I just wanted to share this post for those of you who may not otherwise see it.
Just spreading the good word.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Winding Down
Merry Christmas Vancouver, and Happy New Year.
The year is winding down. Japan doesn't like to cut loose at this time of year like we do. Monday is a holiday here, and I'll be training Karate in the Dojo xmas evening. Last class for me for the year as I am teaching Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is going to be clean up day and then we are done until the 7th. So it's going to be quiet here for me at least. I can't say I won't miss Christmas with the Fam and New Years with the friends, but I knew this come when I signed on for the trip. I hope everyone at home has a safe and happy holiday.
This is me. You knew that.
This is me and the Dojo's 2 newest Shodans. Koshi and Riintaro.
I took this picture tonight of the night sky outside my apartment. Its just the moon and some power cables but I thought the lighting looked kinda cool, so there you go.
This picture was taken at Shirotoriyama (White bird Mountain) on the border of the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefecture. Yes, thats me, my bike and Fuji in the background. IMHO, the picture of the trip so far, maybe my arctic fox.
Fun time for now. '08 is near then its back to work. Take care Vancouver.
The year is winding down. Japan doesn't like to cut loose at this time of year like we do. Monday is a holiday here, and I'll be training Karate in the Dojo xmas evening. Last class for me for the year as I am teaching Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is going to be clean up day and then we are done until the 7th. So it's going to be quiet here for me at least. I can't say I won't miss Christmas with the Fam and New Years with the friends, but I knew this come when I signed on for the trip. I hope everyone at home has a safe and happy holiday.
This is me. You knew that.
This is me and the Dojo's 2 newest Shodans. Koshi and Riintaro.
I took this picture tonight of the night sky outside my apartment. Its just the moon and some power cables but I thought the lighting looked kinda cool, so there you go.
This picture was taken at Shirotoriyama (White bird Mountain) on the border of the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefecture. Yes, thats me, my bike and Fuji in the background. IMHO, the picture of the trip so far, maybe my arctic fox.
Fun time for now. '08 is near then its back to work. Take care Vancouver.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Power of Beer
I'm getting fat. There is no denying it. Winter has come and my appetite has returned with a powerful vendetta. It takes all my will power not to crack open the Xmas chocolates my mom sent me. "No, those are for the kids," i keep telling myself. Worse than that, it seems that after Sharp Sensei's visit, I have found myself addicted to Ramen noodles. Before I couldn't even finish a single bowl. Now I am often tempted to have 2. Yeesh. To make matters worse, I had to take my bike into the shop to me fixed. A minor glich with the chain. Kaz was kind enough to swap out chains for me, even kinder he no charged it. Seems I owe him another 6pack. The point is tho I didn't get in my normal diet of riding. I missed Karate on tuesday to teach Shunji, (once a month) as normal I missed wednesday for the Narita class (every week) and then on thursday evening I found myself playing hookey one more time. So like I said, I'm getting fat.
Maruyama-san is one of my students. He is a dentist, Sakurai Sensei's Dentist acutally. He's also a Yandan and teaches at his own dojo. During class last week, I happened to mention that one of my favorite foods in Japan was Yakatori, so we made plans this week to go out for some socializing and Yakatori. Maruyama-san, who I call Sensei even tho he is not my teacher, knew the best place in Shizuoka City for Yakatori. So off we went.
The evening had a really rough start tho. Lines of comunication were crossed. I waited for a phone call but never got one. Just in case I thought I walked to Fujieda station and waited for him for 15 minutes. 'A crap' I thought. I made my way home hoping to figure out what was going on. When I got home I had 7 messages waiting for me all from Maruyama-san. I called him back and after a brisk walk back to the train station were we on our way. I really need to talk to Sakurai Sensei about trading in the land line for a mobile.
The first place we went to was small, dimly lit and had nice jazz music playing on the speakers. Maruyama-san, had indeed found some of the best yakatori I had ever had, and also the most expensive. Mind blowingly expensive actually. But Sensei treated. I did a good job, took it easy on the drinks. We talked a fair bit, it was there I discovered what his personal dreams are. Godan next year, run in the Tokyo marathon and of course travel North America. He also taught me a little Japanese slang. Gochi kara Otoko means 'from 5 man'. A funny little expression used to describe public employees in Japan and how they seem slow and sluggish at work, but at 5 when their job ends, they all spring to life and head down to the Yakatori joints for beers and a little 'Kampai!'
