Vacation in Osaka

My weekend was as full as it could get! First I saw my first movie with Emo-chan, a volunteer at Bloom but since she is taking summer class she is very busy and isn't around. I let her pick and she picked Confessions of a Shopaholic, so my first Japanese movie had Japanese subtitles... staring Isla Fischer... Anyway, at the theater Emo-chan treated me to a photo booth of crazy pictures (extremely popular with teen girls in Japan... once you see the cute-sy sides you understand) and then ice cream on top of a cup of carmel corn. Hey, America--get on that. It was really tasty. 

Then I woke up Saturday and headed to Osaka with map and directions for the whole weekend. I almost got off on the wrong foot because the train station attendant I bought my ticket from gave me one to Osaka, Osaka, and not the city I needed IN Osaka. I'm glad I made a fuss. Then I misread my map for two blocks and with the help of a local old-man-grandpa, (who thought I wanted to go to the Catholic Church 4 blocks the other way since I'm white) but then I finally landed at Spa World in one piece, and after all that was DEFINITELY happy to be at a spa. 

Obviously, no pictures are allowed at a spa, but the floors are pretty designated. This month women had the 6th floor with the Asian spas and the men had the 4th with European spas. First I got food since I was starving--and the spaghetti hit the spot. I was so stuffed. It wasn't exactly an English friendly place and I learned a lot by watching... So when I figured out where to go, that was exciting because... AHH, rooms of spa!! It really was beautiful. One room was Persian (milk and honey tinted water! ahhh....) and there was two rooms of Japanese style baths (my favorite one was outside) and around there were relaxation places. You have a wristband that is like... a credit card :) So I charged my meal, and eventually, my massage. I got a cheap one because I don't think I could last more than 20 minutes of the hurts-so-good massage on my back. That was pretty much the highlight of the visit and I felt like a million brand new dollars. Which helped make more spa-ing even better. After 5 hours I said goodbye and decided to find my hotel. 

It was really close (my map was a strange scale) but that's a good thing. And there was a convenience store on the corner. Yay! So I bought ice cream, a strawberry breakfast bar, and a peach from a street vender for breakfast. Well, the ice cream was for dinner. Haha. My room was perfect with a small fridge, AC, and a TV. I got a chance to watch some baseball (Japanese and American) and Asian dramas. Then I went to bed. However, I didn't sleep well because even with the AC cranked, it was still pretty warm. But today was *hot* outside so I blame that. 

Then I made my way to the Aquarium like a breeze. The line outside was enormous, but eventually I got in at about 10:30. I started to get really excited because this place was huge and I love animals. Along the tour route I saw penguins! Dolphins!

 Loads of fish... and whale sharks!! I had to stop for lunch in the middle (8 floors and finally floor 3 had a little food on it). I watched outside and saw this ship pull in and took the chance to read my English Aquarium guide to see that for an extra 900 yen, I could take a cruise on the Santa Maria. Darnit. But I will get to that later. I finished the tour and then went upstairs to see BABY penguins and pet sharks and sting rays. I felt like a little kid.

After I'd done everything I could have done, I thought I'd ask about the ticket I should have bought at the beginning for the ship. I asked nicely and said I didn't know, so I got one for 2:00 pm! I was pumped because I have only seen the ocean from a plane and here was a tour around Osaka bay! I couldn't stop smiling.

 

The Santa Maria only built twice as big as the original...

Once I got on I jumped for a seat in the small restaurant by the window, even if it was a big table. Before we started to move two girls came up to me and asked to take my picture, and I was a little confused if they wanted me to take one of them, or take mine, they couldn't really have said MINE... but it turns out they did because I was "so pretty." That's a compliment you don't get everyday... 

Then I realized I could hang out on the top deck by the bow and that's where I spent most of the 45 minute tour. If you looked down you could see fish swimming out of the way and they were big! It was great. 

