SBC 'nines

Yes, I missed you, too - hope it hasn't been too "ruff" (groan) on you. Just back from my Japanese language course in Fukuoka.
and Yes, I survived the earthquake - (what earthquake?) - I'm fine...but I actually had a bit of a life in Fukuoka (woo woo - bright lights, big city!) ...all play and no sleep makes Tracey a tired girl. I'll talk to you tomorrow, when, hopefully I'll be able to rub a couple of brain cells together to get a spark.

Rantan Matsuri

Nagasaki's Lantern Festival is held each year here around the Chinese New Year, and I went over to see it on the Saturday after my birthday. I usually like wandering around festivals, seeing the street performers, smelling the food, watching the people. I was amazed to see what they could do with "lanterns" - Kelly, I think this looks like a really good project for Sculpture II/III :) I'll put up more photos later...time for me to sit back and relax for a bit. Had to ride all over Isahaya on my bike in the POURing rain today...
By the way, I leave for a two week Japanese language class in Fukuoka tomorrow, and I don't know what internet connections will be like...
Oh, and I hope you like the sign - it's one of a series, but I didn't think you could handle more than one at a time :)

HTB by Night

I ended up going to the 5 o'clock Circo Luci show, so I was in Huis Ten Bosch after sunset. To be honest, I expected more from the show, but I might very well be unfairly comparing it to the Cirque du Soleil! There was one amazing performer (I don't think I've ever seen such an enormous and man who was so "cut" before!) who did some really cool things with and in both a giant ring and later an open metal cube. At one point, he had the cube (which was as tall as he was) tipped up on one of its corners and was spinning it on his forehead! It didn't even look real. The costumes of the "extras" were quite bizarre, but were entertaining.
Afterwards I wandered around a little more, grabbed a hot chai tea latte from the man selling them in the VW bus (again - random, but cute!), and enjoyed the town as it began to wink on at twilight.

Huis Ten Bosch by Day

So on my random, middle of the week holiday yesterday, I wandered around Huis Ten Bosch with the express purpose of communing with the blooming tulips. At the moment, I'll admit to preferring the company of flowers to most people (except the students - they're always like happy, bright flowers!) here. (I do hope that changes soon - I'm just in a bit of a funk since some people think that everything is a fun adventure for me here, and most of the time it's as difficult as a long climb in spinning class. I know I'll be stronger, etc in the end, but sometimes I'd like to just have a friendly face around - one that understands me without my even having to open my mouth. Just someone - just ONE - that could simply "be there" - but I suppose this is all teaching me some kind of lesson. So I'll try be a good student, eh? Any prayers to that extent are gladly accepted :) )
(OK - ranting done now - )
I did, however meet and chat with a delightful young Japanese lady in the the gelato - "gerato" - line; she just moved back from Texas last year. She had her hands full with two gelatos and a two year old, so the conversation wasn't too long :)
The tulips with the quiet whirring of the windmills behind were so peaceful. I liked their almost defiant attitude towards the dull earth - these bright bits just shot boldly up towards the sun, following it as it rode across the sky.
(did you notice the "vanGogh tulip"? the yellow tulip with one red petal...)

Go Bananas

I know I should stay home to study Japanese. But it's such a beautiful day, and we're "yasumi" because it's the vernal equinox, so I'm skipping out and going to see the tulips in Huis Ten Bosch. By myself. Of course. (sigh) I actually had a partner in crime, but she called in sick. Called some other peeps, but apparently they're still sleeping or have other plans. Sometimes this "goin' alone" thing gets a little old - especially when it's so difficult to strike up a conversation with the locals (even if I did speak more Japanese - I'm big, blonde, and therefore scary to most of these inakajin). However, I'll keep trying, as I always, do. Just a little bit down right now. It's not all fun and games here, but overall I know it's a good experience, even if I do live a fairly solitary existence. So here's a funny moment I captured on the camera the other day as I was riding around. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing that I feel like these bananas sometimes...

