Wednesday, November 14, 2007
no fun to be sick sick
For the few of you who still check this blog every once in awhile: sorry for the lack of updates recently! I've been sick and out of commission for a few weeks now. Sad to say inspiration and motivation have been quite lacking. However, things are on the mend, if slowly. Hopefully I will get up the rest of my Tibet travels soon!
Friday, October 12, 2007
media matters
Lewis Black and Stephen Colbert comment on recent ridiculousness surrounding a certain pin that a certain politician didn't wear. And on general hypocrisy and distraction in the Congress.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
journey to the west, part one
The first week in October was “National Day” (which was actually a week long), a holiday which doesn’t seem to have any particular significance outside of school being cancelled and everyone taking off to visit family or to do some sightseeing.
I decided to spend the week with a group of fellow CSA people going to visit an orphanage which CSA supports in Qinghai. Despite warnings that the trip would not necessarily be fun, that it could be “miserable,” I thought it would be a great opportunity to see more of the country and get a foot in the volunteer wagon.
The trip began with a 24-but-actually-turned-out-to-be-26 hour train ride from Beijing to Xining (city in Qinghai). We eight quickly got to know each other and assume our roles for the trip: The Han (the token among us), The Activist (one of my roommates in Beijing, also known as The Provider because she cooks for me), The Pacifist (because he never picks fights), The Belgian (aka Mama G), The Documenter (perhaps the instigator? he filmed it all), The Californian (“cool mom”), The Indian (she is also Pretty, for the record), and finally, The Yak (me).
The train ride was actually relatively comfortable if you could get past the squatters and the less-than-friendly staff. We met two young Tibetan monks (sharing an ipod) in the dining car who told us that Tibetans can eat meat if someone else kills the animal (and that someone else is apparently usually the local friendly Muslim butcher).
I was surprised to see that the majority of people in Xining appeared to be Muslim. Everywhere there were men wearing white skull caps and women sporting colorful scarves to cover their hair. Similar to Beijing, Xining seemed to be a city in transition – sidewalks torn up, uncovered manholes, construction sites with tents for the workers set up nearby. And yet there were many large and beautiful mosques, lots of shops and cafes, and plenty of areas where you could swear you were in any other modern city.
During our short stay in Xining (our final destination was Golog, a much smaller city that required an additional 12 hour bus ride) we visited the local temple, made friends with a Tibetan monk (who explained his choice to become a monk in quite practical terms—he wouldn’t have to worry about fighting with a wife and he could make enough money to get by), and visited one of the more upscale bars (where two of our group took part in a dance contest and won face cream, as well as local celebrity status—The Pacifist was recognized by two different people the next day at the temple).
It was in Xining that I first discovered that not everyone in China can speak Mandarin. For some reason I had been expecting that everyone would have at least limited knowledge of Chinese. However, when I tried to speak to monks at the temple I was usually greeted with a friendly smile and a headshake, "ting bu dong" ("I don't understand")--they only spoke Tibetan.
More to come about the trip soon – I’m behind on sleep, homework and blogging for the moment but I have every intention of catching up (in that order).
I decided to spend the week with a group of fellow CSA people going to visit an orphanage which CSA supports in Qinghai. Despite warnings that the trip would not necessarily be fun, that it could be “miserable,” I thought it would be a great opportunity to see more of the country and get a foot in the volunteer wagon.
The trip began with a 24-but-actually-turned-out-to-be-26 hour train ride from Beijing to Xining (city in Qinghai). We eight quickly got to know each other and assume our roles for the trip: The Han (the token among us), The Activist (one of my roommates in Beijing, also known as The Provider because she cooks for me), The Pacifist (because he never picks fights), The Belgian (aka Mama G), The Documenter (perhaps the instigator? he filmed it all), The Californian (“cool mom”), The Indian (she is also Pretty, for the record), and finally, The Yak (me).
The train ride was actually relatively comfortable if you could get past the squatters and the less-than-friendly staff. We met two young Tibetan monks (sharing an ipod) in the dining car who told us that Tibetans can eat meat if someone else kills the animal (and that someone else is apparently usually the local friendly Muslim butcher).
I was surprised to see that the majority of people in Xining appeared to be Muslim. Everywhere there were men wearing white skull caps and women sporting colorful scarves to cover their hair. Similar to Beijing, Xining seemed to be a city in transition – sidewalks torn up, uncovered manholes, construction sites with tents for the workers set up nearby. And yet there were many large and beautiful mosques, lots of shops and cafes, and plenty of areas where you could swear you were in any other modern city.
During our short stay in Xining (our final destination was Golog, a much smaller city that required an additional 12 hour bus ride) we visited the local temple, made friends with a Tibetan monk (who explained his choice to become a monk in quite practical terms—he wouldn’t have to worry about fighting with a wife and he could make enough money to get by), and visited one of the more upscale bars (where two of our group took part in a dance contest and won face cream, as well as local celebrity status—The Pacifist was recognized by two different people the next day at the temple).
It was in Xining that I first discovered that not everyone in China can speak Mandarin. For some reason I had been expecting that everyone would have at least limited knowledge of Chinese. However, when I tried to speak to monks at the temple I was usually greeted with a friendly smile and a headshake, "ting bu dong" ("I don't understand")--they only spoke Tibetan.
More to come about the trip soon – I’m behind on sleep, homework and blogging for the moment but I have every intention of catching up (in that order).
Thursday, September 27, 2007
wire mesh extravaganza
Having decided that tutoring English is most definitely not my calling in life, I've been searching for other means of supporting myself.
Last week I took a short, ahem, business trip, to attend the wire mesh capital of the world's 7th annual convention. Yes, I answered an add online to "earn 1000 rmb in a day" to pose as a Western businesswoman interested in wire mesh.
Nine other exotic foreigners and I were loaded onto a bus Thursday afternoon, carted to this little town of 320,000, put up in a fancy hotel, 'baijiu* and dined' with local businessmen, stood on stage for the opening ceremonies the next morning, toured the wire mesh convention, attended yet another banquet, got back on the bus and were back in Beijing by Friday evening, a taste of the *real* China under our belts and 1000 rmb richer for the trouble.
Thursday evening we went out on the town in search of KTV and wound up at the local evening dance party. They have these outside my apartment building as well -- kind of like a neighborhood get-together with ballroom dancing. Except when we showed up to this one someone changed the music to this awful rave techno music. A small mosh pit of sorts formed (with a larger circle of curious onlookers) around us. When we broke away the crowd actually followed us, taking pictures and trying to get us to come back.
I had more people come up and ask to take my picture in those two days then in all of my travelling in Asia thus far. I keep thinking -- where are all these pictures of me ending up?? I guess keep your eyes out on the internet...