The journey home left me on a sour note because it took 2 hours when it should have taken 1 at max. I retraced my route but on the last stretch, I bought a ticket from the ticket vendors because the map was all in Kanji (I can only read 400, remember?) and he gave me a ticket, but didn't tell me I had to transfer or where. Thanks pal. Since I totally could read that map, that's why I asked you... So I road to the end of the line and landed in Nara when that train worker told me ride it back to Oji, and transfer. Did it, then as I was transfering I realized my ticket was gone. I told a train worker and he told me right where to change to and that he would call Yamatotakada station and tell them I lost it so I would be okay. Did it, but then the last worker wasn't as nice as the younger guys. Apparently it wasn't enough I was a blonde American who fit the description of the call, he still made me pay more money even though my ticket was for the full trip. I got sick of trying to argue with him since really, it was gone, and after 2 hours, I just wanted off the trains. It didn't help that I came home to find the boys have been eating my Dove chocolates even though I told them not to and used the excuse "Very expensive. Just Casey only "Oh okay." Ogawa and Hiroko realized I was a little upset when I tried to tell them someone ate them (in Japanese...) and that it took two weeks on the train to get home (yeah, a little frustrated). But now I think I have made every mistake you can on the train so I should be prepared for anything. And oh, I'll hang on to the ticket for life or death (don't know HOW that happened, seriously, I'm a magician). But at least I have an awesome souvenir :) I bought a fake fish tank/jar with a floating-from-a-ball Nemo and Dory since well, I can't keep saltwater fish at school. And, I have the house to myself tonight tonight. Yessssss...

Baking in grams

I've had some issues with my internet but hopefully it's just from the bad weather. Yesterday was an adventure of the baking sorts and Hiroko-san, A-san, Sugi-san and I tried to make American Cookies. Since I love baking and it was Ogawa's day off, Hiroko decided I could share my love for baking and pick a recipe. I thought maybe Japan would have all the ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms and it's American and family enough--it's at every Christmas we have and is the recipe on the back of the kisses bag. 

However, it turned out peanut butter is hard to find in a variety and we found Skippy chunky peanut butter, Hershey's doesn't sell their kisses over here so we used Penguin chocolate and then I used a converter to change the temperature from F to C and then from cups to milligrams. Wow. But, in the end, they taste pretty darn good. : ) 

Pancakes and Shrine Sunday

I want to try and keep this short and simple since I have no photos. 

1. I miss American food. So when I biked to the mall yesterday, I fixed that with pancakes and a stop at an import food store. I also shredded my foot on the kickstand of my borrowed bike. It's a little bit different and I blame that for the unexpected collision. Ow. It was supposed to go up. It didn't.

2. Ogawa invited me to a festival at the family's shrine. I had to wear my new fancy dress I gave into buying (oh, darn) and we hauled 8 people in the car up into the mountains to the shrine. Pictures weren't allowed so I have none. Again the basic rules existed, no shoes, and sitting with your legs crossed is a no-no. After we all sat inside for a while and people piled in, they served us matcha tea and sweet bean cakes (not... as good as other things I've tried). 

One of the cool parts I liked was everyone had to sign their name in a book and they turned it sideways for me to write English, but I got to tell them, "No no, I can write katakana!" Katakana is the Japanese alphabet for foreign words. So with a black brush, I got to write it vertically. I felt pretty cool. Yep.

Then the ceremony began and we all sat Japanese style, bowed a few times, and sang behind 5 different priests. Each had beautiful robes on and one was actually English. That sort of blew my mind. Then after an hour of daydreaming, I mean singing, we got up and gave roses in a line. It was like communion without the wine and wafer. Then more singing and playing traditional instruments before one priest came out and told a story. However, my Japanese isn't that conversational (I love how Ogawa tells everyone I'm fluent, I must fake it really well) so I tried to just enjoy the scenery and keep the blood flowing in my legs. Right before he finished every bone in my neck cracked in a line and I *know* people heard it. Ena, the daughter, tried not to laugh. Thank goodness everyone was in mid bow when I re-aligned my neck. Surprise! And yes, still alive. 

 Afterward, we received gifts (a peach from the top of the tree, a sweater?? a box of rice cakes, tea, and I got cherries since I am youthful). Obento lunches followed with surprise foods (Oh.... hello something made of tofu! What are you??) and then we were basically done. It was also swimmingly humid today and I don't want to leave my fan's field of airflow. 

It was a really cool experience and I thought about how Japan sits on over 2,000 years of culture and what do we have? about 400 years and then we have to trace it back to somewhere else. You can just see it in the art everywhere and attitude. This is just how we do things We just have tatami mats on the floor. We just build beautiful roofs on all buildings, we don't tear down old things, we still preserve old ways of life in this crazy technology-based era. It's something to admire and hopefully, maybe we will start to preserve our past too. I understand it's hard with sooo many different cultures in the U.S. but hey, that would be something unique I wouldn't mind : ) 

Nara-ken

Today was full of surprises.

