Those that have read this... Sorry for the mistakes - there are many!! This was my first attempt, so now I have to study more and correct my errors. For now, I'll leave it as it is to remind me of how hard it is for my students learning English. I should'nt forget how hard English is.
友だちおはようございます！
今朝2時半に寝た。だから今疲れたです！今日、学校でクラスがない。休みはよかったね！今日たくさんコーヒーを飲むとブロッグを書く。
僕の週末。。。
最近は忙しかった。だから土曜日家でリラックスをした！テレビを見たと本を読んだ。日本のテレビは面白いと思う。夜で宇部にサランさん（オーストラリアのALT）と会った。一緒に韓国のレストランに行った。韓国の料理は一番好き。辛い物とても好き。もっと遅い小野田に帰った。友だちショーンさんと会った。一緒に居酒屋とスナックに行った。カラオケを歌った。僕は音痴ですでも日本でカラオケをとても好きです。たびたび友だちと行く。イギリスでカラオケを好きじゃなかった。なぜ分からない。
僕の友だちショーンさんはアメリカ人です、彼はエンジニアです。再来週アメリカに帰って。いい友だちになるっただからざんねんです。
昨日サランさんと宇部常盤（ときわ）公園に一緒に行った。最近常盤公園で彫刻展覧会がある。そのイベントは年二回の。今年彫刻はきれいと面白いと思う。楽しかった。たくさん彫刻がある。私たちは公園に歩いた、彫刻を見た。サランの友だちと会った。さえこさんは宇部の市役所会社員です。喫茶店でサボテンのアイスクリームを食べた。初めてだったでも味はおいしかったです。
常盤公園で大きい湖がある。景色はきれい。白鳥がたくさんいる。白鳥水上の自転車ボートがある。ボートに乗りだ。楽しかったでも難しかったと疲れたになるった！二十分ぐらいは千円。ちょっと高いと思った！
昨晩ショーンさんは僕の家に来た。一緒に日本語を勉強した。ワインを飲んだそしてビデオを見た。
２時半に寝た。大変だった、僕はばか！
常盤公園の写真がある。ここで帰って下さい！
すみません僕の日本語はおかしいと思う。僕は卵学生です！いい日本語を教えて下さい。
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Travelling around Kyushu 九州旅行へ
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Sorry for the technical delay uploading the photos. I think I've finally cracked it! Please let me know if you have any problems viewing the slideshow.
This was my recent trip to Kyushu with my good Korean friend Mr Kang! Pictures are of Mount Aso and Sakurajima (2 of Japan's most active volcanoes), Miyazaki prefecture beaches and mountain scenery, Cape Toi, San Messe (Japan's copied version of the the famous Easter Island statues which despite being really tacky has become a World Heritage Site?!!), Kojima (famous island with monkeys that swim and wash their food before they eat it - quite extrodinary), 内之浦 Uchinoura Space Centre (apparently they have sent rockets to Mars from here - according to the English leaflet which was 9 years out of date!), 高千穂 Takachio Gorge, 平和公園宮崎市 Peace Park (熊本県 Kumamoto Prefecture) and a few places along the way (random stop off points). If anyone is considering coming to Japan, then this is probably one of the most beautiful areas that I have visited and I would highly recommend a visit. The sunset at 都井岬 Cape Toi was breathtaking but 10 minutes after those pictures were taken the heavens opened and unfortunately the small festival that was being held there was called off. The best way to explore Kyushu is by car - it took us around 10 hours to drive down to Sakurajima and we spent most of our time on the road, but it was a great trip and I would like to go back again. Thank god for my new car! Enjoy...
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Summer Sonic Festival Osaka サマーソニック大阪
Amazing sunset
日の入りはぶちきれいだった。
Travis ... new album is great
トラビスの新しいアルバム'The Boy With No Name'楽しかった。
Ocean Stage
オシアンステージ
Gwen.. She really knows how to work the crowd. I'm not a big fan, but she put on a really good show.
