Hirakata-shi
Just to explain a bit about the geography of my new home, I live in Hirakata-shi (Hirakata city). I was told that it`s kind of rurual, well, there are rice fields near by. I asked about the population, oh, only 1 million people. Hirakata-shi is in Osaka-fu (prefecture), Osaka being the second largest city next to Tokyo. Osaka-fu is apparently the smallest prefecture in area, but the most (?) or second most populated in Japan.
I didn`t know what to do here on a Saturday night. I remember my predecessor telling me that the English house next door might be helpful. Originally, I thought she meant that I had an English speaking neighbor in my building, but really the building next door is called "Osaka English House." Anyway, the door was locked. Figures. Then, I kept walking and saw another gaijin (foreigner) and asked if she lives in the English house and what do around here. She said that there aren`t a lot of bars or coffee houses in Hirakata. Most people go to Osaka-shi (city) on the weekends, but this weekend many of the residents are out of town on holiday. Crap. Well, at least I remembered this internet cafe. Here I am. Sipping on gin and juice, laid back. Actually, when you pay for the internet, you get free beverages (non-alcoholic).
I went to Kyoto today with Midori-sensei. I think that she felt bad for me because I have so much time off and no phone or internet. So, yesterday when she was helping me shop, she invited me to Kyoto. It was a lot of fun. I walked a lot--more than I did in Paris even. It was beautiful. She explained a lot of the meaning and history in each temple we went to. I didn`t understand all of it, but mostly she explained very well.
Anyway, I only paid for a little while. Until next time! If you know my e-mail, write to me!
Apartment
Just a quick note on the free internet computer (I won`t have the internet for a few weeks).
I finally got to my new home yesterday afternoon. Thank gawd for the cab and my two sensei`s. I couldn`t have gotten all of that luggage up to my aparment by myself.
It`s really nice. The aparto (Japanese for apartment)is actually much more spacious than I imagined (photos when I have the internet at my house). So, I`m really happy with it. The view from the balcony is also great.
Well, my sensei is waiting....So, zyaa mata nee!
18 hours and going
Yep,I have been up for 18 plus hours and am still going--sort of. I will crash soon. I got up at 4:30 am and it is now almost 11 pm. The shinkansen ride was nice, about 3 hours of smooth riding. It was great seeing Tokyo and then the countryside. I love seeing the crazy architecture from the train. It is all elevated too, mostly. (As are the freeways in Tokyo. It is strange to see that you are about 4 or 5 stories above the ground on a freeway with other freeways under you.)
Today was good. Tomorrow I finally get home. I am not sure when I will have BB in my home, so do not be surprised at the amount I do (not) post. I also need to see about getting a cell and calling internationally.
Apparently at dinner tonight, most of us were very dizzy. I do not know if it was the room (strangely decorated), the beer, the jet lag, and/or the lack of sleep (for everyone).
Cheers! I need to sleep soon.
Chillin'
Killing time before the shinkansen ride. Apparently, we arrive in Osaka around 2 pm and will have more orientation around 4 pm. Dinner is 6 pm and drinks afterward, of course. (We will buy our own, bien sur.)
I’ve been hanging out with other Apple folk who are showing me new ways of the dashboard for Japan—super cool! About half the people with computers here have Mac’s—it’s crazy. Or an addiction.
I’ll try to take some photos for you.
Orientation
So, the 1300 people here at this week’s orientation (there’ll be another 1100 next week) are leaving tomorrow. I’m taking a bus to the shinkansen (bullet train) station and then the shinkansen to Osaka. Sure, I’m living in Osaka prefecture, but tomorrow night I’m staying at a hotel in downtown Osaka. Yeah. I won’t see my apartment until sometime on Thursday.
The luggage situation is bizarre. I was forced to send my two checked pieces of luggage ahead of me even though I was told I could take one to Tokyo with me. Okay, now everyone is supposed to send ANOTHER piece of luggage ahead of themselves. I said that the only stuff I have is what I had as carry-on on the airplane. (This included a huge backpack, a rollover bag, a pillow, and a purse!!)