Honestly I had mixed feelings about the whole experience. On the one hand I met a lot of interesting people (including one Swede who's lived here for almost 3 years and never had a real job, and at least half of them had been to this type of convention before). I also made a good amount of moolah and got to see a bit of the countryside. But at the same time, I couldn't quite kick the nagging feeling of guilt for leading these people on. Every time some hopeful-looking young person came up to me at the convention, handing me their business card and information packet, eager to practice their English, sometimes asking for a picture, they inevitably asked for my contact information...
On the other hand, it wasn't my idea -- someone much higher up than me was running the show. In the end we were just a form of entertainment, something to be gawked at, to play with. Now who's being objectified, who's being taken advantage of? Well, in the end I can't say I'm too worried about it. I think it was an interesting experience for everyone involved.
* baijiu is a Chinese liquor that tastes something like glorified rubbing alcohol. Apparently, being able to hold your baijiu bodes well for success in the business world here -- guess I won't be going too far.
Last week I took a short, ahem, business trip, to attend the wire mesh capital of the world's 7th annual convention. Yes, I answered an add online to "earn 1000 rmb in a day" to pose as a Western businesswoman interested in wire mesh.
Nine other exotic foreigners and I were loaded onto a bus Thursday afternoon, carted to this little town of 320,000, put up in a fancy hotel, 'baijiu* and dined' with local businessmen, stood on stage for the opening ceremonies the next morning, toured the wire mesh convention, attended yet another banquet, got back on the bus and were back in Beijing by Friday evening, a taste of the *real* China under our belts and 1000 rmb richer for the trouble.
Thursday evening we went out on the town in search of KTV and wound up at the local evening dance party. They have these outside my apartment building as well -- kind of like a neighborhood get-together with ballroom dancing. Except when we showed up to this one someone changed the music to this awful rave techno music. A small mosh pit of sorts formed (with a larger circle of curious onlookers) around us. When we broke away the crowd actually followed us, taking pictures and trying to get us to come back.
I had more people come up and ask to take my picture in those two days then in all of my travelling in Asia thus far. I keep thinking -- where are all these pictures of me ending up?? I guess keep your eyes out on the internet...
Honestly I had mixed feelings about the whole experience. On the one hand I met a lot of interesting people (including one Swede who's lived here for almost 3 years and never had a real job, and at least half of them had been to this type of convention before). I also made a good amount of moolah and got to see a bit of the countryside. But at the same time, I couldn't quite kick the nagging feeling of guilt for leading these people on. Every time some hopeful-looking young person came up to me at the convention, handing me their business card and information packet, eager to practice their English, sometimes asking for a picture, they inevitably asked for my contact information...
On the other hand, it wasn't my idea -- someone much higher up than me was running the show. In the end we were just a form of entertainment, something to be gawked at, to play with. Now who's being objectified, who's being taken advantage of? Well, in the end I can't say I'm too worried about it. I think it was an interesting experience for everyone involved.
* baijiu is a Chinese liquor that tastes something like glorified rubbing alcohol. Apparently, being able to hold your baijiu bodes well for success in the business world here -- guess I won't be going too far.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
general betray us
"General Petraeus has actually said American troops will need to stay in Iraq for as long as ten years."
Moveon.org published an add in the New York Times calling General Petraeus on his lies and inconsistencies regarding the "success" of the surge and the level of violence in Iraq. All independent sources in Iraq, as well as the Iraqi government, report that violence has increased and sectarian tensions have worsened in recent months. Actually, I'm amazed that the Times ran the add at all. See the add here.
FINally, voices for peace (which consist of at least 60% of the population according to recent polls) are making their way into the mainstream media and what does Congress do? Pass a resolution condemning the add. Absolutely ridiculous. The Congress is supposed to be a representative body, one of the representative bodies, of US citizens and yet when people everywhere are demanding that troops come home and we end this disgraceful war Congress doesn't just ignore those voices, they take it a step further by actively condemning them.
Go www.moveon.org and sign a statement to be sent to Congress to say that you will not be silenced.
Moveon.org published an add in the New York Times calling General Petraeus on his lies and inconsistencies regarding the "success" of the surge and the level of violence in Iraq. All independent sources in Iraq, as well as the Iraqi government, report that violence has increased and sectarian tensions have worsened in recent months. Actually, I'm amazed that the Times ran the add at all. See the add here.
FINally, voices for peace (which consist of at least 60% of the population according to recent polls) are making their way into the mainstream media and what does Congress do? Pass a resolution condemning the add. Absolutely ridiculous. The Congress is supposed to be a representative body, one of the representative bodies, of US citizens and yet when people everywhere are demanding that troops come home and we end this disgraceful war Congress doesn't just ignore those voices, they take it a step further by actively condemning them.
Go www.moveon.org and sign a statement to be sent to Congress to say that you will not be silenced.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
a clear day
My bike was stolen! Well. It would be more accurate to say, I can't find it. So I had to buy a new one. Apparently the "turn-over" rate for bikes is pretty high here. I have to admit I wasn't upset though for the excuse to go back to the bike seller down the street and attempt at conversation. *sigh* But, as new roommate A pointed out, it would never work -- two different worlds and all that.
The weather's been nasty these past few days. Rainy and chilly and with even more of the yellowy smoggish tint to the atmosphere. But today it finally cleared up and I had the lovely experience of looking up on my bike ride to school to see the mountains in the distance. It's easy to forget that anything exists outside of the city when you literally can't see past the city most of the time. I haven't decided if it was refreshing or depressing.
Back home furniture has been re-arranged and the icky rug that was in my room has somehow found it's way down to the front entrance of the building where it will no doubt start sprouting something soon what with all the rain and mud getting trecked all over it now.
Also, I'm making a concerted effort to stop going to Western-style restaurants/cafes as a crutch. There, now it's written down and there's no backing out.
Some advice ~ If you ever decide to post an add on a website for English tutoring, some people may interpret that to mean you are looking for a date, and if someone responds to your add calling himself an odd name like, oh I don't know, "Joker," and says he wants to be your "friend," do yourself a favor and don't think that he might actually just want an English tutor and agree to meet with him. It will turn out that he is just creepy. Seriously, it's not a good idea.
The weather's been nasty these past few days. Rainy and chilly and with even more of the yellowy smoggish tint to the atmosphere. But today it finally cleared up and I had the lovely experience of looking up on my bike ride to school to see the mountains in the distance. It's easy to forget that anything exists outside of the city when you literally can't see past the city most of the time. I haven't decided if it was refreshing or depressing.
