We took a bus to Hakone and hung out in a spa the likes of which I have only seen in movies. The natural hot springs steamed and we sat in rock tubs with views of green mountains and misty skies. mothers took their children from one tub to another, and grandmothers came along, too. Some people had massages, and everyone generally relaxed and enjoyed one an other's company.
We had a wonderful dinner and we are all looking forward to coming home. If you are reading this and you are able to let me know that you read the blog at all, it would be helpful us to know whether it worked as intended (keeping friends/family in touch). Please just send a comment saying "I read it" if you have not commented yet?
Seeya at the airport!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Zen & An Almost Sayonara Dinner, a Day Late
Dad used to say “people are people,” and there were many times in my life when that statement has seemed absurdly reductionist, especially considering the source. Now that our trip is nearing the end, and the creamy taste of real green tea seems to sit on my tongue, I know what my over-educated father meant. Or I think I do. Japanese people have the same emotions and feelings that we do, of course, but they also have very different customs. A tired Japanese looks just like a tired American, and a rebellious teenager: also the same. I could go on, but you get the gist. A woman pecking down the street in 4-inch heels looks as uncomfortable in Kyoto as she does in New York.
We are a tired group of travelers but also a fine group of people. It has made the trip more meaningful to interpret what's going on, share food, and discuss experiences with a varied group of teachers from Boston. Excuse me for saying this here, but teachers rock. Everyone's offering to wait, help out, loan a few bucks, give an idea. One traveler, Karen, took a couple of years of Japanese in college and has bravely helped out when our Japanese speakers haven't been around. Carolyn is our intrepid photographer, and Steve actually made a film at his school and brought it all the way here for a school in Kyoto. Those are just a few examples if the generosity we have seen. Also, the teachers bathing naked in hot Japanese bath thing is fun, as is trying out the many forms of sweets here. Green tea ice cream mixed with vanilla is delish.
This morning we visited a Buddhist temple and practiced meditation. The practice was particularly meaningful for me because I tend to be a worrier, but I also practice yoga with an astute teacher who has helped me a lot in a short amount of time. Both Agnes and I found that the second meditation seemed remarkably short. The monk said that because we practice yoga, we had already learned some of the fundamentals of Zen – emptying the mind of worries. The monk showed up at out Sayonara dinner in a t-shirt and jeans. He looked a lot different!
Sayonara dinner funny trip moments from my excellent table: Carolyn saying “oregami” to Japanese people (when she was tired one day) instead of the proper word for thank you. One of our trip leaders trying so hard to rush past the train bar as it came down that he almost lost his hat; One visitor to my room comparing my unsightly mess to my Gemma's remarkable organization; and many others.
We are a tired group of travelers but also a fine group of people. It has made the trip more meaningful to interpret what's going on, share food, and discuss experiences with a varied group of teachers from Boston. Excuse me for saying this here, but teachers rock. Everyone's offering to wait, help out, loan a few bucks, give an idea. One traveler, Karen, took a couple of years of Japanese in college and has bravely helped out when our Japanese speakers haven't been around. Carolyn is our intrepid photographer, and Steve actually made a film at his school and brought it all the way here for a school in Kyoto. Those are just a few examples if the generosity we have seen. Also, the teachers bathing naked in hot Japanese bath thing is fun, as is trying out the many forms of sweets here. Green tea ice cream mixed with vanilla is delish.
This morning we visited a Buddhist temple and practiced meditation. The practice was particularly meaningful for me because I tend to be a worrier, but I also practice yoga with an astute teacher who has helped me a lot in a short amount of time. Both Agnes and I found that the second meditation seemed remarkably short. The monk said that because we practice yoga, we had already learned some of the fundamentals of Zen – emptying the mind of worries. The monk showed up at out Sayonara dinner in a t-shirt and jeans. He looked a lot different!
