Loop Line Party!!!!!
In case you’re wondering, the Halloween Loop Line Party here is 100% insane. I wasn’t sure what exactly was supposed to happen before it went down, but there I was waiting at the JR Loop Line Station on the platform with hundreds of other gaijin dressed in their Halloween wears. My friends and I being all first years weren’t sure when it was supposed to start exactly or how many times you actually go around the loop.
So, we were standing there gawking at all of the madness….Such as one person dressed as Michael Jackson humping another gaijin dressed as a little kindergarten boy. Hmm. We were drinking our beers/chu-highs and soaking it all in. There was of course extra security. They were directing all of the Japanese people to the other trains and making sure that they steered clear of all of us crazy, drunk, freaky gaijin.
The deal is that once it starts (and there are specially reserved cars just for this occasion), you ride around the loop in the most crammed train car you can imagine and at every stop you basically do (for a lack of a pc term) a Chinese fire drill. So, everyone gets out and runs around like mad. You pretty much have to grope your friends just not to lose them. Of course, there is plenty of groping in the train because it’s so packed too. One of friends fell down when we were switching train cars, and another friend fell in the gap between the platform—thankfully it was just her leg and she didn’t get hurt.
People ride on the overhead racks where baggage is supposed to go. This usually entails body surfing just to get on top and then people kind of slide you onto the rack. I was kicked in the head by one guy riding up there.
At some point, we had to switch trains entirely. So, that was when most people did the beer run, smoke break, or used the bathroom. I was too far away from anything to even attempt any of those things and still be able to find my friends. There were hundreds of gaijin everywhere making it difficult to move even on the platform.
Then, back onto another train. We rode it back to where we started. Ultimately, you just ride the loop once. It’s a hell of a ride though. Standing in the train where you can’t move usually and asking your buddies for a swig of their liquor, it’s great. When the train slows down, you try not to fall down, but sometimes there aren’t enough (weird to think of it that way) people to keep you in an upright position.
Whew! It was one hell of a night, people.
Afterwards, I went to an izukaiya (bar) where we opened the doors to the table next to us and they (a couple of people from our group too) sang Japanese drinking songs. We had people chugging beer (always interesting to see from those tiny glasses that they give you). I’m not even sure what else.
Next, clubbing of course. The after-Loop madness was everywhere. We hit up the gaijin club Sam and Dave’s. It was fuckin’ packed as hell too. It was reminiscent of the Loop line itself. Not too expensive though. It was 2000 yen with 2 drink tickets. Maybe chugging two tall-boys while standing in line was not such a good idea. But, too late for those regrets now.
Bus Napping
Yeah, so I was riding home on the bus the other day. As I was taking my usual nap at the back of the bus, when I wa awakened suddenly. I thought something was wrong because my stop is at the end of the line, so it's not a big deal to sleep. It scared the crap out of me.
As it turns out, this guy was asking me in broken English about Hirakata station. I think he knew where he was going and why ask me if I'm obviously a gaijin? Stupid. He gave me a Hirakata magazine, in Japanese, and said I could keep it. Okay. Whatever. He kept saying all of this crap in English and it just didn't make any sense. The conversation didn't follow any logic as far as I could tell. His Japanese made more sense to me than his English. Sad.
In the end, I think he asked to take me to the near by mall. I just said in Japanese that I didn't understand. Bizarre. So, I was woken up from my wonderful bus nap to be subjected to broken English and being asked on a date. Nice! I was scared when I got off the bus and made sure that he didn't follow me. Hmm. I'm still gonna nap on the bus, can't not.
Not Alotta
As I can tell, you’ve been missing me greatly. Sorry for not writing much, but I’ve been busy doing, well, I don’t really know what I’ve been doing lately.
I know that I have been studying a lot more Japanese as of late, but that’s only to be expected. I am certainly making some sort of progress. I’m still of course illiterate, but I’m continually studying kanji.
It’s getting cold here. Yeah, that’s right, I’m whining about the cold you bastards! My school has about a million, single-paned windows. So, it’s really cold and there’s no central heat. My apartment is cold too. I have hardwood floors, so I’m glad for the tatami in my bedroom because it’s warmer. I’m such a wuss now. I hate it.
And the tea is on…..
Aight. I’m getting warmer now. Maybe I can type.
Actually, my brain is frozen also. I can’t think, maybe that’s because the Japanese is crowding out the English. Or it’s cold and I have writer’s block. Must watch J-t.v.
Ramen, Ramen, Ramen!!!!!
