Home, but still posting. I know I have not kept the blog up to date, but as you know technology can be great or it can be very frustrating at the very least. I was not able to connect in Himeji like I previously was excited about and the last 3 days in Tokyo were so full that I was barely able to keep up with email. So... as my body clock adjusts I will be able to post the last two weeks of the adventure. I have tons of photos and videos to share with you. I hope you will continue to read.
Thank you so much for taking part in this adventure with me.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Another Early Morning
Tsukiji Fish Market Today started off really early with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market at 4:30 AM then breakfast of champions, the freshest sushi I have ever had. I did skip on the Sea Urchin, a little funky in texture and a little too strong in flavor. In fact the small bite that I tried I almost gagged. The fish market was amazing. It was a city in itself. To think that the seafood that is brought into this market is sent all around the world!
Here is the complete tour of the market photostory; then a short video on how they move the fish around the market, a live auction, and the last one is a fisherman at work.
Here is the complete tour of the market photostory; then a short video on how they move the fish around the market, a live auction, and the last one is a fisherman at work.
Lantern Festival
After Sumo wrestling practice and then breakfast, we went to our informational sessions. Our first speaker was Tsutomu Kimura, president of the National Institution for Academic Degrees. He spoke to us about the status of the education system in Japan. In Japan students are not required to attend high school. It was interesting to find that 97% of them continue their education. I am not sure the percentage would be as high in the United States.
Our second speaker was Takahiro Mayo a professor from the International University of Japan. He spoke to us on Japan's economy. I had heard of the "Big Mac" economy test, but it was interesting that he compared Japan, China, and the United States. If you are not aware of the theory, check it out on wikipedia. He made it clear that because of the declining Japanese population has lead to a decline in the Japanese economy while the Chinese economy is booming.
The last presenters were from the House Representatives in the Diet. You may remember the photos from our tour of Tokyo. Wakako Hironaka, new female representative and Yuji Tsushima, a veteran 33 year member. It was interesting to hear them share their perspectives of the social concerns of Japan. Wakako's position is a relatively new concept in Japanese culture. She is one of the first women to be given such authority. Her advice to women of Japan and to all women who wish to pursue positions of power or to be an active member in society is to practice the "3 C's"- Competence- continue to build on your strengths for her it is to continue her education and practice of the English language; Camaraderie- women need to assist each other and support one another instead of competing; Common Professional Culture- women must practice good moral and ethical decision making and to have a high level of character.
The day ended with a group of us catching a subway to Ikeburo for a Lantern Festival. Words can not describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the evening check out the video.
( a section of town that we were recommended not to visit, oops)
Our second speaker was Takahiro Mayo a professor from the International University of Japan. He spoke to us on Japan's economy. I had heard of the "Big Mac" economy test, but it was interesting that he compared Japan, China, and the United States. If you are not aware of the theory, check it out on wikipedia. He made it clear that because of the declining Japanese population has lead to a decline in the Japanese economy while the Chinese economy is booming.
The last presenters were from the House Representatives in the Diet. You may remember the photos from our tour of Tokyo. Wakako Hironaka, new female representative and Yuji Tsushima, a veteran 33 year member. It was interesting to hear them share their perspectives of the social concerns of Japan. Wakako's position is a relatively new concept in Japanese culture. She is one of the first women to be given such authority. Her advice to women of Japan and to all women who wish to pursue positions of power or to be an active member in society is to practice the "3 C's"- Competence- continue to build on your strengths for her it is to continue her education and practice of the English language; Camaraderie- women need to assist each other and support one another instead of competing; Common Professional Culture- women must practice good moral and ethical decision making and to have a high level of character.
The day ended with a group of us catching a subway to Ikeburo for a Lantern Festival. Words can not describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the evening check out the video.
( a section of town that we were recommended not to visit, oops)
Sumo before breakfast
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Three of us headed out early this morning to get a glimpse of a sumo wrestling practice. All we had was a map in Japanese with a circle around our hotel's location and the location of the dohyo.
This was our second attempt on the massive Tokyo subway system. The difficult part is not that it is huge, but that some subway stations are only in the kanji, Japanese symbols or characters. We knew our stop in Roman letters, not the kanji, so we literally had to follow the subway line on our map and then transfer it to the one on the wall. Luckily when we got on the subway the stops were posted in Roman letters. That was reassuring!
