Saturday, December 4, 2010
And You Think My ENGLISH is Bad...
明日、私もセーラさんも日本語試験があります。午後十二時から四時まで日本語だけありません。私たちはちょっと心配しています。でも、頑張ります。
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
団子：On Supply and Demand
One of Japanese people's favorite traditional treats is dango （団子） Dango are mochi balls (basically pounded cooked rice into a chewy gum-like texture) and stacked on a skewer. Based on the season, there are different varieties. For example, in spring light pink and green cherry blossom dango can be found while in the fall, chestnut dango is popular. In Kyoto especially, dango are popular because Kyoto embraces all things traditional. Of course, following the Japanese mindset, it was essential to try Kyoto dango! (As a side note, Japanese people like to label everything as "famous." For example, "Kyoto is famous for dango." Thus, when visiting an area, according to them, it is important to try all the famous foods associated with the regions (meibutsu)) Okay, back to the dango. Since I visited Kyoto with Mariko (the former home ec. teacher from my school), she really wanted to try Kyoto's famous dango. I am always up for desserts, so I didn't mind her request! While browsing a street-stall's menu, we were both surprised -- the selection included chestnut flavored, green tea, black sesame, anko (sweet red bean), and chocolate!!! Being American, I had to try the chocolate because that just sounded normal to me and the black sesame with gold flakes because that was just too novel! Being Japanese, Mariko had to try the green tea because that just sounded normal to her and the chocolate because that was just too novel!! Whereas I loved the chocolate covered rice balls (they tasted like chocolate-covered marshmallows only not quite so sweet!) Mariko found them literally repulsive! "Why would the storekeeper sell something so gross?" she pondered. I had to laugh. "If they want to attract tourists," I explained, "they are going to have to sell something that doesn't look like spinach or tar!"
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Fall in Kyoto
There is a saying that goes something like this "You haven't seen Kyoto until you have seen it in the spring...but you haven't really seen Kyoto until you have seen it in the fall." Okay, maybe I just made that up, but it is totally true! This past weekend I had the chance to check off another one of my "While I'm in Japan, I want to ~ List." For three Falls now, I have wanted to see Japanese momiji (maple). I used to think that cherry blossoms were the most gorgeous of God's plant creations, but now that I have seen his fall palette, I might just have to rethink my decision. While walking the streets of old Japan, I questioned why I am so enamored with the change of seasons. I think that it is because I grew up in Florida where the seasons were labeled "Tourist Season" and "Off-Season." I now can understand my mom's pining for the North's fall -- it's beautiful! A word of warning though, I got a little carried away taking pictures of leaves. Enjoy (^~^)
Happy Thanksgiving
It's hard to believe that I have now officially spent my third Thanksgiving here in Japan. After the first one being the most difficult and unique (there is nothing like being treated to raw tuna in a school gym) and the second one being equally entertaining (Sarah's attempt at making mashed potatoes with essence of banana will always be an edible memory I won't want to relive) I actually wasn't expecting much. In fact, I tried not to think about the holiday too much just because I knew it would make me sad being here "alone". However, my attempt to avoid it was short-lived. Not only was I greeted by an adorable and entertaining Thanksgiving sign made by Sarah...
..but I was invited over to the American pastor's house for dinner. Because they have lived in Japan for thirty years, Thanksgiving isn't really part of their family tradition. However, their youngest daughter, Joanna, decided that this year she wanted to try her hand at making Thanksgiving dinner, and I was blessed to be invited. Feasting on chicken and gravy (turkeys are almost impossible to buy here) buttery mashed potatoes, real Southern iced tea, green beans, and apple crumble pie, it was almost as good as being home. (Okay, not really, but it really made me realize that I do have a lot in Japan to be thankful and I am never really alone).
Me and Joanna
..but I was invited over to the American pastor's house for dinner. Because they have lived in Japan for thirty years, Thanksgiving isn't really part of their family tradition. However, their youngest daughter, Joanna, decided that this year she wanted to try her hand at making Thanksgiving dinner, and I was blessed to be invited. Feasting on chicken and gravy (turkeys are almost impossible to buy here) buttery mashed potatoes, real Southern iced tea, green beans, and apple crumble pie, it was almost as good as being home. (Okay, not really, but it really made me realize that I do have a lot in Japan to be thankful and I am never really alone).
