Blogs from Kagawa, Japan, Asia - page 4

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Asia » Japan » Kagawa March 21st 2009

My time left on Shikoku was beginning to grow a bit short so I thought it was about time I saw everything of interest in my area before I moved on. Friday and Saturday were days off so Simon and I decided to visit Yashima a town with an intriguing heritage village called Shikoku Mura and Naoshima an art island. --- March 20th --- Yashima (屋島) ~ Don’t be fooled by the kanji, Yashima may have the character for island, but it’s not an island. It’s on mainland Shikoku a short kotoden train ride away from Takamatsu. The Shikoku Mura is a quick stroll from the train station and overall a really fun and interesting way to spend an afternoon. The Mura is a collection of old buildings and structures from all over Shikoku. There was ... read more
Shodoshima Kabuki Theatre
Aren't we an adorable couple? = P
I think they made sugar here

Asia » Japan » Kagawa » Kotohira March 16th 2009

Hi all, I recently changed my cell phone email address due to tons of spam mail. It is: dave_6-18-1984.@docomo.ne.jp Thanks, Dave... read more

Asia » Japan » Kagawa » Kotohira March 15th 2009

For this edition of the blog, I will share some of the amusing stories that I have been “privileged” to experience here in Japan. Basically, a lot happens here that is not necessarily a big enough deal to write a WHOLE blog about, but they’re certainly enough to give me a quick chuckle, or more often than not, leaving me utterly confused. Enjoy! --Back before Christmas, I wrote about going to the schools in the small countryside town of Saita. I mentioned that one of the best parts of going there was riding the bus with a handful of elementary school students. Well, there was one little girl who was far from shy, and when I sat in my seat, she tapped me on the shoulder and in plain English said, “What’s your name?” You have ... read more
SPEECH SPEECH SPEECH
Bento Box
Feast

Asia » Japan » Kagawa » Marugame March 6th 2009

Writing about Japan instantly invokes reflection on China. For those who don't know, we're working at an English school in Marugame, Japan. Marugame is where the ninjas...I mean samurai...well, ok nothing crazy happened here. But it's a pretty sweet town, and we have pretty sweet jobs, teaching youngsters how to cuss in English. China .... even after I've been out of the that country for months, I'm still thinking about it. I'm reading about China, I'm talking about China and I'm writing about China. Never have I felt such a disconnect between my personal enjoyment and (intellectual? mental? )horror of a place. I just finished reading Oracle Bones, by Peter Hessler, which really helped clarify my thoughts. As our friend Jose said, Hessler describes China in a way I couldn't, and puts to paper my own ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kagawa February 28th 2009

Winter has started to fade away and the first blossoms of the year, plum blossoms, have returned to Shikoku and this year I went to the Utazu Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) and Ritsurin Koen(Park) again. I really love this time of year when the weather starts to warm up! Hina Matsuri ~ It’s pretty intriguing to see the old section of the town I work in all dolled up (literally and figuratively) and open for everyone to see. Even though it’s a bit weird to look into or walk into a stranger’s house, it is quite interesting. I’m a bit of a nosey person by nature. Mariko, Katie, Simon and I all went together through the town. We also visited some temples, ate some snacks (They had some really, really scrumptious fried octopus.) and looked at ... read more
Part of the Display
Traditional Hina Display
Very Serious

Asia » Japan » Kagawa » Kotohira February 17th 2009

Let me first say a heartfelt “Thank You” for all the positive responses to my last blog entry. I couldn’t help but feel like I had broken a promise (to you and myself) that I would be back this coming August. Knowing that I have friends and family that love me so much even when I’m away makes me feel less distant, which is definitely a good thing! Ok…deep breath…Tokyo… stay calm, Dave. My neck is sore from 5 straight days of shaking my head in disbelief. I came to the Imperial City with high expectations, all of which were exceeded. I owe a lot of this experience to my host Matthew Ireton and his family. Matthew was a member of my GW A Cappella group, and since graduating last spring, has moved back into his ... read more
From the 45th floor
Imperial Palace
The suits...

Asia » Japan » Kagawa » Kotohira February 10th 2009

Hello All, Thank you for your responses to my last blog entry. I’m sorry I have not been able to deliver on some of the questions asked, but I’ll try my best to get around to them all when I can. I’m posting some photos from my ski trip last month, and in my next blog I’ll be breaking down Tokyo, where I’ll be spending the next five days. I’ll also be writing about the Japanese aesthetic, as in what’s cute and sexy. So there are some things to look forward to. Ok, now for the business. When I decided to come to Japan, I knew it would be on a one-year contract (with second-year options. Right, Jason Varitek?) My full intentions were to stay one year, learn as much Japanese as possible, see the country, ... read more
Back on the Skis
Nagano
Dinner

Asia » Japan » Kagawa » Kotohira January 29th 2009

Hello Faithful Readers! As we get set to turn the page on January '09, I just want to say that writing this blog has been a lot of fun, and I appreciate all of the positive feedback you've given me. This is probably the first time I've ever done any free-form writing, so forgive me for learning on the job. First, a few updates! A week after returning from the sunny beaches of Thailand, I found myself on top of a snow-covered mountain with skis dauntingly strapped to my legs. I was on top of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in Olympic-(in)famous (not just famous, INfamous...WATCH THE THREE AMIGOS DAMMNIT!!) Nagano. It was my first time skiing in probably 10 years, but I was amazed at how quickly I shook off the rust and regained my ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kagawa January 11th 2009

~January 1st and 11th~ In Japan New Years (正月 shōgatsu) is a major holiday full of traditions. “Firsts” of the year are very important. Watching the first sun rise (Hatsuhinode 初日の出), the first temple visit of the year (Hatsumoude 初詣), first tea ceremony, work day, shopping day, etc, etc. Food is also, of course, very important during New Years. People eat specific dishes that vary by region called osechi-ryouri (お節料理) to bring in the New Year. Also it is customary for everyone to send friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances New Years cards(年賀状 nengajou). A similar custom to Christmas cards in the west, but taken much more seriously. Considering that this would probably be the only New Years I experienced in Japan I wanted to soak up as much of the cultural experience as possible. On New ... read more
Fugu
My Friends
The crowds on the path to Kotohira Shrine

Asia » Japan » Kagawa » Kotohira December 21st 2008

As the second semester of the Japanese school year came to a close on Friday, thus began the annual End-of-the-Year Staff Party season. There are two or three 年会 nenkai (lit. “year party”) every year, but the 忘年会 bonenkai (lit. forget year party) is the usually the most important. Lucky for me, I go to so many schools that I’m bound to be invited to at least one, as was exactly the case. So on Friday evening, I met the other teachers and principles of 和光中学校 Wako Junior High School at a sushi restaurant to share in some good holiday cheer over some delicious food and drink. By the way, I have to first mention that this party is for staff only—no families invited. It’s a good thing, because children and loved ones should never have ... read more
Appetizer
Trivia
Main Course




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