In all seriousness…
19 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
in Craig/クレイグ
I was just going back through my posts and realized that the guy writing is always joking. What’s wrong with that guy!? Anyway, this is important, so listen up!
The Japan experience was one I will never forget. I have met people who are now friends, and am already in contact with amazing people that I never would have otherwise had the pleasure to be around. The people of Japan are amazing, funny, kind, generous, caring, and have my devout respect. I wanted to see Japan for all of the differences, all of the similarities, and to see how another culture went about it’s daily business. What I found was that the people are the culture. You could never go to Japan as a tourist, look around, and understand how it all works. You have to know the people, talk with them, see what it is that concerns them, motivates them, and drives them. I tend to be an entertainer, and I sincerely hope that I gave the people I came into contact with in Japan as much joy as they gave me. I act goofy, I joke around, but I care. The Japanese left me with so many positive feelings, I can only hope that I left them with the same.
Thank you so very much Japan. Thank you so very much Rotary. My life will never be the same, and hopefully, everyone that hosted our team has felt that change as well.
And now back to our regularly scheduled program….
Fashion dogs have fashion!
Enter the Kentaro!
19 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
in Craig/クレイグ
This was a great picture that I have to throw out there.. In Japan, when you are drunk, you have to take off your tie, and wrap it around your head. Doing so means that you don’t need any more to drink, since you already have a tie around your head.
This is me with my Host brother Kentaro Ozawa.
When in Japan...
Toe Socks. TOE(s). Toes socks?
17 Nov 2010 1 Comment
in Craig/クレイグ
I wore these in Japan because they were stylish and comfy. If I find them in the US. I will wear them there as well. Why? Because I am a grown man who can make decisions!! And anyone that doesn’t like my toe socks, is not cool. NOT COOL!
Back in the U.S. (S.R.)
17 Nov 2010 2 Comments
in Craig/クレイグ
So we made it back! I am tired. I am compiling photos and stories, and will continue to post some things as I have time. I had a fantastic time, and want to thank my host families, The Tanabes, The Ozawas, The Tamakis, and Ko-sama. You all made the trip a memory I will never forget.
I would also like to thank the team. You are all awesome. It’s not easy to be stuck with people, especially me, for a whole month with very few breaks. We did it. We have seen Japan, and life will never be the same.
More to come…..
JU-BI-LO~!
07 Nov 2010 3 Comments
in Craig/クレイグ
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Long time, no type! But as usual, short on time, so I’m going to burn through this! We went to a soccer game to see Team Jubilo take on the team that was wearing orange. Jubilo gave up a 1-0 advantage, and then in additional time (It’s a soccer rule, I have no idea what makes giving the team more time to try and score acceptable) they managed to tie the game and it ended 1-1. The crowd was thrown into a frenzy that they would not recover from f0r at least 2 minutes!
We went to Mos Burger! Was it good!? They served us burgers, they had fries, the soda was fizzy! That’s all I’m saying about that!
We saw a cancer treatment hospital the other day. It was truly amazing. They had a proton accelerator that would fire protons through the human body and only blow up the cells they targeted. Sounds like sci-fi! Looked like sci-fi, we went behind the white door, and there was literally a room sized device that they could turn around. While we stood there, they did. It was akin to watching a robot get ready to step on you. I have never felt so insignificant.
I met a real geisha the other night! We were at a karaoke bar, and she was there, chastizing me for singing english songs. Then she starts singing Celine Dion. It hit me, I’m watching a geisha sing Celine Dion. My inner child was crying.
Just before the karaoke, my host family, The Tamakis, took me to a very nice restaurant with their veterinarian friend, Mr. Nagatomo, Japan’s premiere Korean singer! We had a few jumbo crabs, a bunch of tempura, a modest and completely acceptable amount of sake, and 2 live squid. I know they were alive, because I could watch their spots undulate, and they moved when I poked ‘em! I was afraid we’d have to eat the live critters, but no, they took them off the table, and brought them back in chunks a few minutes later. I kind of like meeting my food before I eat it. We formed a bond, then I ate.. it’s cheek? I’m not sure what you’d call it on a squid. But he tasted just like I figured he would when we were talking.
