Thailand!

After a tumultuous couple of months, I decided to take a spring break trip to Thailand. I went with a good friend, Megan, whom I met during a Thanksgiving Day Brunch earlier this year. We booked a guided trip through Intrepid Travel, which I highly recommend for trips around the world. We flew into Bangkok and spent some time exploring the city before our tour began. We ate at many food stalls situated along the streets. The best finds were fresh orange juice and banana roti. We also browsed Khao San Road and wandered into a small shop for a leg and foot massage along with a manicure and pedicure....and if you can believe it, it only cost $7! We also got scammed...we were wandering around in the 100 degree weather until finally deciding to take a ride with a pushy Tuk Tuk driver. Little did we know that he was charging so little because he wanted us to stop several times to browse at fabrics and jewels. We only paid 5 Baht for the whole day's ride, but stopped at more than 4 shops. Our driver claimed that when we browsed, he got money for gas...but we got sick of browsing. So, when I finally stood up to the driver, he went from super friendly to super cranky and dropped us off 2 blocks from our destination. We got back to our hotel after that and met up with our group. There were 11 of us from the US, Canada, and Australia. There was even another teacher from the Department of Defense on our trip. The next morning, we loaded on a bus for a 6 hour drive to Sukhothai.

We arrived in Sukhothai where we had time to wonder for awhile before our full body Thai massage with oil. It lasted 2 hours and was about $14. It was wonderful! Later that night, we wondered to a local night market for some dinner. There, I had hundred year eggs and pad thai...which coincidentally isn't so good in Thailand. I actually can't wait to get home to Springfield to have some delicious food at Magic Kitchen! On our full day tour, we biked to numerous temples and ruins, including Wat Mahthat, Wat Di Sawai, and Wat Si Chum. The next day, we loaded into the Songtaew (a truck with 2 benches and a topper) to head to Lampang.

Once in Lampang, the water fighting began. It was the Thai New Year and the celebration has no mercy on anyone...children, elderly folks, monks...everyone gets clobbered with water. The story behind the celebration is that April is the culmination of the hot months. It is, in fact, the hottest month of the year in Thailand. After the long, hot season, they celebrate the New Year by throwing water on everyone to welcome the wet season, which is May-June. We stayed at the River Side Guesthouse, which was beautiful. We also enjoyed another night market and festival downtown. We didn't get to spend much time here, but I loved the atmosphere!

The next morning, we went to the Elephant Conservation Center. It was amazing to see all the elephants together. I did have a problem with the fact that they were being exploited, but came to terms with the fact that they are so expensive to feed and take care of that many places cannot afford to take them into custody. So, they do seem well cared for and they aren't abused as far as I could tell. We watched them paint pictures, which was quite amazing and then went on an elephant ride for almost an hour through the water and the jungle. Then, we went to the Dung Paper Factory and had the chance to make little dung balls into paper...only two of us tried it. Next, we went to my favorite place, the Elephant Hospital. There were many elephants there mainly because they often step on land mines near the Burmese border. They are used for illegal logging and there are still many mines left from the war so many years ago. It was interesting to meet the elephants and see that doctors were making prosthetic legs for them to use. My two favorites were Motala and Mosha. They are supposedly famous, and have been on television if you'd like to look them up. During the experience with the elephants, the sky opened up and it poured for about 2 hours. We took this time to join in on the water fighting fun since we were already wet. We had super soakers in the back of our songtaew and spent our time in transit as covert op forces, seeking and destroying our unsuspecting victims. We took several people by surprise, because they weren't used to foreigners participating. Usually, we are just the targets. On our way to the homestay, we stopped at a hot spring, Sankampaeng. We dipped our feet in the hot spring and cooked some eggs too. After relaxing, we headed off to our homestay with Aoi and her family. We had a Khantoke dinner and a performance by local children. We even got to try our hand at playing the local instruments.

The next morning, we woke up early to take an offering of food to the local monks. We learned that women are not allowed to speak to or touch the monk. So, when we were putting the offering in the bowl, we had to make sure not to touch it either. Afterward, he gave us a little blessing and tied a white string around our left wrists. We continued with a bike ride around the countryside...it was absolutely breathtaking this far north! We saw rice paddies and learned how to separate rice from the husk. We saw a local monastery where the Buddha was constructed in one day. We visited some local families and saw a mushroom farm. And, even sampled some homemade Thai moonshine!

