This page is where I will post my diary of my stay here in Japan.
31 December 2002
Well...2002 is coming to a close. 2002 turned out to be a good year for me! I finally gained my Master Degree in TESOL (now just have to wait until I receive it in the mail!!). I did a lot of traveling! And I found EM! (^u^) I sincerely hope that next year will be just as good, or even better, than 2002! I have grown so much in the past year. I feel so much wiser now. I guess it is a sign of old age? HEE HEE HEE! Anyways, my time with the JET Program is almost coming to an end. I am sad...but happy that my new future will be starting soon, and the old times are coming to an end. It is very good that I experienced Japan...Well...I encourage everyone to visit Japan, and learn about themself at the same time! Well...thank you 2002, and welcome 2003!!
25 November 2002
Sorry it has been a long time since I have written anything on my homepage. I have been very busy, and I have many things I must do! I have 8 months until my JET contract is finished, so I must prepare many things for my return. I am hoping that I can find a good paying job in America...we will see. What I have been hearing lately...is that jobs and money is rather tight in America. It is really difficult to find a good paying job, but I hope that my experience living abroad and working 3 years with the JET program will help me find a good job. I would like to get paid an amount that is comparable to my current income level in Japan, but we will see.
As for my life and my inner self, I am very happy with my current situation. Living in America, I wasn't very comfortable with myself. But now, I feel very comfortable. Also in regards to relationships, I finaly feel really good...especially my relationship with EM. I am not super crazy (like I was before I met EM) nowadays. I am realizing a lot of things about myself that I would like to change (and I have done this in many cases!! yeah!!). It is realy important to self evaluate one's life every once in a while, to see how they have gotten better, or worse. (wow...why I am getting all preachy? Sorry about that!! hee hee hee)
As for Japan, I have gotten used to the lifestyle, the culture, and what is expected of me. Japan is really the best place to be, because of the beautiful scenery, culture, and other things! If you are Asian, Asian-American, or someone with strong interest in Asian culture, will really enjoy Japan! Staying here for as long as I have stayed now, I am so happy to be here! So if you are interested, please come to Japan!
17 September 2002
Wow! It has been a while!! As from before, I went home to America for vacation. EM had the opportunity to meet my family and friends. Everyone likes her (especially my grandmother! :) ) It was a very enjoyable time!!
There is a lot of things going on right now, and I really want to write about it. Here are a bunch of events going on.
1) The resumption of talks for the normalization of relations between Japan and North Korea.
'IF' the talks can go forward, and the normalization of relations between North Korea, and Japan, occur, I can see a very good future for Asia. Then in the future, hopefully, Japan and other nations won't have to always rely on 'big brother' (USA) in its economic development, etc. The USA, is definitely the economic superpower in the entire world, but once Asian countries get their act together, I see a very good future for Asia. I hope that Prime Minister Koizumi can find out more about the Japanese citizens who were abducted by North Korean agents, so that there can be some sense of closure with their wherabouts. It is such a sad event...I hope that the families can know about their relatives wherabouts.
2) U.S.A. and the Iraqi agenda.
I am a proud american, but in some ways I feel that the government really has to thinks this through. There has to be absolute agreement with the entire world communities before U.S.A. attacks Iraq. Just because U.S.A. is the world superpower, it should not act on its own. After the cold war, the world really has changed. At least with the cold war, there was a sense of checks and balances among the superpowers. Now that only one superpower is left, there are no checks and balances in managing the biggest superpower in the world. I hope things will change in the future...for the better...we will see.
30 May 2002
Okay…a lot of things have happened to me since I have posted my last diary entry, so let me see if I can remember everything! Well…I will be traveling home for vacation in August! That is going to be fun! I have a feeling that I will get reverse culture shock when I travel back to America, though…living in Japan and becoming accustomed to the Japanese ‘style’ will make my vacation a real experience! But I will bear with it, and see what is going on in America nowadays…what else???
Oh yeah…I am still with EM! I have so much to say about my feelings for her…but I will wait a while to divulge my inner feelings on this subject! Hee hee hee hee!!