BTW, one piece of checked luggage weighed in at ~62 lbs and the other at ~58. Originally, the larger one weighed ~90 lbs. In Chicago, I re-packed EVERYTHING. I’m guessing that everything I brought to Japan probably weighs in at 200+ lbs. (That’s more than I weigh by a few pounds.)
Anyways, conferences are always crazy. I have to say that I have behaved better than I did in Vegas for NSM, so be rested assured that I haven’t made Americans look like assholes—yet! (I’ll have plenty of time for that later.) The food situation has been weird here too. The breakfast buffet (both days) have had French fries (instead of hash browns) and salad (traditional in Japanese breakfasts). Last night, I could barely make it to the buffet tables as everyone at the table getting food would just stand by the table eating, not moving to let other people in. Also, every table had different food and each side of each table was different too. What’s that about? But, there was plenty of free beer.
The conference has been somewhat helpful. There were different workshops/lectures to choose from, but the motto here is “Every situation is different.” Okay, I understand that, but why do we even bother to come to the seminar? That’s a bit annoying.
But, every situation is totally different. For example, I learned that I am getting some moving in money. This is good because my rent is quite a bit. (Well, Osaka is about the third most expensive city to live in the world, but who’s counting?) My roommates weren’t told that they’re getting any move-in cash, but their rent is considerably lower. Some people are buying the contents of their predecessor (like me) and other people’s contracting organization have already paid for it. Yada yada ya.
I’ll let you know more when I can start processing this overwhelming amount of information. I have about 20 more pounds of books to take with me from this orientation—YES!
I’m going to try to find other people to go forge for dinner with. Tonight’s dinner is not provided. Actually, tonight is supposed to be Embassy night, but most Embassy’s canceled due to weather (typhoon warning). But, the US doesn’t host Embassy night anyway because (in my opinion) they’re cheap bastards. (The official excuse is that there are too many Americans involved in the program.)
Tokyo Arrival
Well, everyone, I made it to Japan. I’m alive, but apparently there was an earthquake here. I know nothing more than that at this point in time—simply because I’ve been awake for about 24 hours.
Saturday July 23, 2005
6 am wake up
8 am leave for O’Hare
11 am depart for Narita
Sunday July 24, 2005
12 am (Tokyo time Sunday 2 pm) arrive
2-3:30 pm customs, crap, get on bus
5 pm arrive in Shinjuku (Tokyo)
7 pm eat ramen
8:15 pm (now) check e-mail and write blog
It’s been a long day. I did catch a couple of winks on the plane, but not really. My neck is stiff and sore. I drank a mini bottle of wine on the plane and that helped relax my muscles quite a bit.
I’ve spent the last 48 hours meeting a ton of new people also on the JET program. I guess that there were 200 people from the Chicago embassy—one of the largest groups out of the U.S. I’m trying to remember names—not easy when everyone is new and I’m tired as hell. (But, I don’t want to go to bed too early. I hate jet lag.)
A lot of information was given to us. I can’t process a damn thing right now. I’m probably going to pass out soon.
Three Suitcases
Okay, I’m packed and sort of ready to go. Three suitcases, one backpack, and a pillow. You try whipping that around at Narita (Tokyo’s airport). This will be interesting. All of my luggage is on rollers, but if you can’t haul it around in Tokyo, they force you to ship it at $50-75 per piece. I’m hoping to only ship one because I’m a cheap bastard.
I was hoping to buy more omiyage (gifts) for my new co-workers, but I simply don’t have room or money. I’ll have to some shipped later. I really only bought Momo-san a Sponge Bob towel (she wanted a plush Gary toy which I could not locate) and her Oreo cereal. For my co-workers, I bought Pearson’s nut rolls as they are from St. Paul. It’s best to buy regional things as is Japanese custom. They love giving perishable gifts.
