Where am I in Asia ?

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday (to me!) Happy New Year!

You are probably saying, "Why hasn't she updated her BLOG lately?!" I have a valid excuse...I'm on vacation this month. Exploring China, Thailand and Hong Kong! Sorry! Will write and post a zillion and one pics (pry on its OWN website!!) when I return January 16th, 2006. Happy Holidays!

December 23' 2005
BEIJING = Arrive Beijing and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Chinese Acrobatics Show in the evening.

December 24' 2005
BEIJING = Full day tour to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo and Summer Palace. Beijing Duck Dinner.


December 25' 2005
BEIJING / XIAN = Full day tour to The Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Overnight train to Xian.


December 26' 2005
XIAN = Arrive in Xian and transfer to hotel for breakfast. Full Day tour toThe Terra-Cotta Warriors & Banpo Museum.


December 27' 2005
XIAN - SHANGHAI = Half day tour to Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Afternoon flight to Shanghai.


December 28' 2005
SHANGHAI Full day tour to The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple shanghai Museum, Tv Tower.


December 29' 2005
SHANGHAI - HONG KONG Departure for Hong Kong. Arrive in Hong Kong and transfer to hotel for check-in. Half-day tour of downtown.


December 30' 2005
HONG KONG Half day Hong Kong Island tour including Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen.

December 31' 2005
HONG KONG = Take tour of "New Territories": Kam Tin Walled Village, Luen Wo Market, Man Mo temple, Lam Tsuen Wishing tree.


January 1' 2006
HONG KONG - BANGKOK = Departure transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to hotel for check-in. Visit the National Museum in Bangkok.

January 2' 2006
BANGKOK Visit the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr – Wat Po and the Grand Palace (which is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court.)


January 3' 2006
BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - LOPBURI - PHITSANULOK = Drive to Bang Pa In for a scenic boat trip to Ayutthaya. Visit Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol and the ancient ruins of Wat Chai Wattanaram. Continue to Lopburi, where we will take you around the city in pedaled rickshaws. After lunch continue to Phitsanulok. Overnight at hotel.


January 4' 2006
PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG = Visit Wat Maha That and its highly revered Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Jinaraj. Drive to Sukhothai, where you will visit the ancient ruins at Sukhothai Historical Park and Wat Si Chum. Continue to Sri Satchanalai for lunch. Upon arrival in Lampang we will take you on a tour of the old city on horse carriages. You will also visit Baan Sao Nak, a 100-year old teak-wood mansion, and Wat Chedi Sao, which derives its name from 20 stupas erected on the temple grounds.

January 5' 2006
LAMPANG - PHAYAO - CHIANG RAI = After a brief visit to the morning market, drive to Phayao with the biggest natural lake in Thailand. Proceed to Chiang Rai. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the hill tribe community project at Ban Lorcha. Drive via Mae Sai, the northernmost Thai town to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. After a boat trip on the Mekong River drive to Chiang Rai. Overnight at hotel.


January 6' 2006
CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI = Visit the local handicraft centers around Chiang Mai. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters. The temple is reached by climbing 290 steps, flanked by a NAGA balustrade on both sides. Enjoy a typical Kantoke dinner with a presentation of traditional dances from Northern Thailand in evening. Overnight at hotel.


January 7' 2006
CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK Visit an elephant camp in Chiang Dao and watch the skilled elephants at work. Elephant ride & bamboo rafting in afternoon. Continue to visit an orchid farm. Transfer to Chiang Mai Railway and depart by train for Bangkok.


January 8' 2006
BANGKOK Arrive at Bangkok and transfer to airport for morning flight to Koh Samui.

Jaunary 8-12' 2006
KOH SAMUI....No major plans as of yet. Just relaxing in an oceanside bungalow on Chaweng Beach. Tons of sun, yummy drinks (without H20 of course) and pure relaxation from what will be an incredible whirlwind tour!


I didn't write the above info--this is just some of the stuff given to us from our travel agency.
What exactly ARE all of those places listed above? In all honesty, having never taken an Asian history course---I don't know much about them either! It's a lot of historical, religious and cultural hotspots that most of us have never learned about, but that's why we forked out some extra cash for an English speaking guide in each city! I am hoping to learn tons from this trip of a lifetime!

For all of you history buffs, trivia sharks and those who are bored to tears this holiday season...I've included a brief synopsis of some of our trip's highlights. I won't be offended if you find this part realllllllly boring and don't read it. But for your masochists out there...here you go:

China

Ancient City Wall
The City Wall of Xian is an extension of the old Tang Dynasty structure, as a result of the wall-building campaign ordered by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of Ming Dynasty (from 1370 AD-1375 AD). After the enlargement, the city wall stands 12 metres, 12-14 metres across the top, 15-18 metres thick at bottom and 13.7 kilometres in length with deep moats surrounding it. It is the most complete city wall to have survived through Chinese history. On the wall, fortifications such as watch-towers, ramparts were built into a complex and well-organised system of defense. There are total 98 ramparts on the wall.