Me and Joanna
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Harp Playing and Awesome Teachers!
I finally did it!!
This past week, I had the chance to play for my teachers, students and their parents at my school's cultural day. The best part was when the curtain rose and there we sat! There was a unified gasp and then complete silence (after the third-year characters' cat-calls). For most of my students this was the first opportunity to see and hear a harp live. I was so grateful that I was the one that could share my love with them.
The next day, I performed at the elementary school in a community-wide concert! I was especially tickled that my awesome Japanese teacher and his wife (below) came to hear me. Dr. Takeyama had been gracious enough to teach me how to request a "harp-car" taxi (and bailed me out when I got completely overwhelmed on the telephone).
My vice-principal (below and left) also came to the concert as did Ms. Nakamura, the elementary-school's head-teacher (middle). Both of them were so kind in helping me in all-things harp.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween
Until I get some pictures of the Polderman bugs or Maddy Mhoon Moo, you will just have to enjoy the Toelcke Tiger!
Aren't I cute!!
(and obviously humble too!)
Aren't I cute!!(and obviously humble too!)
Looking at the World Through Prescription-Colored Goggles
I have always been a fish -- maybe not a fast fish, but a fish (thus explaining my aversion to eat other fish and practice cannibalism ;-) All joking aside, I love being in the water -- especially the pool. Pools are clean and most importantly you can see the bottom (and anything headed your direction -- an important point for someone who once found herself face-to-face with a dorsal fin in the ocean).
Growing up, I loved swimming. In high school, I even joined a synchronized swimming team. That didn't last long (I fell in love with the harp instead) -- but it at least taught me the basic swimming strokes and the confidence that maybe I wouldn't look like a complete idiot swimming laps in the pool. (The lack of idiot factor quickly diminished once I couldn't wear contacts anymore and I started running into things headed my direction --i.e. other swimmers and the wall!) My swimming knowledge became handy once I started graduate school for I realized that it was impossible to maintain a rigorous practice regime without building up my arm and back muscles. Swimming became my weekly exercise and stress relief. After moving to Japan, I realized that I once again needed a stress reliever. Of course, the harp has helped, but for me playing and swimming must come hand-in-hand. When I mentioned this to my Japanese teacher, he made it his mission to help me find a pool. After doing all of the phone calling, map searching, and information requesting, he took me on a grand tour of three of Hamamatsu's finest pools. I finally settled on one close to two of my elementary schools. Armed with my new-found prescription goggles, I was ready to conquer anything -- or so I thought. I bravely went into the locker room, and changed into my swimming suit -- something I hadn't done in several years. It was then I realized I had no idea where the pool actually was. So, mustering up courage, I approached another lady in the locker room who kindly lead me down a corridor, through way too many doors, down some stairs and finally to the pool's entrance. As we entered, I was greeted with a surprised chorus of "Emily-teacher." You guessed it! Here I was, feeling very self-aware in my suit, now surrounded by a bunch of my students -- who, come to find out, make up a large percentage of the pool's swimming school students. To make matters worse, all their parents were proudly watching the kids from the upper deck!! But, even if I felt awkward in my swimming suit, I wasn't going to be defeated! I walked to the pool's cubbie-holes and laid down my glasses and towel. Then cautiously (and blindly) I timidly walked toward the pool slipping on the deck, the stairs, and in a final act of grace -- into the pool!