Back home furniture has been re-arranged and the icky rug that was in my room has somehow found it's way down to the front entrance of the building where it will no doubt start sprouting something soon what with all the rain and mud getting trecked all over it now.
Also, I'm making a concerted effort to stop going to Western-style restaurants/cafes as a crutch. There, now it's written down and there's no backing out.
Some advice ~ If you ever decide to post an add on a website for English tutoring, some people may interpret that to mean you are looking for a date, and if someone responds to your add calling himself an odd name like, oh I don't know, "Joker," and says he wants to be your "friend," do yourself a favor and don't think that he might actually just want an English tutor and agree to meet with him. It will turn out that he is just creepy. Seriously, it's not a good idea.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Kucinich 2008!
The only presidential candidate (with the possible exception of Mike Gravel) worth listening to. Click here to see a speech he gave back in January -- sure he could use a speech delivery coach at moments, but ultimately his message is important. A candidate who actually says something when he talks. And backs it up with action -- read example here.
Here is an interview he did with Maher in April. I'm not sure if the video will work or not since as I mentioned before, I can't view this blog. Someone let me know...
Sunday, September 9, 2007
me and my bike
So I've traded in my metro card for a bike lock and sore legs. It's good exercise and honestly it seems like the fastest way to get around (if you know where you're going and it's not all the way on the other side of the city). Imagine New York city traffic but with less attention to detail -- and by detail I mean red lights and stop signs and driving on the correct side of the road, that kind of thing -- plus a bike lane -- and by bike lane I mean bikes, cabs, the occasional bus -- and you get the morning/evening commute picture. It is rather chaotic at times but people seem to make do and while there is an excess of honking, it seems more ornamental, a gesture perhaps, just letting everyone know you're there. So far I haven't seen any fists shaking or people yelling at each other.
I've made the trip over to Chao Yang, the Northeastern part of the city, twice now, the first time it took 2 hours to get there (see above note re knowing where you are going) and the second time it took about an hour and twenty minutes. It is an eventful ride though. I get to bike past a bunch of Olympics-related construction (is it really possible that it will all be finished in less than a year??), including this, the National Stadium, which just so happens to resemble a spaceship. Vaguely reminiscent of the space transporting machine from Contact. Anyone?
Something new to get used to -- getting stared at all the time. When complaining about this to a friend here the response was a good-natured, well at least you're not blond. Getting looked at so much wouldn't be as bad I guess if it weren't for the fact that half the time I get the distinct impression that I'm being looked at more as a funny lab experiment gone wrong than anything else -- what is wrong with her hair? What's with all the spots on her face?
I've made the trip over to Chao Yang, the Northeastern part of the city, twice now, the first time it took 2 hours to get there (see above note re knowing where you are going) and the second time it took about an hour and twenty minutes. It is an eventful ride though. I get to bike past a bunch of Olympics-related construction (is it really possible that it will all be finished in less than a year??), including this, the National Stadium, which just so happens to resemble a spaceship. Vaguely reminiscent of the space transporting machine from Contact. Anyone?
Something new to get used to -- getting stared at all the time. When complaining about this to a friend here the response was a good-natured, well at least you're not blond. Getting looked at so much wouldn't be as bad I guess if it weren't for the fact that half the time I get the distinct impression that I'm being looked at more as a funny lab experiment gone wrong than anything else -- what is wrong with her hair? What's with all the spots on her face?
Saturday, September 1, 2007
a night owl in beijing
After about 3 days here in the city where the sun shines but you just can't see it I've spent more time awake in the wee hours than during the day. That is to say, I broke the cardinal rule of waiting until the evening hours to go to sleep and thus avoid major jet lag. My first day here I was silly enough to think I could take a "nap" at 2:30 in the afternoon and the next thing I know it's 1am and I'm wide awake.
So I've made good use of the early morning hours unpacking, cleaning, reading, and attempting to re-learn Chinese characters. Re-learn because at CU we were taught traditional characters, which are used in Taiwan and Hong Kong but not in China, so I now have to go through the tedious process of re-learning characters in their simplified form. I suppose I could rant a bit more about just how tedious it is but the truth is I do get a weird kick out of learning characters. They have a term for that here -- "shu daizi" (book nerd).
I found out that classes don't actually start for me until the 13th so now I've got a couple weeks to explore. I bought a new bike yesterday on the street. Actually, my roommate B and another friend J haggled for it while I watched and tried to follow along. It turned out to be 215 kuai, lock included (less than $30). Not too bad. Also I just have to mention it because I still can't get over it -- yesterday at lunch I had a big bowl (more than enough for lunch and dinner) of noodley soup with egg and tomato that was 5 kuai, which is like 60 cents. !!
Had a chance this morning to upload more recent photos from home. Hope you enjoy looking at them because I can't. For some reason (perhaps the same reason that I can post on my blog but can't seem to look at it?) I can upload photos and organize them but can't look at them.
So I've made good use of the early morning hours unpacking, cleaning, reading, and attempting to re-learn Chinese characters. Re-learn because at CU we were taught traditional characters, which are used in Taiwan and Hong Kong but not in China, so I now have to go through the tedious process of re-learning characters in their simplified form. I suppose I could rant a bit more about just how tedious it is but the truth is I do get a weird kick out of learning characters. They have a term for that here -- "shu daizi" (book nerd).
I found out that classes don't actually start for me until the 13th so now I've got a couple weeks to explore. I bought a new bike yesterday on the street. Actually, my roommate B and another friend J haggled for it while I watched and tried to follow along. It turned out to be 215 kuai, lock included (less than $30). Not too bad. Also I just have to mention it because I still can't get over it -- yesterday at lunch I had a big bowl (more than enough for lunch and dinner) of noodley soup with egg and tomato that was 5 kuai, which is like 60 cents. !!
Had a chance this morning to upload more recent photos from home. Hope you enjoy looking at them because I can't. For some reason (perhaps the same reason that I can post on my blog but can't seem to look at it?) I can upload photos and organize them but can't look at them.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
photos
Back in New York and have finally opened a flickr account and uploaded pics from the trip. I tried very hard to weed this time around. I think I did a pretty good job considering I have around 700 pics total. Ok I got a bit camera-happy. But the pics on the flickr account are all labelled and sorted so I think it's pretty manageable. Hope you enjoy.
For now I'm crashing at Theresa's (and aparently still recovering from jet lag). Listening to Billie Holliday, reading reading reading, and picking up my violin now and then (contemplating a recital in O-land in August...). Lots of things to do before Beijing but for the moment I just want to catch up on sleep and visit with friends. I plan to keep up with the blog in China but until then I'll try to post a few more times. Meanwhile, keep in touch and let me know if you're in NYC before the end of the month or OH after that.