Banpo Museum
In 1953 when workers were laying the foundations for a factory at Banpo, east of Xian city, they found the remains of an ancient settlement now known as the Banpo Village Remains. Dating back to approximately 5,000 to 4,000 BC, it is an authentic matriarchal clan community of the Yangshao Culture discovered on the Central Shaanxi Plains in the Yellow River Valley, and the most complete example of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. Standing on the eastern bank of the Chanhe River, the site covers an area of about 50,000 square metres.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda situated in the Da Ci'en Temple complex, is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China. Originally built in 589 AD, in the Sui Dynasty, the temple was named Wu Lou Si Temple until 648 AD when Emperor Li Zhi, then still a crown prince, sponsored the repairs on the temple. The temple then assumed the present name, Temple of Da Ci'en (Thanksgiving). The temple, with 13 separate courtyards, contains 1,879 magnificent-looking rooms altogether. The Tang Regime gave orders to build a chamber for the translation of Buddhist scriptures in an effort to have the then well-known Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) agree to be the head of the temple. The Wild Goose Pagoda was finished in 652 A.D. Its five stories are 60 metres in height. However, war in the years to come, reduced the pagoda almost to ruins, which resulted in the construction of the 7-storied, 64-meter-high structure standing today.

Forbidden City
Lying in the centre of Beijing is a group of ancient buildings, so called Forbidden, because they were off limits for 500 years. It is the largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings, and has been home to two dynasties of emperors – the Ming and the Qing. The emperors rarely left this area. Today is known as the Palace Museum. It is 960 metres long and 750 metres wide, and is considered the world’s largest palace complex covering a floor space of 720,000 square metres with 9,999 buildings. This rectangular city is encircled in a 52-metre-long, six-metre-deep moat, and a 10-metre-high, 3,400-metre-long city wall. The city is divided into two parts, the northern half, or the Outer Court where emperors executed their supreme power over the nation, and the southern half, or the Inner Court where they lived with their royal family. In 1924, when the last emperor of China was driven out of the Inner Court, 14 emperors of the Ming dynasty and 10 emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned here. As the imperial palace for over 500 years, it houses numerous rare treasures and curiosities. It was listed by the UN as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1987.

Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple, the most famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai. In 1882, a monk named Huigen left two of five jade Buddha statues he brought from Burma in Shanghai, and built a temple to house them. In 1918, the old temple was burned down and a new one was built on the present site and named the Jade Buddha Temple. The Jade Buddha Tower houses the first of the two Buddhas, which is 1.9m tall and 1.34m wide, and is inlaid with diamonds and agate, it shows the Buddha at the moment of enlightenment. In a hall on the western part of the temple grounds lies the 96-cm-long recumbent jade Buddha. Both of the statues were carved out of a single piece of jade.

Ming Tombs
These tombs, built from 1409 AD-1644 AD, are where 13 Ming emperors, their empresses and concubines were buried. The 13 tombs are spread over a 40-kilometre area. A seven-kilometer-long pathway flanked by 18 pairs of giant stone statues leads to Changling – the tomb of Emperor Yongle, the most powerful emperor in the Ming dynasty.

Summer Palace
Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China and is over 800 years old. Early in the Jin dynasty, an imperial palace named Golden Hill Palace was built on the present site of the Summer Palace. In 1750,with 4.48 million taels of silver, Emperor Qian Long of the Qing dynasty built the Garden of Clear Ripples here and renamed the hill Longevity Hill to celebrate his mother's birthday this present Summer Palace covers a vast area of 294 hectares, in which three quarters are water.

Temple of Heaven
The Temple was completed in 1420 and was originally a platform for the Son of Heaven (the emperor) to perform sacrifices and solemn rites. Among the gods worshiped were the God of Earth, the God of Water, the God of Agriculture, the God of the Military, the God of Religion and the God of Civilians. Offering sacrifices was a serious task, as was atoning the sins of the people. The entire empire relied on the emperor for good fortune and abundant harvests so he had quite a responsibility. The Temple buildings and the parklands reflect ancient Chinese religious beliefs that imagined heaven as round and earth as square. Thus, the buildings in the temple are constructed on a central axis. The temples themselves are round and the bases square.

The Bund
The most popular symbol of old and new Shanghai. The word “bund” comes from an Anglo-Indian term meaning a muddy embankment on the waterfront, and it is the Huangpu River which is the waterfront here. Four kilometers long, the Bund has long been one of the most important areas in Shanghai. In the 1930s, the row of buildings that front the water was host to the city’s financial and commercial centres, and the world’s greatest banks and trading empires established a base here.

The Great Wall
The Great Wall totaling more than 12,000 kilometers, is definitely the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only man-made object visible from the moon, and as one of the Eight Wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China lives up to its reputation. It stretches from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. The original wall was begun during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), when Chian was unified under Emperor Qin Shihuang. Separate walls, constructed by independent kingdoms to keep out marauders were linked up. Hundreds of thousands workers, many of them political prisoners, worked for 10 years to build this monument. But the wall never really served its function as a line of defence. During the Ming Dynasty, an effort was made to rehash the whole project this time facing it with bricks and stone slabs. This took over 100 years and took huge toll of human lives and resources.

