technical question.....
for anyone who knows about computers....
since converting to this newer version of blogger, the text that appears on the grey toolbar above the blog title is all in these tiny squares. And thinking that I could solve this problem on my own (as is a theme in my life), I tried downloading javascript and then trying other languages. Now all the script on my blog is in Japanese! I'm playing a guessing game as to what is what, when I'm updating this thing.
Please if anyone knows about special text on computers, please let me know. This blog is one project out here that I really enjoy. I am left to sometimes limited resources as to who I can contact about computer issues. Any advice that anyone has, urge you to comment! Thanks so much.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
being by myself: the part of me i never thought i had.
"i ate alone. no man. no book. no armor. just me"
After just finishing an episode of Sex in the City, I feel pensive. Just me. Just me. I have been realizing actually how comfortable I have become with this over the last few months. I guess I never have been really afraid to do things on my own. To have adventures, to see new things. While it seems that I have met so many people over the last few months, the times that have seemingly been among the most meaningful, are those that have been spent by myself. Its like I have more time to savour. To redefine myself once again.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a loner nor do I intend to become one. I think that I actually do have a healthy balance between time with friends, and time spent on my own. I guess being here has just caused me to reflect on how my time is spent. How am I using this time?
Being in Osaka, one of the biggest cities in the world, it can be incredibly isolating at times. I have learned that being alone or by ones self, is all about how you define it. How you think about it. I am by myself. But, I don't think I'm alone. I now embrace the chances I have to explore. To be free. To roam. To get lost and not feel weird about it. And, to actually look forward to getting lost.
Maybe, this is one of our most profound fears as humans - the fear of getting lost, and being alone. Why are we so afraid of this? Why am I so afraid of this sometimes? In Japan, I'm learning that actually the worst that could happen is that I would cover more territory and wake up on a train somewhere an discover someone is sleeping on my shoulder.
Being by yourself is actually a really cool thing if you think about it. I used to feel so self conscious about this at home in Edmonton. But, here, I want to seize these moments. Why worry about being by yourself? Try it once in a while. Purposefully. You may discover something about yourself that you never knew was there before.
"i ate alone. no man. no book. no armor. just me"
After just finishing an episode of Sex in the City, I feel pensive. Just me. Just me. I have been realizing actually how comfortable I have become with this over the last few months. I guess I never have been really afraid to do things on my own. To have adventures, to see new things. While it seems that I have met so many people over the last few months, the times that have seemingly been among the most meaningful, are those that have been spent by myself. Its like I have more time to savour. To redefine myself once again.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a loner nor do I intend to become one. I think that I actually do have a healthy balance between time with friends, and time spent on my own. I guess being here has just caused me to reflect on how my time is spent. How am I using this time?
Being in Osaka, one of the biggest cities in the world, it can be incredibly isolating at times. I have learned that being alone or by ones self, is all about how you define it. How you think about it. I am by myself. But, I don't think I'm alone. I now embrace the chances I have to explore. To be free. To roam. To get lost and not feel weird about it. And, to actually look forward to getting lost.
Maybe, this is one of our most profound fears as humans - the fear of getting lost, and being alone. Why are we so afraid of this? Why am I so afraid of this sometimes? In Japan, I'm learning that actually the worst that could happen is that I would cover more territory and wake up on a train somewhere an discover someone is sleeping on my shoulder.
Being by yourself is actually a really cool thing if you think about it. I used to feel so self conscious about this at home in Edmonton. But, here, I want to seize these moments. Why worry about being by yourself? Try it once in a while. Purposefully. You may discover something about yourself that you never knew was there before.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
himeji: a castle, a garden, and a tea ceremony
My day off today took me to Himeji, just west of Osaka. About 1 hr on the JR Train. Little did I know how beautiful this would be. Travelling beside the ocean for a bit, seeing the mountains to my right, my journal in hand, and new music on my mp3. And nothing but blue skies above.
I walked out of the station, and only a few steps to the end of the street where I was greeted by the magnificent Himeji Castle. Also known as "White Egret" - because of the castle's striking white form. Walking the grounds surrounding the castle were breathtaking. The cherry blossoms are just barely peaking through. The castle has 5 stories, donjons, and is surrounded by moats and defensive walls. Walking inside the castle, I got a better sense of samurai culture, as the walls are decorated with various samurai garb and defense tools. Comlimented with the blue sky outside, and the mild weather, my visit to this castle was memorable.