Yeah, I feel unprepared. Three suitcases just isn’t enough. Have you ever tried cramming your life into such a small space? It’s crazy, even more because I’m a recovering pack rat. My parents’ house is crammed to the gills with stuff—I would classify a lot of it as junk, but that’s just me. So, I feel like I’m just not bringing very much at all. For over a year, I’ve been going through my stuff here at home and trying to clear a lot of it out. It still feels like I have too much junk. And now, all I have is three suitcases.
Emotionally, I am totally drained. Saying “goodbye” to all of my friends is really wearing, worse yet is with my parents. I always cry like a little girl when I don’t think I’m going to see them again for a long time. Nobody else usually, just Mom and Dad. I still have a few calls that I should make, but probably won’t—just too much effort and I’m so exhausted. So, I'm sorry if I don't call you.
Tomorrow, I head to Chicago. Friday is pre-departure orientation. Saturday I leave for Tokyo. I believe that I have a direct flight from Chicago—some people fly through Minneapolis. (Thanks for making me drive to Chicago if that’s the case.)
Hitting Home
I think that it’s finally starting to hit home—I’m fucking leaving! I can’t help but think of when I was 18 and left Montana to go to Arizona State. My dad says that it was the best and worst 10k he ever spent on ONE semester. I couldn’t hack it. But I did learn a lot about life and myself in those six months. I think that this could be the same type of deal.
What’s my deal? I see a continuing pattern in my life that I don’t want to repeat. I know that it seems like I’m running away from my problems, but I feel like I’m running toward my problems—head first. I’m already learning more about myself that I never fully understood before. It’s actually rather scary that people that haven’t known me for long can see right through my bullshit. (And I thought I put on a good act.)
Yeah, so now I’m feeling even more depressed and therefore less motivated to pack. I drive to Chicago on Thursday and fly out from Chicago on Saturday. WOW! Time flies even when you are waiting for Godot after all. I guess I’m hoping that my friends call to get me out of this last week slump.
I’m sad about leaving everyone behind. All of my support group. I’m going into an endeavor without my crash helmet. And I definitely need one right about now because I already feel all too brain damaged. My shoulders are knots from all of the stress.
Maybe I’ll wake up tomorrow and realize that this is only part of the process. My tidal wave of extreme emotions will stop, at least momentarily.
Blur
This past week has been a blur of “working” and saying my goodbyes to everyone. I was convinced that at my going away happy hour last night that I would completely lose it and start crying, telling everyone that I love them, and get super mushy. I’m also surprised that I’m not super hung over at this point in time. Just dehydrated. It’s been 90+ degrees with humidity anyway, combined with drinking, it’s a little much.
I went to the Japanese-exchange picnic this week and met both alumni and new people departing for Japan with me. It’s great to know that there is a network out there, a support group that understands what it’s like to be an American in Japan.
One of my favorite pieces of advice from one of the alumni was to make friends where ever you can. Make friends with an old lady, kids, anyone that’s willing to be a friend to you. In other words, keep an open mind as to what friendship is. I never really thought about it before. Like most people, most of my “friends” are my age.
I realize that some great advice for anyone is to get involved with the community. I know that I always complain that I really don’t have any hobbies, but the real problem is that I don’t have hobbies that I can do with other people. Example, writing in my blog. This isn’t exactly a group activity. If I had more recreational activities that I picked up while living in MN, then maybe I would have more friends or at least more social currency as a bare minimum. In Japan, I don’t know what opportunities that I will have for becoming more active, but the alum were helpful in suggestions on how to find out what’s up.
In one week, I’ll be on a plane bound for Tokyo….
Dragon Lady
Okay, so dragons are Chinese, not Japanese. Whatever. I'm a dragon none the less. As a side note, red wine didn't stain this dress.
Your Opinion, Please
I’ve been meaning to ask you out there in cyber space…. What films would you show Japanese high school students that represent “American” culture? Of course, I wouldn’t want to show anything about drug usage, but I’m hoping for some suggestions. Apparently, many of the kids haven’t seen “Star Wars” which seems so weird to me, so I may have to purchase the Trilogy.