The Terra-Cotta Warriors
Ranking up there with the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, the 2,000 year-old Army of Terracotta Warriors is one of China’s most popular historical sights and among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. This incredible collection of 6,000 men and their horses was discovered completely by accident by a group of peasants in 1974 who were digging a well. The warriors are over 2,000 years old and were originally constructed to protect the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. These life-size warriors stand on guard as if preparing for battle.

Tiananmen Square
Tian'anmen Square is located in the very heart of Bejing. It is the largest urban square in the world and has a historical significance to rival its size. Enlarged in the 1960s, Tian'anmen Square covers and area of 40 hectacres and measures 880 meters from north to south, 500 meters from east to west and can accommodate up to one million people. Ancient Beijing planning did not permit public squares as they were seen as dangerous places where crowds could gather. Tian'anmen Square is therefore, one of Beijing's most modern sites and is largely Mao's planning.
The May 4th demonstrations in 1919 against the Treaty of Versailles took place here. So did the anti-Japanese protests in 1935. Mao inspected his troops here during the Cultural revolution, and in 1976, one million people gathered in the square to pay tribute to the Chairman. Today, visitors remember the square mostly for the images of the 1989 student demonstrations. It is not just the physical centre of China, but also the centre of power and politics. For Chinese visitors, the site is of utmost importance. Today, it is filled with tourists visiting Mao's tomb, or paying their respects at the monument to the heroes of the Revolution.

Yu Garden
This is one of Shanghai’s top tourist destinations. The gardens were founded by the Pan family who were rich officials during the Ming Dynasty. After 18 years of nurturing, the gardens were bombed during the Opium War in 1842, and again during the French reprisals for attacks on their concession by Taiping rebels. Today they have been restored to their former glory.

HONG KONG

Victoria Peak Known as Hong Kong's most conspicuous landmark, The Peak is also the residential yearning of most of the population. Located on Hong Kong Island, only two cars are available to carry 72 passengers and one driver. These cars are pulled by 1,500m steel cables wound on drums. The Peak is comprised of the most expensive real estate properties in all of Hong Kong.

Repulse Bay is the dream beach: clean water, fresh sand, calm tide and gentle waves. There constructed on the sandy beach, is a Sea View Tower of Chinese, inside which there are images of Tin Hau (the Queen of Heaven and Protectress of Seafarers) and Goddess of Mercy, Avalokitesvara more than ten meters high. Beside it, there is a Bridge of Longevity across which the image of Yuexia Laoren (the god of matchmaker) is there with a conjugal felicity stone beside him. It is said that after worshipping the god of matchmaker and striking the conjugal felicity stone, the conjugal felicity surely emerges.

Aberdeen was formerly a fishing village. Even though quite a few commercial towers and factories have been built in this district in recent years, Hong Kong Tsai still maintains the characteristics of a traditional fishing village. There are also boat-dwellers in the Aberdeen Bay, shuttling with sampan along the Bay, from which one can have a glimpse of the life of the boat-dwellers. The famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant and the Tai Bak (Tai Bei) Seafood Boat are located at the Aberdeen Habour. Enjoy a free-of-charge travel by ferry boat to the restaurants.


KAM TIN WALLED VILLAGE: This is one of the very few left traditional walled village found in Hong Kong. It was built in the 1600s in the shape of a square completely surrounded by brick walls erected to protect villagers against invaders. The wrought iron gate at the entrance was once taken to England as a trophy for the victory of the British army in a battle with the inhabitants. However, it was returned in 1924 as a token of goodwill. Inside the village is a small temple dedicated to fifteen deities.

Man Mo Temple is situated on Hollywood Road, the temple is one of the oldest and the largest of its kind in the territory. It is dedicated to Kwan Kung, the god of war, and Man Cheong, the god of literature.

Luen Wo Market is near Fanling in the northern New Territories. This typical Chinese market features a wide array of fresh produce and daily necessities, which are sold from stalls laid out in a square.

WISHING TREE These two famous banyan trees are a favourite with local villagers who come to burn joss sticks and incense papers hoping their wishes will come true. During Chinese New Year, many Hong Kong people make a pilgrimage to this spot to make their New Year wishes. If your object gets hooked on the tree---you will have good luck!

The Tin Hau Temple was built around the time of Emperor Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty and is the largest temple of its kind in Tai Po. The temple's main hall is dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of Heaven, while on either side of the main hall stand, respectively, a Hall dedicated to both the God of Literature and the God of War (the Man Mo Hall) and the Temple for Justice, built in honour of 12 noble-hearted men who protected the Lam Tsuen villages in the past.






