a christmas hello from japan...

May you have the most wonderful Christmas time!! Please know that your support and love over these last few months have meant more to me than you know. The cards, the letters, the emails...I appreciate it. I miss you today. I pray that you and your families have a joy-filled day. I am thinking of you. I will sing a Christmas kareoke song in your honor over here in Osaka!

Missing you all. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

illuminated by kobe

The other night, my roomate Hanna, her boyfriend Nobu and I travelled to Kobe to see the annual Illumination. The pictures do not do it justice at all (hint: if you click on the pictures - you can see them bigger. It gives you a better sense of what it was like). It was illuminating.
The city of Kobe started have the illumination about 10 years ago, my students having been telling me. After the huge Hanshin earthquake in 1995, which left the people of Kobe shaken and with little hope, the city decided to host this festival in order to encourage them and to restore their hope. What a lovely idea. Perhaps more festivals aught to have this type of significance.
You walk through various archways (actually reminds me of some sort of Arabian design) illuminated with light. Christmas choral music plays as you walk down the road.
Once you reach the end of the road, and comb your way through the crowds, you come to this enclosed space which makes you feel like you are in a castle made entirely of lights. Many young families and children dressed in their little red coats and holding balloons. Christmas seemed to come alive at this moment for me. There is some about light at Christmas that cheers you and comforts you in a way that is hard to describe. As I was strongly missing home that night, I was reminded of that verse where Jesus speaks of "I am the light of the world." You can't help but want to gaze and gaze. Perhaps when the shepards saw the star, they felt illuminated as well.

Enjoy the pictures! They do not come close to actually experience, but it gives you an idea anyways.
























I forogt to mention as well - I saw a real live samurai that night too!! The real thing. He was just walking down the street (as if its no big deal!). Nobu pointed him out to us - wearing a rather long black coat with a white material over his chest and some Japanese writing on it. I will try to find a picture somewhere for you. No sword though.

Missing you all. Christmas feels different this year without you around.

staying past closing time...

The other night, my friend Bill and I were having coffee at Papillon (the coffee shop down the street from our apartment in Shin-Osaka). It is so old - crieking floors, soft lighting and old furniture. Kimiko and Ryoji are the sweetest couple that own this place, they are so welcoming to foreigners and within a matter of just a few weeks of knowing them, I can call them friends.
Anyway, Bill and I noticed that the keyboard was sitting in the corner (my heart started to pound), as well as this huge upright bass (from the friday night music gigs they have at Papillon). I was telling Bill how much my fingers have been itching to play lately.We asked Kimiko if we could play - and we did, for at least a couple hours. In this quite cafe, with no one around. It was so refreshing. We played a little jazz and some Christmas tunes. We stayed way past closing time, Kimiko kept encouraging us to keep going. It was a blast. I didn't realize how much I actually missed the keys until I started playing them again. I sort of convinced myself for a while, that I would be ok without a piano - man was I wrong! It is my outlet. Without it, I feel like I'm missing somethig.
Get this - Kimiko stopped me on my bike coming home from work today, and she offered to lend me the keyboard in her aparment, until whenever I decide to leave Japan. I'm currently sitting in my room, staring at this gorgeous instrument. The generosity of the Japanese people here, astounds me. Maybe a new song is closer than I thought.

85% of Japanese have never tasted turkey.

A travesty, to be sure.

I found some interesting things about Japan which you might not have known!

Ok, I can't take credit for this whole list, but I found some of these points to be rather amusing. I've added my own comments for kicks. It gives you a better sense, hopefully of this things I experience or see on a daily basis. Somedays, I can't even believe it myself.