Then, we were off to Chang Mai...where we actually stayed more than one night. We spent a lot of time browsing the markets and night bazaars to get souvenirs. We also went to the famous temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep where there is rumored to be a bone from the Buddha. Legend has it that during the funeral procession, the elephant was carrying the Buddha's bones and refused to stop anywhere. So, they decided that when the elephant finally stopped, that would be where they would build a temple in honor of the Buddha which would house his remaining bones. So, here the elephant stopped and inside is a very small piece of bone, which I didn't get to see, because no one is allowed inside. It was a beautiful temple...atop a mountain overlooking Chang Mai and up 306 stairs. We got to spend some time just relaxing at the pool and our final activity was a cooking class. I enjoyed making all the foods which I enjoyed so much on the trip. I didn't eat American food once...I ate curries, soups, fish, egg, rice, mango, and many more exotic dishes! At cooking school, I learned that I could almost tolerate the amount of spice as the locals...they seemed very impressed. In fact, I enjoyed more heat than any other person in our group.

It did catch up to me though, as I left the cooking school, I started to feel not so good. Just as our group was boarding a 15 hour overnight train back to Bangkok, I discovered that I was feeling worse and worse. Interesting fact...you can only use the restroom on the train while it is moving, because all the waste just falls through a hole onto the tracks and they don't want their stations to get all stinky. Awesome! So, I was in misery for the final night. Then we got back to Bangkok in time for me to take a short nap and head to the airport. I had to fly back while feeling sick and then had to trek home from the airport, which is hard to do after 8 pm. So, I finally got home at about 1 am and then got up at 5 to head into work. I worked all week in pain and while not eating anything but protein pudding, yum! I finally went to the doctor that Friday night after not eating food for almost a week and discovered that I had a little bacterial hitchhiker climb aboard. After a nice dose of antibiotic, I recovered in about another week. So, here I am feeling better and finally blogging about Thailand! I didn't want to overload the blog with tons of photos, so I just included a link to them on snapfish. Enjoy!

Proud Teacher!

In the week following the voluntary departure, my students were in need of expression. They didn't understand where everyone went and why they chose to leave. They also hadn't fully faced the enormity of the situation in our host nation of Japan. We took that time to self-reflect and impact others around us. I decided to start National Poetry Month (April) a little early. My good friend Karla is their art teacher and made surreal landscapes with them in class. They turned out beautifully! At the suggestion of a co-worker, we did Haiku. Below is the entire exhibit which included three different classes. The landscape and Haiku examples that are up close are only from my classroom. I can't help but be a proud teacher after their work and the positive response from others in the community.

Here's the entire display.

Here are some of the teachers involved in this project. Everyone was invited to the gallery opening to enjoy the art, the poetry, and the cheese and juice. Many teachers brought their classes and the military reporters showed up to interview the kiddos. Awesome!

Each poem goes with the surreal landscape nearest it. I hope that you can read the words...they are powerful!

What's Really Going On...Now

Hello Friends! I just wanted to update you on the situation here almost a month and a half since the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disruption. Things have gotten as back to normal as purple rain, but I feel pretty good about it. We have had over 1,000 earthquakes since March 11th, and many of them have been significant (above 4.5). They still take my breath away and cause me to panic, just slightly. The worst ones come at the times where I feel most vulnerable; just as I'm falling asleep, in the shower, changing clothes, alone at home. I can honestly say that I have started to sleep through many of the larger ones which happen between midnight and 4am.

TEPCO has informed the public that the blackouts are cancelled for now, but may be reinstated in the future. Transportation has gotten back to normal. Gas rations have been lifted and the shelves in grocery stores remain fully stocked. There is still a concern of radiation, but they did hand out iodine tablets in the event that we need should need them. The military is constantly monitoring the radiation in the ground, the air, and the water to ensure that it is safe for us. While I was on spring break, the Japanese government did raise the rating of the nuclear situation from a 5 to a 7, which is the same as Chernobyl. They claim that this is because the situation still hasn't been solved after all this time, not because it is any more dangerous than before.