Thailand

Mae Sai
Northernmost point in Thailand, Mae Sai is a good spot to observe border life, as Mae Sai is one of the few official land crossings open between Myanmar and Thailand. Mae Sai is separated from Burma only by a bridge. With a small fee, you may usually cross the bridge to the Burmese town of Tachilek. Burmese lacquerware, gems, jade and other goods from Laos and Mynmar are sold in shops along the main street. Wat Phra That Doi Wao, on a hill top outside Mae Sai, is the town’s best temple.

Sukhothai Historical Park
Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals and the water dyke control system, which was the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom, are now preserved and have been restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO, not only with a view of fostering Thailand’s national identity, but of guarding a fine example of mankind’s cultural heritage.

The Grand Palace
The highlight in Bangkok is this city landmark on Na Phra Lan Road. The palace consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. Only state receptions and ceremonies are being performed in this Palace today.

Wat Chai Wattanaram
Influenced by the Khmer architecture, the most striking feature of this temple is the central stupa which is surrounded by eight smaller ones, decorated with stucco reliefs. The ruined Ayutthaya-style stupas have been restored here. Built by King Prasat Thong in 1630, this temple is outside the city island on the bank of the Chao Phraya river.

Wat Si Chum
It consists of the foundations and some of the columns of a wihan in front of a tall cube-shaped mondop of 32m square and 15m high and the walls are 3m thick, now roofless. It houses a monumental stucco-over-brick Buddha image “touching the earth” in the attitude of Subduing Mara called “Phra Achana” measureing 11.5m from knee to knee. There is a passageway in the left inner wall leading to the above crossbeam. On the ceiling of the passageway are more than fifty engraved slate slabs illustrating Jataka scenes.

Wat Trimitr
The temple of the Golden Buddha, is the world’s largest gold Buddha, the gleaming 4-meter high 13th century Sukhothai image is made of 18 carat gold and weigh 5 tonnes. Local Chinese residents come here to worship the Golden Buddha and to make merit by rubbing gold leaf on the temple’s images.

That 's all for now folks! Happy Holidays again! Safe travels! Peace sign. anne.

new year in a new town

As 2005 closes, so does the era of Taneichi-machi. As of January 1, 2006, we are combining with the neighboring village of Ono and becoming: Hirono-machi. Which means upon returning from my SE Asia trip, I will have a new address!

I'm growing more and more anxious of the big trip...in less than 48 hours I will be on my way! Rustin and I have finalized all plans, well actually he is in the air right now! Planning vacations is exhausting--currencies, immunizations, paperwork for RX-meds, flight arrangments, hotel reservations...you name it, it's finished!

When I return to Taneichi, January 16th, it will be a new year in a new town and it wouldn't be complete, if not for some new year's resolutions. So here are some of my goals/resolutions for 2006.

1. more traveling...the clock is ticking and there is so much to see and do. looking fwd to meeting my family in hawaii in march, and im working on a trip to cambodia/vietnam during golden week/may. southern japan in august...we'll see where that takes me, geographically and financially!

2. starting an eikaiwa in taneichi...i really hope this works out as it would surely benefit our community and be a fun way for me to have some freedom in the classroom. (eikaiwa=adult english conversation class)

3. passing my class...yep, i have to take a pre-req linguistics course for my grad school program and its supposedly ridiculously hard to pass WITH English support around you. rural japan doesn't offer much in the way of english tutoring services, so wish me luck!

4. really making an effort to actually STUDY japanese each day. i enjoy practicing it each day with everyone i encounter, (why? see resolution #3), but actually studying the grammar and vocab is a bit less interesting to me. but im tired of sounding like a 3 year old when i speak japanese and as an educator myself find it rather embarassing that my japanese grammar is so poor. ganbarimasu!

5. lastly, is to be a bit more selfish with my time. after graduating, i rushed into a full time work and then japan preparations and now im here and racing around trying to maximize every opportunity, but its exhausting! and i really don't want to burn out half way through the year......so i think finding a way to nicely decline some invitations would provide some sanity and time for reflection on how awesome it is to live in this country.

Well, I suppose its time to retire, like the Taneichi flag pictured below. Until 2006...blessings and best wishes for a fantastic year ahead for us all!

yamato-sho

YAMATO-SHOGAKKO
Alas, my initial visits to every single elementary school in Taneichi have come to a close. They are 9 in total and the total population within all schools combined is about 400. Of course they don't combine 400 students in one building, eliminate 15 teachers and cut the school budget in half... (they would save oodles of money on NOT heating 9 ghetto buildings with old, inefficient kerosene heaters. put everyone in one school and let them keep eachother warm. but what do i know, im only from the coldest state in the USA).

Today, I visited Yamato Elem---a 15 minute ride up into the mountains, as pictured below. Aside from fearing for my life and hoping I wouldn't get into an accident (no cell phone and I only saw 2 cars the entire way!), it was a great way to get the morning started! I heard Yamato was the smallest of all schools: 11 students in K-6 (21 students including the junior high) So, naturally, I was picturing a really quaint little shack nestled in a snowbank in the middle of nowhere. And, once again, I was shocked by the size of the school that, despite not meeting OSHA standards, would easily hold 1000 students in the USA.

