Updates and Possible Travel

Heya all,

So recently things have been going okish, I'm translating stuff for a site. (Not professionally mind you but hey it is practice. Yay fan-translating). Basically it is a sci-fi horror story site called the SCP Wiki/The Foundation. They are a fake organization that contains and studys strange paranormal things. The SCPs are Special Containment Procedures on how to handle these things. The original story was about a thing made of concrete, rebar and spray paint that unless kept in direct eye contact at all times would kill you by snapping your neck. Again a horror story site concentrated on writing the stories.

And I am translating that into Japanese. It is actually quite a challenge. But it is also great practice. And don't worry I am also translating more positive things as well so I am not going completely creepy on everyone. 

Anyways,

So I got a package from my parents this morning! It had tea, a pez dispenser, and some things I had asked for that I am positive will help me. I am so excited. I showed the tea to my Japanese friends (Blackberry Pomegranate Green Tea) They thought it was juice and said it was very sweet.

My parents also told me to travel and not be afraid to do so due to money which was my main fear as to traveling. I was planning on staying in Nagoya and going to temples in the region and restaurants and museums.

I still don't think Okinawa is an option. Or at least not in Summer (I might try in fall) This is because the flight alone to Okinawa is expensive!!!!

But I might try to go into school tomorrow and talk with the travel agency about going to Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, or a place where I can go to Mount Fuji or Aoikigohara.

YES I know Aoikigohara is the forest of death. But at the same time there are some interesting places like the caves and trails. Just because a lot of people commit suicide there doesn't make it a bad place just look at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Maybe I can try to make my way back up to Gujo but I think I want to see a new place this time around. Really explore explore. Go someplace new not someplace old. Or go to the beach. That would be nice.

What do you guys think? Any place special I should try to go to? My Mom is right, this is a once in a lifetime chance and I really need to take control and go for it.

I just don't know where to go. Really this place is huge and I just need to figure out where is a good place to go. I am going to more Hanabi festivals. More places for me to wear my Yukata. I will probably blog more later but for now I NEED IMPUT.

Reputation

One of the things I particularly like about Japan and being in an entirely new country is that it is like a start over in some ways. No one knows you. You are a blank slate.

It is stressful and kinda fun. That being said I've noticed I am getting a reputation for some things.

1- Singing- And being good at it. I've been approached by multiple people complimenting my voice. Including the teacher in charge of the Choir I joined. Also when a Japanese teacher asked who had the best voice in our A class, a couple students said me. (Even though there are some other good singers in the group too)

2- Cooking- I've actually gotten a reputation for my cooking skills!!! The first time we all hung out I made a fruit salad however my presentation was such that everyone was hesitant to touch it. I am often cooking and two of my more well known dishes are cooked peaches and gyoza. In fact if you look at the picture below it is me in a cooking apron and holding out a pan of fresh gyoza. One girl likes my Gyoza so much she insists on eating only mine and not ones from restaurants.

See??

3- Loving Orcas- See the apron? What is on it? Orca. Orca is my favorite animal ever. I actually have some plushies in my room of Orcas and the Kanji symbol I requested when a famous calligrapher was drawing them for us? Shachi which means Orca. As such I've gained a reputation for loving the Orca.

4- Carrying my shoulder bag/purse thing EVERYWHERE with me- I think my mother would find this either annoying or amusing. She is always complaining that I wear/carry the same thing with me and well Japan is no different. Wherever I go that bag goes with me. It is very handy (it actually broke recently, but I did fix it). Some of my friends expressed amusement at this noting sometimes I sit down with it still slung over my shoulder.

I think those are the ones I've mainly been seen as probably there are more and even possibly some negative ones. But Again I find it amusing. I've made really good friends here and it is something that comforts me.

I didn't sleep cause I watched the Olympics that came on at 4:30AM It was exciting. I made some breakfast. It was super enjoyable. Guess what I cooked? Rice and Gyoza and the girl who liked the gyoza was my guest. Imagine that.

