Tonight was our first Bunko game night of the school year. I was very excited to go since I could hang out with some great gals, eat some great food (it was Mexican night!), and I really didn't have to use my brain since the object of the game it to just roll some dice! However, as with mnay things in Japan - a simple night of dice rolling just can't be so easy, right?? Let me explain...
My friends, Pattie and Kim, and I left promptly at 6:20 for the 30 minute or so train ride to the host's home. Well, the house is a bit out of the city and would require a longer train ride, but according to the directions I had we shouldn't need to change trains, we were to just continue the path of one of the local subway lines. Easy, right? We reached the last stop on the subway and thought we should just stay on the train - even though everyone else was getting off...
Next, the train conductor started moving through the train and looked at us and said "Last stop" - OK, we then realized that everyone had gotten off and switched to the other track and were preparing to literally shove themselves onto the other train. Pattie asked the conductor if that train would take us to the station we needed (insert picture of Pattie gesturing to the train and saying the stop we needed...) - the dude said yes... so off we went.
Now, I should take a minute to inform you that since it was Mexican night and we were each bringing goodies - not only were we competing for space for ourselves but we also carried with us our potluck dishes... I had a lovely Pyrex carrying case holding my refried bean dip and Pattie had a lovely earthwise recyling bag holding her large bowl of ambrosia... picture us if you will...
So, as we were shoved into the train (the nice business man that was shoving into me did say sorry several times), we hgrabbed onto the handles, and off we went - we only had two stops to go... We buzzed through stop one and quickly realized that we were on an express train (which means it only stops every three or four stations)... then we buzzed through our stop, didn't even slow down. We went on for four stops before the train stopped, and that's when we thought we'd just jump across the track and go back. At this point we weren't thinking and the doors shut and the train proceeded to continue in the wrong direction! We buzzed through a few more stops arriving at the end of the line. This time we got a bit smart - got off, went to the correct track this time and headed by in the right direction.
We finally made it to our desired stop, bean dip and ambrosia in tact, paid the hefty train tab and headed off to the host's home... we, of course, got lost along the way, but fortunately a friend came to our rescue and we were found!
Bunko commenced and we spent the evening, rolling dice and drinking a few margaritas... and laughed about our most recent adventure.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Japanese Baseball Game
On Sept. 26th, we had the joy of attending our first baseball game in Japan. We went with our very good friends and their children - 12 of us in all. We went out to see the Chiba Marines take on the Orix Buffaloes - the train took us right past Tokyo Disney and we all decided that if the game didn't work out we'd come back there!
As with games in the U.S., there is quite a lot going on pre-game. We came upon some dancers who were performing to a type of Japanese "rap" music. They ranged in age from small children to adults - it was quite a site to behold. Every group had a "flag waver" who had this GIGANTIC flag that he constantly waved throughout the dance - thinking those guys have some awesome arm muscles after that!
After that we realized that there was a huge section where they were just giving out samples of all types - this was serious stuff - people brought extra bags just to carry out their "freebies" - of course we got in on it, but couldn't compete with the locals.
Next it was time to head into the stadium - FYI, the Chiba Marines are currently being managed by Bobby Valentine, who used to coach the Mets. His team also had Benny Agbayani playing for him. The stadium was much like others we've seen... except there was a distinct difference in the concession stand! No Fenway Franks were found here! We sat off the third base line and realized quickly that it was going to be a HOT game as we were in the direct sunlight and it was hot hot hot - add to that the fact that several women around us were dressed in wool clothes and hats and we were all pouring in sweat!
The best part about a Japanese baseball game are the songs and the keg girls... there is a section on each side of the outfield for each team's fans. As players come up to bat, they start singing a song for that individual player - for instance, when Benny Agbayani came up they sang, "Let's go, let's go, B - en - ny!" Every time he batted. They also had specific team songs that they sang during the inning changes. Then when the other team came up to bat, they were silent while the other team sang their songs - they are very organized - they even have drums and horns!
Then there are the keg girls... these are young Japanese girls who walk around with kegs strapped to their backs and come to you to pour you a fresh beer - pretty cool. They have all the different types of beer so all you have to do is wait for your favorite brand to come walking by...
It was so hot we made it to about the 7th inning before we had to leave - the little girls had the reddest cheeks and all we could think of were the full trains that we would encounter if we waited until the end of the game... certainly didn't want to try out the train pushers with the kids!
It was a fun experience and another thing we have checked off our list - certainly may try that again!
Check out my pictures of the day below...
