Entertainers, not Prostitutues

Kyoto is a fantastic place. We got in around dinner time and knew that we didnt want to carry around our backpacks all day- so- we navigated our way around the city to found our hostel that we would be staying at. The staff there was so inviting and willing to go out of their way to show us things. Kyoto is a great place to see traditional things of "ancient" Japan but the festiities and local sights are best known by the actual Kyoto-ians.
We were informed of this place known as "Gion Corner" where we would be able to run into a Geisha, see a performance of old-time performances and perhaps even see some temples and shopping places along the way. To make a long story short, we high-tiled it over to the palce and ordered tickets to a performance where we saw a geisha dance, a comedy performance, and some tea ceremonies. On the way out, we were walking up the street and saw a geisha about to walk into a restaurant. HOW COULD I PASS THIS UP!!? When we walked up to her, I was at a loss for words apart from: You are beautiful! I asked about several things and told her where Sarah, Pauly, and I were from. The funny thing about it was that she was able to identify with something from each of our countries. Then I remembered from my anime days that geishas wwere studied entertainers who make money from accompanying guests and business men for dinner and events because they are treated as "works of art."
Van Gough aint got nothing on her...

One Night Stand

The nice feeling of sleeping on 1000+ count sheets [Im not even sure they make those] with a Japanese robe holding close to every part of your body. It doesnt go unnoticed. Especially when partnered with fresh green tea. If youve ever watched a surreal movie like "Last Holiday," you are probably like me in that you have wondered what it would be like to live like the high society. Making that splurge on the ryokan [a traditional Japanese inn] was one of the best decisions one could ever make. TO make things better, you know that you are cut away form the rest of the world on a luxurious island. It truly meets up to its name: A place where humans and gods meet together.

We needed a fresh start like this if we were going to even match up to hat was going to be in our near future [MT FUJI]. We set out at a comfortable time and went sight seeing around the island. To the average person, Mirajima Island would be passed up when Tokyo is complared against it. It was not until we saw pamphlets and consulter our "Lonely Planet" guide that we knew it would be a treasured moment. The island is home to the top three photographed sights in Japan: The Floating Torii Gate, Senjojaku Shrine, and the red bridge. We were only able to make a good majority.

In 1587 Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the warlord who unified Japan during this era, ordered the establishment of Senjokaku as a sutra repository where sutra-chanting would be held in honor of war casualties. It is the biggest building in Miyajima. It is called Senjokaku because its floor size is equal to the area of 857 tatami mats, who would have ever thought it? . The construction of the hall was discontinued when Hideyoshi passed away, and it still remains unfinished today.

Upon entering into any temple or shrine, you are asked to cleanse your hands of any bad omens or spirits that you may be accompanying you. Throughout the beginning corridors in the temple, there are several reeds that you can wave over yourself/neighbor to perform the like. The Kushima Shrine is known for the unique and bold concept of being built in the sea as well as its elegant architectural style called “Shinden Zukuri”. It is said to have been first built in 593, and the present shrine pavilions were constructed in 1168. The vermilion-painted main building creates a beautiful contrast with the blue sea and green mountains; when the tide comes in, the shrine looks as if it is floating on the sea. We were lucky to see a Japanese wedding being performed there. We were intially prevented from taking pictures but we soon followed the lead of others and went against orders.
The shrine, partnered up with the floating Torii gate make for one scenic shot.

Once we realized what time it was, we snapped out of tourist mode and made a B line back toward the ryokan to pick up our luggage. Our next stop would be Kyoto.

Traveling between the cities is rumored as being just as joyous as getting together for company office parties. We soon realized that we would go against the grain and look forward to these times. Our timing was unmatched. Every time we happened to travel, it would be at the hottest time of the day- the fast train and cool temperatures of its cars allowed for us to a get a good nap in. Forget the kids, adults need naps too.