Once we came up to the street, we headed in the general direction. At one point we stopped in a Seven Eleven and asked for directions. Unfortunately, the two young men did not know about the dohyo about 3 blocks away. We ended up stopping a couple on their morning walk. The Japanese people are so incredibly nice and helpful. They walked us to the doyho instead of just pointing in the general direction.
The dohyo was a small one. We heard from others that they went to a much larger one in the same neighborhood. After seeing their photos, I am glad we ended up at this quaint dohyo.
One of the things that is difficult to get use to in Japan is the lack of vocal correspondance. When you watch the video below you will see that no one is talking. There are so few words exchanged. Now I understand where the comment, "Loud Americans" comes from.
I enjoyed watching the traditions and discipline of the Sumo wrestler.
Three of us headed out early this morning to get a glimpse of a sumo wrestling practice. All we had was a map in Japanese with a circle around our hotel's location and the location of the dohyo.
This was our second attempt on the massive Tokyo subway system. The difficult part is not that it is huge, but that some subway stations are only in the kanji, Japanese symbols or characters. We knew our stop in Roman letters, not the kanji, so we literally had to follow the subway line on our map and then transfer it to the one on the wall. Luckily when we got on the subway the stops were posted in Roman letters. That was reassuring!
Once we came up to the street, we headed in the general direction. At one point we stopped in a Seven Eleven and asked for directions. Unfortunately, the two young men did not know about the dohyo about 3 blocks away. We ended up stopping a couple on their morning walk. The Japanese people are so incredibly nice and helpful. They walked us to the doyho instead of just pointing in the general direction.
The dohyo was a small one. We heard from others that they went to a much larger one in the same neighborhood. After seeing their photos, I am glad we ended up at this quaint dohyo.
One of the things that is difficult to get use to in Japan is the lack of vocal correspondance. When you watch the video below you will see that no one is talking. There are so few words exchanged. Now I understand where the comment, "Loud Americans" comes from.
I enjoyed watching the traditions and discipline of the Sumo wrestler.
Wednesday, October 17th Evening
Welcome Reception-
This evening we were invited to the main ballroom of the Tokyo Prince Hotel for a welcome ceremony.
It was a lovely site. There was sushi galore, beautiful music, and inspirational speeches. (I hope to get a portion of the speech up soon, but it was filmed vertical, but is showing horizontal and I can not figure out how to rotate it. Once again technology!) Below is a short clip of the koto harp and traditional wooden flute.
This evening we were invited to the main ballroom of the Tokyo Prince Hotel for a welcome ceremony.
It was a lovely site. There was sushi galore, beautiful music, and inspirational speeches. (I hope to get a portion of the speech up soon, but it was filmed vertical, but is showing horizontal and I can not figure out how to rotate it. Once again technology!) Below is a short clip of the koto harp and traditional wooden flute.
Ah, Technology!
When technology works, it is great, but when it does not it can really disappoint you.
My computer says I am connected to the LAN line, but when I open Mozilla or Explorer it says that it can not find the server.
After several hours and a couple of email back to my library services tech, so, we are moving on to plan B, which is to edit and work on the entries from my computer on Word and save on to the flash drives I brought, then upload and copy/paste to the blog. Cumbersome, but do-able.
I have a ton of photos and video clips, I promise to get them up today.
Thank all of you for reading and commenting.
My computer says I am connected to the LAN line, but when I open Mozilla or Explorer it says that it can not find the server.
After several hours and a couple of email back to my library services tech, so, we are moving on to plan B, which is to edit and work on the entries from my computer on Word and save on to the flash drives I brought, then upload and copy/paste to the blog. Cumbersome, but do-able.
I have a ton of photos and video clips, I promise to get them up today.
Thank all of you for reading and commenting.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Getting Behind!
Hello All,
I have tons of pictures and unedited video including a Shinto Lantern Festival and parade.
I have had to pay 500 yen for Internet use, which is not expensive considering it is for 24 hour; the problem is that you have to do it in the lobby on benches. Like right now it is very noisy with all the groups of people headed off to their free day activities. I am headed to Harajuku for manga and anime and Yokohama for pottery.
Starting tomorrow tonight I will have free access from my room. So on Monday, I will get things up for everyone. Tomorrow we take the "Bullet" train to Himeji then several of us are going to continue on the train to Hiroshima for the afternoon and evening.
