Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Narita > Hanada Airport > Oita
Thursday, March 19th, 2009, 0630 hours
My first morning waking up in Japan I realized how early the sun comes up (0530). Possibly due to the time change and the absence of daylight savings.
The previous day I had flown into Tokyo-Narita Airport, however, many of the domestic flights in Japan fly out of Hanada Airport which is about 45 minutes to an hour from the Narita Airport by bus.
I was met by a woman (can't remember her name now) from the travel agency and she accompanied me by bus from Narita to Hanada. During the trip we talked about many things, her family, baseball, English instruction, and Sumo. I asked her how much Sumo tickets cost, if they were very expensive and she was unsure of the exact costs. This really bothered her and she seemed extremely distraught that she did not know the prices, like she had failed at her job. I did my best to ensure her that it was fine that she didn't know the approxiamte prices.
Most of the trip, the woman and I were busy in conversation, but occasionally I would glance out the window, or the woman would point out famous landmarks (Tokyo Disney, Electronics factories).
The one common theme I noticed was a sense of over development. From horizon to horizon, there was not a single shade of green. From the elevated highway, all I could see on the ground were roads, rail, buildings and sound barrier walls. A grand mix of grey that reminded of the winter sky in lake-effect weather of West Michigan. From time to time we would pass over a river with clear blue water bordered by thick banks of a very grey world. Like those few blue-sky moments in the fierce and depressing West Michigan winter that emerged from the mass of grey days. The development made me uneasy and worried that I had moved to place of rampart industrialization.
But, I remembered something that I had read in the Power of Myth, a book that covers Bill Moyers interviews with mythologist Joseph Campbell. Campbell talks about the high lack of violence and crime in Japan when compared to many other developed nations, especially the US. He cites continued existence of myths and sacred tradition in Japanese society as main reason for this difference. Bill Moyers responds by asserting just the opposite, that Japan's vast development has destroyed most of the country's sacred tradition. Countering, Campbell explains that, yes there has been an intensity of development in Japan, but the traditional and mythological places of Japan remain and that today they are often found indoors.
Hoping that I would find no other answer, but to agree with Campbell, we continued down the highway past monotone structures of grey existence. We reached the Hanada airport and the woman made sure I had my bording pass and knew how to get to my gate. During our goodbyes she made a very deep bow in my honor which I was not expecting. Little did I know bowing would become part of my daily struggle to fit into Japanese society.
The flight was generally uneventful, except for the woman sitting next to me that held a small purse. The flight attendant came by to instruct her that during take off and landing the purse would need to by placed in the overhead bin (we were in the exit row without any under-the-seat space for carry-on luggage in front of us). But, the flight attendant did not instruct her, she spent 5 minutes apologizing in a very ashamed manner that the bag would have to be placed in the overhead. She exhibited the same kind of manner the travel agent woman did when she did not know the Sumo ticket prices. Nevertheless, the flight continued and within an hour we were in Oita, my new home.
After securing my luggage from the baggage claim I was met by my supervisor, Sonoda Hidemi-San. After a quick bathroom break, I loaded my luggage into our transport van and we headed to Oita City. The ride took about 45 minutes and during the trip, Sonoda-San asked me many questions about my academic background, work history and family. At times, it felt like an interview, but I was able to inquire about Oita and Japan which quelled any feelings of nervousness.
Looking out the window, the terrain in Oita Prefecture (State), was much different from the expansive grey of Narita > Hanada. The roads here were bordered by the greens of natural life. Sonoda-San explained to me that we would go immediately to the Oita City Board of Education Office to take care of some necessary paperwork. Upon arrival, she showed me the basement convenient store where I could get a small lunch meal. We then proceeded to the fourth floor and the BOE office. During my meal in the small office meeting room, Lauren, my predecessor showed up and we exchanged greetings.