Growing up, I loved swimming. In high school, I even joined a synchronized swimming team. That didn't last long (I fell in love with the harp instead) -- but it at least taught me the basic swimming strokes and the confidence that maybe I wouldn't look like a complete idiot swimming laps in the pool. (The lack of idiot factor quickly diminished once I couldn't wear contacts anymore and I started running into things headed my direction --i.e. other swimmers and the wall!) My swimming knowledge became handy once I started graduate school for I realized that it was impossible to maintain a rigorous practice regime without building up my arm and back muscles. Swimming became my weekly exercise and stress relief. After moving to Japan, I realized that I once again needed a stress reliever. Of course, the harp has helped, but for me playing and swimming must come hand-in-hand. When I mentioned this to my Japanese teacher, he made it his mission to help me find a pool. After doing all of the phone calling, map searching, and information requesting, he took me on a grand tour of three of Hamamatsu's finest pools. I finally settled on one close to two of my elementary schools. Armed with my new-found prescription goggles, I was ready to conquer anything -- or so I thought. I bravely went into the locker room, and changed into my swimming suit -- something I hadn't done in several years. It was then I realized I had no idea where the pool actually was. So, mustering up courage, I approached another lady in the locker room who kindly lead me down a corridor, through way too many doors, down some stairs and finally to the pool's entrance. As we entered, I was greeted with a surprised chorus of "Emily-teacher." You guessed it! Here I was, feeling very self-aware in my suit, now surrounded by a bunch of my students -- who, come to find out, make up a large percentage of the pool's swimming school students. To make matters worse, all their parents were proudly watching the kids from the upper deck!! But, even if I felt awkward in my swimming suit, I wasn't going to be defeated! I walked to the pool's cubbie-holes and laid down my glasses and towel. Then cautiously (and blindly) I timidly walked toward the pool slipping on the deck, the stairs, and in a final act of grace -- into the pool!
He Who is Not Japanese Will Be Hit by the First Bean-Bag -- or something like that
Japan is very nationalistic -- no a bad thing really and completely expected for a country that was secluded from the rest of the world for so long. Of course, with this nationalism comes a sense of pride and sometimes even racism. I was once again reminded of this fact as I stood helplessly in the school's corridor as a group of first-grade elementary kids started pelting me with bean bags once they found out that I was an American. This wasn't the first time this has happened to me. Once when visiting a kindergarten, the kids asked me if I was an "English-speaking" person. When I told them I was an American, they proceeded to shoot me down with imaginary guns. Whoever said that Japanese are against war definitely haven't visited my schools!!
This sense of nationalism doesn't only run in the children. Its in the adults too, like the time I walked around the corner at school and greeted one of my students' grandparents. She started at me and uttered "You are an alien" (think "extra-terrestrial" like ET. Oh wait, I am ET ;-) Of course, I am old enough to shrug off the words. After-all, I actually have it really easy. You see, dating a foreigner is every Japanese man's dream (just ask my hairdresser!!!) Usually, though, guys are too scared to approach me (tall and blonde) on the street -- for which I am grateful. Poor Sarah (short and with dark hair) has found herself in some sticky situations (the reason why we both have Matthew -- another ALT who lives in our building -- on speed dial in our cellphones). However, whereas having a foreigner girlfriend/boyfriend is a status symbol, being "half-blood" is a status symbol of another sort. My heart melts for my poor students who have been dragged to me by their peers shouting "half, half." I have had little girls ask me what kind of person they look like and then sigh in relief when I say "Japanese." I even have church friends (my age) who find themselves in difficult work situations because they are half-Japanese, half-Brazilian. I don't understand the mentality -- especially being an American where everyone really isn't an American.
So where am I going with this? I guess back to the hallway with the bean bags strewn at my feet. Instead of reprimanding the kids (which I probably should have done), I just stood there thinking as I was being pelted. I won't deny it any longer, it hurt a little to be different. However, I could only think about the story in John 8 about the stoning of the adulterous woman. Why is it that we as humans think that we are better than another? Why is it that we think we can throw painful stones at others -- stones of discouragement, produced by our words and by our actions. Both Christians and non-Christians have been made in our dear Heavenly Father's image. We each have been presented with talents and abilities. However we as Christians have a mandate -- we should love one another as our Father has loved us. Therefore, let's not throw bean bags at others. Let's throw sticks instead!!! Sticks -- kind words and deeds that will "stick" to and with a person for a long time. Sticks that will uplift them and be support beams. It's not easy. I know ... I'm preaching to myself.