I have re-contracted for another year in the JET Program…even though things are getting more strict over in my schools! Before it was easy to leave work early, but nowadays, it is getting much much more difficult to ask for an early leave. I would have to take my nenkyu (paid leave), whereas before I didn’t have to take a nenkyu. I could just leave early! Oh well…I don’t really mind…
I should be finishing my masters degree soon, but I just found out that my distance education program isn’t even accredited! I am so pissed off about that!! Now I have to find an accredited university to finish my masters degree! Gosh I am so mad about this! Especially when I thought I am almost finished with my masters!! Damn!! Oh well…as they say in Japanese…gaman….bear with it! And I will succeed no matter what!!
24 February 2002
Wow! Did I have an interesting weekend!! :) For the first time in Japan, I was actually stuck at a train station because I did not double check when the last train departs for home!!! (although...I really enjoyed that night! It was an interesting outing!! I never had so much 'non-strange' fun!! HeeHeeHee! We are definitely going out again EM Y('u')Y !!). So I was stuck at Machida Station..with nothing to do...except walk around and go to Denny's. So I waited for about 2.5 hours, until the 1st train came to the station! AND...When I arived at the train station close to my home...the Buses and taxis were not operating! So I had to WALK home! About 30 minutes or so! That actually was fun...it reminded me of the time when I was vacationing in Kona, Hawaii...Me and my friends were going to watch the IronMan triathalon. But I had to go back to Honolulu, for an important meeting, then fly back to Kona. When I arrived at Kona airport..nobody was there to pick me up! AND...I could not take a taxi or bus, because the highways were closed off for the Triathalon! So...I walked from the airport, to my hotel...that took 5 hours! But luckily it was Hawaii..so the weather was beautiful! Gosh what fun!!
Also...this weekend (February 23-24), I had to practice for the driving test! By the way...I had passed the written portion of the drivers license process! So now all I have to do is pass the driving portion, then I will finally convert my American drivers license, with a Japanese drivers license!! I practiced for 2 hours on saturday and 2 hours on sunday! I wrote in my paper travel diary about my drivers training experience, and I hope to put it on my homepage, in a little while! It is very long and detailed! So I need a lot of time to post it on the web!
12 February 2002
Hmm...I just found out that I 'could' finish my masters degree by the end of this year! My goodness!!! I am very happy!! That means another accomplishment finished! Of course, we have to wait and see...I still have to pay for the courses, an I have to start doing my research, and finish my dissertation...but it is possible to finish all this by the end of the year, if I have time in my somewhat busy schedule! Kind of scary....me...busy?? But...I do have arubaitos, in addition to my regular job, so I am constantly busy, trying to plan new ways of teaching material, and stuff like that!
As for this term (term 3), things have been pretty well for me. It is really nice to see that I...once again...have regained my creativity. I am using many things that I had learned in the past...things that other teachers have taught me...and personalizing some ideas, so that they are somewhat related to my own ideas. I had excellent teachers this year and last year! Each teaching situation has helped me to broaden my horizons...see the variability...and try to adapt my own teaching style based on each different style. As a teacher, this is good, because you can always surprise the students. And this is usually a good idea, because sometimes...students get bored easily! So we need to try to broaden their minds in many different ways! I hope that I can do that...as a teacher...as a mentor...and as a friend. Wish me luck!
20 January 2002
It has been a long time since I updated my website (mainly because of problems with trying to update my website! So i hope that this update actually takes place! Well....it has been 20 days since new year's day. My hopes are high that I will accomplish all of my goals that I had pledged to complete. I really want to try to meet with my old friends much more than I did last year! My Hawaii friends are all very special to me! My Japan 'family' is also important to me also...but I have known my Hawaii friends for A VERY LONG TIME! Meeting with ALL of my friends is one of my goals for this year! That was one thing I realized that I did last year. When I 'dating' I would always forget about my real friends....that is wrong! I have to try to balance the time between both my friends and my dates...and spend equal time among both of them! I hope that I can accomplish this!
17 December 2001
Well...the year is almost coming to a close. In regards to my own personal goals, I feel pretty good, knowing that I have completed 'most' of my goals. In regard to the world in general, I lot of really bad things have happened this year. And what is really distressing is that these bad things will most doubtedly continue on to the next year! It is time for me to reflect.
Personally, I am actually very happy with my accomplishments this year! I did enjoy my work this year, and did do some traveling around Japan! I have been to Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Chiba, Nikko, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, of course Tokyo, and pretty much everywhere in Kanagawa (my 'hometown')and I will be going to Kanazawa in about 5 days or so! So I am glad that I went around to some places besides my 'hometown.' Traveling is such a great experience...especially when you work really hard at work...rest and relaxation is very important!