A can of Coca-Cola costs more than one dollar US from a vending machine.
Japanese people, in general, can't drive very well. (no kidding! Interesting fact, however - my roomate Hanna's boyfriend Nobu went to driving boot camp a couple weeks ago. They literally get shipped off to Hokkaido to learn how to drive in a period of 2 weeks. Hanna said that Nob didn't sleep the whole time he was there! Emersion by fire. Thats the Japanese way.)
Restaurants in Japan (including many fast-food places) give you moist towels or wipes before or with your meal.
At many businesses in Japan, they offer alcohol to the employees after six pm. (I've heard that some bosses here even require or demand their employees to go to an isakai - Japanese bar- after work. They cannot refuse. Hmm. If only all bosses demanded this of their employees. What a world. What a world)
On Respect for the Aged Day, tobacco companies will hand out free cigarettes to the elderly outside of train stations and department stores. ("Hey, would you like some lung cancer with those wrinkles, sir?)
The Japanese love corn, sesame seeds, and mayonnaise on their pizza. (even if you request no mayo - it somehow manages to sneak its way into your food somehow! the japanese obsession with mayo - I will never understand it.)
There are no 24 hour ATMs in Japan (closed on holidays and many only open during normal bank hours).
The green traffic light is called "blue". (whatever.)
Slurp your soup. (you really must try it. I can't eat soup any other way now. Well, most of it somehow lands on my clothes most of the time.)
Newspaper editors make their headlines so as to not attract attention. (if only I could say the same thing about the fashion here.)
KFC is the place to be on Christmas Day.
Japan has about 1,500 earthquakes each year.
In the Japanese language, it is considered rude to say the word "no" directly.
It is nearly impossible to become a naturalized citizen of Japan.
You can smoke just about anywhere. (you can also drink just about anywhere too. Umm. Not that I would know...ummm...ok...next point...
Japanese people take a hot bath every night, some do not have showers installed in their bathrooms.
There is no insulation in Japanese homes' walls. (your tellling me!!! its cold in here!)
Japan has roughly 200 volcanoes.
It is considered rude to show signs of affection toward a loved one in public. (speaking of which. i could use a good squeeze right now. wheres my dad when I need him!)
When you go to a funeral or a wedding you must take a gift of money.
Three words: "heated toilet seats". (I adore these!!! They are the key to a happy life here.)
In Japan, flower arranging is an art. (so is trying to squat over a Japanese toilet!)
The new generation of Japanese people are not as short as Westerners think. (true - THEY ARE EVEN SHORTER!!)
You can buy batteries, beer, wine, condoms, cigarettes, comic books, hot dogs, light bulbs, and used women's underwear from vending machines. (its basically the land of convienience.)
Many Japanese people eat rice with or for their breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. This is an old Japanese custom and is what is done when food is offered to the dead. When it is not an offering it is considered to be a very ill omen.
In Japan you will find cars by the names of "It's", "Let's", "Sunny", "Perky", "Gloria", "Move", "Toppo", "Lepo" and "Dump". (these sound like good pet names. if only I had one to name.)
McDonalds employees will run outside to give you your drive-thru order. (it seems everywhere you go here - customer service people are always in a hurry to help you. Always running or rushing or apoligizing for the wait. Japanese defanition of a long wait: 2 minutes. They take their jobs so seriously here.)
The Japanese visit shrines and give eachother money for New Year's.
It is impolite to tear the wrapping paper off of a gift.
Japanese junior high school students do not need to pass any of their classes to graduate. Education only through junior high school is compulsory.
Young women will hand you toilet paper outside of train stations. (there is literally a job for anyone in this country.)
There is almost no vandalism in Japan.
Gas station attendants will bow as the car pulls out of the station. (The gas station outside my apartment does this regularly in the mornings.!)
It is socially acceptable to pick your nose in public and urinate at the side of the road, but you cannot blow your nose in public. (Seriously. Most mornings I'm able to catch at least, no joke, 3 people digging for gold!)
Approximately 85% of Japanese people have never tasted turkey. (I want to cry. It is the essence of life!)
Japan is about the size of California and has half the population of the entire United States.
Snowmen in Japan are made of two large snowballs instead of three. (ummm. ok. I will remember that if I ever try to make one here.
It will always take one to two hours for a pizza to be delivered.
There is at least one vending machine on every corner. (for every vending machine, there is also a Starbucks as well, I'm convinced.)

christmas package!

Today I had 3 mail packages arrive at the apartment! (Mom, Dad and Julie - I can't wait to see whats inside!) It was this cute little old man in a delivery suit who came to my door. I can't believe how prompt everyone is here. I told the company I was going to be in the apartment between 5-7pm and sure enough the packages arrived at 4:56! I was so excited that they had arrived. I told the delivery man that they were from Canada. His eyes seemed to light up, "OHHHHHH . Canada. Very cold." (I've noticed that's what the general consensus seems to be around these parts - Canada is cold - all the time. It only has snow and everyone lives in an igloo. It gets me to think about the stereotypes I have of Japan sometimes. ) I kept saying, "Arigato.Arigato." Both of us got caught up in simultaneously bowing. As he crept away from my door, he kept bowing...I kept bowing...he kept bowing...you get the picture!. Man, what a wonderful way to get a Christmas package in the mail. It made me chuckle to myself.

