4.26.08
Over the past few days, it seems I have come down with a slight sinus infection. I have been trying to take care of myself before it gets worse: sleeping more than usual, drinking lots of warm liquids, and trying to remember to use my nasal spray. I will admit that it's often difficult for me to remember that last one. Anyway, I think and hope my cold is on it's way out. Just in time to enjoy my up and coming Golden Week vacation from May 3rd to May 9th!
Today, like any other Saturday, I worked until about 3pm and then took a short little trip into Shinjuku to see if I could find some books for my students. I got some ideas but I didn't want to purchase anything before doing some more shopping online. I was going to stay out a little longer but I decided against it. It was a little too crowded downtown for my liking; especially, since I was feeling a little under the weather.
Random Side Note: Lauren and I learned a new fact today! Her student, typically chooses a new American state to learn about every two weeks. This week he chose to learn about Maine. Lauren, like the good teacher she is, decided that she would quiz me with this question that she had learned after reading the Atlas to her student: "What is Maine's state flower?". I really had no idea and was absolutely astounded when she told me it was the pine cone. I didn't know a pine cone was even considered a flower, but yes, it does have the reproductive structures necessary to classify it as a flower. It also turns out that New Jersey is famous for its tomatoes. The things you learn about your own country while living in a foreign one. :)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Night On The Town
4.19.08
Today Lauren and I had the privilege of meeting up with my past Binghamton University professor Donald C. Gause. Professor Gause taught Professional Skills, which was chock full of heuristic problem solving and other activities meant to broaden the way we look at, solve, and define the vague problems we would potentially be presented with in our future careers as engineers. It was an enjoyable class, and as Professor Gause continued to remind me during my visit with him, it was full of information that was "extremely important and life changing" if I would only accept this as being so. In all honesty, I really enjoyed his class. I hope I'm not too far off the mark, but I think one of the most important messages he was trying to get into our heads was the importance of turning vague requests into concrete results. It's important to note that this skill is important to more than just the engineering profession.
Anyway, back to our night out in Roppongi! Lauren had to work late so we decided to meet up with her at the concert hall. In the mean time I met up with Professor Gause at the International House of Japan in Roppongi (downtown Tokyo) where he was staying for a week long conference. It was a little rainy so we talked a little in the lobby and then headed to the concert. After a little adventure around Tokyo, Professor Gause and I finally made it to the Suntory Concert Hall--not the Suntory office building. Suntory is a very famous beverage company in Japan, and consequently, has many different offices buildings around Tokyo. It was good to see Lauren waiting for us at the entrance to the theater.
The Suntory Concert Hall is a marvelous hall consisting of 360 degree seating around the main stage. Behind the stage is a extremely large pipe organ that is unlike any I have ever seen before. Two sections of the pipes are actually protruding from the wall! Professor Gause, Lauren, and I were sitting at about 10 o'clock with respect to the conductor. It was an amazingly unique experience due to a combination or our location and the sound of the orchestra. We were there to hear the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. They played three pieces: one by L. Berio/F. Shubert, one by M. Bruch ("Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor" with soloist Erik Shumann) and the last by O. Respighi ("The Pines of Rome"). The soloist in the second peace was very talented and the last piece consisted of the entire orchestra--organ and all. There was even a section of five trombones that played from one of the balconies far off from the stage. Overall, the sound was grand and motivating thanks to the artists and the acoustics of the hall.
After the concert, the three of us went to Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. We chatted for quite a while about whatever topic came up. Lauren and Professor Gause bonded over their connection as Hoosiers. It was funny to listen to them trying to explain the etymology of the word Hoosier.
After our Respighi and spaghetti (this connection was made by Professor Gause so I cannot take credit for it.), we all said our goodbyes and parted ways. It was good to see Professor Gause--one of my teachers and friends--in a place that is so far from home. Thank you Professor Gause! Both Lauren and I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful evening filled with culture, laughter, and good times all around.
Some artwork that caught my eye on the way to the International House of Japan.
This picture was taken from the main banister looking down upon the entrance of the Suntory Concert Hall in Roppongi.
