Travel Entry - Himeji Castle & Kyoto

Me & Sophia

A friend of mine from graduate school, Sophia (who is currently working as a speech-language pathologist in Shanghai, China) visited us in Japan last week. We took advantage of a sunny weekend to explore both Himeji Castle and Kyoto. The cherry blossoms (sakura) were slated to be in full bloom that weekend; however, due to a drop in temperature - the date of full bloom was pushed back about a week. The sites were still stunning - and we did manage to find some trees that had bloomed a bit early! 

Kyoto is the ancient imperial capital of Japan - and a MUST-see for those who visit Japan. Kyoto was one of the few cities in Japan that was not bombed - and so a lot of the temples, castles, and shrines are original (with the normal "wear and tear" restorations). Kyoto definitely has the "traditional" feel - unlike many other parts of Japan - and I think it paints the picture of traditional Japanese life. 

~*Himeji Castle*~

The Shinkansen

Himeji Castle is located in Himeji, Japan (about a 45-minute shinkansen (bullet train) ride outside of Kyoto). Himeji Castle is the largest castle in Japan and is also regarded as the finest surviving examples of "protoypical Japanese castle architecture." Himeji Castle was first built as a fort in 1333; and then as a castle in 1346. Over the years the castle has been remodeled, expanded upon, and updated by many imperial members. Interestingly, most of the town of Himeji was bombed at the end of World War II, but the castle was untouched. I read that a firebomb was dropped on the top floor of the castle, but failed to explode.  In 1993, the castle was registered as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. 

The gardens

We found one tree in bloom! 

We were able to walk through the castle - and climb the super challenging staircases (the steps are all different widths and heights to make it difficult for intruders) all the way to the top floor. What a view! We were also able to walk through some other buildings and a beautiful garden with a cute restaurant and tea house.

After roaming around the castle - we followed our noses to a street fair that was serving TONS of Japanese treats. The best thing was that almost every booth was offering free samples - so we had our fill of mochi, rice crackers, fried chicken, and even sake! I was browsing the sake booth - not really planning on trying any - when a Japanese man tapped my shoulder as said - "Try it!" in perfect English! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention - I finally found some sakura soft serve - YUM!! 

View from the top of Himeji Castle

~*Fushimi Inari-Taisha*~ (Kyoto)

Fushimi Inari-Taisha is the head shrine of Inari - the god of rice. The shrine sits at the base of a hill and includes a hiking trail up Mount Inari that passes by many smaller shrines. The path is "straddled" by thousands of torii gates, which are bright orange in color. The grounds are also covered by statues of foxes, which were thought to be Inari's messengers. I found it interesting that no two foxes looked the same. As we walked (or climbed - SO many stairs), I noticed that almost all of the gates had writing on them. Kaz was able to figure out that people, companies, etc. buy or sponsor a gate (or several) in the shrine. 

We attempted to time our hike so that we would be able to see the sunset over Kyoto from a lookout spot about 15 minutes from the top of the mountain. We made it up a bit quicker than we expected - so we took some time to enjoy some snacks and the amazing view. The hike down was a tad creepy - as it was rather dark and the crows were "cawing" loudly. Apparently some people like to hike the mountain at night to fully experience the slightly eerie atmosphere...yikes! 

~*Tenryu-ji Zen Temple*~

The next morning - after grabbing coffee at a coffee shop with AMAZING views - we spent time exploring Tenryu-ji Zen Temple. The temple is located in Arashiyama - which is at the foot of the mountains on the western edge of Kyoto. 

Tenryu-ji was established in 1339 (construction was completed in 1345) and is the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The temple was destroyed or damaged by fires eight times throughout history. It is ranked number one of Kyoto's so-called Five Mountains (the city's five major Zen temples) and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. 

There is a rather interesting story associated with the temple's creation. Apparently the shogun Ashikaga Takauji wanted the temple established in memory of the Emperor Go-Daigo. Early on, Ashikaga and the Emperor had been friends - but when Ashikaga opposed the Emperor's attempt to bring the Imperial House back to power - thus restoring a civilian government - the emperor decreed that Ashikaga be hunted down and executed. This didn't happen and the Ashikaga shogunate actually came to power when the Emperor's attempts failed. It's interesting to wonder what the Emperor might think about a friend turned enemy dedicating a temple to him. 