After the Yakatori bar I was quite satisfied. Maruyama-san, as I am finding many little Japanese people can be, still was a bit hungry. So he found us the nicest tasting and most mind blowingly expensive sushi I had ever tasted. We ate moderately and shared a large bottle of Asaki beer. Then we moved on.
I decided to show Maruyama-san the local Gaigin bar I had become acqainted with in Shizuoka. A nice, dimly lit, casual little place called "Our Boozer'. It's run by a nice enough Englishman (Birmingham) named Carl. Maruyama-san was very intriged by this place. I told him how this was a very common style for a pub in North America, and how often young Japanese people, in particular the girls, often came to bars like this practice their english with the Gaigin teachers who would unwind at these places. Maruyama-san said the experience was very exciting. It was there I invented the Japanese slang, Kuchi kara Otoko, the from 9 man because english teachers all seem to be done work (or Karate) around 9pm. haha! I wonder if it will catch on.
Sensei also got his first experience of beer from other countries. Stella(Belgium) Modelo Negro(Mexico) and Canada's most mediocre beer, Labbats blue(which is all Carl keeps around. I'll have to talk to him about that).
Sensei and I had a fantastic chat. We talked about the difference in cultures and languages. I mentioned to him that I found a lot of things in Japan confusing. That you can say something in Japanese, but what it really means in implied. He took the time to make an example for me. When being served food at a friends house, your friend will say something customary to you in Japanese. Translated into english it means "I present this delicous food to you." But actually what it means is "This food is not delicous, but please enjoy." Confused? Well wrap your head around this. The Implied meaning is "This food is delicous to me, but maybe not to you. Please enjoy." Or something like that.
I have been looking for my decoder ring in supermarked cereal boxes since I got here. It seems that they don't make them anymore and people like me are on their own. Only someone who has lived on this island all thier life can really understand the difference between what is said and what it really means.
Maruyama and I had a great time. We talked on a variety of topics, world peace, places to go in North America and the like. About the time we started breaking into Karate demonstrations the last train for Fujieda would be leaving, so we paid up and moved on back home.
I think last night I learned as much about Japanese culture as I have in the past 3 months. Not to mention that I now feel like a better english teacher now too. It's hard to explain, but having a slightly loosened tongue around one of my students taught me a lot about conversational english. I could never teach classses over a few pints but I had a lot of good ideas last night. It was a good thing and a timely thing.
I am however on the hook for all of Maruyama-sans drinking expenses when he comes to Vancouver, whenever that is. I had to pinky swear on that one. LOL
Another thing I learned last night was about the layers of meaning in the word 'Osu'. We use it in the dojo to acknowledge to our Sensei in a respectful and mindful manner that we understand what he is trying to teach us. But word 'Osu' also means, or at least implies, patience, endurance and tolerance. As with many of my experiences here so far, my visit with Maruyama-san was very very timely. Wouldn't you agree, Peter?
Maruyama-san is one of my students. He is a dentist, Sakurai Sensei's Dentist acutally. He's also a Yandan and teaches at his own dojo. During class last week, I happened to mention that one of my favorite foods in Japan was Yakatori, so we made plans this week to go out for some socializing and Yakatori. Maruyama-san, who I call Sensei even tho he is not my teacher, knew the best place in Shizuoka City for Yakatori. So off we went.
The evening had a really rough start tho. Lines of comunication were crossed. I waited for a phone call but never got one. Just in case I thought I walked to Fujieda station and waited for him for 15 minutes. 'A crap' I thought. I made my way home hoping to figure out what was going on. When I got home I had 7 messages waiting for me all from Maruyama-san. I called him back and after a brisk walk back to the train station were we on our way. I really need to talk to Sakurai Sensei about trading in the land line for a mobile.
