Mount Fuji Assent

We started out the day in Arashiyama Bamboo Forrest listening [well reading] the stories about the different shrines and temples sheltered inside. While the bamboo forest didn’t span a great deal of land, its one of those panoramic moments your memory forever engrains into its walls. It’s hard to imagine that one can stand at the foot of a majestic mountain, such as Mount Fuji in this case, and speak words to yourself that would continue to propel you to its peak. Sarah and Paul were looking fearless compared to me. We boarded the bus and headed up to the 5th station which was just peaking above the clouds. Station-Five is where they say is the separation between Heaven and Earth. Once there, we were able to drop our backpacks off to the care of some restaurateurs [older and seemingly worthy of our day of trust]. At this point, our view of backpacking has begun to change from a worthwhile opportunity to a hunchback causing discomfort. Paying a mere ten-twenty dollars was a drop on the barrel compared to the assent we saw coming before us. Before leaving, we caught word from the locals that we should just make the climb up to station six and camp out fearing that we get caught in the dark.
Being full of energy, we made it to the first station with our vitality in tact and good spirits about us. “Why not try for the next one?” This was the ressounding thought on all of our minds. We continued this for the next 2 stations after. We finally stopped at Station 7B [there ended up being two station 7’s]. Much to our surprise, this was the newer of the two stations and had plenty of good people there to converse with. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a warm welcome and a nice hearty dinner of curry and rice. Throughout the night we entertained the thought of staying on and working for one of the stations on the FUJI. Little did we know that you have to stay up there for months at a time before going back down. One of the workers there [around our age] had been there for about 3 months. I liked the temperature or that station but I would fear GOING STIR CRAZY AFTER A WHILE. Plus, where were the showers?
The thought of staying the night as being the only travelers was soon dispelled after the next caravan of people came up and crashed there as well. An early night of 8pm bedtime turned into a restless night of tossing and turning to the constant chatter in the background. Ultimately, we woke up somewhat drained but fueled by our own adrenaline. The moonlit hike to the next station was breathtaking to say the least. There has always been something about the moonlit sky that invokes a sense of peace. I am reminded of a subtle part within the Benjamin Button movie where he wake up night after night conversing with a mysterious woman in the lobby for hours on end. One of his many quotable quotes I am applying to this moment: A place in the middle of the night can be a magical place. There's something peaceful,
even comforting knowing that the people you love are asleep in their beds
where nothing can harm them.[Man that sounded a lot more on target before I typed it. I’m keeping it for my own records]. The sun started to peak over the horizon as we rushed up to the 8th station. After our paparazzi like “click click” of the cameras, we continued on our quest to scale the mountain. Up til and including this point, we had already taken notice of the overall friendly nature of the people hiking around us. The locals and fellow conquesters were ready and willing to greet us with a friendly Good Morning and Good Luck. Not something readily available in Korea.

Passing station after station, it seemed the like top would be just as far away as when we first began. Somewhere between the hours on my watch and the short stops to catch a breath, it snuck up on me. That second wind and “The Little Engine that Could” encompassed my person and got me to the top. It was almost like Joshua standing on the mountain and looking out over the land of Canaan. The Promised Land. It was as the guide books and locals had said- this was a glimpse into Heaven. There was nothing but clouds and mountain peaks for miles and miles around you. No noise pollution.
Maybe I should stop and consider that job position at station 7 once more. Ill just chow down on the sushi and seaweed until I convince myself otherwise.

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.

French Toast Revelry

I am a firm believer that sometimes you meet people in your life that make a world of change. The encounter in which you come across he or she can be big [complete with fanfare or lack there of] or it can be the simplest of meetings. In the shower this morning, people started to come across the forefront of my memory.

Conversing with people in a widespread graveyard over backrubs and ice cream.

Chasing girls throughout my college campus just to have a conversation

Rehearsing speeches in front of friends in order to sound more "enthusiastic"

Pouring my soul out to loves over a simple dinner of spaghetti

Sipping tea in a vacant living area about life stories

Sitting upside down on a curbing under the safety of an umbrella

Praying for God's intervention and guidance

Crying to a Aaron Shust song when you realize He came through

Sitting frustrated at Toccoa Falls on why God didnt see eye to eye with you

Now it was time for french toast