I've blabbed on about how rewarding these experiences are, and today was no exception. I gave my intro shpeel to the school--all 11 of them watching intently. We covered so many topics: money, time, numbers and greetings in about 1 hour! The students were eager to speak English and their skills might be the best of any elementary I have been to. (Especially the 8th graders that I got to work with! Good job Chiba-sensei!) There is something to be said for small class sizes, but this is like a tutoring service! These kids are all way ahead of their peer counterparts. The best part of the day was participating in this japanese quiz game, narrated IN ENGLISH by the sixth graders. After getting drilled, and passing their test, I got to drill them with some English and then with baseballs...I got to throw batting practice for the school. This is the fourth school I have gotten to live my dream of being a phy-ed teacher...those people really have it made! All in a day's work eh? So now you are thinking: Does she "need" a month long vacation! Needs and wants...what more can I say!?

xmas with the guys

Thank you for the Japanesey Christmas party!

Tanoshi katta desu! Arigato Gozaimasu!

These are my most favorite guys in Taneichi (pic l-r: toshi, tadami, ma, mitsuo). Yeah, they might have a few years on me, (like they have kids my age) but they are wonderful fatherly friends who are a guarenteed great time! We started off the nite @ a local izakaya...great food and familiar faces. Felt like "Cheers"---everyone knows your name! Tonite was a super reunion for us 5, having not gotten together in over a month. We had some delicious snacks --including a game of "Russian Kroke"---a meatball looking food that has different veggies/meats inside of it, ONE of which is laced with some super potent spicy concoction unpalatable to humans. We "janken"-ed to see who would sample theirs first--and laughed uproariously when Mitsuo's face turned red and purple and the sweat poured profusely! Strange, but fun times in Japan! The highlight of this little pub was when the whole joint surprised me by singing "Happy Birthday" to me---in English! Many of these people struggle to form a broken English sentence, but their singing was outstanding! Go figure!? Yoku de kimashita! Domo!
After the pub, we walked, like drunked college kids, down to another karaoke bar. Here we met up with the deputy mayor of Taneichi. Thought I would surely have to be on my best behavior with this guy around...but at Japanese drinking parties anything goes! We sang and sang---the guys were sweet peas and sang some English favorites--Beatles, Elvis and Neil Diamond etc. (I don't think I've ever heard some of these "English favorites" of theirs, but was able to fake it!) And in true holiday spirit, Ma and I treated the bar to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" and Tadami-san and I gave Lennon's "War is Over" a shot. Part of my contract says "Internationalization" is one of my job responsibilities, and I can remember (barely, as the beer was hitting the spot!) having one of those realizations that, "Wow, I'm in Japan and we're singing Beatles and Christmas songs!"

A small step toward bridging the cultural divide, but so rewarding!

After stumbling home in a drowsy stupor, I cranked on the kerosene and was out for the nite. Well, until I was awakened by another earthquake--no damages to report. After my pulse and breathing rate returned to normal, I once again resumed my slumber. Until...my lovely neighbor decided to test out her snow shovel at 7:00 AM. Sleeping in Japan is useless- I swear! Hopefully, I can call it an early nite and start refreshed tomorrow---packing day & last minute finalizations of trip logistics!

Merry Christmas guys! See you next year! ;)

and the genkiest kid award goes to...

The competition was fierce and unbeknownst to the entire town's population. While the students have had almost 6 months to wow me with their boundless energy and intense passion in pursuit of English proficiency (ahem.................); shockingly, many are still "struggling to pick up English" (a mild euphemism for 'have I taught them anything whatsoever'!!!???) However, their sheer genkiness mustn't go without mention. These potential-Ritalin-candidates, have more energy than Richard Simmons after 5 pots of coffee. Moreover, they are bucking traditional Japanese culture, which

tends to focus on conformity and submissiveness. These intrepid souls have opted for a more relaxed and creative style of interation and communication and I commend them for their courage!

So,with no further ado, let's have a look at the those

who have exhibited exceptional genkiness in 2005.

They are pictured below, in no particular order.

~ WINNER ~

Thought about pulling an Angelina Jolie and swiping this little guy. And he could fit in my largest suitcase, so I'm not going to rule anything out.

Isn't he just the cutest little peanut ever?!

Heartfelt congratulations goes out to all of this year's candidates. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and making my job so much more worthwhile!

an xmas celebration

MeRRy CHriSTmaS & SeASon'S GrEEtinGs!

In and effort to give back to some of the wonderful new people in my life, I decided to give them Christmas! Mayumi, Junko, Taira and Manami are complete dolls and very special friends! Whether its an ear, a car ride, a shoulder, a bottle to share, cultural tips and teaching tricks....these ladies have helped me see through the good and not-so-good parts of living in northern Japan.