I had to leave the Tamaki home yesterday. I was sad to go. They are very nice people, and Mrs. Tamaki made me some really cool breakfast dishes. Nori and egg pizza? Yes we can! Eggs on a plate of bacon? Yes we can! Garlic bread, cheese toast, AND buttered toast? Yes we can! Plus Orange juice, milk, and tea every morning. It was like breakfast in the commercials! I’m just bummed that my nose was all stuffy the majority of the time I was there.
Japanese difference bulletin: Every store seems to have more employees. And every one of those employees is pretty likely to stop and greet you when you enter, and greet you when you exit. In bigger stores, this simply can’t happen, but in smaller shops, almost every time.
Japanese point of construction: 2 days ago I saw my first Japanese screws. It was a conscious choice I believe, but otherwise, it is nearly impossible to find a single nail or screw on the inside, or even outside of Japanese buildings. It is rather impressive.
GSE Day 16
01 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
in Gerald/ジェラルド
GSE Day 16
Having met my host and hostess, Yamaoka san and Setsuko, yesterday, I knew things would go well with them. The Team is not so sure. I think a major part of the problem relates to the start of our third week - this is a long time to be away from family and involved in such a busy schedule for anyone. I’ve been told to be prepared for the third week let-down; I think it is coming on schedule. My Team will do well, but it isn’t easy.
We all met at the Hotel Toyoko. Our luggage was taken by the respective host families. I went off with Yamaoka san who was our driver for the day, along with Hiro whose role in Rotary I never did learn. So, in two cars with two drivers in caravan, we went to the Genbeigawa, an area in Mishima City park where there is a large lava deposit from on old eruption of Mt. Fuji. Several springs arise in this area,
fill a series of ponds with very clear
water and drain into a small river, Genbe-Gawa. The river became polluted and the citizens decided to clean it up. There is a beautiful stone path in the river,
which does not get higher with heavy rain as it is fed by springs not rain fall. There is even a little pumping station with dolls that pump
and a place to drink, called Megumi-no-Ko - the name of the dolls also.
Then into the Rakujuen Park
to see some Chrysanthemums and the gardens and the animals in a small zoo that includes a Lesser (red) Panda, and a famous monkey that bit 200 people before being caught and placed in the zoo.
Mini castle reproduction in the garden. The roof tiles are covered with chrysanthemums not yet blooming.
Lunch was at a very pleasant simple place. I had a delicious fried rice dish with miso and vegetables on the side. Then to the Tokushu Paper company - our translator, Sari Tsutsumi was not quite up to the technical aspects of the paper, but was excellent with the usual conversation. We were shown a beautiful glass building, including the steps, which has a frame work of pipes, much like the Pompidoux Museum in Paris which was designed by the same architect, except this is pretty and that isn’t- to my eye. The museum of the paper company showed us many interesting things - paper that is used to cover a message on a post card, which can not be reattached if someone tries to remove it, and some printed things that get bonded to ceramics for patterns, special florescent papers for protection against counterfeiting, water repellent paper and water absorbing paper that stays dry to the touch after taking in an incredible amount of water - diaper paper. Very interesting.
Then off to the Mall - huge and comprehensive. We were treated to coffee at a Tully’s; I had a Mocha. I got to see my first electronics department - three floors of computers, cameras, TVs, appliances and accessories. Prices are high by our standards for items that I know the price of at home. The Canon S95 is about $400 home and $500 here, with similar premiums on almost everything.
Back to the hotel, Mishima Plaza to meet the host families. Nervously, everyone went off and I went home with Yamaoka san. He owns and runs a small parking garage near the train station and lives next to it. The place shakes when the Shikensen goes by; I’ll use ear plugs tonight, but I suspect I’ll get used to it soon. I was given their son’s room as he is studying at the University in Tokyo. They have a lovely place - a large living room, kitchen and Busedon room - all interconnected but separated by screens. They light the incense for Grandma every day, but also go to a Christian church on Sundays. Comfortable kitchen with a large central island with sink and range top. There are six clocks in the room; Yamaoka san says there are four more in the house, but two are in the bath and one in my room, not counting telephones and watches.