Pleasant Serendipity

A loss of sleep and late night phonecalls doesnt always add up for a pleasant tomorrow. These days I have been losing interest in the small things that I had come to enjoy. Cooking has become a daunting task in the morning. Instead of reaching for my spices and array of choices, I am not compelled to turn to yogurt and cereal. An easy fix when you're in the laziest of moods. No matter how many episodes I watch of Star Wars Clone Wars I watch, it doesnt compensate.

There are times where you just start to run yourself into a bigger and bigger hole. I remember this book that my parents read called "Get out of that pit." One of the ending thoughts of this book was that we are the ones that dig our own graves and downfalls in life. At least thats what I interpreted from the book.

This morning, like any other this week, began with a few extra minutes of sleep time. Needless to say, I have realized that the more and more you press the snooze button- the more you are going to pay for it later: an unkempt appearance, a sourpuss mood, a stressed out attitude. Why do I continue to do it this week?
The end up coming to work with news of my classroom having to relocate once again. [Just another stick to put on the smoldering fire of my day.]
After the brief conversation, I ended up going to my classroom and laying my head on my desk. For a few moments proceeding, my mind kept telling me that feeling sorrowful about my situation would help but I knew that was just a crock.
I turned on youtube and started listening to some Christian jamz.

Later on, my coworker came in and told me that she saw what happened and that she was greatful I was there.

My partner teacher invited me out to lunch and said that I was on her mind this morning and she prayed for me.

I'm not alone.

The Holyland part 1

Everyone knows that I have been wanting to venture out to this place since ages ago.
I cannot believe that it was in the making: a trip to Japan. I was able to make the trek with two of my friends: Sarah Lou and Paul.
Paul slep over at my new apartment the night previous because we would have to fly by the seat of our pants the next morning to make it to the airport in time. While having a car would be much easier- we like to take the road less traveled. The three of us had to be at the airport limo busstop by 5:00am. I know Im a morning person these days but thats just pushing it.

Once in Fukouka Japan at 1150, we hit the ground running but ended up getting a little confused about what to do.
[author's note: from here on out, we would continue to be blessed by many Japanese people who would go out of their way to assist us].
After riding on the subway and engaging in conversation with Chonan, a local, we soon found out how to obtain our JR rail passes and get on our way to Hiroshima. Oh wait, there is no smell here in Japan!

The JR pass is an essential to any foreigner going into Japan for more than 3 days at a given time. Since transportation is more expensive than the US and Korea combined, one would spend 1000.00 bucks alone trying to navigate around without the JR pass. The cost of the pass ranges from 300-400 bucks due to exchange rates at the time.

Hiroshima proved to be a peaceful place to venture to first. Many of the sights and stops within the city were very low key and mellow. The people proved to be friendly and the cuisine was amazing. The must see palce in the city was the museum/A BOMB DOME [one of the only free standing places that have withstood time and the blast].
I was surprised to see that people were very welcoming to us, being foreigners AMERICANS within their city. Many of their monuments did not protest America but just the overarching idea of war. Out of all the sights we saw, one that forever lurks in my memory is the Hiroshima Flame. The reading on the plaque states that it will be extinguished when "all atomic bombs are destroyed."
To wind things down, we went over to the docks to partake in Hiroshima's token dish- Okonomyaki!
This concoction starts with a bed of udon noodles. bacon. cabbage. egg pancake. finishing sauce. You couldnt ask for something better at the end of your first night.

Secrets of an 8 Year Old Mind

There is something in the way kids greet you that makes you realize that your existance in that brief moment is worth it. I never in a million years thought I had the patience to teach any age level -especially kids for that matter. There was a moment yesterday where I had to make a quick stop by the teachers lounge for a non-savory cup of coffee to supress the sleepy feeling I had been battling all day. When I entered into my 8 year old class, I was consumed with an overall love. The students were excited to turn in their completed homework and show me their perfectly formed sentences.

I have a feeling Im going to grow really attached to these kids in the short time we have.
We're secretly planning a snack party.