I then walked further down the street and came to Koko-en, a series of 9 Japanese gardens. With the castle as a backdrop. Many ponds with carp swimming, small waterfalls, and more cherry blossoms, this was another highlight of my day. This was lovely. I then had the chance to participate in a tea ceremony, and an actual tea house! I walked in to the house, took of my shoes, and entered onto the tatami mat floors. I was greeted by 2 women in kimonos. I kneeled, and the brought the very green tea, and a small treat. They then kneeled in front of me, and we bowed to each other. Luckily, a women beside me what helping me with the motions. And so was her three year old son. With the garden just behind us, and sliding glass doors to look out on, I had a moment. I have been waiting for something like this. The tea ceremony is really a symbol of hospitality and simplicity, I think. I felt so honoured to be apart of it.
I left and then continued to wander around the base of the castle. Reveling in the fresh air and the beauty of my surroundings. Everything from seeing the first buds of the blossoms to seeing the castle, it was a day off to remember.
Wishing you could have been there.
Posted some pictures, so you can take a look if you like!
I walked out of the station, and only a few steps to the end of the street where I was greeted by the magnificent Himeji Castle. Also known as "White Egret" - because of the castle's striking white form. Walking the grounds surrounding the castle were breathtaking. The cherry blossoms are just barely peaking through. The castle has 5 stories, donjons, and is surrounded by moats and defensive walls. Walking inside the castle, I got a better sense of samurai culture, as the walls are decorated with various samurai garb and defense tools. Comlimented with the blue sky outside, and the mild weather, my visit to this castle was memorable.
I then walked further down the street and came to Koko-en, a series of 9 Japanese gardens. With the castle as a backdrop. Many ponds with carp swimming, small waterfalls, and more cherry blossoms, this was another highlight of my day. This was lovely. I then had the chance to participate in a tea ceremony, and an actual tea house! I walked in to the house, took of my shoes, and entered onto the tatami mat floors. I was greeted by 2 women in kimonos. I kneeled, and the brought the very green tea, and a small treat. They then kneeled in front of me, and we bowed to each other. Luckily, a women beside me what helping me with the motions. And so was her three year old son. With the garden just behind us, and sliding glass doors to look out on, I had a moment. I have been waiting for something like this. The tea ceremony is really a symbol of hospitality and simplicity, I think. I felt so honoured to be apart of it.
I left and then continued to wander around the base of the castle. Reveling in the fresh air and the beauty of my surroundings. Everything from seeing the first buds of the blossoms to seeing the castle, it was a day off to remember.
Wishing you could have been there.
Posted some pictures, so you can take a look if you like!
the most random of the random
So the other night, my friend Bill and I went to Juso (a more seedy part of Osaka. as he puts it) to try and find a place to eat. We searched for what seemed like an eternity. A Turkish restraunt. Closed. An indian restraunt. Closed. Passed by an art bar as well...and guess what...closed.
Amidst the old train tracks, the cold weather and the dicey dark street corners (I felt safe with a rather tall Australian by my side), we found this hole in the wall bar/restraunt. Not knowing what we were stepping into, we sheepishly entered. To our surprise, the two owners of this place, welcomed us with no hesitation. They kept insisting to us that they "are knowing english so well" and we kept insisting that our japanese was, well, less than adequate. Made for an interesting time. While the pizzas we ordered were somewhat, well, disappointing (everything seems bigger in the picture on the menu), and Bill and I feel somewhat out of place, all the people in this rather seedy area of Osaka, seemed to have some sort of warmth and welcoming spirit. Could have been the intoxication in the air, or maybe just the man who kept insisting that my name was "Kat" - not sure how he got this one. We laughed, carried on about...well...I'm not exactly sure really.
One owner kept insisting on us trying his special house dressing on our $3.50 sliced tomato, the other watching us intently, always making sure we had everything we needed. We were even offered some umeshu from a nice man and his wife, who helped us with the menu. full of 25% alcohol. The umeshu and the man who offered it to us!
We laughed, continually apologized for our bad Japanese, and headed on our way. As we left, we must have bowed simultaniously with the owners about 20 times. I love Japan for this reason. No one can ever be thankfull enough.
We walked closer to the centre of Juso. A group of about 10 Japanese people, having just come from an isakaya (I realize I spell this different every time I mention it), and I offered (feeling confident after my umeshu. yes. ok. i had some) to take their picture. They then proceeded to take our picture as well.
We continued to walk down the small, brightly lit, winding streets of Juso and we then came to another small bar, which apparently has the most expensive beer in Osaka. They are known for it. One girl at the window told us that they were on t.v. just for this fact. One man then asked if Bill and I were married. We said no. He offered us to come inside. We declined. He insisted. I said, "We need to be going" - in Japanese, and the man held his heart, looked at me, and sighed as we walked away. Oh my.