Now, if I only I could open these packages. I will be tempted to do so over the next couple weeks before Christmas. I hate waiting!

i am a dreamer, take me higher

Last night my friend Sarah and I saw Frankie, a guy we work with, D.J at a club in Shinsaibashi in Osaka. It was so refreshing to see an artist again. Perfecting their craft. I am seriously messmorized by watching someone spin. There is some mysterious quality that exists in D.J.s. I wish I possesed that quality. Only to be imagined, I guess.

Lately, as I get up in the mornings and get ready to go to work, this artist I have recently discovered, has been playing in my ear. Bethany Dillon is her name. I sometimes imagine myself sitting in a coffee shop watching her play.
Part of one of her songs is:

Love woke me up this morning
With a memory
Love came and whispered a story
That awakened a dream

Imagine a beautiful castle
And a beautiful king
He left the comfort of his throne
To fight for victory

I am a dreamer
Take me higher
Open the sky up
Start a fire...

I managed to find her on youtube.com I attached a video of her that almost had me in tears listening to the words and being reminded of the goosebump quality of live music. When an artist is simply present with nothing but their instrument. I have a major itching to play my keys again. This song especially has really given me something to chew on lately. Hope you like her.
Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVTRJXvAr9I
ps - I think everyone aught to have a theme song. A song that is just for them. A song that somehow always seems to articulte your thoughts, no matter what season you are in. A song that is always there for you. Whats yours?

where are you christmas?

December. 3 month anniversary. It seems like Christmas is just around the corner. I'm still not sure what my plans are for the holidays. I think its going to be a little strange being away from friends and family over Christmas. So much of what I associate with the holiday is centred around these things. Not to mention going to the Christmas eve service at my parents church. Lighting candles. Singing. And eating way too much food. Mom's sweddish meatballs.

Most of the other teachers and I will be working Christmas Day, but then after that I have a 9 day break. I'm pondering a few ideas - a friend invited me to go to Hokkaido where there is some beautiful skiing and onsens. Or there is the option of Nagano as well for skiing. While both are expensive but fantastic, part of me wants to take my backpack again and just travel around the mainland of Japan more. Not having any sort of plan, but just taking my map and seeing where the days will take me. I know I want to do some skiing up here and more sightseeing. It could be the perfect chance to catch some good sights with the snow and everything. I don't think this itch I have to see this country will ever be satisfied. I just want to see it all.

Its so different here. CHristmas is not really celebrated here. Its really only about decorations in the department stores and seeing the occasional Santa Claus in the train station. THinking about this seems to give me an empty feeling inside. Maybe God is challenging me to see Christmas in a new way this year. Perhaps to have it re-defined. In a way that might actually put him at the very centre of his whole adventure I'm on. What will Christmas be like this year? I don't know.
Maybe I have to see Christmas as an adventure as well.

I heard this song today, and thought of you all:

"I can hear you laugh when I close my eyes.
I can picture your face and the strength inside your smile"

Thanks for your keeping in touch everyone.

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."

------------------

"...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!!!

----
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.

falling leaves in the land of the rising sun...

"Cohee, ko-ko de kudasai"
I would like a coffee, to stay. Please
(my latest phrase. Wonder where I learned to say this? You guessed it.)

Currently listening: Feist, Open Season
Latest wierd sighting: old lady sleeping on subway gradually made her way onto the lap of an unsuspecting teenager. I chuckled to myself

Its almost embarrassing how the staff at Starbucks know me here now. But, its fun at the same time, because it has really helped me be more confident with the phrases that I'm learning here and there. I'm probably known by them as the girl who gets coffee like 10 times a day. "Oh, here she comes again, the girl who gets coffee like 10 times a day."
Saw Yuji unexpectedly today. That was a nice surprise. We keep trying to test each other on what we remembered. I managed to ask him, in Japanese, how his day was. We laughed. He seemed impressed. I had to get back to work, so it was brief visit, but needless to say, my day was a little brighter after that. Get this, in Sunday Voice class (where students get to simply have free conversation time with me about any topic. My very favorite time of day at work!), there are a couple students who know about my little crush, and they keep asking me about Yuji. Its really cute.
(Having these little experiences has really been helping me combat the homesickness I experience from time to time now. I think reality is really starting to settle in. Not the "let down" kind of reality- just the, "oh ****, I really am in a foreign country for more than just 2 weeks" type of reality.

