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Published: February 15th 2006
Today I set off to explore more of the city of Kobe. The population of Kobe, Japan is 1.25 million yet somehow it doesn´t feel too crowded. Busy yes, crowded no. The neighbourhood I live is called Kitano, it is a good location about a 10 minute walk from the city center, but far enough removed to be pleasant. The neighbourhood sits at the base of a mountain and is contains many winding roads and seems to have several good cafes and shops.
My sense of direction seems to be improving and today I was able to make my way to Chinatown (Nankinmachi) in central Kobe. It is a beautiful space but much smaller than I expected. China town is surrounded by large ornate gates and vibrant red and yellow laterns. I arrived around lunch time and everyone was hustling around buying lunch from the street vendors and restaurants that lined the streets. Food on sticks seem to be a specialty in Kobe´s Chinatown. A variety of meats, and fruits like pineapple and melon were all available for the offering ...on a stick. Noodle bowls also seemed quite popular. There had to be about 500 students, all wearing various Japanese school uniforms (I think the boys look like they should be doormen at the Chateau Laurier) milling about.
Many of the younger children had disposible cameras and were running around snapping photos. I think they were on a scavenger hunt. A couple of teenage girls caught a glimpse of me and after a few moments of awkwardly trailing behind me they snapped a picture of me too!
After Chinatown, I headed to the Port of Kobe. I wanted to check out the Eathquake Memorial and the Harbour Front. Unfortunately, shortly after I arrived the rain began to fall. But from what I saw the Eathquake Memorial is quiet an emotional tribute to the 6000 people who died in the 1994 quake. A piece of the seaport has been left just as it was right after the earthquake.I´ll have to go back another day to adequately take it all in.
Because of the rain and my lack of an umbrella I took refuge in a nearby Starbucks. It was kind of nice because my order of a ´Chai Latte´was quickly recognized and they were playing English music, I almost thought I was back in Ottawa again. I guess that what captialism and standardization does!
One more day left until training starts......
Hope you are well, miss you!
love, Melissa
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Katie
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Hey Mel!
Hey Melissa, I hope you are enjoying your first week in Japan, it sounds like everyday is an adventure. I spoke with Kelly on Thursday, and she said that you were making out great : ) Hope all is well and you are looking forward to your first day of training! Talk to you soon, Katie