For now I'm crashing at Theresa's (and aparently still recovering from jet lag). Listening to Billie Holliday, reading reading reading, and picking up my violin now and then (contemplating a recital in O-land in August...). Lots of things to do before Beijing but for the moment I just want to catch up on sleep and visit with friends. I plan to keep up with the blog in China but until then I'll try to post a few more times. Meanwhile, keep in touch and let me know if you're in NYC before the end of the month or OH after that.
Monday, July 9, 2007
kyoto
Riding a bike is my new favorite mode of transportation. Despite sore calves and several near collisions, biking around Kyoto these past couple of days has been a really refreshing change from the hours spent on the train every day in Tokyo. It's quick, cheap, good exercise and lets you explore more than you could walking or taking a bus.
Biked up the Kamo River on Sunday to see Shimogamoji (left), the ancient protector shrine of the Imperial Court when the capital was in Kyoto, 794-1869. Then backtracked down the river to see the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Turned out it's closed on Sundays. Oh well, the park was really peaceful, including this 300+ year old tree (right), and the gate surrounding the palace was pretty imposing. 
Last Thursday caught an afternoon shinkansen ("bullet train") to Kyoto. The hostel we're staying at is conveniently located right across the street from the station so we were able to find it and get settled in pretty quickly. (Side note: found out tonight that super friendly Izumi-san at the front desk's younger sister graduated from OSU last year. She was drinking tea from an OSU mug.) Although a bit crowded, the hostel has been really great -- cheap, great location, free internet, friendly staff. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone planning to travel through Kyoto. The last several days have been a blur of temples, shrines, green tea "soft ice," and last-minute souvenir shopping, but here are some highlights.
The Rock Garden at Ryoan-ji. There are 15 boulders set in a sea of pebbles which are raked in straight lines except around the boulders themselves where they curve around like ripples in a lake. Supposedly you are only supposed to be able to see 14 from any given perspective (except above) and to be able to see all 15 means you have attained enlightenment. Either I'm a regular bodhisattva or the slightly raised viewing platform gave me an advantage.
Me mimicking the Japanese tourists (always pointing or giving the peace sign with stoic expression).
Kinkakuji, "Golden Pavilion Temple." 
Boys throwing coins at Buddha statues. 
Kamo River. Major river in Kyoto that runs past the front of the hostel.
Biked up the Kamo River on Sunday to see Shimogamoji (left), the ancient protector shrine of the Imperial Court when the capital was in Kyoto, 794-1869. Then backtracked down the river to see the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Turned out it's closed on Sundays. Oh well, the park was really peaceful, including this 300+ year old tree (right), and the gate surrounding the palace was pretty imposing. 
Today I biked to the western side of the city to see the "monkey park." After climbing a path up the side of a mount
ain you arrive at a plateau (with a beautiful view of the city) covered in monkeys. Up close and personal. You could feed them from a "rest house" or just stand outside and hang out. I sat on a bench for awhile and at one point two monkeys came up and sat next to me and started grooming each other. It was pretty wild. They seemed pretty oblivious to the presence of people, except when offered food or if they felt threatened (as when some asshole tried to touch a baby that was nursing today and the mom flipped out).
ain you arrive at a plateau (with a beautiful view of the city) covered in monkeys. Up close and personal. You could feed them from a "rest house" or just stand outside and hang out. I sat on a bench for awhile and at one point two monkeys came up and sat next to me and started grooming each other. It was pretty wild. They seemed pretty oblivious to the presence of people, except when offered food or if they felt threatened (as when some asshole tried to touch a baby that was nursing today and the mom flipped out).
Tomorrow I head back to Tokyo and then back to NYC on Wednesday. I can't believe how fast it's all gone by. I'm excited to get home and see friends and family and share stories but I also wish I had more time in Kyoto. Such a beautiful city pocketed between mountains and filled with constant reminders of its ancient history; so far removed from loud and flashy Tokyo. If I have a chance to come back to Japan I would love to spend more time here.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
fun signs, part III
They know how to treat the moss at Ginkakuji, the "Silver Temple" (Kyoto).
This poster was hanging in the entrance to the Center the whole time we were there, raising metaphysical questions of time and space on a daily basis.
not exactly PC...
"Freak: Hobby Advisor" or, alternatively, "Hobby Advisor: Freak" (yes, I decided there was a colon in there somewhere)
This poster was hanging in the entrance to the Center the whole time we were there, raising metaphysical questions of time and space on a daily basis.
not exactly PC...
"Freak: Hobby Advisor" or, alternatively, "Hobby Advisor: Freak" (yes, I decided there was a colon in there somewhere)
雅楽家がめずらしい
ほとんどの日本人は雅楽のことを聞いたことがないそうだ。だから、聞いたことがある人は面白いと思う。例えば、先週ゆかたを買うために100円の店に行った。そこでは困っていたから店員に手伝ってもらった。彼女は私の「雅楽」が書いてあるティーシャツを見たら、彼女が竜笛を勉強したことがあって娘が竜笛を勉強していることと言った。びっくりだね。彼女は私がゆかたをきてもらいたいぐらいうれしかった。とても楽しんだ。
雅楽の先生や学生が少ないのに、私が知っている雅楽家はほんとうにすばらしい。プログラームが終わってさびしい。とうぎ先生がリードの作り方を教えてまらった。三つぐらいやぶんでし
まったのにとてもおもしろかった。もとはし先生とおくぼ先生が琴の吹き方を教えてもらった。でも、一番大きい影響は中村先生だ。彼女は篳篥のレッソンをしてもらって舞も教えってまらった。ほんとうにいい先生でありがたい。
まったのにとてもおもしろかった。もとはし先生とおくぼ先生が琴の吹き方を教えてもらった。でも、一番大きい影響は中村先生だ。彼女は篳篥のレッソンをしてもらって舞も教えってまらった。ほんとうにいい先生でありがたい。My lovely teacher Nakamura-sensei -->
Saturday, July 7, 2007
captain santa
The fourth of july is one of my favorite holidays – fireworks, family parties, parades with marching bands, and when I was a kid we always went out to my uncle mike and aunt marilyn’s house on Buckeye Lake – but I always seem to be away from home for the holiday in recent years. This year was no different but we did manage to have our own festivities in Kita-Urawa.
After lighting sparklers and setting off some fireworks at the local playground we headed to a local bar appropriately called “USA Bar.” It lived up to all our expectations. Run by a middle-aged, partially deaf Japanese cowboy/surfer, the tiny bar was covered in American license plates, flags and posters, as well as all kinds of paraphernalia bearing the logo “captain santa.”