Setsuko made a simple dinner consisting of potato and sauce, egg plant in sauce, miso with rice, and an intriguing egg dish. We were joined by Takahara san, who helps with English, although both Yamaoka san and Setsuko do very well. He runs a metal recycling business in Mishima and Hamamatsu, but lives nearby. His wife is in the hospital, but he didn’t say why - just that she is doing OK. Of course, I had a beer and a small cup of sake - served to me in a 250 year old, Edo period, cup that is normally used for Soba.
They have an older computer with Ethernet, which seems to work with my machine just fine. I was able to speak to Jerrie this morning on her iPad, but the reception wasn’t perfect - she’ll be home in a couple of days.
GSE Day 15
31 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in Gerald/ジェラルド
GSE Day 15
A free day, but we were offered a tour and Craig, Bri, Windy and I went for it. Jillian is off to see Mai, our interpreter for the first week in Shizuoka, which is 25 minutes away on the Shikensen.
We were set to meet Takahara san at 1, but he called me at 10 and told me that the timing is changed and we should be ready at 11. I called the others, but Bri was in her bath and didn’t answer, although we didn’t know she was in her room. So we left, with Yamaoka san driving, at 11, returned for Bri when Takahara san reached her on his cell phone. We went to the Sano Art Museum, which was having a special exhibit of the work of a single weaver who made costumes for Noh. His weaving is incredibly rich and beautiful. Pictures can be seen at www.sanobi.or.jp. Even without English, the fabric was amazing. I guess we missed some of the meaning of the patterns. Loved it.
Yamaoka sans car is a Toyota SUV with the seat in the second row is a specially constructed wheelchair. I guess it lifts in and out. It looks like the other seats - upholstery is the same, but it has foot rests and wheels. For Grandma. He and his wife are my hosts for the week.
We went to a pizza place for lunch - pizza with small fish topping, or mushrooms or one they called lasagna, with mozzarella cheese and ham toppings - very pleasant.
Then to the aquarium for a dolphin show - I’ve never seen dolphins lift a swimmer as he stood on their noses and they tossed him high, twice. Fantastic. We went through the exhibits and it was time for the sea lion program. One was a head bumper,
which Jerrie would have loved. Two of them blew bubbles in synchrony.
Then the walrus which we were told weighed in at 400 kilograms, about 900 pounds, or maybe he was just a monster sea lion who stood at least seven feet tall and could climb over a high glass wall that held the water in, but not him.
We got to pet a dolphin before we read the sign that said that touching the dolphins was not allowed. By then it was getting late and it had been overcast for the whole day.
I had asked to see the castle in Mishima. They took us to the castle in Odawara - a place established in the mid 15th century but was used by Okubo Tadayo, a Tokugawa supporter. It is about 20 miles north of Mishima and over a mountain on the Tokaida Road. The Castle is a restoration
as the original had been rebuilt several times and dismantled in 1870 before being restored in 1960
through 2009.
Interesting exhibits inside and a wonderful building.
Then back to Mishima and dinner over a meat shop. The best Shabu Shabu for the six of us, joined by Yamaoka san’s son and wife. The meal was superb and we finished with a rice and egg dish made by Yamaoka san, using the broth in which the meat and vegetables had been cooked, carefully skimmed of fat by his wife before cooking the mixture in the shape of a crescent moon
- delightful.
I will enjoy this week with these folks.
Then to the hotel, some chatting with the Team. Jillian texted that she is catching a train back about 10.
9547 steps today, but 3700 were on my solo walk in the morning around the train station. It costs 140 yen to go through the station each way and I was merely out for exercise. I wanted to see how far it really was.
GSE Day 14
30 Oct 2010 1 Comment
in Gerald/ジェラルド
Very unexciting day, although the weather tried.
We left Yamanashi and drove to Mishima, about two hours. Rain, not so cold. Lunch and a greeting by the District Governor, Ikeda san. To the hotel, tired, by 1 PM. They won’t check us in until 3. Off for shopping at a local mall. Back at 3 and into room. Weather blustery and wet. The Team walked to a nearby 7 11 for bento for dinner as we didn’t want to chance the weather at dinnertime, which was when Chaga, the typhoon was supposed to be at its worst.
