Okay, just to let you all know the title does not refer to me leaving home to become a Pokémon master (anyone catch that? lol). It is actually signals the start of my journey to Osaka and Kyoto. Enjoy!
22:41 - Just to catch you up with my day (Tuesday to America's Monday) - at about 11:00 I arrived at Narita Airport (happy to be back in a familiar place), around 12/12:30 I made it back near our school Kanda University and took care to write/send 10 postcards [葉書｜はがき]/2 letters [手紙｜てがみ], withdraw some money from the post office (the safest and surest place to do so), and use some of said money to extend my commuter pass three more months (we don't even really have this much time left . . . weird). Talk about accomplishment!
After all that I went back to my dorm in Baraki Nakayama to prepare for Osaka and Kyoto. I had a pleasant conversation with my boyfriend Don who was very sleep drunk (lol), posted my Seoul pictures to Facebook (thus removing the veil of secrecy I had put over my whereabouts for the past few days), and caught up with friends and family. Making sure to leave at a reasonable time, Ms. Pigit, Dimplez (my bear), and I are now headed towards Shinjuku where we will catch the NIGHT BUS!!!! The night bus is a nifty little service that allows you to travel overnight to get you where you need to be early in the morning. Funny thing is, where I need to be doesn't exactly allow me to check-in until 15:00 (maybe they'll be nice and let me in at 14:00?).
But I digress.
I got the relax seat option for the style of bus I would be riding on which looks nice in the picture so I'm hoping for a relatively long rest, at least after I post my Seoul blogs. Despite much confusion in choosing the correct route to Shinjuku I realized that the destination was not the problem (all roads lead to Shinjuku . . . okay not all of them, lol) but the route itself posed a problem. The awesomely helpful website we students use here to track trains/routes often gives many options, labeling them according to 1) ease of use, 2) cost and 3) speed. I happened to decide on the one that was the best of all three criteria (to Kyri's dismay because she did not see that route when she made for Osaka last week). Well my stop is coming so I better go!
22:53 - Don't you just love getting turned around? Well I don't. But thank goodness Shinjuku is rife with maps and tourist information sites along the sidewalks. I finally found my departure area - the Sumitomo Building - checked in at the Willer Express desk and got on my bus. I must say that all of the staff was very helpful, very enthusiastic, and consistently remained on their toes so as to best serve us riders. A+ Japan transport company!
Just as the picture showed, the seats are definitely the relax seats. Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine a seat with decent reclining ability that fits your body from head to toe. A well cushioned seat, it also has a light source, air conditioning vent and seat head cover (think the protective visor on baby car seats) for each individual. They do appear to be sort of tight but everything works out in the end for everyone's enjoyment. While I haven't been the most forward-thinking person by putting my stupid backpack in the area above us, I made sure as not to obstruct the reclinability of the person in front of me. I'm not really tired right now so I think I'll switch over to journaling (even though the buses main lights just went off . . .). じゃまた！
10:30 - Finally out and about on my way to visit Itaewon which is pretty much a shopping and international area in Seoul (though if you look it up there will be mention of a red-light district). Depending on what I see (and hopefully the bit of money I almost forgot to bring today isn't being funny) I may not be there for very long because the main events for today involve Banpo Bridge (a Guinness World Record holder as the largest bridge fountain) and N Seoul Tower which sits atop Namsan Park and has a beautiful view of the surrounding areas. This part of my journey requires a bit of train hopping which is fine, I'm used to it and its cheap so no big deal. It's a bit of a rainy day today but I try my best to stay prepared for these things so as a result I do have my umbrella ready and waiting. So far I haven't been hit and I'm hoping that it is done for at least the time I'm outside (40% chance of rain? I ain't scared of you!).
12:16 - Just left Itaewon (which is basically a bevy of shops on shops on shops and food) and a place that is supposed to be the only mosque in Seoul - the Seoul Central Masjid - having committed a very huge indiscretion. I have learned in the past that if you are to ever enter the area of a mosque there is a strict dress code you must adhere to. Given the fact that 1) I planned on going to an amusement part later and 2) I sincerely didn't think I would find this mosque, I realized my mistake all too late. The guard came up to me and said a lot of things in broken English (most of which I just couldn't pay attention to but he was basically telling me the error of my ways combined with some mild gesticulation) and when I realized what I'd done I poured out a million apologies and promptly left the area. I am beyond mortified at my complete absentmindedness at this point and only hope that the guy took my apology seriously. #firstworldtrouble-maker
12:42 - So I missed the 12:30 fountain display at Banpo Bridge, I think it would be smart to move on to Namsan and N Seoul Tower so as to maximize the use of my time. I can always swing back around for the 15:00 show and get to Lotte World at a perfect time (there's an "after 4" discount!). If you haven't noticed by now the way I've been talking about money, I should let you know that I am officially almost broke (well in South Korean won that is). My goal was to survive three days of traveling and eating and being a goofy tourist on $200. After yesterday's souvenir fiasco I am very near the end of my funds. I could go to the many Citibank branches around Gangnam and get more money but I don't really need to because 1) I have enough to do the things that are left on my itinerary and 2) I don't think I told my bank/credit card folks that I'd be in Korea too so they would red flag me in a heartbeat. Needless to say, as long as I have enough to get to the airport I'm perfectly fine. And the way my Seoul Citypass+ (transit card) is looking I have plenty left over for that. I've also got food in my room so I am pretty much set all around.
