy groceries, make copies, pay bills, order birthday cakes, rent movies, ship luggage.... everything but purchase gas (and this is no exaggeration!) Today, during a little jaunt to my local kobini I decided to take advantage of another service -- buying postage stamps. The only problem -- my letter was a little misshaped, unusually weighted, and going to the US. But, this wasn't going to stop the determined clerk. Instead of saying,"Hey, you crazy blonde American, why don't you just go to the post office and have them deal with this since its their job, not mine..." he did the unthinkable. He called the post office. For five-ten minutes he was talking to the post master, jotting down notes, measuring my card with a ruler, and weighing it on the scale. Then, he apologized profusely for the wait as he added up a random collection of stamps so that I would pay the exact postage. He even double-checked with me regarding the appropriate placement for a stamp on an envelope traveling to the US. During the whole process, I was in awe. Now that's what I call "conbenient." As for the letter, whenever it arrives, please let me know!

Find the ALT who actually got the memo...

Compared to the post "Find the one that's different," in this most recent staff picture, I am not quite as obvious. Not only am I wearing a drab colored suit, I am not smiling.... But, don't let this "wooden-faced" crowd fool you, after the goodbye party for the front-row teachers (who are wearing huge orchid corsages I might add) we all went to a karaoke parlor. These teachers definitely have a different side to them!

If you give the ALT a flag...

If you have a fire drill, make sure to tell the ALT. If you tell the ALT, she will ask for a job. If you give her a job by handing her a flag and leaving her in the hall, she will smile and bow to every passing teacher. If you want her outside (don't leave her in the hall), tell her where to go outside (its a big world beyond the school's borders). If you direct her outside and tell her to wave the flag, she will do so with all her might. If she waves a Red Cross flag, some one might think she is part of the Red Cross and go to her for medical supplies. If someone asks her for a band aid, it might be a good idea to let her know where they are. If she can't find the band aid and is still waving the flag, she might start feeling a little bit silly. If she is feeling silly, she will feel less silly when all the students and teachers come pouring out of the school with helmets and pillows on their heads and handkerchiefs over their noses. If the teachers and students come pouring out of school looking like martians, the ALT will remember that she is having the adventure of her life. If the ALT is reminded that she is having an adventure she will wish she had her camera. So, if you have a fire drill, make sure to tell the ALT.

Kyoto

During the spring holidays, I had the opportunity to visit Kyoto -- one of the most historical cities in all of Japan -- with two ladies from my church. I have always wanted to visit the city and I was not disappointed. Being in the middle of the sakura (cherry blossom) season, the city was a swirl of pink and smelled deliciously of flowers. Many of the temples, castles, and shrines are older than the United States and much of the area incorporates the old Japanese traditions. Often, it was like stepping back into ancient Asian history. Unfortunately, my pictures hardly due the trip justice...