There is a lot more to Ramen than what I ever imagined before coming to Japan. Oh, yeah, am I ever learning more about it. At first, I was a bit pretentious about eating the Cup-o-Noodles. Yeah, I know, I’ve been eating American Ramen for years, way before I even started college (the first time). So, why did I start again? Same usual reason, lack of money. But, I started eating the regular ol’ Cup-o-Noodles because when you close the bar down at 5 am, it puts things into perspective.
Just to mention that if you go out to eat for Ramen, there are some basic choices: the broth is made from 1. pork broth (kind of creamy, but really super tasty)—my favorite 2. soy sauce based 3. miso based or 4. salt based. Add to this that you can choose either straight or curly noodles. You can also choose to have extra things added on top of your Ramen too such as kimchi (my favorite) or extra pork. Can’t complain about (what should be) everyone’s favorite meat.
What can you buy to eat at home? Well, that’s a great question. I’m glad that you asked. There is Ramen that looks like the stuff you can get in the states, but it doesn’t seem to be as common. Every type is different. That is to say that not only is the “flavor packet” different (chicken, beef, pork, etc.), but the stuff in the packets isn’t always powered msg/meat stuff. You might get soy sauce and mayo or a flavor packet with another packet of hot chili stuff or with dried veggies like onions (or in curry potatoes). Frankly, it’s a surprise every time to me. I love the spicy ones, but I can’t argue with the packets of mayo either (yummy! mayo is an excellent condiment). Also, not only are the noodles dry, you can buy them fresh (then there might be actual fresh veggies and meat also), but you can buy them refrigerated or in the freezer section.
Yes, this is just a little taste of the wonderfully varied Ramen world that I live in. Also, there is a difference between Chinese Ramen and Japanese, but I haven’t experienced this enough to get into it now. So, happy winter to me! Good thing Ramen is so abundant, cheap, and delicious. I guess I won’t go too hungry.
Himeji Castle
Yesterday, I went to Himeji where one of the fiercest festivals was supposed to be held. It was raining all day, so it was postponed until today. I was somewhat disappointed because this festival has people carrying floats, they run at full speed and then hit each other. It’s supposed to be awesome, better than the other festival Kishiwada that I had some pic’s of (but I missed the good part of that where they run full speed). It cost 1450 yen one way just to get to Himeji, so we made the best of it. (Payday is Monday. Jeez, it's seems so far away.)
Himeji is considered to be one of the three best castles in Japan. It was a lot of fun. It takes awhile to see everything. You actually have to walk up the stairs too, unlike Osaka Castle which has an elevator!
I love the tiles on the roofs here, just in general. But check these out:
I really enjoyed walking around the inside of the castle grounds.
The view from the top is nice. You can really see how rainy it was yesterday.
The garden was also amazing. It was so peaceful with the rain. The leaves haven't changed colors yet, I'm told that it's about another month away. But, some of the trees were beginning to turn. Here I am.
National Sports Day--ah I love 3 day weekends
I went to a little town, Sasayama, on Monday. It was a nice drive to a little town northwest of Osaka. I really hadn’t been to a small town here in Japan yet, so it was pretty cool. It was the “black bean” festival. The black beans weren’t like the Mexican variety you may think of, but rather they looked like green beans. I guess they’re green until you bake them. I really didn’t figure that part out, not very obvious. They are tasty. I eat them at restaurants all the time like an app. Hmm.
There were these stuffed, wild pigs everywhere. I saw them as statues on the bridge too. Hmm. I really don’t understand what that was all about, but the pork sure did taste good. Umm. Pork.
Next, we drove up to a little place a little ways away to look/shop for pottery. This little town is well known for its pottery. I was drowning in pottery. It was super cool, but I couldn’t think straight after seeing so much of it. And I wasn’t sure what I should really buy since I’m only living here temporarily.
Homework for Teacher
Yeah. I should be working on my Halloween lesson plan. The problem isn’t a lack of ideas, it’s mostly just resources may be difficult. For example, I might show the kiddies a clip from “The Simpson’s: Treehouse of Horror” (of course). But, my dvd’s are region 1 which is different than whatever it is here. Or pumpkin carving type activities may also be difficult. For example, have them draw on balloons (preferably orange) would be a good substitute. But, the balloons I’ve found aren’t straight up orange and the jumbo pack of 100 cost 1000 yen. That seems pricey for balloons (that I’d be paying for).
I know, this is my job. Think of what will make the kids learn about Western culture and English conversation. It’s actually a lot of fun. I do a lot of research on the internet. I learned about Guy Fawkes day in England. I had no idea that it even existed when I started. BTW if you research it, that’s where the word “guy” comes from. As in, “Who the hell is that guy?” There, now you learned something today.
