或 Japan 寄

Becca's Costume

2008-11-03T08:37:00.001-08:00

Our cute little neighbors... Felicity (with Grandma hiding behind), Savannah, and Owen.

Our little Geisha girl. She was beautiful!

All Good Things Must Come to an End

2008-10-29T05:32:00.004-07:00

I don't like that saying.....a wise man once said.....

There are no endings, only new beginnings.

My trip to Japan must come to an end, but the memories, experiences, and the vision of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund will live on in all of us. We are the last group of teachers to be sponsored by the JFMF. I feel inspired to do more because of this experience. I am not sure where this will lead me in the future, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

Mariah (from Jacksonville), Jessica (from Nebraska), and me

Closing Presentation

2008-10-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

Today we had presentations from each group, sharing what they learned in their host city.

Here is the best picture I could get of Mt. Fuji.

Next time I come here, it will be in Spring so I can actually climb it.

We gave a beautiful pearl bracelet to our wonderful tour guide, Ishii san. When she saw the bag, she knew it was expensive. It is MikiMoto??? I had never heard of it. I sure Colleen has. I have been sheltered from expensive jewelry. The only thing I have worth anything is my Movado watch.
She said, "I am afraid you have no more money." What a truly sweet woman.

Japanese people appreciate any gift given. It was a real eye opener for me to see how appreciative they are when they receive anything. I hope to change our Christmas traditions this year to teach our children to appreciate the gift of giving rather than receiving.

Tokyo Toy Museum

2008-10-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a quick trip to the Tokyo Toy Museum. We had 5 people and the taxi only holds 4. So we had to hide MaryEllen (the one in the back right). The first taxi had no clue she was there. The second taxi driver told us that the limit was four. Then he told us to duck down if we saw any police cars. It was quite an experience. We were laughing all the way back to the hotel.

Imperial Gardens

This is is the gardens at the Imperial Palace.

A long lost relative of Max.

Sorry it is blurry but I had to post it for Becca.

Travel Day

2008-10-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

We didn't have much time for sightseeing today. We traveled back to Tokyo by train from Iida. My new hotel room has a view of Mt. Fuji. This is the best picture I could get this morning. Hopefully as the sky clears, I will have a better view.

The busiest intersection in Japan.

We ate at Outback. After eating Japanese food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this was an exciting find! Most of the people eating here were Americans. There was no wait to get in.

I don't think I have ever waited less than 45 minutes for a table.

Not in Japan!

I ate a big juicy hamburger, french fries, and a Bloomin' Onion. YUM!

No Becca, I did not buy you anything in Claire's.

I just took this picture.

Chu-ken Hachiko (means the faithful dog Hachiko) was born in 1923 and brought to Tokyo in 1924. His owner was a profesor at the Imperial University. They would walk to the train station when he left for work. Then the professor would find his dog patiently waiting when he returned to the train station. This routine continued until one day in 1925, when the professor died while at work. The bond was so strong between the dog and owner, so the dog continued to wait each day at the Shibuya station for his friend. He continued to do this for 10 years. In 1935 Hachiko died at the train station, waiting for his master. The people who passed the dog each day were so touched by his story, they created a statue in 1934.

What can one person do in a little more than 24 hours?

2008-10-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

1. Visit an apple orchard

2. Take a nice leisurely walk to a Buddhist Temple

3. Visit a Buddhist Temple

4. Attend an orchid show

5. Cheer at a Rugby Game

6. Admire chrysanthemums at a Flower Show

7. Visit an old school house

8. Visit a puppet museum

9. Eat a 7 course meal at a sushi restaurant

10. Create charms from beads

11. Take a brisk walk around the river

12. Take a gondola up a mountain

13. Eat at an open fire pit restaurant

14. Observe 2 tea ceremonies

15. Attend a Lion Show

16. Play the Kotto

17. Eat another fancy dinner in a kimono

18. Sing Karoke to a large Japanese family (Sweet Child of Mine, and YMCA)

19. Be called a Loser (again) by Jessica

And here I am updating my blog. I am so dedicated!

The most active 24 hours EVER!

2008-10-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

These wonderful people, Ken and Raiko, took me into their home for a little more than 24 hours. All I can say is, WOW!

I was on a wild ride around Iida.

The hospitality of the Japanese people is indescribable.