As for my education, I finally finished my graduate diploma in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language!! Which means that I will have my masters degree goal finished within 1 year! Thank goodness for that! Now I can get a job working at a university (sort of・#8364;ｦeventually once I get my masters degree, I can work at ANY university!!!).
Work has been rewarding! Even after all the crap that had happened recently, I would say that I did get chosen to do many good things that can only help me in the future! I was a Tokyo Orientation Assistant for the JET Program...and because of that...I stayed at the Keio Plaza Hotel...again!! That was fun!! Then before that, we stayed at the Holiday Inn at Narita!! That was fun!! I also was chosen to do some extra tasks for the board of education! That was cool! I also was gave a presentation for the mid year seminar for all the ALTs in my prefecture! That was difficult but cool! Now all I have to do is ask the teacher consultant at the BOE to write me a letter of recommendation so that I can go to a good graduate school or a better job! That is good! I am so glad that I am living in Japan...the place I consider home!!
As for the world...ALL CRAP HAS HAPPENED!! So many things have happened, and I have to say that all I can remember about the world events are the bad events!! You got・#8364;ｦthe sinking of the Japanese fishing vessel Ehime Maru. It was sunk by a U.S. Navy Submarine. You also got the news about the terrorist incident in New York and Washington D.C. And another thing I just remembered is the current Japanese economy...although job is okay...many other people in different kinds of jobs all over the country are being axed because of the current Japanese recession. Many companies have closed down, many people cannot find work, etc. Not a very good situation.
Oh and how could I forget the aftermath of the September 11 attacks・#8364;ｦthe RETALIATION! And this will go on for a very long time! The U.S. along with its allies attacked Afghanistan, the country that allowed Osama Bin Laden use as a headquarters. Now the previous government (Taliban) is now gone, and in my opinion...a political vacuum has begun over there. The war has been going on for a while now, and I believe that the 'sting' of what happened in America is pretty much over with, in my opinion. The only problem is, it is taking too long to finish our affairs in the middle east. And upon hearing the news of a videotape showing Bin Laden is guilty of incredible murder (as Time would say)..I have a big opinion on this videotape. I think it is a big advertising ploy that the American government is using to regain the people's interest in the affairs in Afghanistan. Ugh...I have many thoughts about this, yet I don't want to write them down now.if you are interested, please e-mail me and I will give you my 411 over the issue.
Well...there was my thoughts about this year...2001. I hope that 2002 can build upon the successes that I have accomplished in 2001, and that I achieve my goals for my future. Everybody stay safe and let's work for a better future!!
13 December 2001
I finally turned in my last assignment for my graduate diploma..and PASSED! Actually..my overall grade for the entire diploma course is a B+! Very happy about that! That means that now, it has become easier for me to get another job teaching English in Japan..after the JET Program! Phew!!!! My career goals are beginning to become completed!!! Now I just have to find the university job, and finish my masters degree (which will take a little less than a year!!), and then I can teach at ANY university! Thank goodness!!! I am so glad that I came to Japan, because now my future is finally turning out to what I want my future to be! Ganbatte!!!
29 November 2001
Hmm...working at my schools has been a regular routine for me, nowadays. I go to the schools, do my job, and go home. I admit I am not a 'stellar' ALT among the stellar ALTs (actually consider myself an average ALT, maybe). But then again, I am just waiting to have the opportunity to teach in the university level, so my current job is helping me obtain my goals, so I have to strive hard. What is nice, is that I feel that my creativity (more like my logistical planning) is starting to show again, and that is good. I just received a bunch of books and teaching material, and upon looking at all the material, I realized that I can use all the materials for my future life working in the university level! I can use some of the books for the high school level too, so this is good. I really am feeling anxious to start my university teaching! I actually have an opportunity to do this..as soon as I finish my graduate diploma! (I will finish my graduate diploma by the end of December) The pay is 'actually' lower than my current JET pay, BUT...I have the opportunity to do arubaitos, so I can still make about the same amount of money as I currently make. And also..I plan to pay off all my bills from the states, within this year...so money won't be so tight like it was before. That is good. Definitely one of the advantages of living here in Japan...I definitely learned more money management...and actually had some free money to enjoy my time here! This is great!!!
22 October 2001
Well...now at least...the situation at the school is getting better again!!!!! I think at the time when they were arranging a JTL to accompany me, everyone was rather stressed out (for whatever reason??), so I 'guess' I was a liability? I don't know?? Sad if I am a liability, but whatever. As long as I can continue with my preparations, I don't really mind!!