Here is our bartender friend posing for the camera. Note “santa island” polo -->
We sat around chatting with the bartender, his friend/fellow bartender and another patron who was a bit sloshed (he kept asking me why American women aren’t attracted to Japanese men and then wanted to talk about the war – a bit beyond my language capabilities, let alone his own intoxicated state). We of course sang some karaoke and Ben gave the guy another one of his Texas flags (which he said made him “so happy” that he kept kissing it).
All in all it was a fun night of unexpected amusement. Not your typical july 4 celebration but then again, those are the ones that stick with you I guess.
After lighting sparklers and setting off some fireworks at the local playground we headed to a local bar appropriately called “USA Bar.” It lived up to all our expectations. Run by a middle-aged, partially deaf Japanese cowboy/surfer, the tiny bar was covered in American license plates, flags and posters, as well as all kinds of paraphernalia bearing the logo “captain santa.”
Here is our bartender friend posing for the camera. Note “santa island” polo -->
We sat around chatting with the bartender, his friend/fellow bartender and another patron who was a bit sloshed (he kept asking me why American women aren’t attracted to Japanese men and then wanted to talk about the war – a bit beyond my language capabilities, let alone his own intoxicated state). We of course sang some karaoke and Ben gave the guy another one of his Texas flags (which he said made him “so happy” that he kept kissing it).
All in all it was a fun night of unexpected amusement. Not your typical july 4 celebration but then again, those are the ones that stick with you I guess.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
"just enjoy!"
Hired by IMJS to arrange our housing, help us get settled, provide detailed instructions on how to get to our lessons and rehearsals and just generally help us with whatever problems may arise, Terumi-san has been a godsend here in Tokyo. Besides the official escorting, translating, etc. though, she's just a fun person to hang out with. So, when the four of us decided to stay out all night in order to go to the fish market at Tsukiji we of course called her at 12:30am from Shibuya station to see if she wanted to come hang out.
Tsukiji is the biggest and busiest fish market in Japan, handling 87% (according to this site) of the fish and other marine goodies that get shipped to the rest of the country. Since all the action takes place starting around 4:30am and, as previously noted, public transportation conveniently stops running around midnight, we decided to make a night of it. Shibuya was supposed to be one of those areas of the city that caters to the late-night crowd but when we arrived it seemed pretty dead. Then we remembered that Terumi lived in Shibuya. We were understandably hesitant to call in the wee hours on a wednesday night but I'm glad we did because not only did she come out to meet us but she invited us back to her apartment to hang out until it was time to go to the market.
Terumi insisted on introducing us to a variety of Japanese specialties that evening, including umeboshi (pickled plums), sake and nattou (fermented soy beans). Nattou is notorious for its unusual flavor and consistency, as well as its generally unfavorable reception by gaijin but I was nevertheless curious to try it. Ruth took a rather amusing picture of my reaction to it - a little green in the face and looking like I don't know whether to cry or laugh. I will spare you for the moment. Terumi simply laughed and implored us to "just enjoy!"
4:30 rolled around surprisingly fast and we stumbled down to the station to catch the first train to tsukiji. It turned out to be a really interesting experience. Rows upon rows of stalls filled with every kind of marine animal, dead and alive; tuna being auctioned off and then carted around individually or in pairs on mini-flatbed carriers; unusual delicacies such as gigantic tuna eyeballs sold for 100yen a piece. We wandered around for a bit taking pictures and then had sushi for breakfast at a 
nearby shop. Now that was some fresh fish!
<-- Some of the larger tuna here were aparently worth more than my grant to get to Japan.
Eating sushi for breakfast after exploring Tsukiji. Note zombie-like expressions due to lack of sleep -->
A couple days later it was Ben's birthday and it just so happened that it was was Terumi's birthday as well. We celebrated by going out for some Karaoke. I didn't know what to expect as I'd never been before but the place we went to had individual rooms (designed for groups but we did see a guy singing his heart out by himself in one room..) with booths and karaoke machines and a remote control for ordering food and drinks. Japanese are serious about they're karaoke. Terumi later admitted to practicing with her Cher and Maroon 5 CDs at home before coming. I heard that this is pretty common though and I even heard that proving your karaoke abilities at a c
ompany outing can make or break your boss' impression of you. Pretty intense.
Here is Terumi holding her new ryuteki (our birthday present to her) and her husband displaying the Texas flag Ben gave them ->
Thursday, June 28, 2007
fun signs, part II
Food theme this time around. Below we have Blendy coffee, Delicious Party cheese and dried squid strips (I don't know if I would go with delicious but it was a party of sorts for my unsuspecting taste buds), and of course, Crunky chocolate.
~私のまじめさ~
日本語を練習したいから、機会があったら日本人と話す。いろいろな面白い人が会った。
例えば、北浦和駅の前にある「たこ焼きスタンド」で年をとっている男の人が毎日のようにいる。ある日、私が興味があったそうだから、彼は一つを与えてくれた。おいしかったけど、なにかがわからなかった。それはたこが味があまりないから、なぜ人が食べるのが好きか分からないということだ。（たこ焼きのおいしさはほかの材料のためにと思っていたのが。。。）
とにかく、たこ焼き人と話している時に、彼はたばこを提供したが、私は「たばこをすうのが体に悪いよ」と言った。彼は笑って「そうだよ」と言った。それで、「まじめよ」彼は言った。私はその言葉が分からなかったけど、好運にも辞書があった~
例えば、北浦和駅の前にある「たこ焼きスタンド」で年をとっている男の人が毎日のようにいる。ある日、私が興味があったそうだから、彼は一つを与えてくれた。おいしかったけど、なにかがわからなかった。それはたこが味があまりないから、なぜ人が食べるのが好きか分からないということだ。（たこ焼きのおいしさはほかの材料のためにと思っていたのが。。。）
とにかく、たこ焼き人と話している時に、彼はたばこを提供したが、私は「たばこをすうのが体に悪いよ」と言った。彼は笑って「そうだよ」と言った。それで、「まじめよ」彼は言った。私はその言葉が分からなかったけど、好運にも辞書があった~
Saturday, June 23, 2007
a great idea
Before coming to Japan I did not eat *real* sushi. In other words, I stuck to avocado, cucumber and shitake -- all yummy and harmless enough. I'd always been curious but also somewhat grossed out by the idea of raw fish but I figured, no better time than now to try it. I'm still pretty unadventurous -- so far I stick to salmon, tuna, shrimp and crab -- but I've definitely developed a taste for it.
You hear all the time that Tokyo is so expensive, and this is true in many ways, but at the same time it is definitely possible to eat high quality food for relatively cheap. And by high quality food I mean sushi. (There are also lots of soba, udon and ramen shops where you can eat very cheaply and it's a good bet that the noodles and other ingredients were locally produced.)