The first place we went to was small, dimly lit and had nice jazz music playing on the speakers. Maruyama-san, had indeed found some of the best yakatori I had ever had, and also the most expensive. Mind blowingly expensive actually. But Sensei treated. I did a good job, took it easy on the drinks. We talked a fair bit, it was there I discovered what his personal dreams are. Godan next year, run in the Tokyo marathon and of course travel North America. He also taught me a little Japanese slang. Gochi kara Otoko means 'from 5 man'. A funny little expression used to describe public employees in Japan and how they seem slow and sluggish at work, but at 5 when their job ends, they all spring to life and head down to the Yakatori joints for beers and a little 'Kampai!'
After the Yakatori bar I was quite satisfied. Maruyama-san, as I am finding many little Japanese people can be, still was a bit hungry. So he found us the nicest tasting and most mind blowingly expensive sushi I had ever tasted. We ate moderately and shared a large bottle of Asaki beer. Then we moved on.
I decided to show Maruyama-san the local Gaigin bar I had become acqainted with in Shizuoka. A nice, dimly lit, casual little place called "Our Boozer'. It's run by a nice enough Englishman (Birmingham) named Carl. Maruyama-san was very intriged by this place. I told him how this was a very common style for a pub in North America, and how often young Japanese people, in particular the girls, often came to bars like this practice their english with the Gaigin teachers who would unwind at these places. Maruyama-san said the experience was very exciting. It was there I invented the Japanese slang, Kuchi kara Otoko, the from 9 man because english teachers all seem to be done work (or Karate) around 9pm. haha! I wonder if it will catch on.
Sensei also got his first experience of beer from other countries. Stella(Belgium) Modelo Negro(Mexico) and Canada's most mediocre beer, Labbats blue(which is all Carl keeps around. I'll have to talk to him about that).
Sensei and I had a fantastic chat. We talked about the difference in cultures and languages. I mentioned to him that I found a lot of things in Japan confusing. That you can say something in Japanese, but what it really means in implied. He took the time to make an example for me. When being served food at a friends house, your friend will say something customary to you in Japanese. Translated into english it means "I present this delicous food to you." But actually what it means is "This food is not delicous, but please enjoy." Confused? Well wrap your head around this. The Implied meaning is "This food is delicous to me, but maybe not to you. Please enjoy." Or something like that.
I have been looking for my decoder ring in supermarked cereal boxes since I got here. It seems that they don't make them anymore and people like me are on their own. Only someone who has lived on this island all thier life can really understand the difference between what is said and what it really means.
Maruyama and I had a great time. We talked on a variety of topics, world peace, places to go in North America and the like. About the time we started breaking into Karate demonstrations the last train for Fujieda would be leaving, so we paid up and moved on back home.
I think last night I learned as much about Japanese culture as I have in the past 3 months. Not to mention that I now feel like a better english teacher now too. It's hard to explain, but having a slightly loosened tongue around one of my students taught me a lot about conversational english. I could never teach classses over a few pints but I had a lot of good ideas last night. It was a good thing and a timely thing.
I am however on the hook for all of Maruyama-sans drinking expenses when he comes to Vancouver, whenever that is. I had to pinky swear on that one. LOL
Another thing I learned last night was about the layers of meaning in the word 'Osu'. We use it in the dojo to acknowledge to our Sensei in a respectful and mindful manner that we understand what he is trying to teach us. But word 'Osu' also means, or at least implies, patience, endurance and tolerance. As with many of my experiences here so far, my visit with Maruyama-san was very very timely. Wouldn't you agree, Peter?
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The 13th Rider
The morning started off as they often do these days. I woke up snug in my bed. Then I shifted a little bit and realised that every part of the bed that wasn't presently in contact with my body was cold. I got out of bed just long enough to turn on the electric heater in my room and the kerosene heater in the next room. Then I went back and hid under my covers. I looked up at the clock, I had 30 minutes more sleepy time before I had to hustle.
