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
Nagoya; Thus She Lives
The city I claim as Home
Sunday, 28 November 2010
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)