Go
This is the name of a popular board game here (though not quite as popular as Mahjong) and also means number five.
Kame
The hairy god of paper. Yes, this very small word means not only hair, but also paper, and god. A god, not the God. He is ust called God around here.
Kaki
The name for a persimmon, and also means oyster. Or is it squid? I forget.
But yes, words are cool. I am learning a few. Like ii Nioyi. This means "good smell". So I can say "Sakura no dame nioyi desu" and everyone laughs at my simplistic Japanese. Or should I say Nihon-go. Oh yeah. Go also means language.
Hmmm
But momo means just peach and peach. As in the fruit and the colour. Like in English.
Amo amas amatis, amamus amantis amant.
Hmmm.
Nagoya; Thus She Lives
The city I claim as Home
Monday, 20 December 2010
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Japan Flavoured Pepsi, mark 2
Long can be short,
Short can be long,
And the really tiny can change the world.
So yes, the rules regarding zebra crossings here (or are they pelicans? Toucans?) is to do with the lights. Most crossings in all of the cities have some sort of lights; traffic lights, pedestrian lights, even train lights. Many people are of a negative opinion about these, but they keep quiet, adhering to the "rule" with little difference. Every morning I walk through down-town Sakae, two kilometres past thousands of lights, particularly those of Christmas Illuminations, stopping at every crossroads, Sometimes it is a good day, and the green man is on my side, sometimes I become infuriated and take the subway, where I walk through the tunnels abundant with shops.
So "the rule" states that you wait for the green man, even when there is not a car in sight. But as a gaijin I am premitted this outrageous affinity. But what I do not get is their hoardes. Steadily, the crowd builds up as the road-heaves, wuntil it is seemingly about to burst. Then when the cars stop, about ten seconds before the green man decides to show his face, and his hat, he first man takes a step. Often I consider hat tehy are telepathic and can read the green man`s mind, but no. They are just experts at timing. Here, the world runs by clockwork.
Still people walk after the green man and his chirping bird friend have ceased and are flashing. There is one thing only that I know about this. It is when the pretty green girl dies.
So yes, life is truly bizzare, and seeing people on bicycles everwhere, even in the supposedly bicycle-free zones, it is different. Especcially policeman. Or they were officers, or simply stewards, as they all dress smart, and in matching uniforms.
I saw four of them, in exact succession. Each stroke ad cycle was in perfect timing, perfect synchronisation. So beautiful. Down . . . down. Past the woman, smooth betwixt the lampost and bin, a sly glance over the crossroads - luckily green-bias and empty - and the lead man carefully slides diagnally across the road, and the white lines, easing his way into Nagoya. And one by one, in equal distance, come the next . . . four. The last, the fifth, comes seemingly from nowhere, pedalling madly, his hair in disarray. The imperfection to the perfection.
Some things are the same. Such as drink. To wake myself I go into 7-11 to get some sort of heavy caffience priority and find pepsi. Oh the days when I was adiccted . . . I search past the "nex" and "smoothy" and find "Mont Blanc". Oh, I think, a new one, named after the french mountain. I buy it, unscrew the lid and wait for he brown liquid to fill me and wake me.
But when it reaches my taste buds, I am taken aback. This is not pepsi as I know it. This one is familiar, but foreign. I do not know, it is nothing like I have ever had before.
Then I realise.
"It tastes of Japan."
They were my thought-words. Exactly.
Short can be long,
And the really tiny can change the world.
So yes, the rules regarding zebra crossings here (or are they pelicans? Toucans?) is to do with the lights. Most crossings in all of the cities have some sort of lights; traffic lights, pedestrian lights, even train lights. Many people are of a negative opinion about these, but they keep quiet, adhering to the "rule" with little difference. Every morning I walk through down-town Sakae, two kilometres past thousands of lights, particularly those of Christmas Illuminations, stopping at every crossroads, Sometimes it is a good day, and the green man is on my side, sometimes I become infuriated and take the subway, where I walk through the tunnels abundant with shops.