The other day, I was so drained. It was hard getting up in the morning. I have had trouble sleeping the last few nights. Not sure why. I remember on the train, and listening to this song by Tim Hughes, and quietly saying to myself, "Lord, please teach me how to love my students in a new way today. I feel like I don't have the energy." The first two classes in the morning were tough, but then it was like God literally pressed in my heart and fell in my lap, and changed the way I saw them. My lessons transformed into not just me teaching english, but seeing them as really lovely and enjoyable people.
I just felt the excitement in one of my students today as she learned the new phrase, "I'd like to return this sweater please. There's a whole in the sleeve." So simple, yet I could tell she felt so proud about being able to say a full sentance finally. These are the moments I really look forward to in the day. Although teaching can be exhausting at times, all it takes is one student who feels good about what they've learned, and I seriously want to hug them! This one student in particular, an older lady, you all would want to hug her too!! She is precious in my sight.
I've found teaching so far to be mainly about self exploration. I think I've learned more about myself in the last 2 months than I have in the last 2 years. It can be scary at times. But, generally, I think God is really helping me be ok with it.

I now have my 2 days off. I'm finally going to be making a long awaited trip to Kyoto (only 30 minutes away from Osaka by the Hanku Line!). I've been hearing from students that the leaves are beginning to change there. Along with all the many beautiful temples and shrines located in the hub of Kyoto, this is sure to be more than worth the visit. I booked a guesthouse there for the next few nights. I'm needing to get out of this big city Osaka for more than just a few hours. Not sure of my exact plans yet, I'm just excited to see where the sun takes me.

Until we meet again. The next time I'm in Starbucks, I will imagine you all there, sipping a latte with me.

Jane.

gen-ki des ka?

In the last couple weeks, I have met a new friend - Yuji. He works at the Starbucks close to my school. Since I come to Starucks quite a bit, he excitedly introduced himself to me one day by writing his name down on a reciept. In attempting to give me a taste test of the latest Starbucks coffee, we kept apologizing to each other for our lack of language skills. Dispite my lack of Japanese, and his little English, we have somehow managed to share a laugh or two. Over coffee last night, Yuji and I decided to become language exchange partners. I have finally come to the conclusion that I can't just rely on my mime artistry in order to communicate with the people here. I have managed to pick up a few words and phrases here and there, but expecially to interact and meet new people, I want to hopefully carry a conversation - especially with Yuji (ok...if you haven't guess already, I think he's cute mostly, but getting to learn Japanese is just an added bonus of getting to hang out with him!)

sushi: to much of a good thing.

too much sushi today...for lunch and dinner. I think I have become addicted. Tuna, salmon, snapper - you name it, I ate it. I just love this stuff so much. I feel somewhat cultured when I go to the sushi places around here. Sam and his girlfriend Yumi showed me the Japanese way to eat sushi tonight - by putting the whole thing in your mouth at once. Good and bad advice. Unfourtunately, with this method, your head is not able to keep up with your stomach.

Hello my name is Jane, and I'm a sushi addict.

a few lonely pics for ya.

My apartment #206 at Shin-Osaka Nanai Biru. Trying to make it more homey everyday. As you can see, its very simple. Living here is really teaching me how little I can actually live on - and be quite content actually! We have a little balcony to hang our laundry on and chat with our neighbors. Myriahs room is too the right - not in the picture - with tatami mats and sliding doors.


This is my very simple room. Its a work in progress. I'm trying to put little touches here and there. Whatever inspires me. Notice the futon! Jer, I hope you can see the photoalbum you gave me right beside my bed! The bicycle I have been talking about. "The blue bullet" I'm calling her. Notice the sweet basket on the front.
One of my days off to Osaka Castle.

This is all I have right now folks. I managed to email these to myself from my mobile phone. More coming, I promise.

the old lady and my bicycle.

Just got home from work. Watching Japanese soap opera. Tofu and salad for lunch (chopsticks are not so hard to use anymore!).
Its windy today here. Cloudy too. I rode my bicycle home from the station and I noticed the air is cooler today. Embarrassing story - so, apparently I have no sense of balance - while riding my bike to Nishinikajima-Minamikata station (say that 5 times fast!) this morning, I pretty much toppled over for no reason. I stopped at the crosswalk, and almost fell onto some old lady. I got a wierd look. I hope no one else saw. What made me feel even more dumb was that fact that 2 smaller girls on their bikes, simply whizzed past me and giggled to themselves. Very random. I seem to wear a big sign on my forehead that says "Laugh now, please."
Some days its really tricky to figure out how to dodge people on your bike. Not to mention this SUPER SCARY tunnel that I dread everytime on my way to the station. Its so narrow, and you literally have to hold your breath everytime you pass someone. I think I'm an accident waiting to happen. My palms sweat just thinking about going into that darn tunnel.
I've learned that I just have to scare myself ****less here at first (excuse the language!), then I eventually feel better. Still...I hate that darn tunnel.