In addition to the temple, the grounds have absolutely gorgeous gardens. And, if you continuing walking through the gardens - you will stumble across the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The pictures don't do the site justice - but there is a path that you can walk that leads you through a huge bamboo grove. The bamboo is really tall and surrounds you on all sides. It's truly an amazing site! I've never seen anything like it! 

Photo credit - insidekyoto.com

Continuing our walk through the bamboo grove, we came to Okochi-Sanso Villa - which is formerly the estate of the famed film actor Okochi Denjiro. You have to pay an entrance fee - but then you are free to wander around the estate. The gardens and views are stunning - and when you're finished touring - you get to enjoy some matcha (green tea) and yummy sweets! 

Just a glimpse of the beauty...

Enjoy tea and snacks! 

Can you see the sakura?

We spent the rest of our time in Kyoto, perusing the shops in Nishiki Market and the restaurants in the Gion area. We enjoyed some gyoza (dumplings), ramen (yummy bowl of noodle goodness), and melon-pan filled with matcha ice cream!

Kyoto is such a wonderful place to explore - and we only saw a small sliver of what the city has to offer. I can't wait for our next visit to explore even more! 

Sunny moments: Exploring a beautiful city; spending time with Sophia (it's was great to catch up after 6 years!); sunny skies and blooming sakura; being surprised by how "foreigner-friendly" the city was (SO much English).

Cloudy moments: None that I can think of! 

Shippo-Yaki

Last week - thanks to Ashley and Kato Sensei - I was able to partake in the Japanese art of shippo-yaki. Shippo-yaki, or cloisonne, is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects. I don't believe that the craft originated in Japan; however, it has become widely popular here. 

Ashley (who is also from Kentucky and whose husband works for Toyota) began taking lessons with sensei after she saw some beautiful shippo pieces at a friend's house. She asked about the pieces - and to make a long story short - began working with sensei. Sensei has been making shippo-yaki for more than 45 years...and works out of a studio at his home. He showed us some of his pieces - which were absolutely stunning! Sensei has been learning English by reading his dictionary and asked Ashley if she would help him coordinate small group classes once per month...so that he could practice his English and also share his love of shippo-yaki with others. 

Sensei and his wife graciously welcomed seven of us into their home for almost an entire Friday (we started about 10am and finished up about 3:30pm). While they spoke little English and most of us spoke little Japanese...the dialogue flowed well with lots of pointing and demonstrating! For this particular class - we got to pick which season (winter, spring, summer, fall) we wanted to do. Since spring/cherry blossom (sakura) season is so huge in Japan...I chose the sakura tile. Here are the steps (and some pictures - of the shippo piece I made) involved.

1. The base for shippo-yaki is a piece of copper. The copper is treated, dipped into a liquid glass mixture, and then fired. That gives you the white tile you see below - which becomes the canvas (so to say) on which you create your design. 

2. Next, you draw your design in permanent marker onto the tile. The marker burns off when fired - so you won't actually see it. Sensei created these images - so this part was done for us. Phew...because my drawing repertoire is usually reserved for stick figures only. 

3. Once the image is drawn, gold/silver wire is molded and attached (with glue) to match the pattern...creating the image you see below. We were able to mold/attach our initials and it was super difficult - I can't even imagine attempting to mold an image like this out of ribbon! This is then fired in the kiln for a few more minutes to help the glue set.

4. Now you are ready to "paint." The mixtures have a paint-like appearance, but they are actually finally ground glass...which looks a lot like sand mixed with water. You use a paintbrush to fill in the "compartments" with the paint. You can add water to help make the paint easier to spread. Sensei had a model for us to follow - so that we could make our colors match his. I am learning that when doing Japanese crafts - they really, really like your product to match the model as closely as possible. They often help you to "fix" your product, 

You can see the "sand-like" consistency. 

5. Now it's off to the kiln for the first round of firing. This melts the "paint" and shrinks it down. You can see the shiny look that the glass has once it begins to melt.

6. Then you repeat the painting and firing process again - making sure to fill the "compartments" up to the top. I decided to make my background blue and white to resemble clouds and to make the colors pop just a bit more. Plus I figured that it would match the theme of my blog. 

7. Then it's time for the finishing touches - the tile gets polished, coated with one more layer of glass and then fired for the last time.