Sayonara dinner funny trip moments from my excellent table: Carolyn saying “oregami” to Japanese people (when she was tired one day) instead of the proper word for thank you. One of our trip leaders trying so hard to rush past the train bar as it came down that he almost lost his hat; One visitor to my room comparing my unsightly mess to my Gemma's remarkable organization; and many others.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Post by Steve Levin
Beyond Words
SOMETIMES things can not be adequately expressed or described with mere words.
Thus far, on our journey in Japan, there have been several things- people, places nad events, that defy description- words do not do them justice. For me, these are a few:
* The incredible sound of a gazillion cicadas chirping ion the trees. The noise is so loud that at first we could nopt believe that it was being made by insects
* The openness and friendliness of the Japanese people we have met. They have all been so kind, so gentle, and their warmth just radiates from their beings.
*The serenity, holiness and sense of piety at the Buddhist and Shinto ceremonies we have witnessed and have taken part in
* The incredible Ms. Miyoko Matsubara who survived the A-bomb devestation, and whose courage in telling her story was breathtaking
* The overwhelming sadness of the Hiroshma Peace Memorial Museum
* The incredibly crowded subways that run like clockwork and that can take you anywhere in this country
* The cleanliness of the Japanese cities- populations ion the millions- with no litter. no populations ion the millions- with no litter. no graffitti, no tagging, anywhere that I could see
* The delightful and beautriful children we have met who seem fascinated by us tourists, who love to have their pictures taken , always smiling, and who want a peaceful world
* The master tea maker whose family has been making tea for over 5 genertions and whose dedication to his work transcends the material world which consumes our society and speaks to what is truly important in life. He does not use a cell phone or a computer and teaches his students and children the value and pleasure of putting his heart, mind and body into his work.
These are just a few, and as we move on, I am certain that there will be even more people,places and events that simply defy description.
Til then
Steve
Green Tea and Contradictions
Obviously my labeling has not been the strength of this blog so I will try to do better this morning with my allotted 20 minutes on my Japanese keyboard. Yesterday morning we went to visit a champion tea master. He is a 15th generation tea master! His shop is in Uji, near Nara, so we took a bus there from Kyoto and watched rice paddies whiz by - oh now Peter Gilmartin, our Primary Source leader, has saved me and I am on my actual laptop (long story) so I can speed-type some info here without switching to Japanese every other word, which was culturally interesting but also a total hassle.
Right. The tea master. We clearly are all lacking in some sort of internal work ethic. This guy had to get 100% on ten tests before his father would consider getting him one toy. He began to study tea at age three. When making the tea, one concentrates completely on the tea, the art of making it, and does not clutter one's brain with other matters so that the tea itself is the best possible. We learned from a champion! In honoring this tradition and doing only this one thing so well, he lives a good life.
After that visit we were able to visit a Buddhist shrine where the theme of the many generations continued. We were able to go up on the Dias of the Toda-ji Temple, where there is an enormous Great Buddha. It is 49 feet high, made of bronze. The priest who gave is our tour told us that one curl on the buddha's head was the size of a helmet!
The concept of living in a place where one's ancestors lived so many many years ago is alien to me and to many of us on the trip. It is a theme that keeps coming up as we visit places where people speak of their ancestors and their lives here. The contrast between that and the high fashion, the wildly contemporary Kyoto mall and open-air space across from our hotel, and the fashionable people who we see all over everywhere is striking. Many of the teenagers wear shirts with English on them, and in the shops it is hard to find a t-shirt with Japanese characters. Malls are everywhere. Sound familiar?
Today we are going to have a Zen experience. I am not sure what the Zen experience is, but that is the story. Also, we are visiting Nijo Castle. The castles are such fun - nothing comparable at home except in the movies. We are also visiting a school. We are going by chartered bus so it feels a bit like one of those tours with people looking out the window all day, but I am confident that our intrepid guides will have us walking quickly - in the Japanese style - all over the place!
Right. The tea master. We clearly are all lacking in some sort of internal work ethic. This guy had to get 100% on ten tests before his father would consider getting him one toy. He began to study tea at age three. When making the tea, one concentrates completely on the tea, the art of making it, and does not clutter one's brain with other matters so that the tea itself is the best possible. We learned from a champion! In honoring this tradition and doing only this one thing so well, he lives a good life.
