tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29601701438542805202024-03-05T10:39:03.684-08:00carrying the fireJibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-23326539517011793312011-04-26T10:38:00.000-07:002011-04-27T22:31:55.337-07:00Nebraska: The Good LifeNebraska has welcomed me back with its loving arms.<br />
<br />
A week ago today I stepped off the plane to greet girlfriend and family in the Omaha airport. It felt like home right away. The city, the streets, the food, the relationships. I was sleepy on the drive back to Lincoln, but my sweet girlfriend bore with me as I conversed through the fatigue, and the next day woke up in a town where everything was very much the same and familiar as when I'd left two and a half months earlier.<br />
<br />
But even though it feels familiar, it doesn't feel the same because I don't feel the same. In fact, I feel profoundly different.<br />
<br />
My first two days back I woke up at 6:40 am and 7:50 am. I remarked to friends how much I <i>loved</i> jet lag because I was getting up and being so productive. Two solid cups of coffee. A few chapters in a book. A little bit of writing. Cleaning the house. Unpacking. I've been nesting.<br />
<br />
I've hardly touched my Playstation since I got home. I haven't been interested in video games or Netflix, formerly a daily pursuit of mine. I went on the library website and reserved a book instead.<br />
<br />
My interactions with people have been different.. completely. In fact, I feel like I don't even recognize myself before.<br />
<br />
I don't know what this all means, yet, but I think when you have an experience of rapid growth where you're challenged anew every day, looking back on your prior persona makes you feel foreign. <br />
<br />
Not only was this an opportunity for me to travel and experience the world, but it was doubly meaningful to reconnect with my family. I've found resonances with Paul, Nancy, and Naomi that I didn't know existed, and these resonances have given me a greater sense of identity.<br />
<br />
And they have changed me.<br />
<br />
I hope you as my friends will bear with me to see what I'm about now. You might have a better insight than me into how I'm different. If there is one thing I did miss in Japan, it's you. Nebraska truly is the good life.<br />
<br />
I've got some new irons in my fire. I'm excited, enthusiastic, and thankful.<br />
<br />
To all those of you who came around me in Japan, I thank you. To those of you who received me back home, I thank you. I hope that it is as deep a pleasure for you to know me as it is for me to know you.<br />
<br />
I have two homes now.<br />
<br />
Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-30188240189398312692011-04-18T09:10:00.000-07:002011-04-21T06:29:12.773-07:00Departures & The Impermanence of ThingsThe night before a departure is always a time of tension for me.<br />
<br />
I often find myself anxious and under-prepared. So many tasks, so many people to say goodbye to.. So little time.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is the day I return.<br />
<br />
I will be getting up soon, but it's important to me to type my thoughts in the moment of tension. Writing warrants a fresh 'word' from my feelings in the present, in the <i>thick</i> of things. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sames and Differents</span><br />
After everything is said and done, I am only curious. All this time I have felt like a foreigner in a foreign land. Now, will I feel like a foreigner in my own land?<br />
<br />
I can't remember all that is different in the Midwest, but here is a short list. <br />
transportation<br />
space<br />
money<br />
language<br />
culture<br />
life<br />
roads<br />
cars<br />
fashion<br />
<b>everything</b><br />
<br />
Here is a list of things I know (I think).<br />
1 I can't wait to see my friends and loved ones at home <br />
2 I will miss my new friends in my Tokyo home<br />
3 I will miss Paul, Nancy, and Naomi<br />
4 I will miss Japanese food; ramen, sushi, yaki soba, udon, etc....<br />
5 I will enjoy understanding what people are talking about and what signs say<br />
6 I will miss public transportation<br />
7 I will enjoy having my car<br />
8 I will hate how far away everything is by car<br />
9 I will miss my girl bike<br />
10 I will miss having my own apartment <br />
11 <strike>I will enjoy sleeping in a real bed</strike> (if I have a bed when I get back...)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time Travel</span><br />
More than a week ago I knew my attitude was changing. I knew it was time to switch into leaving mode. And I wanted to leave well.<br />
<br />
One of the problems I often run into is not wanting my experience to be over, procrastinating my departure procedures, and ending up incredibly stressed out on the last night. I needed to find a way of dealing with "letting go" in a healthy way.<br />
<br />
The mentality I settled on was a dichotomy. On one hand, I would live in the present--not worrying about all the things I have to do when I get back, but simply enjoying the relationships and environment I have established in the last two months. On the other hand, I remembered that once I blinked my eyes, I would be on the plane. Time would move mercilessly, sneaking through the night and ransacking by day. Suddenly, uneventfully, my time would be over. Would I be ready?<br />
<br />
That brings me to today. I feel like I am <i>actually </i>ready.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Impermanence </span><br />
One of the values of Japanese culture is that true beauty lies in the "impermanence of things."<br />
<br />
Maybe it was the delicate, beautiful, and short-lived cherry blossoms that helped the Japanese discover this mantra.. maybe it was the Tale of Genji (see earlier Shimonoseki post), or maybe it was ancient Buddhism. Either way, some of the highest art in ancient Japanese tradition has valued this recognition of the fleeting nature of beauty.<br />
<br />
That's one of the reasons this trip has been beautiful. It is a glorious fleeting moment in my life. The magic of this first encounter of Asia, my long-lost family, and the things I've learned will be hard to top.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I can't wait to be back, but I'm sad to be going. Friendships quickly made are not as easily dismissed. Goodbyes are difficult and best kept short. <br />
<br />
But it is late, and sleep is also impermanent, and short. Tomorrow brings a new day. There is still more thinking and writing to be done in the future.<br />
<br />
This is <i>only </i>the beginning.<br />
<br />
<br />
Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-73240707771619011622011-04-13T09:19:00.000-07:002011-04-17T00:06:01.947-07:00The Great Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami<div style="text-align: justify;">I find it hard to write about what I've witnessed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Iwaki is located south of Fukushima on the eastern coast of Japan. A great wave, hundreds of miles long, hit the coast a little over a month ago. Thousands died. Thousands are still missing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Several of us went northward to visit the province last Saturday. Buried in the rubble were homes, possessions, and families.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is the worst thing I've ever seen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityUyLmDJO68927Xmu7AExPBMNl3P01p8a6_EHkFqNgs6T93F8kUQn3v6Rj6DZpRm7FZCO1TBSdMbdjWMUdYNL26TS-CsBuiMnv8ijgFBuQ-5Ic6Iuh9hjFhooRJa3yo41lZkThdQ4mhs/s1600/DSC08396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityUyLmDJO68927Xmu7AExPBMNl3P01p8a6_EHkFqNgs6T93F8kUQn3v6Rj6DZpRm7FZCO1TBSdMbdjWMUdYNL26TS-CsBuiMnv8ijgFBuQ-5Ic6Iuh9hjFhooRJa3yo41lZkThdQ4mhs/s640/DSC08396.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iwaki</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Wave</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the earthquake, the ocean itself receded hundreds of meters. This process, known as "withdrawal," is deceptive and often prompts people to pick up beached fish and shells. A few who have experienced this sort of thing before or have heard stories from their grandparents know that this is a classic sign of tsunami. In other words, "<i>RUN</i>." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gL-TTCFCjS8/TaRxkVIb9mI/AAAAAAAAECk/bBDOk37ZM-Q/s1600/DSC08486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gL-TTCFCjS8/TaRxkVIb9mI/AAAAAAAAECk/bBDOk37ZM-Q/s320/DSC08486.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean, seawall, piano keys</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">A tsunami</span> itself is not a wave, but a flood. It is a wall of dense water that is stacked from the back, and hits with the momentum of an army of freight trains. Tsunami travel at more than 500 mph across the ocean without losing much momentum. The deadly Sumatran tsunami in 2004 originated more than 3000 miles away from its areas of impact. As a tsunami nears land, the water slows and stacks up on itself. The more narrow the obstacles in the chute, the higher the water rises, pushed from behind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was 2:46 pm on a Friday. Children were at school, parents were at work. Families were separated. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The tsunami measured up to 37 <i>meters </i>tall. Who could stand a chance? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gazing at the wreckage, it was as if a monster had reached out of the deep and engulfed the city with its massive arms, and then, like a child with a sand castle, steamrolled it, back and forth until nothing made sense and everything was chaos. The reason? Cold, capricious fun, or maybe boredom. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the Nebraska, we fear tornadoes. These devastating twisters wreak havoc on rural communities, and have even destroyed entire towns. But that doesn't compare to 13,000 dead and 14,000 missing. That doesn't compare to 160,000 living in shelters. That doesn't compare to thousands of homes and families destroyed. That doesn't compare to nearly 100 children now confirmed as orphans. That doesn't compare. That doesn't compare...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Throughout this process, I am amazed at the resilience of the Japanese. We visited a nearby relief shelter, stationed in a school gymnasium. The mood was almost festive. Thanks to some missionaries from the local church who showed up to do music and give back rubs, many people were smiling amid the devastating situation. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The shelter was clean and organized. Incredibly so. </span>Newspapers lined the floor and hundreds of people slept on mats with makeshift cardboard walls for 'houses'. Privacy was impossible, but at least they had each other.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvNB5RUQIzQmqNv6N1-KWDSGO4IuZK9-7Xljp9MDXq5sfcJ8y54KEsvcQ3-wnfqvVnDsvQWWmnTD3CGtq-gyYj35IEXVMTjg274FBDzREL7zTfq2hTQNxeqRd22ipL80RXaiJmMY_RXw/s1600/DSC08376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvNB5RUQIzQmqNv6N1-KWDSGO4IuZK9-7Xljp9MDXq5sfcJ8y54KEsvcQ3-wnfqvVnDsvQWWmnTD3CGtq-gyYj35IEXVMTjg274FBDzREL7zTfq2hTQNxeqRd22ipL80RXaiJmMY_RXw/s320/DSC08376.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry "tree" and space heater, Iwaki shelter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The Japanese response in some ways puts hurricane Katrina to shame. Despite having little fuel, clean water, food, medicine, and shelter, the Japanese faithfully take care of themselves. There has been little looting, and even the homeless have been allowing refugees to take shelter with them beneath tarps. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I do not write to indict the American mentality, nor to praise the Japanese response--only to paint a picture. People are trying to stay hopeful. The shelter we visited even has its own indoor cherry "tree."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn't feel right taking pictures of people--my own admission of weakness as an amateur journalist. I wasn't gawking, but I didn't want to look like I was, either. Though, many people came up to our photographer and wanted their pictures taken. They seemed eager for us to hear their stories.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their survivor stories are their new realities. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We may have caught a brief moment of sunshine during our visit, but it is difficult for me to believe that it is like that all the time. The physical destruction is a calamity in itself--measuring 25 trillion yen ($300 billion), but how do you count human suffering? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The cost cannot be measured.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What is the actual cost of a 200-year-old family business that was destroyed? A child orphaned? An entire city demolished? History erased? What is the current exchange rate in dollars to tears?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meaning</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is imperative in times like these that those who reflect on the tragedy don't stop short of meaning. We shouldn't artificially construct tacky, pre-fabricated explanations, but we must also distill what few drops of meaning we can from this broken barrel. We are called to point the way. Even if it is inadequate, we owe it to ourselves and our God to try. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, I feel like I'm at the end of a Coen brothers movie, having watched something horrible, and asking myself "What was the point of that!? What did we learn from all this!?"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The simple, existential answer is, "nothing."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other side of the coin is the Christian storybook, saying "God has a reason, <i>He </i>will bring <i>good </i>out of this."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I find both of these instinctive explanations tempting, but foolish. They are both too trite and simplistic. It seems to me a vile sin to offer a trite answer to explain great human suffering.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have wrestled with this ever since the disaster originally happened more than a month ago. It has only pained me more to see the site of the tsunami for myself, but I am glad I did. On one hand, I feel that the more pain you experience as you grow older, the more pain you take on, and the harder faith becomes. On the other hand, I hope that this loss of innocence will result in clearer vision, despite the burden.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In my mind, this calamity grieves God greatly. This is not "an opportunity." This is not a "tool." This is not "God's punishment." This is not "OH, well, gosh, if they only had <i>Jesus </i>they'd be filled with hope and joy! YA-HOO!" Let us not forget that whole families were buried by water beneath their own homes just a month ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, God is not distant from this situation. God allowed this to happen. The love of Christ still pervades. We must wrestle with that by faith. We may never know why. But we must know our place when disaster is permitted to strike.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bear</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmStO4meV9HsZ4OkZeTdZS3vl_NyeOY9fQ1uYE7SBFL4-r9NNUytDXptJciLF2tbTfvnwqB6AFSqDFyQe2oaretKjYtlsowHKH4Boqca7U0lOlAUH5lDNOkg60306zWJvqj24xy4dK3v8/s1600/DSC08498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmStO4meV9HsZ4OkZeTdZS3vl_NyeOY9fQ1uYE7SBFL4-r9NNUytDXptJciLF2tbTfvnwqB6AFSqDFyQe2oaretKjYtlsowHKH4Boqca7U0lOlAUH5lDNOkg60306zWJvqj24xy4dK3v8/s320/DSC08498.JPG" width="240" /></a>While in Iwaki I saw several different "Pooh Bears" that stood out from the wreckage, and, whether in ironic memorial or in a desperate attempt at hope, someone had stood one up along the side of the road. As cars passed by, they could see this happy, loving bear smiling at them from atop the rubble. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He was no doubt the lost toy of some child. His smile was not mocking, but kind. And, most importantly, he was standing in the front lines with the best of them, amidst the chaos, as if to say "I see your pain, and I love you. I'm still here with you."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This picture to me symbolizes the admission of sadness and loss, and despite, hope.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is that not our place in this time? To stand together with this deep loss, to step along side the Japanese and help carry the burden? To be a friend, and reach out to offer hope and a future?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instead of seeing this as an "opportunity" to preach Christianity, can we instead show love, and make others ask, "why so much, why me?"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If no one is asking, then something is wrong. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fragrance</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The church we visited in Iwaki is a wonderful example of this. They have worked for the good of their community, and because of that they have earned an excellent rapport. They are allowed into the relief shelters, where they give foot & back rubs and perform live music. It seems to me that there is no difference between ministering to someone's physical needs, and ministering to their spirit. How simple is this? In fact, the latter demands the former.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our place is with those who suffer. The tsunami reminded us that we are small, and our lives are short. I never thought I would be within range of a nuclear meltdown, but here I am. If it is all we can do, then can we be salt and light? Can we be a pleasing fragrance in the middle of this abyss?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us not pretend that we know why God allowed this destruction. Let us not pretend we have an easy solution. Let us mourn with those who mourn. Let us pour out our spirits to help others in their time of need. Let us pray for their safety, prosperity, and hope.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us help the victims to face a better tomorrow.</div>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-51470586293855265032011-04-05T09:40:00.000-07:002011-04-05T10:47:41.594-07:00Sakura Bloom, Fortnight NighThe cherry blossoms (<i>sakura</i>) are finally blooming, Spring (<i>Haru</i>) is here, everything is coming to life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaABtydMIUfa_qKnmNtwRZEkmV6tIwzlh3D6sU_gJmYy5n41rsBml6kpbW_kXjZj8Zx752AkQqMq0dhER2wAAjHwFJeEc2i6nR4praf1oB0MYAQoGAxXe5O7KZJ7B7UKTVlK1WPhQrso/s1600/DSC07855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaABtydMIUfa_qKnmNtwRZEkmV6tIwzlh3D6sU_gJmYy5n41rsBml6kpbW_kXjZj8Zx752AkQqMq0dhER2wAAjHwFJeEc2i6nR4praf1oB0MYAQoGAxXe5O7KZJ7B7UKTVlK1WPhQrso/s640/DSC07855.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sakura)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have two weeks left today; one week to take pictures of flowers, and one week to say goodbye to this beautiful land of Nippon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rYy2U6q29k/TZtS-eIeInI/AAAAAAAAD_E/Tvduyelmi3M/s1600/DSC07823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><i>Sakura</i> are no small wonder to behold. They're not quite in full bloom yet, but every hour of every day unwraps a little bit more timid splendor. I find myself taking pictures but opening the van door as we stop by the train tracks, like some sort of photo-sniper. The natural beauty within all this urbania is captivating. I want to steal it and take it back. I want to... but I can't. It will have to live with me here, not there.<br />