First, as usual Ogawa, Sugi, and A-san and I went to Nara park, where all the cities holy deer just sort of hang out. You can buy deer chips to feed them and it was an interesting experience. My first deer cookies got thrown when a really large deer got very pushy and you know what? I didn't want the cookies that badly... My second try was better, much better. The deer are smaller than the Minnesotan deer I'm accustomed too. They also have a bit of fuzz on their antlers. Cute as buttons. 

Eating a traditional rice cake. Later I learned it was made from grass and beans. Surprise! Never would have guessed......

Then we had lunch at another cool sushi bar with the sliding conveyor belt. I just ate two because I wanted to try more Japanese traditional sweets. And just as an answer to my prayers, the shop next door was a.. sweet shop! I bought an ice cream cone and a sweet with red bean paste inside. It was actually very good and even better together.

Next we had to go to the Nara Prefecture Office for Ogawa to give a presentation on what he does and hope the government continues funding him. Then he asks me if I could talk about what we do and about the WWOOF program to the board of reviewers. I said sure, and then he said "Oh, in Japanese." So I gave a surprise 1 minute speech (my Japanese class friends will laugh at that, that was often a required assignment). I had to sit in front of 6 professors, and then a 7th "unknown" guest, but outside Ogawa heard them address the guest and he looked surprised and said "It's the Mayor!" So, for my on the spot performance he bought my ticket to Todaiji temple. I felt I earned it.

The temple was gorgeous. It has the biggest buddha statue inside and very intricately sculpted. I had fun seeing the inside while a bunch of school groups were swarming the place. Teachers yelling left and right. Then there was a pillar that has a hole in it the size of the hole in Buddha's head. If you can crawl through it, you are supposed to have good luck. A bunch of middle school boys were doing it so I thought piece of cake! Well, my hips got a little stuck but I made it through (I see why they had it easy). Hopefully that will result in some super luck : ) 

"What is ichi plus ichi?" (1+1?)

"Niiiiii" (2)

Is the Japanese "cheeeese." 

Donuts!

It has just been Bloom School the last two days so just studying and pointing fans at our faces. However, yesterday Ogawa and I made donuts while the girls made yakitori (chicken on a stick). I guess you could say they are sugar free, with the exception of all the honey we used. Still delicious! YUM. 

Then today we had a volunteer with us. Ogawa made lunch and then me, the volunteer, and A-san made trays of dirt cups for future planting. Yep, all 9 of them. Tomorrow I'm seeing the Nara deer and Daiji temple! the deer are famous and a symbol of Nara (do not go native Minnesotan and say "MMM, venison!") because they are not for eating. Hitomi (a friend who visits Bloom sometimes, she teaches art at a school) said to make sure I am  not rammed by a deer when I feed them. It happened to her mom. 

Farm Time

  Again today was some of the "farm" part of being a "WWOOF"er, which for those of you still not sure what that means, it is short for willing workers on organic farms. A-san and I planted more eggplants, marigolds, and ripped up half a row of tarp before Ogawa and Sugi-chan came back from taking Momo (the long-haired daschound who had 3 puppies but now only has 1 who survived) to the vet to get her stitches out. We did "Bloom Teams." 

Lunch was something I reconized! Potstickers! 

After lunch Ogawa met with a client and we went through the baskets of ume (plums) we picked the other day and took off the tip where the fruit meets the tree with long cooking toothpicks. They smelled yummy and I tried to get them to allow me to eat one but they warned me ume was not delicious. I guess that's why they throw it in vinegar and pickle it to get 'ume-boshi.' 

I also noticed today there are some distinct differences between Minnesotans and Japanese. 

We are "Minnesota Nice" and so are the Japanese, however, only after I ask someone a question will they make eye contact and THEN go out of their way to help me. For instance when I asked a woman if this was the right train (express or not) she and her husband changed courses and showed me where the right train would be. They had to be late 60's. That's NICE. But on the other hand when I see Nihonjin (Japanese people) walking on the street and we cross paths, I smile and they look the other way completely. And if you remember I met some Chinese girls at the party, Bao, said she knew I was nice just like the Japanese and I really didn't think I went out of my way to do anything special, I told her that's just how Minnesotans are. Then as for driving, Japanese people (here at least) drive a little fast for my taste on roads BARELY wide enough for two cars (think of rural Minnesotan farm roads but with pavement moved into the city) but extremely passive and nice as most of us in the land of snow are. 