Thank you Ken and Raiko!

We visited Raiko's parents' house. They have an apple orchard.

Then off on a "leisurely" walk to the temple. The path was beautiful.

You could hear the water from the river near by.

These statues were all along the path.

We made it to the Temple. The Temple is not locked.

According to Ken, even the worst thieves would not steal from the Temple.

We then headed to an orchid garden. I felt like I was in Florida.

It was a huge greenhouse with fountains, ponds, and all sorts of plants.

A puppet museum

This is the floor of a 100 year old schoolhouse.

Chrysanthemums..

Iida High School Rugby Game

Ken is a teacher at Iida Senior High.

This was their semi-final game. They won 54-10!!

Ken and Raiko's wonderful family.

Sushi in a bird cage. This was the first course to a 7 course meal.

Raiko is very crafty, so she was teaching me a complicated beading activity.

She speaks very little English, but I thought we did well together.

Gondola ride in the rain to the top of a mountain, above the clouds.

I tried to eat everything put in front of me but I couldn't eat this fish.

The skewer is going through the tongue!

Tea Ceremony #2

Lion Dance Celebration in Downtown Iida.

Our dinner for JFMF. Very nice.

We literally crashed a Japanese party because they had Karoke.

We sang Sweet Child of Mine from GnR and YMCA.

Everyone was yelling and cheering for us. We are so cool!

This is Jessica calling me a Loser from across the room.

Thanks Jessica!

Iida High School

2008-10-24T04:52:00.001-07:00

The teacher in this picture is my host family. I will be staying with him and his wife Saturday and Sunday. He teaches English, so he invited us in to talk to his class.

Calligraphy brushes

Another cat. This one was in the library.

Iida's JoyMart aka Walmart

This store had everything... groceries, restaurants, clothes, shoes, even a 100 yen store!

Iida is a small town, so we were there quite often.

No. I did not eat this. This is a pig liver. They eat it raw.

The pork in Iida is known to come from healthy animals so it is ok to eat it raw.

Yes- I ate this. It is a mushroom soup with potatoes and carrots.

It was very good.

This sweet couple served us food for the week in their teeny tiny restaurant.

I think they were sad to see all the Americans go. We filled their place every night.

Junior High Visit

2008-10-23T03:36:00.001-07:00

We visited a Junior High School today. Junior High is 7th grade through 9th grade. Students are only required to finish 9th grade and moving on to Senior High is optional. Over 90% of students choose to move on to Senior High. It was a good day. All students are required to take English, so it was fun to speak English with them. They really feel shy about speaking English, but I was impressed at how well they spoke. They laughed whenever we tried to speak Japanese. Obviously we weren't very good.

I thought this poster was funny. It says that jello with fruit is good! YUCK!

Japanese Soft Tennis

The tennis balls are soft so they can bounce better on the dirt.

I think I am going to get into the Kevin Photography Club with this picture.

(Kevin P and Kevin Mc love to take pictures of flowers and bugs. I never get to take pictures when I am with them. I have to stand by patiently waiting for them to get the perfect shot.)

Brooms students use to clean the school.

At the Junior High School the teachers cleaned with the students.

This man and his wife own and run a small restaurant.

Just look at the grill to understand the size of the restaurant.

YUM! We have eaten here 2 nights in a row.

I think we are almost regulars.

Visiting an Elementary School

2008-10-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

We visited an elementary school today. All the students were so happy to see us. Everyone said "Good Morning", "My name is..." and "How old are you?" It was funny because I know those are the phrases we all learn when learning a new language.

The statue below is Hopes and Dreams.

Doesn't this look a little high??

Most times the students are playing outside, there is little supervision.

After lunch, all students help clean and maintain the school. This girl was part of a group of kids that pulled out plants. She dumped the wheel barrel twice before she made it to her final destination.

I sat next to this little boy at lunch. Right after lunch, he cleaned his area and began reading.

4th grade Calligraphy class

All students clean their dishes after eating.

Students are assigned jobs to get the different parts of lunches.

Everyone is dressed like this at lunch.

The children sweep and scrub all floors throughout the school.

They clean the windows, toilets, everything! EVERYDAY!

This boy is pulling weeds! He was here for about 20 minutes.

Touring Iida

2008-10-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful tour guide even gave us directions on how to use a Japanese washer and dryer.