After that visit we were able to visit a Buddhist shrine where the theme of the many generations continued. We were able to go up on the Dias of the Toda-ji Temple, where there is an enormous Great Buddha. It is 49 feet high, made of bronze. The priest who gave is our tour told us that one curl on the buddha's head was the size of a helmet!
The concept of living in a place where one's ancestors lived so many many years ago is alien to me and to many of us on the trip. It is a theme that keeps coming up as we visit places where people speak of their ancestors and their lives here. The contrast between that and the high fashion, the wildly contemporary Kyoto mall and open-air space across from our hotel, and the fashionable people who we see all over everywhere is striking. Many of the teenagers wear shirts with English on them, and in the shops it is hard to find a t-shirt with Japanese characters. Malls are everywhere. Sound familiar?
Today we are going to have a Zen experience. I am not sure what the Zen experience is, but that is the story. Also, we are visiting Nijo Castle. The castles are such fun - nothing comparable at home except in the movies. We are also visiting a school. We are going by chartered bus so it feels a bit like one of those tours with people looking out the window all day, but I am confident that our intrepid guides will have us walking quickly - in the Japanese style - all over the place!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Time & Place & Island Babies
Konbambwa. Good evening. This evening, on the eleventh - outdoor - floor of a stunning building reminiscent of the star ship in the original Star Wars movie, looking across at the moon, and down at colorful sculptures and moving escalators, I felt unsure of myself in time. We have moved quickly through so many places, people, and experiences. Tofu skin and tofu custard; train after train after train; the swirling architecture of a private Protestant school. Broad streets and cigarette smoke. At certain moments I forget where I am, then remember Oh! Japan! Then again, Oh! Kyoto! Or tomorrow, Nara. At this point I cannot remember which little souvenirs I have bought for family members and friends and I certainly cannot sequence the trip without my itinerary next to me. Naturally I do not have it right now! Yet I am here with my dear teaching partner, looking at Japanese pickles in small stores, learning and relearning Japanese phrases, and spending time with an excellent crowd of people.
Our main guides, Mari and Jonathan, are remarkably conscientious, knowledgeable, and kind. Mari is Japanese and Jonathan is from the states. They now live in Pennsylvania, but they also conduct tours. They have found us opportunities to do many activities that were only available because of Mari's many friends. A few nights ago, before a traditional Japanese feast, she told us a Japanese creation story. The islands were born when two spirits decided to create a family. "She said his name, and then he said her name." Eventually there were 8 babies, like the 8 islands. It was a detailed folktale and she had over 20 people rapt listening to her tell it.
Japanese hospitality: The concierge allowed me into a spare room on a separate floor so I could communicate a bit more with you. Aregatu Goziemas. Thank you very much.
Our main guides, Mari and Jonathan, are remarkably conscientious, knowledgeable, and kind. Mari is Japanese and Jonathan is from the states. They now live in Pennsylvania, but they also conduct tours. They have found us opportunities to do many activities that were only available because of Mari's many friends. A few nights ago, before a traditional Japanese feast, she told us a Japanese creation story. The islands were born when two spirits decided to create a family. "She said his name, and then he said her name." Eventually there were 8 babies, like the 8 islands. It was a detailed folktale and she had over 20 people rapt listening to her tell it.
Japanese hospitality: The concierge allowed me into a spare room on a separate floor so I could communicate a bit more with you. Aregatu Goziemas. Thank you very much.
Yikes no Time in Kyoto
Dear Readers,
I am on a computer in the lobby of a swank Kyoto hotel and I have about 19 minutes and the language keeps switching to Japanese. We went to Hiroshima yesterday and heard from a survivor. That was a moving experience beyond words. I recommend that you look it up on the web and read some of the writings that heads of state have written in response to the museum there. We stayed in a Buddhist monastery and some people made too much noise - I certainly was not part of that group - we observed their services - and we partook of their vegetarian fare. We hung out at a local fair and ate octopus balls. No! Not that! Ocｔopus pieces like melon balls！ Oh dear. We also played games and met people.