After the initial bombardment of emails and messages making sure I was alright, and after assuring everyone that I actually was, I found myself getting blue. It was odd, I was overwhelmed with responding to everyone, but then once that stopped, I was sad that I didn't have the communication. Thankfully, my mother gently reminded everyone that while they have each other and may miss me (1 person), I am here missing everyone. I know that it's my choice, but it doesn't make it easier. So, thank you so very much to everyone who helped to cheer me up and set me on the right path!

In the past month, our school has closed down, told teachers to pack up and get ready for evacuation, rescinded that message, authorized eligible family members to depart to a "safe haven", had a student population fall from 1200 to 350, and generally changed our working conditions on a daily basis. The worst part of all of this was the back and forth from the military and then from my employer DoDEA. We get directions from one, the other doesn't agree...it goes back and forth. School has been an adventure. Since the 5th grade teacher whom I was collaborating with was eligible for the departure, I took over her class. Well, the remaining students 12 from the original 26. I LOVE teaching them each morning. Especially since this is the first year that I haven't actually been teaching subject areas. I rearranged the schedules of the students in small groups that I serve and meet with them in the afternoon, followed by my READ 180 class for the remainder of the day. Other specialists have taken on responsibilities such as lunch and recess duty, front office work, work in supply, and various other tasks that are necessary due to the teachers and other staff who were eligible to depart.

Last week, the eligible family members were given the green light to start coming back to Japan if they wished. Some have decided to stay in the States until the start of next school year. Mainly because they have enrolled their kiddos in a school Stateside. Others are already back and ready to get back in business and very few have decided to leave Japan for good. It will be an interesting dynamic as those folks return, because those of us who remained have bonded and are at a completely different emotional level because of it. Of course, things at school are different for the kids, because they have had to make new friends and try new things. Some have even been consolidated into other classrooms with different teachers and flexible schedules. Life continues to change daily, and I am becoming a pro at going with the flow!

What's Really Going On...

What is it really like here?

Scary! Last week started like any other week since I’ve been in Japan. Busy and filled with minor earthquakes, like the one on Wednesday the 9th. Friday was another ordinary day filled with preparations for Terra Nova testing the following Monday. The kids were excited for the weekend, and frankly, so was I. I had worked hard that week; staying at school for an average of 12 hours each day. I was in my room talking to a colleague when the shaking started around 2:40. In the beginning, there was nothing that set it apart from any other earthquake thus far. The blinds were swaying and smacking one another, the books on the book shelves were slapping back and forth, and the cabinets were banging against the frames. As the shaking kept going and going; for almost 5 minutes, that’s when we knew that something was different about this one. The power and shaking intensified. Jan glanced at me and mentioned something about evacuation. I stared back and jokingly asked if we should get under the tables. I didn’t have time to actually laugh, because the announcement came over the intercom to evacuate the building. Thankfully, I was a pro at (practice) evacuations, so I grabbed my purse and keys before heading out the door. As the shaking continued, we ran outside only to be joined with hundreds of children, many distressed parents, and other adults who could just stare in awe. Children stopped mid-stride to cry out for their parents. Parents wondered where their children were. As I went through the playground area away from the school building and apartment tower nearby, I grabbed crying children trying to talk about anything but the earthquake. As we walked toward the recess field, many were greeted tearfully by parents and some just felt comforted to be holding hands. During the next hour on the field, there were many strong aftershocks. Some so strong that people could no longer find the balance needed to stand, so they sat upon the ground. It felt like a playhouse at a carnival where the floor rolls up and down while you try to run across it. It made people nauseous and others hysterical. Then, there are people like me who run into fellow team members and a parent and decide to hold an incidental parent-teacher conference.

After what seemed like eternity, I made the decision to leave. I knew that the structures on base would soon be on lock-down and I feared that the entire base would soon follow suit. I didn’t fully understand the enormity of the situation, and I just wanted to get home. I snuck into the parking garage, where I was parked on the third deck. I drove to the post office: business as usual. Due to the fact that it was like Pleasantville on base during this time, I became a little concerned. Why wasn’t anyone reacting to what just happened? I drove around a bit more, tried to call some friends, but finally gave up. I headed home among many other drivers and pedestrians. I thought it was odd that the toll roads were closed. I found out later that was because they cross over water. I also noticed the structural engineers inspecting many of the tall structures in Yokosuka. The people outside of base also showed no emotion, just traveling to and from without much conversation.