Here is the finished product! I would say it turned out pretty well! I am excited to display it - and secretly hoping that I will get to do shippo-yaki with sensei at least one more time while I'm in Japan. He's going to retire pretty soon...and I'd love the chance to learn even more from him (and also make the "fall" tile).

March Holidays - Girl's Day & White Day

Hina Matsuri/Girl's Day - March 3rd

In February, I started noticing displays of dolls in many of the stores we visited. When I asked Kaz about them - he said they were displays selling dolls for a holiday known as Hina Matsuri (or Girl's Day). 

The tradition of Girl's Day dates back to the Heian era (794-1185). At that time...and I guess now too...it was popular for girls of the court to play with dolls. Dolls then went on to be viewed as the caretakers of the girls' health and happiness - keeping bad luck away and bringing good fortune in. 

Little girls in Japan will often be given these dolls - which are traditionally passed down for generations - and the family will then display them from mid-February until March 4th. It is said that if you leave the dolls up too long after March 3rd - then the daughter's marriage may be delayed. The dolls represent the Heian court as they would have sat thousands of years ago. The emperor and empress sit on the top tier with attendant ministers, court ladies, and musicians on the lower tiers. There are usually about 15 dolls total and the dolls often look different (depending on the artist's individual style and technique). 

When celebrating Hina Matsuri several foods are often eaten. Hishimochi are diamond-shaped rice cakes with pink, white, and green layers. The white represents the snow of the waning winter, while the green represents the new growth of spring. I'm not sure exactly what the pink represents - but it seems to be tied to the sakura (cherry blossoms) and ume (plum) blossoms which bloom in the Spring. Shiro-zake is the first variety of sake of the year, which tends to be available in the early spring. Because of its sweet flavor - it came to be associated with girls. Since it's alcoholic - it's only consumed by adults. Hina arare are small balls of crunchy puffed rice which are sometimes sweetened with sugar. Because they were previously made using leftover mochi from New Year's, they came to symbolize thriftiness and creativity (said to be desirable qualities of a good wife). 

Since I wasn't in Japan on Girl's Day, I didn't witness the actually March 3rd celebrations. Hopefully I will be able to do so next year. My Japanese tutor also told me that there is a museum which features these dolls...so I'll have to check that out too. And, if you're wondering...there is not a Boy's Day. However, Children's Day takes place each year on May 5th. 

White Day - March 14th

I was surprised to learn that Japan celebrated "St. Valentine's" Day. I guess I had just assumed that it was mainly an American Hallmark-type holiday. And, even more surprised to learn that in Japan St. Valentine's Day is actually a holiday for men. Typically, women buy chocolates or little gifts for the men in their lives (and not necessarily just significant others - Kaz came home with a box of chocolates from his coworkers).  I read that gifts can be an expression of love, courtesy, and social obligation! However, a month later - on March 14th - Japan celebrates White Day. White Day is the holiday in which the men return the favor...and there is actually a "generally recited rule" that the return gift should be two to three times the price of the gift the women purchased on St. Valentine's Day. 

White Day was first celebrated in Japan in 1978 as an "answer day" to Valentine's Day. Initially, the confectionary companies sold marshmallows and white chocolate to men. However, now various types of chocolates and treats are sold. Several other East Asian countries - China, Taiwan, and South Korea also celebrate the holiday with their own little twists on the tradition. 

Me wearing my beautiful White Day scarf!

This year - I got Kaz some cookies (green tea with red bean filling - yuck!), chocolates, and a fun Star Wars coloring book (yep - the adult coloring book craze has reached Japan). For White Day, he got me a beautiful scarf - that almost seems to change color depending on how you look at it. In typical Kaz style, he gave me the scarf the day that he bought it since I would be getting back to Japan from the US on White Day...and also because it's hard for him to not give gifts as soon as he gets them! :)

I am enjoying learning about new holidays in Japan - and also about new twists on holidays that I've celebrated growing up. I am sure this is the just the start of holidays and traditions...especially as we approach the start of Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season! 

More soon! :) I have at least two more posts in the works...as I think this blog post is long enough for today! 

Month 2 in Review...And Lots About "Work"

I am writing Month 2 in Review from my dad's house in Michigan - with this furry little guy keeping me company. I sure have missed his snuggles over the past ten weeks. 