This sense of nationalism doesn't only run in the children. Its in the adults too, like the time I walked around the corner at school and greeted one of my students' grandparents. She started at me and uttered "You are an alien" (think "extra-terrestrial" like ET. Oh wait, I am ET ;-) Of course, I am old enough to shrug off the words. After-all, I actually have it really easy. You see, dating a foreigner is every Japanese man's dream (just ask my hairdresser!!!) Usually, though, guys are too scared to approach me (tall and blonde) on the street -- for which I am grateful. Poor Sarah (short and with dark hair) has found herself in some sticky situations (the reason why we both have Matthew -- another ALT who lives in our building -- on speed dial in our cellphones). However, whereas having a foreigner girlfriend/boyfriend is a status symbol, being "half-blood" is a status symbol of another sort. My heart melts for my poor students who have been dragged to me by their peers shouting "half, half." I have had little girls ask me what kind of person they look like and then sigh in relief when I say "Japanese." I even have church friends (my age) who find themselves in difficult work situations because they are half-Japanese, half-Brazilian. I don't understand the mentality -- especially being an American where everyone really isn't an American.
So where am I going with this? I guess back to the hallway with the bean bags strewn at my feet. Instead of reprimanding the kids (which I probably should have done), I just stood there thinking as I was being pelted. I won't deny it any longer, it hurt a little to be different. However, I could only think about the story in John 8 about the stoning of the adulterous woman. Why is it that we as humans think that we are better than another? Why is it that we think we can throw painful stones at others -- stones of discouragement, produced by our words and by our actions. Both Christians and non-Christians have been made in our dear Heavenly Father's image. We each have been presented with talents and abilities. However we as Christians have a mandate -- we should love one another as our Father has loved us. Therefore, let's not throw bean bags at others. Let's throw sticks instead!!! Sticks -- kind words and deeds that will "stick" to and with a person for a long time. Sticks that will uplift them and be support beams. It's not easy. I know ... I'm preaching to myself.
Look What I Just Found
Yep, the mall near me has Sbarro. Its pizza is exactly the same -- greasy, reheated, tough, cold and not particularly appetizing -- except absolutely delicious because it is a taste of home!
And You Thought One Harp Couldn't Fit in My Apartment...
Meet Maigen's new harp friend...
So, long story short, I met a harp teacher from Tokyo who comes to Hamamatsu once a month to teach lessons. She asked if I would be interested in playing duets with her, which of course I jumped at the opportunity. Last month, we had our first duet session at a mutual friend's place. This month it was at my apartment. With some strategic furniture maneuvering (and even stuffing some in the shower) we were able to fit both harps. And because of an approaching typhoon, it seemed to safest to keep Harp #2 here overnight. So last night was a harp sleepover!
So, long story short, I met a harp teacher from Tokyo who comes to Hamamatsu once a month to teach lessons. She asked if I would be interested in playing duets with her, which of course I jumped at the opportunity. Last month, we had our first duet session at a mutual friend's place. This month it was at my apartment. With some strategic furniture maneuvering (and even stuffing some in the shower) we were able to fit both harps. And because of an approaching typhoon, it seemed to safest to keep Harp #2 here overnight. So last night was a harp sleepover!
Um... Where Are We Exactly?
Last weekend a group of my fellow English teachers and I found ourselves eating Italian pizza and French fries in a German restaurant while being served by a Chinese waiter.... Oh yeah, and we were in Japan (just for the record ;-)
From left to right: my vice-principal; Mr. Nakamura (A.K.A. The teacher who loves to give presents); Mr. Ishizuka (A.K.A. My favorite English teacher who is now retired); myself (A.K.A. The crazy blonde foreigner); and Mr. Uchiyama (A.K.A. Mr. Friendly)
From left to right: my vice-principal; Mr. Nakamura (A.K.A. The teacher who loves to give presents); Mr. Ishizuka (A.K.A. My favorite English teacher who is now retired); myself (A.K.A. The crazy blonde foreigner); and Mr. Uchiyama (A.K.A. Mr. Friendly)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Come Fly with Me!