Sakura

It's cherry ("sakura") blossom time! Actually, since it's been so "warm" this winter, the sakura bloomed early, and they're almost past their prime here in Isahaya, but I'm sure the "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing parties) will be just starting in the rest of Japan. Since I'm so used to seeing trees that stay the same year round in South Florida, it's been quite lovely to see the changing of seasons and foliage here. The flowers are like little surprise presents that pop open when I ride by!

Happy St. Paddy's!

Hope everyone's sufficiently recovered from the festivities!
So I know you're all wondering "how the Japanese do St. Patrick's Day"...well...they don't, really, but thanks to a gaijin from Ireland (aptly even named Patrick!) who organized a gig at the Spot in Omura, I had a small dose of this holiday. Thanks to my Texas friend, Cara, I even had a fabulous get up! Thanks again for the shirt, C, it was a big hit! I even brought some green glitter paint and we had a good time painting shamrocks and the like (ever the art teacher, yo!). I hopped the train up to Omura, and hung out at the tabe/nomihodai (all you can eat/drink) at the Spot till about 11, when I had to catch the train back (had to go to a school function on Sunday morning). I'm not into most things alchohol lately, but it was entertaining watching the rounds of Irish Car Bombs, and, yes, there was green beer. I got on Patrick's case since there was no Irish music to be heard (I should've just brought mine - but you'd think with at least two real live Irishmen...). There was also a TON of smoke - I keep forgetting that Japan isn't smoke free anywhere - gotta say I REEEEally miss that about the States. Anyway, the best part of St. Pat's here was actually the day before, when we serenaded Reiko san (whose birthday is March 17) with "When Irish Eyes are Smiling". Dad sent over a plush leprechaun that played the song, and so I rallied the troops and we sang to Reiko san after she opened her present. Kyoto sensei (the one who's in the birthday photo with me) should really consider karaoke as a second career!

Kansho International Day

On Tuesday, the ichinensei at Isahaya Commercial High School (Kansho - the one I visited when I came here 2 years ago) hosted an International Day. We had a blast with games, skits, snacks, and chats. Here I am (in character) with my fabulous group the PPP (which has something to do with pink, but I was never told what the rest of it meant). Their English was very good, so I hope that you enjoy their comments (which they will undoubtedly be making soon!) below.

You're in!

Unlike most places in the States, the students here test to get into high school. One test. One shot. It took them the better part of two days, and from what I gathered (mind you, I'm still flying blind here most of the time!) included various listening, writing, and interview sections on all the subjects. On Thursday Kanko posted the test results, and here you see the happy folks who just found out they're going to be the new Isahaya Koko ichinensei in as of April 9. I didn't see too many cameras, but how many people can you find taking a photo with their keitai?

testing...

I've been having difficulty trying to upload photos...Blogger's been doing some changes...here goes a test -
I love riding my bike to school, because I get to see this bridge every day on my way -

chotto matte kudasai...

"Just a moment, please..."
I seem to be experiencing technical difficulties and can't upload any photos...I'll post again when I can!
- "JJBlogMaster T"

Let's do lunch

Yea! I finally got to see the family that hosted me for a night when I visited in 2004. Motoko Honda (center) and her husband live in Konagai, a town part of Isahaya city, about 45 minutes from where I live in Nishi Isahaya (that, of course is my car - it's probably at least 3 hours by bike!). Motoko san's friend, Chieko san and Takako sensei, my JTE from Takaki Bunko, and I enjoyed a lovely lunch at Motoko san's house one Saturday. What feast! We even had some fish that her brother had caught in the bay. Since my Japanese is not even as good as Motoko san's and Chieko san's English, we were very glad Takako san was there - though I'm sure she was tired after translating most of the day!

I know! I know! It's a......?

I have to type quickly, as my computer's almost outta juice.