So "the rule" states that you wait for the green man, even when there is not a car in sight. But as a gaijin I am premitted this outrageous affinity. But what I do not get is their hoardes. Steadily, the crowd builds up as the road-heaves, wuntil it is seemingly about to burst. Then when the cars stop, about ten seconds before the green man decides to show his face, and his hat, he first man takes a step. Often I consider hat tehy are telepathic and can read the green man`s mind, but no. They are just experts at timing. Here, the world runs by clockwork.
Still people walk after the green man and his chirping bird friend have ceased and are flashing. There is one thing only that I know about this. It is when the pretty green girl dies.
So yes, life is truly bizzare, and seeing people on bicycles everwhere, even in the supposedly bicycle-free zones, it is different. Especcially policeman. Or they were officers, or simply stewards, as they all dress smart, and in matching uniforms.
I saw four of them, in exact succession. Each stroke ad cycle was in perfect timing, perfect synchronisation. So beautiful. Down . . . down. Past the woman, smooth betwixt the lampost and bin, a sly glance over the crossroads - luckily green-bias and empty - and the lead man carefully slides diagnally across the road, and the white lines, easing his way into Nagoya. And one by one, in equal distance, come the next . . . four. The last, the fifth, comes seemingly from nowhere, pedalling madly, his hair in disarray. The imperfection to the perfection.
Some things are the same. Such as drink. To wake myself I go into 7-11 to get some sort of heavy caffience priority and find pepsi. Oh the days when I was adiccted . . . I search past the "nex" and "smoothy" and find "Mont Blanc". Oh, I think, a new one, named after the french mountain. I buy it, unscrew the lid and wait for he brown liquid to fill me and wake me.
But when it reaches my taste buds, I am taken aback. This is not pepsi as I know it. This one is familiar, but foreign. I do not know, it is nothing like I have ever had before.
Then I realise.
"It tastes of Japan."
They were my thought-words. Exactly.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Japan-flavoured Pepsi
Ok so I haven`t stuck to my word. I have not updated every day. In fact I have not updated since... hmm November. But just to be wonderful, I`ll make this extra long...
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Culture Shock
Well...
Let me start by saying I have discovered just how different Japan is to Scotland. And no, I am not talking about the food, the weather or even the television. It is the culture here that I have noticed, and perhaps for the first time in my time here, actually thought about.
Today I saw a transvestite. And not your ordinary drag queen on a pantomime stage. No, I saw an actual woman, but one who had a man`s face and was talking in a deep voice. He was dressed in proper high-fashion, skirt and crocodile boots, with a leather jacket and a wig - I think. Very strange. And Arran from the Jenzen's saw one too. And that was his first ever time seeing one. Here they are them for life. I guess sex-changes aren't up for easy grabs.
The government doesn't recognise same-sex marriage. It offers no civil partnership for such.
So yeah.
Culture Shock
Let me start by saying I have discovered just how different Japan is to Scotland. And no, I am not talking about the food, the weather or even the television. It is the culture here that I have noticed, and perhaps for the first time in my time here, actually thought about.
Today I saw a transvestite. And not your ordinary drag queen on a pantomime stage. No, I saw an actual woman, but one who had a man`s face and was talking in a deep voice. He was dressed in proper high-fashion, skirt and crocodile boots, with a leather jacket and a wig - I think. Very strange. And Arran from the Jenzen's saw one too. And that was his first ever time seeing one. Here they are them for life. I guess sex-changes aren't up for easy grabs.
The government doesn't recognise same-sex marriage. It offers no civil partnership for such.
So yeah.
Culture Shock
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Life
I looked at the title of this blog today and realised that I had taken out the "NOW IS" and left it as "I am Japan". I must admit I am not Japan itself, but still, I have left it, perhaps it is the time and the emotion around this world that is the reason for it.
Today was not so easy. My host family had a hard day, when Mr. Shibata was taken to hospital, rushed the first time, then taken by his wife the second. He is fine, and resting, but has to spend a little time in the hosptial. And this is not good for Shibata Okaasan. She is a wonderful woman, and always trying to make everything a little happier for all, but I fear I can see her suffering. Please, everyone, pray for them both, and I am sure we can pull through this. It is not very helpful that is it when Akira, their son has come home for the first time in over a year.