Iida is known for their many varieties of apples.

Cool playground at a public park.

This poor guy has no idea what is going on. He has a clicker in his hand to count the number of people that walk by this area. He instantly began clicking away. Our group stopped right in front of him to learn about the area. I am sure he was wondering what in the world all these Americans were doing! This is a quiet little city. I don't think it is normal to see a group like us wandering the streets.

Another cat in the window.... but I guess little Becca Lee doesn't look at my website anyway! Maybe I won't take anymore cat pictures, since she is too BUSY!

Apple tree......Kevin, is this a good picture? I think I did a good job.

Safety First! The electrical and phone lines are cover with yellow insulated covers to protect the workers.

Old storefront

This is the manhole cover in the street. Iida is known for their apple orchards.

The manhole covers are beautiful!

Gate to a place where there was a castle. This gate is opened once a year, on the first day of school. There is a school directly across the street from the gate.

Junior High Students picking apples. This street is lined with apple tree planted and maintained by Junior High students. No one is allowed to pick the apples, except the children.

Sad News

2008-10-21T04:18:00.000-07:00

Many of you know my friend, Tricia. Her mother passed away today and I feel as though it is only right to take a moment and reflect on the life of a wonderful woman. I only had the opportunity to meet her a few times, but it was always a pleasure to be in her presence. She had a way of bringing out the best of everyone around her through her strength and positive attitude. She lived in the moment and she truly cared about everyone around her. If she asked you a question, she was genuinely interested in your answer. I always felt I became a better person from spending time with such a peaceful and happy person.

Tricia and her sister are so much like their mom and I have always envied the relationship Tricia had with her mom. I hope all mothers reading this think about the impact we have on our children's lives. We have today and we have tomorrow to make a difference and be the mother we know we should be. I know motherhood was very important to Tricia's mom, and she held that in high regards throughout her life.

She was a great mother and a great person to admire and emulate.

I guess I will rest when I get home

2008-10-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

The beautiful GREEN slippers.

Now of course you wouldn't wear your slippers into the bathroom!

There are special Toilet Slippers for the bathroom!

A gift from the mayor of Iida. Iida is known for their String Factory. We will be visiting the factory later this week.

Nicole, can you ask Amy if this is the purple candy she was talking about?

Another busy day in Japan.....

First of all, Thanks to Colleen and Kim for letting me know there is life out there. Somehow seeing a message from an American is comforting.

Also, Colleen I keep wanting to email you. There is a teacher at my school that laughs just like you. I am sure anyone who knows Colleen, knows how distinct her laugh is...well anyway, the first few times I heard it, I actually thought it was you! I had to remind myself that I am in Utah and you are in Florida. Kind of funny.

Anyway....back to Japan. We got up bright and early today to meet with the Dean of Education at the local University in Nagano. We feel like celebrities. When our bus pulls in, people are rushing to help us and so happy to see us. We had several presentations on the Japanese teaching program. There were many similarities and many differences. Their internships are only a 4 week session in the junior year and a 2 week session in their senior year. There are some observations and a few interactions in the freshman and sophomore year but not nearly as intense as the U.S.

Then we took a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to our host city, Iida. We met with the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools. We have an interpreter with us to help with communication. It has really made it easy to talk and ask questions. We are all speaking a little Japanese, but not more that Konnichiwa, Watashi wa Utah Shu No Monica McDonald des.

We are in our city groups for this week, so the group is only 16 teachers. Tomorrow we are sightseeing around Iida. Also, my host family called and would like to meet me tomorrow night, so I will be sure to get pictures. FUN! FUN! I have been emailing them for over a week now. The man is an English teacher age, 61 and his wife loves crafts! She loves to work with beads. Maybe I will learn something to use in my classroom! FUN! FUN! She also loves a specific type of dance that I have never heard of. I will find out about it and Nicole, you can teach that to all of fourth grade. OK??

Is anyone out there?

2008-10-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to check to see if anyone is looking at my website.

Can you leave me a quick message to let me know you were here?

Nagano, Japan

2008-10-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

We traveled by bullet train to Nagano, Japan (Can someone let Gram know? She will be happy.) Our train went 160 miles an hour.