If this wasn't enough, we then stumbled across some random breakdancers at the train station. Seriously. I was blown away. I have never seen those kind of moves...come to thing of it...I have never seen those hair styles either...Simply amazing. They asked what we thought. In Japanese. I proceed to tell them that I though they were the best in Osaka. "Watashi wa anata ichiban Osaka o mou," - I exclaimed. At least...I hope I did. We laughed. They laughed. Said something else in Japanese. Not sure what it was. We laughed again. And went on our way.
To add sprinkles on this cake...we then stopped to have a bite to eat...the pizza didn't quite cut it...and a man walked in to the sukiya, carrying a man purse. My first sighting of an actual purse. Not just a shoulder bag. But a man purse. The small kind - white, hand held, with animal print.
We walked back from this seedy area...which ended up taking us much longer than expected...returned to Shin Osaka...were I entered my apartment to find a notice for a pipe cleaning. And that, we should be prepare for a man to enter the apartmet on Wednesday, and he will stay for exactly 3 minutes. No more. No less. To do what? I'm not sure exactly. I just know that it will take 3 minutes. And that the company is very "sorry for any inconvienience (I spelt that wrong didn't I...its late.) this may cause." 3 minutes. 3 minutes people. The climax of my random night.
i love japan. Gong!
Amidst the old train tracks, the cold weather and the dicey dark street corners (I felt safe with a rather tall Australian by my side), we found this hole in the wall bar/restraunt. Not knowing what we were stepping into, we sheepishly entered. To our surprise, the two owners of this place, welcomed us with no hesitation. They kept insisting to us that they "are knowing english so well" and we kept insisting that our japanese was, well, less than adequate. Made for an interesting time. While the pizzas we ordered were somewhat, well, disappointing (everything seems bigger in the picture on the menu), and Bill and I feel somewhat out of place, all the people in this rather seedy area of Osaka, seemed to have some sort of warmth and welcoming spirit. Could have been the intoxication in the air, or maybe just the man who kept insisting that my name was "Kat" - not sure how he got this one. We laughed, carried on about...well...I'm not exactly sure really.
One owner kept insisting on us trying his special house dressing on our $3.50 sliced tomato, the other watching us intently, always making sure we had everything we needed. We were even offered some umeshu from a nice man and his wife, who helped us with the menu. full of 25% alcohol. The umeshu and the man who offered it to us!
We laughed, continually apologized for our bad Japanese, and headed on our way. As we left, we must have bowed simultaniously with the owners about 20 times. I love Japan for this reason. No one can ever be thankfull enough.
We walked closer to the centre of Juso. A group of about 10 Japanese people, having just come from an isakaya (I realize I spell this different every time I mention it), and I offered (feeling confident after my umeshu. yes. ok. i had some) to take their picture. They then proceeded to take our picture as well.
We continued to walk down the small, brightly lit, winding streets of Juso and we then came to another small bar, which apparently has the most expensive beer in Osaka. They are known for it. One girl at the window told us that they were on t.v. just for this fact. One man then asked if Bill and I were married. We said no. He offered us to come inside. We declined. He insisted. I said, "We need to be going" - in Japanese, and the man held his heart, looked at me, and sighed as we walked away. Oh my.
If this wasn't enough, we then stumbled across some random breakdancers at the train station. Seriously. I was blown away. I have never seen those kind of moves...come to thing of it...I have never seen those hair styles either...Simply amazing. They asked what we thought. In Japanese. I proceed to tell them that I though they were the best in Osaka. "Watashi wa anata ichiban Osaka o mou," - I exclaimed. At least...I hope I did. We laughed. They laughed. Said something else in Japanese. Not sure what it was. We laughed again. And went on our way.
To add sprinkles on this cake...we then stopped to have a bite to eat...the pizza didn't quite cut it...and a man walked in to the sukiya, carrying a man purse. My first sighting of an actual purse. Not just a shoulder bag. But a man purse. The small kind - white, hand held, with animal print.
We walked back from this seedy area...which ended up taking us much longer than expected...returned to Shin Osaka...were I entered my apartment to find a notice for a pipe cleaning. And that, we should be prepare for a man to enter the apartmet on Wednesday, and he will stay for exactly 3 minutes. No more. No less. To do what? I'm not sure exactly. I just know that it will take 3 minutes. And that the company is very "sorry for any inconvienience (I spelt that wrong didn't I...its late.) this may cause." 3 minutes. 3 minutes people. The climax of my random night.
i love japan. Gong!
Monday, February 12, 2007
hello world...