So yes, things do happen, reality does happen here. I think this is my first big reality reminder. And I cannot help remembering the times when I saw my grandfather suffering like this. These things happen, and all we can do is trust in God to help us through them.
And eat an obento for dinner.
Today was not so easy. My host family had a hard day, when Mr. Shibata was taken to hospital, rushed the first time, then taken by his wife the second. He is fine, and resting, but has to spend a little time in the hosptial. And this is not good for Shibata Okaasan. She is a wonderful woman, and always trying to make everything a little happier for all, but I fear I can see her suffering. Please, everyone, pray for them both, and I am sure we can pull through this. It is not very helpful that is it when Akira, their son has come home for the first time in over a year.
So yes, things do happen, reality does happen here. I think this is my first big reality reminder. And I cannot help remembering the times when I saw my grandfather suffering like this. These things happen, and all we can do is trust in God to help us through them.
And eat an obento for dinner.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Kyo wa ama desu.
Kyo wa ama desu. Today, it rains.
Since I arrived in this place, it has not rained. Winter here is dry, humid, although admittedly cold. Today came as a surprise for many. After a brilliant weekend of sunshine and airing futons over the balconies, it was an antithesis. The "ama", the rain, falls constantly and thick, a shroud that covers this land. Passing by the fields in the car, I find that the rice crops, at least, are benefitting well from the nutrient-rich water. At least the farmers are smiling.
Under this rain, Nagoya becomes a city of umbrellas. Okaasan remarked this morning how she was surprised at the British when she visited London. She saw surprisingly few umbrellas for such a wet country. Instead, the people got wet. I suspect that we have grown so used to the rain, that we do not feel it anymore, it does not bother us, as much as the wet here, where all the shops have holders outside their front doors, where you can slide in your wet umbrella, and easily pick it up as you go out. It keeps both shop dry, and the person happy as they shop. They do not have to worry about carrying a wet umbrella, and there is no need to worry about thieves because this is Japan.
Since I arrived in this place, it has not rained. Winter here is dry, humid, although admittedly cold. Today came as a surprise for many. After a brilliant weekend of sunshine and airing futons over the balconies, it was an antithesis. The "ama", the rain, falls constantly and thick, a shroud that covers this land. Passing by the fields in the car, I find that the rice crops, at least, are benefitting well from the nutrient-rich water. At least the farmers are smiling.
Under this rain, Nagoya becomes a city of umbrellas. Okaasan remarked this morning how she was surprised at the British when she visited London. She saw surprisingly few umbrellas for such a wet country. Instead, the people got wet. I suspect that we have grown so used to the rain, that we do not feel it anymore, it does not bother us, as much as the wet here, where all the shops have holders outside their front doors, where you can slide in your wet umbrella, and easily pick it up as you go out. It keeps both shop dry, and the person happy as they shop. They do not have to worry about carrying a wet umbrella, and there is no need to worry about thieves because this is Japan.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
I am sorry,
Yes, yes, yes I know I promised I would post everyday. Or did I actually promise?
Nevertheless I am going to attempt to sum up the last three or so days in a matter of a few lines. Actually, maybe I can do better. I can write three words.
Colder,
Stranger,
Brighter.
Everyday is a new adventure for me. I am finding out new things. Like the fact that the Shibatas don't actually eat raw fish. Which is good for me because it makes me sick. And that I have a growing appetite. I can now finish my meals ha ha he he. And that the more I use my "gaijin" card the more I feel free. I am a foriegner in these parts, but that does not bother me. For the first week I was dressing very smartly all the time, keeping quiet and clean so as not to draw attention to myself. Now, I am being me. I like being me. Why should I be any one else?