15:04 - Didn't make it to Banpo (eh, no big deal) but I was absolutely blown away by the views from N Seoul Tower (and the wind almost). Photographers would have a field day here due to how clear it is on a nice day and I'm sure you can get the best panoramic views at the top of the tower. I wandered around the Myeong-dong area (a MAJOR shopping center which I don't have time for but highly recommend to all future travelers to Seoul) and found some information guide peoples with maps readily available. They pointed me in the right direction (thankfully because I was being drawn in by all the merchandise).
I caught the free shuttle up to the cable car station (my first time in a vehicle here), and bought a ticket for the cable car ride which was only 8,000 won for a round trip. The cable car ride itself was only about 2-3 minutes - where the start of the fascinating views began. I didn't actually plan on walking through Namsan Park so I stayed up by the tower to take advantage of my "pro" camera.
As I was walking around I happened upon a peculiar sight - mountains of locks affixed to the little gates bordering the upper observation decks and to some artificial trees on the lower one. I found out that these are "love locks" for people to show their feelings for/with their significant other. Since mine is currently doing his thing in Chicago, I decided after reading one pretty heart-wrenching tag to buy one of my own.
The gift shop was a bit pricey and while in there I hadn't truly set my mind to buying a lock just yet but eventually I found one within my price range. While the lock itself is merely a symbol of my love it stands to reason that I love him [more than] enough to make such a gesture (it's actually quite similar to something that is done in France so as you can see I am a hopeless romantic at heart).
Ms. Pigit approves.
I got pretty teary-eyed writing my message and seeing couples taking pictures together or with each other in that cute little way couples have, wishing that I could be with my boyfriend right at that moment. I spent the majority of my life without anyone special just for me and this place really emphasized how much I miss him. Nevertheless, I ended up taking pictures of myself and Ms. Pigit and am now moving on to . . . LOTTE WORLD! See you later!!!
15:51 - Had a pleasant little walk from Namsan Cable Car Station down to the train. There was a nice meandering path leading from the side of NCCS to the train and I passed by some small shops/restaurants along the way. It's very scenic during the day in nice weather especially the area right before the stairs down to the train but I think I'd pass walking alone at night (might get lost even if your body simply works with the gravity that is forcing you to walk down). Just thought I'd comment on that.
17:48 - Lotte World, what can I say about Lotte World? It is essentially a child-oriented underground theme park with all the same accoutrement of Six Flags minus a ton of roller coasters. There's the delightfully over-priced food and souvenirs, the diverting arcade games, the hilariously animated characters running around (I asked one of the dancing pirate girls who clearly wasn't Korean where she was from and apparently she and the other non-Koreans hail from Ukraine and Russia [summer job much?]), and a relatively decent park size (includes all the million and one shops attached to the main amusement area). The one thing it has that Six Flags doesn't is a pretty cool ice rink. I've only been on one ride since I've gotten here (think Roaring Rapids [white water raft ride] at Six Flags) because most of the rides are geared towards kids.
There was a lady and her two sons behind me in line for that ride who did not understand the concept of personal space, taking pictures all over me and bumping into me excessively. The guy in front of me with his girlfriend got bumped by one of the kids and we made eye contact - I think we had a moment of common understanding then.
As of right now I'm in line for the sole roller coaster I've seen in the joint - Pharaoh's Fury. It looks promising, has the appropriate loops and turns. Plus it's underground so this should be good. There's a couple behind me eating some food very obnoxiously. I've gotten used to the whole liquid-based food slurping to the point where I don't even notice it but this is just plain excruciating. But I promise not to hurt them, it's not that serious.
-----------------
I get up to the ride and see people holding their bags ON the ride, just like on that first ride I went on. It is my assumption that the park does not assume any responsibility for people's possessions by not offering a place for them to put anything at/near the ride. Nice that there's no liability for the park, but it probably sucks if you are a careless individual.
18:41 - Rather disappointing ride. The ride was less roller coaster and more tame action/thrill ride with one fun dip in it (which I completely enjoyed). At the end of the day it's one of those places you definitely have to visit with friends. It's a really cute and endearing place nonetheless.
-------------------
I have been thoroughly duped. By my own self. I forgot there was a whole other section of park (Magic Island) that is outdoors and devoted to us big kids. I mistook the track that I saw inside as part of a really exciting roller coaster when it was really a part of the monorail that leads to the outside (see how quickly my opinion of the place changes? lol). Outside, there is the one real roller coaster (that I don't have time to ride) that looks spectacular, two baby giant drops (one is a straight drop while the other bungee jumps the riders), and a gyro swing (like that super awesome Revolution ride at Six Flags). I should have started here but unfortunately I don't have the time to do anything because I have an early flight so that's going to be a no.
Sad face. :(
I can't even imagine how these young folks would feel going to an American theme park (the way they are eagerly lined up) because, not to be biased, but a lot of ours are pretty freaking sweet. Next stop . . . COEX Mall!
19:39 - So this part of the journey was actually supposed to happen this past Saturday but you all know what happened that day #lateness #strugglebus. I finally arrived at COEX Mall and after a desperate run into Dunkin Donuts to satiate my starving body and an orange Fanta to wash them down (not the best combo but oh well), I continued to make my way through the area. Out of nowhere two Korean Jehovah's Witness ladies stopped me. The main speaker apologized for her "bad" English then proceeded to give me two magazines about their religion and the need to stop domestic violence. Needless to say, while I won't keep them I appreciate the fact that she tried talking to me (despite the proselytizing nature of the conversation).