On Monday, I boarded a plane for a fourteen-day trip back to the US. Time to see family and friends in Warren and Cincinnati - sandwiched in between two conferences (one in Milwaukee and one in Columbus). I'm only three days into the trip and I am surprised how easily I just fit back into life in the US.  At this point - I am enjoying things that I don't have - or are more difficult in Japan. I have eaten cereal and enjoyed some smoothies (bringing the blender back to Japan); driven a car (and remembered how to do so); shoveled snow at 9:30pm with my dad; and, used the dryer to fully dry my clothes. Oddly, it seems normal to be able to read everything and communicate without thinking. I was imagining that this would feel odd. I realize it's only been two months in Japan - and I am probably still in that US mindset to an extent.  It will be interesting to see what the "adjustment" is like in August. I have to say though...public bathrooms in Japan are SOOOOOO much cleaner! 

And now...on to the review! :)

Places Visited

-Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle)

-Jigokudani Monkey Park

-Hakuba Ryokan/Onsen

-Bowling (in Hoshigaoka) 

-Tokyo (the Roppongi area; American School in Japan)

-Nagoya City Science Museum

-Lots of restaurants! (including one that served "American" hamburgers and imported beer)

Cafes Enjoyed

While Kaz and I enjoy our Starbucks from time to time - we prefer local coffee shops and cafes. One of our favorite things to do whenever we are in a new place is to try explore the coffee shops. Hence cafes enjoyed being a header on these monthly reviews! This month, however, our Starbucks intake has increased as we have been indulging in some seasonal Japanese drinks and as I have come to LOVE matcha lattes (green tea lattes - which are not often on the menu but are available all year long in the US as well). During the end of March/beginning of April - the cherry blossoms (aka ~ sakura) begin to bloom in Japan. I can't wait to experience this - as people flock to Japan to see them and lots of festivals and events accompany the blooms as well. And I am quickly learning that with that comes sakura flavored EVERYTHING! Starbucks features both a Sakura latte and a Sakura frappuccino.  So, naturally - we had to try them.

I learned a few things in trying both drinks. First, the flavoring is not actual "sakura" - it is a combination of raspberry, strawberry, and caramel. Pretty tasty! I've heard other sakura-flavored things actually use the leaves from the sakura. I'll have to compare. The other is that even though the Sakura latte is called a "latte" - it doesn't actually have espresso in it. After tasting it - and thinking I was just drinking flavored milk - I Goggled a bit and found out that I really was drinking flavored mild. Apparently, a few years back...Starbucks changed the drink name from "steamer" to "latte" - but didn't add coffee. I guess you can ask to have a shot of espresso added if you wanted. That will require practicing how to do so in Japanese - and not just winging it when at Starbucks. The frappuccino also contains no coffee - and tastes like a milk shake. I would recommend the drinks to others to try...though I would rate the matcha latte and the cold match latte with chocolate (I discovered at the grocery stores/combini) as much tastier. 

And one other yummy "cafe" to mention. When in Tokyo, Kaz and I stumbled across a cafe that only sold popsicles. And YUMMY ones!! I had a chocolate popsicle (kind of like a creamsicle) that had a brownie and orange slices in it. Kaz's was cheesecake with strawberries, peaches, and some other fruit. DELICIOUS! 

Kit Kat Flavors Tasted
Adding to the list of Kit Kat flavors...

Sake

Strawberry Cheesecake

Yuzu ("Fruit" Line)

Shinshu Apple

Raspberry ("Fruit" Line)

We also found a store in Tokyo that sells LOTS of Kit Kats...so we bought many boxes and flavors to try in the coming months. I also took bags of them home with me to the US - so now family and friends are joining in on the Kit Kat tasting frenzy! :)

Victories

Over the past month - my role as a speech therapist in Japan has really been evolving. I think originally I imagined myself working with a couple of kids who had received therapy back in the US, Canada, or even England...and whose parents were doing something similar to what Kaz and I are doing. Being here for a few years due to a job placement. I was actually a little worried that I would "get a bit our of practice" as a clinician. Boy, was I wrong! 