I got out of bed a few minutes early so I wouldn't have to listen to that obnoxious alarm clock. I went and got dressed, cooked myself some eggs and ate. Then I wheeled my bike outside, took off the front wheel and stuffed my bike into the car. Today the rally point was in Shimada, our trip would take us to the hills of Kawane. Kaoru did his usual fine job of taking care of me, meeting me at a parking lot I was already familiar with and then leading me to the parking lot at the Shimada hospital. I usually pride myself on being a fairly independent person, but I have to admit, I would not be getting out on these trips if not for the kindness of my riding friends.
I was the last to pull into the parking lot. Todays ride had drawn the largest crowd I had seen so far here. My late addition would make 13 people who would travel to Kawane. The drive took about 75 mins with some addition climbing time up the hill. Kaoru would sit out the first run, parked at the bottom, so we could make our way back up the hill again.
We started off. The ground was the traditional Japanese loose and loamy stuff I'm not really used to in Canada. Loose and loamy is very ridable indeed, but not comfortable for me at the high speeeds my friends like to travel at.
We made 3 trips up the hill in all. Each trip down taking about 25 mins. I stopped to take a few pics here and there. Just a random sample of some of the better stills.
I did my best to keep up, but like I said, there is a lot of slip and slide on loose loamy shit. My comp 16's might as well have been bald for all the traction I was getting. Instead of wiping out I just took my time and rode my brake pads down. I think I'll have to see if Kaz has any Juicy pads in stock. 
Actually no, I've never said that before. It's really amazing what these people can do basic camping equipment. During our 3rd ride down the mountain, Kanewa and Tiesh stayed behind to prepare a tasty Japanese feast which they let me share. I can't name the dishes I was eating, but just trust me, these dudes can cook.
There was a nice vantage point from the area where we took our picnic. I rode over to have a look. Below you can see the Oigawa river and hills in the distance.
This is Kanewa. A lot of the best rides I have been on here have been thanks to his fine planning. He got the Mt Fuji trip going, Fujimi Panorama, Shizuoka last weekend and Kawane today. Kanewa and his crew had never met me before a few months ago but they always treat me as one of their own. One thing that Canada has in common with Japan is the riders. In both countries I only ever meet kind and supportive people on the hills. What a sport.
I got out of bed a few minutes early so I wouldn't have to listen to that obnoxious alarm clock. I went and got dressed, cooked myself some eggs and ate. Then I wheeled my bike outside, took off the front wheel and stuffed my bike into the car. Today the rally point was in Shimada, our trip would take us to the hills of Kawane. Kaoru did his usual fine job of taking care of me, meeting me at a parking lot I was already familiar with and then leading me to the parking lot at the Shimada hospital. I usually pride myself on being a fairly independent person, but I have to admit, I would not be getting out on these trips if not for the kindness of my riding friends.
I was the last to pull into the parking lot. Todays ride had drawn the largest crowd I had seen so far here. My late addition would make 13 people who would travel to Kawane. The drive took about 75 mins with some addition climbing time up the hill. Kaoru would sit out the first run, parked at the bottom, so we could make our way back up the hill again.
We started off. The ground was the traditional Japanese loose and loamy stuff I'm not really used to in Canada. Loose and loamy is very ridable indeed, but not comfortable for me at the high speeeds my friends like to travel at.
We made 3 trips up the hill in all. Each trip down taking about 25 mins. I stopped to take a few pics here and there. Just a random sample of some of the better stills.
I did my best to keep up, but like I said, there is a lot of slip and slide on loose loamy shit. My comp 16's might as well have been bald for all the traction I was getting. Instead of wiping out I just took my time and rode my brake pads down. I think I'll have to see if Kaz has any Juicy pads in stock. Never go mountain biking without your crockpot, I always say.
Actually no, I've never said that before. It's really amazing what these people can do basic camping equipment. During our 3rd ride down the mountain, Kanewa and Tiesh stayed behind to prepare a tasty Japanese feast which they let me share. I can't name the dishes I was eating, but just trust me, these dudes can cook. 
There was a nice vantage point from the area where we took our picnic. I rode over to have a look. Below you can see the Oigawa river and hills in the distance.
This is Kanewa. A lot of the best rides I have been on here have been thanks to his fine planning. He got the Mt Fuji trip going, Fujimi Panorama, Shizuoka last weekend and Kawane today. Kanewa and his crew had never met me before a few months ago but they always treat me as one of their own. One thing that Canada has in common with Japan is the riders. In both countries I only ever meet kind and supportive people on the hills. What a sport.