グエンステファアーニーさんちょっと好きでも彼女のパフォーマンスはよかった。
Avril was average - but Gwen was tough to follow!
アバリルさんのパフォーマンスはまあまあと思いました。
Last weekend I traveled up to Osaka with some friends. We left on Saturday night and caught the overnight ferry from Mojiko (Kyushu). 12 hours later we arrived in Osaka.
先週の週末僕と友だちと大阪に行った。 土曜日の夜フェリーで門司子から大阪までに乗りました。 十二時間ぐらいでした。 大変でした！
Arriving in Osaka..
朝大阪に着いた。
After taking 3 trains, the subway and a bus we finally arrived at the venue. The weather was HOT (about 36 degrees) and I still have a badly burnt neck.
天気は暑かった、大低３６ドでした。
For anyone that has been to the V'Festival at home - this is very similar. The venue was amazing - set in a valley and surrounded by mountains. The festival is held over 2 weekends in Osaka and Tokyo. This years line-up included Avril Lavigne, The Goo Goo Dolls, Travis, Gwen Stefanni, Sum 41, The Editors, Elle Garden (very big in Japan) and MXPX (believe it or not I chatted and ate ramen with the guitarist from MXPX around 1am in a back street ramen shop in town - for real. I also chatted to Gwen's backing crew who happened to walk in drunk! ... The joys of being a foreigner in Japan!).
After the festival we walked for an hour to get back into town as the queues for the buses and taxis snaked for miles. We checked into a capsule hotel. My friends think I'm a bit strange for wanting to keep staying in capsule hotels, but 1) they are very cheap (around £20 a night) and 2) what else do you need when you've had a few beers?!
In case you wondered what a capsule hotel is like. It's not as claustrophobic as you might think, even though the space is small of course!
The inside of the coffin... with aircon, TV and radio panel, hard futon and mirror.
カプセル中ではテレビとかラジオとか鏡とか布団あった。
The view out of the end!
景色がない！
The morgue !
体の保管！
日の入りはぶちきれいだった。
Travis ... new album is greatトラビスの新しいアルバム'The Boy With No Name'楽しかった。
Ocean Stageオシアンステージ
Gwen.. She really knows how to work the crowd. I'm not a big fan, but she put on a really good show.グエンステファアーニーさんちょっと好きでも彼女のパフォーマンスはよかった。
Avril was average - but Gwen was tough to follow!アバリルさんのパフォーマンスはまあまあと思いました。
Last weekend I traveled up to Osaka with some friends. We left on Saturday night and caught the overnight ferry from Mojiko (Kyushu). 12 hours later we arrived in Osaka.先週の週末僕と友だちと大阪に行った。 土曜日の夜フェリーで門司子から大阪までに乗りました。 十二時間ぐらいでした。 大変でした！
Arriving in Osaka..
朝大阪に着いた。
After taking 3 trains, the subway and a bus we finally arrived at the venue. The weather was HOT (about 36 degrees) and I still have a badly burnt neck.天気は暑かった、大低３６ドでした。
For anyone that has been to the V'Festival at home - this is very similar. The venue was amazing - set in a valley and surrounded by mountains. The festival is held over 2 weekends in Osaka and Tokyo. This years line-up included Avril Lavigne, The Goo Goo Dolls, Travis, Gwen Stefanni, Sum 41, The Editors, Elle Garden (very big in Japan) and MXPX (believe it or not I chatted and ate ramen with the guitarist from MXPX around 1am in a back street ramen shop in town - for real. I also chatted to Gwen's backing crew who happened to walk in drunk! ... The joys of being a foreigner in Japan!).
After the festival we walked for an hour to get back into town as the queues for the buses and taxis snaked for miles. We checked into a capsule hotel. My friends think I'm a bit strange for wanting to keep staying in capsule hotels, but 1) they are very cheap (around £20 a night) and 2) what else do you need when you've had a few beers?!In case you wondered what a capsule hotel is like. It's not as claustrophobic as you might think, even though the space is small of course!