After cooking/cleaning/wrapping for several hours before my guests arrived, I felt a renewed sense of being American. Knowing that I could share a big part of my culture with this Christmas-rookies, made me quite giddy. Such that, I didn't notice how cold my house was---until my guests arrived and insisted that I start using my kerosene stove. Some of you are thinking---you've held out THIS long without kerosene heat..........yes, and I've never felt healthier! The arctic air is probably a deterrent to any foreign germs in my home...nothing could survive these temps! Needless to say, before the festivities got underway, Mayumi ran out to get some kerosene and gave me a mini lesson on how to operate the thing. The room heated up within minutes and I actually found the heat stifling. I had yet to experience such intense heat---so reminsicent of August in Japan. The party finally got under way as my guests got under my kotatsu!
This was the feast...a curry/tofu stir fry with about one of everything from our vegetable section of the grocery store. My notorious pumpkin dish w/ mustard and mayonaise. And lastly, a new creation of apples/yams/onions and cinnamon. Overall, must have been a success as I had very little leftovers and everyone helped themselves to seconds....and thirds! Hey, they might now celebrate Christmas, but they sure know how to splurge, calorically, around the holidays! Thai/Japanese/Chinese cuisine, Bing Crosby and Sinatra xmas tunes, and a super conversation of Japanglish = priceless.
After dinner, the cookie decorating contest got underway. I gave them a pep-talk and stressed the importance of precision decorating (not just frosting) cookies. They more than excelled at the feat and proved quite the competition for me and my 20+ years of decorating expertise. ;) This was their first time decorating cookies and memorable for all of us!

Here are our finished products! So beautiful and delicious! Did you know that Japanese snowmen have only 2 sections, not 3. We never got around to judging the contest, but everyone's a winner in my book. Manami made a Santa face and an igloo, Mayumi- a snowperson, Junko - a face... (!? ;) and Taira a reindeer. I went with the patriotic theme.

The evening closed with gift exchanging. They really enjoyed their culture-grabbag gifts from me. And I was surprised by their hostess gifts, which they really did NOT need to do! Thank you Taira for the Japanese xmas tree, albeit reminisicent of the Peanuts cartoon...yknow the "Linus tree". Thought that counts... And Manami brought a gorgeous plant from her flower shop--beautiful red and white flowers. Junko brought some holiday 'splash' that we will have to break into when I get back from the trip! And Mayumi, bless her soul, treated me to my first supply of kerosene on the year....a spendy gift! Thank you all for making my Christmas, away from Minnesota, so special! So happy to have you here in Taneichi! Happy Holidays! And Best Wishes in 2006! ~anne

pre-christmas

Christmas is on its way, although you'd never guess it here in Taneichi. No holiday decorations, christmas lights or special festivities. No snow (oh, tear... ;) and no holiday movies on TV, but plenty of Christmas music playing on the radio to remind me what I'm missing back home. I have to snicker while at the grocery store and Frank Sinatra's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" comes blaring through the loudspeaker....maybe they keep an English CD on hand and upon seeing me, quick pop it in for my amusement? Small joys...

And to spread a little Christmas joy, I'm throwing a Christmas party for four of my best girlfriends on Sunday nite. I have been super busy preparing for it, trying to make it a memorable Xmas for my friends (and me!). I've made gift bags/presents, cued some xmas movies to showcase our cultural traditions, planned an enormous feast, organized xmas music to get people in the holiday spirit and ..........and lastly, xmas wouldn't be complete with out decorating CHRISTMAS COOKIES!

I still can't read Kanji AND have never been able to bake, so in came Mayumi to the rescue! She helped me navigate the baking aisle and let me borrow her kitchen and oven for the nite. We had so much fun guessing on the conversions (grams, Celsious, liters etc...) so I feel pretty confident that I can whip up an alibi should things not taste delicious!

We opted for plain sugar cookies, rather than the tedious Christmas cut-outs. I know it's not the same thing, but in the effort of time........The sugar cookies turned out a little bigger than I had hoped...like what was suppose to make 30 xmas cutout cookies, yielded 10 cookies! OOPS! A blessing of a mistake though-- we will have more opportunities to fine tune our cookie decorating skills.

The frosting dilemma was solved after perusing several grocery stores. Powdered sugar is a rarity here, but we found it for about $2 a CUP!!!....so 5 bags later, and a small bag of cooking ingredients that cost more than an ENTIRE weeks worth of groceries for me. The frosting turned out especially delicious....so weird to taste something so sweet. I'm pretty confident my friends will NOT like this sweet excess. No sympathy on my part, if I can choke down raw sea urchin testacles, I'm pretty sure they can handle a cookie..

Stay tuned for pics from the party! I'm so excited to "celebrate" something cultural...finally! People who really want to learn about our culture! Hoorray!

Happy Holidays from Japan!

Lovelife: top 10

Here are my "current" reasons for loving life in Japan. In no particular order of course, as my attitudes, patience and overall understanding of the culture seem to fluctuate weekly.