On Monday, October 11, 2010, four crazy foreigners and two equally crazy Japanese decided to defy gravity by running head-first off of a cliff. Below is the results of their daredevil mission:
Actual video footage from my jump:
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Harp Recital
So, after two and a half years of not performing, I finally had a chance to play again! What a lovely experience to share my heart (uh, I mean, harp) with others again. The recital was a direct collaboration with my LOLs. You see, Mihoko-san is a vocal professor at a local university and frequently gives recitals. Kuniko-san's husband recently bought a grand piano and he wanted to share its beauty with his friends. So, Kuniko and her husband graciously opened up their home for a recital. I was invited to attend, and then the plans changed when someone (I don't actually remember who) suggested I bring Maigen (舞弦). Well, Maigen definitely isn't as big as her older sister, Madame Eglantine, but she still needed some careful harp moving. Not to worry -- Star Taxi came to the rescue with their jumbo nine-seater taxi! (I forgot to take a picture of the newest "Harp Car" so I stole one off the company's website).
We had a lovely evening with me playing two pieces (Nightingale by Deborah Henson-Conant and Variations on Sakura), Mihoko-san singing several opera arias and Japanese folk songs, and her accompanist playing several Chopin selections. There were only ten people in attendance, but it was a nice quiet way to re-debut. In fact, it reminded me of my middle school and high-school days when we used to have small piano recitals in our living room (or the Cole's). After the concert, we had a lovely selection of heavy hors devours provided by the attendees.
Kuniko-san and her husband graciously bought us all flowers. Notice that they have picked up on my love for hot pink!! In fact, my bouquet was completely different than the other two ladies. Not that I minded -- nothing can beat gerbera daisies in my opinion!
We had a lovely evening with me playing two pieces (Nightingale by Deborah Henson-Conant and Variations on Sakura), Mihoko-san singing several opera arias and Japanese folk songs, and her accompanist playing several Chopin selections. There were only ten people in attendance, but it was a nice quiet way to re-debut. In fact, it reminded me of my middle school and high-school days when we used to have small piano recitals in our living room (or the Cole's). After the concert, we had a lovely selection of heavy hors devours provided by the attendees.
(Obviously, in this picture the harp versus the aforementioned piano was given photo priority! Notice you can't see my feet -- it was because I wasn't wearing shoes because I was trying to be all polite and not wear shoes inside the house)
Kuniko-san and her husband graciously bought us all flowers. Notice that they have picked up on my love for hot pink!! In fact, my bouquet was completely different than the other two ladies. Not that I minded -- nothing can beat gerbera daisies in my opinion!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
It Made My Day!!!
Yesterday, I visited one of my many elementary schools to work with the sixth graders. The topic of the lesson was directions. Previously the students had learned the English names of various places (i.e., park, post office, fire station). Now, it was time for them to learn how to give directions to get from place-to-place. First, we learned basic commands - "stand up", "sit down", "walk", "run", "stop", "turn right", "turn left", "go straight", and the all-important "turn around"! Then we practiced with with the fabulous TPR (total physical response) game of "Simon Says", where I learned that Japanese children get their "rights" and "lefts" mixed-up too!! It was then time to move to the big map and the cute green and red monsters Gachapin and Mukku. 
As the kids shouted out commands, I moved the magnetic characters around the board to visit the various places in our make-believe city. After several group practices, it was time for them to work in pairs with their own smaller maps and characters. To complete the lesson, we transformed the rows of desks into a small city, and the students gave each other commands as they walked around the many streets. Once we completed our lesson and said our goodbyes, it was time for several students to escort me back to the staff room. After every class, I had made my escorts give me verbal commands to get back to the staff room. This final class was no different. At first, the three boys (or as they proudly call themselves "Emily's bodyguards") were a little confused. Why wasn't I following them? However, they soon caught on that I wouldn't move unless they told me what to do. After an accidental misdirection straight into the TV, they were very careful to make sure that I wouldn't have any more collisions. They would shout out "stop" whenever I got anywhere close to danger. Before leading me to the next place, they would discuss amongst themselves was it "turn right" or "turn left" just to make sure I wouldn't head down the wrong corridor. When we got to the stairs, they asked how to say "go downstairs." Finally we reached the staffroom. However, instead of leaving me at the entrance as the previous classes had done, they insisted on escorting me all the way in. Of course, this brought some stares and smiles from the other teachers (thus causing the students to forget to watch out for me). When I playfully walked into a desk, they were back on their guard. "Stop" they shouted. "Turn right." (Um, we meant the other way) "Turn right" "Turn right" "Turn right" "Go straight" "Stop" "Stand up". At this point, I stood on my tippy toes much to there surprise. "Stand up, stand up, stand up....ummm, no sit down" At this point, they grabbed my desk chair and pushed it right behind me so I would have a smooth landing. Proudly they grinned as I said thank you and the other teachers smiled in disbelief. My body guards had successfully completed their mission!!!