I have actually started my Graduate education!!! Actually a Graduate Diploma!! Thank goodness!! Because now...I am feeling a bit 'academic' right now, so I can continue to excel in my studies!! What I enjoy so much, is that what I am learning actually has relevance to my current teaching situation!! So that's good, because I can use some of the ideas I have learned, in the classroom!! Gosh...I am glad that things are getting better now!! I guess I am back up to strong levels again!! HA HA HA HA!! Oh well...wish me luck!!
12 October 2001
Hell in a handbasket
Oh my goodness...today was a rough day. It sounds a bit strong to say this, but after you listen to what I have to say...you be the judge.
Okay here goes...2 days ago, I was given the honor of leading a seminar for the Board of Education's ALT/JTL Mid-year seminar. I think it is an honor to be asked to lead a seminar of this magnitude. I believe that leading and chairing more seminars and presentations can only lead to my future successes in my life. I did not hesitate to answer 'yes' to the request of leading a seminar. Now in order to be a speaker for this seminar, I have to have a JTL accompany me in this seminar. Now this should be no problem because possibly 2 JTLs have to accompany me to the seminar anyways...so I figure..no problem. So I will just ask whoever will accompany me to seminar to work with me (the seminar that I have to give a presentation). That's when all hell broke loose....
(Now...I had asked my supervisor if they had chosen someone to accompany me to the seminar...2 days ago). No one wants to accompany me to the seminar. No one wants to join me as I give one the presentation for the seminars. The excuses that I have been hearing is 'November is a difficult time...I have many things to do and I have no time to accompany the ALT to the seminar, let alone work with the ALT on the presentation! I didn't feel this resentment last year (maybe I was still in the honeymoon stage of my arrival here in Japan...or the JTLs were more supportive of the ALT? I don't know???)
I perceive that the JTLs still have a difficult time with the fact that I am working with them. Possibly because of the language barrier (They speak Japanese, and I speak English...although I am surprised because they are English teachers!!!!) This is why they don't want to accompany me in working this presentation for the seminar? I don't know? Are they 'still' shy...and are afraid of talking with me? I don't know why they feel this way..I have been working at this school now for approxiametely 1 year and 2 months!! It is a pretty sad day for me...now more than ever...I want to start working at the university level!!! Oh well...wish me luck!!
9 October 2001
First time I ever took the Japanese driving test!!
Today...I took the Japanese driving test (written part), so that I can drive a moped. I 'already' have an California drivers license, but I didn't want to convert it to a Japanese drivers license, because I did not get my license translated to Japanese, and I knew that I would have to take the actual driving test, and I was a bit afraid. At least if I took the Japanese driving test for mopeds, I wouldn't have to worry about the actual driving test...because there is no actual driving test for the moped license. I would only have to take the written test. So I thought..easy...I have driven a car and moped in America, so maybe the Japanese written test should be a piece of cake. Well...IT IS NOT!!! The english is very strange (literal translation didn't make any sense), and the many questions were 'trick' questions!! So I failed the test!!
And let me tell you before the test....it was difficult!!!! Nobady understood English, so I had to use my begining level Japanese to try to get through to the workers! it was a learning experience for me though...I somehow survived the beginning stages of getting a Japanese drivers license!! I just failed the written test!! But luckily, I can retake the test, and now that I know how the test process is like, I have a better chance at passing the test, if I take the test again!! So wish me luck!!!
8 October 2001
The counterattack has begun!!! Well...war has begun again. Although this event was predicted, I was really hoping that the previous events would have been re-averted by way of diplomatic means. The thing that really urks me about the events nowadays, is that I have realized that American people are not as patient and able to conduct relations ONLY by way of force. Bush senior and now Bush junior both have the same mentality! Oh well...I think now, more than ever...it is time to watch over each other, and think about safety! Being in Japan, I think that I am not in so much danger as my friends and family in America. War would have been averted 'if' all the pretenses for war did not occur...
First of all, the United States involvement in the Middle east, is partially the cause. So much calamity has been occuring, and yet...when I think about it...we are the causes of these calamities. Because of our ignorance, people like Bin Laden, and other radicals have popped up, because of our ignorance. Only now have we realized that our ignorance is the cause of our perils.