Right now I'm sitting in front of Todai (woo! Woodfield Mall!) and I remember the first time I ever went to one. It was for a food project I did in my high school freshman year Japanese class. We just had to visit a place that served Japanese food and write a short paper on it. Ah, the good ol' days. So far COEX seems pretty awesome. It has a variety of stores to explore and buy from (if you have the money, lol). I'd definitely come back if I had time so I could visit the mall's aquarium and theaters (movie and live, cool right?!?!). Oh well, next time!
20:34 - And with that, my last day is finally finished. Despite the downs and because of the ups I must say that this short trip was well worth taking. Gangnam may be a hilly son-of-a-gun but it was an amazing place to stay. If I had it any other way I'd want more time to visit places at a leisurely pace (and redo parts of day one) but aside from that I am a happy camper. I'll still never get used to motor bikes riding on sidewalks all over the place but I did get used to (if only in passing) life in Seoul. Also, even though it only fulfills half of the statement, I believe I can let this let this moment stand for the completion of #13 (Visit Ah Ra [a former college roommate] in Korea) on my Japan Bucket List! With this chapter done and thoroughly enjoyed, I will begin anew in . . . OSAKA AND KYOTO!!! Tune into the next posts to follow my silliness there! じゃまた！
10:34 - On my way to some major cultural sites today! I'm really excited because after double checking my train schedules (which I'm not actually following) and my maps (which I desperately needed) I feel much more confident about today's excursion. My first mishap of the day: exiting a free transfer point. Luckily I only lost $1.05, hehe. I love that simple public transport is so inexpensive here!
NON SEQUITUR: Quick recap of last night. When I had finally fed myself I went out for a night on the town. This was my first time going out for adult fun in a foreign country so please excuse my giddiness. I walked around the areas closest to Gangnam Station because that's where the clubs are concentrated. I looked for some insight into the best ones and had hoped to visit the famed Noise Basement but couldn't find it (whomp whomp). So I went for one of the next best - Club Mass. They were having a special DJ presentation so I paid 20,000 won (don't worry that's only $20). They of course asked for ID to make sure I was of age but what bothered me a bit was the fact that the guys seemed a tad unfriendly - but not just to me. In general they were really detached with everyone and I'm used to at least getting a smile.
Anyways, I made my way into the club which had a decent layout, poles everywhere, and the usual relatively expensive drinks. Funny thing was the young folks didn't really dance in couples like I'm used to. It was more like a big group dance, everyone facing the DJ with only a few people really feeling the music. I danced like I usually do and many people reacted to me in a number of ways - surprise, admiration, and in some cases apathetic dislike (it makes sense trust me). I left about midnight because I was getting bored, but not until after I got my free drink (which the club so kindly offered - hey we paid $20 to get in so this was a pretty good deal).
It was a tasty lemon drop shot (something I've never tasted). On my way back to the hotel (whose staff welcomed me with genuine smiles upon my initial entry) I decided to replace my lotion and procure my breakfast. After a whole month of getting pleasant greetings everywhere I went in Japan I was surprised at the lack of welcome I felt at the two convenience stores I visited. So I quickly gathered my things and went back for a nice shower. Overall Gangnam reminds me of New York - great nightlife atmosphere, lots of food and lights and garbage and drunk foreigners for the better part of the day. Good fun to be had by all.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program.
Pictured to the right is my new travel companion Ms. Pigit. She will act as my guide and cultural savant from here on out. Ms. Pigit is a Gangnam native who loves to shop and is rather photogenic. She's none too shy and loves to share her knowledge with all who will listen. Isn't she adorable?
13:37 - Upon re-researching all of the places I wanted to visit today I came to the happy realization that nearly everything is well within walking distance of each other (about 5-10 minutes at the most). After arriving at Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station I headed to Jongmyo Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and I got a tour which was really nice and was only $1. I learned a great many things about some of the early history of Korea that I'd never heard and things that are central to this place. For instance, from the entrance and throughout parts of the shrine there is a tiered walkway with the center tier marked off as a place people cannot walk on because it is for the spirits of the royals to walk on (the shrine is dedicated to them). Also, there are two ponds with a circular island in the center that represents the Earth and the square that surrounds it represents the universe. This is a Confucian value, so the guide told us (I forgot the rest). The pond we looked at had a 150 year old Juniper tree in the middle with an emphasis that no living things were present. The place was rather amazing in terms of photographic gold, not that I'm a good enough photographer but I try.
I am currently at a Unhyeongung Mansion, a former residence of a very important person, doing a self-tour that only cost me 30 cents and it is beautiful! I can't even imagine living in such an open air residence. Before I got too deep into the area an older woman walked up to me and asked where I am from. I told her and then she basically invited me to a traditional Korean wedding at 14:00. I had been wondering why people were so dressed up today. She said "I hope you will enjoy it!" I hope so too because I fear that people will look at me funny for being under dressed AND foreign. Here goes nothing!