Sonoda-San reappeared and asked me if I was ready to give an introduction to the office. "Sure." I responded, but I was not expecting what happened next. In the office there are four groupings of 6 desks crammed into a space of about 2800 square feet. As we turned the corner from the meeting room, I realized that all of the office workers were standing up at their desks all facing the division chief's work station. I was brought to the front of the room next to him, where he presented me with a piece of paper, announced my arrival and requested that I make a brief statement/introduction to the office. I replied with the four simple phrases I knew in Japanese, "Hajimeshite, Jeremy Kinsman desu, Amerika no Georgia kara kimashita, Dozo Yorosku Onegai Shimasu." I made a brief declaration in English which Sonoda-San interpreted. She then introduced me personally to the office employees where I once again struggled with the bowing.
After introductions, I was met by Angelo, a veteran ALT from Portugal. He helped me for the remainder of the day. We went to the bank where I opened an account and the cell phone store. The I-phone has not been able to compete with other high-tech phones in Japan, so the cell phone companies have been offering outrages deals in order to move their Apple stock. Basically I was able to get a free I-phone after signing a service contract.
Following our bureaucratic business, I was taken to my apartment, where I was able to unpack, met the landlady and rested. At night, I went out for my predecessors going away dinner and met the other ALTs in Oita City.
It was difficult to take pictures this day, but if you return soon I will be posting pictures of my apartment and Oita City nights.
My first morning waking up in Japan I realized how early the sun comes up (0530). Possibly due to the time change and the absence of daylight savings.
The previous day I had flown into Tokyo-Narita Airport, however, many of the domestic flights in Japan fly out of Hanada Airport which is about 45 minutes to an hour from the Narita Airport by bus.
I was met by a woman (can't remember her name now) from the travel agency and she accompanied me by bus from Narita to Hanada. During the trip we talked about many things, her family, baseball, English instruction, and Sumo. I asked her how much Sumo tickets cost, if they were very expensive and she was unsure of the exact costs. This really bothered her and she seemed extremely distraught that she did not know the prices, like she had failed at her job. I did my best to ensure her that it was fine that she didn't know the approxiamte prices.
Most of the trip, the woman and I were busy in conversation, but occasionally I would glance out the window, or the woman would point out famous landmarks (Tokyo Disney, Electronics factories).
The one common theme I noticed was a sense of over development. From horizon to horizon, there was not a single shade of green. From the elevated highway, all I could see on the ground were roads, rail, buildings and sound barrier walls. A grand mix of grey that reminded of the winter sky in lake-effect weather of West Michigan. From time to time we would pass over a river with clear blue water bordered by thick banks of a very grey world. Like those few blue-sky moments in the fierce and depressing West Michigan winter that emerged from the mass of grey days. The development made me uneasy and worried that I had moved to place of rampart industrialization.
But, I remembered something that I had read in the Power of Myth, a book that covers Bill Moyers interviews with mythologist Joseph Campbell. Campbell talks about the high lack of violence and crime in Japan when compared to many other developed nations, especially the US. He cites continued existence of myths and sacred tradition in Japanese society as main reason for this difference. Bill Moyers responds by asserting just the opposite, that Japan's vast development has destroyed most of the country's sacred tradition. Countering, Campbell explains that, yes there has been an intensity of development in Japan, but the traditional and mythological places of Japan remain and that today they are often found indoors.
Hoping that I would find no other answer, but to agree with Campbell, we continued down the highway past monotone structures of grey existence. We reached the Hanada airport and the woman made sure I had my bording pass and knew how to get to my gate. During our goodbyes she made a very deep bow in my honor which I was not expecting. Little did I know bowing would become part of my daily struggle to fit into Japanese society.
The flight was generally uneventful, except for the woman sitting next to me that held a small purse. The flight attendant came by to instruct her that during take off and landing the purse would need to by placed in the overhead bin (we were in the exit row without any under-the-seat space for carry-on luggage in front of us). But, the flight attendant did not instruct her, she spent 5 minutes apologizing in a very ashamed manner that the bag would have to be placed in the overhead. She exhibited the same kind of manner the travel agent woman did when she did not know the Sumo ticket prices. Nevertheless, the flight continued and within an hour we were in Oita, my new home.