From left to right: me, Professor Gause, and Lauren. We are all standing inside the Suntory Concert Hall in Roppongi.
Tokyo Tower all lit up.
Today Lauren and I had the privilege of meeting up with my past Binghamton University professor Donald C. Gause. Professor Gause taught Professional Skills, which was chock full of heuristic problem solving and other activities meant to broaden the way we look at, solve, and define the vague problems we would potentially be presented with in our future careers as engineers. It was an enjoyable class, and as Professor Gause continued to remind me during my visit with him, it was full of information that was "extremely important and life changing" if I would only accept this as being so. In all honesty, I really enjoyed his class. I hope I'm not too far off the mark, but I think one of the most important messages he was trying to get into our heads was the importance of turning vague requests into concrete results. It's important to note that this skill is important to more than just the engineering profession.
Anyway, back to our night out in Roppongi! Lauren had to work late so we decided to meet up with her at the concert hall. In the mean time I met up with Professor Gause at the International House of Japan in Roppongi (downtown Tokyo) where he was staying for a week long conference. It was a little rainy so we talked a little in the lobby and then headed to the concert. After a little adventure around Tokyo, Professor Gause and I finally made it to the Suntory Concert Hall--not the Suntory office building. Suntory is a very famous beverage company in Japan, and consequently, has many different offices buildings around Tokyo. It was good to see Lauren waiting for us at the entrance to the theater.
The Suntory Concert Hall is a marvelous hall consisting of 360 degree seating around the main stage. Behind the stage is a extremely large pipe organ that is unlike any I have ever seen before. Two sections of the pipes are actually protruding from the wall! Professor Gause, Lauren, and I were sitting at about 10 o'clock with respect to the conductor. It was an amazingly unique experience due to a combination or our location and the sound of the orchestra. We were there to hear the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. They played three pieces: one by L. Berio/F. Shubert, one by M. Bruch ("Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor" with soloist Erik Shumann) and the last by O. Respighi ("The Pines of Rome"). The soloist in the second peace was very talented and the last piece consisted of the entire orchestra--organ and all. There was even a section of five trombones that played from one of the balconies far off from the stage. Overall, the sound was grand and motivating thanks to the artists and the acoustics of the hall.
After the concert, the three of us went to Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. We chatted for quite a while about whatever topic came up. Lauren and Professor Gause bonded over their connection as Hoosiers. It was funny to listen to them trying to explain the etymology of the word Hoosier.
After our Respighi and spaghetti (this connection was made by Professor Gause so I cannot take credit for it.), we all said our goodbyes and parted ways. It was good to see Professor Gause--one of my teachers and friends--in a place that is so far from home. Thank you Professor Gause! Both Lauren and I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful evening filled with culture, laughter, and good times all around.
Some artwork that caught my eye on the way to the International House of Japan.
This picture was taken from the main banister looking down upon the entrance of the Suntory Concert Hall in Roppongi.
From left to right: me, Professor Gause, and Lauren. We are all standing inside the Suntory Concert Hall in Roppongi.
Tokyo Tower all lit up.Random Side Note: I was asking my students about their favorite restaurants the other day in class. I mentioned Kappa Sushi--one of my all time favorite places to eat sushi here in Japan--and one of my students responded "mazuiiiii!". In other words, she was totally disgusted with the fact that I like eating there. I was a little surprised but maybe I just don't have the well seasoned pallet that my eight year old Japanese students have. Maybe if I stay here for 7 more years I'll develop a better understanding. :)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Quiet Happenings
4.17.08
As the days pass, two things are happening: 1. I am learning more Japanese. 2. It is getting easier for me to teach English. Today, my Japanese teacher gave me about 15 new kanji to practice and I will try my best to learn the correct stroke order. Writing kanji is a very particular process.
Yesterday Lauren and I went to Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara. I must clarify that Yodobashi Camera is much more then a camera store. Inside, you can find just about any Japanese or foreign electronic including: washing machines, wine coolers, thousands of cell phones, and much more. Both Yodobashi and Akihabara are world famous for being technology hotspots.