14:20 - Despite the fact that I cannot understand a word of what is being said what I can comment on is the ceremony and the ritualistic nature of the wedding. I feel like it has their religion embedded deeply within the rites, the bride's dress is really colorful and bright and the groom's outfit is of a more dark and stoic nature. No one seems to have a problem with my being here, besides I'm not the only person who technically isn't supposed to be here. Plenty of people have come and gone in the hopes of witnessing this lovely event. In fact, a man started a brief conversation with me about the ceremony. The officiant is a nice older man with a rather sweet chanting voice and I think the lady MC is narrating the things he is saying (or just adding commentary). Two ladies act as assistants to the couple and like all weddings the hired paparazzi are swarming all over the couple. Each of their parents sit on the side of the bride and the groom respectively. Every now and then everyone starts laughing which shows that this isn't meant to be a solemn event but it definitely is special. The bride had her hands in her sleeves for the majority of the event and only took them down from in front of her face to perform the rites. Towards the end she takes them down again to hug each of the mothers after they salute the parents by bowing. I wish them all the best and thank that one family member for inviting me. Never would have seen that in my lifetime.
17:36 - I went through a bit of the Bukchon Hanok Village, a place where original home architecture can be found, bought too many souvenirs between there and Insadong - a major black hole for tourists' money - visited the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple where the people in the information building were hilariously messing with me in Japanese (they had me sign their guest book which was already full of business people and old folks) and finally made it to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This place's grounds were beyond enormous. There was gate after gate and so many entrances and gardens and side buildings I thought I'd get lost. I think I was only there for about an hour and forty-five minutes but it felt like forever. And it was SO beautiful. I was getting disappointed because I couldn't find this building on water but then I got lucky and took a ton of selfies and pictures with Ms. Pigit. This is my favorite kind of history lesson even if it is laden with tragedy it is still amazing. Three more buildings, a shopping district, and then I am done! My dogs (feet) are crying as we speak.
19:23 - Made it to Dongdaemun, some purportedly awesome shopping area, but barely walked around anywhere because my feet were ready to die. I saw most of it but didn't care at that point because I was tired. I did buy a bunch of gifts for the girls back home, can't wait to give them away because they are all pretty. Interestingly, I thought I could make some sense of the sign I saw because it said 5 *something KOREAN KOREAN* 1,000 won which I took to mean 5 for 1,000 won. The street vendor told me 7,000 total (not too shabby) which I paid so I don't know if I got jipped or if I just made a dumb assumption. Either way 7 gifts for $1 each really isn't bad - but don't mistake that to mean they aren't of nice quality!
Anyways, after a long day I will say that I am satisfied and happy that everything worked out today (even it if wasn't in any particular order that I happened to painstakingly fashion) and tomorrow will be a freaking blast! I will admit that there are brief instances when I want to run away back to Japan because I'm frustrated but I don't let that small part of me ruin this already minuscule experience. There probably won't ever be a reason for me to visit Seoul again and I am determined to make the best of my time here. Now off to my room for the second half of my sandwich (from my lunch with yummy kiwi juice earlier) and some much needed rest. じゃまた！
This is the start of a really interesting nine days. Each of the next nine blog posts will read much like a disjointed stream of conscious (past and present that is transferred from my phone's notepad) so please bear with me. I am really looking forward to this break and I hope you enjoy my madness as well. From here on out Golden Week will be referred to as GW in the title. I do use military time so if you don't know it now would be a good time to brush up. And now . . . let the crazy begin!
7:27 - Leave it to me, Miss Anal Retentive, to spend hours typing up a well thought out itinerary only to lolly-gag and nearly miss my train. And believe me I hustled my butt off those last few minutes and made it just in time. Sweaty. And gross. And ready to hurt somebody. But just in time. Even getting on the train at Nishi-Funabashi to get to Kaihinmakuhari (where I would catch the bus to Narita Airport) was a freaking joke. I was the last one onto a super packed train and I didn't want to be rude but I used the Japanese people I've seen board the train in the past as an example and wriggled my way into the train - big backpack, luggage, and all. Of course, with sweat sliding all over me I was none too comfortable. Nevertheless I persevered and now I'm in the Hotel Springs lobby (my departure point) awaiting my chariot to the airport.
10:35 - Stupid move #2: instead of putting my lotion in the sanctioned 3 oz./100 ml size bottle I brought especially for situations like this, I decided that the security people would not mind if I brought a nearly empty 8 oz. bottle of lotion with me . . . WRONG! (laughs hysterically) They double checked my bags to make sure I wasn't bringing any knives with me (as the security woman put it, but seriously?) and then she regrettably told me in reluctant Japanese that she had to throw it away. I sad-faced away from her to rearrange my bags and went in search of my gate. With only 30 minutes left to call my boyfriend before having to board the plane, I hurriedly called him only to get his voice mail several times. I left the usual message of promised safety and after sharing all my love I hung up. But, I thought maybe I should try once more just to be sure and what do you know . . . he picked up! He had just gotten off of work so he couldn't answer. We caught up, talked about sports (GO BULLS!) and bid each other take care. I'm so glad he has been so supportive of me in this because otherwise I would not have gone alone. (Oh yeah, that's the really interesting part about this excursion). He is one of the best people I know (even when he doesn't think so) and I'm happy to have had a moment with him if only in brief. Well I have to go, the plane is about to get under way. See you in 2.5 hours!
17:31 - Got to the airport about 15:10 and putzed around on the computer at the airport internet café trying to 1) get the internet to function and 2) see how to walk to the place I'm staying. Google said it's a three minute walk where everything else said 5-10. Only time will tell (hehe, yes I giggled at this). As I walked through the airport I saw an ice rink. A freaking ice rink in an airport! Pretty interesting if you ask me.
