finally - pictures of Kyoto for you!

This first picture is just a snapshot of what Kyoto is like. A storybook.
The second is from the top of Daimonji-yama. A mountain in Kyoto. I sat here for a
long time today, enjoying the colours and the view of both Kyoto and
seeing the skyscrapers of Osaka in the distance.




















Close to Ginkakuji area. Many tourists during the changing of the leaves season.
So many traditional shops and women in kimonos are know to be seen wandering
the streets here. You can literally walk for 5 minutes and you come to temple
after temple after temple. There are also many school children with their little yellow hats on school field trips.




















The antique kimono shop I came across. This place was enchanting. Ladies drinking tea and looking at fabrics. The inside was covered ceiling to floor with old picutres. Such a diamond this place was.
















Many of these traditional umbrellas line the street around Ginkakuji. So beautiful. I was
tempted to buy one. The colours are exquisite.

leaves in my pockets.

Kyoto is magical. My day off took me to this city, once again. Walking around the city during the late fall season feel like you have stepped into a storybook. I thought the first time I went was pretty amazing. Yeah. I really had no idea. Late November, the streets and gardens are covered with blankets and blankets of bright red and yellow leaves. And they continue to fall all around you. Although Kyoto is such a large city, when you walk through the streets it feels like you are back in the old days of Japan - small rivers, shrines at every turn, and lovely Japanese coffee shops. I managed to stumble upon an antique kimono shop at one corner. I ducked to enter the door, and inside was covered wall to wall with old pictures and various Japanese fabrics. Two women wearing kimonos sat in the corner drinking tea.

After dodging all the tourists at Ginkakuji Temple (a Silver Pavillion), I spent most of the afternoon hiking in the Daimonji-yama area, just outside the temple. It was good to stretch my legs again. The leaves were there to greet my feet as I slowly made my way to the top of this mountain. The 1.5 hr hike takes you to the most commanding view of the whole city of Kyoto. And in the distance I managed to see the skyscrapers of Osaka.
5 older Japanese men at the top seemed so interested in where I was from. "America?," they asked. "No. Canada actually." They exclaimed, "AAAHHHH. Canada." They cheered and clapped. (I love how even the littlest of things get the Japanese so excited. I love it.) I told them, in Japanese (yes, I'm learning) that I was a teacher. Again, they cheered and clapped. One guy made a skiing motion with his body. "Canada. Ski," he said. I, then, cheered and clapped. We all laughed. I love chatting with strangers. Well...attempting to chat to strangers anyways. Mostly, my mime artistry does the talking! Slowly, I am trying to pick up more and more phrases.
Looking out, I could see rolling hills, colour- coated with greens, reds and golden yellows. Like no colours I had ever seen before. Breathtaking. I sat, worshipped for a bit and then made my way down the steep path. I tried to collect as many leaves and possible, I hope to decorate my new journal with them somehow.

Taking the opposite way down, I managed to come to a more residential part of the city. I walked and walked and walked. Stopped to have a latte and a piece of cake. I took time to just stroll through the old streets, looking in windows and gazing at the beautiful colours of the trees all around. These colours, coupled with the already existing reds of the doorways to temples and shrines makes for something to behold. Looking down and the ground, seeing the already fallen leaves and the cobble stoned streets, I couldn't help but think...is this real? Am I really seeing all this? I though about the song that I had listend to earlier in the day, "Mountain of God" by Third Day (a friend introduced it to me a number of months ago. you know who you are!). One line, "You are here with me" seemed to resonate in the air. Teary eyed, I made my way back to Kyoto station. Back home to the busy city.

MSG and life span expectancy

Hanna, my aussie roomate, recently bought MSG in a bottle at the grocery store. The forbidden ingredient in Chinese food you always hear about! No kidding. You can literally sprinkle it on fish or meat, like salt. If its so bad for you, why do Asians generally live longer than most of us North Americans? Not sure how much of the credit goes to MSG or not...still...it sure is tasty stuff. I hope to increase my life span by at least 10 years.