Truely Blessed

Hey Everyone!

So today I actually got up and began to clean, did some laundry. I think I am going to target dishes, and dresser next. I hope to have my room completely clean by the end of the weekend. As well as some packages and boxes and maybe a couple letters mailed out.

The other day I got a pleasant surprise! My grandparents from Florida sent me a Birthday Card!!! :D It made me so happy! I hung it up on my wall. It made me super happy to hear from them. I am excited to go hiking near Nakasendo. I think that is def. where I am going to go. Mackenzie said he would help suggest a good place to stay overnight and one of the places served horse meat and he recommended me to try it. And I think I just might. Especially after what happened Tuesday.

(WARNING LONG POST BELOW!!!!!)

So basically Tuesday I called Kimiyo a bit late. I was really worried cause I had forgotten to call her in the rush of things to do. She was understanding and wanted to go to the Department Store. I was a bit nervous cause that usually means lunch and then she wants to go shopping. Kimiyo does so many things for me... I really am blessed that I met her and I want to pay her back.

Maisoue came with us, it was Maisoue's second time being with Kimiyo. Kimiyo was rather excited when we met up with her, we got into her car and as she drove we talked in Japanese. She complained about the hot weather (And trust me when I say Japan is extremely hot) She also told me she thinks I hate Shabu Shabu after the last incident where I didn't eat a lot of it. I again tried to explain that I had experienced an allergic reaction that caused my throat to feel sore. She said she didn't believe me. She has a lot of pre-dispositions of me especially my picky habits when it comes to eating. (More on that later)

We arrive at the center of Nagoya (or one of them) Yaba-cho, which has a lot of stores and high end places. The apple store is located here, along with brand names like GAP, H&M, and Sony.

Older picture I took when I first went to Yaba-Cho

Upon arriving we park near the big department store. As we get out Kimiyo pulls out these little packets. She gives them to Maisoue and I. Inside is 10,000 Yen in gift coupons for the department store. (around $127 on current exchange rates but 10,000 yen is like 100 dollars being one of the biggest bills you can get in Japan and use)

She insists we take them. So we thank her profusely. She is hungry and wants to also go for lunch. She thinks I only eat American food and well I am in Japan so I've been trying to extend my food choices. See Kimiyo doesn't like Foreign food and after all she has done for me, I'll be darned if she has to eat something she doesn't like.

She mentions wanting tempura. So after much banter I finally convince her it is ok for us to go. And here is the part where I KNOW you will either laugh your heads off, or not believe me.

MOST of you know that when I was little I refused to touch seafood. Especially my Mom, grandparents, anyone who has known me over any extended amount of time. WELL I did it. I had before, before I ate Tai a raw fish shashmi (I know surprising right) That was in Kyoto (which I haven't blogged about yet... probably should) I also ate the weird moving fish flakes.... So I was determined... I HAD to do it.

So yes... I ate seafood. And it wasn't just a piece... oh no.... It was a whole... seafood....meal.

It began off with raw shashimi, shiso, umeboshi, wasabi and some tea (yes I drank the tea too) The Shashimi was good. i had had it before. Chewy but nothing I couldn't handle. I had gotten it down I was feeling good. Then they brought out the Tempura.

We had Miso Soup, Rice, Pickles (tsukemono), and tempura. With it you could have a sauce and dashi (Japanese radish) or lemon and salt.

The tempura consisted of Eggplant, Fish, two Shrimp, and Okra. I've gotten used to eggplant, but the rest were something I had to make it through. Kimiyo was treating us out. I had to eat it.

And I did. The fish tasted of nothing... it was good, flaky.... but good none-the-less and NO I didn't eat the tails.... And the shrimp. It was chewy... I think I liked the lemon and salt combo better than the dashi-sauce one. I ate it. (except the tails) Okra was ok. Maisoue was laughing at me. She was very amused as was I.  Oh and did I mention the miso-soup contained Clams (which I ate all of that too) Don't believe me?