The inside of the coffin... with aircon, TV and radio panel, hard futon and mirror.
カプセル中ではテレビとかラジオとか鏡とか布団あった。
The view out of the end!景色がない！
The morgue !体の保管！
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Japanese word of the day 本日の日本語の単語
今日の日本語の単語はドジです！ 多分この単語はイギリス英語の単語'dodgy'から来ました. 分かりませんでも面白いと思います！
Today's Japansese word is ドジ pronounced 'doji'. I guess this word came from the English 'dodgy' but the meaning is slightly different. ドジ is forgetfull or scatty. For example 彼はちょっとドジですね which maybe translates to something like - 'he is bit of scatterbrain isnt he'. For a girl you might say 彼女はちょっとドジですね。 which maybe translates to something like 'she is a bit blonde!' (sorry to all my blonde friends!)
Today's Japansese word is ドジ pronounced 'doji'. I guess this word came from the English 'dodgy' but the meaning is slightly different. ドジ is forgetfull or scatty. For example 彼はちょっとドジですね which maybe translates to something like - 'he is bit of scatterbrain isnt he'. For a girl you might say 彼女はちょっとドジですね。 which maybe translates to something like 'she is a bit blonde!' (sorry to all my blonde friends!)
Monday, July 23, 2007
At Kirara Beach and Mount Ryousan
I don't think I'll ever get bored with this beach. The sunsets are breathtaking.
きらら浜で日の入りはぶちきれいと思います。
View across Onoda and Ube from the top of Ryosan.
山陽小野田市と宇部市。
きらら浜で日の入りはぶちきれいと思います。
View across Onoda and Ube from the top of Ryosan.山陽小野田市と宇部市。
僕の新しいの車
My New Car - White Plate Toyota Corsa ...
新しいコルサです。
Thanks Matt - I will look after her!
マットさんありがとうございました！ 彼女大好き！
新しいコルサです。
Thanks Matt - I will look after her!マットさんありがとうございました！ 彼女大好き！
Summer Closing Ceremony at Onoda Senior High
Last Friday was the closing ceremony at Onoda Senior High. It's during ceremonies like this that I am reminded that I'm living in Japan, and it can be quite an emotional feeling at times. It was nice because the soft tennis team at this school have done really well recently, so the leaving ceremony was combined with a good luck ceremony for the boys attending the next big tournament. I hope they do well as these kids are really dedicated.Friday, July 06, 2007
Long time no post (sorry!) ... tonight's enkai
Sorry, it's been a long time since I updated you on things, but since the transvestite night there hasn't really been much of interest to report!
Tonight I went to another office party which was a lot of fun. I only go to the school once a week, but none the less it was good to see all the teachers in a relaxed social setting as they always make me so welcome at school every Monday. As with all Japanese enkais (parties) we arrived at 6pm and it started around 6.30pm. I was late because I was still in the onsen (Japanese bath) where the clock said 6.15. It was a bit embarrassing being the only one to walk into a room of about 30 people late when I was one of the special guests. Anyway, the onsen is an interesting story because of course being in Japan I am used to taking baths in the nude now with strangers, but this time was a bit different. We arrived early so some female teacher friends asked if I'd like to use the onsen. 'Sure' i replied and headed off on my own. Little did I know that I would bump into 3 teachers once in the bath. It's kinda strange bathing nude with your colleagues, but I guess I've become accustomed to it now and it didn't really phase me until after when I thought about it.
As I couldn't find a towel I took the nearest one in the changing room which turned out to be another teachers'! In my defense all onsen towels are the same small towels with the hotel logo and I thought this was free for me to use. When I realised my mistake I avoided getting out of the bath because really there was nothing I could do sitting in the bath naked with a fellow teachers towel! I dont know what was said behind the closed doors, but maybe I wasn't too popular!