<br />
No matter how many photos I take, I will always be limited in my ability to transmit my experience of the flower; the camera does not convey the visual awe; the smell cannot easily be captured; the unfolding of the delicate leaves day by day; the intricacy of the colors and shades of white, pink, and red; the touch of the gnarly trunks of giants, decades old; walking beneath the canopy. I am powerless to communicate the enjoyment of just one well-known Japanese experience.<br />
<br />
I often find myself pre-processing how I will explain this journey. <i>Sakura </i>is only one of the concepts I will fall tragically short in my ability to truly express. How much more so will I be powerless to unwrap the rest of my box of cultural and personal experiences? <i>What is different about Japan?</i> Everything. <i>Who did you meet?</i> Literally hundreds of people. <i>What did you learn?</i> So much! <i>What was your favorite part?</i> Being there.<br />
<br />
Don't be surprised if that is what comes out at first if you ask a blanket question. <br />
<br />
The problem: where do I begin? Where <i>can</i> I?<br />
<br />
This loss for words makes me feel powerless, and even alone--but not unhappy. I will always have these memories to treasure in my heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismjcIhMNTYG0naVpOqc0LR5mO59uYD_t_EZidYf7l5xJA1i95xj5GfauN5t9ElYtdr0emg1B_ItlO9_G_jA8ZbThI_vrfILIQVCHDsPO3efZbKyK_Z8d3pg-FFyIMC_gmmQCPXr2NrSE/s1600/DSC07895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismjcIhMNTYG0naVpOqc0LR5mO59uYD_t_EZidYf7l5xJA1i95xj5GfauN5t9ElYtdr0emg1B_ItlO9_G_jA8ZbThI_vrfILIQVCHDsPO3efZbKyK_Z8d3pg-FFyIMC_gmmQCPXr2NrSE/s320/DSC07895.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>I don't know how these last two weeks will go, but I'm not going to worry. I will take life as it is given and squeeze what enjoyment and learning I can out of my time. As always, I live in the present, and I say yes to experience. That means every day is a surprise--sometimes magical, and sometimes tragic.<br />
<br />
I have been grateful for all my friends, family, and loved ones who have cared for me with joy, concern, and interest during this whole process. I am eagerly awaiting sharing my opportunity to share with you..<br />
<br />
The good news? I have been deeply blessed.<br />
<br />
I hope to distance myself from the web as I become even more present where I am for the next two weeks. Your thoughts and prayers are always appreciated. I love you all so very much... Even though I am fully present here, I miss you dearly.<br />
<br />
Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-4943852838509288342011-04-02T09:52:00.000-07:002011-04-02T11:09:39.998-07:00[ haru : spring ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhi7dxOt_KoFXRFgP1FSkQ3gdsw1CFSb2FaPrGlBcx84Xz-7_cgZUrBlsnfZvvQRGu2sH0EjSBN8nZtr-Fii1TuGKrMb28X8E8c9fcGhEHL5o7N0_Edc8ZOSyD3eGx90cmLR0nSKEe6c/s1600/DSC07852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhi7dxOt_KoFXRFgP1FSkQ3gdsw1CFSb2FaPrGlBcx84Xz-7_cgZUrBlsnfZvvQRGu2sH0EjSBN8nZtr-Fii1TuGKrMb28X8E8c9fcGhEHL5o7N0_Edc8ZOSyD3eGx90cmLR0nSKEe6c/s320/DSC07852.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">A sweet wind blows as</div><div style="text-align: right;">Ducklings dive from grassy banks</div><div style="text-align: right;">Shy petals unwind</div>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-4827273061927227652011-04-01T13:15:00.000-07:002011-04-02T07:56:39.423-07:00American ValuesI've spent way too much of my life playing video games.<br />
<br />
Not that there's anything <i>wrong</i> with video games, per se. In fact, I rather like them, or I wouldn't be having this problem.<br />
<br />
I've probably even learned from them. After all, if I hadn't played Conquest of the New World growing up, I might not know the difference between a commonwealth and a liberated state today. If I hadn't played Civilization, only the Boss knows how little I would know about world history (I still remember ushering in the year 2000 with Civ 2 and a tiny glass of Arbor Mist.. good times). Sub Battle, Command and Conquer, and Age of Empires only built my fascination with historic figures. Frankly, I'm not sure where I'd be without video games.<br />
<br />
Even now, Call of Duty still holds a hypnotic allure that is hard to stay away from indefinitely. Starcraft 2 is a game I <i>intent</i> to enjoy profusely upon my return to the states. I still intend to keep playing them, but I just think I've spent too much time on them; video games, that is.<br />
<br />
And that is the real subject of this post: time. How do we spend our time as Americans.<br />
<br />
I recently read an article detailing 13 characteristics that are very specifically American, and use of time was included in the list. The fact is, Americans are only pawns to those little digital dials that now line our cell phone edges... clocks. If we're not being productive, active, and progressive while that dial changes from one number to the next, we find ourselves feeling the weight of an immense amount of guilt.<br />
<br />
It's odd, really. I <i>do</i> feel guilty when I'm not working toward something. Even if it's something digital, like a nice crop of corn on <i>Harvest Moon</i>, or that perfect college town, or an epic <i>Angry Birds</i> score. The very act of organizing and ordering itself gives me gratification as long as I'm working toward something that feels like a reward. Only, now, I'm starting to feel guilty, like some of my work has been all "smoke and mirrors"...<br />
<br />
I think that's where video game makers have me figured out. They know that if every time I succeed in their game I get a reward, I'll automatically prefer that to succeeding in real life. Because in real life you <i>don't </i>get a reward every time you succeed. In fact, most of the time your reward is internal. Sometimes, that's just not good enough for me.<br />
<br />
But we are trained to earn our rewards. From the ground up, through self-control, self-sacrifice, and having a good "work ethic," we are built to earn the rewards of our labors as individuals. And if we're not working, we're lazy. And this work ethic has enabled us to achieve some amazing things. <br />
<br />
But some cultures value personal relationships over material rewards. In fact, many do. It's not just the reward system that has value. In the last few weeks, I've seen people work devilishly hard toward very good things, but, in the end, if you don't value people, the rewards (even self-less ones) become meaningless.<br />
<br />
So I go back to video games--how far have these games actually advanced me in the realm of real life? How have they taught me to act in the scope of reality? How have they expanded my relationships? Have they taught me true skills that I will use in my every day? Or have they taught me that when I don't earn a play-by-play reward for every good action I take in the real world, that it's best to retreat to the digital one? When all human relationships are messy, complicated, and outside of my control, have I been running to something I can control? Consider this a coming out moment for me... not for being a nerd, but for retreating to an alternate universe.<br />
<br />
And the worst crime of all is to retreat from loving people. Some things are harder than others.<br />
<br />
I don't know why I chose to post this now, except that I've been thinking about my values. It's really hard to get a grip on your own culture. Sometimes it helps to get an outside opinion. That's what I've been doing. More on that to come.<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-2530762444160619752011-03-24T09:40:00.000-07:002011-03-25T10:15:49.669-07:00CheesyI've been really fascinated lately with culture, language, and the dynamic meaning of words. <br />
<br />
It's a function of my situation, really; sitting in a room full of multicultural media goons and translators all day, the mind tends to focus on communication between languages. After all, I have some coworkers I can't even speak to, yet I need them to survive. I talk much less with my mouth here, and more with my hands. And I speak more slowly. I try to incorporate Japanese words and meanings as much as I can into what I say. For instance, "hai" (pronounced "hi") means "yes." No doubt when my Nebraskan friends next see me they will wonder why I'm so friendly.<br />
<br />
I also recently stumbled across a list of words online that are notoriously difficult to translate into other languages because they express an idea, feeling, or both that no one else has quite figured out how to express. I've been writing them on the board daily to offer coworkers a bit of thought-provoking amusement to distract from their otherwise stressful lives. My favorite of these is <b>"Tingo"</b> <i></i>– “the act of taking objects one desires from the house of a friend by gradually borrowing all of them.” (<i>Pascuense,</i> Easter Island)<br />
<br />
On top of that being an awesome word, with a meaning that is SO excellent and comical, it draws a unique picture. Another one I like is <b>"</b><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><b>Jayus"</b> </span></span><i></i> – “A joke so poorly told and so unfunny that one cannot help but laugh.” (<i>Indonesian</i>) I'm guessing this is something that many of you will use to describe me in the future.<br />
<br />
Do you notice how many words it takes just to come up with a way to describe it comparably? It's something we rarely ponder, but English has these, too. I ran into one today when I was having an intercultural conversation and tried to say something was "cheesy."<br />
<br />
How do you describe it? <i>Campy</i>? What is that? <i>Goofy</i>? Still confused. <i>Sappy</i>? Nope, not ringing a bell. <br />
<br />
This turned in to an office discussion where we finally settled on a translatable definition of "silly, and in bad taste."<br />
<br />
Still, what is taste, anyway? Ways of thinking about taste aren't exactly the same here. After all, different is bad, here, so you might say that if everyone likes something it would be in good taste. By that definition, in America, Justin Bieber would also be "in good taste."<br />
<br />
In Japan, there is a truly unique feeling when the cherry blossoms bloom and plants come to life. Tokyo is transformed in a couple days into a budding, green paradise. It is a very unique and emphatic time, and there is a word in Japanese that describes "the feeling that everything is budding and spring is coming." If you want to say that in English, of course, you have to at least say "spring is in the air." I doubt there is a quick way to say this in northern Russia, the Sahara Desert, or tropical rainforest regions. <br />
<br />
How do we describe our world? Are we limited by the 250,000 plus words in the English language? The way we frame our language must tie in with the way we express and see it... The things we value, we come up with better words to describe. The words are like our tools to construct not just our communication, but our very <i>way of thinking</i>.<br />
<br />
Jayus and tingo are just two examples. We come up with better words for what we value, better ways of expressing what we need most to express. We invent better tools to build a better framework for the things we think are important. This process truly reflects our own unique experiences as people.<br />
<br />
What are some of your words that really don't translate?<br />
<br />
Michael out.<br />
<br />
http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/20-awesomely-untranslatable-words-from-around-the-world/Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-43270559897362237272011-03-15T08:38:00.000-07:002011-03-20T05:39:37.263-07:00Earthquake! Volcano! Tsunami! Meltdown! Zombies! Vampires! Hot hail! APOCALYPSE!!!!!Alien invasion! Fire-breathing bats! Wearwolves! Pirates! Zombie Pirates! Ninjas! Seismic readings! Body Snatchers! The Grinch! Radiation! Amoeba! Snakes! Hitler! Velociraptors! Voldemort! Gojira! Garlic Breath! The Loch Ness Monster! Moogles! Thetan levels rising! The Joker! Nanobots! Hippies! Holy Hand Genade! Alex Trabeck! Cloverfield! Waterloo! Birdmen! James Blunt! The French! HPV! The Bermuda Triangle! Bullying! Jennifer's Body! Killer Whales! Justin Bieber! Poltergeist! Gene Simmons! Frankenstein! Jean Claude Van Damme! Billy the kid! Leprechauns! Mech Warriors! Emperor Ming! The Candyman! Kryptonite! CCM! Nicholas Sparks! Dalecs! Necromancers! Pirrhanas! The twelve plagues! Global warming! Hurricane Katrina! Bodily functions! Ugly people! The Sheriff of Nottingham! Insane Clown Posse! The Black Death! Cannibals! Earwax! The Soviet Union! Cavities! High school dances! Tinnitus! Unplanned pregnancy! Mutant sheep! Ghengis Khan! Amelia Earhart! Original Sin! Fireproof!<br />
<br />
But seriously. I'm fine.<br />
<br />
Okay. So there have been a lot of disasters here, lately. We've had an earthquake, a tsunami, a volcanic eruption, and radioactive contamination. NBD. <br />
<br />
None of these are things I had really thought about or expected to live through in my lifetime. Nonetheless, I am safe, and I am working hard to help people in need.<br />
<br />
What a tremendous and opportune time for me to be here in Japan! I have been doing press and social networking for CRASH Japan, an organization created for disaster response. They mobilize volunteer teams to meet the needs of local communities in relief efforts.<br />
<br />
Granted, there is an incredibly high level of stress around here. There is the looming shadow of possible (but unlikely) meltdown, an urgency of cause in helping those who are suffering, continued earthquakes, and twelve-hour work days. I am tired and stressed. But I am safe, and doing important work. I think that counts for something.<br />
<br />
I understand many of you are worried about me. I discourage you from worrying, but I ENCOURAGE you to pray for Japan!! Not only that, but send aid. Here's how you can "love on Japan" through my organization:<br />
<br />
1-<b>Like</b> the Facebook group<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="profileName ginormousProfileName fwb"> <b>Love On Japan | Crash Quake Relief</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="profileName ginormousProfileName fwb">2-<b>Donate</b> by following instructions on the <b>crashjapan.org</b> website</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="profileName ginormousProfileName fwb"> 3-<b>Follow</b> the <b>@LoveonJapan</b> twitter page</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="profileName ginormousProfileName fwb">4-Let your friends know!</span></span><br />
5-<b>Pray</b>. Safety and focus are absolutely essential to preventing more suffering.<br />
<br />
Remember, kids.. this is where I spend most of my days from now on. Get connected. We can all help from where we are <i>right now</i>.<br />
<br />
Seriously, I love you all, and I am okay; and if I wasn't, I would be on a plane tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned,<br />
MichaelJibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-7063108924958323352011-03-12T12:13:00.000-08:002011-03-13T10:31:54.997-07:00Earthquake, Tsunami, Chain Reaction ... Mothera is scary when he's real...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">DONATE TO RELIEF FOR JAPAN:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://crashjapan.com/">http://crashjapan.com/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://redcross.org/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">http://redcross.org</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First, I want to thank all of you who have shown an interest in this crisis around the world. As I have watched your responses on Facebook, Twitter, and news websites, the outpouring of emotional energy, empathy, and compassion has been tremendous. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's to hoping that your momentum carries over into international aid.</div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Earthquake</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Friday was the first earthquake of my life. It seems it was about 3pm in the afternoon that I first realized I was bouncing. 230 miles away, the Pacific plate was making some serious progress in its quest to burrow beneath the North American plate. I didn't know it at the time, sitting in my closet-office talking to Alysondra on Skype, but I was actually moving. I moved a whole 8 feet East. I DO miss my friends in the states, so I guess it felt good moving a little bit closer to home.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In all seriousness, this quake is obviously no trivial thing, but a waking nightmare for thousands of people. On the other hand, here in Higashikurume my living room was <i>not </i>turned upside down. My train was <i>not</i> derailed. No mudslides or boats crashed into my house. At no point during the event did I feel afraid. I didn't know that, not far from me, offices and houses were being shaken like a child shakes a candy box, trying to get every last piece.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It began slowly at first. I looked around, confused. <i>Why am I bouncing? </i>I wasn't shaking my legs. No one was behind me grabbing my chair, and there was no jackhammer doing construction near my apartment. I took out my headphones and thought for a moment--then it dawned on me. <i>Oh, yeah, Japan has earthquakes! </i>I slid down to the floor underneath my door frame and waited. <br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The quake rolled in ambling, almost leisurely, as if it had plenty of time to make its point. At its climax, the building groaned and creaked like an old spinster on a hiking trip, then the vibration dwindled away, as if it was feeling lazy but didn't want to stay. At no point<i> </i>did I feel unsafe. If I could have guessed, in my infinite earthquake innocence, I would have given it a 6 on the Richter Scale--impressive, but not scary. In fact, I was exhilarated. I felt like I had just taken a roller-coaster ride for the first time. After it passed, I resumed what I was doing, and, later, checked my house to find that a book had been tipped over on my shelf. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tsunami </span></div><div style="text-align: left;">More than an hour later, I was shocked to find out via websearch that I had just sat through a 7.9. Then an 8.9. Then an 8.4. Then a 9. There didn't seem to be a clear consensus for about 5 hours. I was aghast that such a powerful beast had slipped by without me giving it the time of day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tuning in to the footage didn't take long to give me a different perspective on what was going on. The Tokyo Metro is shut down.. millions of people stranded.. a giant wave is crashing into the city of Sendai <i>right now</i>.. boats and houses and cars all floating around like playthings.. airports are flooded.. a refinery burns.. several nuclear power plants shut down.. My little quake caused quite a ruckus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The destruction seemed so direct, definitive.. callous. How could such a powerful force be? How could a wave be massive enough to wipe out an entire city? How could a nuclear plant be in danger of meltdown? Can't we just have one disaster? It was as if nature wasn't satisfied enough yet, and kept saying "and NOW, THIS is gonna happen." It was a chain reaction of disasters outside of anyone's control. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But it wasn't a matter of satisfaction. No one was getting anything out of it. The tsunami didn't hesitate in wiping out an entire city, despite the fact that it would cause immeasurable suffering and wailing. Why? And who could give such a callous force <i>so much power</i> to do its will, even if that means to mercilessly and relentlessly destroy without warning?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is hubris to even continue living in the knowledge that such power exists. Tokyo is, reasonably, the largest metropolis in the world. Japanese architects have been making earthquake resistant buildings not for decades, but for centuries. There's no such thing as a "ranch" style home here. Japan has been preparing for years for a quake that would break records. It's one of the most earthquake-aware, earthquake-safe countries in the world, yet that didn't stop whole cities from being destroyed in minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Kobe earthquake of 1995 leveled most of a city, resulting in 6000 deaths. That quake was a 7.3, almost indiscernibly small next to Friday's on a scale of actual energy. Callous, wanton energy. The same earth that nurtures us also has the power to obliterate us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tokyo's tallest building for a long time was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_tower">Tokyo Tower</a> in Minato. Built exactly like the Eiffel tower (only 13 meters taller), this frequent tourist destination looks out over the entire city, and is a symbol of Tokyo. Or, if you look at humanity as a whole, it is a symbol of man's accomplishment. After the quake on Friday, the top of the tower was bent, possibly symbolically "bowing down" to the power that had humbled it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In honesty, Japan is lucky if this was the "big one" of a century (which we <i>hope </i>it was). No matter how how well-designed the towers, if Friday's epicenter had hit Tokyo, casualties would not be in the hundreds or the thousands, but the millions. We would not have lost a city, but a metropolis. Even Tokyo's strongest and most-ingeniously built skyscrapers would have contorted violently at the hands of a 9.0 quake. The raw power of such an event could have leveled the skyline.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What kind of being would allow such power to exist? In times like this it is neither right to accuse our Creator, nor to thank Him. It may very well be that the hand of God prevented an obscene power from wreaking its evil in Tokyo, but evil was still loosed, and the tragedy is real. We are not grateful, but we are humbled.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The "why" is an unanswerable question, and therefore irrelevant. Our natural reaction to the callous acts of nature is to be callous ourselves. This we must not do. We must keep our hearts soft and accept the pain in order to empathize with and reach out to those around us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Chain Reaction</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I remember what I did after I found out about the tsunami. I went to the store to get emergency supplies, and dinner. A feeling of fear and panic was obvious, as cars rushed by to pick up loved ones, and families flocked to the supermarket for emergency food and water. I had wanted to buy some to-go sushi from the supermarket, but all the <i>onegiri</i> (pre-made meals) were completely sold out. Disappointed, I came home and watched a movie. It was my anti-climax. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My feelings were of helplessness and powerlessness. Even as people were suffering just on the other side of my city, I could do nothing for them. There are no words to describe the feeling of helplessly watching someone else suffer, and wondering if you're next. I'd imagine that's how ancient Christians felt when they were thrust into an arena to fight lions.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Later that night, the tension overwhelmed me, and I had to get out to see and feel something. As I walked outside, I was drenched in the palpable solemnity. The stream that runs next to my house is lined with well-lit bike paths on either side. It is a rarity to see it empty on any given night, even late in the evening. Yet I heard and saw no one for minutes. I think others must have sensed this powerless tension, too. When I finally encountered others, there was a nervousness and a restlessness. Disorganization, chaos, and confusion are uncharacteristic of Tokyo. Sirens wailed in the distance. Trains, packed full of work refugees, howled into the station as family members waited anxiously in nearby cars.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I write this, I feel even more aftershocks in the earth. The groaning. It is a reminder that the earth, too, is in pain, and will pass away like we shall. Maybe nature was unleashing its own pain on us that night. I continue to hope for a time of no more groaning. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I love you all. Please know I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. So far, I'm alive, and I'm carrying the fire.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Michael out.</div>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-41895042093004344282011-03-08T10:40:00.000-08:002011-03-10T04:45:02.625-08:00Club Asia & Angry Japanese HousemumsHello, Nebraska!<br />
<br />
I'd like to start off by saying that I <i>know </i>it's snowing there. I would like to continue by saying that I just finished a pleasant, 50 deg. midnight run. Conditions were perfect.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Club Asia</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Friday night was bro night. Aaron Michael, Michael Aaron, and myself (Michael David.. it was an odd name-meld kind of sitch)</span> put on our fancy pants and headed out to Shibuya to check out Club Asia. This is one of the best clubs in the city to play at for House Electronica artists, and, of course, Tokyo is a great hub of electronica anyway, so clearly this club is trump material. Dishner (Michael Aaron, goes by Aaron) was kind enough to invite me along for the ride. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEfCST7onNvFvE5dwBzvsK3MxraLu-tmc-lNcbiIEJQAByRnlF8GrYekgcdZWlXOtEU_N2BNXGrL7yYHKIjTXeWCrQKAKvwYxte2TgzrjuZFZ6DIIa4yAs6CmBHPRbePRLbHSQIMK6MU/s1600/DSC07040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEfCST7onNvFvE5dwBzvsK3MxraLu-tmc-lNcbiIEJQAByRnlF8GrYekgcdZWlXOtEU_N2BNXGrL7yYHKIjTXeWCrQKAKvwYxte2TgzrjuZFZ6DIIa4yAs6CmBHPRbePRLbHSQIMK6MU/s200/DSC07040.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shibuya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our train ride went smoothly, and when we got to Shibuya we wandered the streets for a little while in search of the club. I'm always amazed by the energy of Shibuya Station.. thousands and thousands of people wandering around this plaza, and yet this is only one of the many vibrant, hopping joints all around the city.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a7Sh2qyAOdIQeryPi_S2Wp-JQUi7bT9q4YjfVzgCDsBKo3IlwaYMza0jl8Aj9noNc9n8bFrRNOGM6MnZODQj32QCJu-ER1MmaggLGnzSqZyemc1NQdwCab7VJTCSdyHzZuWBUb2-V8M/s1600/DSC07048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a7Sh2qyAOdIQeryPi_S2Wp-JQUi7bT9q4YjfVzgCDsBKo3IlwaYMza0jl8Aj9noNc9n8bFrRNOGM6MnZODQj32QCJu-ER1MmaggLGnzSqZyemc1NQdwCab7VJTCSdyHzZuWBUb2-V8M/s200/DSC07048.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Y1000 per hour.. not bad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On our way in, we passed by a love hotel. (Hotel "Elegance") Yes, this is the kind of hotel where you pay by the hour. If you have questions about what that means.. ask a trusted friend. <br />
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One important point is that this is <i>not </i>a brothel. In fact, the word is that many married couples use these when they want to "get out" since many houses are so small here. They even have theme rooms! I wonder what the American one looks like...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGhGjgem_2WuCdKkqtwApvJiqHsmFle4thedZ7Qu9EkN51IQCYFoZwTzB_1pQbAybij1vIk8wNTYUYRiEBP6xcylHacMPHnkU9dpyKLbjEJlYifCtHwHCqVTlMu6sSm-R4d7xFLRhAVw/s1600/DSC07045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGhGjgem_2WuCdKkqtwApvJiqHsmFle4thedZ7Qu9EkN51IQCYFoZwTzB_1pQbAybij1vIk8wNTYUYRiEBP6xcylHacMPHnkU9dpyKLbjEJlYifCtHwHCqVTlMu6sSm-R4d7xFLRhAVw/s200/DSC07045.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feels just like home..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We also passed this guy in a cow outfit. There are tons and tons of people standing outside businesses doing advertising (yelling and wearing funny getups) in Japan, and this guy was no exception. But he reminded me of home just a little bit. I hate to ask for a photo-op, which he was MORE than happy to grant..<br />
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Once we got to Club Asia, it said no cameras.. but I wasn't worried. Always better to take a risk to preserve the moment, right? We were on the guest list because of a friend connection, and we only paid Y500 to get in!! That's six bucks (ordinarily more than $40)! Plus, we each got a drink ticket. We basically got in for nothing.<br />
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Once in, we stuffed our jackets in a rental locker and I found out what kind of show we were there to see. Cutie-Pai. That was the first artist we saw. And yes, she was a tiny Japanese gal. And, yes, she dressed like a life-sized doll.<br />
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Cos-play. They are a cos-play group. It's difficult to explain (explaining would require understanding), but playing dress-up is basically really popular here. It's like the Village People but with doll, video game, comic book, movie, and fantasy character costumes. Cutie-Pai is just one of many groups, and ordinarily there are six of them up there (all dressed like dolls).. it would be cool to see the full group. Sadly, it was just a lonely doll-girl.<br />
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She started out her show by saying something really funny, like "I am a doll robot from the future" or something like that. Dishner laughed, and explained a couple things to me, but I don't remember right now. She really got the crowd going. Then the music started. And everyone started dancing. They were all dancing JUST LIKE I DANCE.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P_XktlYJQ3Y/TXEiS1yfcSI/AAAAAAAADzo/of4-e3j79U0/s1600/DSC07086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P_XktlYJQ3Y/TXEiS1yfcSI/AAAAAAAADzo/of4-e3j79U0/s200/DSC07086.JPG" width="150" /></a>This was epic. Yes, of course, most of them were a little more reserved than me on an average night, but I still had to smile inside and out. And the best part is that they were all doing it together, despite the absurdly varied demographic. There were old people, businessmen off work, teens, 20-somethings, all mimicking the artist's motions and dancing in between. The crowd was so unified! My favorite person was definitely a scrawny old businessman in glasses who looked like he was having the time of his life. There was also a dude wearing a polka dot outfit. It's Japan.<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WFNwVXoEqIA/TXEiSEyBz_I/AAAAAAAADzc/pfzWOAUka04/s1600/DSC07081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WFNwVXoEqIA/TXEiSEyBz_I/AAAAAAAADzc/pfzWOAUka04/s200/DSC07081.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b3Nn7cMOpXs/TXEiSUabd9I/AAAAAAAADzk/GWMwzTzTN_k/s1600/DSC07083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b3Nn7cMOpXs/TXEiSUabd9I/AAAAAAAADzk/GWMwzTzTN_k/s200/DSC07083.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEthzr7ABGqlDJ2_NfLT8_W3r14QvF_ZQNunqgDazGq5TW1fMF9nUWuK3I6zGVNXBerutCATJ_MGq2_YsEHDZakiaBwRbxP9HEGqD0AEdSnDJkvLs5Hn96zehQDYpvHHGmE9gTMTxJ2Po/s1600/DSC07063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEthzr7ABGqlDJ2_NfLT8_W3r14QvF_ZQNunqgDazGq5TW1fMF9nUWuK3I6zGVNXBerutCATJ_MGq2_YsEHDZakiaBwRbxP9HEGqD0AEdSnDJkvLs5Hn96zehQDYpvHHGmE9gTMTxJ2Po/s200/DSC07063.JPG" width="200" /></a>After the strongest kamikaze of my life, and a few more artists played, I realized I was having a <i>lot</i> of fun. All three of us were dancing and joining in just loving the show, which slowly got louder and louder. The visuals were awesome. It's the kind of scene that got America in trouble with cocaine in the 80s. I've never done hard drugs, but I'd imagine it would feel pretty great at something like this. (stay off crack, kids!)<br />
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Some of the artists did a live show like Cutie-Pai, but some were obviously just dancing to a track. I criticized this to Dishner, and he explained to me that recorded tracks were more popular than live shows here. Ashlee Simpson should reinvent herself as a Japanese Pop Star.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z5rwBLFD_vE/TXEiXH5o1eI/AAAAAAAAD0c/NvGaB17vfSo/s1600/DSC07112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z5rwBLFD_vE/TXEiXH5o1eI/AAAAAAAAD0c/NvGaB17vfSo/s200/DSC07112.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutie-Pai glamor shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The last artist was definitely the best, and the loudest. After the crazy show, everyone went out and milled around the lounge area. I took this chance to scan some tables and pick up some merch. I also got glamor shots with some of the artists.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yxKMLuvcJ6w/TXEicWT1phI/AAAAAAAAD1U/KiiCHSRdhNc/s1600/DSC07139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yxKMLuvcJ6w/TXEicWT1phI/AAAAAAAAD1U/KiiCHSRdhNc/s200/DSC07139.JPG" width="150" /></a>We three wandered the Streets of Shibuya briefly, and decided to hit a ramen place in Ikebukuro on the way home. It was really satisfying, as always, but probably some of the greasiest, oiliest ramen I've ever had (reminded me of food in the states, like a noodle-cheeseburger). We ordered our food out of a machine, which I had never done, and then took our ticket to the counter so they knew what to prepare for us. Interesting! Okay!<br />
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On the way home, sadly, we were forced to wait forty-five minutes on the train to leave Ikebukuru. This, of course, is the disadvantage of public transport. The bigger question in Japan (and sad commentary) is "did someone jump in front of a train?" It happens. Just does. In our case, no, we just got lucky enough to have to wait for no apparent reason. I'll still take that over the former.<br />
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All-in-all, that was one of the most authentic Japanese experiences I have had, to date, and I completely enjoyed myself. I'm exploring my J-Pop musical interests. I'll let you know what I find.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the part where I get in trouble with a Japanese lady..</span><br />
The next day (Saturday) I was walking over to meet up with Nancy and some guests who she was showing around the city. I had just left my apartment on this beautiful day and was still in my neighborhood when I saw a balcony just FULL of clothes and laundry. Many people don't have driers here, and often just dry clothes outside or in special rooms of their houses.<br />
