A long overdue update... but wait there's more.

July 29, 2009

Even though it has been two weeks since last writing, I have not forgotten about updating. The reason for the pause is the increase in activity, as well as the reintroduction of grad school classes into my schedule. Juggling my responsibilities with the present moment has proven to be quite challenging(taihen). I will skip the majority of what has transpired, because it has been repetitive. I will add that the majority of my days have been spent in the Shijo area. The outdoor mall that I frequent is called Teramachi. Machi means town or city, while tera means temple. The area has been a marketplace as far back as 600 years. Because of the activity, the temples and shrines were moved to one side of the street. Therefore, it is called temple city. Because Minami is busy in class, it has become my stomping ground. Another reason why I have gone here so much, is for souvenir(omiyage) shopping.

In this time, I realized that collecting gifts around the country is a chance to share the experience of this journey with others. Even though I came and experienced this wondrous land without bringing others, by bringing back souvenirs, my friends and family may, too have a taste of Japan. My brother, Josh, has been the easiest to find gifts for. His excitement and enthusiasm for the Japanese culture has been existent since we were young boys playing together. The most difficult was my father. Jerry has never mentioned a specific interest in Japanese culture. As a guy, I understand he would appreciate anything; however, I wanted to get him something that would wow him and something he could cherish. I only mentioned these two, because they exist on opposite ends of the spectrum in difficulty in choosing souvenirs.

Besides shopping and walking all over Kyoto, an event worth mentioning that has taken place in the past two weeks, is the Gion Matsuri(Festival). This is a long standing festival that takes place every year in the Shijo area of Kyoto. It is similar to a fair/new years Eve celebration. Participants where traditional clothes just like at the Ryokan, called Yukatas. The difference is that the ones worn at the Japanese style inn are more like robes, these are more delicate. Women where a fancy tie around their wastes that come in the back in a decorative tie. I also wore a yukata as well. It was Minami’s Grandpa’s(Ojiisan), who passed away a few years ago. Regardless, I was honored to be able to wear a piece of clothing that had such a family history. Despite being a robe, it was small on me. Minami’s was shockingly beautiful. Her mother worked on wrapping and then tying. He decorative tie was a bow in the back about 1foot by 6inches. She put her hair up in created a visual display that was both traditional and magnificent. Dressed up we headed to Kyoto.

She had a English(Eigo) lesson with Ayumi and her son, Keiichiro. Minami was hesitant about wearing this wear to the house and teaching with the attire on. I was nervous about walking around in public with it on. We were not alone in our dress. A majority of people, who are not in business attire, are wearing Yukatas. Some men where a Jimbei, which is a pair of shorts and a shirt that ties on either sides of the waste　My initial hesitation with wearing the yukata faded to slight acceptance.

After the lesson, we headed to a Shijo to buy food to bring to the house party we were invited. Since I arrived in Japan, I have heard of this woman, Satoko. Everyone speaks highly of her, saying that she is quite the host. She owns a house in Kyoto and has gatherings with many of the international teachers in the Kansai area. The Kansai area consists of the area around Lake Biwa, south and a little more west. I believe Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kyoto, and Shiga are all included. For those who do not remember, Minami lives in Shiga. We both bought different items to bring to the party.

We were one of the first people to the house. It is snuggled in between two buildings in the busy Sanjo area(a street up from Shji). The gathering took place in a small porch area. It was inside; however, it seemed to be a separate part from the rest of the house used for entertaining. This whole time in Japan, I have yet to enter a home that is similar to one’s in the U.S.; so when I say home, don’t think a home like what you are used too. Create a picture in your mind by imagining a quaint Japanese setting, with unique roofs, and wood supports on every corner. Better yet, just Google Japanese style houses.

Sure enough, there were a lot of foreigners who came to the party. When I say foreigners, I mean Americans: English teachers in the Jet programme, who teach in Elementary through High School. There were also two other men, who were business workers in the area and had been living in Japan for around 4 years. It seems that Japan is more loose in terms of working visas, while being extremely strict with granting citizenship to foreigners. Minami has told me that it is virtually impossible for any one, not of Japanese origin, to become a citizen. The exceptions exist in marriage. After catching up and meeting new people, quite a few of us walked down to the festival area to see the festivities. They have a special game here in Japan, during festivals, called Goldfish scooping. In this game, the participant is giving a paddle that is made of paper. She attempts to scoop as many goldfish as she can into a bowl, The goldfish are in a big area spread out in front of the many participants. I have wanted to do this since I have come. If people are lucky enough to know that Joe loves goldfish, then you will understand why. Remember later that goldfish in Japanese(nihongode) are Kingyo. This is important for when I describe the trip to Nara that took place this past weekend.

Long story short, I did not get to do the Kingyo scooping. Dale, the English teacher from Portland, did though. He gave his fish to Minami wanted them to be Shimoda Family(Kazoku) family pets. The problem with catching goldfish in such a away, is that they are very dirty fish. Eating much and defecating much, Kingyo require more care than the average tropical fish.

I just received a call from Minami. Her last exam is over and she is coming this way. I must go, because today is the special day that I will present to her the ring and ask that special question. A lot to explain later….

To be continued…..