After securing my luggage from the baggage claim I was met by my supervisor, Sonoda Hidemi-San. After a quick bathroom break, I loaded my luggage into our transport van and we headed to Oita City. The ride took about 45 minutes and during the trip, Sonoda-San asked me many questions about my academic background, work history and family. At times, it felt like an interview, but I was able to inquire about Oita and Japan which quelled any feelings of nervousness.
Looking out the window, the terrain in Oita Prefecture (State), was much different from the expansive grey of Narita > Hanada. The roads here were bordered by the greens of natural life. Sonoda-San explained to me that we would go immediately to the Oita City Board of Education Office to take care of some necessary paperwork. Upon arrival, she showed me the basement convenient store where I could get a small lunch meal. We then proceeded to the fourth floor and the BOE office. During my meal in the small office meeting room, Lauren, my predecessor showed up and we exchanged greetings.
Sonoda-San reappeared and asked me if I was ready to give an introduction to the office. "Sure." I responded, but I was not expecting what happened next. In the office there are four groupings of 6 desks crammed into a space of about 2800 square feet. As we turned the corner from the meeting room, I realized that all of the office workers were standing up at their desks all facing the division chief's work station. I was brought to the front of the room next to him, where he presented me with a piece of paper, announced my arrival and requested that I make a brief statement/introduction to the office. I replied with the four simple phrases I knew in Japanese, "Hajimeshite, Jeremy Kinsman desu, Amerika no Georgia kara kimashita, Dozo Yorosku Onegai Shimasu." I made a brief declaration in English which Sonoda-San interpreted. She then introduced me personally to the office employees where I once again struggled with the bowing.
After introductions, I was met by Angelo, a veteran ALT from Portugal. He helped me for the remainder of the day. We went to the bank where I opened an account and the cell phone store. The I-phone has not been able to compete with other high-tech phones in Japan, so the cell phone companies have been offering outrages deals in order to move their Apple stock. Basically I was able to get a free I-phone after signing a service contract.
Following our bureaucratic business, I was taken to my apartment, where I was able to unpack, met the landlady and rested. At night, I went out for my predecessors going away dinner and met the other ALTs in Oita City.
It was difficult to take pictures this day, but if you return soon I will be posting pictures of my apartment and Oita City nights.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tokyo (well....Narita)
Wednesday March 18th, 2009, 1600 hours (Japan time)
The very first thing I noticed about Japan was the cleanliness of the airport terminal floors. As I would soon learn clean floors are essential in Japan. That was fine with me, especially after working in the ER where every possible body fluid ends up on the floor (some walk in the fluid and then wear the same shoes home) and having experienced the 10 square feet outside the entrance to "The Loft" on a Sunday morning.
Before reaching the baggage carousel, I walked by a health screening check that announced "If you have become ill during your flight, please stop here for a health screening check." I thought, "hmmmm.....Am I sick? No explosive diarrhea, no extreme cough indicating that I have contracted Tuberculosis and a-febrile, I guess I can get my bags."
I collected my bags from the carousel and proceeded to the customs check. I handed the man my passport and visa. He asked me, "Biz-a-neess or traa-vel?"
I replied, "I am here as an instructor, is that business?"
"Yessa. Do u speak a Jap-a-nese?"
"No."
"Any..thing to de-clare?"
"No."
"Ok, please-a proceed."
And that was it. As soon as I left customs, I was met by a man holding a sign that read "Jeremiah Kinsman, David M., JET Program." I greated the man and he showed me where I could wait while he connected with David. David arrived shortly. We set up for our bags to be delivered to our host cities and we were taken to a nearby hotel. David, as it turned out, is from Michigan and had been to Japan before. He suggested that we take a train from Narita (where the main international airport for Japan is located) into Tokyo.