I present! MY EMPTY PLATES!

There is me, eating shrimp. And smiling, cause it is a picture and I wasn't dead from the seafood.

Then Kimiyo ordered more. Asparagus (2 pieces), more shrimp (she was amused it was my first time really eating shrimp since you know before I would practically refuse it), and a mushroom (later to be discovered containing....MORE SHRIMP)

As they bring it out... I notice I see legs. See... they took the head off the shrimp... and placed it on the side. You know after they fried it to a crisp.

Kimiyo showed me how to eat it and she is looking at me.... expecting me to eat it. Maisoue is amused.... and I ate it. YES I ate a shrimp head. It was very crunchy... little leg thingys were sticking into my mouth. But the amount of lemon juice and salt I put on it helped.

The only thing I didn't really eat was the mushroom. The shitake and shrimp combo was a bit much for me. But yes... I ate seafood. Aren't you proud? I guess I have no excuse when I get home.

Afterwards it was like shopping with my grandparents. Made me miss home.... and spending time with them. It was nice, we separated for a bit. Maisoue and I looked at cooking supplies. I got my Mom a gift she had mentioned wanting. And I bought a sketchbook, a new belt and a shirt. We also got these Disney cool towels from the Disney Store.

After an hour we meet back up with Kimiyo who was buying 300+ dollars worth of Jewelry. If I had the right materials I would make her something. But she likes gold, and I have yet to find gold wire here in Japan.  She takes us to a fruit cafe that she really enjoys. It was good. I had peaches and cream. Basically it was just pick whatever fruit you wanted and how you wanted it. It was nice.

Afterwards we browsed for a little while longer, she surprised Maisoue and I once again with Cheesecakes, One for me, one for Maisoue, and one for Mallory (who also had gift money but she didn't come that day so Kimiyo said she would give it to her later)

She then took us back home and we helped her carry her things to the car. She had bought a lot. Apparently going to the department store is one of her favorite things to do. I hope that she does enjoy spending time with us. She really has done so much. I don't know what to do.

Overall though my time here has been getting more and more interesting. I expect it will continue. More to come later I am afraid this post is rather long. <3 you all.

Festivals, Fireworks, and Pizza

So alot has happened over this weekend and omg, I am blogging twice in a row (or close to it at least)

Last night was the Nagoya Firework (Hanabi 花火) Festival. Cool fact, the kanji for Hanabi is Flower and Fire respectively. Makes sense huh.

It has been hard for me to get motivated to do anything. Right now I am semi-cleaning my room. However it is kinda hard.... I am just getting more and more frustrated by the mess. At least I can throw away all my notes and papers since classes are over. ANYWAYS

So I was going to clean yesterday but I decided to lie around and not do anything but watch Kitchen Nightmares and other Gordon Ramsey stuff. I dunno why the shows make me feel better about everything. I finally managed to get up and go to AEON with Mallory and Hope. It has been raining a lot recently. There I got rice, geta, and a bag for my Yukata. And I am well aware my geta did not match my Yukata but it didn't matter my pattern I think I was sorta old fashioned you know? But a lot of people said it fit me. I guess that means I am an old Fashioned person :P

Just kidding haha. But I was happy people said it fit me, after arranging our hair and donning our Yukatas we made our way to the festival. There we split up. I went with some friends as we explored the food stalls and the rest went to go to the port side to get good seats for the fireworks. I bet it was stunning over the water, but the crowds were pretty bad so we never made it that far. But still we got to see the Parade where I was from!

Maisoue and I on the Subway

For anyone who thinks American Fireworks are good, haven't seen the Japanese. They are steller. Hearts, flowers, smiliy faces, stars, rings, golden glitter showers, the list goes on... it was just amazing. I found myself ooing and awing with the Japanese.