Throughout the night I learn't some new rules of Japanese etiquette. I didn't know that you are supposed to cover the label on a beer bottle when pouring a drink for a fellow colleagues. I also didn't know that it's rude to pour sideways - you should sit up and hold the bottle with 2 hands. Etiquette is a nightmare! You should receive the drink holding the glass with 2 hands in a bowed position. I don't know how many people I've offended in the last year, but I wish people would tell me sooner. Luckily one fellow teacher (not an English teacher) was quite up front and used the words 'bad manners' so I'm guessing his English is much better than he lets on!
The enkai was a lot of fun and I was made very welcome. The atmosphere was different to what I had experienced before with other schools but it was very friendly. After obligatory karaoke we finished around 9.30pm. They asked me to sing my national anthem, but in all honesty 1) I was too drunk and 2) I'm ashamed to say I cant remember the words!! I was also asked to give a speech during which I became tongue tied in Japanese which was a nightmare after a few beers. I wish I had been warned earlier so that I could have prepared.
Of course there was the usual comments on my great ability of using chopsticks because no enkai would be complete without at least one compliment. And the usual question - can you eat sashimi (raw fish)? I love sashimi - in fact it's probably my favorite Japanese dishes much to most Japanese people's amazement. I know people are only being polite, but after the 100oth time of hearing these questions, it's a bit frustrating.
That said, it was a great night. Especially when my fellow English teachers who are both great decided to give all the other teachers English names like Percy, Henry, Thomas, Stewart, Sally, Susan etc. It makes my life a lot easier!
Thomas - thanks for being a great karaoke partner. You are an awesome tennis player too.
Susan and Sally - you are both great even though after a year of teaching together you forgot my name??? how many self-introductions have I done?!!! I'm not Robert or Antonio and you werent even drunk at that point!
Katherine - You're English is great
I will post more when I get a moment. But for now, I'm off to bed!
Tonight I went to another office party which was a lot of fun. I only go to the school once a week, but none the less it was good to see all the teachers in a relaxed social setting as they always make me so welcome at school every Monday. As with all Japanese enkais (parties) we arrived at 6pm and it started around 6.30pm. I was late because I was still in the onsen (Japanese bath) where the clock said 6.15. It was a bit embarrassing being the only one to walk into a room of about 30 people late when I was one of the special guests. Anyway, the onsen is an interesting story because of course being in Japan I am used to taking baths in the nude now with strangers, but this time was a bit different. We arrived early so some female teacher friends asked if I'd like to use the onsen. 'Sure' i replied and headed off on my own. Little did I know that I would bump into 3 teachers once in the bath. It's kinda strange bathing nude with your colleagues, but I guess I've become accustomed to it now and it didn't really phase me until after when I thought about it.
As I couldn't find a towel I took the nearest one in the changing room which turned out to be another teachers'! In my defense all onsen towels are the same small towels with the hotel logo and I thought this was free for me to use. When I realised my mistake I avoided getting out of the bath because really there was nothing I could do sitting in the bath naked with a fellow teachers towel! I dont know what was said behind the closed doors, but maybe I wasn't too popular!
Throughout the night I learn't some new rules of Japanese etiquette. I didn't know that you are supposed to cover the label on a beer bottle when pouring a drink for a fellow colleagues. I also didn't know that it's rude to pour sideways - you should sit up and hold the bottle with 2 hands. Etiquette is a nightmare! You should receive the drink holding the glass with 2 hands in a bowed position. I don't know how many people I've offended in the last year, but I wish people would tell me sooner. Luckily one fellow teacher (not an English teacher) was quite up front and used the words 'bad manners' so I'm guessing his English is much better than he lets on!
The enkai was a lot of fun and I was made very welcome. The atmosphere was different to what I had experienced before with other schools but it was very friendly. After obligatory karaoke we finished around 9.30pm. They asked me to sing my national anthem, but in all honesty 1) I was too drunk and 2) I'm ashamed to say I cant remember the words!! I was also asked to give a speech during which I became tongue tied in Japanese which was a nightmare after a few beers. I wish I had been warned earlier so that I could have prepared.