After trying to figure out which train company to choose (there were several), which route to take and how much it costs, 30 minutes had past.
We decided to go into the city of Narita instead. David suggested we eat at Mcdonalds and I agreed wondering what Mcdonalds in Japan was like. Well let me tell you, this was the best DAMN Mcdonalds I have ever eaten. I ordered a sandwich with a beef pattie, cheese and a sunny side up egg on top, all covered with a sweet soy sauce. David, who likes to suck on the old cancer sticks, promoted sitting in the glassed-in smoking section which I agreed to and proceeded to remain in, but only for the music. Jaaazzzz!
We returned to the train station and and found our way back to the hotel. I had to be up the next morning at 0630 to get to the airport on time for my trip to Oita.
The very first thing I noticed about Japan was the cleanliness of the airport terminal floors. As I would soon learn clean floors are essential in Japan. That was fine with me, especially after working in the ER where every possible body fluid ends up on the floor (some walk in the fluid and then wear the same shoes home) and having experienced the 10 square feet outside the entrance to "The Loft" on a Sunday morning.
Before reaching the baggage carousel, I walked by a health screening check that announced "If you have become ill during your flight, please stop here for a health screening check." I thought, "hmmmm.....Am I sick? No explosive diarrhea, no extreme cough indicating that I have contracted Tuberculosis and a-febrile, I guess I can get my bags."
I collected my bags from the carousel and proceeded to the customs check. I handed the man my passport and visa. He asked me, "Biz-a-neess or traa-vel?"
I replied, "I am here as an instructor, is that business?"
"Yessa. Do u speak a Jap-a-nese?"
"No."
"Any..thing to de-clare?"
"No."
"Ok, please-a proceed."
And that was it. As soon as I left customs, I was met by a man holding a sign that read "Jeremiah Kinsman, David M., JET Program." I greated the man and he showed me where I could wait while he connected with David. David arrived shortly. We set up for our bags to be delivered to our host cities and we were taken to a nearby hotel. David, as it turned out, is from Michigan and had been to Japan before. He suggested that we take a train from Narita (where the main international airport for Japan is located) into Tokyo.
After trying to figure out which train company to choose (there were several), which route to take and how much it costs, 30 minutes had past.
Feeling genius and courageous for tackling such a difficult system, we headed down the stairs to board a train. It took us another hour to figure out which train to get on and which direction we should head. We finally boarded our train (which resembled a subway car on the inside). We road the train for two stops (it took 30 minutes) and realized that it would take another hour to get into Tokyo which would not leave us enough time to take the train back to the hotel. We were much further from Tokyo than we realized.
We decided to go into the city of Narita instead. David suggested we eat at Mcdonalds and I agreed wondering what Mcdonalds in Japan was like. Well let me tell you, this was the best DAMN Mcdonalds I have ever eaten. I ordered a sandwich with a beef pattie, cheese and a sunny side up egg on top, all covered with a sweet soy sauce. David, who likes to suck on the old cancer sticks, promoted sitting in the glassed-in smoking section which I agreed to and proceeded to remain in, but only for the music. Jaaazzzz!
After our glorious dining experience, David and I searched for a bar. After approximately 15 minutes of searching we saw a sign with the universal symbol for beer, a sign with a picture of an ice cold beer mug containing beer and foam slightly spilling over the top. We walked the stairs up to the bar and realized that this was a Karoke Bar. There were no other patrons in the bar at the time. The Bartender poured our beers, David ordered two shots of whiskey, we knocked them back and he headed to the microphone to sing his first song. After my shot and large beer I got the courage to belt out my preplanned Jon Fishman version of Purple Rain. According to David and the bartender (I could tell by his clapping) my singing was a huge success. David gave it an 8 out 10 (for my first karoke song ever).