Today we came to Kyoto and visited two schools. At the elementary school, we participated on a tea ceremony and the children were utterly dear, taking great care to do every mover very precisely,and then bravely speaking with us and answering questions. Now I must go. Please expect brief communications as my access is limited．All are well and getting along famously.
I am on a computer in the lobby of a swank Kyoto hotel and I have about 19 minutes and the language keeps switching to Japanese. We went to Hiroshima yesterday and heard from a survivor. That was a moving experience beyond words. I recommend that you look it up on the web and read some of the writings that heads of state have written in response to the museum there. We stayed in a Buddhist monastery and some people made too much noise - I certainly was not part of that group - we observed their services - and we partook of their vegetarian fare. We hung out at a local fair and ate octopus balls. No! Not that! Ocｔopus pieces like melon balls！ Oh dear. We also played games and met people.
Today we came to Kyoto and visited two schools. At the elementary school, we participated on a tea ceremony and the children were utterly dear, taking great care to do every mover very precisely,and then bravely speaking with us and answering questions. Now I must go. Please expect brief communications as my access is limited．All are well and getting along famously.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Blog from Agnes
So many stories... Yesterday on the bullet train, I saw two kids making origamis. I said: "Origami" and smiled. Next thing, the little boy comes to give me an origami of a ciccada. He has fun showing me the "special" feature. If you push the center, it pops open its wings. I sat next to them and we started teaching each other numbers and colors in Japanese and English. The mother came and I showed pictures of my family. As they left, the boy extended his hand to shake mine, and his sister extended her left hand. Then they all stood outside of the train, looked for my window seat and waved, raised thumbs up until we took off.
Last night, I sat naked in a hot bath having a polite conversation with a naked Japanese lady and her daughter.
Yesterday, I walked along an older woman as we exited the buddhist ceremony. Lots of bowing and smiled.
I never expected that I would have so many opportunities to speak with people in my "motto chotto" vocabulary.
Sayonarafor now, and lots of love to my family: Edrick, Anna, Anya, and Nica.
Last night, I sat naked in a hot bath having a polite conversation with a naked Japanese lady and her daughter.
Yesterday, I walked along an older woman as we exited the buddhist ceremony. Lots of bowing and smiled.
I never expected that I would have so many opportunities to speak with people in my "motto chotto" vocabulary.
Sayonarafor now, and lots of love to my family: Edrick, Anna, Anya, and Nica.
a brief blog from steve
Greetings from Japan and the lovely island of Miyajima. What a great escape from the hustle and and crowded streets of Tokyo. Thankfully our tour group leaders are able to maneuver our entire group of @20 through the very impressive, though a bit confusing, rail system. To get to this island we traveled by a local train, a bullet train and a ferry,and remarkably we all got here together. And although I seem to have a penchant for getting lost, I arrived with the group as well. It was great to have an opportunity to be in such a restful place.
our traditional dinner at the inn was remarkable and I ate things that I never would have dreamed of eating. I ate jellyfish!! And no, it doesn't taste like chicken, maybe more like noodles of some sort.
A surprise is the seemingly tame deer that wander the streets and are willing to steal anything from your possessions but are very photogenic and seem to enjoy having their pictures taken- one seemed to even smile for the camera.
Today as we travel on to Hiroshima, I am prepared for a rather emotional experience since we are going to meet personally one of the survivors of that devastation and the only survivor who speaks English. I am already so appreciative of meeting this person and admire their courage to speak to our traveling group.
Til the next time - steve
our traditional dinner at the inn was remarkable and I ate things that I never would have dreamed of eating. I ate jellyfish!! And no, it doesn't taste like chicken, maybe more like noodles of some sort.