P.S. I tend to offend Obaachan a lot and it was nice to have her visit a friend for two days so I don't feel so bad shutting the freezer with my knee (completely without even thinking twice) or asking to put soy sauce on my rice, which, I'd like to state is WRONG WRONG WRONG in Japanese culture. No one, I mean NO ONE puts it on the rice. It's bad manners. So, you can imagine how I felt when I tried to ask for soy sauce for two days because I've eaten it that way my whole life. Surprise!

Wow, someone is cutting onions downstairs and I can smell it and feel it. Oh. yikes. my. eyes. 

Trains and Tacos

It was an eventful weekend, for lack of another word. After planting sweet potatoes and sunflowers in the morning(Ogawa keeps saying my eyes are like sunflowers because of my many colors, but I don't know if I agree, but I find the comment interesting...), I changed for my afternoon/evening in Kyoto. I went with Shogo to the party he invited me to with other foreigners and I made it from my train station to where I was supposed to meet him--Saidaiji Station all in one piece. Shogo met me there from his train and together we went to Kyoto. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home, but the good news is that just from walking out of the train station to the party by the river, I want to go back. The river cut right through the heart of the city and I think Kyoto is more beautiful than Osaka. Shogo pointed to people along the river and said it was traditional for dating couples to go sit on the shores and talk, since showing affection is something Japanese don't do in public. I see some people holding hands, and that's been about it. Anyway, the party was fun and I exchanged emails with an English teacher from Canada, a chinese girl who has lived in Japan for 10 years, and another Japanese 20-something woman who would also love to show me around. I'm excited to see where those connections lead but one unique man I met was in the gap between college and medical school, Ian. Ian has walked from Tokyo to Kyoto in 26 days and is still walking as I speak. He was very cool to talk to since, how often do you meet someone with the guts to do that?? I also wish him the best of luck on his walk, and on to med school :) 

Now, getting back home was something I won't forget but for now I want to. The last trains stop early in Japan and my new female friends wanted to leave at 10, so around then we left for the trains. Bao, my new Chinese acquaintance, had to go another way, but she told her friend to make sure I was okay on my trains! She only spoke Japanese and I surprised her with my hidden skills (I spoke mostly English at the party and it felt SO GOOD). I thought everything was worked out after we parted ways (so did she) before the 2nd train. As I was riding my next connection, a worker came to check tickets and I had to pay more since it was an express and then he told me I could only get as far as my last transfer since the trains were done. He recommended I call a taxi with my cell phone that didn't work. It was 11:10. 

However, on the next train two kind ladies tried to help me when I asked. The second called my host and Ogawa said he could pick me up at the last station, Yamamoto-Yagi, which is maybe 10 minutes from Yamatotakada. I was frustrated since I was so close and I felt terrible he had to pick me up after my goof, but I learned a valuable lesson in Japanese transportation and DON'T plan on repeating it. This time I have my very own map of the lines to commit to memory.

Today on the other hand, was a little bit better than my late night return. I got up and wanted to explore a local bakery and yep, just as I thought, delicious. I wanted to also buy some more yogurt at the wonderful SATY but I thought I would take the long way and that definitely was the right choice. There was a long line of small shops and stores, beautiful sweet shops and a book store I thought was really cool. I don't think I'm up to that advanced level yet, but maybe I could do a magazine... Later I returned home and at 3:30 or so, I went with Ena and Ogawa to AEON to buy groceries and food for my special dinner. I planned to make a Dorito taco salad, and I knew Doritos existed in Japan, but it was a little adventure trying to find sour cream and taco seasoning. We ended up at a specialty imported food store in AEON that carried food from all over and of course... America! I was so happy to see I could buy oatmeal and other things of the American sort because I'm starting to miss American snacks :( 

I made the Taco salad for dinner and our neighbor Taku-chan came over to join us. The good news is it was a hit! Of course, the beautiful thing about mexican food is that rice is a big part of some dishes, just like japanese food. So, add some Doritos, beef, cheese, lettuce and tomato, with a little rice--and they loved it. I saw everyone go back for more and Ogawa wants me to write down the recipe. At least for me, it was delicious to eat American-ish food, with a fork too. It was a very satisfying way to end the weekend adventure. 