Only casualty of the night was my foot, I was walking and a metal rod left on the ground stabbed me between the toes. But it didn't hurt too much, just was annoying to walk on with the wooden shoes.

We made it back to the food stalls and got some more food before the lights of the festival began to go out signaling it was time for us to go home. We also were approached 2 times by people who wanted our pictures. How cool is that?

Fresh Karaage yum!

We made it home later, and I was so tired I went to my room and I really couldn't rest much. Too many thoughts on my mind. It just is strange you know? So I talked with some people before going to bed and waking up a bit late the next day.

Which was today.

Today I went and collected my items from Maisoue and then I went and made pizza with Shannon and Mako. I learned how to make pizza sauce and dough. I cannot wait to try on my own. The results were delicious.  We also watched a Takarazuka group perform Elisabeth. It was very good even if I didn't really know what was going on. Takarazuka is an all-female broadway style troupe there are a good bunch we watched the moon troupe. Here are some pictures to give you an idea. I think this is the group.

The prince/Emperor and the lady in charge of the concubines she wanted the prince to take on so he wasn't with Elisabeth

This is Death

This is the poster for it.

I really loved the character of Death the actress portrayed him so well. It was very awesome to watch. But we didn't get to finish it. I might later on. Since then I've been watching People's Court and Judge Judy clips and playing a new FB House M.D. Game. I know productive right?

Anyways thought I oughta blog :D

Hope you all are well.

FINALLY DONE! Sorta

Heya Everyone.... So Yea things have been ... chaotic to say the least....

With finals, the wedding, the speech contest and topped with all the heat I must say I am thoroughly exhausted. Especially with some residue drama wrapping up from home. It has just placed me slightly over the edge.

Japan is stunning. I want to stay here longer and sometimes I worry if I will have the time and funds to do all I want to do, I need to send a package or two back home. Get rid of some of the items  I have here. I am just glad that school is over... I can concentrate on things I want to do more than anything...

This summer everyone has all these intense plans to go places. I don't......

I mean I wanted to make them I just dunno where to start. So now I am making one. After some thought I think I want to go to Kiso Valley and walk the Nakasendo road. I just need to make staying arrangements and discover ways to travel there cheaply. I will also be traveling alone I think. Most people have plans anyways and will not be able to go with me. But that is also ok. I think sometimes traveling by yourself is useful. It leaves a lot of time for thought and for thinking.

I would also like to go to Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto since they are in the same area. And eventually also go to Hiroshima. And the beach (if there is one here)

I am sure I will add more places too like in winter I want to go to Takayama and Gero.  Just next semester will be a lot of weekend trips as I try to see what there is here in Japan. I feel like a year is not a long time... even if I am not here for an entire year. -.- Anyone have any suggestions please?

In other news I am pretty burned out. My motivation is 0 and is just beginning to return. I dunno what to do or where to go with my time here. I just want to make the most of it. Is that too much to ask???

The heat is also killer here. Just saying. Well ok maybe not heat! BUT the humidity alone -.- I do miss home... and part of me is afraid of what will be different when I return. But slowly I am realizing those things do not matter. Anyways if anyone has suggestions let me know. Lord knows I do need them.

Overwhelmed

Hey Everyone! You probably have been wondering where I have been!

I find it actually sad cause like I haven't like...... posted and some of the things are getting overdue, my prior list was

Typhoon
Hotaru (Fireflies)
Kyoto
Matsumoto
McDonalds (CAUSE IT IS DIFFERENT)

McDonalds will still be at another time.  Matsumoto and Kyoto as well I will just have to rely on memories and whatnot. And Sometimes I wonder when I can post about it. Seems like life is just too chaotic.

The Typhoon I have nothing really much to say about it. It was a lot of rain, I ventured out into it to go to another part of town, bought emergency supplies and whatnot and Leah and I hung out. Most of you who know me know that I really rarely get afraid of storms, I can get guarded or cautious but usually when a thunderstorm hits and someone needs something from outside in a car I will be the one who goes to get it.