Till then! (This is my favorite photo so far, can you tell me what book he was reading.)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Ah, the Glories of Traveling
Day 1-
Travel Day- It started at 4:45 AM when my great friend Kurt picked me up to take me to the airport. He was actually the airport shuttle for his brother and sister-in-law, I was just a stowaway. I made a deal I would tag along for the 6 AM drop off (1.5 hr before my flight) then take him to breakfast. All were happy!
I was excited because I had a direct flight to San Francisco!
I was duped. First a young couple sat in the row behind me with an infant. I cringed. Then to my left another couple joined us with a 2 year old. A bigger cringe! But I thought it would be the infant that would cry over the pressure in her ears, but no she slept through the whole trip then quietly played as we landed. The one to my left- another story. He was all smiles and said hello to anyone that would look his way. Then about half through my uncomfortable sleep- it started-a wailing that shook me from my stupor and it did not stop.
Airplanes do not afford much space, but when I awoke from my second attempt for a nap- there was a butt pushed up in my face as the owner of this butt waited in line for the restroom. I guess I should just be grateful that there was not an odor that was associated with it.
Well, my 9:45 bus to the airport is calling. Next post from Japan!!!
Travel Day- It started at 4:45 AM when my great friend Kurt picked me up to take me to the airport. He was actually the airport shuttle for his brother and sister-in-law, I was just a stowaway. I made a deal I would tag along for the 6 AM drop off (1.5 hr before my flight) then take him to breakfast. All were happy!
I was excited because I had a direct flight to San Francisco!
I was duped. First a young couple sat in the row behind me with an infant. I cringed. Then to my left another couple joined us with a 2 year old. A bigger cringe! But I thought it would be the infant that would cry over the pressure in her ears, but no she slept through the whole trip then quietly played as we landed. The one to my left- another story. He was all smiles and said hello to anyone that would look his way. Then about half through my uncomfortable sleep- it started-a wailing that shook me from my stupor and it did not stop.
Airplanes do not afford much space, but when I awoke from my second attempt for a nap- there was a butt pushed up in my face as the owner of this butt waited in line for the restroom. I guess I should just be grateful that there was not an odor that was associated with it.
Well, my 9:45 bus to the airport is calling. Next post from Japan!!!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
What's my plan?
When I applied for the trip, I had to create a plan or as they refer to it as a "Follow-On Plan". The "Follow-On Plan" is to guide my experience in Japan and then, what and how I plan to share with my students, school, and community when I return.
My reason for wanting to go on this cultural exchange was to:
1- Bridge the Lanier Community- Lanier High School's neighborhood has been in the process of transforming from an Asian community with Korean BBQ restaurants, Asian stores, Chinese restaurants, nail shops, sushi bars, and acupuncturtists to Mexican taco shops, mercados, and dollar discount stores. I hope to involve the Asian business owners and alumni in activities at our school like the Career Fair and our advisory program to build a better understanding between the two cultures.
2- Study Manga and Anime- This fall I started a "Munching on Manga" book club (don't tell the kids that is what it is). My idea was to meet once a month, but they vetoed me and we are now meeting twice a month. They bring their lunch to the library, we talk about our favorite manga, eat cookies, and then watch a little Anime. There will be speakers such as: our assistant principal is going to speak to them about the Japanese language, one of our Geography teachers will talk about some of the interesting aspects of living in Japan, and I am looking into asking one of the local comic book or Anime shop owners to come and speak to them.
I am excited about the possibilities.
My reason for wanting to go on this cultural exchange was to:
1- Bridge the Lanier Community- Lanier High School's neighborhood has been in the process of transforming from an Asian community with Korean BBQ restaurants, Asian stores, Chinese restaurants, nail shops, sushi bars, and acupuncturtists to Mexican taco shops, mercados, and dollar discount stores. I hope to involve the Asian business owners and alumni in activities at our school like the Career Fair and our advisory program to build a better understanding between the two cultures.
2- Study Manga and Anime- This fall I started a "Munching on Manga" book club (don't tell the kids that is what it is). My idea was to meet once a month, but they vetoed me and we are now meeting twice a month. They bring their lunch to the library, we talk about our favorite manga, eat cookies, and then watch a little Anime. There will be speakers such as: our assistant principal is going to speak to them about the Japanese language, one of our Geography teachers will talk about some of the interesting aspects of living in Japan, and I am looking into asking one of the local comic book or Anime shop owners to come and speak to them.
I am excited about the possibilities.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Where I grew up....Beeville, Texas
For my host family- here is a little slide show of where I grew up.
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