But yes, I have to say the word "brighter" has got nothing to do with the sky. If you have seen any of my photos on the book of face you will know that the days are very dark here. Unless its sunny, but then it is dark again at around four-thirty. But no, "brighter" corresponds to the feeling that I am getting used to this place. I had my homesickness and culture shock, now its time for the action of the play to begin, and i intend to be a major character.
Come on Scotland!
Oh and I did wake this morning to find that Prince William and Kate Middleton were finally engaged. But she's not got a title or anything . . . isn't that supposed to be the way things are? And he gave her Diana's ring? That is going to cause public media rioting for weeks. But, I am happy for them. Apart from the fact that the Japanese keep on asking me if Charles killed Diana, its fine. Which he did not by the way. He should have married Camilla in the first place.
But that is my opinion. Only my opinion. Ah, don't sue me. I do not claim any copyright.
Ailsa
Nevertheless I am going to attempt to sum up the last three or so days in a matter of a few lines. Actually, maybe I can do better. I can write three words.
Colder,
Stranger,
Brighter.
Everyday is a new adventure for me. I am finding out new things. Like the fact that the Shibatas don't actually eat raw fish. Which is good for me because it makes me sick. And that I have a growing appetite. I can now finish my meals ha ha he he. And that the more I use my "gaijin" card the more I feel free. I am a foriegner in these parts, but that does not bother me. For the first week I was dressing very smartly all the time, keeping quiet and clean so as not to draw attention to myself. Now, I am being me. I like being me. Why should I be any one else?
But yes, I have to say the word "brighter" has got nothing to do with the sky. If you have seen any of my photos on the book of face you will know that the days are very dark here. Unless its sunny, but then it is dark again at around four-thirty. But no, "brighter" corresponds to the feeling that I am getting used to this place. I had my homesickness and culture shock, now its time for the action of the play to begin, and i intend to be a major character.
Come on Scotland!
Oh and I did wake this morning to find that Prince William and Kate Middleton were finally engaged. But she's not got a title or anything . . . isn't that supposed to be the way things are? And he gave her Diana's ring? That is going to cause public media rioting for weeks. But, I am happy for them. Apart from the fact that the Japanese keep on asking me if Charles killed Diana, its fine. Which he did not by the way. He should have married Camilla in the first place.
But that is my opinion. Only my opinion. Ah, don't sue me. I do not claim any copyright.
Ailsa
Friday, 12 November 2010
RA ra Rasputin
Ok this post has got nothing to do with Gregori Bremavich (?) Rasputin. But I had the song in my head so that became the title. Har har.
So anyway. Today I did little. I got up late, ate fruit and crackers for breakfast. Then Shibata Okaasan took me out to post some letters, which was easy enough. I now have some envelopes to send to people, courtsey of Mayuko. Then we picked up Obisan from rehab, then all three of us went out for lunch to the local golf course. Which has buggys that are like automatic and dont need a driver. GO JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY. Oh yeah, I had spagetti and ate it with a fork, So much for attempting to turn Asian.
But I did buy two very cute bowls today, both for eating, but I am using them for my jewellry. One of them has got Stitch on it, from Lilo and Stitch and the other Disney Princesses. Ain't I cool?
:P
So anyway. Today I did little. I got up late, ate fruit and crackers for breakfast. Then Shibata Okaasan took me out to post some letters, which was easy enough. I now have some envelopes to send to people, courtsey of Mayuko. Then we picked up Obisan from rehab, then all three of us went out for lunch to the local golf course. Which has buggys that are like automatic and dont need a driver. GO JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY. Oh yeah, I had spagetti and ate it with a fork, So much for attempting to turn Asian.
But I did buy two very cute bowls today, both for eating, but I am using them for my jewellry. One of them has got Stitch on it, from Lilo and Stitch and the other Disney Princesses. Ain't I cool?
:P
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
The streets of Nagoya
I wake in the morning, and I breathe in the sunlight. It spreads through my curtains and fill the room with a warm, soft glow.
I begin a series of usual gestures that eventually, more or less, result in my leaving through the fine front door, key in hand, phone in pocket, despite the fact that it might not work. This particular day I climb in the car with my newfound Oniisan, and we sail away at seven-thirty in the morning, ready to face a new day, and a new light.