I had been wanting to listen to some Belle and Sebastian lately so I looked for them on Youtube.com. I found this amusing video and I thought I would share it on my blog. Someday I hope I will catch a fish in my washing machine. :)
Please Enjoy it!
As the days pass, two things are happening: 1. I am learning more Japanese. 2. It is getting easier for me to teach English. Today, my Japanese teacher gave me about 15 new kanji to practice and I will try my best to learn the correct stroke order. Writing kanji is a very particular process.
Yesterday Lauren and I went to Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara. I must clarify that Yodobashi Camera is much more then a camera store. Inside, you can find just about any Japanese or foreign electronic including: washing machines, wine coolers, thousands of cell phones, and much more. Both Yodobashi and Akihabara are world famous for being technology hotspots.
I had been wanting to listen to some Belle and Sebastian lately so I looked for them on Youtube.com. I found this amusing video and I thought I would share it on my blog. Someday I hope I will catch a fish in my washing machine. :)
Please Enjoy it!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Meeting up with Azusa
4.12.08
Today after work, my friend Azusa and I met one another in Kaihinmakuhari station. We spent a little chatting at a cafe and then went on a little shopping trip. Our purpose? We were going to make dinner together! Azusa would teach me how to may Japanese dumplings (gyoza) and I would teacher her how to make lentils just the way I like them. Up until today, I had no idea that I could even buy lentils in Japan. It was an exciting discovery!
Azusa and I showing off our shrimp gyoza.
Gyoza in the making. You can see the first two I made on the left of the right plate. I got better as I made more but my first few were a little irregularly shaped. :) Azusa's on the other hand were professional quality. It looked as if she just removed them from a package!
Gyoza and Lentil are friends just like me and Azusa.
Cooking the shrimp gyoza.
Cooking the lentils.
Random Side Note: The other day Lauren and I could not help but pay attention to two of our younger neighbors. We were able to figure out that one of them is named Yuya from their frequent shouts as they play outside our apartment building. The other day Lauren was listening into their conversation and she translated what they were saying for my benefit. Evidently the annonymus brother shouted, "Yuya, throw me the meat!". One of them was actually tossing meat off of their family's second floor poarch while Yuya was standing just outside the railing of our poarch attempting to catching it. He then continued to eating it even after it had fallen on the ground. Lauren and I couldn't help but giggle during the whole thing.
Today after work, my friend Azusa and I met one another in Kaihinmakuhari station. We spent a little chatting at a cafe and then went on a little shopping trip. Our purpose? We were going to make dinner together! Azusa would teach me how to may Japanese dumplings (gyoza) and I would teacher her how to make lentils just the way I like them. Up until today, I had no idea that I could even buy lentils in Japan. It was an exciting discovery!
Azusa and I showing off our shrimp gyoza.
Gyoza in the making. You can see the first two I made on the left of the right plate. I got better as I made more but my first few were a little irregularly shaped. :) Azusa's on the other hand were professional quality. It looked as if she just removed them from a package!
Gyoza and Lentil are friends just like me and Azusa.
Cooking the shrimp gyoza.
Cooking the lentils.Random Side Note: The other day Lauren and I could not help but pay attention to two of our younger neighbors. We were able to figure out that one of them is named Yuya from their frequent shouts as they play outside our apartment building. The other day Lauren was listening into their conversation and she translated what they were saying for my benefit. Evidently the annonymus brother shouted, "Yuya, throw me the meat!". One of them was actually tossing meat off of their family's second floor poarch while Yuya was standing just outside the railing of our poarch attempting to catching it. He then continued to eating it even after it had fallen on the ground. Lauren and I couldn't help but giggle during the whole thing.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Mark's Visit
4.6.08
My good friend Mark Turley decided to come visit me for about a week from March 29th to April 6th. Even though I was working, we still managed to see a great deal of the sites in and around Tokyo. In the end, there were still a myriad of things I wished that I could've shown him, but that is a simple problem to fix! He'll just to come back for a return visit!