The 21st century is now the time of change. No longer must we think in ignorance. We must open our eyes and see what is going on in the world. After the incident in America, I am almost ashamed of being an American, because of all the rednecks who are attacking innocent people, who have nothing to do with the terrorist acts. And we want to stop terrorism?? I think in order to stop terrorism, we must be able to see the light, and not be so hypocritical!! We Americans are SO HYPOCRITICAL!! We say stop terrorism, yet we cause terror to innocent people!!!!! Time to grow up, United States of America!!!!!
13 September 2001
Two days ago…on September 11, 2001, at approximately 11:00pm Japan time, I was fixing my computer, when my friend called me. He told me to watch the news. I didn’t understand why he wanted me to watch the news, but I guess it was important, so I turned the channel to NHK news. I could not believe what had happened. I saw the video…the World Trade Center…the building of American economic might, and success…the building of the ‘world.’ One of the most radiant buildings of New York city…was in flames. My first thought was…bombing? I did not understand what the Japanese broadcasters were saying, so I changed the channel to CNN international. Then I found out…a passenger plane had crashed into the world trade center. Then the second plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Then shortly afterwards, a passenger plane had crashed into the Pentagon, the symbol of American military might. Then…even another plane had crashed in Pennsylvania. All of these planes were hijacked by terrorists. I could not believe it. What is wrong here? Before this incident, the big news here in Japan was Typhoon #15, which had hit Kanagawa prefecture first, then moved its way into Japan soil. The news about the terrorist hijacking and subsequent crashing really affected me.
I stayed…glued to my television set…up until the wee hours in the morning. I had to go to work, but was perplexed at what had occurred in New York. To actually have four hijackings occurring in roughly the same time, with most of the planes departing from the same airport, completely puzzles me. Is American airport security this bad? Is safety not as paramount as in other countries? Was this an inside job? It was unbelievable!!
I stayed up many nights after this incident…thinking how this could have happened. Being the investigating person that I am…I tried to sort out all the information, and come up with a possible motive, a possible way, this could have happened. Here is my personal opinions on this incident.
Given the current situations in the Middle East…I, as well as many people in the United States, and the world, believe that this was the work of middle eastern terrorists. Definitely a terrorist sect that is completely radical and overzealous. They must have the
utmost hatred for American people, western people, the western way of life, and mankind. The United States government strongly suspects that this is the work of the Saudi billionaire Osama Bin Laden…BUT…I strongly think that the United States should thoroughly investigate this…and make sure they get the right person here…
I suspect that a total of approximately 20 terrorists were involved in this incident. And as I suspected, approximately 3-5 terrorists were on board each of the four planes. One of suspected terrorists definitely has pilot experience (more on this later). I had first thought that they must have had an inside contact in the airports (over in Boston’s Logan International Airport), but later slightly do not believe so, because of what I have heard of the security laxes at the airport.
The news is reporting that FBI officials are looking very carefully at flight schools for possible training of the terrorists in how to fly commercial passenger planes, but I think they should also consider another direction. It has been confirmed that possibly one of the terrorists is a commercial pilot, BUT…they should also look into the possibility that this commercial pilot also trained the rest of the terrorists also. It is quite possible that the terrorists could have learned how to fly, using some game flight simulators to help them train. For example, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Professional edition, is an excellent training resource for any pilot to use. The realism of this game, could have easily taught these terrorists how to fly a plane. The only other thing they would need to learn more about is the flight protocol, but it is possible to learn these things through reading manuals, and not necessarily going to flight schools. Sometimes computer games can be so realistic, that it can be a detriment…this is my own personal opinion.
I am quite surprised, startled, and even scared, that one of the planes could have even crashed into the Pentagon. The airspace above the Pentagon is off limits. This area should have been protected. Even the slightest chance that ‘any’ plane could violate this airspace completely surprises me. As soon as the plane entered the airspace, military jets should have been dispatched to identify and stop this plane from getting closer to the military’s command center. Someone was sleeping at this time…and because of this, it cost many lives.