As with games in the U.S., there is quite a lot going on pre-game. We came upon some dancers who were performing to a type of Japanese "rap" music. They ranged in age from small children to adults - it was quite a site to behold. Every group had a "flag waver" who had this GIGANTIC flag that he constantly waved throughout the dance - thinking those guys have some awesome arm muscles after that!
After that we realized that there was a huge section where they were just giving out samples of all types - this was serious stuff - people brought extra bags just to carry out their "freebies" - of course we got in on it, but couldn't compete with the locals.
Next it was time to head into the stadium - FYI, the Chiba Marines are currently being managed by Bobby Valentine, who used to coach the Mets. His team also had Benny Agbayani playing for him. The stadium was much like others we've seen... except there was a distinct difference in the concession stand! No Fenway Franks were found here! We sat off the third base line and realized quickly that it was going to be a HOT game as we were in the direct sunlight and it was hot hot hot - add to that the fact that several women around us were dressed in wool clothes and hats and we were all pouring in sweat!
The best part about a Japanese baseball game are the songs and the keg girls... there is a section on each side of the outfield for each team's fans. As players come up to bat, they start singing a song for that individual player - for instance, when Benny Agbayani came up they sang, "Let's go, let's go, B - en - ny!" Every time he batted. They also had specific team songs that they sang during the inning changes. Then when the other team came up to bat, they were silent while the other team sang their songs - they are very organized - they even have drums and horns!
Then there are the keg girls... these are young Japanese girls who walk around with kegs strapped to their backs and come to you to pour you a fresh beer - pretty cool. They have all the different types of beer so all you have to do is wait for your favorite brand to come walking by...
It was so hot we made it to about the 7th inning before we had to leave - the little girls had the reddest cheeks and all we could think of were the full trains that we would encounter if we waited until the end of the game... certainly didn't want to try out the train pushers with the kids!
It was a fun experience and another thing we have checked off our list - certainly may try that again!
Check out my pictures of the day below...
Friday, October 9, 2009
We're BAAAAACK!
Well, I know it's been a long time since I've "blogged" - but quite frankly - they changed around the way I accessed the site and I couldn't log in! But I just tried it again and here I am! My mother has been very upset with me - so I promise to be better...
We are back in Tokyo, starting our second year - We had an awesome summer at home - spent lots of time outdoors and with family in Tennessee and Massachusetts. We spent a week on the Big Island of Hawaii before coming back to Tokyo in mid-August. That was a very special trip for Chris and I as we hadn't been back since we were first married - I was 8 months pregnant with Nicholas when we left... Needless to say, I teared up on more than one occassion!
Wasn't sure how I'd feel when I got back to Japan - but I quickly realized that I felt relieved and at "home" - certainly we love the US and can't wait until we move back in a few years, but we have made so many wonderful friends here and the children absolutely LOVE their school - so when we got back, everyone was excited to be back to our normal routines.
September was a crazy month - Nicholas started third grade and Sydney started kindergarten - they are still at seperate schools - Nicholas rides a bus and Sydney and I get to walk to school each day. They are both very pleased with their teachers and come home with smiles on their faces each day. Nicholas plays soccer after school two days a week and Sydney is busy with hula, Daisy Scouts, and ballet. They both participate in the British Football Academy (that's soccer to us Americans!!) on Sunday afternoons.
I thought October would find us settling in - but this week has been quite the whirlwind... Nicholas spent much of the week at home dealing with what was quite possibly the swine flu (the drs didn't do a test since he wasn't a candidate for Tamiflu...), we narrowly missed the brunt of a strong typhoon, and Chris went away for a week to Taiwan. I am happy to report that it is now Friday evening, both children are healthy (insert loud knock on wood here!), and Chris is on his way home from the airport.
I am much more comfortable here this year - certainly don't feel like I'm walking around with that "deer in the headlights" look - I just seem to be comfortable with being lost at all times and not understanding anything I see or hear! We have lots to look forward to this year - we already have trips planned to Saipan for Thanksgiving, then my parents are going to put their shiny new passport to good use and come visit us for Christmas, next Chris's parents will come visit in March for Spring Break - we will go with them to Bali for a week. I'm hoping to throw in some quick little trips around Japan, as well.
So... lot's of things to keep you posted on! Come back and visit often and make sure to leave comments on my posts! I'd love to know what you think about the things I write...
Until next time... SAYONARA!!
We are back in Tokyo, starting our second year - We had an awesome summer at home - spent lots of time outdoors and with family in Tennessee and Massachusetts. We spent a week on the Big Island of Hawaii before coming back to Tokyo in mid-August. That was a very special trip for Chris and I as we hadn't been back since we were first married - I was 8 months pregnant with Nicholas when we left... Needless to say, I teared up on more than one occassion!