My route home was eerily void of traffic, but I did notice extreme back-ups going toward Yokohama and Tokyo. I wondered if I missed something and needed to head back to base. I kept going and going. Things kept triggering thoughts in my mind. Why are the tunnels black? Why aren’t there any cars on the roads? Why aren’t the traffic lights working? Then, I rounded the bend to my neighborhood and saw many people lined up near the waterfront just staring out at sea. I wondered what I was missing. I came home to a home without electricity, which meant that I still had no idea what was really going on elsewhere. I did feel the impulse to pack a suitcase and prepare for emergency. While there was still daylight, I found candles, lighters, packable food, and refilled water bottles. The only form of communication with the English-speaking world was Facebook on my iPhone. There was no television, no radio, no cell phone service. I felt disconnected and scared. I knew that upon waking, my mother would see the news and freak out. So, I made sure to send her a message first before updating my profile. I only had that for about two hours before all phone services were dysfunctional. During this time, I was able to see that we had a tsunami warning and that others in my area were at an evacuation shelter. There was even a loud speaker message to go to the shelter. The only problem was that I didn’t know where it was. I assessed the situation and finally concluded that I should be safe in my home. After that, I was exhausted, so I fell asleep at about 8 pm fully clothed and freezing from the lack of heat. I slept so hard that I don’t even remember moving in my sleep.

I woke up to power. I turned on the computer to reassure my mother that I was in fact alive and to get myself updated. I had over 100 messages in my inbox. I couldn’t believe that so many people were worried about me. The thought made me feel nice since I had been homesick some since my visit at Christmas. Then, I watched the news on the internet. I couldn’t believe the devastation. It reminded me of September 11th when I couldn’t keep my eyes off the television and my mind off the victims. I wasn’t worried for my safety, just for the people in Sendai who were homeless, cold, hungry, and injured. Frankly, I went about the weekend fairly normal. I had some frantic friends, both here and back home who needed some attention. My mother also needed much reassurance. I spent time at a friend’s house with her family, went to see a movie, went out to dinner, and then dropped by another friend’s house all before Monday morning. There were small tremors and aftershocks, but nothing that made me alarmed. This week is another story. I think the stress of the situation is catching up with me. I have spent much of my time calming others. My mother, my family, my friends in the US, my friends here, and the students. Yesterday was the first time I felt the knots in my shoulders and realized that, I too, am stressed. During school on Tuesday, the principal announced that teachers need to check our email. He also stated that it was to be an indoor recess. Imagine our surprise when we were told that the levels of radiation were increased in Yokosuka and that we should stay inside, minimize commutes, close windows, and turn off outside air sources such as heat. What do you tell children who look outside and wonder why, if it’s not raining, are we having indoor recess. The panic ensued. Teachers wanted to leave. Parents took their children and left. Some just went home. Others left the country. Iodine tablets are sold out, but not by people in Japan. Instead, the Californians are buying it up worrying about radiation floating across the ocean. If they are that worried, should I be more alarmed? My solution: rely on internet research and thoroughly clean both my clothes and my body upon getting home. Just as I think that it can’t keep going on like this, another bump in the road turns into a pothole. That night after Skyping with family and friends, I got ready for bed. I put on pajamas, took out my contacts, took one last smell of the handkerchiefs that my mother sent me from my grandmother’s house, and dove under the covers of my bed. Not 30 seconds after that, another, large earthquake hit. This one was on my side of the island and much closer to me. It was recorded as a 6.5 on the scale. It was the first time that I cried from being frightened.