Of course there was the usual comments on my great ability of using chopsticks because no enkai would be complete without at least one compliment. And the usual question - can you eat sashimi (raw fish)? I love sashimi - in fact it's probably my favorite Japanese dishes much to most Japanese people's amazement. I know people are only being polite, but after the 100oth time of hearing these questions, it's a bit frustrating.
That said, it was a great night. Especially when my fellow English teachers who are both great decided to give all the other teachers English names like Percy, Henry, Thomas, Stewart, Sally, Susan etc. It makes my life a lot easier!
Thomas - thanks for being a great karaoke partner. You are an awesome tennis player too.
Susan and Sally - you are both great even though after a year of teaching together you forgot my name??? how many self-introductions have I done?!!! I'm not Robert or Antonio and you werent even drunk at that point!
Katherine - You're English is great
I will post more when I get a moment. But for now, I'm off to bed!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
トンガクラブ Night Out At Tonga Tranny Bar!
Does this really need any explanation?!
The boys...
The girls...
The boys...
The girls...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Student comments of the day
The question: Tell me something interesting about yourself.
The answers:
My left toe has 6 pieces of nails
My charm points is blue glasses
I am a book
My body is stiff
I like bogs
I am a gentlewomen
I like sing a song in a bath
Winnie the Pooh is my pet
I'm sure my Japanese sounds just as strange at times.
To balance it out here are some of my best quotes in Japanese
はい僕はマークさんです (Yes I am mister Mark)
Referring to yourself as 'san' in Japanese is very inpolite and one of the first things you learn not to do. I got into the habit of listen and repeat - ie many people asked: you are Mark san? I replied: Yes, Im Mark san (this may not sound too bad, but in Japanese this sounds like baby talk and is inexcusable after being in Japan a month!) I knew immediately after saying it that it was wrong, but it was difficult to correct.
あなたは急がしですか (literally - are you busy?) Having used this several times with no comment one day I said it to my Vice Principal who laughed out loud. A better term is ちょっといいですか (Do you have a minute).
彼は果物です (he is a fruit!) I was supposed to say - he is a child.
Fruit > kudamono Child > Kodomo
先週僕のかそう日本にきました (Something like last week my dressing up clothes came to Japan) What I meant to say was last week my family came to Japan! .... Whoops!
I am sure there are more but the worrying thing is that Japanese people are so polite that they are unlikely to say that you made a mistake. I will be sure to post more when I find out... Please check back here.
The answers:
My left toe has 6 pieces of nails
My charm points is blue glasses
I am a book
My body is stiff
I like bogs
I am a gentlewomen
I like sing a song in a bath
Winnie the Pooh is my pet
I'm sure my Japanese sounds just as strange at times.
To balance it out here are some of my best quotes in Japanese
はい僕はマークさんです (Yes I am mister Mark)
Referring to yourself as 'san' in Japanese is very inpolite and one of the first things you learn not to do. I got into the habit of listen and repeat - ie many people asked: you are Mark san? I replied: Yes, Im Mark san (this may not sound too bad, but in Japanese this sounds like baby talk and is inexcusable after being in Japan a month!) I knew immediately after saying it that it was wrong, but it was difficult to correct.
あなたは急がしですか (literally - are you busy?) Having used this several times with no comment one day I said it to my Vice Principal who laughed out loud. A better term is ちょっといいですか (Do you have a minute).
彼は果物です (he is a fruit!) I was supposed to say - he is a child.
Fruit > kudamono Child > Kodomo
先週僕のかそう日本にきました (Something like last week my dressing up clothes came to Japan) What I meant to say was last week my family came to Japan! .... Whoops!