Arriving in Sakae, Nagoya "down-town", I step off the train and look around me. I have spent half an hour, like all other Japanese early-risers in their business suits and fine dresses, sleeping as I sit, waiting for the end of the line. Now I can blink, and light once more fills my insides, I am alive, and ready to face the world. I say goodbye to Oniisan Mayuko, find the sign that points away from the Mitistsu line and towards Oasis 21.
I begin a series of usual gestures that eventually, more or less, result in my leaving through the fine front door, key in hand, phone in pocket, despite the fact that it might not work. This particular day I climb in the car with my newfound Oniisan, and we sail away at seven-thirty in the morning, ready to face a new day, and a new light.
Arriving in Sakae, Nagoya "down-town", I step off the train and look around me. I have spent half an hour, like all other Japanese early-risers in their business suits and fine dresses, sleeping as I sit, waiting for the end of the line. Now I can blink, and light once more fills my insides, I am alive, and ready to face the world. I say goodbye to Oniisan Mayuko, find the sign that points away from the Mitistsu line and towards Oasis 21.
Monday, 8 November 2010
ARGH!!!
I was thinking about home this morning as I lay in my bed, and realised I have not written in this blog since I came ARGH. I will not borw you with the general information; I arrived etc etc, because that is in my general email. (If you want that, ask me, leave a message etc). But this is supposed to be my DAILY input.
So why am I writing in Capitals? I have no idea, but it is probably because I am stressing. Indeed, tonight I have my first proper event with HOPE. Everyone seems to talk Japanese apart from me, and I feel sometimes a little overwhelmed. Like yesterday, I cried. Yes, you wonderful people, I was home sick. I am home sick, but today it is much better. I am happier, and have got a large amount of my work done. Instead, over the next couple of days I simply have to work on this odd cloud-management online thingy, and the reediting and reediting of a few documents. And also I have to reapply for university.
Yes! My big announcement of the week: I have decided to reject my offer I accepted for RGU art, and now am going to reapply for English Lit and Theatre studies at Glasgow. And I have found out that I can do a postgraduate in guess what . . . SHAKESPEARE!!! Mwhahahaa. I love shakespeare and so need to start a huge foundation for such. Ah, more Japanese in the office.
I am signing off now. I will start doing this daily
Ailsa rararararr
So why am I writing in Capitals? I have no idea, but it is probably because I am stressing. Indeed, tonight I have my first proper event with HOPE. Everyone seems to talk Japanese apart from me, and I feel sometimes a little overwhelmed. Like yesterday, I cried. Yes, you wonderful people, I was home sick. I am home sick, but today it is much better. I am happier, and have got a large amount of my work done. Instead, over the next couple of days I simply have to work on this odd cloud-management online thingy, and the reediting and reediting of a few documents. And also I have to reapply for university.
Yes! My big announcement of the week: I have decided to reject my offer I accepted for RGU art, and now am going to reapply for English Lit and Theatre studies at Glasgow. And I have found out that I can do a postgraduate in guess what . . . SHAKESPEARE!!! Mwhahahaa. I love shakespeare and so need to start a huge foundation for such. Ah, more Japanese in the office.
I am signing off now. I will start doing this daily
Ailsa rararararr
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
I HAVE ARRIVED
As all things must go, I have arrived. Indeed, the fact that I am sitting here, connected to my host-family's internet and writing at my - or their son's - desk is evidence enough.
The flights were... shall we say "a challange", moving from one airport to another. I went from Edinburgh, to London, then to Hong Kong and finally Tokyo. I had a four hour wait in London, so I shopped, after getting the rather interesting shuttle bus over to the third terminal from the fifth. Which isn't as bad as it is made out to be.
Following this, was my more gruelling flight to Hong Kong, which was ten and a half hours. I expected seven, but it was way more. I saw four movies, all of the new releases I wanted to see, including Inception and I now understand what everyone says about it. The ending is truly interesting, and really the only way it could work out. If that dradle hadn't spun like that . . . I won't say any more. And Descpicable Me is absoloutely amazing. Very funny and silly.