A surprise is the seemingly tame deer that wander the streets and are willing to steal anything from your possessions but are very photogenic and seem to enjoy having their pictures taken- one seemed to even smile for the camera.
Today as we travel on to Hiroshima, I am prepared for a rather emotional experience since we are going to meet personally one of the survivors of that devastation and the only survivor who speaks English. I am already so appreciative of meeting this person and admire their courage to speak to our traveling group.
Til the next time - steve
The Trip Rises Through Water
Our adventures changed when we left the city on the bullet train and started with a visit to Himeji Castle, where Samurai protected their province from surrounding forces. Every province had a castle, and maps of castles were not allowed. One of our many wonderful guides is Trent Maxey, a professor at Amherst College who teaches all things Asian - apparently - and grew up in Japan. He explained some of the strategies used to fool invaders - stairs going down - different paths to take - that worked for protection. The castle itself was physically stunning, and actually has been used in many American movies. Many many stairs but also a relief to remove our shoes. The Japanese people were very friendly, and have been consistently, and allowed us to take their photos, and generally helped us.
We took a ferry in the afternoon to miyajima island. As we approached, a bright orange gate, Torii, rose up out of the water. Itsukushima Shrine sits on the Island and is like a small port of wooden walkways, with many lovely details- paper lanterns, grey-white stones, and places of prayer. Deer roam the island freely like dogs or cats at home, and we had some amusing interactions with several of them. One deer ate Gemma's papers, and she pulled out the other half! Lauren, Tim and I spotted a "badger-dog," and then the whole group tried to get a picture - ot was a small creature like a racoon or maybe a possum. Before that, we walked along small roads, cooled our feet in a clear rocky stream, and visited a small ryokan, or inn.
For dinner, we ate a traditional Japanese meal that our gracious hosts described. We had eel, jellyfish, tuna, and vegetables. We wore yukata, Japanese robes, with obi, and we drank sake and beer. We each talked about what surprised us in Japan. That, Dear Readers, I will not share, but the group itself has taken on the Japanese custom of kindness to others and it was a genuinely touching and funny evening. Some of us enjoyed the traditional communal baths and others chose to spend quiet time in our rooms, which are pristine examples of the match of form , function, and Japanese beauty: creamy wood, tatami floor mats, sliding paper doors.
As always, my time is limited, but I think it is not too presumptuous to say that the whole group is grateful to have the opportunity to be here, and we have risen to a new level of comfort and enjoyment with our departure from the city. Today we visit Hiroshima and move to another place, so we will see what the opportunities are for blogging.
People are so appreciative of all comments! We are very aware that we are far from home. Aregatu. Thank you.
We took a ferry in the afternoon to miyajima island. As we approached, a bright orange gate, Torii, rose up out of the water. Itsukushima Shrine sits on the Island and is like a small port of wooden walkways, with many lovely details- paper lanterns, grey-white stones, and places of prayer. Deer roam the island freely like dogs or cats at home, and we had some amusing interactions with several of them. One deer ate Gemma's papers, and she pulled out the other half! Lauren, Tim and I spotted a "badger-dog," and then the whole group tried to get a picture - ot was a small creature like a racoon or maybe a possum. Before that, we walked along small roads, cooled our feet in a clear rocky stream, and visited a small ryokan, or inn.
For dinner, we ate a traditional Japanese meal that our gracious hosts described. We had eel, jellyfish, tuna, and vegetables. We wore yukata, Japanese robes, with obi, and we drank sake and beer. We each talked about what surprised us in Japan. That, Dear Readers, I will not share, but the group itself has taken on the Japanese custom of kindness to others and it was a genuinely touching and funny evening. Some of us enjoyed the traditional communal baths and others chose to spend quiet time in our rooms, which are pristine examples of the match of form , function, and Japanese beauty: creamy wood, tatami floor mats, sliding paper doors.
As always, my time is limited, but I think it is not too presumptuous to say that the whole group is grateful to have the opportunity to be here, and we have risen to a new level of comfort and enjoyment with our departure from the city. Today we visit Hiroshima and move to another place, so we will see what the opportunities are for blogging.