Osakajo!

I am so exhausted from the massive amounts of walking but at least it was worth it. Ogawa, Sugi-chan and A-san and I went to Minami, which is south Osaka and famous for it's shopping. So with Obentos (boxed lunches) packed, we took the train! I tried to remember every step along the way and finally I figured out it worked like the trains did on my last trip to Washington D.C., except in a foreign language. That's not intimidating at all.  

Famous in Minami. So are the puffers next door. 

When we finally arrived the shopping began, but Ogawa was set on this one wholesaler so we really only went into about 3 stores out of maybe 100,000. I was a little taken aback since this was the biggest shop experience I'd ever seen--like Minnesota's Mall of America splayed out over part of a whole city. I really wanted a certain type of bag (still looking) but didn't find it in the places we happened to check. At lunch we stopped at Starbucks to eat our lunches and of course, I got to check out Japanese coffee. I got a mocha frappuchino with JELLY ("je-ri") in it. Different but still delicious. If you have ever had bubble tea (Hi Amanda!) then it is just the same! Except tasty mocha flavored. I hope that finds its way to America sometime.

For roughly $5.00, it better have been delicious. 

Afterwards, we finished walking Minami and were trying to make it to the big giant ferris wheel in Osaka that overlooks the whole city, but after a train ride and zig zag walking, we found it, and we found it to be closed until October for repairs. :( So instead we went to Osaka Castle!

Haha! Almost there...

 It's not the original but it is a replica of it. The inside was very interesting/historical (thank goodness for English translations for tourists) and each of 8 floors had a different experience. My favorite floor was the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and each display in the wall had a background but then hallographic images played out the scene. Very Jedi-Star-wars. We got to look out from the top floor too! 

Afterwards while we were leaving, I noticed large buses and then that it was a friend's favorite Japanese band. Apparently, they were playing in Osakajo Hall soon and there was crowds of females. I forgot which one exactly she is in love with but I made sure to send them my love.

I did find a concert vendor selling things and after fighting a few other women at the booth for the vendor's attention, bought her a souvenir ('omiyage'). It left me laughing for about 20 minutes at my luck.

The train home took a long time and it was a very long day of walking. I'm very thankful I picked the comfy shoes. I am also trying to get used to being stared at. I did see some other Americans since we went to a more tourist location but that was in Osaka, this is outside and more Japanese "suburan/rural." Oh well. At least it's only because I'm a blond foreigner and not that I have something on/severely off about me...

Farm-time

Finally, a day of some work. It's not that I really am itching to sweat and get bitten by bugs but I was expecting to be put to work when I got here to sort of... prove myself and instead, there's been parties and high amounts of fun. However, today we packed the car/van and A-san, Ogawa and me (Sugi-chan is sick) and drove to the... garden again. I don't think it counts as a farm exactly, unless there is another one that I don't know of, but this is more of maybe 2 acres long and a hundred feet wide. By no means do I think 'Farm' but I guess I'm okay with this.

First A-san and I planted eggplants (nasubi, nasu for short) three at a time and then a marigold down an entire row until we ran out of nasu. This took a while. Then it was tea-time. Except this time the water jug was water instead of tea like yesterday. Then back to planting. Planting consisted of stabbing an X into the black plastic we laid down yesterday and inserting the little green life form. I tried to chat with A-san but my dictionary was in the car so I was limited, but she is patient with me so I get by. Then we finished with green peppers and something I didn't recognize. 

Lunch was good and Obaachan joined us again. I have to be really careful because it is Japanese custom to finish EVERYTHING in your bowl or plate or both and sometimes I take too much without knowing or get served more than I can eat. It's yummy but I need to pay more attention or my stomach will make sure I know better. Also, Obaachan said "I worry about you!" tonight when concerning my meals. I don't really follow, because my life is pretty low key so I just don't need to eat a bowl of rice and three fish-bacon-egg-pancake things like her 15 year old grandson does for dinner. I am just an efficient machine? Maybe more work will speed up the digesting. 

I told Ogawa that I wanted to go to the Kaiyukan (BIG Aquarium in Osaka) on Sunday and he said, "No, since it is the rainy season, we can have school there!" So if it rains (cross your fingers since the weather forecast says... rainy :)) we might be going there tomorrow. I am very excited at this prospect seeing as I am fish junkie. I totally spoiled my pet fish at school. I think it's the water part and that I was a swimmer for over 10 years, spent my summers at a Minnesota cabin, and love animals. Can't wait to see the whale shark, and get back into Osaka. When I landed it was beautiful like sparkling snowflakes against black in all sorts of colors. Like someone tossed Christmas lights into the ocean. Gorgeous. 