As the kids shouted out commands, I moved the magnetic characters around the board to visit the various places in our make-believe city. After several group practices, it was time for them to work in pairs with their own smaller maps and characters. To complete the lesson, we transformed the rows of desks into a small city, and the students gave each other commands as they walked around the many streets. Once we completed our lesson and said our goodbyes, it was time for several students to escort me back to the staff room. After every class, I had made my escorts give me verbal commands to get back to the staff room. This final class was no different. At first, the three boys (or as they proudly call themselves "Emily's bodyguards") were a little confused. Why wasn't I following them? However, they soon caught on that I wouldn't move unless they told me what to do. After an accidental misdirection straight into the TV, they were very careful to make sure that I wouldn't have any more collisions. They would shout out "stop" whenever I got anywhere close to danger. Before leading me to the next place, they would discuss amongst themselves was it "turn right" or "turn left" just to make sure I wouldn't head down the wrong corridor. When we got to the stairs, they asked how to say "go downstairs." Finally we reached the staffroom. However, instead of leaving me at the entrance as the previous classes had done, they insisted on escorting me all the way in. Of course, this brought some stares and smiles from the other teachers (thus causing the students to forget to watch out for me). When I playfully walked into a desk, they were back on their guard. "Stop" they shouted. "Turn right." (Um, we meant the other way) "Turn right" "Turn right" "Turn right" "Go straight" "Stop" "Stand up". At this point, I stood on my tippy toes much to there surprise. "Stand up, stand up, stand up....ummm, no sit down" At this point, they grabbed my desk chair and pushed it right behind me so I would have a smooth landing. Proudly they grinned as I said thank you and the other teachers smiled in disbelief. My body guards had successfully completed their mission!!!
In Other Crazy Food News...
Question: What's the USA's favorite food on the go?
Answer:
Question: What is Japan's favorite food on the go?
Answer:
onigiri= rice ball. Usually there is some kind of filling (i.e. japanese sour plum, fish, egg, vegetables) inside and everything is wrapped in seaweed paper.
Question: What is a universal favorite food on the go?
Answer:
Question: How do Americans improve on the doughnut?
Answer:
Question: How do Japanese improve on the doughnut?
Answer:
And you thought, Americans were weird!
Answer:
Question: What is Japan's favorite food on the go?
Answer:
onigiri= rice ball. Usually there is some kind of filling (i.e. japanese sour plum, fish, egg, vegetables) inside and everything is wrapped in seaweed paper.Question: What is a universal favorite food on the go?
Answer:
Don't the sprinkles make you smile?
Come on, you know you are smiling ;-)
Come on, you know you are smiling ;-)
Question: How do Americans improve on the doughnut?
Answer:
Question: How do Japanese improve on the doughnut?
Answer:
And you thought, Americans were weird!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Only in Japan...
...can you find pancake-flavored milkshakes in a vending machine!
(Does anyone else think it would taste like batter?)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Shikoku
Thursday was a holiday this week and because I worked last Saturday for Sports' Day, I got this Friday off, too. So, the four-day weekend was a perfect opportunity to take a trip with my LOLs.
This trip's destination was Shikoku Island -- the smallest of Japan's four main islands.
Our first stop -- and main purpose for visiting the island -- was to see the Naruto whirlpools. These whirlpools are created when two different sea currents collide.
We decided to take a boat ride into the center of the whirlpools. Although there was a big boat and a little boat that gave the tour, we decided to ride the little one because it was departing first. Personally I liked it because it had a glass bottom observation room.