People are so appreciative of all comments! We are very aware that we are far from home. Aregatu. Thank you.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tired Blogger & On To Hiroshima
Dear Readers,
We had a wonderful morning at Meiji Shinto Shrine which has a setting on stunning wooded grounds with enormous gates and smaller buildings of traditional Japanese architecture. A knowledgeable and kind priest lead the tour. It was utterly beautiful. We observed and participated in a ceremony. I cannot write much more at this time because I must pack for Hiroshima tomorrow and I am just a bit or maybe very sleepy. Please pardon any grammatical errors, as well. I have a new syndrome called language dysfunctionia confused-head: The Japanese words are confusing my English. Several traveling companions are interested in blogging but we are all very busy - we'll see what happens.
So tomorrow we take the bullet train. Other activities today included a visit to Yoyogi Seminar (a cram school); a tour of Yokohama, the historic port; and an evening meal in Chinatown. A few folks chose to visit Roppongi Art & Design Museum.
I am not sure what the internet access will be like but I will do my best. All are safe and well. Felice is off to an art opening this evening with a friend - by special invitation - who happens to be here in Tokyo, so Felice wins the Most Sophisticated Tokyo Activity Award. Hello back to Kate's aunt! Domo aregato. Thank you.
We had a wonderful morning at Meiji Shinto Shrine which has a setting on stunning wooded grounds with enormous gates and smaller buildings of traditional Japanese architecture. A knowledgeable and kind priest lead the tour. It was utterly beautiful. We observed and participated in a ceremony. I cannot write much more at this time because I must pack for Hiroshima tomorrow and I am just a bit or maybe very sleepy. Please pardon any grammatical errors, as well. I have a new syndrome called language dysfunctionia confused-head: The Japanese words are confusing my English. Several traveling companions are interested in blogging but we are all very busy - we'll see what happens.
So tomorrow we take the bullet train. Other activities today included a visit to Yoyogi Seminar (a cram school); a tour of Yokohama, the historic port; and an evening meal in Chinatown. A few folks chose to visit Roppongi Art & Design Museum.
I am not sure what the internet access will be like but I will do my best. All are safe and well. Felice is off to an art opening this evening with a friend - by special invitation - who happens to be here in Tokyo, so Felice wins the Most Sophisticated Tokyo Activity Award. Hello back to Kate's aunt! Domo aregato. Thank you.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Baseball & Names for You
A group of us are just back from a baseball game, and it was quite something to see how the Japanese people cheered in unison and even came together as a team, literally, when the pitcher was having a hard time. That was the biggest meeting on the mound this Bostonian has seen yet! But it seems folks are looking at the blog, so I want to assure you that your person is here and busy. This is an attempt to give you a sense of who is on the trip, briefly, and to see your loved one's name if you have not yet. Those who have already been mentioned have, well, already been mentioned. Some people want to email you, but we have been so busy they have not had time to get to my computer - which is available to all.
Maureen was a lively karaoke singer last night and is an energetic dancer, as well. Karen took 2 years of Japanese in college and fortunately was a member of the group who attended the baseball game tonight, both because she is a very personable gal, and because her Japanese came in handy. Also, the melatonin she took on the plane worked beautifully (thanks to Mom, apparently). Christina was one of the people who joined karaoke late last night and seemed quite happy to be there. She has been in an upbeat mood since our plane trip. We explored Japanese-style bathrooms at the airport and survived - we were a bit nervous after the many warnings. They have a spot to place your baby safely so you can do what you need to while the babe is safe. Nifty!