After getting to Nagano, we checked into our hotel, then we went to Zenkoji Temple. This Temple contains the oldest Buddha in Japan, which is hidden behind a large cloth. The Buddha hasn't been seen for over 400 years and is only 2.5 inches tall. We were all a little shocked by that. This Temple was full of tradition and sacred ceremonies. Our tour guide has only visited this Temple one other time in her life. It was quite humbling to watch her follow her religious traditions.

After touring the temple (no photographing allowed, sorry), we were led into a pitch- black tunnel below the Main Hall, which is basically a tunnel running under the alter. I mean PITCH BLACK. You run your hand along the wall to find the "Key to Paradise", which locks the door to the Buddha. Many people travel her for a once in a lifetime opportunity to ensure their salvation by touching the key. Our tour guide shared with us that this was her second visit but during the first visit she was never able to find the key. I could see how happy she was to have finally touched the key.

My train is the 10:24 train.

This adorable 3 year old must have thought she was a

movie star with all the cameras and flashes.

Another good luck cat.

The ribbons are for bad fortunes. If you have a bad fortune, you write it on a ribbon and tie it to the rope. You see these at all temples and shrines.

Our wonderful tourguide, "Issie" (not sure on the spelling)

She is a full time tour guide in Japan.

She has worked for the Fullbright Teacher Program for 12 years.

She traveled with us in Tokyo and not to Nagano and on to Iida.

This tradition is to put your hand by the smoke and it will take away your problems.

Some of us thought we might need to spend the night there to get rid of all our issues.

Calligraphy Class

2008-10-18T02:27:00.000-07:00

This is one I did! (with a little help)

I had the great honor of attending a calligraphy class today. The man teaching the class is considered a "master". He has a degree from a college in calligraphy.

Do they offer that in America??

On another note......I was looking at my website and realized how BUSY I am. You might not realize it, but everything since the Hard Rock Cafe post happened TODAY! I was busy! No wonder I am so tired. Luckily I was alone. I don't think anyone would we willing to walk as much as I did, except Kevin, of course. I wish you were here sweetie!

I am off to my host city tomorrow, Iida, Nagano.

Picture for Kevin P and Becca

2008-10-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

The cat in the window is a sign for good luck.

Kevin loves to take pictures of bugs, so I thought he might appreciate this.

My first Japanese Sushi

2008-10-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Senso- Ji Temple

2008-10-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is a bride and groom at the temple.

These barrels are filled with wine. They are gifts given from leaders around the world.

Everyone washes their hands before going into the Temple to pray.

This is the water well. People seemed to be praying and then washing their hands in the water.

Telephone Repairman

2008-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

I had to take a picture of the telephone repairman, since Kevin works for the phone company.

I think he thought I was a little strange.

Touring Tokyo

2008-10-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

The yellow lines are textured all over the city streets and subway for blind people. The straight lines are for walking forward and the dotted section lets them know when they need to stop or turn or when there is an entrance.

Downtown Tokyo

I went exploring alone today. It was great. I got lost and was looking at my map.

A nice Japanese man stopped to help me.

He spoke no English, but he was able to figure out I was going the wrong direction (imagine that).

Hard Rock Tokyo

2008-10-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

This is all for you, Kevin......love ya!

Kubuki

2008-10-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

This is an ancient Japanese art performance. My class will be learning and performing a similar dance for our school when I return. I bought to kimonos, one for a boy and one for a girl.

Hiroshima Survivor

2008-10-16T20:55:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to meet a survivor from Hiroshima.

He told an amazing story of survival.

He is truly an inspiration and I hope to learn from his story.

Our session was on Peace Education.

Searching for the Japanese Dollar Store...

2008-10-16T05:48:00.001-07:00

I had to take this picture. I am not sure why she was dressed like this.

Our dinner out on the town. We ordered by pointing to the menu items.

This is one of those vending claw machines.

I thought Becca would like this.

It is some little Japanese cartoon character.

I got 2 in one try! YEH!

The 100 yen store (aka dollar store)

Cool street for shopping.

The World's Largest Fish Market

2008-10-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

I got up early today to go to the fish market. It was quite an experience. First, we all got into the taxi and couldn't explain to the driver where we wanted to go. One of the teachers ran back inside the hotel to get the Japanese name. Once we got there, we were completely lost again. The rows and rows of fish vendors was indescribable. The auction lasted 1 1/2 minutes and it sounded like the auctioneer was singing a song. I am sure they don't appreciate all the "outsiders" getting in the way, but it is a place you need to experience if you ever get to Japan.