1. The kids. Especially the little tykes @ these ultra-rural schools. Neat to see their excitment to see someone "different". They are so curious about me and want to know EVERYTHING about America and American culture. Ironically, after being at Taneichi Junior High for 4 months.......one of my students came up to me today and said, "Where are you from again?"
My response, "Uh,......are you kidding!?" I really do enjoy the students @ Taneichi--really outgoing and crazy and tons of fun........if not for the curriculum and choice of pedagogical practices---it would be a dream job!

2. Cheap food. Like free...and SO healthy! (I've adopted a quasi-vegan diet these last couple of months, which could be quite spendy back home). All the eggplant, daikon, cabbage, cucumbers, yams and squash you can handle AND a weeks worth of tofu---for maybe $20.

3. Super stimulating culture that defines the word BUSY. It's incredible how energetic they are, running to answer the phone and running to bring you another size at the dept store. Why the hustle? Who knows? But I've yet to meet someone half as lazy as the "stereotypical American". It's just a great culture that always keeps me on my toes and on the move!

4. Low-maintenance society. I love the rural life! No one cares about name brands or the latest and greatest fillintheblank. It's all about comfort and finding creative ways to survive the winter pneumonia-free. Let me illustrate this fashion-less situation, by describing what I wear when biking around town:
Layers are key.... so first its a tshirt and long sleeve tee, next is my blue track suit top I found @ a second hand shop and then a puffy down red coat, that Mayumi is lending me, to top it off. Then I take a bright green scarf, that Sophia gave me, and wrap it around my entire head (turban style), can't forget 2 pairs of cheapy wool gloves, 2 pairs of cheapy wool socks, my $3 MC Hammer grey fleece sweats and my $5 mock-moccasins. So fun to get away with such outrageous combos...and if I didn't have such hideous YELLOW hair at the moment, no one would look twice. It's the norm! I'm right in 'style'!

5. Being able to bike everywhere! I LOVE being able to bike to the grocery store in 5 minutes. To get to the post office AND the photo shop within 10 minutes. It just feels good to NOT rely on mass transporation for once in my life. Of course, i NEED to take the train to go anywhere of significant distance, but even that makes me feel better --environmentally speaking. I think going it without a car over here, has been a wise decision (with the exception of these cold winter months!)

6. Collective society. It's all about the group, and there is no "I" in team. They LIVE their lives like that...at work, at school and at play. It's not just an "action"--like I'll pat your back if you pat mine, but a mentality! It's a totally new way of thinking for someone like me, who admittingly, is a bit selfish at times. Really interesting to people put everyone else before themselves.

7. Living alone! Who would have guessed it? After having several failed roommate situations in the past few years, I was anxiously anticipating living alone for the first time in my life. And doing it 8000 miles from home could have been pretty scary, but I'm in a great location and have super neighbors so I feel right at home. I have yet to feel homesick and really enjoy my quaint oceanside home...complete with the propane heaters, a not-so-squishy futon and a japanese style bath tub that can barely fit half of me.

8. Travel opportunites! This experience wouldn't have been the same had I spent the last few months wandering around Taneichi and its "shopping district" that can be walked (twice) in about 10 minutes. Great people here and a super place to live, but there's just so many other places to see and do in japan and asia!

9. FRIENDS!!! Can you see that this list is NOT in order of importance! Friends and traveling is what makes me wake every day with a huge smile on my face! It IS the reason why I love being here! My Japanese friends have taught me more than I coud ever read in a book (or care to read for that matter). I can only hope that I have shared whatever info I can with them and that they feel the same way! I really lucked out in finding some real quality friends that I know I will keep in touch with forever! I'm very lucky and appreciate YOU! ;)

10. Temporary lifestyle. I debated whether or not to put this one in here, but it holds some merit. All of us JETs know this is a temporary situation. I think this is used as motivation to maximize our experience. At the Chicago orientation, just before departing for Japan, one of the speakers said: "Every day in Japan is one less day in Japan."
Simple, but powerful message.
Every morning, just before getting out of/off of my 4 inch futon cushion "bed", I first curse the cold air and the breath that I can see in my room, and then tell myself "today is one less day in japan....make it a good day....make it memorable...make it last."

hiranai-sho

Hiranai Elementary School

I continue to make my whereabouts around the Taniechi community at large. I didn't know that I would be taking on ALL 9 (?--might be missing one or two!?) of the elementary schools in town---but what a treat it has been! By far the BEST part of the job! This was my first time @ Hiranai (1-6 = 85 students). Loved the staff and students. HUGE thanks go out to them for making my first visit so memorable!

I started off the morning with my self-intro powerpoint, which has been working really swell. It's hard to show pics/places/people to hundreds and hundreds of new faces every week---so this seems to cover all the bases. This was a particularly shy group, but when we broke into small groups/aka--"grades" they opened up much more!

By now you have probably noticed the highlighting kit malfunction I suffered a few days ago. YIKES! I have never had this color before, and wasn't planning on something so drastically different...I really don't need one more visible difference to set me apart from my community! Thought about trying to lowlight it with some Japanese dye...but in fear of making a bad situation worse, I have opted to let it grow out. Sigh......