I arrived in Tokyo, getting through customs easily enough - after my five hour flight upon which I slept and watched Toy Story three - and was met by the kind Fukuhisa-sama, who organised the exchange I took part in earlier this year, if any one remembers Mizuho and Mika. She actually bought my ticket for me (I paid her back, do not worry), which was much cheaper than I expected, and showed me right onto my train to Nagoya. And I was directly met by another Hope International Worker upon the other end. And finally, I met Lowell Sheppard. I am very grateful to him for all of this. A month ago maybe I was nervous. Now I feel very at home and in great company. I am determined to learn everything, from the language to the directions around my town, and I am sure it will all be fine.
So today, I got up a little later than I wanted - half nine, but it is to be expected with acostomising myself to the time zone. At half-ten Lowell and his lovely wife Kande came over and showed me the general area of where I live. They live in Seto, and I live in something with two words in it, which I am unsure of. I'll figure it out.
They took me to a huge supermarket, that sells everything, where I bought a bag, a beautiful, very "kawaii" back pack for every day use, costing me only 1990 yen. I now have these tiny coins with holes - ! - in them. Very odd, or just Japanese! And I was kindly taken out to lunch to a sushi bar. Complete with the revolving plates, and the raw fish. Very different to British versions of sushi. Even the rice actually tastes different, and they use a lot of wasabi. How did I cope? . . . Well, lets say it is going to take time for my stomach to adjust. I suppose it would be the same for everyone. Raw fish is not my forte I think.
And I have also found out that Shibata-Okaasan, my host-mother, is part of an art class, and is an artist. There is a beautiful red-clay sculpture by her in the dining room, that looks rather like "the bather" by Rodin. But Japanese. Everything here is just as they say. Lights, the signs, the crazy colours and the absoloutely beautiful architechture. No house is the same. I think everyone builds there own, and all of them have balconies.
So yes, I am having a good time, aside from my reaction to raw fish. But I shall adjust, strive and conquer - Mwahahaha - and be a good foreigner in these parts. All is well, I am happy, and smiling. The world is beautiful. So is my room, I basically have a fluffy quilt for my bed. I love you mum and dad, I hope you are too. And I wish you would all see this place. It is a dream.
Love you and Taidekimasu,
Ailsa
The flights were... shall we say "a challange", moving from one airport to another. I went from Edinburgh, to London, then to Hong Kong and finally Tokyo. I had a four hour wait in London, so I shopped, after getting the rather interesting shuttle bus over to the third terminal from the fifth. Which isn't as bad as it is made out to be.
Following this, was my more gruelling flight to Hong Kong, which was ten and a half hours. I expected seven, but it was way more. I saw four movies, all of the new releases I wanted to see, including Inception and I now understand what everyone says about it. The ending is truly interesting, and really the only way it could work out. If that dradle hadn't spun like that . . . I won't say any more. And Descpicable Me is absoloutely amazing. Very funny and silly.
I arrived in Tokyo, getting through customs easily enough - after my five hour flight upon which I slept and watched Toy Story three - and was met by the kind Fukuhisa-sama, who organised the exchange I took part in earlier this year, if any one remembers Mizuho and Mika. She actually bought my ticket for me (I paid her back, do not worry), which was much cheaper than I expected, and showed me right onto my train to Nagoya. And I was directly met by another Hope International Worker upon the other end. And finally, I met Lowell Sheppard. I am very grateful to him for all of this. A month ago maybe I was nervous. Now I feel very at home and in great company. I am determined to learn everything, from the language to the directions around my town, and I am sure it will all be fine.
So today, I got up a little later than I wanted - half nine, but it is to be expected with acostomising myself to the time zone. At half-ten Lowell and his lovely wife Kande came over and showed me the general area of where I live. They live in Seto, and I live in something with two words in it, which I am unsure of. I'll figure it out.