We returned to the train station and and found our way back to the hotel. I had to be up the next morning at 0630 to get to the airport on time for my trip to Oita.
Much peace and Love.
Jeremy
Saturday, March 21, 2009
ATL > Detroit Rock City > Tokyo
March 17th, 2009, 0400 hours
My adventure began on hwy 78, taking us out of the Classic City and heading towards the world's busiest air travel center, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. My longtime, trustworthy and small government friend, Hank, was at the wheel. Much to my amusement, he was angry becuase the only entertainment the automobile provided was the often left-leaning radio program, NPR "Morning Edition." What he needed this early in the morning was something much louder, faster, and nascent, but also ghostly (tape deck -> inoperable!).
As we gained closer proximity to our destination, we passed threw the "Star-Wars" tunnels on hwy 285 south and it was then that I knew my epic journey had already begun. Hank made good time despite the lack of hard charging metal to encourage reckless speed. We exchanged quick goodbyes and I found my way to the pre-departure check-in station. Arriving three hours prior to my flight and expecting a long queue, I was dismayed by the complete absence of any other passengers at the Northwest check-in counter. The attendant took my bags, swiped my passport and provided me with directions to my gate.
At my gate. Time - 0730 hours. Destination - Detroit Rock City. Time of Departure - 10:25 hours. Realization - at the airport one can see people running that would not run in any other circumstance or setting.
March 17th, 2009, 1030 hours
I boarded my plane to Dee-troit, found my aisle seat and waited for the stranger that would sit next to me. "Please don't smell like any of the following: 1. GI bleed 2. homeless feet 3. coffee mixed with teeth lacking a recent brushing." Luckily the business-suited man that filled the seat next to lacked the previously mentioned odors. He did however explain his frustration with current demographic of passengers. He explained "This is the worst time of year, all these families on spring break with their kids!" Kind of a ironic, a business man not in favor of families traveling on spring break and spending money in the current economic climate. The rest of the flight was uneventful. Having not slept in the past 20 hours, I did my best to rest.
March 17th, 2009, 1230 hours
Arriving in Detroit, I knew I had two important tasks to accomplish. One, eat one last American meal (or so I thought). Two, exchange my US dollars for Japanese Yen. The third task, which I had considered, rescue the state of Michigan and especially the city of Detroit from economic ruin would have to wait until my return. Surprisingly, however, the Detroit Airport had received expansive remolding since my last visit. Which included an indoor and slightly elevated tram which reminded me of the Disney-World train and a really nice fountain that shoots small streams of water in patterns of 180 degrees.
Lacking an appropriate amount of time to sit down at an airport restaurant, I searched for something quicker and concluded that my best option was America's capitalist superfood, McDonald's! The largely young and African-American staff worked with extreme efficiency and yelled out orders to the indecisive customers. As soon as a cashier has completed an order, they yelled out, "I can take the next Order! I take the next order!" They worked faster than the customers could think. I stepped up quickly order my quarter pounder with cheese meal and found my way to the soft-drink dispensing station.
March 17th, 2009, 1400 hours
My adventure began on hwy 78, taking us out of the Classic City and heading towards the world's busiest air travel center, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. My longtime, trustworthy and small government friend, Hank, was at the wheel. Much to my amusement, he was angry becuase the only entertainment the automobile provided was the often left-leaning radio program, NPR "Morning Edition." What he needed this early in the morning was something much louder, faster, and nascent, but also ghostly (tape deck -> inoperable!).
As we gained closer proximity to our destination, we passed threw the "Star-Wars" tunnels on hwy 285 south and it was then that I knew my epic journey had already begun. Hank made good time despite the lack of hard charging metal to encourage reckless speed. We exchanged quick goodbyes and I found my way to the pre-departure check-in station. Arriving three hours prior to my flight and expecting a long queue, I was dismayed by the complete absence of any other passengers at the Northwest check-in counter. The attendant took my bags, swiped my passport and provided me with directions to my gate.