Now that I'm on the train I am so exhausted I feel like I'm going to pass out but aside from that I will say that the scenery is magnificent and I can't wait to explore! There is one intriguing thing I would like to mention. I've noticed an ongoing trend here in Seoul at the train stations. Just before the doors on the train is a solid wall of glass that slides open when the train doors open. I saw a similar concept in Japan except here it was a floor to ceiling glass wall instead of a sliding wall that goes up to my waist. Now this is just my observation but given the history of suicides occurring at train stations in Japan, this leads me to believe that this is the reason for the wall. That being said, a wall that high wouldn't stop anyone from jumping it whereas the ones here in Korea eliminate all such possibilities. Just a quick thought.
~ 19:30 - After frantically walking around Gangnam (Kangnam) like a chicken with its head cut off, getting difficult directions from the Korean woman hanging with three English-speaking dudes, and finding clarity through an American woman who looked like she wanted run away from me at first, I have finally made it to my hotel. But those first two only pointed me in the right direction. It took me playing Pictionary with the Hangul on a train station map and hearing two women speak Japanese (the only recognizable speech I'd heard since the Americans) to get me where I am now. I was taking pictures of the parts of the map I needed when I realized what they were saying. They were headed in the direction that I needed to be in (they kept saying "Go to the Ritz Carlton" to one another which happened to be on my way) so I followed them and when I figured out where I was I made my way to Dormy Inn Seoul Residence.
Now usually I'm not too keen on relying on the pictures on most hotel websites because they can be a bit misleading sometimes. This place was right on the mark. Not only do I have a HD TV, a nice full-size mattress and a desk with LAN cable but I have a microwave, a sizable closet, a large fridge, sink and dishes to wash in it, a stove AND a washing machine. Well worth what I spent to visit during a holiday. When I walked in the room I was slightly floored and after setting my things in their proper place I decided to take the opportunity to savor the moment by taking a picture of me jumping on the bed.
Looks fun right? Well imagine my surprise at having found this . . .
If I feel at all desperate for a taste of home I will definitely take a look.
The only thing I must say that I am a bit sad about is the fact that the main part of my plans have been put aside (I am too tired and it is too late to do what I wanted to). I at least still get to go clubbing though so that's okay. I must give myself a huge pat on the back though because instead of giving up, curling into a ball and rocking back and forth like a traumatized fool I took deep breaths and kept my cool (and read the sign "Keep Calm and Carry On" conveniently placed on the wall of a store by my map). I am very proud of myself for doing this but I know next time I will take better care to have physical maps on me.
Well, now I am going to go get myself some breakfast for the next couple days compliments of your friendly neighborhood 7-11 and prepare myself for dancing my butt off tonight in triumph over adversity. Language barrier . . . you have met your match! じゃまた！
As per the usual, I am behind on some of these but now is the perfect time to update you all on this, my Japan Bucket List. :]
#2: Master the Transportation System
While I'm sure that everyone has their own way of qualifying what "mastery" truly is, this is my version. After about a month (whoa time flies) of being in Japan I think it is acceptable to say that
1) enduring quick, blink-of-the-eye transfers
2) muscling way through crowds
3) being sardine-packed several times a day
4) not being freaked out by the consequences of said sardine-packing (closeness, smells, awkward positioning, etc.)
5) not taking the wrong train (directionally, destination-wise [rapid vs. local], etc.)
counts as a mastery of sorts. Now when I can read a book in Japanese while standing on a crowded train I'll have achieved the highest level of capability. Until then, Game of Thrones it is. ;]
#20 Visit Book-Off
This I have done already so many times it's not even funny. This place literally has everything from CDs, DVDs, video games, books/magazines, sports equipment, figurines (for all the crazy anime fans out there), and more. How many times can you say that you could easily purchase a new/gently used book for about $1? Unless you troll thrift stores I would say not too often. Well let's just put it this way, my carry-on luggage, upon my return to the States, will consist of books, books, and more books because I plan on taking home a whole series of my favorite manga . . . IN JAPANESE! This is a particularly peculiar book with an interesting plot but can look that up on your own time if you like.
These are the other books I bought and plan on reading (of course with the help of my trusty dictionaries). The authors include Tanizaki Jun'ichiro, Natsume Soseki, Yoshimoto Banana and Kirino Natsuo (three other book buys are not pictured here).
I want to emphasize how much of a dream this place is for me because at this juncture I own 12, count 'em 12 books in Japanese for the price of what one book would cost me in America. One. Case and point. Period. Sad right?
#22: Get a Kokeshi Doll
Kokeshi dolls are little hand-carved and painted wooden figures, usually in the likeness of girls, that are covered in a thin coat of wax which I assume protects the wood and the paint. While I was at the Narita Drum Festival I found a nice lively little shop with plenty of customers and even more cool souvenirs such as these. There was a wall of kokeshi dolls, all of them pretty, but I didn't want to spend the cash to get them (and they were rather big so getting them home would be a slight issue ... that is until I realized that they accepted my credit card, but I still didn't buy one, lol). For at most $30 these things were pretty sweet but I opted for a wee key chain kokeshi doll wearing a cute purple kimono. In the future, if I feel a strong draw to a particular kokeshi doll, I'm sure I will get one.
#14 Learn How to Play a Traditional Instrument
Weeks ago I was lucky enough to catch a post from our program's Facebook page about some free cultural workshops that were happening at Kanda University. Looking at the line-up I saw that they were briefly teaching some really cool traditional arts: 書道 [しょどう | calligraphy], 三味線 [しゃみせん | shamisen], and 箏 [こと | koto]. The first of the workshops involves writing with a brush and special ink on special paper. One must be graceful and determined when doing this (my high school Japanese class showed tried but could really give an inkling of how this truly works). The next two words pertain to classical Japanese stringed instruments (think three-stringed guitar and a thirteen+ stringed floor violin/piano/harp respectively). I opted for the 箏 because it (today) was the only day I could do it.