They took me to a huge supermarket, that sells everything, where I bought a bag, a beautiful, very "kawaii" back pack for every day use, costing me only 1990 yen. I now have these tiny coins with holes - ! - in them. Very odd, or just Japanese! And I was kindly taken out to lunch to a sushi bar. Complete with the revolving plates, and the raw fish. Very different to British versions of sushi. Even the rice actually tastes different, and they use a lot of wasabi. How did I cope? . . . Well, lets say it is going to take time for my stomach to adjust. I suppose it would be the same for everyone. Raw fish is not my forte I think.
And I have also found out that Shibata-Okaasan, my host-mother, is part of an art class, and is an artist. There is a beautiful red-clay sculpture by her in the dining room, that looks rather like "the bather" by Rodin. But Japanese. Everything here is just as they say. Lights, the signs, the crazy colours and the absoloutely beautiful architechture. No house is the same. I think everyone builds there own, and all of them have balconies.
So yes, I am having a good time, aside from my reaction to raw fish. But I shall adjust, strive and conquer - Mwahahaha - and be a good foreigner in these parts. All is well, I am happy, and smiling. The world is beautiful. So is my room, I basically have a fluffy quilt for my bed. I love you mum and dad, I hope you are too. And I wish you would all see this place. It is a dream.
Love you and Taidekimasu,
Ailsa
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Almost there . . .
It is one hour before I leave I head to go to the airport. Last night I said farewell to my church and other friends, including Mira. In a way I am sighing inside, in another I am simply staring into space thinking "what on earth"? I am actually going, lik literally physically.
Yes, the penny has finally dropped. Plop.
Ouch.
I know now that reality can actually hurt.
Thanks for all the support and everything. Now I just hope I can fit all my bags together.
Ailsa
See you in Japan!
Yes, the penny has finally dropped. Plop.
Ouch.
I know now that reality can actually hurt.
Thanks for all the support and everything. Now I just hope I can fit all my bags together.
Ailsa
See you in Japan!
Friday, 29 October 2010
Hello everyone.
News, news, news, news!
Yes, believe it or not, the day draws closer and I am leaving in three days. I know, time really does fly (on silvery wings) and I am going so very soon. How do I feel, you ask? Well nervous, excited, very apprehensive and unsure what exactly is going to happen. Perhaps everything will go pear shaped, I'll get lost, my flight will be delayed etc, or everything will go perfect. Lets trust in God it'll be the latter eh?
Anyways, I am now meeting with Ms. Fukuhisa at Narita airport, so that makes me happy. I have got a new phone - ooooo - that works in the great JP, and have 2100 yen sitting in my room. Sounds a lot, but its only £180.
My parents recently took me on holiday with my dear sister Carys (I love you!) and that was amazing. Photos can be seen in my most recent album. It was to Cadfael land, somewhere where we have wanted to go for a very long time, but never had the chance. But no, it was great! And the day after I got back was my sponsored silence. Thank you all those who gave me money, and those who offered. But that is not to say I have enough, in fact, if you would like to make a donation to my cause, please mail me in someway, via facebook or other.
So yes, I am going, and am now needing to get down to the bank (the gringo) before it closes. I received a great generous gift from my grandparents, thank you so very much xx
Ailsa
News, news, news, news!
Yes, believe it or not, the day draws closer and I am leaving in three days. I know, time really does fly (on silvery wings) and I am going so very soon. How do I feel, you ask? Well nervous, excited, very apprehensive and unsure what exactly is going to happen. Perhaps everything will go pear shaped, I'll get lost, my flight will be delayed etc, or everything will go perfect. Lets trust in God it'll be the latter eh?
Anyways, I am now meeting with Ms. Fukuhisa at Narita airport, so that makes me happy. I have got a new phone - ooooo - that works in the great JP, and have 2100 yen sitting in my room. Sounds a lot, but its only £180.
My parents recently took me on holiday with my dear sister Carys (I love you!) and that was amazing. Photos can be seen in my most recent album. It was to Cadfael land, somewhere where we have wanted to go for a very long time, but never had the chance. But no, it was great! And the day after I got back was my sponsored silence. Thank you all those who gave me money, and those who offered. But that is not to say I have enough, in fact, if you would like to make a donation to my cause, please mail me in someway, via facebook or other.