Don't Be a Hater
I’m just staring at this “blank” page thinking that my thoughts can just pour onto it unlike rain onto the cement. Perhaps there aren’t really any thoughts at all. Or perhaps it’s more like a trickle in a quiet, slow current in a babbling brook. Nothing, nothing, nothing.
But, I digress. I for some reason felt more hate walking home than I’ve ever really felt before. I’m not exactly sure what started this downward thought pattern, but there I was realizing how much a lot of (J) people hate me just ‘cause I’m white. I don’t think I’ve ever really felt so personally hated before. Again, it’s not like anything happened, I just suddenly felt this massive wave of hate (toward me) wash over me. I was suddenly completely submerged in my own thoughts of hate and anger. It was weird. Someone once told me that I personally cannot stand being hated by anyone. I think that’s probably far too true.
So, all I could think about was how much I was hated for reasons beyond my control. It’s not my fault I’m white or a woman. I guess I didn’t have to come here, but if not me, then another gaijin would’ve been asked to teach here instead. All in all, I’m just going to let my own crazy negative thoughts just here in print. Nothing will come of it. Just me blabbing about what stupid things run through my mind.
On a happier note, I’ve just been either sleeping in the hammock (such a perfect day today) or just sitting around the house today. My friends went to Oktober Fest, but I drank enough last night to be okay without drinking anything today. It sounded like fun too, but we all have our limits. It’s not like we have work tomorrow either, but still I don’t want to push it.
Hmmmm. Back to the hammock.
Mall Day
I finally made it to the mall today. There’s one 3 stops away from my station. It’s nice. It’s pretty classy too. For example, the food court did not consist of sketchy mother fuckers where you were always wondering if some teenager is going to mug you or not. There weren’t any screaming kids. I did see a cool t-shirt at the mall though. It said “They like a good whipping.” Hmmm. (Another patch on a bag I saw a few days ago that a guy was wearing said, “Suck my fuckin’ twat.” I love that a guy was wearing it. Sorry, didn’t get a photo of it. There wasn’t enough time. But yet another classic Engrish moment.)
Basically, I only bought work clothes today. I need them. I was in desperate need of khakis. I’m still broke, but I NEEDED them dammit. It’s important to have khakis and button downs, otherwise what would I wear to work? I’ve gotta look decent, no sluttin’ clothes at work. That would be bad.
My friends and I decided that most things here in Japan are becoming “normal” to us. So, things that used to make us wonder, make our heads turn, just usually don’t any more. For example, people dress quite wildly here, but we saw this magazine (remember that my former co-worker, LL Cool, had purchased a book entitled “Fresh Fruits”?) showing people dressed up here. The magazine of women was called “Fruits” (hmm. coincidence I think not) and the zine of men “Tune.” Frankly, we thought the names of the zines should be switched around because J-men are so fruity. Anyway, just an FYI on that.
A lot of the stores are “bohemian chic” which is bizarre (from an American standpoint), but so typical. It’s amazing how expensive that crap was, even in the mall. So, we hit the Gap (haha, yes it’s everywhere), UniClo (cheap but nice clothes, ok, a J-version of the Gap perhaps, and a ton of other miscellaneous stores. BTW UniClo hems pants for free. So, listen to all of you short people (why the hell am I getting my pants hemmed here? I’m taller than a lot of people, dammit) it’s FREE. And it only took about 30-45 minutes too. Damn. Now, that’s customer service.
Wow. It was a good day. Shopping heaven. I’ve been trying to learn more about the shopping at local train stations here. I always go to Namba, but there’s so much shopping everywhere. I’m learning where all the deals are. It’s great.
Hmm. Better rest up. It’s Saturday night, time for the club in a couple of hours. (^0^)v
Para Para
I know that a lot of people don’t like the rain, but today I’m loving it. As I was walking to and from the bus stop under my very pink umbrella, the entire world seemed so peaceful and still. Para para—the rain slowly and steadily drops from the sky.
I thought of how in the U.S. I didn’t even own an umbrella. It seemed so strange to me. I have 7 (7!!!) umbrellas here. How could I live without one in the U.S. I wondered. I realized that when it rains back home, I just make a mad dash for the car. So, in other words, I’m never outside for that long unless I want to be. Here, I must deal with the elements of nature.