This wonderful instrument, if memory of the completely Japanese explanation serves, has tons of movable bridges to change pitch/tone whereas the violin only has one that is fixed (or should be unless you break it). You play it by plucking with the three picks affixed to your thumb, forefinger and middle finger. And, you can even apply pressure by pressing down on the strings towards the head of the 箏 so as to change pitch/tone as well. You can fit them with thinner strings (for a soprano sound as our 先生 [せんせい | teacher] put it) or thicker ones (for an alto sound) much like how one can play the first violin parts, second violin parts, viola parts, cello, and bass parts in an orchestra. They are about 6 feet long (much taller than me) and very beautifully made. I believe this is often used in Kabuki plays and can be heard in some Japanese films (it has a real Asian twang to it, I love it!).
When we actually sat down and started touching the thing (which I didn't think they were going to let us do), I felt a sudden rush come over me when I got the hang of it. I was so surprised that I could even be that delicate with an instrument even though the instructors at times seemed to pound the hell out of them (it was oh so amazing and it didn't occur to me to record one particularly moving arrangement, but oh well). Before we came in the room they gave us sheet music which was apparently for us to play a song together and I could actually still read music!!! Granted it was organized in a different fashion than reading violin music (the good old days) but it was in Treble Clef and still understandable. Getting used to how to hold your hand and avoiding hitting the strings with the other finger picks, now that was the difficult part.
All told, this made me love music again. I hadn't felt that way since I was in the 8th grade in Mrs. Garcia's orchestra. I even made a friend by the name of Wakana, a student at Kanda, who was impressed with my strained Japanese and my ability to understand what the ladies were telling us about this instrument. AND, it made me want to research how much these things cost (because I want one . . . now). Scratch that, my quick research tells me that the average 箏 would run me $1,175+ with all the necessary equipment but not including shipping. So maybe it can be a hobby when I'm older . . .
So to end this triumphant post I will leave you with a video of a live-performance from our three beautiful instructors who were quite patient (and sometimes micromanaging) in their teaching of us novices. Enjoy! じゃまた！
Okay, for those of you who happen to actually read my blog I realize that this post is in fact extremely late. But let me remind you that I do in fact have a life which requires the basic necessities of eating, sleeping, and being a social creature. That being said, I apologize for my lateness and will try to keep up with my strange stories/mishaps/accomplishments/cautionary tales as they happen. Scouts honor! (as I cross my fingers behind my back) lol.
Very briefly I would just like to state that while baseball 野球 [やきゅう] has essentially been a sports tradition in the United States for a longer period of time than it has in Japan, never would I have imagined the fervor and excitement that I have read about actually happening right before my eyes. If you happen to be a baseball fan over in the U.S. consider yourself beaten out in terms of team pride because the Japanese people have got it down to a science. No literally, they have set chants and cheers that they do for each player and the whole team whenever they are at bat. It is absolutely astounding and I love that I got to experience it with some really fun people. That's not to say that baseball in America isn't fun (though in my limited experience - one White Sox game - let's just say that I might have fallen asleep had I not been excited about going to my first baseball game ever), I just want to throw it out there that these Japanese baseball fans do it pretty big. Jus' sayin'. As it has been called in the past, the 大和魂 [やまとだましい | "Japanese Spirit"] is at work. Mind you this is a one game experience so my opinion may neither be completely accurate nor does it exemplify every single game played in Japan.
The following video features clips from the Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Saitama Seibu Lions (members of Japan's Pacific League [pros]). Enjoy the video and again, keep an eye out for future posts! じゃまた！
Alright, before all of the immature people's minds run amok, I will take the time to explain this very interesting and rather fun yearly event (which occurred last Saturday . . . late but not the least bit boring). I hope you all will try to be open-minded about this subject.
According to legend, a woman's body (namely her nether region) was inhabited by a sharp-toothed demon. This terrible entity ruined two of her marriages by biting off the penises of her husbands. Distraught, the young woman went to a blacksmith and asked him to fashion a phallus made of iron (or steel). Upon doing so, the implement was used to defeat the demon by breaking all of its teeth, forcing it to flee from her body.
Cool right?!?
Since then a particular shrine, located in Kawasaki, has long been visited by prostitutes to ward off STDs. Currently, the festival still celebrates protection from such diseases, as well as, offers good fortune in marriage and fertility. The proceeds from the charms, food, and other festival treats go in Part or as a whole towards HIV research (go my ¥800 contribution!!!).
With that being said, I thought I would make a short video compilation of my adventures at the festival. The first features both photos and live footage from the festival grounds and the large Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Buddhist temple nearby. The second video is of a very talented person by the name of Juggler Laby (no I did not misspell his name) who gave us quite a show at the temple. Enjoy!
Okay so I was invited to go to a baseball game this past Tuesday which was really fun and I plan on covering that in another blog but what I want to address here are a few hilarious and intriguing moments that occurred prior to making our way to said game.
To Holla or Not to HollaRight, so for those who do not already know, there is an incredible difference between the concept of the verbs 'holler' and 'holla'. According to dictionary.com the former is defined as:
to cry aloud, to shout, to yell
a loud cry used to express pain or surprise, to attract attention, to call for help, etc.