Thanks to a ton of help from a wonderful special educator named Luci...Who helped me to get started at NIS (Nagoya International School) and who helps me on a daily basis to figure out my role as a professional in Japan. And who is amazing, dedicated, and who I am lucky to be able to learn from! ...I am quickly learning that there is A LOT more that goes into working in an international setting - with students and families from ALL over the world!

Working with the culturally and linguistically diverse population is something I had very little experience with...and I think is an area on the speech-language world that therapists are always wanting to figure more out about. I have found myself pondering a zillion questions. Questions like...Is it a difference? Is it a disorder? How do I know? How do I figure it out? In what ways does this culture view speech/language therapy? Do they know what a speech-language pathologist does? How can I explain my job in a concise way - that also makes sense? How can I get the family to trust me? What role does moving to a totally new country play in a student's struggles in the classroom? What happens when you place students from many different backgrounds together? And so much more... 

I spend my Tuesdays and Thursdays up at NIS. I am slowly building up a caseload of students. Most of my time so far has been spent observing students, talking with teachers, meeting with parents, and beginning to determine which students may benefit from speech/language therapy. I don't technically work for the school - so I have also been gaining some insight into what starting a private practice may look like...as Nagoya has not had an English-speaking therapist in a long time...and NIS hasn't had one on staff in the past.

Last weekend, I spent Saturday in Tokyo with a group of foreign speech-language pathologists from all over the world. A wonderful SLP named Marsha (who is from Ohio) has lived in Japan and worked as an SLP for the past 40 years. She has formed a network of therapists to work with the international community. The SLPs work in international schools and do private practice in the Tokyo area. They also all speak and do therapy in English. I had a great time meeting with them - and am excited to continue to collaborate and learn from them. I am hoping that with time...Nagoya will build up a network of foreign SLPs as well. I was even able to present a two-hour talk to them (the one Scott and I gave at ASHA in November). I never imagined that I would present internationally...pretty cool! 

Luci has also introduced me to an organization called SENIA - which stands for Special Education Network in Asia. SENIA is a network on educators, professionals and parents across Asia dedicated to supporting individuals with special learning needs. Many Asian countries - including Japan - have local chapters. The SENIA conference was held in Kuala Lumpur last month and the Japan chapter conference will be held in Japan this coming April. Next year - the SENIA conference will be held in Japan...which is super exciting. I am not able to go to the conferences this year; however, I am looking forward to getting involved with the group, learning from the members, and maybe even presenting next year (I've already put the bug in Scott's ear about bring some ACT to Japan). 

Goals

-Keep putting myself out there - trying new things, meeting new people...even when those "new" things seem challenging and scary.

-Continue to be willing to sit with both positive and challenging emotions about living in Japan.

-Get back into running...I think the ankle is ready!

-Continue journey with learning the language - take steps to attempt talking - even if it's a lot of stumbling and jumbling through my words. 

-Continue to grow and evolve as an SLP - and to learn as much as I can from everyone at NIS and the international SLP community. 

-Enjoy Sakura season - and all that it has to bring! :)

-Take more time - especially on weekends - to EXPLORE Japan!

Sunny Moments

In addition to the ones above...

-Meeting new people

-Growing as an SLP/professional

-Traveling to new places

-Learning more about Japanese language and culture

-Surviving 2 months in Japan (with more sunny moments than clouds)

-Successfully making it back to the US - and being able to enjoy some much-needed time with family and friends

Cloudy Moments 

In addition to the ones above...

-Homesickness

-Frustration

-Judging/being a bit harder on my self than I want to be

Much love to all! :)

~Jaime

Clouds and Challenges...

I've been pondering this entry for the last few weeks...trying to process how to put thoughts and experiences into words. And, also struggling a bit with the idea of a blog post that may have a few more "cloudy" moments than "sunny" ones. I like to think of myself as a generally positive person - and I feared that this post would paint a bit of a negative picture of my life in Japan. And, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it is rather unreasonable to think that moving to an entirely new country would not bring challenges. In fact, when we went through training before coming to Japan - they talked about the various stages of "culture shock" - with the steps following the initial "honeymoon" period involving struggle, frustration, homesickness, and the like. I guess if they have it on a chart - it must be a rather common experience, eh?! 