It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the station from my apartment, I would get soaked without any of my trusty umbrellas. In fact, I almost always have a compact umbrella with me just in case it rains. I was caught without one in Kyoto and I was soaked to the bone. It was actually rather exhilarating except I was on my way to a museum to look at priceless works of are. That wasn’t too cool. And I was cold as hell when I was in the museum at the height of summer.
I have both my sliding glass doors open. The rain is tapping away so calmly. It’s so relaxing. Even walking home under the dome of the pink overhang was serene. Watching the world take a bath has I went unscathed walking steadily home at an Osakan pace. (BTW The average Osakan walks 1.6 meters per second. I guess that’s the fastest in the world. Why do they teach us such things?)
Kamikaze Kanji!
Wow! I originally thought that I knew roughly 100-200 kanji, not every reading of course, but just basic readings. Theoretically I knew, at the peak of my studying, 450-500. I have of course forgotten a lot in the 3 years since I’ve graduated. Yesterday, I reviewed 50 kanji (again, I knew them, just not the many readings each can have) and today 25. I feel like my head is going to explode which means I’m actually learning a thing or two. I think I kind of actually know about 300-400 kanji, at least can recognize and say one or two of their readings.
Not to bore you too much, but I’ll see a compound (2+ kanji which makes a noun) and then look up the second one to learn more about it. In this way, I am learning two fold. I am learning how to read better and I’m learning new vocabulary. Kanji is certainly a love hate relationship. I love them because even if I can’t read them properly, often I have an understanding of what the meaning is as they are pictorial. I also love them because then you can picture what they’re trying to convey. For example, “rumor” has the kanji for “wind” and for “to listen,” so rumors are nothing but hot air. Right?
Okay, the rest of you aren’t geeky enough to appreciate this. So, I won’t bore you any further with this right now.
The bottom line is that I’m learning Japanese little by little. YES!
Whatever
Wow! This weekend seemed less eventful than usual. Perhaps that is in part because I’m somewhat broke. We only get paid once a month and I’m about two weeks away from payday. Oh well. That’s life.
I’ve been spending my week trying to download…um, free stuff. Yeah. That’s it. Anyway, I’ve been learning a lot. Props to those who’ve been helping me through that hell. (*^o^*) So, anyway I guess that’s what you do when you don’t have a lot of cash.
I went to Kyoto, again, on Saturday afternoon. Some people said that they never had been, so I offered to sort of show them around. My disclaimer “I’m not a tour guide and I’m bad with directions, so be prepared.” It turned out well. First, Shakey’s Pizza for lunch and then we hit three temples. Each time I go to Kyoto, I go to temples I’ve never been to. I figure that eventually I will have seen most of them by the time I move back to the states.
The first temple was cool because 1. it was free 2. it was small and therefore not crowded 3. the guy working there explained everything to us 4. somebody translated what he said 5. we got to actually got to touch stuff (not very typical). This was a “new” temple, built in the Edo Period (1603-1867). There was a Buddha made up bone. They took the bones of people and crushed them and then made the statue. Pretty sweet. I touched it.
The second temple was the home of Lady Murasaki, she wrote “The Tale of Genji,” the most famous author in Japan. Apparently, this is considered the first novel ever written. I didn’t know that before even though I have read it.
The third temple was Kinkakuji, the temple of gold. I thought I had been there because I went to another one that was silver. The word for gold is “kin” whereas the word for silver is “gin” (not gin and tonic, but pronounced “jin”). So, I was confused. This temple was super sweet. Gold indeed.
We met a fair amount of Germans there. We were talking to this older German guy and his daughter. He asked us, “What was the worst thing that the Americans did to the Japanese?” It was a little awkward. We all were saying, “Umm, Hiroshima? Nagasaki?” It was uncomfortable. And then he says, “No. McDonald’s.” Pretty funny. But weird coming from a German especially.
So, no clubs this weekend. I know, it’s hard to believe, but I am somewhat broke. I did go out on Saturday of course. A chu-hi and a beer by the Dontomburi River, one free drink at the bar where my friend works, a not as free drink at the same bar, and a shot paid for by another friend that owed me a drink or several. That’s about it. Five drinks. Hmmm. It sounds like a lot, but it sure didn’t seem like it at the time.
One hell of a lazy Sunday. I should have studied more Japanese, but I’ll have plenty of time this week at school for such endeavors. There aren’t any classes this week. I’m going to do some lesson plans and study Japanese. It’s much easier to study at school because if I don’t understand, I have a lot of native speakers that I can ask. It’s very convenient.
So, I’m sorry that I don’t have anything more profound to say. It’s just been mellow around here.
