directions
SEtup your voki website
Record your name
After you have added your voki to this webpage, please make positive comment on at least two others.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Choo, choo!
So how did those 20 American educators get down South to Himeji? Via Bullet Train! We were excited to experience this form of transportation. Japan was the first country to commit to building a high speed rail system. The previous rail system went around the mountains and other obstacles while the Shinkansen goes through them.
The Tokaido Shinkansen line runs from Tokyo through Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, and then continued on to Hiroshima, with its final distination of Fukuota. The Tokaido line was started in 1959 and completed just in time for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. The average speed of the train is 187 miles per hour with the top speed being 277 mph. You could not tell it was going that fast and the stops were not harsh either. We had one minute to disembark the train at Himeji. One of our colleagues actually met one of her former students at the Osaka station to say a quick "Hello" and I do mean quick.
The train was very clean and comfortable. We traveled a total of 400 miles in 3 hours. You do the math, How fast were we traveling?
Here is a corny photostory for you-
The Tokaido Shinkansen line runs from Tokyo through Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, and then continued on to Hiroshima, with its final distination of Fukuota. The Tokaido line was started in 1959 and completed just in time for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. The average speed of the train is 187 miles per hour with the top speed being 277 mph. You could not tell it was going that fast and the stops were not harsh either. We had one minute to disembark the train at Himeji. One of our colleagues actually met one of her former students at the Osaka station to say a quick "Hello" and I do mean quick.
The train was very clean and comfortable. We traveled a total of 400 miles in 3 hours. You do the math, How fast were we traveling?
Here is a corny photostory for you-
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Our Host City- Himeji, Japan
Our first visit in Himeji was to the mayor's office. 
We were welcomed to the city by Mayor Toshikatsu Iwami. During this period we were able to ask questions of him and the Superintendent of Himeji City Schools. Himeji is a port city with two rivers running from the hills into the ocean. They are known for their river eel, which I will say was oishii, delicious. 
Mayor Iwami was a soft spoken gentleman. He thanked us for coming and wanted to find out what our first impressions of his city was. He was very proud of the city, as he should be. I asked him about his goals and or hopes for his city. He said that he built his goals around three pillars. Pillar One-was to address what the country of Japan considers a problem and that was the growing number of elderly. He didn't believe this, in fact he felt that the elderly were their best assets. He was working on having them remain in viable relationships and involved with city issues and the community as much as possible. Pillar Two- Was to expand the responsibilities of businesses and the community in incorporating more environmentally sound practices that would allow Himeji to become a more global community, and Pillar Three- which was the education of the children, so that Pillar One and Two could be fulfilled. When Mayor Iwami was asked what we could not miss in his city, he said that of course you must see Himeji Castle and he would like us to see the Himeji Peace 
Monument. That very afternoon we headed out to both. Himeji Castle- "Special Features of Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is nicknamed "White Heron" Castle because of its white walls which are covered with white plaster. The reason for using white plaster is that it is fireproof. Like other surviving Japanese castles, Himeji Castle is built of wood, not stones, and so fire prevention is very important. As well as the fact that white plaster has fireproofing capabilities, it is also considered to be a strong reinforcement. Therefore it covers both walls and almost every outside structure from eaves to pillars. The castle is built on the top of a hill called Himeyama, which is 45.6 meters above sea level. The main tower, which is the center and the symbol of the castle, is 46.4 meters high; namely, it stands 92 meters above sea level." The above was information was taken from http://www.himeji-castle.gr.jp/index/English/ 
Our presentation:
We were welcomed to the city by Mayor Toshikatsu Iwami. During this period we were able to ask questions of him and the Superintendent of Himeji City Schools. Himeji is a port city with two rivers running from the hills into the ocean. They are known for their river eel, which I will say was oishii, delicious. 
Mayor Iwami was a soft spoken gentleman. He thanked us for coming and wanted to find out what our first impressions of his city was. He was very proud of the city, as he should be. I asked him about his goals and or hopes for his city. He said that he built his goals around three pillars. Pillar One-was to address what the country of Japan considers a problem and that was the growing number of elderly. He didn't believe this, in fact he felt that the elderly were their best assets. He was working on having them remain in viable relationships and involved with city issues and the community as much as possible. Pillar Two- Was to expand the responsibilities of businesses and the community in incorporating more environmentally sound practices that would allow Himeji to become a more global community, and Pillar Three- which was the education of the children, so that Pillar One and Two could be fulfilled. When Mayor Iwami was asked what we could not miss in his city, he said that of course you must see Himeji Castle and he would like us to see the Himeji Peace 
Monument. That very afternoon we headed out to both. Himeji Castle- "Special Features of Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is nicknamed "White Heron" Castle because of its white walls which are covered with white plaster. The reason for using white plaster is that it is fireproof. Like other surviving Japanese castles, Himeji Castle is built of wood, not stones, and so fire prevention is very important. As well as the fact that white plaster has fireproofing capabilities, it is also considered to be a strong reinforcement. Therefore it covers both walls and almost every outside structure from eaves to pillars. The castle is built on the top of a hill called Himeyama, which is 45.6 meters above sea level. The main tower, which is the center and the symbol of the castle, is 46.4 meters high; namely, it stands 92 meters above sea level." The above was information was taken from http://www.himeji-castle.gr.jp/index/English/ 
Our presentation:
Friday, November 16, 2007
Video Troubles No More!