His flight arrived an hour early on Saturday, March 29th; it landed around 3:30pm rather than 4:30pm. Unfortunately, I had to teach until 3pm so I was going to be just on time assuming he would be arriving at the normal time. Since his flight arrived so early, I was a little worried that he would think I had forgotten about him. As he later told me, he was just about to have the airport page me when I walked up the stairs. He was standing right there and I was so happy to see him. I will admit it was a little strange to see one of my good American friends here in Japan but that is far from a complaint. Please enjoy the pictures from our adventures!
Sunday, March 30th
Since Sunday was the only day during Mark's stay that I had completely free, I decided it would be the best day to go on a trip to Kamakura. The early train ride was the start of our long journey that would eventually bring us to the Giant Budda (Daibatsu)--one of the first things I saw when I arrived in Japan! In this picuture, Mark and I are hamming it up for the camera.
I was intrigued by these beautiful flowers that I found at one of the small temples lining the main street of Kamakura.
Mark walking through the Shuu Genji Temple garden in Kamakura.
There I am leaning against a tree in Kamakura's Hase Dera Temple. This is one of the largest and, in my opinion, the most peaceful temples in Kamakura.
Mark arrived just in time to see the blooming of the Japanese cherry blossom trees (sakura). The blooming period lasted just a little over a week before all the blossoms had fallen. This picture was taken at the Hase Dera Temple and you can see the cherry blossom tree in the background. I wish everyone I knew could've been there to see the sweet smelling incense as it wafted up and around the delicate pink cherry blossoms. It as a beautiful scene. Little did I know how many more cherry blossoms I would see as the week with Mark continued.
A regatta was starting in the distance.
I had already gone inside the Giant Budda last August so I decided to pass on the opportunity to go inside again. Instead, I took this picture of Mark--with his black hoodie and scarf--walking into the copper statue after paying his 20 yen (about $0.20).
The Giant Budda's (Daibastu) close-up
Mark and I standing in front of the Giant Budda in Kamakura.
This cute little kitty, who reminded me of my two cats back home in America, was keeping warm by sitting near the heater in one of the Kamakura shops. The damp and rainy weather left a little chill in the air.
Ninja Stars
Mark and I went to a local ska concert in Ueno.
My good friend Mark Turley decided to come visit me for about a week from March 29th to April 6th. Even though I was working, we still managed to see a great deal of the sites in and around Tokyo. In the end, there were still a myriad of things I wished that I could've shown him, but that is a simple problem to fix! He'll just to come back for a return visit!
His flight arrived an hour early on Saturday, March 29th; it landed around 3:30pm rather than 4:30pm. Unfortunately, I had to teach until 3pm so I was going to be just on time assuming he would be arriving at the normal time. Since his flight arrived so early, I was a little worried that he would think I had forgotten about him. As he later told me, he was just about to have the airport page me when I walked up the stairs. He was standing right there and I was so happy to see him. I will admit it was a little strange to see one of my good American friends here in Japan but that is far from a complaint. Please enjoy the pictures from our adventures!
Sunday, March 30th
Since Sunday was the only day during Mark's stay that I had completely free, I decided it would be the best day to go on a trip to Kamakura. The early train ride was the start of our long journey that would eventually bring us to the Giant Budda (Daibatsu)--one of the first things I saw when I arrived in Japan! In this picuture, Mark and I are hamming it up for the camera.
I was intrigued by these beautiful flowers that I found at one of the small temples lining the main street of Kamakura.
Mark walking through the Shuu Genji Temple garden in Kamakura.
There I am leaning against a tree in Kamakura's Hase Dera Temple. This is one of the largest and, in my opinion, the most peaceful temples in Kamakura.
Mark arrived just in time to see the blooming of the Japanese cherry blossom trees (sakura). The blooming period lasted just a little over a week before all the blossoms had fallen. This picture was taken at the Hase Dera Temple and you can see the cherry blossom tree in the background. I wish everyone I knew could've been there to see the sweet smelling incense as it wafted up and around the delicate pink cherry blossoms. It as a beautiful scene. Little did I know how many more cherry blossoms I would see as the week with Mark continued.