I am sure there are more but the worrying thing is that Japanese people are so polite that they are unlikely to say that you made a mistake. I will be sure to post more when I find out... Please check back here.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Visit from the Old Peoples Prefecture
Last weekend Matt and Nick drove up to the Guch (Yamaguchi Prefecture) from Saga Prefecture (aka 'the old peoples ken'). Saturday night we sampled Onoda's best snack/hostess bar and sang badly with some Japanese businessmen. Sunday we headed up to Akiyoshidai (caves), Hagi (where we met Matt D), Senchojiki and then on to Tsunoshima along the coast road before heading down to Shimonoseki. This has become my favourite tourist route for visitors. These guys are mad. I really enjoyed the weekend.Matt as Freddie Mercury...
The beautiful beaches in Hagi on the coast road to Oumijima.
Senjoujiki wind farm.. the best coffee shop in the world can be found at the top of this mountain.
'Jack... I Love you.... King of the World!!'
Thursday, May 10, 2007
22km School without pictures!
On Tuesday morning I arrived at Tabe High School feeling a bit tired from another late night (I really should do something about my caffeine addiction and insomnia). I like all of my schools because they all have very different characteristics, but Tabe is unique in that about 90% of the students are girls. The girls at Tabe are usually very genki (active/happy) and always seem happy to see me which makes Tuesdays enjoyable. When I visit Tabe I am made to feel very welcome and I am like a special guest in the school. My supervisor always thanks me for coming and the students go wild when they see me.
Not long after I arrived at this school last year I became good friends with the geography teacher, Miyake Sensei (who sadly left during the annual re-shuffle this year). Miyake Sensei once described the school environment to me. I will never forget his words 'Tabe High is like a zoo, the girls are like wild lions and the boys are passive zebras'. You couldnt describe the school better. For me in class it's often like Daniel in the lions den, but it is always a lot of fun and I have a great team teacher Kuboi Sensei.
Anyway, back to the point of today's post...
So I arrive in the morning at the usual time and I am met by supervisor in a tracksuit walking out of the door. I muster a genki 'Ohayo Gozaimasu' (good morning) and I am again thanked for my presence. This always seems a little strange that someone should thank me for turning up to my job, but it's nice to hear and it makes me feel welcome. My supervisor follows me to the genkan (entrance) and before I take off my shoes he tells me that he has an apology to make as he forgot to mention that I have no lessons because today is the students annual 22km walk. He seems quite excited and says 'the students would really like it if you walked with them, but you dont have to if you dont want to. You can come with me in the minibus if you like.' I love hiking and to me the idea of a walk in the mountains on a lovely sunny day is bliss and the best bit is that I'm paid to do it! However, many of the students were less than thrilled at the prospect of walking 22km in the heat.
I set off with the 3rd years at 9.30am. The whole school took part in the walk, but I was the only teacher. This gave me a great opportunity to get to know a lot of the students on a one to one basis as there was plenty of time to chat. The conversations along the way went something like this (in Japanese and in English since some of them refused to speak English despite my best attempts): How are you? ... I'm tired ... It's hot... I'm hungry... Is it far? It's hot.... It's really hot! How old are you? It's hot... Do you have a girlfriend? I'm tired... Do you have any brothers or sisters? I'm tired...
I told the students they had to give me 200 yen for everytime they complained they were tired and 100 yen for every time they complained it was hot. I would have been a very rich man had they of all paid up at the end! Some of them learnt to use 'I'm knackered', 'I'm done in', 'I'm shattered' and I really enjoyed the more in-depth conversations with those students with better English skills, but even for the students that refused any English (mostly the 1st year boys who didnt think it was cool) we had fun and they were able to laugh at my formal un-cool Japanese!
Tabe is set in a valley surrounded by mountains and the views are amazing. We saw lots of butterflies, flowers, dragonflies, birds and a few small snakes. We also passed through forested areas and lakes. Surprisingly, despite none of the teachers walking the route, I think almost all the students managed to complete the course - most of which didnt have a map. I returned at 1407 but when I left for my bus at 1630 many students were still walking back. Having stopped at 7/11 for a coffee break and regular toilet breaks (which I later found out was strictly forbidden for the students - whoops!) I came in 3rd place with 2 large blisters due to a lack of suitable shoes and prior warning! Despite that I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to meeting my new 1st year students in class.