For the most part, I am keeping it together. I feel much like a duck on the water. From the surface, I appear calm and collected, but underneath my feet are paddling frantically. The result of the continued aftershocks, tsunami warnings, blackouts, nuclear disasters, increased radiation, supply shortages, gas rations, rumors, rumors, and more rumors is that I am exhausted, jumpy, and emotionally needy. I jump when I hear everyday sounds like trucks going down the road and the click of the dryer when it finishes. I constantly feel like the ground is moving and the walls are shaking, even when we aren’t having an aftershock. I am nauseous often and can’t keep down food during the day, probably from the stress of taking care of the students. I am extremely sad for the people of Japan, who are kind, thoughtful, and generous not only to their own, but to foreigners as well. I dread the dark, when I’m alone in my house and the earth shakes. I dread the morning when I drag myself out of bed to get ready before the blackouts begin. I sleep in my clothes with my shoes next to the bed in case another earthquake happens during the night. I am afraid to take out my contacts for fear of evacuation. I have stocked up on water and food to make sure I can survive with shortages. Everyday when I get home I strip down, throw my clothes in the washer, and take a shower to avoid overdoses of radiation from the nuclear power plants. I have unplugged all things that I don’t use constantly. I have turned off the heat; both to avoid increased radiation and to decrease my use of electricity. I have sat in the dark, straining to read in order to pass the time. I have stood in line for hours for a couple gallons of milk, peanut butter, jelly, and tortilla wraps since they were out of bread. I have rationed gas and watched another teachers classroom as she sprinted to her car in hopes of getting her share of fuel. I pause at random times during the day and hold my breath...Is the room shaking? Is that the sound of another earthquake? Does it smell sweet outside or I am imagining it? Why do I itch? Are they going to evacuate us? Can I trust that the US government has our best interest in mind? Is this it for me? Am I completely satisfied with my life? I can’t even keep up with the questions as they run through my mind.

Without trying to sound like a martyr, I have to admit that this week has been terrifying and tiring and rough. However, as teachers, we are holding it together as much as possible. We are surviving on little food, no sleep, nerves, and instinct. The hallways and classrooms are kept dark to conserve power. At first glance, you might think that school is not in session. Instead, the classrooms are filled with children who crave calm and knowledge and control over this situation; not unlike the rest of us. The children are lucky to have such a talented group of educators who are dedicated to making their lives less stressful. I have researched many topics this week trying to find answers to their questions. My students and I have talked candidly about death, life, and everything in between. My classroom door opens into a safe zone where we are calm and collected. By allowing them to read this week, I hope they are transported to magical worlds beyond fear, disaster and death. We have hugged, some have cried, but we’ve all learned a lesson that doesn’t appear in any textbook.

I never dreamed that I would live through a disaster such as this...I don’t think anyone ever does. I know that I am handling it much better than most people, but it isn’t without lasting effects. People ask what to do. I’m not sure. In fact, I would like an answer to the same question. I haven’t lost perspective though. I know that I am lucky and I am thankful. I know that there is no other place where I would feel safer during a time such as this, than Japan. The reports on the news are correct. There isn’t looting or hoarding by the Japanese people. In fact, the only people hoarding food and other supplies are Americans on base. There is much to be learned from this culture. I only hope that I can continue to learn and change my lifestyle to become a better person and community member. Here it really is “All for one and one for all.”

Lost in Translation

Here in Japan there are many things catch me by surprise. I could be in such a hurry to work when suddenly a bumper sticker captures my attention and makes me laugh out loud. I'm sure that the other Japanese drivers think I am just plain nuts as they witness me taking out my camera, zoom in, and start snapping away at other people's cars. Don't get me wrong, I don't just limit my curiosity to my car...I amaze other pedestrians too. There are times where I have felt slightly embarrassed by my eagerness to capture oddities on camera, but after a slight hesitation, I always give in to the temptation. Here are some of my more entertaining photos.

The one below seems like just an ordinary sea creature found at the local aquarium, but read the caption below it to get a more detailed description of this crustacean.

Really?! You know, now that you mention it, the animal above does kind of look like an ass.

I wonder if there's a driver's safety course or something I can take in order to get this sticker for my car.

Or, I could equip my bumper with this sticker to let others know my status.

Or, I could become one of Charlie's Angels so they put this ninja warrior on my plates.

When I get hungry from all the fighting I can go to my local vending machine (found on every corner) to get a nice hot cup of corn cream to rejuvenate myself.

Beware of cats...or better yet, cat repellent.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure that if I really want to scare some kiddos next Halloween, I will just dress up as the Japanese version of Minnie Mouse as seen below. Yowza!

The most elusive photograph has proven to be an item that I saw my first week driving here. It took me by such surprise that I couldn't even get my camera out to provide proof of it. As many of you have seen in the midwest, truck nuts are extremely popular for men who are unsure of their manliness or just need a non-discrete way to advertise their goods to others. Here in Japan, the men are so comfortable with their masculinity, that they don't hang genitals from their hitches, but Hello Kitty figurines. Don't stop believing...I will provide proof before I move elsewhere...stay tuned!