Pop quiz: What is this object?
a) back scratcher for sumo wrestler
b) vegetable pruning device only used during Sacred Harvest
c) decorative Zen garden rake used for Oshogatsu
d) decorative ceremonial comb for the most celebrated sumo wrestler in history

(ahh, yes - all those years writing FCAT questions has finally paid off - )

Kohai, Senpai

Sorry! I've been a little busy the past couple of days! After the graduation ceremony, all the students went back to their homerooms and it was there that they received their diplomas from their homeroom teachers. It seems that they were then allowed to do little speeches to their parents, teachers, and classmates, and one of the classes was in there for almost 3 hours! It was very emotional (and I didn't even really understand what they were saying!). Outside, however, the ichi and ninensei "kohai" were a bit more celebratory while waiting for their sannensei "senpai". From what I understand, the older students are responsible to be "senpai" to the younger students; they're leaders and mentors, and it's taken quite seriously. So, after graduation, each club waited outside to cheer their senpai members in various ways. Most of them had made boards with the senpai's name and notes to them from all the kohai, though the band members signed the top of a timpani drum instead! In the photos you see the tennis team donning cute "boshi" (hats), but most of the others wore either their team or school uniform. These students are soooo serious all the time; it was refreshing to see them so excited and happy with each other!

Omedetto Otanjobi to me

Just another classic Japanese moment! The Kanko staff had an enkai (formal Japanese dinner party) Friday night to celebrate the graduation and the track coach's national award (I made a post around Christmas - his team placed 5th in the nation on 12/24). HOWEVER, after my very genki kyoto sensei (asst. principal, pictured here) heard it was my birthday, he made everyone stop and sing "Happy Birthday" (in English!). As the rousing rendition was coming to a close, he swooped up one of the flowers from the arrangement in the room and presented it to me. I had a pretty low-key time after that - just met up with some of the other Isahaya ALTs at Bar Mole in the Arcade here (the owner plays great jazz music and is the father of one of my students). Called it an early night, because as you'll see, the day after my birthday was a busy one!

Congratulations to the Grads!

Today was a very happy day here at Kanko! This Japanese graduation ceremony was quite different than what I'm used to in the US, but, it seemed fitting for here. First, all the students came to school as usual, an in uniform. Everyone went to the gym, and for the most part, even with over a 1000 people, unless we were singing, it was quiet. There was no "walking across the stage" either. Kocho sensei (the principal, in the photo here) stood at the podium, homeroom teachers called students' names, the students said "Hai", stood, and bowed to Kocho sensei (and he to them). Only 3 speeches - kocho sensei, a ninensei, and a sannensei. The band and chorus (several hundred students) did several numbers, and things wrapped up with the Ouendan ('cheer' team) performance. I'll show you the "after" grad festivities later. Now I need to wrestle with foreign ingredients and a Japanese oven to try to make my birthday cake for tomorrow!

Saigo no hi (Last Day!)

It's the 3rd graders' last day! Graduation is tomorrow! I can't believe how fast this year has gone.
Today after the students' exams (1st & 2nd graders - the 3rd year students already had their exams) there was another big cleaning. I did catch some of the sannensei (who didn't look too tired from cleaning!) to pose for a quick pic! I saw the 2nd graders - remember they're like US 11th graders - in the gym today helping arrange folding chairs for the graduation ceremony tomorrow. I don't know how we're all going to fit. The ceremony takes place during the "regular" school day, so all the students in the school will attend along with the families and various city officials, no doubt. At least I'll be warm! (Imagine - the gym doesn't have central A/C or heat!)

Taiko drum

Kore wa ouendan no taiko desu, yo! Sugoi, ne! I keep trying to convince the guys to let me "play" it, but the boys on the team get very serious and try to explain that it's sacred; unless you are the "drummer" you can't touch it. (no MC Hammer jokes, please.) Even the other guys on the Ouendan team aren't allowed! Hopefully by the beginning of next week I'll have another short video clip of them performing. Right now the kids are all taking their final exams, sannensei graduate Thursday & Saturday (2 different campuses), and with my birthday also scheduled this week, it's a little busy.

Ono!

This picture just kills me. I live in Nishi (west) Isahaya, in an area called "New Town," so the taxis I always see have that written on the side. Apparently there's another area of town (I'm assuming it's near the reclaimed land area - that creature on the side of the taxi looks like one of the 'mudskipper' things that live there) called "Ono"...yes, we actually have a place called "Oh, no!"
Have a fabulous Friday!