Damm losing my camera!
Not long after I arrived at this school last year I became good friends with the geography teacher, Miyake Sensei (who sadly left during the annual re-shuffle this year). Miyake Sensei once described the school environment to me. I will never forget his words 'Tabe High is like a zoo, the girls are like wild lions and the boys are passive zebras'. You couldnt describe the school better. For me in class it's often like Daniel in the lions den, but it is always a lot of fun and I have a great team teacher Kuboi Sensei.
Anyway, back to the point of today's post...
So I arrive in the morning at the usual time and I am met by supervisor in a tracksuit walking out of the door. I muster a genki 'Ohayo Gozaimasu' (good morning) and I am again thanked for my presence. This always seems a little strange that someone should thank me for turning up to my job, but it's nice to hear and it makes me feel welcome. My supervisor follows me to the genkan (entrance) and before I take off my shoes he tells me that he has an apology to make as he forgot to mention that I have no lessons because today is the students annual 22km walk. He seems quite excited and says 'the students would really like it if you walked with them, but you dont have to if you dont want to. You can come with me in the minibus if you like.' I love hiking and to me the idea of a walk in the mountains on a lovely sunny day is bliss and the best bit is that I'm paid to do it! However, many of the students were less than thrilled at the prospect of walking 22km in the heat.
I set off with the 3rd years at 9.30am. The whole school took part in the walk, but I was the only teacher. This gave me a great opportunity to get to know a lot of the students on a one to one basis as there was plenty of time to chat. The conversations along the way went something like this (in Japanese and in English since some of them refused to speak English despite my best attempts): How are you? ... I'm tired ... It's hot... I'm hungry... Is it far? It's hot.... It's really hot! How old are you? It's hot... Do you have a girlfriend? I'm tired... Do you have any brothers or sisters? I'm tired...
I told the students they had to give me 200 yen for everytime they complained they were tired and 100 yen for every time they complained it was hot. I would have been a very rich man had they of all paid up at the end! Some of them learnt to use 'I'm knackered', 'I'm done in', 'I'm shattered' and I really enjoyed the more in-depth conversations with those students with better English skills, but even for the students that refused any English (mostly the 1st year boys who didnt think it was cool) we had fun and they were able to laugh at my formal un-cool Japanese!
Tabe is set in a valley surrounded by mountains and the views are amazing. We saw lots of butterflies, flowers, dragonflies, birds and a few small snakes. We also passed through forested areas and lakes. Surprisingly, despite none of the teachers walking the route, I think almost all the students managed to complete the course - most of which didnt have a map. I returned at 1407 but when I left for my bus at 1630 many students were still walking back. Having stopped at 7/11 for a coffee break and regular toilet breaks (which I later found out was strictly forbidden for the students - whoops!) I came in 3rd place with 2 large blisters due to a lack of suitable shoes and prior warning! Despite that I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to meeting my new 1st year students in class.
Damm losing my camera!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Korea without pictures ... love motels, kimchii and baseball
Greetings from Korea. If you are expecting to see wonderful pictures, sorry... there are none from here as I'm a prize fool and went and lost my camera getting out of a taxi in Seoul. If anyone sees my face in Seoul on any website then please let me know as you can rest assured that the publisher is the new and unlawful owner of my camera.
Having left Seoul (a fascinating city and one I highly reccommend a visit to) I made my way south to Gyeongju National Park on the south west coast of Korea. My accommodation being my first experience of a Korean love motel.... 'seedy, but comfortable' describes it best. Actually it was really clean and modern and for the money (less than 20 pounds a night) I have never stayed in better. For that you get a large double room (of course there is no single or twin option), a large plasma TV screen with about 60 channels (including local porn - this is afterall a love motel!), instead of complimentary chocolates on the pillow you will find a box of condoms! and the lighting controls can be adjusted by the TV remote to suit your level of sexiness. Whilst I'm sure at this point I bet you are thinking I'm a bit strange... In fact it is considered quite normal to stay at love motels in Korea because they are cheap and well maintained. Their actual function I'm led to beleive is for young Korean couples who want to get away from their parents. The funny thing is that you can rent a room by the hour and when you arrive you check in by passing your money through a tiny waist height hole in the wall counter where a lady who cant see your face passes you back your room key. The whole thing is anonymous, except in my case it wasn't because the lady didnt speak any English which meant that after several attempts of trying to explain things she felt it was easier to take me to the room and show me! (THE ROOM ONLY!)