Looking back, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to go through the "honeymoon" phase when we arrived in Japan...and I am seeing now that I definitely did. I was overwhelmed and everything was new - and yet, I was able to process,  handle (or at least "get through"), and let go of things that happened. If something resulted in a "challenge" - I didn't get as upset or hold on to a situation as much as I expected myself to. I remember telling a friend that I was shocked that I didn't panic in the situation in which the construction worker had to take my hand and guide me across a muddy field. Had that happened in the US - I know I would have at least been flustered! Even the mundane things - like grocery shopping, doing laundry, cleaning the apartment, and picking up dry cleaning were new experiences. And, often took half a day to complete. Kaz would come home and ask what I did during the day - and I would only be able to list one or two things (yet, I had been busy and moving all day long). At yet, at this point - I was totally okay with that. As time continues on, I am still mostly okay with the times things take - though sometimes it gets a little overwhelming when you days disappear! A friend of mine came across this quote and I think it really summarizes these first few weeks perfectly. 

I would say the "newness" and "excitement" began to wear off a bit starting around week 4 (which did coincide with me falling out of a closet and severely spraining my ankle).  I began to realize just how difficult things could be when I couldn't communicate (or walk) in circumstances other than buying food. I went back and forth debating whether a doctor's visit or x-ray was needed. Sure, Kaz could go with me on the weekend...except that most places weren't open then. Oh, and before I could go - I needed to find a clinic or hospital to go to...which meant navigating webpages that were all written in Japanese. Ugh!! And I still had to go to work but I couldn't drive a car - so even with the subway and bus - I still would have to walk some to get there! Now, Toyota does offer a service in which someone can accompany you to appointments; however, even that felt strange to me. And, I probably could have made it through the situation with lots of pointing and gesturing...and yet, it seemed like so much work. And, work that I didn't want to do. Yes, I do sometimes have a stubborn side! And, this was also a key factor in recognizing that my ankle wasn't broken. I surely would have went if I was in excruciating pain. So, I contemplated (and iced my ankle) and very luckily was able to consult with Kaz's coworker's wife (who happens to be a doctor). I'm happy to report that all is healing well...and I am hoping to attempt running again in a few weeks. This whole experience has also showed me just how much running is a source of stress relief for me...and how feeling sluggish and not relieving stress can affect your mood and ability to "let things go." Even without this unfortunate situation, though, I do think these challenges/moments of cloudiness would have seeped in anyway. 

Instead of rambling on and on about various moments of "challenge" and "cloudiness" - because they really do come and go - I thought it would be easier to talk about a few topics/themes that have been difficult. I've realized that I too have been thinking about "struggles" lately in the form of themes.

Being a Minority

First, I must say that the opportunity to be a minority is an extremely humbling one. And, in the same breath - a challenging one too. Initially, I wasn't bothered and didn't really even notice when people stared at me. I was expecting it - especially as I learned that Japan really has very few foreigners when you get down to the numbers. By talking with Kaz and my Japanese tutor - I have really come to realize that many Japanese people have little to no experience actually interacting with foreigners. Which also means that they have little experience listening to people who are not Japanese speak Japanese...and that can make speaking situations even more difficult. In the United States, we are often used to people speaking all different kinds or dialects of English - and yet, in Japan - people tend to speak Japanese the same way (though there are dialects). So when someone is struggling with broken Japanese - it may be even harder to figure out what is being said - especially one word at a time (so you may be trying to order "non-fat milk" and pause at the wrong time in the word making it sound like "bug").

I've had little things occur...like a person sitting down next to me on the train, then glancing up at me - seeing my face - perhaps - looking panicked themselves and then moving to another seat. Or, a person putting her bag on the seat so I couldn't sit down - and then moving it a few seconds later so that another Japanese person could sit down. Plus, being stared at multiple times a day...especially by kids or a man on a bike (who rode by with his mouth open wider than I thought possible).  And again, most of the time - these glances are easy to brush off and to laugh at. And, most of the time - I assume that people are just afraid that I may speak English to them (because let's face it - I am terrified that they may speak Japanese to me). However, some days - these glances and looks - just make me want to blend in...or conform even. I was talking to Kaz about this - the fact that one can feel pressure to conform without anyone ever telling them to do so. Interesting thought...