*please note: I'm only joking. do you really think I would be this dumb? I am well aware that MSG is associated with many nervous system problems. Just trying to get a rise out of people. Jeepers creepers!

"whatever keeps you soft and open. this is what you should live for."

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"...today, I make myself available to You..."

I feel I have not been able to say these words honestly, in my heart before. Even now, these words seems to carry some weight and meaning. As I got out of my futon this morning, looked out the window, this was something immediately on my heart. Do what you will with me today, God. Funny, how the tunnel that I normally ride to the station seemed bigger. How the colours on the trees seemed more deep. What if I really chose to make myself available to God every day? How would with change things?
After a full day of teaching, I rode my bike to Juso, another prefecture in Osaka, hoping to run some errands, and yet I just felt like riding my bike. So I did. For a long time. Passing by small Japanese homes, children practicing baseball in a school yard, an older lady sweeping her sidewalk. It was 4:30pm, and the sun was shining on my face, the cool air was refreshing and the city seemed peaceful. Riding my bike, for no real purpose, but to see new things.

today was a good day.
that is all. until I have more to say later.

wine and a haircut.

Oh my goodness. I just cut my own hair tonight. And after having a couple glasses of wine too. Yikes. I was getting that desperate (for wine and a haircut!! ha.ha.). What an adventure that was. I have heard some sketchy things about hairstylists in Japan from a number of people. I guess Western hair is just different for them to work with or something. My friend Nina and I have been reading this book at work "A Broad in Japan" - yep, a book especially for women foreigners in Japan. A hokey, if you ask me. But, good advice nonetheless.
Wow. Wine really does make you more confident, I guess. The scary part, I actually think it turned out ok.

finding quiet, in the noise of the city

"When you travel, you experience, in a very practical way, the act of rebirth. You confront completely new situations, the day passes more slowly, and on most journeys you don't even understand the language the people speak. So you are like a child just out of the womb. You begin to be more accessible to others because they may be able to help you in difficult situations. And you accept any small favor from the gods with great delight, as if it were an episode you would remember for the rest of your life."

-from Paulo Coelho's "The Pilgramage." A constant source of strength for me. A must read!!!

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Yes, I'm still alive. I hope I haven't lost my blogging-edge. (as I stretch my fingers, and begin to write). Thanks for your patience with me. I know Bri, it has been too long. Glad to see you all again. Drinking oolong tea right now, I can pour you a cup, if you like?

I guess a major theme of the last couple weeks has been: faith. I feel like it has been tested and stretched in everyway. With work, with coping with living in this country, with coming to terms with myself, my weaknesses and strengths. Both, I'm learning to be ok with. I think sometimes, when God calls us into somesort of wilderness, its not easy by any means, but he's teaching me that I'm not alone. I hear it in the voice of strangers, in the kindness of my students, and in the rain as I fall asleep at night.

I'm so tired of being pre-occupied with my lack of internet access ("You don't know what you've got till, its gone"). We finally got our Yahoo package in the mail. I am at peace!!! Not having internet has really made me realize actually how important communication is. The meaningful and regular kind. At times, I have felt claustrophobic about living in such a big city, in this small apartment. big city...small apartment... Hey, I need to write a song. Wheres a pen...

God has really been letting me know that when we sometimes go into journeys on our own, its defanitely not an easy road, but he always promises that we will not go alone. He has really been providing me with some incredible people over the last couple weeks. I have made, it seems, many friends in a short amount of time.
Yuji is quickly becoming a very good friend of mine (after our 4 hour conversation at Starbucks, after we both finished work!! Don't know if it was the coffee that kept us going or our love of hearing each other fumble through each others languages!). We talked about travel, books, things we love, things we hate. It was refreshing. I hadn't had a good conversation like that in a while.
Cho, who also works with Yuji, has promised to take me out to my first sushi train restraunt in the next week. I think they have seriously mistaken me for some sort of coffee expert there, because Cho had invited me to a coffee party that she was organizing. We were asked to rate coffee, and describe the boldness and flavor. While most of the words she had written were in Japanese, she has translated the words into English just for me. She said said that she had been working for 3 days on the translation. I was blown away at her thoughtfulness. (If only they new that I don't actually go to starbucks for the coffee!!!ha. ha.)