Here is a mini naruto
Once we got into the center of the whirlpools, we were allowed on deck. I braved the top deck and felt like Jonah as we tossed and turned. Unfortunately, we didn't go at the changing of the tide (the best time) but it was still quite a sight to see.
Once we arrived back on shore, it was time for me to introduce my now very green LOLs to the wonders of ginger-ale for an upset stomach. Thankfully, the boat tour's souvenir shop sold it!
After we all found our land-legs again, it was off to the Sistine Chapel!
To me, the coolest part of the museum was this robot who independently scouted around talking about the different pictures. He and lunch (real pot roast with real mashed potatoes accompanied by real butter and real bread!) definitely made the poster museum not a complete disappointment!
Next it was off to the bridge over the naruto. This bridge had glass panels so viewers could see the whirlpools. Unfortunately, they were really small at this point, but I still enjoyed taking pictures of the scenery. There was also the really sweet old guy who worked there and was so excited to use his English that he gave me two postcards and some origami as a "Thank you for visiting Shikoku" present. My LOLs were jealous :-)
That night we stayed in a lovely hotel with a "Make your own Japanese noodles" buffet for dinner and a "Make your own sandwich" buffet for breakfast. While I didn't do too bad in the morning, dinner was a bit tricky. Instead of choosing between either meat sauce or alfredo sauce like in an Italian restaurant, the choices were such things as raw eggs, seaweed, fish flakes, sesame seeds, and ginger!
The next morning found us at the Bando Museum -- a memorial for German POWs who were in Japan during WWI. Unfortunately, most of the displays were in either German or Japanese, but I did learn that the situation was integral in introducing the Japanese to the West because the POWs taught the locals how to bake breads and cake and make butter. Also, there were a lot of musicians in the camp, and they gave the first concert of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Japan. Who, what, where, when, how, and why escaped me in the translation, but hey, I got a photo with Beethoven (and a yummy German Bratwurst for lunch!)
The next three hours found us driving deeper and deeper into Shikoku. I slept quite a bit because I was absolutely exhausted, but managed to snap a few pictures along the way.
We finally reached the kazurabashi -- a suspension bridge made of vines dangling forty-five feet above the ground! It was originally made a long time ago, and has since been preserved to show how ancient Japanese crossed incredibly rocky and fast-moving rivers.
While I wasn't too afraid of it breaking (it had thick cable supports throughout) it was a bit scary to realize that the holes between each rung were bigger than my foot. Knowing that I am the worlds' biggest klutz had me clinging to the side the whole way across. I didn't want to lose a shoe or anything else important if I tripped!
After crossing the bridge, we found a really pretty waterfall...
After changing into our provided yukata, we road a cablecar up the mountain to a private outdoor bath.
Once we reached the top, we found ourselves in the midst of a magical forest complete with koi fish ponds, tea houses, stone lanterns and bamboo.
(Here is a picture of the bath I stole off of another website since I didn't dare smuggle my camera into the actual bath part!)
After a relaxing soak, we found ourselves whisked away to dinner...
...complete with fish on a stick cooking in the middle of our "table". I tried to imagine it was a chicken leg -- a tad bit challenging when the fish was staring back at me the whole time I was chomping down on its flesh.
After returning to our room, we found our futon beds already laid out.
It was like one big sleepover that night with really comfortable sleeping bags!
Morning came with another bath and then a traditional Japanese breakfast.
However, seven fifteen is a bit challenging to eat eyeballed fish and fermented beans (especially with no coffee as a comfort!)
After breakfast, we began our three-hour trek back to the airport only stopping to take pictures of the Obokekoboke Valley (try saying that three times fast) and to get coffee for the young blondie who could once again not keep up with the energy of her three LOLs!
This trip's destination was Shikoku Island -- the smallest of Japan's four main islands.
We flew over this cute little island, too, but I don't know what it's called.
Our first stop -- and main purpose for visiting the island -- was to see the Naruto whirlpools. These whirlpools are created when two different sea currents collide.
We decided to take a boat ride into the center of the whirlpools. Although there was a big boat and a little boat that gave the tour, we decided to ride the little one because it was departing first. Personally I liked it because it had a glass bottom observation room.