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I, of course, wanting to document this and many other characteristic sights of Japan, walked past the house and snapped a photo. I didn't see any unmentionables, and it seemed like a great shot. Well.. I must have overstepped myself. This small act has created an incredibly awkward situation with a neighbor.<br />
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You see, she was up on the balcony still putting out clothes, and she caught me taking my picture. I know, I know, carelessness. I should be perfecting the art of <i>Gaijin-Cam</i>, not getting caught in my shots. But alas, she did, and it led to an incredibly awkward interaction that lasted about 5 minutes.<br />
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Basically she repeatedly asked me questions in Japanese that I couldn't understand. I tried to explain that I was sorry and immediately had deleted the picture, but I don't know if there's a universal hand gesture for that. She seemed to be angry. I was flustered. She asked me my name, which I told her was Michael. And of course she understood I was in the TEAM housing. After a couple minutes of this humiliation, she let me go.<br />
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I thought I was off the hook and we could just forget about everything, but, tonight, while I was walking home from the station, she came up BEHIND ME ON A BICYCLE while I was walking down our street!! ASDKJLFH %*$@)(#... <i>how</i> awkward. She asked me if I was Michael and again mentioned the photo, which I again unsuccessfully tried to explain to her that I was sorry and had deleted it. I understood absolutely <i>nothing</i> of what we spoke to each other, and then carried on to my house. It was so uncomfortable. I have no idea what to do about this situation except try to avoid her, but it <i>is </i>funny and embarrassing, and my own dumb fault. But, if this is the most embarrassing thing that's happened to me since I got to Japan, I guess I'm doing pretty good...<br />
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Anyway, wish me luck. Your prayer and encouragement means everything to me. Thank you everyone for reading this. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">-Michael Out-</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCB9P-rtCkfWjPUPQ3BxO-r1S72EUsuMgWstUmqTI-JXAFNDfgYSRFpU6Gyb-fGErTAqd7VqD3IuuHx_glXdlL-N7wS_4hF80pz3DEQFI-H52KoLzmjopPh23I_M4xE4NyKL9rNfszYk/s1600/DSC07089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCB9P-rtCkfWjPUPQ3BxO-r1S72EUsuMgWstUmqTI-JXAFNDfgYSRFpU6Gyb-fGErTAqd7VqD3IuuHx_glXdlL-N7wS_4hF80pz3DEQFI-H52KoLzmjopPh23I_M4xE4NyKL9rNfszYk/s400/DSC07089.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-19533134765716213352011-03-03T20:40:00.000-08:002011-03-05T07:59:12.439-08:00Will someone help a humble Gaijin!?<div style="text-align: left;">Just yesterday, I was <span style="font-size: large;">lost in Tokyo</span>...</div><br />
Okay, I'm exaggerating. I was under the impression that one of the buses in <i>Mitaka </i>station would take me home to <i>Hibari-Gaoka</i>.. but, unfortunately, none of the buses have even a little bit of English on them.<br />
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So I just went up to the drivers.. "Hibari-Gaoka?" I asked.. One shook his head and pointed to another bus across the circle. Relieved, I sprinted over there and asked the same question. The driver shook his head no and waved me away. Confused, I tried another bus... "No, no!" The driver explained.<br />
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By this time I felt like I was going on a wild goose chase. I tried a bus that had just pulled into the station. The driver again, shook his head no, said "gwleen bus, gwleen bus!" and pointed.. he was referring to the second "green" bus I had already tried. I furrowed my brow in frustration. <i>Are they just messing with me, now!? </i>I thought. <i>Did they get on their walkie-talkies and conspire to keep me running around in circles??</i> I'm just some white guy wearing a backpack, looking lost. I ended up taking the trains home. Won't someone help a humble <i>Gaijin</i>?<br />
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<i>Gaijin</i>, as far as I can tell, just means "white person." I have yet to figure out if it's derogatory or not (possibly like "gringo?"). But, a <i>gaijin </i>I remain. Honestly, we stick out like sore thumbs. Even if it was derogatory, it would probably be understandable.<br />
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No one wants to sit next to a <i>gaijin</i> on the train. I frequently find I will only have someone sit next to me if the other seats are full. It makes sense. There is a strong probability that I will ask you a question if I am confused or lost. Citizens of Tokyo consistently would prefer to zone out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-za2pb9wL7a0/TXBf4hrDkcI/AAAAAAAADtk/dmMFKP97HkA/s1600/DSC06793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-za2pb9wL7a0/TXBf4hrDkcI/AAAAAAAADtk/dmMFKP97HkA/s320/DSC06793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And who can blame them? Rubbing shoulders with other people all day. I would shut people out, too. I already find myself, doing so, in fact. Most of the time, people just sit on the train looking at their cell phone. It seems to be instinct, in fact. <br />
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Every train ride looks something like this. Breathing masks. Cell phones. Hats, coats, iPods, Playstation Pockets.. No one wants to acknowledge the fact that they are surrounded by other human beings. No one cares. It's better to just try and get to your station in peace..<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">People Watching, Camera Games (Gaijin-cam!)</span><br />
I've been playing a game lately where I take pictures of people as sneakily as possible. Getting caught in my <i>gaijin</i>-tourism photos is pretty much what a Japanese person would want to AVOID. So I do it without asking, and, hopefully, without them noticing. I'm like Google.<br />
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I call this game <i>Gaijin-cam</i>! I hold my camera in my hand by my waist, covering it with my fingers in the front, just letting the lens peek out.. then I snap a picture with my thumb. I try to do this while I'm walking, or I pretend to stop and be thinking about something, looking the other way. I'm trying to snag photos of fashion mostly.. Japanese people in their natural environment. Too obvious, and it's awkward. Yes, I'm a creeper.<br />
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I've gotten pretty good! Not great. I still get a lot of blurry shots, but there are a few you might be interested in:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G_DVtT7K-9w/TXBf4JXBO9I/AAAAAAAADtg/Mnz_TsAK0zU/s1600/DSC06791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G_DVtT7K-9w/TXBf4JXBO9I/AAAAAAAADtg/Mnz_TsAK0zU/s320/DSC06791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8MHcVlcSRVQ/TXBf2fOpcyI/AAAAAAAADtQ/ksae4ETmDe0/s1600/DSC06763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8MHcVlcSRVQ/TXBf2fOpcyI/AAAAAAAADtQ/ksae4ETmDe0/s320/DSC06763.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_vLvW74WUsQ/TXBgigMGZpI/AAAAAAAADvo/iwjSCyVxNss/s1600/DSC06988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_vLvW74WUsQ/TXBgigMGZpI/AAAAAAAADvo/iwjSCyVxNss/s320/DSC06988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiQXBsOrNosbTN_1WDYJr6P5rw0-12-QkTjQe_K4xMSseobGciQsD4kowQTVfwMZMQVsPCPYH_eqcInfe8l1Kmjl1LMCDX8i_x4EafhZzMdM2grBchJgK3xca61cgwhqSkofLXma0h8w/s1600/DSC06986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiQXBsOrNosbTN_1WDYJr6P5rw0-12-QkTjQe_K4xMSseobGciQsD4kowQTVfwMZMQVsPCPYH_eqcInfe8l1Kmjl1LMCDX8i_x4EafhZzMdM2grBchJgK3xca61cgwhqSkofLXma0h8w/s320/DSC06986.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduNbuwzm69k2KV3wsar-CPgTLHF4uEldmOkB0E8Q5Rww6C081ySEHGaI9ZwsLPjagvMXl72c4usMx6QYJdQKa0pPzGVR_UTKr-qoljP8mok073vFbWj6DHrmnf1tznK-d-6lri8rGgRE/s1600/DSC06994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduNbuwzm69k2KV3wsar-CPgTLHF4uEldmOkB0E8Q5Rww6C081ySEHGaI9ZwsLPjagvMXl72c4usMx6QYJdQKa0pPzGVR_UTKr-qoljP8mok073vFbWj6DHrmnf1tznK-d-6lri8rGgRE/s320/DSC06994.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QKL1--_LfSg/TXBgjqQEfZI/AAAAAAAADvw/hd81ftQ8q1Y/s1600/DSC06993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QKL1--_LfSg/TXBgjqQEfZI/AAAAAAAADvw/hd81ftQ8q1Y/s320/DSC06993.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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In general, Japanese fashion among young people looks like you took the entire century of the 1900s and smashed it together into one decade... 80s, 20s, and all. I'm still working on finding pictures of some of the bizarre and rare fashions... but I will find them. OH YES. I WILL find them *maniacal laughter*.. check out this <a href="http://www.cracked.com/article_18567_6-japanese-subcultures-that-are-insane-even-japan_p2.html">article </a>to see what I mean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://burberryscarfmart.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/burberry_scarf_lady.154232255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://burberryscarfmart.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/burberry_scarf_lady.154232255.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burberry...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One note on fashion is that, while many young people may display this "century-hodgepodge" of fashions and designs, most people over 35 look exactly the same. Seriously. Greys, browns, suits, turtlenecks, pleats. It is <i>not cool</i> to stand out in Japan. I can't illustrate this enough. Architecture, clothing, behavior--it is all part of the collectivist culture. <i>The nail that sticks up gets pounded down. </i><b>You don't want to stand out</b>.<i></i> <br />
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Case-in-point: <b>Burberry</b> <b>scarves</b>. You know those plaid scarves that are so hot in the states this year? Guess what.. <i>everyone</i> has one here. <i>Everyone</i>. I'll see groups of girls all walking around wearing the same scarf. Businessmen. Moms. Schoolkids. Boys. Girls. Doesn't matter. (I'll try and Gaijin-cam this, soon)<br />
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One of these days, I may stab someone with chopsticks for wearing a Burberry scarf. Or claw my eyes out... And, as a gaggle of bicycle cops are chasing me down, taisering, and restraining me, I'll just smile, knowing I freed one person from the tyranny of Burberry... Collectivism apparently makes me crazy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Girl Day</span><br />
Apparently Feb 3 is Girl Day in Japan. May 5 is Boy Day. It's just for kids, really, but hey! I'm all for celebrating gender. In honor of this, my language tutor gave me a delicious treat, which I photo-documented.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRLIxqRYRnep1TVxPbl9ZEXXUp3UwfHQqWG7rxRMGIsWdiwWYHKwWv4vExum8f8D3n8sxIPYpFZ4S-GwtZTFmS6AVLIMwEoEp7qU2MUk6sUFuKkbqski40uvMOE6HZvKyRVkEFrfbKGk/s1600/DSC07027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRLIxqRYRnep1TVxPbl9ZEXXUp3UwfHQqWG7rxRMGIsWdiwWYHKwWv4vExum8f8D3n8sxIPYpFZ4S-GwtZTFmS6AVLIMwEoEp7qU2MUk6sUFuKkbqski40uvMOE6HZvKyRVkEFrfbKGk/s320/DSC07027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's sweet bean dip filling wrapped in cherry dough. The leaf you see on the outside is a <i>sakura</i> (cherry) tree leaf! And yes, it was <i>oishii</i> (delicious)! I'm not sure what boys get on their day.. maybe squirt guns?<br />
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I have had lots of other great experiences here so far this week, but I'll have to cut this short, and tell you about them when I get back. Simply put.. I'm getting hungry right now. And it's too beautiful here to stay inside any longer! Oh, is it 39 deg. in Nebraska right now? I'm sorry to hear that. Really. I'm crying in my stir fry.<br />
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Alright, everyone. Going to Shibuya tonight with some friends to do it up! Let's hope I see some craaaaazy fashions. Wish me luck!<br />
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Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-22226317453674248902011-02-23T22:58:00.000-08:002011-03-03T23:15:21.467-08:00Nothing to see here.. Just a bunch of guys taking a bath together..(Photos not included)<br />
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Hello everyone!<br />
I made it back from the ski trip alive, but bruised and mangled. I want you all to know that.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Scenery </span><br />
The great thing about Japan is that there are mountains everywhere. I took a ton of pictures as we were driving up into the resort town of <i>Karuizawa </i>(near <i>Nagano</i>, where the 1998 winter Olympics were held) to our cabin. I was like a child in a candy store.. remind me, again, why my state doesn't have mountains..<br />
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The drive was breathtaking. The Japanese interstate system is, at least, a little bit familiar.. it sort of looks like the states, except that everyone is driving on the left, but that's nothing new. Oh, and there's tour buses everywhere.. full of tour guides dressed like flight attendants.<br />
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Did I mention I saw an active volcano? Asama Volcano (not with an "O".. sorry US Forces) is basically over the mountains and through the woods from our cabin on the way to the ski resort. It is an incredible sight that commands the entire area. I was staring at it for the whole drive. Photo engage in 3..2..1..<br />
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It hasn't had a MAJOR eruption in 120 years, but it sometimes will dump ash on the countryside. And later in the day I saw smoke pluming from the top. Sleeping giants...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bathing with Strangers</span><br />
Our cabin was very comfortable. Once we got settled in, I experienced something I never would have guessed I'd enjoy so much.. taking a bath in the nude with a bunch of other men. (no, I don't have pictures for this entry) It's not weird. It's Japanese style. It's called an <i>onsen. </i><br />
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Okay, to be fair, it's not really a bath.. you shower <i>outside</i> the pool, sitting down, at one of a dozen or so shower stations, and it's rude not to fully bathe beforehand (or worse, to get soap in the pool water). It's also generally considered dishonorable to "cover" yourself (according to my travel book), but lots of people still do it.<br />
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The funny thing is, <i>nothing</i> is <i>weird</i> about it. Just a bunch of guys sitting around enjoying a pool together. Most, if not all, <i>onsen</i> are separated so there's not interaction between men and women (unless it's "European Style?"). First, you undress in locker rooms. Then you shower next to the pool. Then you relax and soak in the steaming hot water. It's really cathartic. <br />
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The best part is the feel of the water at a good <i>onsen</i>. The one we went to was a <i>natural mountain spring</i>. I may never sit in a hot tub again (or wear swim trunks?). The feeling of non-chlorinated, natural mineral water without chemicals is truly wonderful and healing. It's hard to describe, but you can definitely tell the difference, and you don't feel like you just walked out of a radiation scrub afterward.<br />
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The <i>onsen</i> we attended in Karuizawa was incredibly nice. It was rustic looking, with a "mountain cabin" feel, but very clean and classy. There was an outside area with large boulders to recline against, and even a small waterfall. A sauna was at the far end of the outdoor walkway, and there was a cold pool separated by rocks to use as a cool-down area. One old, scrawny, but astute looking guy spent 15-20 minutes in the sauna, then promptly walked out into the cold and plunged himself into the (near freezing) cold pool. He then proceeded to hop up and down on one foot, tilting his head side-to-side, to get the water out of his ears. He must know several things I don't know.<br />
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One unusual event that happened while I was there is that one of the double doors separating the inner and outer pools were broken by someone who slipped. That is <i>extremely</i> unusual. There was broken glass everywhere, and I had to wait for them to clean it up (since I was outside at the time) to meet up with Paul. Oh well. More pool time for Michael.<br />
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Onsen are a really significant, and <i>ancient</i> aspect of Japanese culture. These natural springs are all over the island (though not all <i>onsen</i> are natural, some are artificially heated), with heat fueled by volcanoes (has anyone tried harnessing THOSE for energy yet?). The various minerals are advertised for their different healing properties, so if you need sulfur for your skin condition, you know which <i>onsen</i> to find. Business deals are conducted at <i>onsen</i>. Friendships are made, and broken. Laughter can often ring forth among friends. Or just quiet relaxation after work (with 12 hour work days quite common, I can definitely understand).<br />
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It would be super awkward if I tried to do this in the states.<i></i> "Hey! Guys! After work, want to go over to the YMCA and shower together and chat!?" ... good thing I'm not in the states.<br />
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My travel book mentions that tattoos are a public taboo in Japan because they are often a sign of <i>Yakuza</i> (Japanese mafia). Generally, this can make problems for many westerners who try to attend <i>onsen</i> and have tats<i>.</i> Fortunately, yours truly doesn't have to worry about that.. but, if you're planning on going to Japan, you might want to hold off on that mega-siiick butterfly tattoo until your next birthday.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Skiing</span><br />