OK back to school stuff: I got to share one of my fave elem books with the 3/4 grade students, "The Hungry Caterpillar"! What made it cooler was that I could read it WITH the other teacher---she's holding the Japanese version! Really fun way to show that our two cultures DO have similarities (ie. sharing a love for reading books by this super author! They are Eric Carle superfans over here!!!) This class was also probably THE most advanced 3/4 gr class I have worked with so far. They knew the colors, shapes, basic foods, days of the week...but "What's your name?"-----------not a chance!

Genki! Love these faces (fearless of English!)

Had a super chat with the principal and several other staff who all agree that the biggest differences between Japan and US schools lies in the culture. What's expected and/or accepted by the culture really defines how students are educated. Very interesting and good to hear both the positives and negatives of Japan (from the teachers themselves!) While people's overall interest in learning English is sketchy, people DO want to learn about American culture and ideals. They want me to explain how and why things are the way they are (or they way everyone "thinks" it is based on the evening news). It's a tricky situation, but a challenge that I really enjoy. Being able to break some American stereotypes and gain a better understanding of Japanese culture has become my primary focus over here. Ganbarimasu!

teacher talk

1/3 of this amazing experience has been...well, experienced (to the max I might add). some people have keenly observed how little time i devote to sharing info on japanese schools and my job. in my own defense, this is an intentional oversight and attempt to maintain your interest with my website. blabbing on and on about how monotonous and militaristic school life and the job itself are, would surely upset my fan base. with that said---i'm going to tell some of you masochists about the job, because you said you wanted to know.
WARNING: possible narcoleptic episode may ensue.

Perhaps the easiest way to tell you about the job is to compare it to junior high school life in the USA. so here is a not very thorough compilation of some of the biggest differences between the two:

1. In the US, a typical school day is about 7 hours (slight exaggeration as "academic" hours are about 4). In Japan, at least 10 hours. It isn't uncommon for my students to be at school for 12 hours--or so I hear, I haven't been subjected to such child labor cruelties.

2. The US is into experiential learning and focused on the learning process. Students turn in a collection of their best work in portfolios and they are given a variety of assessments to accomodate diverse needs and learning styles. Japan is concerned with the outcome and the score. Moreover, we are talking about ONE score---THE score to get into high school. The competition is fierce between students and their self-motivation is unparalleled.

3.I'm going to back up for a minute and talk about the physical differences of the schools themselves. This is a bit bias, as I have never taught in ultra-rural conditions like this in the States. But in the US, the average classroom has a few minor amenities----hot water, flushing toilets, central heat, an overhead projector (oh, the bucks I would drop on even the most archaic of projectors!), Internet access and several PC's IN the room and maybe even carpet--if its really a top notch joint! Ahhh, in Japan (OK these sweeping generalizations aren't fair), in Taneichi-Machi in the Iwate Prefecture-- there is none of the aforementioned "essentials". I can see my breath in the hallways, each classroom has a propane heater that not only reeks, but pumps out this carcinogenic smoke for the first 10 mintues of each class....which if I do the math right---pry means I am losing at least 40 minutes off my life every day at school! The squat toilets are appropriate for train stations and old gas stations, but at elite junior high schools like mine!?! (wink, wink--sarcasm folks.) This is the "inaka" and you just can't expect much from what is the poorest of prefectures in Japan.

I could go on and on,...has your butt fallen asleep yet?

4. In the US, creativity is encouraged and the focus is on making the future "leaders" of tomorrow confident, assertive and able to work cooperatively. Here, I'm afraid the conformist nature of the society and culture overshadows their objective to make responsible citizens. The students are trained to think and act a specific way. What ensues is a super-ritualistic, robotic society in which no one is really thinking for themselves (to quote one of my English teachers--"We haven't taught them to think for themselves".) Hmmm, I guess I don't remember that one Unit back in the States in which we were just told how to voice an opinion or show an expression. That is such a huge cultural difference, one that is hard to shake. It is so apparent that the students have to hold back, they have to adhere to the cultural mores and they have to do so without a complaint. It's really something to see...

5. In the US we give tons of homework. This has always been a topic of controversy, but I can see the benefits and draws to giving tons of it each nite. Everything in moderation is how I live my life...but in Japan, they don't give homework. The teachers say the students are too busy with after school sports and don't get home until late--so they would be too tired to finish additional assignments. Hmmm..well, if this strategy works its a sweet deal for both the teachers (less to grade) and students (more time to play videogames). But with English...a subject that they will NOT use or practice IN their homes-- a small amount of homework is essential in getting this overwhleming language to stick. Another battle that I have tried to fight, and of course...lost.

Ok, I think I have made Japanese schools out to be the devil themself. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to criticize and make sweeping generalizations...........oh, but that's probably exactly what happened. Funny how if I was teaching in the States I would have complaints and concerns too. Maybe you can't get away from it in this crazy career? If you know a way to do it, leave a comment!