It looks like blogspot figured it out and I am so grateful! Now where to begin. I have been so overwhelmed going through all the photos and picking the best and putting tags on them. Sometimes it is hard to figure out which photos would be the best to show others; there are ones that mean a lot to me, but I know probably don't hold much to anyone else reading.
Really the best thing about having the video trouble is that I am now a little more articulate about my experience. When I first returned, everything was amazing, great, terrific!!! Don't get me wrong it was all that and more, in fact it was such a whirlwind trip that I think it left me with more questions than I had before. We received such a surface introduction to the country and its culture that it is hard to feel like I can even speak intellectually at all about it. I find myself researching different aspects of my trip because there was no time to digest it all.
The Japanese General Consulate in San Francisco hoped that we would "experience his country by hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling it." Of course, us Americans, giggled at the thought of smelling the country, but he was so right. We had to dive right in and experience everything in every manner to truly come away with an honest understanding of the incredibly gentle, honorable, polite, gracious people of Japan.
It is only when you step back that you realize the impact that your experiences will make in your life. This trip has been a small pebble in a great lake. I can't wait to see, feel, hear, and taste its ripples.
Really the best thing about having the video trouble is that I am now a little more articulate about my experience. When I first returned, everything was amazing, great, terrific!!! Don't get me wrong it was all that and more, in fact it was such a whirlwind trip that I think it left me with more questions than I had before. We received such a surface introduction to the country and its culture that it is hard to feel like I can even speak intellectually at all about it. I find myself researching different aspects of my trip because there was no time to digest it all.
The Japanese General Consulate in San Francisco hoped that we would "experience his country by hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling it." Of course, us Americans, giggled at the thought of smelling the country, but he was so right. We had to dive right in and experience everything in every manner to truly come away with an honest understanding of the incredibly gentle, honorable, polite, gracious people of Japan.
It is only when you step back that you realize the impact that your experiences will make in your life. This trip has been a small pebble in a great lake. I can't wait to see, feel, hear, and taste its ripples.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Video troubles
Hello All,
I know it is very frustrating on your end and embarassing on my end when the videos won't play. Blogspot knows about the problem and they are working to fix it. I will continue to post videos, but will also take their suggestion and find another location that can host my videos, so until I do that please be patient.
Coming soon- Bullet Train to Himeji, Himeji Schools, My Lovely Host Family, How-To on Making Sushi, and much, much more about my visit to Japan.
I know it is very frustrating on your end and embarassing on my end when the videos won't play. Blogspot knows about the problem and they are working to fix it. I will continue to post videos, but will also take their suggestion and find another location that can host my videos, so until I do that please be patient.
Coming soon- Bullet Train to Himeji, Himeji Schools, My Lovely Host Family, How-To on Making Sushi, and much, much more about my visit to Japan.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Just want to be a Rock Star!
We met the band Hanoi Rocks in the lobby at the Tokyo Prince Hotel Sunday morning.
They were all very nice and even added several groups of us to different guest list around Japan. We really wanted to go to Osaka to see them. We knew that by bullet train it would have been only 1/2 hour to 3/4 of an hour, but what we didn't realize is that it would cost $80 round trip. Even when you are on the guest list that is too much. Instead we found them on myspace and listening to several of their new songs; I hope you will do the same.
They were all very nice and even added several groups of us to different guest list around Japan. We really wanted to go to Osaka to see them. We knew that by bullet train it would have been only 1/2 hour to 3/4 of an hour, but what we didn't realize is that it would cost $80 round trip. Even when you are on the guest list that is too much. Instead we found them on myspace and listening to several of their new songs; I hope you will do the same.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Friday Night on the Town
It was our first Friday night in Tokyo. Four or five of us headed out for a little modern/contemporary culture at the fashionable Roppongi Hills Mori Tower.
I am not much for contemporary art, but this exhibit was exceptional. The artist were asked to submit a piece of work that dealt with perspective. There was everything from a replica of Tokyo from recycled bolts, screws, and nuts to a year long self portrait or the recreation of the daily newspaper (in Japanese characters of course). I was disappointed that we were not able to take photos. We did get to vote on our favorite at the end. It will be interesting to see which piece will come out as the favorite!
I am not much for contemporary art, but this exhibit was exceptional. The artist were asked to submit a piece of work that dealt with perspective. There was everything from a replica of Tokyo from recycled bolts, screws, and nuts to a year long self portrait or the recreation of the daily newspaper (in Japanese characters of course). I was disappointed that we were not able to take photos. We did get to vote on our favorite at the end. It will be interesting to see which piece will come out as the favorite!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Home, but still posting
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.
Thank you so much for taking part in this adventure with me.
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!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