The latter, according to the Urban Dictionary is defined as:
for a man to express interest in a particularly impressive female specimen
a term used to try and talk to or try and "hook-up" with a female
Now add all those connotations together and try to explain them in plain Japanese. Difficult isn't it?Clark, one of my fellow students, who happens to be a male, tried to paint a picture for the group of female e-pals we were with but couldn't exactly get it across so I stepped in. I proceeded to convey the idea of hollering by yelling incoherently and they understood, giving us the verb in Japanese. Then, using my creepiest voice and facial expressions I got really close to Hono, one of our e-pals, and said "Hey girl, how you doin'?". Immediately a look of feigned terror spread across her face, eyes opened wide and she squealed "Kowai!" [こわい] or scary. Sanami, a friend of Hono's, asked what happened so I did the exact same thing to her and, once again, got the same reaction as the other e-pal Yumi started cracking up. Side-splitting laughter occurs. Okay, well after most of the laughter subsided I assured them that on some occasions it is not that weird but I feel fairly certain that they are now well acquainted with the concept.
Yakezake [やけ酒]
If you are familiar with the kanji you see above you will know that this next topic is indeed alcohol related. It is also relatively sad but also a unique point of comparison between both Japanese and American culture. The term yakezake is defined as "drowning one's cares in drink; drinking in desperation" - something not all too unrecognizable in America where on occasion drinking to excess is considered a cathartic pastime. In Japan, however, one uses the term to refer to the occurrence of a specific event - breaking up with one's significant other - and the resultant activity thereafter.
I learned this term in passing and found it intriguing that there is one word to describe a time of such sorrow and upset. Off the top of my head I cannot think of its equivalent in English so by all means clue me in. That being said, I believe that that is one of the most beautiful characteristics of a language. The fact that it possesses words or phrases that convey so much more meaning than a whole paragraph could hope to get across is astounding. Some might find the possibility for ambiguity and confusion frustrating but I think that when the use of that one word or phrase truly matters there will not be any room for misunderstanding. True fact.
(Flashback to the movie Lilo & Stitch when Stitch reveals his humanistic side by expressing his understanding of the word 'Ohana' . . . *tears up*)
Peach John is, by and large, the Japanese equivalent of America's Victoria Secret. An very staggering difference lies in the concept of what sexy is in each country. I have come to believe that 'sexy' in Japan has less to do with wearing revealing or attention-grabbing clothing and more to do with subtly accentuating one's characteristically feminine body parts using cute attire. I say cute because a lot of the lingerie leans more towards floral, frilly lace and pastel colored designs.
Even though I have it down as 'Visit Peach John in Tokyo Area', unbeknownst to me there was a Peach John literally two train stops away in Minami-Funabashi (which, by the way, has THE biggest mall I have ever set foot in and the awesomest book store [Book Off Super Bazaar]). Thus, despite the technicality I will call this goal accomplished.
Well that's all for now. Be on the look out for the baseball game and one other earlier event soon. じゃまた！
Before I begin this post I would like to pre-emptively thank all of those who will actually read that last post and hope you forgive me for having an extremely long moment of enlightenment. :]
Feeling Welcome
Since being here I have been told that it would be best to take showers at night so as not to miss the opportunity in the morning (I promise this is not graphic). Living in an all girls dorm/boarding house I thought that the best advice because apparently we ladies have a hard time being quick when it comes to these things (although I have been told that the showers have been pretty much open in the mornings now . . .).
This past Tuesday while leaving the shower room a young lady was entering her room a few doors down when she noticed me. She stopped, looked, and before I could think she was staring she greeted me with "good night" [今晩は | こんばんは | konban wa]. I responded in kind and just before I got out of ear shot I heard her say "cool!" [かっこいい].
Why is this moment worth mentioning? Well it is one of the few examples of my feeling of acceptance here. Most of the other students in the program seem to get on well with the Japanese students and while I have interacted with many of the e-pals we were paired with I have had yet to feel welcome from a stranger.
*Warm and fuzzy time*
Getting Things Done
Kyri and I finally had the chance to go to the Ichikawa Ward Office to register ourselves as foreign residents. In spite of the fact that we asked directions, understood the directions, and went a round-about way to get where we needed to go, we made it there in no time. The gentleman at the Foreign Residents Help Desk brought us to the line for our application and the amazing young lady behind the desk helped us fill them out (all while listening to my terribly spoken Japanese which she complimented).
So, as of April 4, 2013 I, Lindsay Meoshee Anderson [リンジー・ミヨシー・アンダーソン], am temporarily a foreign resident of Ichikawa, Japan!
*Round of applause for my silly moment of accomplishment*
Legally Purchasing Alcohol
As you all know, the legal drinking age in America is 21. In Japan it is the ripe old age of 20. Now because, I thankfully turned 21 prior to coming to Japan, I am still within the letter of the law. After finishing our registration, Kyri and I stumbled upon a liquor store (much fancier than the American ones back home) and decided to have a look-see. I was amazed at the depth and breadth of the imported drinks they carried as well as their own stock and, even though I am not that much of a drinker, I found one particular drink that I wanted to buy.