Also, what are some great books that I have to read? I’m really bad at actually finishing a book. I want to actually accomplish reading (especially when I’m immobile from the cold) some great literature.
Your feedback is appreciated.
Ta Ta to my Friends
Last night’s party I believe was a success. I had a pretty good turn out—a good representation of the friends that I’ve made over the last eight years here.
I’m also mostly not hung over. You may wonder what exactly that means. Well, I haven’t had a headache, but just an upset stomach. That means I won’t be eating until this evening, but there are a lot of tasty leftovers.
On the menu: (Directly from the Chef himself) :)
Ahi tuna tartar on olive oil and parsley croustade
Whiskey smoked salmon tostado with ginger creme fraiche and wasabi tobiko
Wild mushroom tartlette with goat cheese and truffle essence
Proscuitto wrapped melon with purple basil and balsamic reduction
Peach and brie in silver spoon with sherry honey gastrique
Open faced pork tenderloin sandwich with garlic aioli, roasted sweet peppers and caramelized onion
Ecuadorian brown shrimp ceviche with avocado and fried plantain chips.
Fruit and Cheese displays
Not to mention Jelly Bellys
Thank you to the Chef for preparing ALL of the food and doing a lot cleaning before and after.
Also, thank you to those of you who came over and those who brought gifts. Lord knows I need a good sippy cup!
I’m contemplating cleaning the house, again. That’s the good thing about parties—motivation to clean and organize. The bad thing is that you have to clean the next day again after the party’s over.
This coming Friday is my last day at work. So, another happy hour is entirely in order. I hope that I don’t get too wild or too drunk, I know that it can be difficult to stop the drinks from flowing when people are buying them for you.
Get Over Yourself--Self!
Depression again. Every time I stop to ponder what the hell I’m doing, I can’t help but think that I’m ruining my life. Almost everything that I’ve accomplished it seems like I’m throwing it away. Things that once were the number one priority tumbled down on the list, and I don’t know how it happened. Everything I touch turns to shit. Fuck.
I know that going to Japan will only make me a better and stronger person. I need structure and discipline in my life. I’m definitely wanting to focus my attention on things that I’ve long neglected—understanding the “real” me and knowing what I really want to do when I “grow up.” My job has only been somewhat important to me, it certainly does not define who I am or what I am truly interested in.
I’m trying to stay focused on the positive—especially cuisine. I love Asian food and in particular could live on sushi. I ate a ton of sushi rolls at lunch today, as a going away lunch with my former boss. It was sooo tasty (ooshikatta yo!).
On a completely different note, a co-worker suggested that I look at book entitled “Fresh Fruit” by an artist named Shoichi Aoiki. It’s a compilation of Japanese people dressed all funky. This is just the way they dress, they aren’t necessarily trying to be weird. It has some interesting pic’s that portray the real craziness behind fashion in Japan. Check it out, you’ll soon see why Japanese people are easy to pick out in a crowd.
Are there any other Japanese photographers that I should check out? Let me know. Feedback is great.
Nausea
I’m definitely scrambling to get the “last minute” items accomplished. I’m having a going away party and probably several more happy hours, cramming everyone I know into a two-week time crunch. I’m not naming names, but there are definitely people that I want to see more of and a lot of other people that I’m more than happy to leave behind ;)
I’d rather feel a bit rushed, otherwise I realize how nauseous I’ve been feeling. I feel like I’m throwing my life down the toilet—is it a super toilet? Or a Japanese style, flushing hole in the ground? I digress…. Anyway, I feel sick to my stomach, but a friend told me that it’s the feeling that she most looks forward toward. In other words, this is the head rush of beginning a new adventure, a new life. Head rush or migraine? Both.
Most Minnesotans think I’m nuts, as do most of my friends. Again, life is probably too easy here. I need a challenge. So, I move to a place where I hardly know the language, don’t really know anyone. What the fuck is MY deal? I am crazy. Only a few people don’t seem to think so.