A regatta was starting in the distance.
I had already gone inside the Giant Budda last August so I decided to pass on the opportunity to go inside again. Instead, I took this picture of Mark--with his black hoodie and scarf--walking into the copper statue after paying his 20 yen (about $0.20).
The Giant Budda's (Daibastu) close-up
Mark and I standing in front of the Giant Budda in Kamakura.
This cute little kitty, who reminded me of my two cats back home in America, was keeping warm by sitting near the heater in one of the Kamakura shops. The damp and rainy weather left a little chill in the air.
Ninja Stars
Mark and I went to a local ska concert in Ueno.Tuesday, April 1st
April Fools! Well, not really. Today, I took Mark to Shibuya so we could check out some guitar shops. There was shop called Ikebe Guitars that was divided into little shops all located around the same area. It took us a little while to find the shops but all went well when we eventually realized they were right in front of us.
Mark told me all about the guitars in this vintage guitar shop. I learned so much about guitars during his stay in Japan. Thanks Mark!
I couldn't help but take a picture of this Japanese Jazz club in honor of my grandmother. Like her, it was named Mary Jane.
Here Mark is trying out the Fender Mustang guitar that he eventually decided to buy. Pardon the expression, but he was like a kid in a candy store when he discovered this guitar in one of the Shibuya shops we visited. According to Mark, the design of this guitar can only be purchased in Japan. Good thing he came to visit!
This entire path was lined with cherry blossom trees.
I couldn't help but stop and watch a few of the children that were petting a cat as it lounged in the sun.
Cherry Blossom Trees
It was the first time I had ever seen pansies this color.
In the middle of this picture you can see a man creating an oil painting.
It is very popular for families and friends to hold picnics under the cherry blossom trees.
Mark tried the hamburger sushi at Kapa sushi.
Mark also tried the sweet egg sushi.
This guitar is one of a kind!
The day after Mark left, I took this picture of the fallen cherry blossom petals. It was as if they had known he had left.
April Fools! Well, not really. Today, I took Mark to Shibuya so we could check out some guitar shops. There was shop called Ikebe Guitars that was divided into little shops all located around the same area. It took us a little while to find the shops but all went well when we eventually realized they were right in front of us.
Mark told me all about the guitars in this vintage guitar shop. I learned so much about guitars during his stay in Japan. Thanks Mark!
I couldn't help but take a picture of this Japanese Jazz club in honor of my grandmother. Like her, it was named Mary Jane.
Here Mark is trying out the Fender Mustang guitar that he eventually decided to buy. Pardon the expression, but he was like a kid in a candy store when he discovered this guitar in one of the Shibuya shops we visited. According to Mark, the design of this guitar can only be purchased in Japan. Good thing he came to visit!Wednesday, April 2nd
As recommended by my boss, I took mark to Shimosa Nakayma to see the cherry blossoms and visit some of the temples and shrines there.
This entire path was lined with cherry blossom trees.
I couldn't help but stop and watch a few of the children that were petting a cat as it lounged in the sun.
Cherry Blossom Trees
It was the first time I had ever seen pansies this color.
In the middle of this picture you can see a man creating an oil painting.
It is very popular for families and friends to hold picnics under the cherry blossom trees.
Mark tried the hamburger sushi at Kapa sushi.
Mark also tried the sweet egg sushi.Friday, April 4th
While I was at work Mark went to a custom Fender shop to look at some of the guitars. According to Mark, this Fender shop was one of two in the world! The other one was in Europe.
While I was at work Mark went to a custom Fender shop to look at some of the guitars. According to Mark, this Fender shop was one of two in the world! The other one was in Europe.
This guitar is one of a kind!While Mark was here we also went to a few other places like Meiji Shrine in Harajuku and walked around Omodesando Hills. I made Mark try a few new foods that he would've never had if he hadn't come here. I was proud of him for trying so many new things. By the end of his stay, his chopstick abilities had definitely improved!
The day after Mark left, I took this picture of the fallen cherry blossom petals. It was as if they had known he had left.
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