Sea Paradise in Yokohama

Sea Paradise is a huge aquarium/amusement park complex. It has indoor and outdoor tanks, a large carnival arcade, lots of outdoor rides and roller coasters, a pier, and many outdoor shows. My new friend Megan and I spontaneously decided to explore one cold day in January, so we hopped on a train and headed here. The stairway below was the train exit closest to Sea Paradise. I thought it was super fun and peppy, so I just had to take a picture.

This was one of the signs on the wall in the aquarium...this one is easily understood, but there were many more that were lost in translation.

Such as this one that came right after the one above...apparently after all life was born out of the ocean our legs became filets...interesting...

This Macaroni Penguin was hanging out right in this spot for over 5 minutes. He just kept making eyes at me...

It was fun to take a couple artistic shots in the tunnel aquarium. Here is one...

and here is another.

This is a Cuttlefish...available in many dried Japanese treats. Just let me know if you feel like giving it a try.

It's Good!

Here's the outside of the aquarium portion of the park.

A friendly pelican.

This Sea Lion was artistic.

Mr. Walrus was just hanging out trying to take a nap.

Chinese New Year

I tried to capture the fun of the Chinese New Year on camera with this video. The angle is a little odd at first, because I was standing right in front and had to look up at the lion. I hope you enjoy a glimpse of the energy and excitement of the evening.

Chinese New Year

The Year of the Rabbit officially began on February 3rd this year. As I said farewell to the Tiger and welcomed the Rabbit, I realized that I have been a little cranky lately. I haven't decided whether it's because of the realization that I love my new job and may actually make a career out of this experience and it freaks me out or whether it's because being away from home is becoming a realization and it's hard to miss the day to day closeness of family and friends. Either way, I have decided that I need to make more of an effort to remain connected and I need to enjoy and appreciate life as I live it. So, here's to a new year filled with opportunities and met with gratitude.

For the Chinese New Year a local martial art school provides people to form lion dance troupes complete with a traveling band, huge lion, human barriers to keep the crowds back, and men to let off the fireworks. This entourage visits the homes and shops of the Chinese community to perform the traditional custom of "cai ching", which means plucking the greens. The purpose of this quest is to collect fruits, vegetables, and red envelopes filled with money from doorways in the community. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the business and the troupe is rewarded with the red envelope. During my recent experience in Chinatown in Yokohama, there were only red envelopes hanging over the doorways which the two men acting as the lion plucked down. The show was quite phenomenal as the lion and entourage approached the doorway and did an opening dance. Then it went inside to confront the business owners and continue the dance. The lion always backed out the door as he continued to dance with the finale being an acrobatic feat to reach the envelope with the lion's mouth. The dance concluded with fireworks being let off further down the street. Overall, it was loud and energetic and fun. It was definitely an interesting evening...hopefully I can make it to China someday to see the grand version of the same show. Happy New Year!

Courtesy

Courtesy by definition is respectful or politeness in one's attitude or behavior toward others. In my opinion, the Japanese culture embraces this valuable trait and demonstrates its true meaning. I cannot go one day without witnessing people being courteous to one another. To be honest, just being around all the "niceness" is causing me to become a better person. Here are some of my most common and most observable examples:

1. If you are walking toward an intersection with the intention of crossing and the "walking man" light starts to blink, you don't just dodge and cut between cars...that's RUDE. You sprint to the clearly marked intersection and continue sprinting across the street in the clearly marked crosswalk.

2. Say you have the sniffles and occasionally a throat tickle that causes you to cough. You don't just walk around potentially making others ill too...No, that's RUDE, so you wear a germ mask. You don't wear it to avoid getting sick, you wear it to avoid making others sick.

3. When you are at the grocery store, the clerks don't bag your stuff, because then the people behind you would have to wait. How RUDE! After you pay, you take your items along with the bags that the cashier provided over to a bagging counter where you can bag them without holding up the line.

4. If you are riding on a train or bus, even for extended periods of time, you either read or play on your cell phone. You don't stare at others, you don't talk on your phone, you don't even talk in hushed voices to those around you...that's RUDE.

5. Why on Earth would you dream of honking at someone...that's RUDE.

6. And don't even think about shouting, even if you're trying to get someone's attention...talk about RUDE!

7. Anytime you need to maneuver your vehicle to park, get down a two-way street the width of a grocery isle, wait for a friend on the street side, you put on your hazard lights...if you don't you're RUDE.