Okay.. I've never skied before. Unfortunately, we weren't really on a beginner's slope.. and let's just say I didn't have any ski lessons. But, I'm a good sport! Paul and I rode the lift up the mountain.. When I got to the top and awkwardly shuffled off the lift, I saw this: <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-485iMUEwHQo/TWU3wUHYVFI/AAAAAAAACYU/yyWVwX5kihg/s1600/DSC06643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-485iMUEwHQo/TWU3wUHYVFI/AAAAAAAACYU/yyWVwX5kihg/s320/DSC06643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAT'S skiing!? Isn't this supposed to be fun..</td></tr>
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Yikes.. That doesn't look good.<br />
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It didn't feel good either. Turns out most people can't just "pick up" skiing on the first try. Oh well. I got down the mountain by skiing back and forth across the slope and turning myself by jamming my canes into the ground (never did figure out that whole "turning" thing..). Note how Paul is <i>totally</i> "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106315/">Aspen Extreme</a>."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YajuoJ4YgVE/TWU7JovsY7I/AAAAAAAACa0/SSqX5xonXsU/s1600/DSC06647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YajuoJ4YgVE/TWU7JovsY7I/AAAAAAAACa0/SSqX5xonXsU/s320/DSC06647.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooray for life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the end, both Naomi and I made it safely down our harrowing mountain rides without dying. We each had bowls of <i>ramen </i>and took a photo to celebrate (life's too short, guys). <br />
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This photo was taken in the so-called-lodge-cafeteria-whatever you call something that is uncomfortable and reminds you of sitting in the airport.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GKlUCC8Jgw/TWU7K3e_UNI/AAAAAAAACa0/EQojsL_1AL4/s1600/DSC06669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GKlUCC8Jgw/TWU7K3e_UNI/AAAAAAAACa0/EQojsL_1AL4/s320/DSC06669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the end, I'm more about the image than the sport.</td></tr>
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Soon after, we took a <i>long </i>gondola ride up another side of the mountain, and it was quite a sight.. <br />
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After the gondolas, Naomi and I made the mistake of "trying" snowboarding. The lady at the lodge was "kind" enough to switch out our skis for snowboards. She then even went the extra mile and had a friend of hers "teach" us how to board down a tiny snow mound by the lifts. This was difficult since we didn't speak the same language. In the end, I think we got the idea.. snowboarding involves falling down a lot for fun.<br />
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So we took it to the bunny hill. After three or four bruising attempts, I quietly succeeded in making it <i>all the way down</i> without falling.. (until I had to stop, then I fell). No one witnessed, no one cheered, but I walked away vindicated and empowered and bruised.<br />
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All in all, it was a successful trip. I think I <i>did</i> surprisingly catch the winter sports fever. I see a trip to Colorado in my 365 day calendar right now.. It would be fun to be able to <i>actually</i> snowboard. I <i>know </i>it.<br />
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Today, I'm sore, exhausted, and back to the rat race. But what a great weekend with my Japan-family! Thanks so much to Paul, Nancy, and Naomi for having me on your family vacation..<br />
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I'm just getting warmed up, kids! More stories to come..<br />
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Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-74342557843607962362011-02-19T07:47:00.000-08:002011-03-03T23:16:51.812-08:00Church House = House Church?Hey friends! <br />
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On Thursday, Paul and I traveled to Ome to pick up some books. Ome is only about an hour down the road northwest of Tokyo. The great thing is that Paul has really interesting friends, so it turned out to be an awesome day trip.. The first place we visited was a house.. church. Let me explain.<br />
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Japanese often have very ambiguous religious ties, and may often mix and match different rites and traditions, namely Buddhism, Shintoism, and even <i>sometimes </i>Christianity. This hodgepodge has led to some interesting trends. The saying goes that Japanese are often "born Shinto, get married Christian, and die Buddhist."<br />
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Even though few Japanese claim any association with Christianity, they often like to have Christian weddings. No one I've talked to knows exactly why this is popular, but it's in demand to the point that special chapels are often built for the wedding business (much like Las Vegas). In our case, they built THIS one:<br />
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Some of Paul's friends actually turned this former chapel into their home. It's spacious, and it has a commanding (and beautiful) view of the countryside. This kind of space generally sells at a premium here in Japan. But the church's location was so poor and business was so lousy that the company sold the chapel for the same price as a tiny Japanese house would sell for (still expensive, but you see why they chose the chapel).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Not only that, but the place has <i>real </i>marble floors! It's basically a mansion. I wish more people would do this sort of creative stuff with their houses. The only downside is that utilities are fantastically expensive in Japan, and this chapel is expensive to heat. The Paul's friend informed me they were surviving the winter by "wearing lots and lots of blankets."<br />
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Worth it? I think so.<br />
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Later that afternoon, we visited Paul's other friends Graham and Yasuko. Graham is an artist and Yasuko is a dance instructor, and they live in a comfortable house in Ome with their three children. They were very kind to us, and, more importantly, Yasuko made us homemade <i>sushi</i>. Yum! Just another example of the awesome stuff I'm doing that it's impossible to do in Nebraska. You're welcome for the reminder.<br />
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In other news, my Japan family and I are going skiing tomorrow! Woo-HOO! I can't wait. Major thanks to Paul, Nancy, and Naomi for including me in this experience.. I know I'll love it. I'll be out of touch for a couple days, so don't miss me too much.<br />
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We're also getting very near the completion of our first major project, a fund raising document for <i>Persimmon</i>. I'm getting pretty excited for this to be finished and to move on to something else. Also, my Japanese is coming along swimmingly. Watashi wa Michael des. Watashi wa ni joo yon! (My name is Michael. I'm 24!) Baby steps. <br />
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If you're praying for me (if you're the praying type), please pray that I will be determined to immerse myself fully into my work here. Also, please pray that I'll make connections with people. And pray that my support comes in. Let's stick to those three for now. <br />
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I don't want you guys to worry about me. I can take care of myself.. mostly.. Also, if you see Alysondra, give her a big hug for me and tell her "Mike says thanks for the care package!" But don't kiss her. Too far, guys, too far. Josh.. I've got my eye on you. >8-|<br />
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Welp! The stew's up! Until next time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86S6QPQxj_c/TV_UNM71kXI/AAAAAAAACKY/TyGXI5rCK54/s1600/DSC06536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86S6QPQxj_c/TV_UNM71kXI/AAAAAAAACKY/TyGXI5rCK54/s320/DSC06536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-84931483921408871982011-02-17T06:46:00.000-08:002011-03-03T23:09:31.049-08:00Now hold on just ONE Shi-mo-no-sek-ond!I broke my land-speed record the other day. I'm going to have to go faster than 200 mi/hr if I ever want to do THAT again.<br />
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That's right, I rode a <i>shin-kan-sen</i> (speed train) all the way down to Shimonoseki in Western Japan. These intense trains are expensive, but they are a super-smooth ride that feels sort of like you're riding a ground airplane. It looks something like <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110480206772974352528/ShimonosekiExpedition#5573935961144035074">this </a>when you really get going.<br />
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It's a 5-hour <i>shin-kan-sen </i>ride from Tokyo to Shimonoseki, but we stopped at a very special castle along the way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCda-ib8uZiHf47rQPXoGFjuoxK86dHB49KIqkxkpsUUHLiY9s2BSXObNjy97AIziKFPaZkp0n2WCdQLpyMWWsTYvJ3V1xnNYEVMwDSg5GEB9k9iZk1-5kYAH8-z2CsfzGeQQ0vV2jzE/s1600/DSC06282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCda-ib8uZiHf47rQPXoGFjuoxK86dHB49KIqkxkpsUUHLiY9s2BSXObNjy97AIziKFPaZkp0n2WCdQLpyMWWsTYvJ3V1xnNYEVMwDSg5GEB9k9iZk1-5kYAH8-z2CsfzGeQQ0vV2jzE/s400/DSC06282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It's called Himeji Castle, the White Heron, or the White Eaglet. The castle gets its name from its many It was build in the 1300s by feudal warlords, and has been expanded upon and gifted to various shoguns ever since. By the time of it's glory days in the 1700s, this place was MASSIVE, and it looked something like THIS:<br />
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Three layers of gigantic walls and moats line the fortress. The ramparts are lined with hundreds of tiny holes for archers to shoot down, and offered a commanding view of the countryside.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM8Mdx8V-LQ1CNVFN8Bl4ARDRZ0iSa3B7L_enzw59axNCm7lpkNmWnpVLzny7AN04LPC0Xx8yCAnSBxSqyD6Yd8ZqNRpF6Ta3QCZZM-rC8yLzYojvx36IXg5F1qRkf7LdkGw7SJeTxZE/s1600/DSC06266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqtwq64vpowT_boKCBhlkBQyViUQ52zw4sz2JqsiPHy4jk2wYBhHBc8TzjzEj17nSjK3B1QkQNztNOTCQpy0aFkO9qUu1k5L0Jz-4QWfpjhMxqIYPloGp1d83C2krZxclZbnZRKHQwoE/s1600/DSC06254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqtwq64vpowT_boKCBhlkBQyViUQ52zw4sz2JqsiPHy4jk2wYBhHBc8TzjzEj17nSjK3B1QkQNztNOTCQpy0aFkO9qUu1k5L0Jz-4QWfpjhMxqIYPloGp1d83C2krZxclZbnZRKHQwoE/s320/DSC06254.JPG" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM8Mdx8V-LQ1CNVFN8Bl4ARDRZ0iSa3B7L_enzw59axNCm7lpkNmWnpVLzny7AN04LPC0Xx8yCAnSBxSqyD6Yd8ZqNRpF6Ta3QCZZM-rC8yLzYojvx36IXg5F1qRkf7LdkGw7SJeTxZE/s320/DSC06266.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ukGEnpU7bs/TVqaitR7F5I/AAAAAAAACDc/9DzKB6OgTxk/s1600/DSC06284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ukGEnpU7bs/TVqaitR7F5I/AAAAAAAACDc/9DzKB6OgTxk/s320/DSC06284.JPG" width="240" /></a>There is only one path up to the keep. Gatehouse after gatehouse protected this winding path from attackers. As we walked up the winding pathway to the top, crows circled overhead, cawing at sightseers below. It definitely added to the warlike menace of the place.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsM8KynpF_4/TVqaUC1dSfI/AAAAAAAACDc/shAnquaRMXM/s1600/DSC06248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsM8KynpF_4/TVqaUC1dSfI/AAAAAAAACDc/shAnquaRMXM/s200/DSC06248.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3EM3NyGoaFDTpSWMFtwX8ZvMRTs0UFlZqmGToAtpu0PhLQJdOUFp_RzbCEh_CrHsWbu62r2qQvVhAxLNyWDCcYYvo2rZeCBYhnlpKusDqOReFeQJlFiBRM9DXYzT-5yr69obnvU1eU0/s1600/DSC06300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3EM3NyGoaFDTpSWMFtwX8ZvMRTs0UFlZqmGToAtpu0PhLQJdOUFp_RzbCEh_CrHsWbu62r2qQvVhAxLNyWDCcYYvo2rZeCBYhnlpKusDqOReFeQJlFiBRM9DXYzT-5yr69obnvU1eU0/s200/DSC06300.JPG" width="200" /></a>Every inch of the castle was inscribed with elaborate and artistic designs and emblems. Each roof tile was made of clay, and actually had its own insignia engraved on it. The elements of design were astounding and artful. 14th Century Japan was way ahead of 14th century Europe in technology, sanitation, and organization. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBt0dBB5bCs/TVqbOO-RDXI/AAAAAAAACDc/ByeX-jg63yE/s1600/DSC06333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBt0dBB5bCs/TVqbOO-RDXI/AAAAAAAACDc/ByeX-jg63yE/s200/DSC06333.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziyT1tqTnqnvsun4JKz6udVVZKe8uW4EMQo8N1ClPIKLfNfsiNCaM0dQIdXUn2bQSgCsHF0-3vzJQG6vEOJ5PdhyphenhyphenGTeZOwYBp-lzdyknS8GG4-iFC0wD2D2teHsyqvrUzRxtG2rVc3Vw/s1600/DSC06311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziyT1tqTnqnvsun4JKz6udVVZKe8uW4EMQo8N1ClPIKLfNfsiNCaM0dQIdXUn2bQSgCsHF0-3vzJQG6vEOJ5PdhyphenhyphenGTeZOwYBp-lzdyknS8GG4-iFC0wD2D2teHsyqvrUzRxtG2rVc3Vw/s200/DSC06311.JPG" width="200" /></a>It was truly breathtaking. Unfortunately, in the most disappointing tourist event of my life, the main keep was actually closed off. Yes, they build a scaffold around the <i>entire</i> castle to do renovations. I really couldn't see any part of it or go inside.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Bummer, man...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEur8K7lc-8/TVqau27VJKI/AAAAAAAACDc/J3Haxa8Fkyk/s1600/DSC06315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEur8K7lc-8/TVqau27VJKI/AAAAAAAACDc/J3Haxa8Fkyk/s320/DSC06315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I'll recover.. but I'm going to be sad for a while. <i>And</i> I don't like how that little steamy-bun is so smug about the whole thing. Who is he <i>kidding</i>!? Where are my castle hat and cherry blossoms!? How come <i>HE </i>gets to look so stylish.. >_<<br />
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I guess you could say we visited during the Hi-MEJI RESTORATION. (<i>Gyaa ha ha ha!</i> History joke mixed with a pun.. major kudos to myself) At least they were nice enough to paint a <i>picture</i> of the original castle on the side.. thanks guys! That really helps my imaginary view of this historic monument!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj7BA7UgR1DHQyTAzWa5r0H8YiT7l6OKZToP42LYhNSJhKCndw08M0Pp1CdPewfyWETzpcGJZNl1lS4vQRCFOVI90xlsuIWY6dnTbT_9e8DRMMete8eLlUJzjVEx9nLm07hLNAq4ZGko/s1600/DSC06277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj7BA7UgR1DHQyTAzWa5r0H8YiT7l6OKZToP42LYhNSJhKCndw08M0Pp1CdPewfyWETzpcGJZNl1lS4vQRCFOVI90xlsuIWY6dnTbT_9e8DRMMete8eLlUJzjVEx9nLm07hLNAq4ZGko/s400/DSC06277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After the Hi-MEJOR excitement (lawlz), we moved on to Shimonoseki, where I attended a lovely Valentine's Day dinner that was graced by a Japanese Gospel Choir (Yes, "Gospel" as in Sister Act, not as in the Gathers). There was one boy in the choir. He was actually a Buddhist priest. I guess he knows 'where da ladiez at.'<br />
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The choir was talented, no doubt, but my more distinct memories of the town include seeing Akama Shrine.. a very famous shrine dedicated to a young emperor who died in the battle of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dan-no-Ura">Battle of Dan-no-Ura</a> in 1185. This was one of the <i>most significant events in Japanese history</i>.<br />
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I have too many pictures of this shrine to post on this blog, but it looks something like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCeTWW05wM3RlYeiEBJ6XjFxFDqe6BvVc6pMrVS_f_cdOLVFPZgU_BdUd4OFD7wmNr1bksOxudsRtva5NJFIuSmt48bR6I71bi5kYaTG2bpOoEQiEokmjCt7unULGEyR6AYaDqAK0wMg/s1600/DSC06384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCeTWW05wM3RlYeiEBJ6XjFxFDqe6BvVc6pMrVS_f_cdOLVFPZgU_BdUd4OFD7wmNr1bksOxudsRtva5NJFIuSmt48bR6I71bi5kYaTG2bpOoEQiEokmjCt7unULGEyR6AYaDqAK0wMg/s640/DSC06384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyePG1DGUpQ/TVqb2-4ubbI/AAAAAAAACDc/SR64wblmkU4/s1600/DSC06415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyePG1DGUpQ/TVqb2-4ubbI/AAAAAAAACDc/SR64wblmkU4/s200/DSC06415.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOPxM_nuLRk/TVqbpaugWZI/AAAAAAAACDc/OAnWjw9MXH4/s1600/DSC06395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOPxM_nuLRk/TVqbpaugWZI/AAAAAAAACDc/OAnWjw9MXH4/s200/DSC06395.JPG" width="150" /></a>These guys are pretty neat.. they are carved out of solid stone, and the ball locked in their mouths is carved out from the inside and cannot be removed. They may look like lions, but they're actually 'guardian dogs'.. AKA guard dogs. They watch both sides of any given gate, so where there's one, there's two. Oh, and they only obey commands from the spectral plane, so don't even try to get them to do a trick. Trust me, I tried. <br />
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Sometimes one pup's mouth will be open (ah) and one's will be closed (mmh). This is because in the Japanese syllabary "ah" is the first sound and "mmh" is the last, signifying the "beginning and the end."<br />
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Oh, and did I mention these crabs (sold as "good luck charms") have faces on their undersides?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZZPVuc5350/TVqb0FYgJvI/AAAAAAAACDc/IAQMt_gXr4g/s1600/DSC06408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZZPVuc5350/TVqb0FYgJvI/AAAAAAAACDc/IAQMt_gXr4g/s320/DSC06408.JPG" width="320" /></a>Yes, those are real crabs. Yes, they're creepy, but you have to admit.. they're pretty cool.<br />
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I also found out the "spirit world" has doorbells. You learn something new every day.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m_Y_R_bSj8/TVqb01_Ms0I/AAAAAAAACDc/u2x8Xfa0n10/s1600/DSC06410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m_Y_R_bSj8/TVqb01_Ms0I/AAAAAAAACDc/u2x8Xfa0n10/s200/DSC06410.JPG" width="150" /></a>What I mean by that, is that when you come to consult a "spirit" at this <i>very functional </i>Shinto-Buddhist temple, you're first supposed to "wake him up" if he's sleeping. Once you do that, he enters the mirror at the back of the room and you can walk up to the box behind the bell, clap, bow, and drop some coins in. That is the word on the street, anyway. I didn't ring it... I was out of girl scout cookies that day.<br />
