Konichiwa from Japan! Ive been here for a week now (but have only been near a computer for 1 day so have no clue how to use the keyboard, hence my non existent punctuation) and its taking some time getting used to! On a surface level its not all that different--- a complicated metro, people who seem focused on their own affairs rushing around and yet when you do talk to someone you realize they are super sweet, lots of men in business suits, lines of school children with the same matching jump suits and bright yellow hats parading down the street--- you know, the norm! But on another level, its totally different. Mostly, the Japanese writing being everyyyyywhere- its wigging me out! Some highlights from week 1:
*My first day I was waiting at a traffic light and next to me was a long line of bikes (of course without locks!) A police man walks by and starts circling around this one bike, looking it up and down as if scrutinizing its paint job or something. Keep in mind, to me this bike looks exactly like the other 20 or so bikes. Finally, the policeman picks up the bike, moves it about 2 inches, nods to himself in approval, and continues on his way.
*Literally 5 minutes from my house is a Buddhist Temple! It seems to represent something big about Japan-- there is this funny mix between the old and the new. Mostly, its all new. Big grey buildings, everything modern and commercial. And then suddenly random in the middle of it all, there is something old and beautiful. So, this temple is surrounded by ugly modern buildings. Anyways, Ive been waking up at 5am, my body thinking its 4 in the afternoon the day before and I go sit at the steps of the temple.
*Grocery Shopping here is so much fun!!!!!!!! I feel like a little kid in a candy store. There are rows and rows of sauces, but of course I dont know what any of them are, as its all in Japanese. There was a good 50 different types of soy sauce, so I just picked a random one and it turns out to be the best soy sauce I have ever had in my life!
*Tatoos are a no-no! The one other English teacher at my school wanted to a join a gym so I went with her and our school program coordinator (aka my interpreter!) into a gym to get her a membership. They noticed a tatoo on her arm and decided she couldnt join. She promised to cover it up at all times and after much Japanese debating with all the staff, they finally said yes. Well, when she came back the next day to pick up her membership card, they told her they changed their mind and they cant allow anyone in the gym who has tatoos because it may offend the other members. Wow.
6 comments:
this is fascinating!!!!! i love all your stories! fabulous fabulous fabulous! keep 'em coming!!! :D
I know I'd be offended, anyway. But don't you have any tats, Mrn? Maybe you're not as hardcore as I thought.
Marina, Well I am so miffed by password not working that I'm setting up a new name, very appropriate. What about your nose ring and earing? will they let you in to the gym equipment? So much for kickboxing! Kel had a fabulous time last wkend. seeing a couple of soccer victories, but a horrendous football shelacking. Half Mary was very demanding the last two miles, but three miles under the bluffs was scenic. Chillin' on the steps or inside a Buddhist temple sounds like the bomb. Lucky you. Ya' got many papers to grade? Love, IC
Your trip sounds extremely exciting so far. It's amazing how people are so much alike in some ways, and are extremely opposite in others.( no tats allowed) Keep the blogs coming! I love it.
What a great blog, Marina. It all sounds like such a wonderful experience - which is befitting for such a wonderful person. I love the cop/bike story. I could see that as a scene in a movie. I had heard that about tattoos in Japan (which is generally true with most Buddhist cultures). They are considered low class or are associated with yakuza, the Japanese mafia. It's curious considering that Japanese culture has a rich history of intricate tattoo design. Anyway, I hope you are having an awesome time and that things are going great. I look forward to hearing more.
Marina. Mom, Dad, and I are sitting at st.louis bread co (ofcourse! where else would we be! this is our 3rd time here in less than 2 days!)
amazing amazing stories marina! i love reading them! we watched the trailer, very crazy and fun! i could see how entertaining and colorful it was!
HAHA.. no way! 50 jars of soy sauce! now everyday for the next 50 days you have to try a different flavor! mom says she'll get you a tatoo for christmas when you come home!
love you!
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