At my gate. Time - 0730 hours. Destination - Detroit Rock City. Time of Departure - 10:25 hours. Realization - at the airport one can see people running that would not run in any other circumstance or setting.
March 17th, 2009, 1030 hours
I boarded my plane to Dee-troit, found my aisle seat and waited for the stranger that would sit next to me. "Please don't smell like any of the following: 1. GI bleed 2. homeless feet 3. coffee mixed with teeth lacking a recent brushing." Luckily the business-suited man that filled the seat next to lacked the previously mentioned odors. He did however explain his frustration with current demographic of passengers. He explained "This is the worst time of year, all these families on spring break with their kids!" Kind of a ironic, a business man not in favor of families traveling on spring break and spending money in the current economic climate. The rest of the flight was uneventful. Having not slept in the past 20 hours, I did my best to rest.
March 17th, 2009, 1230 hours
Arriving in Detroit, I knew I had two important tasks to accomplish. One, eat one last American meal (or so I thought). Two, exchange my US dollars for Japanese Yen. The third task, which I had considered, rescue the state of Michigan and especially the city of Detroit from economic ruin would have to wait until my return. Surprisingly, however, the Detroit Airport had received expansive remolding since my last visit. Which included an indoor and slightly elevated tram which reminded me of the Disney-World train and a really nice fountain that shoots small streams of water in patterns of 180 degrees.
Lacking an appropriate amount of time to sit down at an airport restaurant, I searched for something quicker and concluded that my best option was America's capitalist superfood, McDonald's! The largely young and African-American staff worked with extreme efficiency and yelled out orders to the indecisive customers. As soon as a cashier has completed an order, they yelled out, "I can take the next Order! I take the next order!" They worked faster than the customers could think. I stepped up quickly order my quarter pounder with cheese meal and found my way to the soft-drink dispensing station.
A young woman trying to fill several cups at the drink station had placed her bags in the middle of the restaurant thereby blocking access. She yelled at her young children, "I told you to stay by bags! Do you want someone to steal your bag? I will get your drinks!" One of the children responded, "But I don't want Coke, I want tea."
"We'll today you don't have a choice, everyone is getting Coke."
My anxiety and nervousness about moving to Japan was pushed slightly to the side. I was definitely ready to experience life somewhere else.
March 17th, 2009, 1320 hours
After consuming my high fat-infested lunch I walked over to the gate, snapped a few pictures and prepared for the point of no return. An older and very muscular black man walked up to me as I waited for the flight attendant to call m y row for boarding. The man asked me "Do you speak Japanese, I don't know what the hell she's saying. Which rows have they called?" I replied "I am not sure. But they will announce everything in Japanese and English."
"Man...I can't believe I am doing this, I am going to have no idea what's going on," the man asserted. I asked him, "Where are you traveling to?" He replied "Going to work on an ocean oil rig, middle of nowhere, next to some country I'd never heard of a month ago. Moneys good, but my family is not comin'. No jobs here, gotta go elsewhere."
The attendant announced that all passengers could now board. I walked the tarmac and reached the point of no return. The mythological stage of separation was now in effect.
March 17th, 2009, 1400 hours
My flight from Detroit to Tokyo (Narita Airport) went by rather quickly and was actually quite comfortable. I was able to sleep for the first half of the flight and awoke in the morning (Japanese time) which greatly reduced my jet lag. Northwest served us three meals, chicken teriyake with rice and dinner sides, a ham and cheese sandwich and chicken teriyake with breakfast sides.
They played several movies. The airplane projection screen reminded me of "This summer Rob Scheinder is A Stapler! Rated PG-13."
I arrived in Tokyo safe, sound with out any problems.
If you so desire, check back often for more pictures and info on my time in Tokyo, my travel from Tokyo to Oita, my apartment in Oita and the city of Oita.
Until next time, much peace and love.
Jeremy
Until next time, much peace and love.
Jeremy
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