My new favorite places to eat are kaiten ("conveyor belt") sushi bars. Customer
s sit around a circular bar, one or two sushi chefs stand in the middle and sushi travels around the bar on a conveyor belt. You take whatever looks good (and in my case, watch in fascination as colorful, tentacled and slimy things go by, waiting to see who will eat what), make your own hot tea and can take as much wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce as you like. Pricing is based on the plate colors so when you are done the cashier just adds up your plates. My favorite is yaki-saamon (pan-seared salmon). Never thought I would feel about sushi the way I do about say, cookie dough ice cream but, mmmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it...
At 100-300yen per plate, most kaiten sushi bars are a very inexpensive way to enjoy really good quality sushi. Well, "really good" is a relative term considering how new I am to the world of sushi. But, I do know that the fish is super fresh (it seems the difference in quality here is between fresh and more fresh) and really tasty, so that is good enough for me.
More to come on just how fresh the fish are later.
You hear all the time that Tokyo is so expensive, and this is true in many ways, but at the same time it is definitely possible to eat high quality food for relatively cheap. And by high quality food I mean sushi. (There are also lots of soba, udon and ramen shops where you can eat very cheaply and it's a good bet that the noodles and other ingredients were locally produced.)
My new favorite places to eat are kaiten ("conveyor belt") sushi bars. Customer
s sit around a circular bar, one or two sushi chefs stand in the middle and sushi travels around the bar on a conveyor belt. You take whatever looks good (and in my case, watch in fascination as colorful, tentacled and slimy things go by, waiting to see who will eat what), make your own hot tea and can take as much wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce as you like. Pricing is based on the plate colors so when you are done the cashier just adds up your plates. My favorite is yaki-saamon (pan-seared salmon). Never thought I would feel about sushi the way I do about say, cookie dough ice cream but, mmmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it...At 100-300yen per plate, most kaiten sushi bars are a very inexpensive way to enjoy really good quality sushi. Well, "really good" is a relative term considering how new I am to the world of sushi. But, I do know that the fish is super fresh (it seems the difference in quality here is between fresh and more fresh) and really tasty, so that is good enough for me.
More to come on just how fresh the fish are later.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
city impressions
Some (admittedly superficial) first impressions of Tokyo after a couple weeks...
People line up for everything. On the escalators everyone stands to the left and walks to the right. People even line up to get on subway trains or to cross a busy street.
Everyone waits patiently at street corners for the light to change; no one J-walks. This has been one of the hardest things to get used to. I have to stop myself every time from walking out into the middle of the street to wait for a break in traffic. If you so much as step off the curb it elicits strange looks.
There are almost no public trashcans, and yet, hardly any litter.
It takes forever to get anywhere. I spend on average around 3 hours a day commuting. Seems most people have fairly long commutes to get to work or school. Lots of people spend the commute playing games or texting on their cell phones. Yes, there is cell reception on the subway but few people make phone calls, and when they do, they usually cover their mouths and speak quietly.
One apple costs around 300yen at the local supermarket. That's about $2.50.
There are these places called "Pachinko and Slot" everywhere whose primary costumers seem to be salarymen and little old ladies. However, gambling is illegal in Japan so apparently the way these places work is through a system of "prizes" which can be exchanged for money at nearby shops.
Train and subway stations have convenient electronic signs telling you what time the next train will be there and they are usually on time, if not early.
People wear masks covering their nose and mouth in public if they are sick.
People line up for everything. On the escalators everyone stands to the left and walks to the right. People even line up to get on subway trains or to cross a busy street.
Everyone waits patiently at street corners for the light to change; no one J-walks. This has been one of the hardest things to get used to. I have to stop myself every time from walking out into the middle of the street to wait for a break in traffic. If you so much as step off the curb it elicits strange looks.
There are almost no public trashcans, and yet, hardly any litter.
It takes forever to get anywhere. I spend on average around 3 hours a day commuting. Seems most people have fairly long commutes to get to work or school. Lots of people spend the commute playing games or texting on their cell phones. Yes, there is cell reception on the subway but few people make phone calls, and when they do, they usually cover their mouths and speak quietly.
One apple costs around 300yen at the local supermarket. That's about $2.50.
There are these places called "Pachinko and Slot" everywhere whose primary costumers seem to be salarymen and little old ladies. However, gambling is illegal in Japan so apparently the way these places work is through a system of "prizes" which can be exchanged for money at nearby shops.
Train and subway stations have convenient electronic signs telling you what time the next train will be there and they are usually on time, if not early.
People wear masks covering their nose and mouth in public if they are sick.
Monday, June 18, 2007
shinjuku
Walking around Shinjuku this past Saturday night was like something out of a movie. I stuck out like a sore thumb in my t-shirt, jeans and flip-flops, which, by the way, I have hardly worn since we were all warned that showing your toes in public is a no-no. (I was surprised to see that for the most part this seems to be the case -- open-toe wearers most times wear stockings or knee-high socks.)
The crowds of teenagers and 20-somethings had crazy poofy hairdos, colorful make-up and big jewelry, snazzy suits and short short skirts with billowy, lacy tops. Like they'd all been pulled off the runway of some important fashion show.
In my wanderings I happened upon a movie theater and because I love movies and thought it would be a good opportunity to *study* Japanese I decided to check it out. They were showing a lot of American movies, although none that really appealed to me (mostly blockbuster-types like Pirates III, etc). I decided on 大日本人 (Dainipponjin), which literally means "Big Japanese Person." Turned out to be a good choice. I would say I understood about 60-70% of what was being said but got enough of it to know it was pretty great. Imagine Clark Kent meets the Dude and throw in some anime scenes with eccentric *monsters* tearing up familiar buildings in downtown Tokyo. The craziest part was at the end when a troupe of American superheroes come to save the day and take Dainipponjin with them to their house in the sky for dinner. Fantastic!
Afterward I found myself part of a human stampede in Shinjuku station. The trains do not run 24/7 like in NYC, even on the weekends, so around midnight everyone has to make the big decision -- go home or stay out til the first trains start running again around 5am. I was not particularly keen on the latter so I found myself running to find the correct platform.
Side note on Shinjuku station: it is ridiculous. I can think of no good analogy. The station itself is enormous and depending on which side you exit from, you can find yourself in a completely different neighborhood. Inside the station itself there are department stores, food courts, bookstores, restaurants, at least one mall, and not to mention platforms for several different subway and train lines. My teacher, Nakamura-sensei, who has lived in Tokyo for over 20 years, said that it is difficult even for her to find her way around Shinjuku station.
I'm just happy that I can remember the names of the lines I need to take and what direction to take them. I'll save trying to figure out Shinjuku station for another trip.