This was the biggest wake up call for the United States, and even for the rest of the civilized world. The United States is NOT immune to terrorism. The world’s biggest superpower is not immune to the rest of the world’s atrocities. We must continue our way of life, but I think from now on we must also be careful….careful of our selves, friends, loved ones, and world. We can no longer be naﾃƒﾆ’ﾃ†・#8364;™ﾃƒ・#8364; ﾃ｢・#8218;・#8222;｢ﾃƒﾆ’ﾃ｢・#8218;ﾂ ﾃƒﾂ｢ﾃ｢・#8364;šﾂﾃ｢・#8364;žﾂ｢ﾃƒﾆ’ﾃ†・#8364;™ﾃƒﾂ｢ﾃ｢・#8364;šﾂﾃ…ﾂ｡ﾃƒﾆ’ﾃ｢・#8218;ﾅ｡ﾃƒ・#8364;šﾃ‚ﾂｯve. We must grow from this most terrible act. This incident does not affect only the United States. It affects the world.
The President’s final words in all of his speeches is….’God Bless America.’ I believe this for a fact. But I think we should also say ‘God Bless the World.’ Because we all must work together, because we all are in this together.
20 August 2001
I admit...it has been a long time since I have written anything on my site. In 4 days, it will be my 1 year anniversary! 1 year ago, I had come to Japan. Only now do I feel comfortable with my financial situation. The past year was rather hectic for me...paying off all my bills, etc. At least soon, my loan with the PTA will be finished, and I can actually start and finish my educational goals. It sure was a long time coming, but now I feel relieved that I can start once again. Japanese language study has been slow, but now that I have more spending money, I can resume my studies! AND I can at least slowly start to finish my TESOL/Linguistics education again!! Oh boy...I feel so much better now that I am realizing myself, and focusing on my own personal goals. I have to save more money so that I can open my future English school, also. But I figure in 3 years time, I hope my goals can be realized, and I can succeed in all of them. I feel really good inside, knowing that I made my parents proud, and I will feel even better, when I myself feel proud of my achievements. I feel as if I have finally passed one of the hurdles to becoming the person I want to become. Damn...I feel good!!
16 June 2001
Rainy season is beginning here in Japan! I'm expecting muggy conditions, rainy days and nights, and days where I will 'need' to carry an umbrella with me (these days are ALL the time!!!) Oh well...I guess I better get used to it!!!
Several days ago, I bought a Canon Wordtank Electronic Dictionary!! What an investment! Now, I can immediately search for an unknown word or kanji, and find out the meanings!! Now I really want to start studying Japanese!! All the resources are close by...I have most of my old Japanese textbooks, and now I have my trusty elctronic dictionary, and a Japanese language school is close by (well not so close...actually 10 minutes by train!!). All I got to do is start!! Maybe I will start in July, but I am also going to be busy with the Tokyo Orientation for the new JETs (I will be presenting topics on How to become accustomed to the Japanese schools), so probably, I will have to just participate in a not so often language class. I also figure that I have plenty of Japanese friends, anyways, so they can help me with my studies (they could speak to me in Japanese, ONLY!! We will see???)!!
Oh this is funny....before I came to Japan, I had thought of Soccer as a boring sport!! Now that I am here in Japan, I actually started to get 'soccer fever!!' It is a very strenous, physically demanding, sport!! A lot of running, physical punishment, and teamwork! Last week, I went to the Confederation Cup, which is a precursor to the World Cup 2002, and I had a lot of fun!! I went to the International Stadium in Shin Yokohama, and watched the soccer game between Australia and Japan. Mind you, IT WAS RAINING CATS AND DOGS!! AND...I was seated in the open area, so me and my friend were getting pounded by gallons and gallons of water!! But to experience the feeling of a soccer game...everybody yelling their lungs out!! Chanting!! It was the coolest experience!! Seated in front of me was a salaryman, wearing only his work clothes, getting drenched in the rain!! But did he mind?? Heck no!! He should so much team spirit, I don't think he cared even if the temperature was below 0 degrees celsius, snowing, with a minus 0 degree windchill!! He was just enjoying the game, rooting for Japan!! That was one of the best experiences I have had so far, in Japan!! Too much fun!! Gotta do that again!! Maybe next year at the World Cup 2002!! Go Nippon!!!
10 June 2001
I skipped a lot of days!! I guess I was too lazy to put all the old stuff on the website, so I will start anew....