There are two Kates. One has blond hair and one has dark hair. I am very sorry to identify them that way. You may refer to me as the Emily with curly brown hair, or even the older Emily. None of us are really on a last name basis. I will research this conundrum tomorrow. Blond Kate, whom I have spoken to on several occasions, seems to be having an excellent time. Brunette Kate got up very early yesterday with her pal Lauren, and when I met them they were talking very quickly about a lot of topics and finished up with directions to Starbucks. Clearly they had spent some time there! They are usually smiling and laughing when I see them. Mary and Joy have been pals "forever," and have traveled quite a bit. Mary, like Steve, is staying longer because her daughter is coming to see her in Japan. Carolyn and Beth were with us at the baseball game. Now I am getting very tired and I apologize for any inequalities here.
Beth recommends having your picture taken in a tree - you will always look better. Carolyn is a very good sport about walking long distances, but then we all were today! Marissa was our last baseball group member and she is braving the heat with a positive attitude even though it is not her fave choice of weather.
I hope if you did not find your person's name you will write me. Sumimasen. Excuse me (if I made a mistake). We are all here, walking at what one of our tour guides calls "a Japanese pace " - very quickly - and trying to take it all in. Tomorrow: A Shinto shrine, a cram school, and dinner in Chinatown. Ariagato. Thank you.
Maureen was a lively karaoke singer last night and is an energetic dancer, as well. Karen took 2 years of Japanese in college and fortunately was a member of the group who attended the baseball game tonight, both because she is a very personable gal, and because her Japanese came in handy. Also, the melatonin she took on the plane worked beautifully (thanks to Mom, apparently). Christina was one of the people who joined karaoke late last night and seemed quite happy to be there. She has been in an upbeat mood since our plane trip. We explored Japanese-style bathrooms at the airport and survived - we were a bit nervous after the many warnings. They have a spot to place your baby safely so you can do what you need to while the babe is safe. Nifty!
There are two Kates. One has blond hair and one has dark hair. I am very sorry to identify them that way. You may refer to me as the Emily with curly brown hair, or even the older Emily. None of us are really on a last name basis. I will research this conundrum tomorrow. Blond Kate, whom I have spoken to on several occasions, seems to be having an excellent time. Brunette Kate got up very early yesterday with her pal Lauren, and when I met them they were talking very quickly about a lot of topics and finished up with directions to Starbucks. Clearly they had spent some time there! They are usually smiling and laughing when I see them. Mary and Joy have been pals "forever," and have traveled quite a bit. Mary, like Steve, is staying longer because her daughter is coming to see her in Japan. Carolyn and Beth were with us at the baseball game. Now I am getting very tired and I apologize for any inequalities here.
Beth recommends having your picture taken in a tree - you will always look better. Carolyn is a very good sport about walking long distances, but then we all were today! Marissa was our last baseball group member and she is braving the heat with a positive attitude even though it is not her fave choice of weather.
I hope if you did not find your person's name you will write me. Sumimasen. Excuse me (if I made a mistake). We are all here, walking at what one of our tour guides calls "a Japanese pace " - very quickly - and trying to take it all in. Tomorrow: A Shinto shrine, a cram school, and dinner in Chinatown. Ariagato. Thank you.
Busy Days in the Heat
Konichiwa, Readers and Families!
We have been having a great time and I apologize for my inability to blog yesterday - we were very busy celebrating Amy's birthday into the night, singing karaoke. The birthday girl was quite enthusiastic! Joy, Mary, Agnes, Emily - both Emilys (I am one of them), and even some shyer folks - Gemma and Peter - sang. Tim treated us to Japanese lyrics (he is one of our guides). The birthday girl was quite enthusiastic. Kates and Beth and Steve (I may have left someone out (the room was stuffed - so sorry -sumimasen) joined us later for a few minutes, too. In Japanese karaoke, everyone sits around and looks at a screen, the walls have lit images, people choose songs, and eat and drinks, and you are your own audience. Very much fun.
Earlier in the day, we visited Edo Tokyo Museum and viewed models of Japanese architecture and changes after the Edo period (Japan opened up to trade and ideas in 1868). Next, we went to a Buddhist shrine where you put in coins, shook a big shaker, pulled out a drawer, and got your fortune. If you did not like your fortune, you left it there. There was an enormous open-air market, where incense swirled out of one spot and beautiful gates marked entryways.