Then rest for a bit and dinner and an evening of talk. I got my big toenails painted black by Windy. Then to sleep about 10.
Art, more art, and bowling.
29 Oct 2010 3 Comments
in Craig/クレイグ
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We went to the Yamanashi prefecture Art museum today and saw Millet paintings. It was good! I have to believe that Millet knew his way around a paintbrush. We also went bowling, and in the second game I scored a 144. Not bad for not having rolled a ball for a year or so.
Today was filled with delicious foods, bowling, a big waterfall, a gondola ride to a magnificent view, and Jerry taking the bullet for us all and consuming the required beer and sake at the Rotary meeting. I took baby sips because I was quite done with alcohol after karaoke last night.
I bought a can of Ultraman soda from a vending machine.. it was meh. I also wore my toe socks. They were very comfortable. It felt like I had micro howler monkeys hugging on my tootsies all day. I also found a variety bag of HaiChyuu. HaiChyuu is delicious. It’s basically starburst that holds its form longer and is imbued with magically tangy flavor. If you ever find it, buy some, and you will certainly taste it. If you choose to eat it, that is.
The Ozawa family gave me a parting gift, a fabulous DVD of pictures set to Metallica’s Enter Sandman. I have already watched it, and it is very cool. It shows everything from family dinner to the Karaoke rock out.
Tomorrow we move on to Mishima, and it will be sad. I haven’t got to spend as much time with the Ozawas as I did with the Tanabes, because we had later days. I am still very fond of them however, and I will be keeping in touch.
After today, the blog will once again be mired in uncertainty, since I don:t know if internet access will be available to me. So… stay tuned! But don’t hold your breath. (as you will only have a few minutes until you black out.)
Today’s activities!
28 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in Craig/クレイグ
Today I went to the cable TV company of my host family to start the day. They have a very nice ISP/cable company setup that is cleaner and more organized than most American companies I have seen. (Actually all of them.) I then went to the police station and learned that crimals in Japan just have to suffer, as opposed to American criminals that are coddled. Very cool.
I ate Italian food today. It was basically green beans and pesto in a cream sauce with bacon and spaghetti. It was choice. I also ate Omigiyaki? which was more or less Japanese fish pizza. It was tasty as well. This all happened during the Sakezoic period, and I left feeling dizzy and ready to sing karaoke with Kentaro, Kazuya, the wife, the kids, Windy, Jerry, and a mic. I sang foolishly, and it was good.
Now for some crazy funk pictures..
I’m sure if you look hard enough, you’ll notice something a little creepy here. In the US it would be creepy anyway. In Japan it’s merely certified awesome. TM.We went shoppping tonight, Jerry and I… and I bought my boy a model, and myself… well, I’m now the proud owner of 2 pairs of toe socks. That’s right suckas. In the US I could never wear such a thing, but in the good ole Japan, they are A-OK. So I have toe socks. Anyone that thinks that is lame, is fat and dumb. Period!
Another thing about Japan is that copyright rules seem to be less effective than that of rules in the US. For example: Disney is a big deal in the US, and you don’t mess with the master mouse. But here in Japan, I have found conclusive evidence that states that perhaps copyrights aren’t such a big deal to everyone. I will be having nightmares about this for many weeks. It’s like robot Disney and a bad case of the chills combined to sap my will to live. I really couldn’t be less horrified than I was when I saw this. What could fix this atrocity?
I guess karaoke, because between our dinner of Omagiyaki (I think that’s right) and a few containers of sake, I forgot all about Mitzelplik Disney. Karaoke was fun, with Kentaro’s little ones singing High School Musical, and me screeching some crazy metal and 80′s rock made the night a complete success.
I have grown weary of typing and must retire. But all ye who enter here be warned…
That’s it. It’s an empty threat. But be afraid, because I can sing metal, and I will point it at you if the need arises!
Pictures are being mega-stupid. I give up for the night. Maybe tomorrow, this taxes me.
(fixed?)