I went to Kobe the past week or so, and I must say...Kobe 'looks' very small!! I was told that Kobe is basically a 'rebuilt' city (except for some of the buildings. For example, the picture of the condemned hotel, was a hotel still left standing from the Kobe earthquake. They did not tear it down for fear of damage from the other buildings. When you look at all the cracks, it's amazing that it is still standing!!! Yet it is condemned, so it is just a lasting reminder of what had happened. Also, that actual memorial site, next to the pier, is definitely a striking reminder of how bad the Kobe earthquake really was. Many people were killed from this earthquake...mainly from all the fires that occured immediately after the earthquake. When I saw the video of what had happened, I was shocked. An entire pier had sunk down to the ocean! Even one of the 'artificial' islands had actually either sank, or something happened, because the ground was so muddy!! This earthquake was a life changing event for everybody...as shown by all the changes in Kobe. I would have to say that 99% of the buildings that were rebuilt were built to be able to withstand a devastating earthquake. The roads were also redesigned to be earthquake proof. Many engineers from California, came to Kobe to help with the structural refitting of the city of Kobe. Kobe learned from it's lesson.
Kobe might have learned the lesson, but I don't know if Tokyo is ready for such a catastrophe. The Kanto area is supposedly overdue for a massive earthquake, yet, I don't know if we are ready yet. Luckily, I live next my base school, and schools are actually the best disaster/evacuation site to go to. As for the Kobe earthquake, some of the only building left standing were the schools. The schools actually are much stronger, with a stronger frame, and this can prove beneficial, especially in the event of an earthquake. Luckily, I am also trained in Emergency procedures (was an Emergency Medical Technician/Ambulance driver. And I took some courses in Disaster relief/preparedness by the Federal Emergency Management Agency), so I can help in the event of a catastrophy. I just hope and pray that we are all ready for such an incident.
By the way...I actually went to Kobe for the JET program re-contracting conference (yes...I actually had to go to Kobe for work, not just play!!). I came to a startling conclusion. Most JETs think of this job as only play time for them...I am a bit angry, because I believe very strongly, that this is a work situation, and not just play time!! But then again, most JETs are much younger than me, so I can't complain. Oh well...
6 September 2000
Well...today I am at one of my 'visiting schools.' (once a week, I travel to this school...I have one 'base' school, and two 'visiting schools.'). Iwas going to start my classes at this school, but I found out that classes won't start until next week. Yesterday was my first day of 'real' teaching at my other 'visiting school.' That day was an interesting day because it was my first teaching day in Japan. I taught 3 classes. The classes went generally well. The students were 'relatively' quiet, and the classes went relatively 'quiet,' and the classes went well...
27 August 2000
I've been in Japan for 4 days now. I still haven't gotten used to the humidity, but I have managed, somehow. I must say, this is a really different experience for me. When I arrived in Tokyo, I was: #1 Shocked at how high the humidity is. #2 Surprised at how many express walkways are located in Narita Airport. #3 Surprised at how 'long' Narita Airport really is. #4 Thought that a chandelier 'inside' a bus was rather strange. #5 Amazed at how small & narrow the automobiles were. #6 Disenheartened that traffic in Shinjuku was really bad. At least the hotel (Keio Plaza Hotel) was 'really' nice!! It was the beginning of my Japan experience!
As soon as I was 'slightly' acustomed to the Tokyo scene, I was shipped off to Yokohama, with the Vice Principal (Kyoutou Sensei), and one of the ALT supervising teachers at My 'base' school. We took 2 train rides, 1 bus ride, and some walking, to my apartment (it was a blur in my memory? But it was rather fun!!). Then we arrived at my apartment. What an experience!! Even though a new water heater for the bath was installed...I don't know how to operate this thing!! I have been taking cold showers, until somebody can teach me how to operate this thing!! And as for the washing machine...it is only a cold water washing machine!! My clothes won't be so white or clean, I guess!! Although I am used to sleeping on a futon, it can be rather stressful NOT having any actual chairs in my apartment!! At least my toliet is western style!! I don't have a telelphone line set up yet, but I hope to get some sort of communication device!! What is nice is at least there is a shopping mall close to my apartment!!
My base school is a very nice looking school. Less modern compared to American standards, yet the teachers make up for the difference by giving the students a better education. There is definitely a social structure with the students and the teachers, but I think this is good. There is no cafeteria in the school, but there is a bakery close by, and there is a small store, inside the school. It will definitely get some getting used to, but I think I can succeed...it will just take more time. By the way, understanding what everyone is saying in Japanese is VERY DIFFICULT!! Just as much as trying to help them understand what I am saying in English!!
I will take a walk around my county...I hope I don't get lost!!
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Journal entries have been updated, but from now on, I will just put them online whenever I have the time to write!!!
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