I think it is cause of what my Mom did when I was little and learning about the weather does help you feel more relaxed about it. But I think it shouldn't substitute as like no caution at all. You need to have some caution I made sure I went out quickly and didnt get distracted and I used the subway system.

Leah and I ate See's Chocolate and we talked it was quite nice but overall the Typhoon was uneventful.

As for Hotaru it was steller....

For me fireflies have always been a powerful symbol. I associate them with Summer, Calm, Peace, and Love. I love them cause it takes me back to my childhood memories of Pennslyvania and I just find them so relaxing. It is a huge comfort for me.

One of the things I wanted to see in Japan were the fireflies. And I am glad I saw them for the short time I did. There is just something so magical about them. In America they are a golden yellow and blink on and off very shortly. However in Japan they are a bluish, greenish, silvery, white light.... they blink for a long time flying around near water. It is breathtaking.

It made me so happy... it was also cute all the children were staring at me cause I was a gaijin who spoke Japanese. One even sang the ABCs as he jumped down some steps. So adorable!

But seeing the fireflies with Airi was a wonderful memory.

I would write more but it is 2:10... perhaps tomorrow.

Hospital and Getting Adopted

So today I am going to tell you two stories so bear with me. And trust me we have a lot of stuff to cover in general but today I am telling you of this thing

Soooo basically let me tell you about Kimiyo. Kimiyo is our neighbor from down the street. One night when I was returning back from Yakiniku for a Birthday party (I left early cause the smoke hurts my eyes so much) I happened across a lady watering her plants. Now this lady was in front of a house that always has nice flowers so I was like I want to compliment them. So in my broken Japanese I did.

She invited me to see them in spring however I would not be here so instead we arranged for me to come on a Tuesday to see her garden. I went out to buy Wagashi (Japanese tea snacks) and I came to her place at the arranged time. At this point I didn't even know her name. I figured I would see the garden and get to go home. I gave her the Wagashi and she got very flustered and it took a lot for me to finally get her to accept it but she did. I also met her brother Izumi, next thing I know they asked about lunch and they were ushering me into a car.

Now I know it is Japan but still being in a car with strangers, that you don't know, going to a place you don't know. It is kinda weird. But we went to Higashiyama and a department store there. They treated me out to lunch and while I tried to order something cheap they wouldn't hear of it. They also bought me gifts for me and my parents and then they also gave me 5000 Yen (Around 50 or so dollars) In department store money.

Needless to say I was very flustered, whenever I would try to reject or pay for myself they would say I was like a granddaughter to them and that they wanted to. In the end I let it go.

I later called her and then we hung out again which I already discussed in the last blog post.

However God was def. smiling on us today. My friend from NCSU who was studying in Korea came today so instead of going to Badminton I was going to go and check up on her to see if she would want to come to school. On my way over (with Maisoue) We ran into Mallory. Mallory was in tears due to what we thought was an ear infection that has been going on for a couple days and she has been rejected from all the Japanese hospitals in the area. They weren't helping at all.

So we talked to her and made sure she was on her way safely then we ran into Kimiyo so I talked to her about what had been going on with Mallory. She stepped in so quickly. Once Mallory returned, Kimiyo had already called the hospital, drove us there, and then when the insurance wouldn't take (Which is amazing cause it is a Red Cross Hospital)  Kimiyo offered to pay. ( We will probably contact the insurance and see what they can do)

Her kindness was amazing and she stayed for the entire 4 hours helping us out. She even paid for our lunch. Mallory finally got the medical attention and a diagnosis and medicine. I just hope it begins to help.

Either way Kimiyo was amazing today and I really want to find a way to show her my thanks. Any suggestions?

Also like I am still bugged about the insurance. Like seriously, ISEP forced me to buy this stuff and register and I am paying out the ear for it. But it won't work anywhere?! WHAT?! It makes no sense. Just saying!