I am so curious...who is reading this thing? If you happen to pop by...I'm calling this blog episode "ask jane" - if you have a burning question about what things are like here or about Japan in general, feel free to drop a comment if you like. I will try my best to answer. By no means am I an expert. I just know my own experience. If I don't know, I can ask my students.
I know my dad has been getting his coworkers and stuff to read this as well. Thanks dad for putting it out there. Its been fun to get emails from friends and family lately too. I'm just really curious as to who is actually reading this. Its my pleasure to let you all into my world.
Love
jane.
I know my dad has been getting his coworkers and stuff to read this as well. Thanks dad for putting it out there. Its been fun to get emails from friends and family lately too. I'm just really curious as to who is actually reading this. Its my pleasure to let you all into my world.
Love
jane.
Friday, February 09, 2007
yakitori.
This is my friend Yuji (on the right) and a few of his co-workers from starbucks. They took me out Tuesday night to this fabulous yakitori restraunt. People are yelling, throwing things and the servers treat you like you are some kind of royalty. There is so much food here its overwhelming. And drink as well. It was a whole lot of fun.Some facts about Yakitori for you...
Yakitori, lit. grilled bird, is a Japanese type of skeward chicken.
It is made from several bite-sized pieces of chicken meat, skewered on a bamboo skewer and barbecued, usually over charcoal.
Diners ordering yakitori usually have a choice of having it served with simply salt (and sometimes lemon juice) or with tare sauce, which is basically made up of mirin, sweet sake, soy sauce and sugar. The sauce is applied on the skewered meat and is grilled until delicately cooked and is served with the tare sauce as a dip.
Yakitori is a very popular dish in Japan. Many working people grab a yakitori and a beer from yakitori stalls on the way home from work. Yakitori is also a common, cheap accompaniment to beer in izakayas.
Strictly speaking, the term "yakitori" refers to those consisting only of various chicken parts and vegetables. Similarly skewered grilled food made with other ingredients such as beef, pork, fish or seafood is usually available at yakitori establishments and are known as kushiyaki, lit. skewer grill, in Japan. However, outside of Japan, and even in some areas of Japan (in particular Kyushu, Higashimatsuyama city and parts of Hokkaidō) these would also be referred to as yakitori.
Common yakitori dishes include...
shou niku (lit. "proper meat"), chicken thigh pieces - "standard yakitori", usually with skin
sasami skinless chicken breast pieces
negima alternating pieces of chicken thigh and scallion
nankotsu chicken cartilage
hatsu chicken heart
rebā liver
sunagimo chicken gizzard
tsukune chicken meatballs
torikawa chicken skin, grilled until crispy
tebasaki chicken wing
ikada Japanese scallion, with two skewers to prevent rotation
The food at these places is truly overwhelming. Its fantastic! Feel free to check out some pics and videos from the restraunt. And yes, I do mention Yuji's name more than once. Love the guy! Wish you all could meet him!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Monday, February 05, 2007
can the train really be stopped?
Currently listening to: "Stop this train" by John Mayer *a must listen!
Current location: my futon, yet again.
Current obession: sushi, my new found love for yoga and jasmine tea.
Currently wearing: "osaka" t-shirt courtesy of brooke and jer.
Over the past few months, I have spent many a long, happy hour on my futon, journalling, updating this thing that you are reading now, and trying to make sense of this whole experience that I am having over here. And have I come to any conclusions? Well, if life is a series of emotional rollercoasters, train rides, vending machines, mishaps, coincidences, language barriers, surprises, gifts, surprising gifts, moments, joy, sorrow, being scared, having certainty, havinguncertainty - than I guess this is it. As said by John Mayer "sometimes I can't take the speed its moving in" - and yet, I can't imagine it all without the speed and the motion its all moving in.
I think I am somehow coming closer to myself. Somehow learning to hear myself better. Somehow learning the truth about myself. The untained truth. Going into my own wilderness. Having to call upon my own voice more frequently. But, most importantly, having to call upon God's name even more frequently.
I love living in this kind of anticipation. I never thought life could be full of this kind of expectancy. What ever is in front of me, I'm learning to embrace it. To run towards it. To fear it. By fearing it, I mean to know its power. Whatever the "it" is. Whether its God, a moment or a lesson that I need to learn.
Just pondering over these thoughts today. I imagine you here, sitting next to me, sipping a latte, and helping me sort all this out.
Current location: my futon, yet again.
Current obession: sushi, my new found love for yoga and jasmine tea.
Currently wearing: "osaka" t-shirt courtesy of brooke and jer.