Finished shopping at SATYS now. I found two dresses (everything is so darn cute it's so easy to find clothes, not to mention, it's a store full of just my size) and then I wanted a sweater for one. I learned the hard way that just because the mall has clothes open all over the floor doesn't mean it's not different shops. Yeah.... I really felt like the foreigner there. Then I saw one more thing at another store that was a little 'spendy' (see Minnesotan dictionary--adj. expensive) but I thought trying it on wouldn't hurt right? Then I fell in love and it was all over.

Kaimonosuru no ga sukiii ( I like to shop! )

The last few days kind of roll together as the activity dies a little. The party, my misunderstanding, was an introduction party where everyone introduces themselves and by the end, you are supposed to be all acquainted with each other. There were adults and children and I am beginning to make some Japanese friends. Shugo-san (the furniture shop's son) played guitar once or twice for everyone and is showing me around Kyoto next Saturday. Then, Hitomi-san is an art teacher who also speaks pretty good English. We end up using Japlish a lot. We made takoyaki--which is squid. Good thing I like sea food. It's cooked in a special cooker (we have pancake griddles, they have takoyaki griddles) and it ends up being a ball that is soft and warm on the inside like a hard boiled egg, with a piece of squid. Very good with sauce. 

The next day I wanted to go to AEON, the largest mall in Kansai with 300 shops and only a mile or so (max) to Ogawa's. After a long process of dropping off a guest who spent the night and his two little kids (he offered to take me sight seeing around Nara with his English Teacher friend, Kevin. Woohoo!) Ogawa took me and Taketomo to AEON. At first, I was a really distraught that we were going shopping together because for the last 6 days I was always with new strangers and I just wanted some alone time to figure out and take in the new aspects I am experiencing. Also, for their sanity's sake, they don't want to shop with me. No one does. We agreed to meet outside the Disney store (loooved it) and I went on my way. It was a very different experience, and a lot of strange stores. Lots of accessories (one store was called Pink Latte so of course I had to go in). Then, I went into a store called "Axes" and slowly fell in love with everything in the store. It was a little on the expensive side but the sales were totally reasonable. I picked some things out and when I went to try them on I goofed with the shoes ritual--apparently when you enter a dressing up (one small step up) you must take off your shoes. Well I didn't know but the girl working was kind enough to say in English "Ah shoes!" It is also customary to put a sheer cloth over your head when trying on the clothes so you don't get makeup on their nice clothes. I can live with that. But I'm starting to get annoyed with shoes! Good thing I didn't bring tie shoes... Anyway, Aki, the girl who helped me at Axes knew some English so she was very sweet and we stumbled together. I ended up buying a white dress and I definitely want to make a second stop there. I said I would ask for her! Lastly, it's super amazing being average size now. All the clothes are just meant for me... Everything is in petite! I love it!

I started to get hungry and I knew immediately--I miss the heck out of coffee. So I found an Italian store and got in line. I didn't know what I exactly would say but again, I stumbled through it and successfully even got it to go and it was absolutely delicious. And then I walked down the rest of the mall and found Starbucks. Oh well, it was cheaper and delicious, but I'm definitely adding Starbucks to my list of things to try here. Must compare. 

Today was also my first day on the "farm" although I say farm loosely. It's more like a long empty lot with 6 rows that will grow vegetables under the black tarps. We laid down three more tarps and it was hooot. And of course, we stopped for a tea break. If there are some things I have learned about the Japanese it is Tea, Rice, and Shoes. 

Tea--forget milk. Forget pop. Tea is IN everything and IS everything. (I even ate a macha chocolate chip cookie today...)

Rice--at every meal. Then, I've counted 4 rice cookers for this family alone. Rice is also in almost everything. Sweets, etc. 

Shoes--take them off when in doubt. Don't let them touch the house. Don't let them touch carpet. Then you should be okay :) 

Farm time again tomorrow. Hope its cloudy. 