8. Say you are moving into your house and the moving men come strolling in with your boxes and furniture...Talk about RUDE...over here, the workers run (literally) in and out of your house with your goods...there's no such thing as laziness.

9. Well, speaking of hustling...if you are in the service profession and don't move quickly...you are so RUDE.

10. Picking your nose in public...surprisingly, not RUDE.

11. You move into a new house, in a new neighborhood...what should you do? Get each and every neighbor a small gift so you aren't the new RUDE neighbor. What should you get? The Japanese love American candy, food, and other items that are hard to get.

12. Do people here jaywalk? Absolutely not! That's RUDE! You walk in the crosswalk and when it says you can walk...and not a minute sooner.

13. Everyone smokes over here, do you walk around smoking and sightseeing? No again. In fact, the signs here claim that walking with a lit cigarette is like walking around with a 360 degree maiming weapon. You should only smoke in designated dark nooks, otherwise, you might be RUDE.

14. Never pour your own drink (one might judge you as RUDE)...only pour other's and hope that they reciprocate.

15. When entering another's home, always take off your shoes. It's poor etiquette not too, and also considered RUDE.

16. Someone special gave you a gift...don't open it in front of them unless you want to be considered RUDE. Wait until they have left and then enjoy.

17. Stray leaf blowing down the sidewalk...Hurry! Sweep it up...and throw it away in the proper trash...burnable. It's not RUDE if the trash man throws your trash back on your doorstep if you made a mistake, you should have read the directions for your trash!

18. A stranger in front of you drops a 10-yen piece...Quick, pick it up and sprint after him and return it. Make sure you don't shout his name though, it might startle him, which might be RUDE. Even though it's only worth about 1 cent, that is his money after all.

19. Similar situation, but this time he forgets his receipt at a store. The cashier doesn't want to be RUDE, so she sprints after him, maybe even out the door and down the street in order to give it to him.

20. Phone/cable company representative makes a mistake on the phone and gives you the wrong quote for a service. She calls you back 4 times that same night to apologize. She is definitely not RUDE.

Hopefully, these examples have given you a little insight into my life these past few months. I can't think of one instance here that I exaggerated...which is pretty marvelous in itself. The courtesy in Japan is amazing. I can only hope that I learn the "rules" quickly so that I am not ever considered RUDE!

Memories...

Wow! I didn't realize that it had been two whole months since I had last written...I guess I just let life run away with me. I haven't taken many pictures in those 2 months, but do have a couple to upload later. For those of you who do not know, my Grandfather recently passed away. He was diagnosed with cancer and progressed so quickly, that I didn't even make it back to chat with him before he passed. While that could have made me sad, I am choosing to be glad that I can now remember him for the healthy man he was. In fact, some of my favorite memories are of him telling stories (usually embellished)...I may have inherited his amazing story-spinning ability! I loved how passionate he was about his views, and he stuck to them no matter how frustrated those around him may have gotten. It's also interesting to note that many of his children would get frustrated and try to talk over him (rationalize with him), but really what they failed to notice was that he was the chief...however, he raised a bunch of little chiefs, so no matter where we are together or which family gathering we are attending, there are always about 9 chiefs who like to tell it like it is. And that spirited trait will live on and be passed down forever. He loved to drink beer, and I remember that too. Along with the fact that he was always licking his lips. I'm not really sure why he didn't carry chapstick, but that thought came a little too late to do any good. I remember him driving me around on the back of his motorcycle and how I was never surprised when he asked if I had seen his new one...he got a new one almost once a year. I also remember that when he would ask the same question or tell the same story more than once many people in the room would make eye contact and vacate, or just roll their eyes and prepare for the new and slightly exaggerated version. The most important thing that I will never forget is the love...in the way he used to touch Grandma's back as he escorted her out of the room, the way he called her Baby when he asked if she was ready to go, the way he thoughtfully gave Buddy "people" food to make him happy, the way he offered to help with projects around so many different houses, and the way his wet-lipped kisses felt as he greeted us and as he said farewell. I know that with such a huge family, parts of him and my Grandmother will live on. I can guarantee this, because people don't die as long as their memories still live. Cherish life and remember you never know if you'll get to say goodbye. I'm sorry if this took an emotional turn...it's just where my writing went this evening.