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After that, we went to the harbor nearby and explored some local delicacies. The following photo shows me taking a LIFE THREATENING RISK:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiyLQpwEQQs/TVqcH10OHXI/AAAAAAAACDc/gQ16OVBMQb4/s1600/DSC06454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiyLQpwEQQs/TVqcH10OHXI/AAAAAAAACDc/gQ16OVBMQb4/s320/DSC06454.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeJBTu1LWqg/TVqcILtgnnI/AAAAAAAACDc/eNChtwi4zew/s1600/DSC06456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeJBTu1LWqg/TVqcILtgnnI/AAAAAAAACDc/eNChtwi4zew/s200/DSC06456.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHqxCCm9imw/TVqcFWNpuUI/AAAAAAAACDc/KCboASCsCJU/s1600/DSC06450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHqxCCm9imw/TVqcFWNpuUI/AAAAAAAACDc/KCboASCsCJU/s200/DSC06450.JPG" width="200" /></a>Yes. That's pufferfish <i>sashimi. </i>I also had pufferfish soup! <i>Shimonoseki</i> is sort of known for pufferfish, so it would have been rude not to at least try some, right? Pufferfish is poisonous if not prepared correctly. I was playing a dangerous game of life and death.<br />
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Needless to say, I am no longer with us.<br />
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But I didn't die. I'm just in Japan for a while. <br />
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The pufferfish was <i>okay</i>.. not really anything spectacular. Some of the OTHER <i>sashimi</i>, however, was quite good. This includes the <i>eel</i> in the lower left corner of the picture to the right (it looks like a banana slice.. kind of tastes like it, too). <br />
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After I ate the pufferfish, I made sure to have a chat with the rest of his family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbTQIfIIvm_zY1ldNKthyphenhyphenMMPldvK_nF8lYnF6XvDJfEWblPIV8P8jyjYIbIIBGwh_iZFBD2z-s0W3X0RTKrFotd4PRzpk7u2QZpseqjyeba69vEif8oPVbs2lfnw4IwXcyrIFwmU1UNA/s1600/DSC06460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbTQIfIIvm_zY1ldNKthyphenhyphenMMPldvK_nF8lYnF6XvDJfEWblPIV8P8jyjYIbIIBGwh_iZFBD2z-s0W3X0RTKrFotd4PRzpk7u2QZpseqjyeba69vEif8oPVbs2lfnw4IwXcyrIFwmU1UNA/s200/DSC06460.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIdaya1lxzfnaIaAYBlxA6mC6LQ-r6kvFaNCDjAhvVBLHnmQExzDqW20rjLY4sEx3uo6W3GDKcTaK_1FGf8e-_oV9RnV-sTyKiYZqnKl36y_2WWAT_snYJLtrn7EIJVBGbpvvx8soJ7Q/s1600/DSC06466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIdaya1lxzfnaIaAYBlxA6mC6LQ-r6kvFaNCDjAhvVBLHnmQExzDqW20rjLY4sEx3uo6W3GDKcTaK_1FGf8e-_oV9RnV-sTyKiYZqnKl36y_2WWAT_snYJLtrn7EIJVBGbpvvx8soJ7Q/s200/DSC06466.JPG" width="200" /></a> Ugly buggers, aren't they? Don't worry, some of them are cuter and more cuddly.<br />
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After the pufferfish <i>sushi</i>, my friends and I enjoyed some sea urchin ice cream (no joke!)...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr2ADXTWKwBwjejYZgg4o1P1omxIu1OIFgFc2udVvwAIt6DDsv-dH4cSeHtejYSGb7fPNMvXDy4HGzHdLrW-NZnL5k8saRL6Q8WcV754dZDXOXeXwHQ57yV6y3YqvNplpMCI1C7FXT_U/s320/DSC06463.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea urchin ice cream... tastes like ocean, coral, and blueberries!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All in all, I'd have to say it was a pretty good trip. If you're ever in Western Japan, I recommend dropping by <i>Shimonoseki</i>..<br />
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Well, friends, I guess the time has come once again for me to sign off. To those of you who've made it this far, thank you! In return I would like to offer you the following words of advice:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Drkm_bsUk1Y/TVqcUHtHQVI/AAAAAAAACDc/3N-X-EGenBo/s1600/DSC06488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Drkm_bsUk1Y/TVqcUHtHQVI/AAAAAAAACDc/3N-X-EGenBo/s400/DSC06488.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Read the sign. Do what it says.</i> That strategy has worked pretty well for me so far.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Michael Out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-6360050885268172852011-02-11T03:46:00.000-08:002011-02-14T08:21:47.424-08:00Shrines, Snow Temples, and Flowering Cabbage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjBDNWgT-XI/TVIwEjmO_5I/AAAAAAAABf4/nke4JMw6ltE/s1600/DSC06075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjBDNWgT-XI/TVIwEjmO_5I/AAAAAAAABf4/nke4JMw6ltE/s200/DSC06075.JPG" width="150" /></a>Oh.. HEY! Sorry compadres.. Didn't see you there. I was understandably distracted, slurping down this delicious, hearty ramen. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y3zxKmNi38/TVUBfHLtMVI/AAAAAAAABnU/uoXoJ_m5sTE/s1600/DSC06100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y3zxKmNi38/TVUBfHLtMVI/AAAAAAAABnU/uoXoJ_m5sTE/s200/DSC06100.JPG" width="200" /></a>It snowed today in Tokyo.. *sigh* and I thought I'd gotten away from it all. Even so, it made everything really gorgeous, and it was a good day for taking pictures, so I put on my mittens and hiked over to the little Buddhist temple nearby my house. No doubt I'll go back over there again once the flowers and trees start budding, but a snow temple sounds equally exciting right now. It's really incredible having this kind of aesthetic beauty right down the street.. I mean, it's no Wyuka or anything, but <i>it'll do. *sarcasm* ... *you got it? ok, well... good.*</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>*******</i><b><i>But first</i>, a budget update</b><b>.</b>*******</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I want to start by saying "<i>domo arigatou, gozaimas"</i> (thank you <i>very </i>much) to all of you who've contributed to the cause thus far. It has been a true blessing to have so many friends rally around me as I trust God on this journey. Through the help of some very <i>generous</i> donors, I have about $4200 toward this trip. <br />
<br />
I am still <i>$1800</i> short of what I need to reasonably live on. This is due to a number of factors. First, the exchange rate is bad right now, so whatever is donated to me in the states is automatically cut by 20% once it gets to Japan. This has hit all missionaries very hard (not just me). I also found out that because of the exchange rate, my apartment is about $1,500(US) just to live there for two and a half months. That is discounted from what would be more than $3000, but it's still very expensive for me.<br />
<br />
I know tax season is coming up.. If any of you find it in your heart to make a <b><i>tax-deductible</i></b> donation to me as I go on this journey, please do the following:<br />
<br />
<b>-Go to</b> <<a href="http://www.teamworld.org/give/give-online-now.html">http://www.teamworld.org/give/give-online-now.html</a>><br />
<b>-Select "Give online now"</b><br />
<b>-Select "Give Now"</b><br />
<b>-Select "Projects by location"-->"Japan -- Christian Arts Network"</b><br />
<br />
I would really appreciate it. Otherwise, I have a 5 kg bag of rice I can be eating. And, I promise that if you give enough to keep me here, I'll keep sending you pictures. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>*******Okay... you can look at my pictures now =)*******</b><br />
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<b> </b></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdWZvKH1KUo/TVIwkjPIssI/AAAAAAAABhk/ffMeQVy_hew/s1600/DSC06078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdWZvKH1KUo/TVIwkjPIssI/AAAAAAAABhk/ffMeQVy_hew/s200/DSC06078.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5U5czVuUhU/TVUB89zdueI/AAAAAAAABpw/MjhIz4I1WeU/s1600/DSC06170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5U5czVuUhU/TVUB89zdueI/AAAAAAAABpw/MjhIz4I1WeU/s200/DSC06170.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>The Best Bakery in the Universe</b> <br />
I go in and all the friendly Japanese ladies say "hello, welcome".. then I pick out my delicious, reasonably priced goodies. Today, I got a shrimp, egg salad, pesto, lettuce sandwich on wheat bread. The best part? This was only Y250! Oh, and you get a free cup of coffee every time you buy something. Though, American coffee is considered to be weak in Japan, as demonstrated by the photo to the right (I guess they don't think we're good enough to be listed under "coffee").<br />
<br />
You can even sit outside, and there's space heaters and cushions to sit on. Needless to say, they put other coffee shop/bakeries deeply to shame. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5J0hxz4IPmA/TVUB4ili1GI/AAAAAAAABpg/kHhacZrwOpc/s1600/DSC06158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5J0hxz4IPmA/TVUB4ili1GI/AAAAAAAABpg/kHhacZrwOpc/s200/DSC06158.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>La Policia</b> <br />
While I was walking today I came upon an opportunity to show you all what a Japanese police car looks like. I'm pretty sure they got there design from a mix between "Robocop" and "Back to the Future." <br />
<br />
There are actually quite a few police in Tokyo (it's a very safe city). Safety is a deep-seated Japanese value (along with order and organization). As I said before, they even have time to check bicycle ownership.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9hoXgErvZM/TVUByuWAp3I/AAAAAAAABpE/ijCe4VE9RV8/s1600/DSC06144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9hoXgErvZM/TVUByuWAp3I/AAAAAAAABpE/ijCe4VE9RV8/s200/DSC06144.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b>Keepin' It All in the Family</b><br />
Another fun thing I found walking today is this fantastic little shrine.. peeking over the fence of somebody's back yard!! Notice the small house within the pagoda, paper lightning bolts(?), candles, and dog-like statues. Apparently this ancestor is going to be living it up for a while.. with some guard dogs and a lightning storm for protection.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Ycyw8MkFk/TVUB1uvDvSI/AAAAAAAABpQ/X_yLT0TryaM/s1600/DSC06149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Ycyw8MkFk/TVUB1uvDvSI/AAAAAAAABpQ/X_yLT0TryaM/s200/DSC06149.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b>Street Decor</b><br />
The streets are just prettier here. Please note the man-hole to the left.. a flowering tree is imbued on the cast iron. Practical? No. Expensive? Yes. Better looking? Most-<i>definitely</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gWuU45tW1f4/TVUB8BkJ5bI/AAAAAAAABps/3Ud6tRG8mLk/s1600/DSC06165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gWuU45tW1f4/TVUB8BkJ5bI/AAAAAAAABps/3Ud6tRG8mLk/s200/DSC06165.JPG" width="150" /></a>In general, the citizens of Tokyo do a lot with the little space they're given. And they even find plants that will flower in the middle of winter to keep things looking nice. Behold this delicious basin of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kale"><i>KALE</i></a>.. yes, that's right. Cabbage. You may have accidentally eaten it off of a plate where it was used as a garnish (it's inedible and waxy unless cooked properly). Turns out, it makes for a good decoration on more than just salad buffets.. these beautiful flowers lined the street next to my station.<br />
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And, of course, sometimes a tree just decides that <i>now</i> is its time, and its calling is to bloom. When that happens, we all just have to look on at that brave, lonely tree in pity and pride, knowing that it doesn't care whether it's snowing outside or forty degrees. It's GOING to bloom. Nature finds a way. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFjSRNrOKev9oFK6g5wkyh01HfljPSfOJIE2tqoxJ4-7Mr5VrHlLbwifeT5h3hqIkRzWwA32BfuRIzKbYoqkExcFArVOe304TJLzrPfH6XhJ5BIS2rsFA3-NXpixXqZINLB1C4TKLcYk/s1600/DSC06152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFjSRNrOKev9oFK6g5wkyh01HfljPSfOJIE2tqoxJ4-7Mr5VrHlLbwifeT5h3hqIkRzWwA32BfuRIzKbYoqkExcFArVOe304TJLzrPfH6XhJ5BIS2rsFA3-NXpixXqZINLB1C4TKLcYk/s200/DSC06152.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>In general, all the apartments here are fairly ugly and dreary looking. Really, that only adds to the confusing nature of Tokyo, since none of the streets have names and all the apartments look the same no matter how long you stare at them. You have to be really rich here to have a unique-looking house. But the local values seem to be focused more on the use of nature within confined urban space.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KL2lIf7AdbLaQOmUgwxUiQyWBhYGTUDzRddPQimVjkLkBk4yPStS4IsPNa3qKis2RHUBVnJfhGUaU5VXg9OE5QKXUFuSSoHz9pD2LxwZYA_IGSJ5JVibBXIWToEF9tFM-ZaF2tkGjL4/s1600/DSC06082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KL2lIf7AdbLaQOmUgwxUiQyWBhYGTUDzRddPQimVjkLkBk4yPStS4IsPNa3qKis2RHUBVnJfhGUaU5VXg9OE5QKXUFuSSoHz9pD2LxwZYA_IGSJ5JVibBXIWToEF9tFM-ZaF2tkGjL4/s200/DSC06082.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then again, sometimes people have BOTH.. the photo to the right is a house I saw the other day whilst walking through a neighborhood in Mitaka, an important commercial district. My guess is that because of the district, land values, and design, the house in the picture would be worth $2-3 million. You could get quite an estate in Nebraska for that much, but things are different here. Also note the fantastic trees in the front yard.<br />
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<b>Ye Local Temple</b><br />
Last but not least, check out this slide show of the temple I mentioned earlier.. this is just down the street from me! Enjoy! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dym7F5AfJZhZ3_ZRoiy6GaNp52UuN7iz7A_xyNhZHueqm5w8h2okhI0hfoc7VyTsXz93bPy9z8zDmdQ-J1ArA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><br />
Paul and I leave for a conference in Shimonoseki tomorrow.. Shimonoseki is a city on the southwestern tip of the main island of Japan. We're going by speed train.. I promise we won't have TOO much fun together. The trip holds the potential to be epic, including I-don't-want-to-spoil-it-but-maybe-a-trip-to-Himeji-Castle (The White Heron).. pictures and videos of this trip available in a couple of days.<br />
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Much Love. Michael Out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTRs299fbbszEkiTi7hjZ0yoHp0nyaID0XwHTzYA_vAyyGl6yBemtSsO9Uaj24ru64E2jeGX63BtYcxpr34Yo7bldDL_-Kb9lE4xCTXxM1Dc8LWw8O7AxXVHv0DuFKya1NtmA94uLg7c/s1600/DSC06068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTRs299fbbszEkiTi7hjZ0yoHp0nyaID0XwHTzYA_vAyyGl6yBemtSsO9Uaj24ru64E2jeGX63BtYcxpr34Yo7bldDL_-Kb9lE4xCTXxM1Dc8LWw8O7AxXVHv0DuFKya1NtmA94uLg7c/s400/DSC06068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<b> </b><i> </i>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-45496521086507149482011-02-08T05:55:00.000-08:002011-02-08T05:56:37.354-08:00Bicycle Cop, Sensei, Bar Brawl (One of these is only to get your attention)Koonichiwa!<br />
<br />
Tonight I had my first language class. And it went... awkwardly. The administrator sensei (that just means teacher) was explaining everything to me, literally reading my language packet to me, word for word (even though it was in English). As he asked me questions about what Japanese I knew already, I watched him marking off categories of learning with his pencil... Kanji? no...*circle*... Spoken? no.. *circle* *scribble* *circle*.. If he was a government agent trying to figure out if I was a spy, he'd be sleeping soundly tonight.<br />
<br />
The class only meets 3 times a month, on Tuesdays. That gives me a total of eight sessions counting tonight. My sensei seemed perplexed and baffled that I would attend class to learn Japanese for only two and a half months. We reached an arrangement where I get photocopies of the textbook, and I don't have a permanent tutor.. since it takes two months to find a volunteer and there are already three people on the waiting list.. So I just get a tutor if someone doesn't show up. I'm the runt of the litter. At least I can do my homework (as if I'm excited about it or something)..... ..(Yes, I <i>am</i> excited about it).<br />
<br />
Afterward, I went to the store with my neighbor and classmate, Damon. When we came out, a policeman was looking at my bicycle. It didn't have a lock on it. I showed him the lock I just bought in the store, and he laughed and kept inspecting. My friend explained that every bicycle in Tokyo is registered and has a built in lock, so if it doesn't have one they assume it's stolen. I felt a lump in my throat. I grasped for my phone for safety like Frodo grasped at the ring in his pocket... would I have to call Paul to explain that I didn't steal the bike? <br />
<br />
Nope. I didn't. I know. There was a lot of suspense there for a second. Damon explained the situation stammeringly, and the policeman smiled, radioed on his talkie, and moved on. Good job, Damon. A year and a half of Japanese has served you well. A week and a half of Japanese has served me... not at all.<br />
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I guess I'd better get to work.<br />
<br />
Michael Out. (Dewa Mata.)<br />
<br />
PS. For a (free) <b>VIDEO TOUR</b> of my apartment, go<b> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/video/video.php?v=794643735593">HERE</a></b>.<br />
<br />
PPS. I had sushi for lunch again today.. I just thought I should remind you all how often I eat sushi. Literally, it is like Japanese fast food.. except.. it's amazing. Muahhahahah. You're welcome. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RxmTmmJM_Ls/TVFKVmunnCI/AAAAAAAABMQ/oFyX02PkL5w/s1600/167307_10150404426985716_787140715_17341674_3728493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RxmTmmJM_Ls/TVFKVmunnCI/AAAAAAAABMQ/oFyX02PkL5w/s640/167307_10150404426985716_787140715_17341674_3728493_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-90117838094655766262011-02-04T22:32:00.000-08:002011-03-03T23:10:46.097-08:00Indian Food, Shibuya Station, and Little China (everyone has one).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1Ry8zimIbHPljGWll1JVlAI-JTYN0rzhU3x0kzdEjBsj2Hhlf2bAf5qYPekfF9RnyBRX6XAz4IOro0K85mrFGyNz72VluK90pRKsUUFcAajI6RaY9WOfGgug1w_cJZTQFPAtpnPC9H8/s1600/DSC05899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1Ry8zimIbHPljGWll1JVlAI-JTYN0rzhU3x0kzdEjBsj2Hhlf2bAf5qYPekfF9RnyBRX6XAz4IOro0K85mrFGyNz72VluK90pRKsUUFcAajI6RaY9WOfGgug1w_cJZTQFPAtpnPC9H8/s400/DSC05899.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty much the best Indian food ever for under $10.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've had a whole five days now in Tokyo to get used to everything, and I have to say, I'm really starting to enjoy my life.<br />