I have also resorted to writing my name on my special foods (they serve me thick bread for breakfast since it's the second alternative to rice. Cereal also barely exists here). But on the bright side, I bought Koala Yummies (KOARA MAACHI)when I made a little adventure to SATY, a store down the street that must be the Japanese Kmart or something. I haven't had them since I was maybe...7? They don't exist anymore and it was the happiest memory-lane trip ever. 

The Tea Ceremony Practice

Today was supposed to be my first day on the farm but it was "ame ga furu" or raining. I still wore my work clothes anyway... So, we cleaned the school a bit and then Hiroko-san (the mom!) joined us for some of the cleaning and lunch. 

After eating fried rice and sliced hot dogs, wrapped in egg like an omelet (yum-yum, and japanese ketcup has more kick to it by the way) Hiroko-san, Ogawa, Sugi-chan, A-san and I got into the car again for another trip. This time we stopped and bought rice cakes before we reached Morita-sensei's house. 

Apparently we were going to Ogawa's old kindergarten teacher's house for her to teach us (mostly me) about the tea ceremony. She was dressed in a full kimono and looked very beautiful--her glasses actually matched her dress :) We entered a traditional room and I learned a bookload of stuff in the hour or so that we were there. Everyone has to sit a certain way with your hands on your legs. Then, the honored guest gets the green mat, the same as the tea and server. The secondary get another one (us). First, Morita-sensei showed us the three ways to bow.

 There is with just fingertips on the floor, fingers, and then full palm, each has a different place and time. Then, she begins to serve Ogawa (first in line) and it is a long process of moving the bowl, thanking, turning it twice in your hands and drinking all of the matcha? tea. Next, Sugi-chan had a turn and there is a receiving way to do it as well each person also does. So many rules! But it was a lot of fun. We got to eat the rice cakes before we drank the tea (traditionally) and I tried my best not to insult or be rude in some silent way, hopefully I did alright. The tea was actually really, really bitter for me and it got harder to drink the closer I got to finishing. Guess it's an acquired taste like coffee--no one likes it at first but the more you drink the better it is... over time. There will be a party for me tomorrow and they asked if I had any nice clothes for it, which I do but not nice enough. All my bottoms are jeans and it's kind of a formal affair for this receiving party, so Hiroko-san is letting me borrow her yugata (like a kimono). It should be a lot of fun : ) 

A day in Tenri... and other places

The day after I landed was pretty mellow. I was introduced to many faces that I recognize, but have a hard time recalling names. I learned the Bloom School, Bloom Cafe, Farm and house are all different places so that's what you need to know. It's a short hop and a skip away. "Casey can you make it back without getting lost?" "Oh, of course. I go the the U of M. It's kind of big." 

Then yesterday, Obaachan (Grandma) had to go to the hospital in Oyasato, a city close by. We, being Ogawa, Obaachan, Sugichan (8), Asan (16) and me, drove to the Tenri Hospital. I thought I was in for a boring tag-a-long sort of thing but we dropped Obaachan off and parked in front of Tenri school, which is a college plus high school plus elementary. You can image how big it all is. I thought it was a huge dormitory but I was wrong. We walked across the street and I thought 'Oh, we're going to a temple!' No, it's not a temple, it's actually a church I finally figured out. Not sure what the difference is but first we washed our hands in a well, then walked up to these thick black wooden steps. After removing my shoes and seeing the "no camera no cell phone" sign, we walked up the steps inside. It was black, red, and light wood. People were praying and some singing softly. We sat in a row and since I found myself in a church, I closed my eyes and took the time to pray the Japanese way I guess. The atmosphere was different than an American church, very relaxing and I enjoyed that. Afterwards, we exited and walked to the right were in a square around Tenri church is a market/shop sort of place. I was tempted to start buying souvenirs but the thought of lugging it for 2 months made me refrain. Although as we were walking by a confectionary store, I asked what it was. Ogawa couldn't explain it so he said let's go in! We all went inside to find this Ojiisan (Grandpa/oldman) happy to help explain everything. When he figured out I was American, he simply switched into English and was actually very good. He lived in Arizona for a while and retired to the confectionary business--like he said a good son should do and follow his parents for once. 

He explained so many (this one is a fine bean paste, this one has skin, this one is etc. etc. etc.) I picked one I thought I would like for sure--ringo (apple). Apparently it's a big deal sort of and he takes it behind the store, fixes it up with tea and a tray with a handle like a rainbow. It was different than anything in Minnesota, imagine a pie-like pastry but instead of jelly you find a soft, smooth-grain apple center, obviously made from rice. It was actually very good and he gave us tickets to the Tenri museum (back where the school was at). 