The crowds of teenagers and 20-somethings had crazy poofy hairdos, colorful make-up and big jewelry, snazzy suits and short short skirts with billowy, lacy tops. Like they'd all been pulled off the runway of some important fashion show.
In my wanderings I happened upon a movie theater and because I love movies and thought it would be a good opportunity to *study* Japanese I decided to check it out. They were showing a lot of American movies, although none that really appealed to me (mostly blockbuster-types like Pirates III, etc). I decided on 大日本人 (Dainipponjin), which literally means "Big Japanese Person." Turned out to be a good choice. I would say I understood about 60-70% of what was being said but got enough of it to know it was pretty great. Imagine Clark Kent meets the Dude and throw in some anime scenes with eccentric *monsters* tearing up familiar buildings in downtown Tokyo. The craziest part was at the end when a troupe of American superheroes come to save the day and take Dainipponjin with them to their house in the sky for dinner. Fantastic!
Afterward I found myself part of a human stampede in Shinjuku station. The trains do not run 24/7 like in NYC, even on the weekends, so around midnight everyone has to make the big decision -- go home or stay out til the first trains start running again around 5am. I was not particularly keen on the latter so I found myself running to find the correct platform.
Side note on Shinjuku station: it is ridiculous. I can think of no good analogy. The station itself is enormous and depending on which side you exit from, you can find yourself in a completely different neighborhood. Inside the station itself there are department stores, food courts, bookstores, restaurants, at least one mall, and not to mention platforms for several different subway and train lines. My teacher, Nakamura-sensei, who has lived in Tokyo for over 20 years, said that it is difficult even for her to find her way around Shinjuku station.
I'm just happy that I can remember the names of the lines I need to take and what direction to take them. I'll save trying to figure out Shinjuku station for another trip.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
nikko
This past weekend we were given 3 days off so I went with fellow hichiriki player Ben to Nikko, an area a few hours northwest of the city. The closest analogy I can think of is going from NYC to the Catskills in upstate NY, except even more scenic and beautiful, not to mention it's the home of several major shrines and temples. Also apparently the home of the famous monkeys (the ones that don't see, hear or speak the bad stuff), although we never did find them.
It rained all weekend but was beautiful nonetheless. We agreed it was the most beautiful place either of us had been. Mountains everywhere, waterfalls, hiking, shrines, rivers, every imaginable shade of green. Also went to an Onsen for the first time and loved it, very relaxing.
It finally cleared up on the last day so I could take some pics. Above are the Ryuzu Falls and below is a view across the Yutaki Lake.
Monday, June 11, 2007
visit to the imperial grounds
Last Friday the four of us went to the Imperial grounds to observe a gagaku rehearsal and tour some of the gardens. The Imperial grounds are separated from the rest of To
kyo by a moat. The medieval feeling of it was reinforced when we had to walk across a bridge and climb through a mini-door that was part of a huge wooden gate. Here is a view of the moat separating downtown Tokyo from the Imperial grounds-->
The gagaku stage there had the biggest taiko drums I have ever seen. In this picture the taiko is to the right of the smaller kakko drum. You can see the people standing in the background to get an idea of the scale -->
Before and after the rehearsal we met with Togi-sensei, the Head Court Musician (indicated as a "Human Treasure" on his business card) and played for him. Not sure if it's the novelty thing or if he actually thought we sounded good but he invited us back sit in on some of his classes.
kyo by a moat. The medieval feeling of it was reinforced when we had to walk across a bridge and climb through a mini-door that was part of a huge wooden gate. Here is a view of the moat separating downtown Tokyo from the Imperial grounds-->
<--And the door we had to climb through.
The gagaku stage there had the biggest taiko drums I have ever seen. In this picture the taiko is to the right of the smaller kakko drum. You can see the people standing in the background to get an idea of the scale -->Before and after the rehearsal we met with Togi-sensei, the Head Court Musician (indicated as a "Human Treasure" on his business card) and played for him. Not sure if it's the novelty thing or if he actually thought we sounded good but he invited us back sit in on some of his classes.
After the rehearsal we had a chance to tour some of the gardens. Very beautiful and totally removed from the city that surrounds it. It reminded me somewhat of Central Park, albeit much cleaner, very well-kept and minus all the people.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
浅草
昨日浅草で雷門や金龍山浅草寺を見に行った。日本人や外国人がたくさんいた。でも、浅草寺近くに、いろいろなもっと小さくて人が少ない寺や神社や庭もあった。とても幽勝なところだった。
浅草寺に行った後で、浅草の辺に歩いた。いろいろな店や酒屋を見た。一つの日本式の酒屋に行った。私たちは、アメリカに比べて全部のことがもっと小さかったと思っていた。椅子もテブルも人もちいさい。このところで日本人に会って友達になった。一人は結婚するために買った着物を見せた。とても面白かった。
Monday, June 4, 2007
why i am in japan
Since several of you have asked, and "asia" is quite an ambiguous and all-encompassing term (working on a better title for this blog, ideas welcome), I thought I'd take a minute to explain just what exactly it is that I am doing in Japan.
Over the past year I took an ensemble class called "World Music: Gagaku." Gagaku is the imperial court music of Japan, featuring instruments like the ryuteki, sho, koto, biwa and my personal fav, the hichiriki. The hichiriki is a double reed instrument that is loud and hard to play, but is also basically the diva of the gagaku stage.
After a year of study I can play 2 1/2 ish songs and am still trying to figure out the written system for reading music. Part of the problem on that front is that it is not always consistent and so I came to learn mostly from ear. Now I need to really know it though in order to learn at a quicker pace and to practice on my own.
In addition to learning how to play in a completely foreign and somewhat esoteric music tradition, after the year had passed I found myself with a free ticket to study Gagaku in Tokyo for 6 weeks this summer. The program was created this year and is called the Mentor/Protege Gagaku Summer Initiative. For any of you who haven't graduated yet -- take the class next year and apply! only those taking the class are eligible and this year 4 people were chosen out of a class of around 10 people.
Since the program is in its first year it seems we are all finding out what it entails together. We have lessons around 3 or 4 times a week at different places in the city -- very convenient for sightseeing -- and will be attending several Gagaku concerts. Also, this Friday we get to attend a Gagaku practice inside the Imperial Palace, which is apparently a very big deal. Unlike the White House, the Imperial Palace is off-limits for most Japanese -- no tours, etc.
So far our schedule has been pretty laid back. Plenty of time to adjust to the time change, explore, excercise, and generally do my own thing, which I of course love. Only set back so far has been trying to get an adapter for my computer. Probably should have looked into it before leaving the States but, oh well. Until I get one though I have to use the computer lab, which makes it harder to upload pics... I have heard that for Dell computers all you need is a plug that accepts a three-prong and plugs into a two-prong outlet and that since the voltage here is pretty close to the US you don't need an actual *adapter.* Anyone know more about this?