Unzen

Last Sunday I made the pilgrimage to Unzen. Well, actually, I didn't get to the top of the mountain, because, once again, I was flying blind here. I hopped on a bus at Isahaya, and thought I bought a ticket for Mt. Unzen (on the map, it's the big mountain/national park on the peninsula that juts off down and to the right of where I am in Isahaya). The bus ride out was amazing - the road wound its way along some cliffs beside the Tachibana Bay, and on my return trip, the sun was setting over the water. I've lived at sea level all my life, but I can't believe how different an ocean looks from so high up! I felt like I was on Cape Breton, N.S. again.
Since I wasn't sure where I was going, I got off the bus when the ticket price matched the electronic sign in the front of the bus. Fortunately, I had arrived in the little "resort" town of Unzen, where you go if you want to enjoy some magnificent natural onsens. Unfortunately, it might help to be 'hard of smelling', since the whole place smells like sulfur. Nonetheless, I walked around the boardwalks to see the hot springs, then I hiked a bit in the national park there, which was the first national park in Japan. Afterwards I just HAD to try one of the hard-boiled eggs that the street vendors were selling (when travelling, you must ALWAYS try out the street vendor fare!). (Eggs?!) I'm getting used to "random" "natural" things...I'm finding the Japanese typically revere/celebrate/sell/make stuffed toys of the natural goods of the area. Here, it's eggs - I believe they just stick 'em in the hot springs and 'voila'! Yasui (cheap), too! Only 60 yen - and that even includes a tiny origami salt packet. Mmmm...oishii, yo!

Ahosannninngumi! (crazy girls!)

Here are a couple of hams at the school marathon we had last week at the big Isahaya athletic park. Ichinensei and ninensei (10th & 11th graders) participated. Girls ran a 3K, and the boys a 10K.

I didn't participate officially, but I did run for a bit with groups of students to cheer them on as they passed my station. These girls here are sannensei, and were helping to manage the event (when they weren't clowning around!).

Merry Christmas (again)

I can't believe I forgot to post this! I'm wearing festive garnet, though, so I figured I could slide this in with the whole Valentine's Day theme. HERE IT IS! Christmas Cake! As I mentioned before, Christmas cake (not cookies) is the big thing here. That and Kentucky Fried Chicken. I'm not kidding. Apparently it was some brilliant marketing scheme here to sell more chicken. From what I heard, the ads implied that American families traditionally ate KFC for Christmas. Who knows. I could be telling lies again. My Japanese is coming along slowly, but don't believe everything you see here :)
Oh - speaking of Japanese, check out my translation of a Japanese message in the comments section of the Chris' Pizza entry...

Won't you be mine?

Here are some of the cuties and the cards they made for Valentine's Day!

I've got mail!

Wooohoo! A big thanks to all of you (especially the fabulous Theresians!!!) who've already sent postcards!!! It's so exciting! Most of the time I have no idea what people are saying around me (and sometimes TO me!) here in Japan, so I feel like I've been in a weird bubble. Thanks so much for sending a bit of the tangible familiar...and it's so interesting to be seeing such a variety of cards from all over! Buildings, wildlife, local celebrities (no shiny hineys from Florida, though, thank you), whatever makes your area special. I've got to run outside now and see if I can get a short clip of the cool ouendan team -

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, you just had to be there - sorry - once again an image from my phone - don't have the connections here to upload images from the camera. The girls were just TOO cute! Thanks to Cara's care package, I had a fab shirt to wear today (sorry - can't see it too well with all the layers I still have to wear here!), and lots of candy and stickers to hand out (yes, I did keep some for myself, but - hey, you really made me look like a champ!). As per Cara's directions on the "Conversation Hearts", I had an 'instant English lesson'! I went around today giving out the candy hearts to those that would read them! The girls are here posing with their "lessons". Such good students I have :)
Now I'm off to hop a train to Nag to treat myself to a chai tea latte and a movie. Ciao!
txo