And - to point out the sunny side here - I have to say that none of these situations have left me feeling like anyone was trying to be intentionally mean to me. And, most people you interact with will smile and giggle uncomfortably and then at least try to help you! And sometimes you will even have people who comment on your attempts at learning Japanese.  For example, Kaz and I were at dinner the other night - and I attempted to order my meal - and as I did - the mother sitting next to us said to her children something along the lines of - "See, maybe someday your English will be good enough that you can order like that woman did." I didn't actually understand what she said - but Kaz did!

Language 

Oh...the sun and clouds of learning a new language. Like I mentioned a few posts back...I think "language" may be the most common theme of a blog post throughout my time here. I am finding that learning Japanese is like a roller coaster. One day - I have a great lesson - I feel like I am learning a lot...and I have the confidence to go out and put myself into a speaking situation. And, then I do - and I remember that learning a few greetings, grammar points, and vocabulary words does not necessarily translate into actually being able to carry out a communication situation. And then frustration sets in...and I think to myself - well, even if I studied 40 hours per week - I still wouldn't be able to learn Japanese well enough to talk to people. But...I may get there quicker. And then the frustrations motivates me to study more - so I study and I take lessons and I watch YouTube videos and I start to understand a tad more and being to catch some grammar rules...and I feel on top of the world. Then, I realize that I spent all of my spare time during that week studying Japanese and I didn't do much else. And then I'm back at the moment of frustration where I start to wonder where balance plays a role in this whole equation...because I want to experience Japan and learn the language all at the same time. Phew!! And, this thought process occurs daily - if not more. 

And poor Kaz often gets the brunt of my frustration. He is great at helping me to study and practice - and there are days when I am totally into it...and there are days when my patience and tolerance are next to nothing...and I can go from excited and willing to study to not wanting to even go there in about 3 seconds.

If I take a step back and look at language as a whole - I know that I am learning - about how the language works, about how to listen to the language, and about how to use the language (since the grammar is so different). My mind is constantly looking for rules and patterns - and I am realizing that most native Japanese speakers don't know the rules. Just like - I probably wouldn't know the rules/patterns for English. The comparison I have been using is...trying to learn everything an adult knows about the language in two years (when it took them twenty plus years to get to that point). I am also fascinated by the fact that we can learn language starting at such a young age with little to no direct instruction. Amazing!

So - I have decided that I will continue to find balance...and to learn and to make mistakes...and to be patient with myself in this entire language process. And to know that the roller coaster will continue - making me a better speech-language pathologist and person in the process. 

Homesickness

The moments when the newness is overwhelming are the moments when I miss home the most! I miss the familiarity, the predictability...and most importantly the people! I am reminded that the process of meeting people often starts out with that feeling of having to be "on" all the time...almost like having your guard up - but not totally. I have challenged myself to put myself out there and to meet as many people as I can. I have begun to meet many people in the "expat" community and everyone is nice, supportive, and willing to offer pointers...as we are all on a similar journey. I am also settling in at the school and beginning to meet people there. And, I have begun to contemplate how I might make some Japanese friends when language really only allows for me to introduce myself. That conversation would last about three seconds! I am working on being me...and not worrying so much about what others think...after all - at the end of the day - the only person we can be is ourself! I'm sure that this piece of the journey - like all the others - will continue to evolve.

I am also eternally grateful for technology and it's ability to keep me connected with my support network back home. Emails, skype calls, texts, facetime sessions, letters, packages, and good vibes have helped me to forget the distance and to truly be able to say that love and support knows absolutely no borders! Love travels and it feels AMAZING!! :)

I will end this post with a few pictures of our recent "finds" that have reminded us of home...which include a burger place with imported beer from the US...and even a bowling alley (I know bowling is an international sport - but it just reminded me of home). 

Next week I will be heading home for two weeks (for two conferences) - and I am interested to see what it will be like both to be back in the US and also to return to Japan at a time when things are a bit less "honeymooney" than the first time!

As I close this post - I am thinking about all the other posts I want to write! About the ways in which my job is evolving and challenging me in ways I never expected it to...about various tidbits I've learned about Japan...and even about funny situations I've witnessed or found myself in. I guess just like the clouds float across a sunny sky - these moments come and go throughout the day. And, sometimes there are more clouds than sun...and sometimes there is more sun than clouds! Hmmm...

Love to you all!

Sunny Moments: New experiences, learning, technology, connecting with family and friends, love and support, challenges, growth!

Cloudy Moments: Frustration, challenges, homesickness, judgement....