So yes, I am going, and am now needing to get down to the bank (the gringo) before it closes. I received a great generous gift from my grandparents, thank you so very much xx
Ailsa
Monday, 27 September 2010
9th October
Argh!
It is getting nearer and nearer the day i have to leave. I am nervous, but also in a way I cannot wait to get there. I have been working my little socks off in the King's Seat down in Dollar (recently got a wage packet with over £100 in it, my eyes were big). I have to get a vaccine tomorrow as well, a "Japanese Malaria" type one. Or I was supposed to get it today, and forgot.
Back to Scotland, I have just made my presentation photograph slideshow thing for my ceilidh. The fact that it is going to be in less than two weeks is quite daunting, because it also means I am going three weeks after that. Oh no! But yes, the ninth of October. If anyone still does not know about it, please email me. Anyway, this blog will be used whilst I am in Japan, and I'm also going to be silent for twenty-four hours come the 24th of October.
I am going mad.
It is getting nearer and nearer the day i have to leave. I am nervous, but also in a way I cannot wait to get there. I have been working my little socks off in the King's Seat down in Dollar (recently got a wage packet with over £100 in it, my eyes were big). I have to get a vaccine tomorrow as well, a "Japanese Malaria" type one. Or I was supposed to get it today, and forgot.
Back to Scotland, I have just made my presentation photograph slideshow thing for my ceilidh. The fact that it is going to be in less than two weeks is quite daunting, because it also means I am going three weeks after that. Oh no! But yes, the ninth of October. If anyone still does not know about it, please email me. Anyway, this blog will be used whilst I am in Japan, and I'm also going to be silent for twenty-four hours come the 24th of October.
I am going mad.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Ceilidh
Visa attained and all the rest, I just have to concentrate on gaining money now before I go off. And not mouldy. I have a job now at the local pub washing up, and might be a cleaner soon for five days per week. I also have fence painting, button-sewing etc at the goodwill of friends and neighbours. Anyone want their dog walked? I will do it!
And now, I have got a date and organised my ceilidh! Hoorah. It is a private event, but if you know me and want to knwo more then just email me, or contact me on facebook. Its where I can be found.
Thanks my lovelies! Ailsa
And now, I have got a date and organised my ceilidh! Hoorah. It is a private event, but if you know me and want to knwo more then just email me, or contact me on facebook. Its where I can be found.
Thanks my lovelies! Ailsa
Monday, 23 August 2010
Preperation 23th August 2010
So, a week or so ago I finally got my visa. It is really shiny. With my biggest grant from the very gracious Cameron Trust, I am set to go and work for seven months. Yesterday I did my first shift at the King's Seat for five long hours, in order to save money for my trip. It was tiring heeee.....
Now, for all of you who do not know, I am going to Japan in November for my gap year experience. I am working for Hope International Development Agency, an aid relief charity that encourages and comforts those in less economically developed countries. The reason why i am going to Japan is that that is where their headquarters are for Asia and the Pacific, and I will be doing the following:
a) designing brouchures, improving the website
b) helping to organise and run large-scale awareness events in hotels etc
c) doing general admin.
Meanwhile, I will also be working in a large International Church.
This has all been possible through Lowell Sheppard, an old friend of my dad, and I thank him very much for this oppurtunity!
Now, for all of you who do not know, I am going to Japan in November for my gap year experience. I am working for Hope International Development Agency, an aid relief charity that encourages and comforts those in less economically developed countries. The reason why i am going to Japan is that that is where their headquarters are for Asia and the Pacific, and I will be doing the following:
a) designing brouchures, improving the website
b) helping to organise and run large-scale awareness events in hotels etc
c) doing general admin.
Meanwhile, I will also be working in a large International Church.
This has all been possible through Lowell Sheppard, an old friend of my dad, and I thank him very much for this oppurtunity!
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