<br />
In the course of the last few days, I've accomplished some pretty big things. I figured out how to get from my house to my uncle's, the station, the school, and the bakery! I got signed up for and a small tutorial on the Tokyo train system. I have groceries, a TV, a recliner, and a desk. I've started working on two projects for my uncle already, including an important document related to Persimmon. And I've been taking lots of <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110480206772974352528/Japan?authkey=Gv1sRgCLnpsvKeooOHMw#">pictures </a>with my camera (thanks sis!). Oh. And I made new friends. AND I ate the succulent Indian food you see above.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was my first day out on the town! I made a new friend (Casper), who was kind enough to invite me to hang out with him and his friends in Yokohama, about an hour South of where I'm staying. We used the train system. I'll try and post some pictures of what it's like in the terminals and on the trains, but, it was definitely one of the most confusing and scary experiences of my life. Seriously, Boston, Chicago, and Washington have absolutely nothing on Tokyo (I haven't been to New York yet, so I guess we can't compare). There are a myriad of different lines owned by a variety of companies, each with its own list of stops on trains of different speeds. Really. I almost had a panic attack yesterday when I had to find my last train by myself. More on that later.<br />
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Another thing about the trains: personal space is non-existent. Sometimes guys try to feel girls up on the train, so Casper told me he holds the top handles with both hands when it's really packed so no one will accuse him of anything... I think this is sort of a good idea. At least I found out that <i>everyone</i> is annoyed by this situation, not just me. Hey, I don't want my junk on some other dude's trunk any more than the next guy. And neither do Japanese people... it's just necessary. After a long 12-hour day of work (more on that in future posts) and a congested train ride, many Japanese go home and keep to themselves, finding whatever sacred space is left for them. I can't say I blame them. Though with a bit of rap music and a few drinks, a subway train car could be a pretty racy club here in the states. Just sayin'. (Copyright Michael Hennings, Jan 2011)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosmXEtRYGBZOOrVbXfFZab2ZEGqBsaCsCat62Fc9VGTI083jKOPYED5YBBIldCyt0T-KWh98X6nyVqtptjgv-h9VjclGPO5X5DfF9aShnTpr18qek-HwOctVjvEu5gFHvS_feV_LNh74/s1600/DSC05904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosmXEtRYGBZOOrVbXfFZab2ZEGqBsaCsCat62Fc9VGTI083jKOPYED5YBBIldCyt0T-KWh98X6nyVqtptjgv-h9VjclGPO5X5DfF9aShnTpr18qek-HwOctVjvEu5gFHvS_feV_LNh74/s320/DSC05904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM4ziOqjHZsN5sg_SgpgRD9uW7Yu5BGmEivA7QdEgMZqgXqnty8TTnCqWd19m5KuXjivKExO06XQe8eEiFXs3_Bn5-7Jln0pocIKyCBGzhnitxfpe1drIyY6WzVNKrROkvG2X4rl0-m4/s1600/DSC05906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM4ziOqjHZsN5sg_SgpgRD9uW7Yu5BGmEivA7QdEgMZqgXqnty8TTnCqWd19m5KuXjivKExO06XQe8eEiFXs3_Bn5-7Jln0pocIKyCBGzhnitxfpe1drIyY6WzVNKrROkvG2X4rl0-m4/s320/DSC05906.JPG" width="320" /></a>So Casper and I made our way to Shibuya Station.. the <i>famous</i> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya,_Tokyo">Shibuya </a>station. Basically any movie you've ever watched with footage from Japan probably has footage of people walking across the street at this busy shopping plaza. It's basically a huge station next to a GIGANTIC outdoor mall. (All these photos and more are available on my Picasa <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110480206772974352528/Japan02?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ20tezWkObaLw&feat=directlink">web album</a>)<br />
<br />
The 2nd floor Starbucks (in the building to the right, top photo) is a pretty famous tourist spot, and we went up there to take a couple pictures/video. The curious thing about this place is just how chaotic it feels, especially to foreigners. In many ways, this is not indicative of the entirety of Tokyo. In fact, many stations are not nearly this busy, and each has its own reputation and subculture (for instance, the girls at Shibuya station are known to be "hussies/hoochie-mammas"). Shibuya station is really just an example of the western perception of Japanese life.<br />
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There's also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachik%C5%8D">a statue of a dog (Haichiko)</a> in the plaza, which is a popular meeting spot. It is said that when the dog would wait faithfully for his master to return from work every day in the same spot, and when the master died of a cerebral hemorrhage in 1925, the dog came to this same spot at the same time every day for the next nine years, waiting for him to return. Or so the legend/Wiki goes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOF6xMLUzypgdNB7AL0NbJv8y0kSyqFNVGmoupkFSK1kzdpXTpWhNjC0TAjeErCYbEORTD4yEbK6iZgKVRrMNb2VpiHAYDM_U-PvGRDz25wR26KxATh0cZ3eVJPJ4cBaGATvacWVBAxQ/s1600/DSC05909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOF6xMLUzypgdNB7AL0NbJv8y0kSyqFNVGmoupkFSK1kzdpXTpWhNjC0TAjeErCYbEORTD4yEbK6iZgKVRrMNb2VpiHAYDM_U-PvGRDz25wR26KxATh0cZ3eVJPJ4cBaGATvacWVBAxQ/s320/DSC05909.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Anyhow, the dog statue was nice, but we weren't the only tourists taking pictures next to him. There were some Chinese people taking <i>forever</i> to snap half a dozen photos next to the pup. A kindly old Japanese man offered to take a photo of Casper and I with my camera. As the Chinese tourists made us wait, the old man looked up and remarked with a sigh, "ehhh.. they're Chinese."<br />
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I chuckled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKr_EYRgDDDqjhJIOWXTZnEJUptaviHHmj1N0klDhQaoGKf_aB4h24dfke6ZWifNKWEYs2IeOWmWwWUUrUaCVwX_hFvCywuu9YT5Dw5wLHbRE5PeJloXL1swWkL2KRFSWH1d5uMf-W-U/s1600/DSC05920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKr_EYRgDDDqjhJIOWXTZnEJUptaviHHmj1N0klDhQaoGKf_aB4h24dfke6ZWifNKWEYs2IeOWmWwWUUrUaCVwX_hFvCywuu9YT5Dw5wLHbRE5PeJloXL1swWkL2KRFSWH1d5uMf-W-U/s200/DSC05920.JPG" width="150" /></a>After that we went down to Yokohama to meet up with Casper's friends Myra and Kevin. We met up outside the train and instantly went over to Chinatown. That's right, Chinatown. I guess every large city has at least one. It was supposed to be Chinese new year, but, unfortunately, for some reason, no one was out celebrating. I was looking forward to noisy dancing and frivolity, but instead I satiated my lustful desires (dramatic, oui?) with a nice can of Qoo. It's a tasty can of apple juice. And yes, the can has a cute kiwala/bear/pikmin/monster type thing on it. Needless to say, it was very refreshing.<br />
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After that, we walked a few blocks down to the dock where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_Matthew_Perry">Commodore Perry</a> first landed in Japan. I'm not going to bore you with what I perceive to be the exciting historical nuances of this event, but the main point is that before Perry landed here on a U.S. steamship in 1854, Japan was entirely closed to the West. After Perry insisted that Japan trade with the U.S., Japan's merchant class burst forth to usher in a new era of technology, prosperity, and Western-ism. And, in a backwards way, this set Japan on a course that eventually led them to WWII. But that's a long story.<br />
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The dock is just beautiful. It looks out over the huge Bay of Japan, and downtown Yokohama is visible from here...after seeing which, I could NOT stop snapping pictures. Maybe I was temporarily on LSD, but I thought the bright, glowing Ferris Wheel was completely mesmerizing. Yes, tourist Mike "came out." This will not be his last emergence.<br />
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The old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama_Red_Brick_Warehouse">warehouse </a>building has recently been transformed into a massive and surprisingly tasteful, tourist/date location. Outside, was an ice skating rink where many Japanese couples were happily skating away. This is where I learned that Japanese couples find it <i>VERY</i> embarrassing to make physical contact in public. This led to a string of jokes about Japanese dates, and secret locations where Japanese couples go to <i>actually touch each other</i>. We did see some <i>extreme </i>hand holding, I guess.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RxmTmmJM_Ls/TUzVSToV79I/AAAAAAAAAzU/0-24-pT2pXE/s1600/DSC05937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RxmTmmJM_Ls/TUzVSToV79I/AAAAAAAAAzU/0-24-pT2pXE/s320/DSC05937.JPG" width="320" /></a>Inside the warehouse was a delicious (and not too expensive) restaurant where we enjoyed the fine candle-lit atmosphere (it was quite dark). But you could sit on either a chair, a couch, or a BED to eat sushi. A BED. Hello awesome date location. There was a whole wall of bed for the sitting. We sat in chairs and couches, but I did get to hear some familiar music (Passion Pit). Also, my new friends and I shared some delicious California Rolls.<br />
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After a short jaunt through downtown (me snapping pictures all the while), we all parted ways, and Casper and I headed back on our train. It was his job to make sure I got back to Hagashi-Kurume Eki before the trains stopped running at midnight. This is a very early time for trains to close, but part of it seems to be to force people to head home instead of irresponsibly staying out all night and drinking. It's probably a good idea. I had to walk alone through the station to my last train. This led to a panic attack, as it was midnight already, and I couldn't read which train was mine!! In the end, due to some helpful people, I ended up safely on my way, packed into a car full of people who were falling asleep standing up and who smelled like alcohol.<br />
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All in all, a successful day. This morning I woke up and went to the bakery. Yum!<br />
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I'm happy and enjoying my life in Japan so far.. did you think I wouldn't? Stay posted! There are more pictures on my online album, and I update it a couple times a week!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Here's to new friends: </b></u></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RxmTmmJM_Ls/TUzVVSvb1wI/AAAAAAAAA0E/knFiC9foz8Y/s1600/DSC05944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RxmTmmJM_Ls/TUzVVSvb1wI/AAAAAAAAA0E/knFiC9foz8Y/s400/DSC05944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Please continue to pray for me. Believe it or not, I am doing a lot of work, and the challenges I face every day (by the grace of God) are very great. I love you all.<br />
<br />
Michael out.<br />
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<b>Photos</b>: https://picasaweb.google.com/110480206772974352528/Japan02?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ20tezWkObaLw&feat=directlinkJibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-49184582044956148412011-01-31T16:40:00.000-08:002011-02-02T05:10:28.941-08:00Aaaaand I made it.<div style="text-align: center;">Good morning from Tokyo, everyone. </div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQyb8fnAK5S0ysN-Fi3btMbgSNf8q9kkIzehkqRwd1u099x0YVXk2XkmC-1kVGxoNFN3j4qkmbl3y-qkvRR2-EZKp5GHN3We_ShoL1-iChZKZmjUH6fOmvSlhyOPWIgLltSzWBpHf2JI/s1600/DSC05867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQyb8fnAK5S0ysN-Fi3btMbgSNf8q9kkIzehkqRwd1u099x0YVXk2XkmC-1kVGxoNFN3j4qkmbl3y-qkvRR2-EZKp5GHN3We_ShoL1-iChZKZmjUH6fOmvSlhyOPWIgLltSzWBpHf2JI/s320/DSC05867.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limo bus ride from the airport through Tokyo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Yes, I am safe and in Japan. I hope no one's missing me too much, yet (otherwise, it might be a long three months). Currently, I'm sitting on my uncle Paul's couch staring at some very familiar objects; a TV, a bookshelf full of movies, a cup of coffee, a kitchen table, a piano, a Lilo and Stitch Kleenex box. It's as if I just went over to my aunt and uncle's place to hang out. Oh, and by the way, their house is 17 hours away from my house (via plane; add 34 days via kayak) on the other side of the Pacific Ocean.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">It's only when I look outside that things get weird. Two-story townhouses packed together in odd clusters, interspersed with tiny, meandering streets and precisely placed trees cloud my vision. It feels like I'm in Asian Boston. </div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnT_ObZ3azTlk42UTRqkRIFqijJJEn0YKn9Sn_ybNXG8os6JHwBxxy5qMsVZtIILMsK9XyxStIlyFNiLEUUdro5Quvic6PpVQTEH1ux4YlJtRPx704u6Hg0zJm4-segAbfs5x4EoOEEk/s1600/DSC05870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnT_ObZ3azTlk42UTRqkRIFqijJJEn0YKn9Sn_ybNXG8os6JHwBxxy5qMsVZtIILMsK9XyxStIlyFNiLEUUdro5Quvic6PpVQTEH1ux4YlJtRPx704u6Hg0zJm4-segAbfs5x4EoOEEk/s320/DSC05870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian Boston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stepping off the plane into the airport, I expected to be overwhelmed and terrified. But Tokyo Airport, although large, didn't feel like it was nearly so foreign as I thought it would be. In fact, even stepping outside into the fierce urban jungle with my aunt, I didn't feel like I had just flown 6800 miles and landed in the largest city in the world. The only thing that really tipped me off was the face masks, which made me feel like I was clearly on another planet.<br />
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That's right, face masks. Just about 20 percent of people here walk around in broad daylight wearing what can only be described as white, hospital grade, nose and mouth covering masks to protect from germs, pathogens, and allergies. Everyone wears them, whether they're working in the supermarket or walking down the street. It's a cultural thing. Every time I start thinking I'm in the middle of a major pandemic I have to remind myself that this is actually <i>cool</i> and <i>normal </i>(trendy?) here. It's purely precautionary.. and MEGA creepy.<br />
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Lastly, I'm excited to say that I have already tried sushi (we went to the grocery store last night), and it was delightful, though the options were a little bit more diverse than Nebraska sushi.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzUAZ3bdUkpMXBG8lKHIFx8J4sShP2XU5q18qwFGEuciieS6UPavg1XFlZAtM7KbmCyqaCwH1wH3M7EQBnpVT0geyKhV1y3djtVdmmjYtKvofmC-LMYqQiVpYfNXUsF98R6gXbQcQ4IQ/s1600/DSC05868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzUAZ3bdUkpMXBG8lKHIFx8J4sShP2XU5q18qwFGEuciieS6UPavg1XFlZAtM7KbmCyqaCwH1wH3M7EQBnpVT0geyKhV1y3djtVdmmjYtKvofmC-LMYqQiVpYfNXUsF98R6gXbQcQ4IQ/s400/DSC05868.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(top) egg, eel, octopus, fish egg, salmon, (bottom) shrimp, shellfish, more salmon, and squid. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Let me just say it; eating octopus is like eating wet rubber. The eel was actually good. The shellfish was.. semi-crunchy. Oh, and fish eggs are more of an activity than a food.<br />
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Well, it comes time for me to wind this up and be a part of my Japan family. Japanfam. Japamily. Jamily. I just want to send a lot of love to you all back in the states and let you know that I've had a full eleven hours of sleep and am feeling great. Carpe Diem!<br />
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Michael Out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-91733824426517784762011-01-29T22:26:00.000-08:002011-01-29T23:13:31.840-08:00Japanmas EveIn about 7 hours I'll be getting on a plane to go to Japan. 17 hours later I'll actually be there. Sounds like waiting in line at the DMV. I feel like I'm about to step into a surreal world, wherein every comfort I know will be gone and I'll be in a foreign dimension where I have the vocabulary of a 2-year-old. I've worked really hard to get to level 2, guys, really, don't take this away from me.<br />
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All the work is done. All my dues are paid. My bags are packed and I'm ready to go. Sayoonara! <br />
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The departure process has been really positive. Seeing friends this week was edifying. To those of you who've showed your support in various ways, thank you. I obviously wouldn't even be to this point without you. Did I feel the love when you wished me well? SO many times, yes! I pray that in the next three months you will see the fruits of our labor.<br />
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Oh, and by the way, we have now raised well over $3000 toward my internship, which means I won't be returning emaciated anymore. If $3000 came in this soon, $6000 should be a cakewalk. Good job you guys!! Give yourselves a huge pat on the back. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone this week... I know I would. I have too many people to thank to do it here. You'll all have to wait until (what will probably be) next year when I slowly and laboriously write thank you cards (I'm hoping Dec. 2012 comes first.. muahhaha). Nonetheless, seriously, I am REALLY grateful.<br />