Wasn't sure how I'd feel when I got back to Japan - but I quickly realized that I felt relieved and at "home" - certainly we love the US and can't wait until we move back in a few years, but we have made so many wonderful friends here and the children absolutely LOVE their school - so when we got back, everyone was excited to be back to our normal routines.
September was a crazy month - Nicholas started third grade and Sydney started kindergarten - they are still at seperate schools - Nicholas rides a bus and Sydney and I get to walk to school each day. They are both very pleased with their teachers and come home with smiles on their faces each day. Nicholas plays soccer after school two days a week and Sydney is busy with hula, Daisy Scouts, and ballet. They both participate in the British Football Academy (that's soccer to us Americans!!) on Sunday afternoons.
I thought October would find us settling in - but this week has been quite the whirlwind... Nicholas spent much of the week at home dealing with what was quite possibly the swine flu (the drs didn't do a test since he wasn't a candidate for Tamiflu...), we narrowly missed the brunt of a strong typhoon, and Chris went away for a week to Taiwan. I am happy to report that it is now Friday evening, both children are healthy (insert loud knock on wood here!), and Chris is on his way home from the airport.
I am much more comfortable here this year - certainly don't feel like I'm walking around with that "deer in the headlights" look - I just seem to be comfortable with being lost at all times and not understanding anything I see or hear! We have lots to look forward to this year - we already have trips planned to Saipan for Thanksgiving, then my parents are going to put their shiny new passport to good use and come visit us for Christmas, next Chris's parents will come visit in March for Spring Break - we will go with them to Bali for a week. I'm hoping to throw in some quick little trips around Japan, as well.
So... lot's of things to keep you posted on! Come back and visit often and make sure to leave comments on my posts! I'd love to know what you think about the things I write...
Until next time... SAYONARA!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ugly American Moments...
You know, with as many rules and cultural issues as there are in Japan - sometimes it's quite hard to follow them all! Believe me, I try to be a good visitor and represent America well. I stand to the left on the escalator and I put my money in the little tray when I'm paying. I also try my best to separate my trash into the many different categories and take my shoes off upon entering a house or temple. However, some days it's just hard to not make a mistake - take today for example...
Today we ventured to Costco - clearly one of my favorite places in Japan. Where else can I get a gigantic sizes of items that I desperately need to survive? They certainly don't sell anything over a quart in the local grocery stores. So picture me, in the laundry detergent aisle, picking up a large bottle of laundry detergent, preparing to place it under my overstuffed card (clearly another problem since it should have been properly organized as I shopped), and suddenly the top popped off the container and detergent began to flow everywhere. The aisle was full of Japanese shoppers who all collectively heard the spill, and took in a giant gasp followed by a resounding "oooooooooh" - it seemed to go on for a full minute! No one came to my aid, they all just seemed to take 3 steps backwards in fear that this sudden mess might infect them in some way.
So I stood there, I quickly picked up the bottle and looked for a worker. There was a woman at the front of the aisle displaying samples and I got her attention and tried to explain that the bottle I was holding had spilled... pointing, gesturing, nothing. She understood nothing. SO - I motioned and said, Come with me and started walking to my overflowing cart. As she reached the cart, the worried face began, and she gasped and oooooohed. I thought to myself, I did what I could do, and then I handed her the broken container and moved as quickly from the scene as I could... mortified in my lack of cleanliness.
I made it through the check out and went for my favorite after-Costco shopping treat, a 250 yen ($2.50) hot dog and soda lunch. As I prepared my hot dog with the fixins I turned around and, yep, you guessed it, knocked my soda on the ground. Same scenario - people gasp, people ooooooh, and then they take 3 steps back. Then they make a concerned face, wondering how in the heck will we be able to maneuver around this mess - it truly makes one feel as if you have thrown the balance of the universe off. And by this time, I'd had enough - I simply walked away and left the mess on the floor - thought they could experience dirt and try to make the best of it.
Of course, I returned not 5 minutes later to refill my drink, and the spill had been completely cleaned. Just to make matters worse - I didn't return the cart - I left it in the middle of the parking lot. Take that -
I've simply decided I just can't do it all. Sometimes I"m going to walk down the road and drink my coffee and sometimes, I may even take it on the subway. I may even give my child a snack while riding the train - EEEK - but I will do my best to take care of my trash but I just can't do it all.