Becca's Costume

2008-10-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

Becca~I know you want to see your kimono right away so here is a picture...

I also got you a fan and a headpiece.

More pictures....

2008-10-15T01:14:00.000-07:00

We watched a kyogen, a traditional Japanese performing art.

It was very interesting to say the least.

This is the garden outside of my hotel.

My first full day in Japan was BUSY

2008-10-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

I had a traditional Japanese breakfast. It was delicious!

I know this looks awful, but it is cooked seaweed and it was tasty!

I have promised myself to try any food put in front of me.

The building behind me is the Diet building....no, not Jenny Craig.

It is the government building where the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors meet to discuss issues.

We had a tempura lunch. We had to take our shoes off and sit on the floor.

A view of the gardens from my hotel window.

I made it to Japan

2008-10-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

Konnichiwa!
(kon~ni~chi~wa)
Hello

Day 1 – Before I left for the airport, I checked my email only to find an email from my host family in Japan. The man is a 61-year-old English teacher. His wife stays at home, and she enjoys doing beadwork. I hope to have the opportunity to do some crafting! She also enjoys Takarazuka. I am excited to find out what that is!

I will be visiting his school as part of our schools tours, and he has asked me to speak to his class. That should be interesting. I will be visiting an apple orchard, and going to a Lion dance while I am there. I will also be a part of a family dinner. Their nephew is coming over to introduce his fiancé for the first time, so many of his family members will be joining us for dinner. It sounds like a crowd we have at our house!

San Francisco- I flew into San Francisco and had any easy trip. We started our orientation meeting at 2:00. I met with my city group. Everyone is so excited to get to Japan! We ate dinner at the General Consulate’s house. That was quite impressive! SUSHI! SUSHI! SUSHI! There were 160 teachers and a number of other people at the dinner party. The General and his wife were gracious guests and seemed to be comfortable with this large crowd in their home.

Day 2- Flight to Japan- We got up early and had a great breakfast, then onto a bus to the airport. Everything is so organized; I truly just follow the crowd. I was so happy to see my suitcase weighed 49.6 pounds! I was a little worried. On the way home we are allowed an extra bag, so I will have PLENTY of space for souvenirs!
(I know my students and Becca are concerned about that!)

Our flight is 10 hours and 45 minutes. I got a MIDDLE seat! YUCK! It will be ok.
At least I have a seat on a plane to Japan. Right?

A positive attitude pays off! I asked for an isle seat and was told none were available but I would be put on a list, in case one opens up. I got a new seat assignment in an EXIT ROW!!! I had about 3 feet open in front of me.

It was a long flight and I had a hard time sleeping on the plane. (I wrote most of this on the plane.) Hopefully I can stay awake when we get to Tokyo to enjoy the sights in the city and to eat sushi!

The plane is a 747 (Chris, can you explain what that looks like to the class?)
It has an upper level! Pretty cool! I am going to try to take pictures, but I am not sure if I am “allowed” to go upstairs.

I will write more and more each day. If you have any questions you would like me to find out the answer, just leave it in the comment section.

2008-10-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

View Larger Map

2008-09-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

My journey begins on Sunday, October 12th.

I will fly to San Fransisco, then onto Toyko the next day.

I promise to post to my website everyday

(I know Becca will be checking to see where I am and what I am doing).

My host city is Iida, Nagano.

It was interesting to see pictures of the area.....

This is a picture of the Northwest Alps.

This is a picture from Becca's bedrooom window of the Salt Lake Valley.

I think one thing I have already learned from preparing for this trip, is how truly fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful country.

Did you know????

2008-06-25T15:08:00.001-07:00

I am learning so much about the Japanese culture, so I thought I would share some interesting facts......

SLURPING is a way to show appreciation for the food!

My mother taught me not to slurp and it truly DISTURBS me to hear slurping, so this part of my trip should be fun!
I can think of a few people who would fit right into the Japanese culture with this one.......

Big Day.....October 12th

2008-06-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I am fortunate enough to have been chosen to go to Japan through the Fullbright Memorial Fund. I thought it would be nice to start a blog so I can share my experience with everyone.