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The truth is, nothing is left to be said. I'm happy. I'm nervous. I'm excited. You all have done <i>more</i> than could ever be asked of you, and have proven that I have the <i>greatest </i>friends. And to Paul, Nancy, and Naomi, I must say I cannot <i>wait</i> to get to know you like I will.<br />
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Well kids.. see you in a few months. I'll try not to post too many pictures of REAL, FRESH SUSHI for you to look at, but no promises (you know how I get).. To my new family, nice to meet you!<br />
<br />
Michael out.<br />
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=) <3 =)<br />
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P.S. I hope I don't fall in love with (and marry) a body pillow while I'm over there.<br />
(See 30 Rock, Season 3, Ep. 9)Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-35881077532206631642011-01-20T15:35:00.000-08:002011-01-20T15:43:03.186-08:00January Jitters<div style="text-align: center;">"Sometimes you have to depend on others to find what you need."</div><div style="text-align: right;">-Old man in a yellow poncho, Bicycle</div><br />
<br />
I leave for Tokyo, Japan in ten days.<br />
<br />
I could not possibly feel weirder.<br />
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There are so many things for which I feel unprepared. Japanese. Dollars to Yen. Toilets. Speed trains. Tokyo airport. The list goes on. Thankfully, I'm not <i>terrible </i>with chopsticks.<br />
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I bought my ticket on January 10, ten days ago. I normally don't feel apprehensive about traveling, but this is a little bit outside the bounds of my experience. I'm getting excited. Keenly excited. Jittery. It's as if I'm not here anymore, already. There's so much to do, and so little time left in which to accomplish it. I think it makes even small tasks daunting knowing that I'll be leaving soon.<br />
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But everything has already been accomplished. I feel confident of that. The things I've been working toward in faith-partnership with those around me are coming to fruition, and it is mind-blowing.<br />
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A small update is that on Tuesday we hosted another screening of Bicycle and raised $250. I'm sitting right around $1900 right now, and I believe this to be excellent footing by which to set forth. I do not fear not being able to raise enough money. There is still time for many to contribute and I've been so blessed already by friends and loved ones. This has been a truly moving experience of faith. <br />
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The great thing is that if you missed your chance to contribute financially so far, you can still do so even as I'm in Japan. <br />
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For those of you who've partnered with me, <i>thank you</i>. I cannot wait to share this experience with you, and one of the key ways I'll be doing that is sending out bi-monthly email updates, as well as blogging. The 21st century has given this "partnership" a whole new dimension, to the point where we can all share actively in what God is doing in real time with email, blogs, twitter, and facebook. Hang on to your hats, kids. I'm going to be UPDATING you. That's right. And it will be fierce.<br />
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Please pray for me as this week transpires and I prepare for my 7 am flight on Sunday, Jan 30. Pray that God will prepare everything according to His purposes.<br />
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I love you all. Michael out.Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-15460984082094920242010-12-27T11:59:00.000-08:002010-12-27T12:01:11.924-08:00Late December UpdateFriends and loved ones,<br />
<br />
December has been a very successful month for me, both personally AND toward Japan. It has been a time of reconnecting with estranged friends and family. My dear friends Lance, Amy, and Kelsey returned home in early Dec. after a three month absence. At the same time, I've had the wonderful privilege of reconnecting with my cousin Jacob after a decade of radio silence.<br />
<br />
It was so brilliant to see my cousin after a decade and realize the ways we've grown together over a great distance. I've always felt like I didn't know my extended family, since I have always been the younger cousin, but speaking now as adults is incredibly rewarding. Last summer, I had my brother's wedding AND a reunion to see my relatives again, and the more of them I meet, the more connected I feel to my family and the big picture. I want my life to involve more connectedness from now on...<br />
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God has also blessed me this month with friends who are both supportive and generous, even though it's the holiday season and (let's face it), who REALLY feels generous this time of year? Only by faith. I've been overwhelmed by friends who've stepped forward to help. So far, about $1200 has been raised toward Japan.<br />
<br />
But not all gifts are financial. Just this Christmas, my loving/wonderful girlfriend, Alysondra, gave me some (MUCH NEEDED) new shoes to wear, which will no longer make me look like a homeless man. Even more, I have a camera to take with me now, thanks to the generous contribution of Mark and Stacy Hennings.. to one, to all, thank you, thank you, <i>thank you</i>.<br />
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I am incredibly psyched coming off this month to see what God will do in January. I am meeting with the elders from Grace Chapel and Rosemont Alliance in the coming weeks, and the number of people who have chosen to support me keeps increasing. Praise Jesus.<br />
<br />
<br />
MichaelJibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-77494157569191134252010-12-06T16:50:00.000-08:002010-12-06T16:50:40.404-08:00Early December Update...Hello friends,<br />
<br />
As I sit on my sofa with a cold watching old episodes of the office I am drawn my thoughts on Japan, and I feel an update is in order.<br />
<br />
I know this is reminiscent of my last post, but, as my mind drifts back to it from time to time, I STILL find myself inspired by <i>Bicycle</i>. Part of this is because fund raising isn't exactly going as planned. Being a first timer, I am overcoming a large amount of challenges all at once. Contacting people, being tactful, planning events that are FUN. My friend group is mostly those who just graduated from or are still in college, it's not an easy fit for them to give monetarily (as it never is for me, either). It's taking some out of the box thinking. All in all, I've probably raised around $1000... five more to go... I feel like I'm chasing little bicycle parts all over town. But this is the world in which I live.<br />
<br />
On the plus side, I've got a super-fun Christmas Party/fundraiser coming up on Dec. 17. It should be a big shindig, with live music and a raffle.. I'm hoping that will bring in $500. Every little bit counts.. And it will be fun. Which is the whole point. And yes, I love ugly sweaters.<br />
<br />
So, the biggest thing I need at this point is just for people to stay tuned.. and show up to my Christmas party. The fact that you're connected with me right now means the world. If you're interested in seeing <i>Bicycle</i>, there will be a few more showings coming up this month, and I'll be sending out invitations soon. In the meantime, much love muchachos.. <br />
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MichaelJibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-61357375151273834242010-11-24T07:23:00.000-08:002013-02-01T15:00:15.386-08:00Crunch TimeI want to start this note by saying a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who showed up to the movie screening on Saturday. It's a truly amazing feeling to have your friends come see and support what you're doing. I felt the warmth and love of the people in my life in a way new and amazing way. It's surprising and inspiring to see twenty-somethings get together to give not only spiritual and emotional, but financial support to a peer.<br />
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We raised about $180.. for a fundraiser of fewer than twenty young people, that's not too shabby. It's not about the money--It was such a blessing to have people partner with me. Here are my shout outs to the people who made this event possible: Alysondra, Haley, Toni , Amber, my loving mother June, Natalie, Ian (the sound guy), and of course Jesus C. (deity).<br />
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Today is sort of a nervous day for me because I find out if I got into the MDS pharmaceutical study or not. This is pivotal, because I could earn up to $3,000 toward Japan.. if not, I'll have to do a lot more fundraising. I know God will provide the money. At the same time, in my book, money earned is better than money requisitioned.<br />
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However, I am honored to have the partnership of my friends and loved ones on this adventure into the unknown. Allowing others to give includes them in the entire process, and this is just as important as having the funds. This is something I have even been challenged by in my uncle's movie, <i>Jitensha (Bicycle).</i><br />
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In <i>Bicycle</i>, Mamoru encounters an old man at the beach that helps him discover his last lost bike part. In passing, the old man (sporting a yellow poncho, a long, gray beard, and a metal detector--I dream to look that classy someday, but I guess to be Japanese you've got to be <i>born</i> Japanese...), admonishes Mamoru that "sometimes you have to rely on others to find what you're looking for."<br />
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It's true for me as well. In this instance, I have to rely on others to accomplish these big goals. I don't have to do everything myself. At the same time, personally, I feel it is necessary to earn everything. But I simply can't, and shouldn't have to.<br />
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I am reminded again about how <i>simply inspiring</i> I find this movie to be. Having watched it 7 or 8 times now, I am drawn to how it speaks to me over and over. <i>He's closed up, inside his shell ... this is the world you live in ... sometimes you must rely on others ... your handwriting sucks</i>. All these things and more I find context for in my own life. As much as I am hoping to minister to others, I have already been ministered to in greater abundance.<br />
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In less than 2 hours I'll find out about the medical study. If that's not the ticket (I've never succeeded in getting into one), then I know God will make another way. I guess it's a lesson in trust waiting to happen. <br />
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Stay tuned.<br />
MichaelJibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-12322555900361704932010-10-29T15:56:00.000-07:002010-10-29T15:56:43.919-07:00Postage PaidIf you're tuning in to this today (or any other day) it is probably because I sent support letters this week. First of all, THANK YOU for reading. A double huge thanks to anyone who clips out my picture and sticks it on their fridge.<br />
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It was a gigantic relief to finally see the letters go this week. They had been weighing on me, and I just wanted them to be perfect. I spent so much time meticulously fine-tuning them down to the tiniest detail--I wanted to show an excellent portrait of my vision. If I hadn't put my heart into them, I would be selling myself, and ultimately everyone, short. Having done that, there is a certain point at which you have to let things go, let things be themselves, and wash your hands of it. I had reached that point, and, now that I've contacted you, I hope you can capture my vision for this project.<br />
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Japan is still two and a half months away, and though that seems far off, time is short. I know the holiday season is difficult, but I am hoping to raise the $5,000-$7,000 that I'll need by 2011. This would be another giant relief, and a huge answer to prayer.<br />
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On my end, I've also been working with my brother, Mark, to learn video filming and editing. I made a trip to Omaha last week and filmed some footage with Omaha Video Solutions, and, under Mark's guidance recorded some of the material that appeared in the final video <b>here</b>.<br />
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Mark is so talented--it's awesome and awkward to be having my younger brother wow me with his knowledge. We always joked about how Mark would be a millionaire when I was growing up. But we were always secretly serious. And now I see why. So much love, bro!<br />
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My weekly update is concluded, so I would just like to emphasize an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who read their letters this week. I'm excited to see you all subscribe.<br />
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Peace, love, and Happy Halloween.<br />
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MichaelJibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2960170143854280520.post-63789149552331597962010-09-27T13:19:00.000-07:002010-09-29T07:13:58.565-07:00What does it mean?Things are moving this week. I'm going to stuff my excitement for a couple more days and withhold the exact details, but my support letter for Japan is nearly finished, so many of you will be hearing from me (maybe for the first time) very soon. In light of this, I'd like to write a bit about the concept behind this page.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-EW638_cormac_F_20091112231822.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormac McCarthy (Thanks to www.WSJ.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What do I mean when I say "carrying the fire?" To be truthful, this is a reference to a book called <i>The Road</i><i>, </i>by Cormac McCarthy, which I recently finished reading. McCarthy is also famous for <i>No Country for Old Men</i> (2005) and<i> All the Pretty Horses </i>(1992). <i>The Road</i> (2007) was quickly followed by a movie version in 2009. The Road is a sparsely written tale about a post-apocalyptic world, in which a man (Viggo Mortenson) and his son are meandering through the wasteland, trying to reach the ocean. The background on this website is a screen shot from the movie.<br />
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The story is altogether depressing. The prose is filled with unexplained desolation in a world where all the plants and animals have died, laying now beneath a darkened sky, as if some mysterious vandal had taken a sledgehammer to our life cycle for no good reason. The aptly depicted movie, even more so than the book, is both visually stunning and devastating. A hopeless and dying world brings days filled with only hunger, cold, and fear. Many of the people left living have turned to desperate and dehumanized measures in order to survive.. cannibalism not excepted. The greatest danger in <i>this </i>world is not dying, but being taken captive by the "bad guys." <br />
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The man and the boy trudge slowly toward the ocean, hoping feebly to find a place where things are different, where the scorched earth still struggles to live. Neither of them knows why they are walking. They wrestle with questions of their own purpose, surrounded by death, knowing that their own ends are not far away. The man tries to encourage the boy, even though he has no hope in his heart. Indeed, his only hope is the boy. They are the "good guys." They are "carrying the fire" together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.cinemaverdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/the_road_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>carrying the fire</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been overwhelmed with the paucity of hope flickering in the middle of barren emptiness. I find this a relevant corollary for my faith. I find that in the midst of doubt, trial, and injustice in this life, not knowing my path but sensing a direction I should be traveling, faith is often small, even wavering. But it is furiously and even senselessly stubborn. I do not envision my faith as a brilliant bon fire, but as a Zippo lighter, barely making enough light or warmth even for me to trudge a days march in the right direction. And I'll scavenge for fuel where I can.<i> carry the fire</i>.<br />
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Perhaps the fire is in the very struggle itself?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-EW638_cormac_F_20091112231822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>My thoughts also turn to my journey to Japan. It is a foreign road to me, where my challenges will be unknown and my limits will be tested. If I brave the darkness with my lighter, will my light increase, or will the confronting darkness close in, striving doubly to snuff me out? Nonetheless, I will continue in the direction that has been laid out for me. I believe a way has been made, though I don't understand how. <i>carry the fire.</i><br />
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If you have the opportunity, I <i>highly </i>recommend reading <i>The Road</i>. It is both poignant and beautiful, while concurrently somber and sparse. Cormac McCarthy, in few words, has shown much insight into the human spirit.<br />
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At any rate, now you know where I am in my thoughts.<br />
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Stay tuned..<br />
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MH<br />
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More about <i>The Road:</i><br />
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704576204574529703577274572.html%20"><i>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704576204574529703577274572.html </i></a>Jibbajabbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050244879285398827noreply@blogger.com0