Today we ventured to Costco - clearly one of my favorite places in Japan. Where else can I get a gigantic sizes of items that I desperately need to survive? They certainly don't sell anything over a quart in the local grocery stores. So picture me, in the laundry detergent aisle, picking up a large bottle of laundry detergent, preparing to place it under my overstuffed card (clearly another problem since it should have been properly organized as I shopped), and suddenly the top popped off the container and detergent began to flow everywhere. The aisle was full of Japanese shoppers who all collectively heard the spill, and took in a giant gasp followed by a resounding "oooooooooh" - it seemed to go on for a full minute! No one came to my aid, they all just seemed to take 3 steps backwards in fear that this sudden mess might infect them in some way.
So I stood there, I quickly picked up the bottle and looked for a worker. There was a woman at the front of the aisle displaying samples and I got her attention and tried to explain that the bottle I was holding had spilled... pointing, gesturing, nothing. She understood nothing. SO - I motioned and said, Come with me and started walking to my overflowing cart. As she reached the cart, the worried face began, and she gasped and oooooohed. I thought to myself, I did what I could do, and then I handed her the broken container and moved as quickly from the scene as I could... mortified in my lack of cleanliness.
I made it through the check out and went for my favorite after-Costco shopping treat, a 250 yen ($2.50) hot dog and soda lunch. As I prepared my hot dog with the fixins I turned around and, yep, you guessed it, knocked my soda on the ground. Same scenario - people gasp, people ooooooh, and then they take 3 steps back. Then they make a concerned face, wondering how in the heck will we be able to maneuver around this mess - it truly makes one feel as if you have thrown the balance of the universe off. And by this time, I'd had enough - I simply walked away and left the mess on the floor - thought they could experience dirt and try to make the best of it.
Of course, I returned not 5 minutes later to refill my drink, and the spill had been completely cleaned. Just to make matters worse - I didn't return the cart - I left it in the middle of the parking lot. Take that -
I've simply decided I just can't do it all. Sometimes I"m going to walk down the road and drink my coffee and sometimes, I may even take it on the subway. I may even give my child a snack while riding the train - EEEK - but I will do my best to take care of my trash but I just can't do it all.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Cherry Blossoms
It's Cherry Blossom time in Japan - I think I've always heard that this was an important time, but never really realized just HOW important... The biggest blooming day was over the weekend and let me tell ya - people were EVERYWHERE. I guess it must mark the official end of winter and start the time to wander around freely again. I'm not sure if it's the fact that cherry trees are planted everywhere or what, but there really are trees everywhere and there are certain places that you can just walk and walk and view the blossoms. Add to that the fact that Japanese people must all do the same things at the same time and you have lots and lots of people!
Now, they are pretty, but I'm not sure that I would go for miles and miles to view them - however, that being said, they certainly make the big tall buildings look better!
The Japanese word for cherry is "sakura" and they call the celebration of the sakura "hanami" - everyone gathers in specific parts of the town where there are many blossoms, lay out there BIG tarps, and have picnics, while drinking lots and lots of sake. There also is apparently a tradition of people moving from group to group "singing for sake."
Chris was away this past weekend, so we didn't head out to enjoy this Japanese tradition. We did see some trees around our home and enjoy their beauty. When the wind blows the trees, it seems to "rain" blossoms. It really is pretty.
As I took a taxi ride this afternoon past Aoyama Cemetary, you can see that the season is almost over. Hopefully we will be able to get out for a picnic this afternoon - after all, it's apparently good luck for a blossom to fall in your drink while you sit under a tree.
I'll include some pictures of the trees so you can see the beauty of the blossoms - they almost truly look fake but really are quite stunning to see - especially after a winter of dreariness.
Now, they are pretty, but I'm not sure that I would go for miles and miles to view them - however, that being said, they certainly make the big tall buildings look better!
The Japanese word for cherry is "sakura" and they call the celebration of the sakura "hanami" - everyone gathers in specific parts of the town where there are many blossoms, lay out there BIG tarps, and have picnics, while drinking lots and lots of sake. There also is apparently a tradition of people moving from group to group "singing for sake."
Chris was away this past weekend, so we didn't head out to enjoy this Japanese tradition. We did see some trees around our home and enjoy their beauty. When the wind blows the trees, it seems to "rain" blossoms. It really is pretty.
As I took a taxi ride this afternoon past Aoyama Cemetary, you can see that the season is almost over. Hopefully we will be able to get out for a picnic this afternoon - after all, it's apparently good luck for a blossom to fall in your drink while you sit under a tree.
I'll include some pictures of the trees so you can see the beauty of the blossoms - they almost truly look fake but really are quite stunning to see - especially after a winter of dreariness.
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