Here is a mini naruto
Once we got into the center of the whirlpools, we were allowed on deck. I braved the top deck and felt like Jonah as we tossed and turned. Unfortunately, we didn't go at the changing of the tide (the best time) but it was still quite a sight to see.
Below is a picture of a picture taken by a professional of the naruto in peak season.
Once we arrived back on shore, it was time for me to introduce my now very green LOLs to the wonders of ginger-ale for an upset stomach. Thankfully, the boat tour's souvenir shop sold it!
After we all found our land-legs again, it was off to the Sistine Chapel!
Okay, I lie. It was actually the Otsuka Museum which prides itself in having accurate, life-sized reproductions of many famous paintings. So, they were accurate and life-sized, however, they were also big poster panels! To me it was like walking through a bunch of rooms with a bunch of fancy wallpaper. Oh well, I guess you can't win all the time!
To me, the coolest part of the museum was this robot who independently scouted around talking about the different pictures. He and lunch (real pot roast with real mashed potatoes accompanied by real butter and real bread!) definitely made the poster museum not a complete disappointment!
Next it was off to the bridge over the naruto. This bridge had glass panels so viewers could see the whirlpools. Unfortunately, they were really small at this point, but I still enjoyed taking pictures of the scenery. There was also the really sweet old guy who worked there and was so excited to use his English that he gave me two postcards and some origami as a "Thank you for visiting Shikoku" present. My LOLs were jealous :-)
That night we stayed in a lovely hotel with a "Make your own Japanese noodles" buffet for dinner and a "Make your own sandwich" buffet for breakfast. While I didn't do too bad in the morning, dinner was a bit tricky. Instead of choosing between either meat sauce or alfredo sauce like in an Italian restaurant, the choices were such things as raw eggs, seaweed, fish flakes, sesame seeds, and ginger!
The next morning found us at the Bando Museum -- a memorial for German POWs who were in Japan during WWI. Unfortunately, most of the displays were in either German or Japanese, but I did learn that the situation was integral in introducing the Japanese to the West because the POWs taught the locals how to bake breads and cake and make butter. Also, there were a lot of musicians in the camp, and they gave the first concert of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Japan. Who, what, where, when, how, and why escaped me in the translation, but hey, I got a photo with Beethoven (and a yummy German Bratwurst for lunch!)
The next three hours found us driving deeper and deeper into Shikoku. I slept quite a bit because I was absolutely exhausted, but managed to snap a few pictures along the way.
We finally reached the kazurabashi -- a suspension bridge made of vines dangling forty-five feet above the ground! It was originally made a long time ago, and has since been preserved to show how ancient Japanese crossed incredibly rocky and fast-moving rivers.
While I wasn't too afraid of it breaking (it had thick cable supports throughout) it was a bit scary to realize that the holes between each rung were bigger than my foot. Knowing that I am the worlds' biggest klutz had me clinging to the side the whole way across. I didn't want to lose a shoe or anything else important if I tripped!
After crossing the bridge, we found a really pretty waterfall...
...then it was off to our incredible ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for the night! Here we were greeted with tea service in our tatami room.
After changing into our provided yukata, we road a cablecar up the mountain to a private outdoor bath.
Once we reached the top, we found ourselves in the midst of a magical forest complete with koi fish ponds, tea houses, stone lanterns and bamboo.
(Here is a picture of the bath I stole off of another website since I didn't dare smuggle my camera into the actual bath part!)
After a relaxing soak, we found ourselves whisked away to dinner...
...complete with fish on a stick cooking in the middle of our "table". I tried to imagine it was a chicken leg -- a tad bit challenging when the fish was staring back at me the whole time I was chomping down on its flesh.
After returning to our room, we found our futon beds already laid out.
It was like one big sleepover that night with really comfortable sleeping bags!
Morning came with another bath and then a traditional Japanese breakfast.
However, seven fifteen is a bit challenging to eat eyeballed fish and fermented beans (especially with no coffee as a comfort!)
After breakfast, we began our three-hour trek back to the airport only stopping to take pictures of the Obokekoboke Valley (try saying that three times fast) and to get coffee for the young blondie who could once again not keep up with the energy of her three LOLs!
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