Today most of the group went to the fish market early in the morning. Others walked around the neighborhood or slept a bit. We spent the morning talking with a Japanese principal and a teacher. They work until eleven p.m. at night! It was a great discussion, and they had some questions for us, as well. This afternoon we braved crazy-hot weather and dripped our way through the beautiful and stately Imperial Garden, hosted by a former Head Gardener. He spoke of having drinks and playing tennis with the Emperor.
And now, thanks to Allison, many of us are off to a baseball game! All are safe and well.
We have been having a great time and I apologize for my inability to blog yesterday - we were very busy celebrating Amy's birthday into the night, singing karaoke. The birthday girl was quite enthusiastic! Joy, Mary, Agnes, Emily - both Emilys (I am one of them), and even some shyer folks - Gemma and Peter - sang. Tim treated us to Japanese lyrics (he is one of our guides). The birthday girl was quite enthusiastic. Kates and Beth and Steve (I may have left someone out (the room was stuffed - so sorry -sumimasen) joined us later for a few minutes, too. In Japanese karaoke, everyone sits around and looks at a screen, the walls have lit images, people choose songs, and eat and drinks, and you are your own audience. Very much fun.
Earlier in the day, we visited Edo Tokyo Museum and viewed models of Japanese architecture and changes after the Edo period (Japan opened up to trade and ideas in 1868). Next, we went to a Buddhist shrine where you put in coins, shook a big shaker, pulled out a drawer, and got your fortune. If you did not like your fortune, you left it there. There was an enormous open-air market, where incense swirled out of one spot and beautiful gates marked entryways.
Today most of the group went to the fish market early in the morning. Others walked around the neighborhood or slept a bit. We spent the morning talking with a Japanese principal and a teacher. They work until eleven p.m. at night! It was a great discussion, and they had some questions for us, as well. This afternoon we braved crazy-hot weather and dripped our way through the beautiful and stately Imperial Garden, hosted by a former Head Gardener. He spoke of having drinks and playing tennis with the Emperor.
And now, thanks to Allison, many of us are off to a baseball game! All are safe and well.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Teachers in Tokyo
Konbanwa! Good evening. Please excuse any typos as I have been awake for what seems to be several days and several ghastly plane meals. Thank goodness for the wide selection of films. All members of the group are doing well and we are settled into our rooms in our hotel, which is reminiscent of the seventies, for those of us who were around then. There are some cultural differences, of course, and I did discover a box in our closet that looked like it might be the safe and I did pull down some buttons that seemed to cause a doorbell to ring. My roommate kept insisting that the porter was at our door with the luggage but I was sure that there was a bell in the closet. The porter seemed baffled when I asked him about the contraption in the closet. Hmmm.
Many of the group chose to stroll around our neighborhood, eat some sushi, and take in the lights. Others konked out. Oyasumi nasai - Good night!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Welcome to Boston2Japan 2009!
Hello, Travelers and Other Readers!
We depart for Japan in five days and so according to our Fearless Leader, or one of them, Peter Gilmartin, we are nearly almost packed. I am far too intellectual for that, as I am busy reading three books, deciphering all materials about Japan, reviewing how to be a respectful tourist, and deciding how much I will odorize, to use a euphemism (which may not be an actual word). This is important to know, as I need to decide how many shirts to pack. So far I understand that women should look neat and covered (less Britney Spears more Michelle Obama), that traditional bathrooms are a bit different from ours, that contemporary bathrooms require restraint (don't touch the buttons!), and that we are off for a glorious adventure. My favorite note from somewhere in our literature said something like "different, yes, wrong, no." Now if only we could figure that out within the United States!
Please give the url to your people if you would like them to read about your time in Japan. I will be happy to include notes or other information. We are all one group, and so the blog is really our blog. In Japan, I believe that the culture is more focused on the group than the individual. With that in mind, please feel free to consider this a place where we can all feel welcome to share our ideas. Please feel free to email me at eminjapan@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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