All the way from Italy, this little Bellini-in-a-bottle cost me all of ¥500 ≈ $5-6. I carried my wee 5% alcohol content drink to the counter where the lovely cashier rang it up and then a screen much like this appeared (regrettably I did not take this picture but I found it on the internet):
She prompted me to read and respond to a non-assuming touch screen much like this one so that the transaction could be completed. It simply asks "Are you 20 years of age or older?". Easy enough right? EXACTLY!!! She did not ask me for some form of identification to verify my age so even if I weren't 20 years old I probably still could have gotten the drink. Now this is probably one of the few judgments that I will make (and I hope this will remain true). I am not trying to start any trouble, I am merely stating facts and one supposition so please do not rebuke me!
All in all, after a day of what for now will be deemed "great successes" I must bid you all adieu (didn't know I knew some French huh?). It is dinner time and I would like some grub. That is all. じゃまた！
Today we had a "Learning Strategy" workshop with the staff of our program which was essentially a means to show us that receiving an education here in Japan will be different than what we have experienced in America. The previous presentation revealed to us that the over-arching theme of the program is "Japan Literacy" or basically getting to know both the language and the culture of Japan. That presenter explained three categories that represented levels of competency:
Level One - an individual who does not know Japanese, does not have any way to use Japanese but knows a few things from the culture => i.e. an anime fan
Level Two - a person who conducts business in Japan or with Japanese people and has a basic understanding of greetings [あいさつ | 挨拶] and set phrases [きまりもんく | 決まり文句]
Level Three - an individual who has a full understanding of both the culture and the language and is capable of using that knowledge
My immediate first thought was where do I fit in? I was never really a huge fan of anime (a stupid stigma of those who choose to learn Japanese), I am obviously not a business woman at this point in my life, and I definitely cannot profess having a complete understanding of everything Japanese. So where does that leave me? If I have no place then why am I here?
The speaker went on to say that there are three methods of understanding to be achieved here:
sociocultural - how to function amongst Japanese people while following cultural and social norms
sociolinguistic - how to use the language correctly in the appropriate situation
linguistic - understanding the nuances of the language
She said that the first two are not really things that can be fully accomplished in a classroom, try as one might. But as any language learner should know, combined and individually they are very important for successful interaction.
Here is the self-realization part.
Last week, merely a few days after we arrived I was having a conversation with Hannah, one of the other students in the program. We were discussing our experiences with Japanese and she explained that she had been living here since last semester (that's about six months y'all). She mentioned that she had about two years worth of language study under her belt from school in America but stated that she really got better after being in Japan for such an extended period of time. I remember hearing her speak on our first day together as a big group, her sentences so fluid and complex and understandable. Then it hit me that while my entire seven years of Japanese linguistic/cultural education has not been for nought, it definitely has been missing a quintessential component towards my success as a speaker - practical application. I had only been 'doing' Japanese.
I may have had a longer history of being drilled on grammar points and important vocabulary, memorized monotonous dialogues, and crammed for those big scary tests [試験 | しけん] that we took over and over but she was literally 'living' Japanese. Every TV channel she saw, every train message she heard, everything she did and everywhere she went Japanese was widely spoken and written. That's not to say that all of my past Japanese teachers (all of which were amazing natives of the country and I thank them for their immense patience with me) did not do their absolute best in teaching me. In fact, without their foundation work I would not be where I am today. But what they could not provide for me was round the clock exposure. After remembering this thought that I had that day and applying it to today's presentation I began to worry about my placement test score. My heart beat so hard I was so nervous [ドキドキしていました]. I was afraid that they would click over to the next powerpoint slide and have the results posted in an embarrassing fashion but they did not. Actually, they handed it out on a sheet of paper which listed the groupings (much better right?).
Not level one . . . not level two . . . okay that means I can still take that translation class . . . not level three . . . . . wait. That means . . . . LEVEL FOUR!?!?!? 本当にビックリした (I was very surprised)。Despite all my worrying and what I felt was futile studying, I was considered capable of being in this group! That was just the reassurance that I needed. Lesson learned: even when you feel you are not the best at something, hard work pays off. There is, of course, always room for improvement which I have every intention of doing by 'living' Japanese for the next couple months.
The "Learning Strategy" workshop we had ended with the message "You are in control of your own learning. How do YOU want to learn?" The presenter then proceeded to ask us to answer the following prompts which I would like to end this post with, sharing with you all why I am here in Japan and what my goals are (aside from completing the list from my previous post, lol). じゃまた! (See you later)
I study Japanese because . . .
I want to become a (literary) translator
a rather viable career path and awesome past time (I <3 BOOKS!)
I wanted to be different [from my sister who took up Spanish]
I want to share the culture with others
I hope I will be able to . . . in Japanese by July.
read a novel (Tanazaki, Soseki and co. here I come!)
read a newspaper (at least get the idea because there are SO many kanji)
communicate confidently (ain't nothin' to it but to do it right?)
In the study of Japanese I enjoy . . .
reading about cultural topics -> learning new words
I don't enjoy . . .
parroting boring dialogues
In the study of Japanese I am good at . . .
memorizing (dialogues . . . funny huh?)
applying grammar (most of the time)
I am bad at . . .
being confident
retaining information (some of the time)
listening/hearing others (there is a difference)
I want my teachers to . . .
be there when I need them
push me to do my best
expect great things from me
I wish my teachers wouldn't . . .
be unapproachable
be unwilling to repeat/discuss/explain things
I want to . . . with my e-pal, tutor, friends, etc. to learn Japanese.
visit a variety of places
join clubs/activities
I want to . . . by myself.
get around by public transportation
be the only native English speaker in a group so I can practice (sounds wrong here but so what!?!)