Veteran's Day Roadtrip

I have been very fortunate since I've been here that I have met some amazing people. My friend Diane offered to take three of us out and about on Veteran's Day. Since we had barely been out of Yokosuka, we jumped at the chance to get away. Our first stop was Odawara Castle. It was a beautiful place, surrounded by nature and nestled on top of a hill. Below was a watch tower that provided a vantage point to view the grounds and notify others in the event of an attack.

This stone was located outside the castle gates.

Here I am minimized by the enormous gates into the castle courtyard. The doors were massive, but the Japanese still managed to make them beautifully ornate.

Here is the actual castle, which now has a very interesting museum inside. We climbed all the way to the top floor to look out at the surrounding communities.

Here is my attempt at creative photography...I'm sure I drove the others nuts with my millions of pictures that day!

On the top floor, I noticed this sign pointing the way to our next destination.

One of the gates to the Shrine at Hakone. The picture doesn't show the enormity of this gate as at least two lanes of traffic, including tour buses, can drive underneath.

There were hundreds of paddle boats dotting the lake, but these two "love birds" caught my eye.

This is the famous gate to the shrine. If you look closely, you can see Mt. Fuji in the background. Of course it was crystal clear all day, until we started taking pictures. Oh well, I'm pretty sure I will have some more opportunities.

A beautiful view of the lake with Fuji playing peek-a-boo in the background.

Once we walked around and took many pictures on one side of the lake, we drove to the other where the actual Shrine is located.

Statues like this are always near the Shrine. This one represents the beginning...of life, of the alphabet, of time. Its mouth is open because when we enter this world, we make noise. Also, the first letter of the Japanese alphabet is "Ah", which is spoken with an open mouth. On the opposite side of this statue is another with a closed mouth symbolizing the end. I will try to remember to take a picture of it next time.

Many fortunes and wishes made by visitors to the Shrine. All are written on these pieces of wood and when the racks get full, they are burned providing an offering and hopefully making your wish turn in to your good fortune.

Here is the gate up close from the back side...Of course I didn't post my most artistic shots, someone might snag it and frame it...Patty! Just kidding, I didn't have space for all of them. When I visit this summer I will show you the thousands that I will have amassed.

On the other side of the road from the lake was a beautiful walking trail. It was there that I found my friend, the tree. Yes, I am a tree hugger! Just look at how huge it is!

Here is a shot from my little spot on the ground.

And there were tons of these trees...it just made me feel very small.

And here's to my road less traveled! Which makes me think that all of you need to experience one of my favorites in all it's glory! Enjoy!

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

Diane, Stacey, and Becky...who were probably all thinking, "Goodness, would she just put that darn camera down!"

So, after the adventure at the Shrine, Diane informed us that we couldn't live without trying a black egg...and apparently neither could her son, since he wanted us to bring some back. :) So, onward we trekked to the side of a dormant volcano where hydrogen sulfide and sulfulous acid gas steam out of the ground. After a long and difficult hike side by side with elderly ladies, men on ventilators, trendy women in heels, and us who were huffing and puffing we finally made it to the shack on top of the mountain. It was here that we came face to face with the world famous black eggs — Kuro Tamago — with very special properties. They are regular chicken eggs cooked in the volcanic groundwater, which happens to be a murky gray color. After cooking the eggs in this boiling hot water, the eggshell turns very dark black color. According to local lore, eating just one of these eggs will add seven more years to ones life. I, of course, tempted fate and didn't eat one...I was still too darn full from lunch. But, I do still have a couple in my fridge that I hope are still edible, or at least not poisoned by the sulfur. Wish me luck...seven years to be exact!

Here are some of the vents in the volcano. It really stunk!

Another marvelous view from the top! This was the lake again, from a different spot.

After buying some eggs to take home, we decided that in order to fully enjoy the fall colors, we would take the rope-way across the mountain. It was absolutely gorgeous! Slightly terrifying, but definitely worth the experience!

There was plenty of room in our little cable car.

For those of you who have experienced the Sky Ride at the Illinois State Fair, it was a lot like that, but with windows and much higher up!

This was the only thing keeping me from plummeting to my death in the valley below. Can you believe it?!

This was my feeble attempt before getting on the rope-way to laugh off my nerves...I think I'll stick with teaching...I like the uniform better! Until next time...I love and miss you all!