My life is pretty much 100% falling apart—emotionally, financially, physically, mentally. Only one thing will ever endure in my life—my immediate family. They already know that. They are my backbone. Of course, as in the military, they tore me down to build me up. I am the youngest of five kids—all were tough and cruel, but only to teach me to pick myself back up. Get back on that high horse and ride again.
Soon, the life as I knew it will be packed up in about 3 suitcases. That’s way less than I moved to Minnesota with. That’s less than I had even when I was 18 and moved to Phoenix. Less than one room in my house now. Pack light, but pack smart, right? Maybe I would’ve learned this shit like my bro did in the army, but I didn’t enlist. I’m enlisting now into something much less accepted—ex-pat status. That’s not cool, well, with the war on terrorism and all. Ahh, fuck ‘em all. I don’t really care about nationalities, it’s all just a line in the sand as far as I can tell.
Back to the point….
Reality is starting to swirl in my mind. I’m glad that it’s not swirling at the bottom of the toilet like it has after too many drinks. Nausea sucks. It’s overwhelming. Thank gawd people are keeping me entertained. Ha Ha (monotone laugh).
Time
Time is such a bizarre construct. It seems like when you’re young that it moves too slowly and when you get older it moves too quickly. Time distorts how you feel about things—the more you think about a particular memory, the fuzzier it becomes. Of course, two people can be at the same event and have a completely different spin on what happened. Time only compounds these distortions and perceptions.
My mind has become turbid. Memories of memories surface. It’s not exactly nostalgia, but it certainly becomes confusing remembering the way things were, how I once was, how far (or not far) I’ve come. I’m blanking on things that once would have been instantly recalled—conversations, things people did at an event (that I should probably remember), whatever.
Hmm, but photos and journals remind me. I use them as a reference for what “really” happened. They certainly jog the memory. I’m actually trying to collect digital photos from my friends and coworkers before I head out. I’m sure that there are plenty of pictures of myself that I’d rather burn than see again, but I’m always trying to upgrade and edit myself. I’m always trying to create a better me.
With time comes the truth, the way it should be in this dimension. It proves that the cheerleader that you hated in high school really is fat and ugly. The jock is stupid and only meant for blue-collar labor. Time is not always good to people, but it has usually been good to me. I try to remember the important things—people, birthdays, the little things. I really think that I’ve improved over time, although I don’t feel as smart as I did when I was a kid. I remembered everything. It was ridiculous.
And so I tell myself that one year isn’t much time at all, even when one afternoon can feel like an eternity. One year to clear my head, understand myself better, improve at hopefully an exponential speed. Only time will tell.
Counting Down
Only three weeks left to go. In some ways, it seems like an eternity. Yet, I probably don't have time to contact everyone to say goodbye either. I hope to have a going away party next week which means scraping together some cash and calling everyone I can think of to invite.
Yep, I am emotionally drained. I feel like I'm 18 again going away to college. I only went to that out of state school for a semester...but I've been in Minneapolis for eight years. I didn't know anybody when I moved to Minnesota, I had never even been here before. So, I know that I should be able to handle Osaka. I've been there, I have a couple of friends there, and I'm hoping to meet more people. I think I can handle that. Who doesn't like meeting people, right?
I'm definately in the nervous stage right now. I'm excited to go, but scared as hell that I'll fall off the edge of the earth into a depressive benthos. Or at least to the bottom of a martini glass. That's why I need to meet more people. I guess that I'll be moving into an apartment where my neighbors speak English, so that will be some sort of reprieve.
Hmm. It's 4th of July weekend. I have no plans and it's a three day weekend. It seems weird to not have a lot going on. Of course, I really don't remember the last of many 4th weekends. Not like I go boozing, but I don't have a boat or really any friends that have boats. (That's what people do in Minnesota in the summertime for recreation.) Actually, I've only ever been in a row boat which makes me a freak in this neck of the woods. A lot of people also own cabins here. Being from Montana, it seems like many people's houses seemed like cabins anyway. So, why would own a cabin if your home is kindof a piece of shit? People just can't afford those luxuries in Montana, well, usually.
Maybe I'll try to catch some festivities.