Over the past year I took an ensemble class called "World Music: Gagaku." Gagaku is the imperial court music of Japan, featuring instruments like the ryuteki, sho, koto, biwa and my personal fav, the hichiriki. The hichiriki is a double reed instrument that is loud and hard to play, but is also basically the diva of the gagaku stage.
After a year of study I can play 2 1/2 ish songs and am still trying to figure out the written system for reading music. Part of the problem on that front is that it is not always consistent and so I came to learn mostly from ear. Now I need to really know it though in order to learn at a quicker pace and to practice on my own.
In addition to learning how to play in a completely foreign and somewhat esoteric music tradition, after the year had passed I found myself with a free ticket to study Gagaku in Tokyo for 6 weeks this summer. The program was created this year and is called the Mentor/Protege Gagaku Summer Initiative. For any of you who haven't graduated yet -- take the class next year and apply! only those taking the class are eligible and this year 4 people were chosen out of a class of around 10 people.
Since the program is in its first year it seems we are all finding out what it entails together. We have lessons around 3 or 4 times a week at different places in the city -- very convenient for sightseeing -- and will be attending several Gagaku concerts. Also, this Friday we get to attend a Gagaku practice inside the Imperial Palace, which is apparently a very big deal. Unlike the White House, the Imperial Palace is off-limits for most Japanese -- no tours, etc.
So far our schedule has been pretty laid back. Plenty of time to adjust to the time change, explore, excercise, and generally do my own thing, which I of course love. Only set back so far has been trying to get an adapter for my computer. Probably should have looked into it before leaving the States but, oh well. Until I get one though I have to use the computer lab, which makes it harder to upload pics... I have heard that for Dell computers all you need is a plug that accepts a three-prong and plugs into a two-prong outlet and that since the voltage here is pretty close to the US you don't need an actual *adapter.* Anyone know more about this?
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Arrival at Nihongo Kokusai Center
Arrived in Tokyo yesterday afternoon around 1pm. I somehow managed to get a cell phone and find the right train to take me to Nippori station. I was completely zonked and not looking forward to trying to find my way to the Nihongo Kokusai Center on my own. Lucky for me, Terumi-san was waiting at the station to take me there. Talking with her and walking from the station to the dorm gave me a second wind so I did a little exploring on my own later in the day.
The part of the city where we are staying is called Kita Urawa. It seems to be a mainly residential area with a little "down town" area near the station, kind of like a suburb I guess. Much different feel though than New York or Columbus suburbs. Cleaner, less cars, lots and lots of bicycles. It seems most people walk and use public transportation.
I noticed as we were walking to the dorm that all the bikes lining the sidewalk did not seem to be locked up. Terumi seemed amused by my question and said that no, they don't usually lock their bikes. I guess Miho and others were right when they said that people don't steal here. (Recalling that she claimed to have lost her wallet several times in Tokyo and every time it was returned to her with nothing taken from it!)
The place we are staying is the Nihongo Kokusai Center. Most of the other people staying here are studying to be Japanese teachers. The facilities are really great -- computer lab, lounges,
convenience store, a cafeteria, free bikes to borrow, etc.
While searching for some dinner last night came across this display that reminded me of Taiwan. It's all plastic representations of the food they serve put into a display case so you can just point. How convenient for the dumb foreigner! It made me laugh remembering the same oddly practical displays in Taiwan so I took a pic. More interesting pics to come, I promse.
Friday, June 1, 2007
旅行の＊小さい＊問題
今週の月曜日日本へ行くつもりだった。でも、小さい問題があった。月曜日に、空港でパースポートがないことが分かった。バカバカ～～
パースポートがどこか分からないから、新しいのをかけらなくてはいけなかった。それから、明日もらって、土曜日に、JFK から都京へ行く。
だから、今週ニューヨークに、従妹のアパートに泊まっている。本を読んだり、どこへも歩いたり、ブローグをしたりすることができる。
英語では、「生活にレモンをもらったら、レモネードを作った方がいい」ということわざがある。このように思うことにするの。。。
パースポートがどこか分からないから、新しいのをかけらなくてはいけなかった。それから、明日もらって、土曜日に、JFK から都京へ行く。
だから、今週ニューヨークに、従妹のアパートに泊まっている。本を読んだり、どこへも歩いたり、ブローグをしたりすることができる。
英語では、「生活にレモンをもらったら、レモネードを作った方がいい」ということわざがある。このように思うことにするの。。。
Thursday, May 31, 2007
video clips
Still trying to figure out what I can and cannot do in terms of design, placement, etc. Aparently the video option is not quite as awesome as I had originally thought -- I can't really control what videos are there, I can only search a keyword and deal with whatever comes up.
Lucky for me, my first search turned up some great clips. The "Traumerei" (third clip down) is one of my favorites.
One nice feature: when you click on one it just plays on the page without opening a new window.
Lucky for me, my first search turned up some great clips. The "Traumerei" (third clip down) is one of my favorites.
One nice feature: when you click on one it just plays on the page without opening a new window.
unexpected delays
Things just don't always work out like you expect them to. Learned that one the hard way this time around.
So I've spent the week with Theresa, my cousin here in the city. Which has been good. Lots of time to read, talk, play with kittens (see pics), and set this up. Kittens have a way of distracting and engaging you that lifts the spirit.
I was supposed to leave from JFK Monday afternoon on a flight to Tokyo. When I was waiting in line at the airport to check in I discovered that I did not have my passport. "Any way I can do this without a passport?" I ask. Response was something along the lines of, not a chance.
I don't know what happened to my passport. It seems to be one of those mysteries that will either never be solved or will turn up years down the road under the backseat of my parent's van or something and everyone will laugh. Not too much laughing for the moment.
So I've spent the week with Theresa, my cousin here in the city. Which has been good. Lots of time to read, talk, play with kittens (see pics), and set this up. Kittens have a way of distracting and engaging you that lifts the spirit. After several days of stressing, staring at the computer, running up my cell minutes and spending more money than I actually have, I'm scheduled to fly out Saturday morning. You wouldn't believe the trouble and expense involved with getting a new passport super fast. I'm having a hard time understanding how this is going to work out in the end but for now I'm trying to listen to the voices of assurance in my life right now that say, I know it may be hard or impossible to see right now but good things will come of it and you just have to make the best of it.
Crossing fingers till Saturday and enjoying my extra time in the city. Lots of walking, sore calves, time to stretch, time to think and write.
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