Over the past few months, I have spent many a long, happy hour on my futon, journalling, updating this thing that you are reading now, and trying to make sense of this whole experience that I am having over here. And have I come to any conclusions? Well, if life is a series of emotional rollercoasters, train rides, vending machines, mishaps, coincidences, language barriers, surprises, gifts, surprising gifts, moments, joy, sorrow, being scared, having certainty, havinguncertainty - than I guess this is it. As said by John Mayer "sometimes I can't take the speed its moving in" - and yet, I can't imagine it all without the speed and the motion its all moving in.
I think I am somehow coming closer to myself. Somehow learning to hear myself better. Somehow learning the truth about myself. The untained truth. Going into my own wilderness. Having to call upon my own voice more frequently. But, most importantly, having to call upon God's name even more frequently.
I love living in this kind of anticipation. I never thought life could be full of this kind of expectancy. What ever is in front of me, I'm learning to embrace it. To run towards it. To fear it. By fearing it, I mean to know its power. Whatever the "it" is. Whether its God, a moment or a lesson that I need to learn.
Just pondering over these thoughts today. I imagine you here, sitting next to me, sipping a latte, and helping me sort all this out.
Friday, February 02, 2007
"oh Canada...(i'm making an effort to) stand on guard for thee"
Not sure if news travels this quickly, but it has been splashed all over the tv here and in the newspaper the last 2 days. A number of english teachers, working for the company I am employed with, have been busted with possession of drugs a couple days ago. There are seven teachers who have been accused, and sad to say, one is apparently Canadian. This saddens me. Since Nova is a huge corporation, with offices all over Japan, this event has been widely televized. And the air has been noticeably more thick around our small branch at Kita Senri. I know that I don't have anything to feel guilty about...but I do. It is so easy to build community among english teachers here, and when something like this happens, you can't help but feel bad or somehow guilty. Somehow ashamed as well that one of these gajin was from Canada.
While being over here for the last 5.2 months, I have felt so proud of my country. Wanting to try my best to represent it well - attempting to smile at strangers, offer help where I think is needed, making and effort to let people go ahead of me. As if all of these actions are somehow a reflection of my country. (Ok, I'm not an extra good person and I'm not trying to built myself up- seriously- I just feel all the more conscious of my identity as a Canadian here, than I have felt at any other time in my life. Still not sure why I needed to let those 3 people go ahead of me in the train today...hmm, just thought of that.)
Ok...I don't want to boast about how great my country is. But..how can I describe it? Hmmm. The way I feel about Canada is like a little kid who has just excitedly finished a crayon drawing at school and brings it home to their mom, who then hangs it on the fridge. In a way that warms my heart. I get these similar feelings when I think of my home. I'm happy to talk about my country - its traditions, stereotypes and sometimes idiosyncratic tendencies. And in turn, I'm happy to listen to my students speak about Japan in the same way.
But...after this incident recently with the drug bust amongst the foreigner community here...I feel sad, in a way that somehow sobers my feelings of my country. It like so much of what foreigners do here, seems to be an immediate reflection of the place they are from. I am sad for this. Makes me think about foreigners living in Canada as well and what their experiences must be like. If something goes wrong, how quick we are, to judge a persons place of origin immediately.
Still...Canada...I will choose to stand on guard for thee.
With a heavy heart.
While being over here for the last 5.2 months, I have felt so proud of my country. Wanting to try my best to represent it well - attempting to smile at strangers, offer help where I think is needed, making and effort to let people go ahead of me. As if all of these actions are somehow a reflection of my country. (Ok, I'm not an extra good person and I'm not trying to built myself up- seriously- I just feel all the more conscious of my identity as a Canadian here, than I have felt at any other time in my life. Still not sure why I needed to let those 3 people go ahead of me in the train today...hmm, just thought of that.)
Ok...I don't want to boast about how great my country is. But..how can I describe it? Hmmm. The way I feel about Canada is like a little kid who has just excitedly finished a crayon drawing at school and brings it home to their mom, who then hangs it on the fridge. In a way that warms my heart. I get these similar feelings when I think of my home. I'm happy to talk about my country - its traditions, stereotypes and sometimes idiosyncratic tendencies. And in turn, I'm happy to listen to my students speak about Japan in the same way.
But...after this incident recently with the drug bust amongst the foreigner community here...I feel sad, in a way that somehow sobers my feelings of my country. It like so much of what foreigners do here, seems to be an immediate reflection of the place they are from. I am sad for this. Makes me think about foreigners living in Canada as well and what their experiences must be like. If something goes wrong, how quick we are, to judge a persons place of origin immediately.
Still...Canada...I will choose to stand on guard for thee.
With a heavy heart.
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