Tenri museum was pretty neat but it asked that I refrain from photos with flash so I just didn't bother, I have the english-map guide : ) 

(just part of the school)

After sight-seeing the museum of Japanese and world history, our little group got back in the white box-car, (they are EVERYwhere in Japan) and went to... Seven-Eleven! Which I thought went very well for how picky I am and how Japanese illiterate I am. I can read the alphabet but I only know 400/2000 kanji. Ah, life can be hard sometimes... Especially when I finally figured out how to say "Pop hurts my throat. Where are the non-carbonated beverages?" Which they commented "EHH? What a weird american. All americans like coca-cola!!!" Found a sport drink and japanese yogurt, and it hit the spot after I had the pastry snack. We took our bag to the car and drove to a friend of Ogawa's furniture store that was close by. I didn't put it together until the young man that greeted us said in English "I was the one who spoke to you yesterday about translating your WWOOFer rules!" So it was nice to thank him in person (The translation Japanese-yahoo made was RIDICULOUSLY funny in regards to how I should eat. I'm not sure how it misconstrued: don't take more than you can eat, if you don't like something, say so before so we don't waste food etc. duh). Anyway, we went into his office where his parents were working and had a sort of picnic while they visited with one another. I could really hear the Osaka-ben (I studied Tokyo-ben) and felt somewhat like in Finding Nemo... when they meet the little sea turtles who speak surfer. I am at the cusp of almost, almost, almost understanding... but then I can't tell. At least I laugh a little. 

Sugo-san, the son in his twenties, invited me to Kyoto next Saturday and I'm excited to visit with someone my own age, and who speaks English so that when my mostly-good dictionary fails me, we can overcome the language gap without me feeling dense. 

We left the store and finally picked up Obaachan, but it didn't stop there. I thought we would drive back to Yamatotakada but suddenly we pulled into this driveway further away from the city and we're here to visit Obaachan's friend. While she visited with the other Obaasan, her daughter and son in law (maybe the other way around) showed us the two green houses of flowers, plants and herbs. So gorgeous. The husband reminded me of a sort of flower-guru Jet Li. He knew everything and made us try this fruit, and this, and this leaf, and it was crazy. "This is gumi! eat!" Feels like a bumpy grape in your mouth, tastes like a sour sweet tart... There was s shrine in their garden for old family members who had passed away and that was the cherry on top of such a beautiful place. After that visit, we were driving to what I thought was Yamatotakada again but Ogawa and Obaachan ask me in the car, "Casey, do you like ice cream?" Hello. That's like asking a panda if it likes bamboo. Or a shark if it likes fish. Of course I do.

We pulled the car over to this odd but unique ice cream place. I picked out a sort of ice cream sandwhich but imagine it as a cookie, like someone used a plain cone case and wrapped the strawberry ice cream inside. TADA! Delicious. Then Ogawa said "The cows who made this are out back," and they were, I went and saw them. How. Sweet.

Then back in the car. By this time my camera was mostly dead-dead :( but we drove to one more place, Ogawa's cousin's house. At first we pull in and I notice there are statues of nude women all over, like a greek garden or something. They almost weren't home but then the cousin and his wife came out while Obaachan was tying the bag of what she was returning to a lawn chair for him. They introduced me and said my Japanese was good (YAY!) and I am pretty positive his cousin said while he motioned with his hand, "American? Aren't they a lot taller?" Ouch. He was an amazing artist, as you can probably see.

On the way back everyone was tired in the car and while I was reading the traffic signs I realized, "We went to KYOTO?" "Yep! That is Obaachan's hometown!" Surprise! But in a good adventuring way. After the hour or so drive, Ogawa drops off Sugi-chan and A-san and goes back to his house where he pulls out the extra seats in his car and piles Ena-chan (13), Taketomo-san (15), and Tetsuyashi-san (10) into the car. We are going to Sushisomething. I wasn't very hungry so I almost felt annoyed--I wanted to be done for the day but when we get there... there are conveyor belts of sushi that come along and you take what you want and pay for the plate later. I actually wanted hot food so I ordered udon (Ogawa ordered it for me on the table's INTERCOM) and that was delicious. If only I had been in the mood for sushi... darn. But I had a super time watching it all come by me, that alone was entertaining enough. AWESOME.