I have recently disovered a really fantastic old-style coffee shop/bar down the street from my apartment as well. Sarah, my newest friend took me to their Friday night live music session a couple weeks ago. Papillion is owned by Ryuji and Kumiko, a crazy little Japanese couple, who love people, beer and coffee. There are so many foreigners who come here. Ryuji and Kumiko are known to give you free drinks every now and again. They have a live band every Friday, where people can get up and sing and basically a fool of themselves (and no, I haven't don't this yet. I'm still new to this!). So many other english teachers live in the area, so its been great to mingle with them and to know that we are all having similar experiences.

It seems that the weather has changed dramatically here in the last couple weeks. From hot and humid, to cold and rainy. Which has prooven to be some interesting bicycle rides to the train station some mornings. But, as I make my way to Kita Senri, every morning has become more and more beautiful. The mountains in the distance are decorated with layers of bright red and yellow trees. Its hard to believe that its late November, and Japan is just starting to have fall colours. I am desperate to visit Kyoto to emerse myself in more of the colour and to experience hiking in Arashiyama, a popular spot where the trails lead to many temples and shrines. And a near by rice field I have been wanting to see.

Since the recentl addition to our apartment, Alicia (from the states), I have moved into perhaps the most lovely room I have ever stayed in. Really japanese tatami mats and a balcony sliding window to the outside of our apartment. I so feel at peace in this room. It has been so nice to actually hear the rain as I fall asleep in my futon at night. We are tryng to make our apartment more and more cozy as the days go by.

Work is busy lately. Many training sessions and such, and working overtime tommorrow, so not much of a chance to get out of the city lately. Having that itch again to explore. I don' t think that will ever wear off. I guess living in this city has really made me try to intentional about seeing more of this country.

Wow, that was a big BLAHHH, as DSO would say (for those who know who I'm talking about!). Oh, that felt good. I'm so happy to let you know what I'm up to, and to share my thoughts with all of you. Well, the ones I'm willing to be made public anyways.
Its hard sometimes to put into words, what I'm experiencing here. Somedays are really hard, but most days are incredible here. I never know what I'm going to see. All I know is, that air is different here. I think I might be growing into myself. Please know that I think of you often and miss you all.


Thanks for checking in.
So much love.

Jane.

Ps - Mom, thanks for the sweet Canadian scarf and the KD. Both came at the perfect time. I laughed - very hard.
PPS - Julie, all the sandwich bread actually is crustless here. They sell it in special packages even. I think of you everytime I each a sandwich. Why does it have to be so friggin expensive? Theres no crust! What am I actually paying more for? Hmm...

have you taken your shoes off lately?

Currently watching on t.v: Japanese figure skating
Latest wierd sighting: purple pleather pants and matching tube top.
Latest English t-shirt sighting: "I like ape."
...
My roomate Myriah is leaving tommorrow to go back the U.S. Time has just flown since meeting her in September. Her, Hannah and I have really gotten along so well. I will be sad to see her go. Nova has already arranged for another roomate to move in. I may be measuring her against Myriah. Not sure if anyone can really compare.

Made me realize life is really a series of hellos, goodbyes and so-longs. I think I have said more hellos in the last 2 months than I ever have before. I have also said many goodbyes and so-longs as well. I feel like being out here as really forced me to examine my life and what really is important. I have only come up with four things: family, friends, always believing in something, and always working towards something. If I don't have these things, life can crumble. Being in this sometimes confusing country, I have somehow managed to sort out what makes me "tick." I find is remarkable how attempting to live more intentionality can come out of unfamiliarity.