Chris' Pizza

If you ever find yourself in Japan and desperately need real American food, don't miss this place. In fact, don't miss it if you're ever in Nagasaki! I went here for the SuperBowl - watched the replay - with no commercials - that was strange. However, afterwards Chris lugged over a computer so we could watch the commercials. I had an excellent little pizza, though Chris also offered a steak dinner that night, too. Yum. And I thought I wouldn't have a good pizza again for a couple of years...And, added bonus - who knew that Nagasaki had its very own Ewan McGregor look alike? Make sure to ask to see Chris as Ewan on the magazine cover, and don't leave without saying hi to Mr. Lincoln and Elvis.

Shamisen Serenade

As promised - I hope you enjoy! The music and instument (and man???) are from Okinawa. This music is fundamentally different than what our Western ears are accustomed to, but the it is growing on me...
(ps - wait for the whole video to load first - when the red line gets all the way to the right of the bottom of the screen, then push 'play')
And a big "shout out" of thanks to my Aunt Barbara and all the Theresians who've been sending postcards! They're great! The kids (and teachers!) are so excited!

Play that Funky Music

After my dinner at Mike's, I went to meet the Saza divas (ALTs working just north of Sasebo), Gill (from Scotland) and Meghan (Canada) at an international restaurant around the corner. They were out to dinner with some of their Japanese teaching colleagues. I'm really glad I went! The Japanese teachers were very nice and the man in this photo here played for us. Make sure to check out the video clip of his music (it takes a little bit to edit and to upload - hopefully it'll be up tomorrow).

Mike's

Here's a little plug for a great spot in Sasebo. After school (and the gym!) on Friday I hopped a train up to "Sas Vegas" for a Cheese Night (any cheesy music that is cringe-worthy) at Dazzle Puzzle. I ate dinner at this little place that Gill and I went to the last time I was here. Mike's Mexican - grrrreat! Really cute ambience, and excellent food. It's about as big as your pocket, but well worth the trip. Sorry for the delay on the guy who serenaded us - I promise that later this week.
(and did you send your postcard yet??? The mailbox is hungry!)

"...and it was THIS big...."

I finally found something in Japan that is actually too BIG for me!
Just goofin around in Huis Ten Bosch on my way home from Sasebo today. Make sure to check back tomorrow to see a video of the guy who serenaded us last night!

Yuki!

It's snowing! Wow! (just remember - I'm a South Florida girl) I am sorry the photo's not so good - I took it with my phone this morning, and I figured I should post this now before the novelty of snow wore off :)
(too bad there's not enough snow yet to make a snowman, "yukidaruma" though!)
This is in the garden here at Isahaya High School, Goshoin.

You KNOW that I wasn't gettin by this guy without taking advantage of the photo op!
(Kitty-chan - no other places to rub for luck, though, I checked!) (For the rest of you - you'll just have to visit the bull that is/was on Wall Street, NYC to see what I mean)
Don't forget to click on the title of the next entry to follow the link for the Tenmangu in Dazaifu.
(and have you sent your postcard/s yet??? Robin, sending a card from CO, is the winner for getting one here the fastest! I got yours today! Domo!)

Tenmangu in Dazaifu

This past weekend I was in Fukuoka, and taking the advice of a Fukuokanian (?), I took the short train ride down to visit Dazaifu. The weather had been bleak and cold, but a watery sun winked on for a few moments in the late afternoon, casting about some of its warmth. This site is apparently on the grave for the exiled Michizane Sugawara, who is also known as the god of literature and calligraphy (and knowledge, according one site I saw on him). Maki sensei told me that students wear a charm of this god for "luck" with their studies.
I really like how you have to go through several stone "archways" and gate and then down this pathway flanked by plum ("ume") trees and lanterns before you get to the temple/shrine (I have to get someone to tell me the precise differentiation between the two. I think this is the shrine, though). It seems to be the pattern for shrines I've seen all over Japan. Moving through these physical gateways seems to help one move through the inner, intangible ones to prepare the heart and mind for being at the actual shrine itself.