Cold in the morning, it had warmed up nicely by lunch time. We headed home after we ate. I miss the north shore sometimes, but great people can make up for some of that I reckon.
Take care Vancouver.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Chilly
It's chilly now in Japan. The days still generate some warmth, but when the sun goes down its time to pull out the kerosene heater and stay warm. Mornings are the worst. I have to get out of bed, turn on the heaters and then go hide in bed until its warm enough to exist in my appartment. The tricky thing about the kerosene heater is that you have to open the window every 90 minutes or so or you start to breath in the fumes and that can cause problems for your lungs.
I got home at 4am on sunday morning. Not a wise decision so stay out so long since I had commited to riding with my friends in Shiuoka. We shuttled up the hill and I got to see a new ride location in Japan. It was nice, fast and loamy. We had to stop once in a while to move around fallen trees sorta like the Mt Fuji trip.
If you haven't been paying attention, I went to Kyoto last week. Here are the pics from that trip.
English teaching has been going well. Having pictures to show your students is a really good way to practice your english conversation. Sensei and I have been trying to advertise a bit more. No takers yet but at least efforts are being made. Hopefully we get a few nibbles by January.
Anyways, hope all is good in Vancouver. Take care all.
I got home at 4am on sunday morning. Not a wise decision so stay out so long since I had commited to riding with my friends in Shiuoka. We shuttled up the hill and I got to see a new ride location in Japan. It was nice, fast and loamy. We had to stop once in a while to move around fallen trees sorta like the Mt Fuji trip.
If you haven't been paying attention, I went to Kyoto last week. Here are the pics from that trip.
English teaching has been going well. Having pictures to show your students is a really good way to practice your english conversation. Sensei and I have been trying to advertise a bit more. No takers yet but at least efforts are being made. Hopefully we get a few nibbles by January.
Anyways, hope all is good in Vancouver. Take care all.
Monday, November 5, 2007
God is in the Rain
I'm starting to feel bad about not making enough blog posts for my readers. I hope you guys don't mind.
Saturday was a holiday here. I had the whole day off. In the evening I was invited out to a small party for Sensei. We were celebrating his accomplishment in Tokyo last month. It was held at Yakko of course. I left my camera at home. I just didn't feel like bothering people for pictures. As thank you/ congrats gift I bought him a copy of V for Vendetta, one of my favorites. The Party was for Black Belt adults only, but it seems I get cut some slack for being a quest. We had a really good time, but you know what they say. "What goes on in Fujieda, stays in Fujieda."
Sunday there was another trip to Fujimi Panorama, but I took a pass on that one. I'm going to plan my trip to Kyoto which should be coming up soon and I decided to budget.
The weather is noticably cooler here however still nice. It's kinda grey and wet here today So I have decided to stay in, write, prepare class and relax.
My left leg has been bothering me for the past few days. Bad timing since I was hoping to grade before Sensei is off to Canada. But instead of training on friday I took my camera to the Dojo. Here are some pics from training.
Saturday was a holiday here. I had the whole day off. In the evening I was invited out to a small party for Sensei. We were celebrating his accomplishment in Tokyo last month. It was held at Yakko of course. I left my camera at home. I just didn't feel like bothering people for pictures. As thank you/ congrats gift I bought him a copy of V for Vendetta, one of my favorites. The Party was for Black Belt adults only, but it seems I get cut some slack for being a quest. We had a really good time, but you know what they say. "What goes on in Fujieda, stays in Fujieda."
Sunday there was another trip to Fujimi Panorama, but I took a pass on that one. I'm going to plan my trip to Kyoto which should be coming up soon and I decided to budget.
The weather is noticably cooler here however still nice. It's kinda grey and wet here today So I have decided to stay in, write, prepare class and relax.
My left leg has been bothering me for the past few days. Bad timing since I was hoping to grade before Sensei is off to Canada. But instead of training on friday I took my camera to the Dojo. Here are some pics from training.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)