It feels like September is so far away now. The colours are changing here, the air is cooler, the sun sets sooner, and my perspective in changing. Things are different. This morning on the train I couldn't help but feel proud of myself for coming this far. Don't get me wrong, I have my days - where I have to sort out my now frequent unpredictable emotions. There are days where I am completely head over heals for this country, and there are days where I feel like all I want to do is scream. Mostly, I'm in love with this place. I guess thats like any new experience for many of us.

Just lately, I have been thinking alot about what it means to have sacred space in our lives. Setting aside a place worth taking our shoes off for. Or maybe, sacred spaces are all around, and they are just waiting to be discovered. And maybe my feet are just waiting for encounters with these places. Going to Ryoanji Temple the other day in Kyoto, it struck me how little I do this. Take my shoes off, that is. To feel the hard wood on my feet. To really feel "at home." And allow my toes room to breath.

Time for bed. Day off tommorrow and Wednesday. Thinking of you all.

Love
Jane.

Kyoto in autumn: good for the soul.

(the link above is to Kinkakuji Temple, where I visited in Kyoto)

"Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperors residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.
Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today. "
....

Kyoto, how I love thee. I did not know how much I needed this until I arrived.

After a slight change in plans, I actually ended up just going for one full day on Wednesday. I was determined to get out of Osaka. My psyche needed it.
The train ride was magical. You get closer and closer to the mountains as you approach the city. It was a partly sunny, misty morning, and as the train pulled into Kyoto Station, I new I was in for a treat. Anyone who travels here in the future, you should know that Kyoto is so convienent to travel by bus. A $5.00 ticket for the whole day. You can go anywhere. Also, a number of the scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha were filmed in this city. Aparently, it is the second most visited city in the world. So I've heard.
I managed to make my way to Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto. I think the most famous of temples here. An entire pavillion made out of gold!! It is surrounded by the lushest of gardens, ponds and meditation sites. Not to mention outdoor tea houses for the tea lover (mom...I will take you here when you guys come here in May). As soon as I stepped foot on this temple site, I had goosbumps. It is glorious.
Down the street is Ryuanji Temple. The location of a very famous Zen garden. I think what I will remember the most about this place, is not the temple itself, although breathtaking...but they required all visitors to take their shoes off. I think there is something rather profound about this. You can sit, contemplating the order of the cosmos (I guess this is what you do at at Zen garden), meditate/contemplate (I did. Not on Budda. But on what I was wanting to have for lunch.)
The temple is surrounded again by a beautiful garden, many spots where fractions of light would hit the trees. You then come to a beautiful site, where you can view the mountains and the already changing leaves of autumn. It was like someone had taken a paintbrush and brushed these beautiful mysterious colours over the land. I started to weep. I was overwhelmed with...well...I'm not sure what. Seeing the mountains really reminded me of home. (ok, here come the water works again).

The last few days had been really rough up until Wednesday. Although most days are really good for me, it just in the last 5 days, where I really felt boxed in by this sometimes overwhelmingly huge city of Osaka. And not having steady internet or email or contact with the outside world has really made me feel claustraphobic at times. Once we get our connection from Yahoo at the apartment, I know I will have a better perspective. Once again, I think God really reminded me last night through this verse in 1 Ptr, talking about being foreigners in the land, and how He will comfort us and defend us (I think applicable to Bri, Sarah and Lindsay right now too. I thought of you guys when reading this). No way - this just happened to be the devotional in this book I have been reading. I think I'm coming to know Him as my companion here. Even today, Osaka looked just a little better again. Like it did when I first got here...exciting and not so big.

Is it wrong, that when I feel down/homesick some days, that I put on the "Jane" song by Barenaked Ladies? Strange, perhaps, yet therapeutic, I think.

Jane.