Clearly displayed at the bottom of the stairs is a collection of videos and DVDs which guests are welcome to borrow. Most titles seemed to be in pink boxes with scantily clad women on the sides. Having been reccommended love motels by both Koreans and my ALT friends in Japan I was glad I experienced this at least once. I liken it to staying in a Japanese capsule hotel - if you think it there is nothing worse than being encapsulated in a coffin for the night then think again. This is something I reccommend anyone to try at least once. In both cases if the worst comes to the worst you only lost 20 pounds.
Anyway, so there is a lot to report and as I dont have any pictures I will try to sum up my experiences in words. I will begin by explaning todays events.
As I write this I'm sitting in some strangers house that I met earlier today on the train. When I sat down next to this guy he was listening to his mp3 player. I was suddenly passed an earphone and invited to listen along. He then got a notebook out of his bag and proceeded to write me messages whilst listening to the music. I found this rather strange, but rather amusing that I should communicate with someone via messages on a pad. 'Hello', 'where are you going?', 'what is your name?' etc.. This continued until the coffee cart came around. After insisting on buying me a coffee I struck up a conversation ceasing the opportunity whilst neither of us had earphones in. Conversation began in broken English and my non-existent Korean except I did learn 2 essential words 'koepi' - 'coffee' and 'Komabsubnida' - 'thank-you' . For everything else I became a master at chirades. During coffee I told my new friend about my visit and asked him if he knew the hotel I was going to check into which I pointed to in the Lonely Planet guide. With that the guy (who I had met just 20 minutes previously) insisted I stay at his house and when I said 'no that's too much', he rooted around in his bag for the key which he took off his key chain whilst muttering about the cost of hotels in Korea. He kept apologising for the fact that he had to work tonight and that he wouldn't be home.
About an hour later we arrived in Busan and as we got off the train I struggled to keep up with my new friend who was scurrying in and out of the gaps emerging in the crowds, only breifly looking back to mouth to me in broken English "follow me, it's not far". Seeing me struggle with my bags (mostly omiage for friends back in Japan - yes Teresa there is something for you!!) he kindly took two of them out of my hands which felt like an olympic relay team effort as we carried on at a fast pace until we reached an empty subway station. Still a bit shocked that someone would invite me to their house after such a brief encounter I was even more surprised to see a subway ticket thrust into my palm without hesitation. Once again I offered to pay, but this just seemed like it was making the man feel awkward and uncomfortable so I didnt persist and gratefully accepted. After two stops and a two minute walk up a hill we arrived at at run-down apartment block. Now at this point you may be thinking that I'm totally mad and perhaps I am, but this guy seemed genuine and I really didn't have any reason to doubt his intentions. The fact that he has let me into his house and he isn't in tonight means that I could just as well steal all his belongings (including the expensive laptop that I am now writing this post on). Anyway so the guy says he has to leave for work, but would be back in the morning at 9am. We walked in the door to his house and he apologises over and over for how untidy the house is (actually a certain ex girlfriend of mine could show him what untidy really is). Anyway, with that he's off out the door having given me his only key, showing me the fridge, giving me some food and showing me how everything works including the heated futon on the floor. I'm left sitting in this apartment wondering what I have just done, but somehow I it doesnt feel awkward or strange.
It doesn't stop there. With my accommodation arranged I decided this afternoon to venture out into the city. At first it felt a bit strange locking the door to a strangers apartment that I had only just met, but soon it seemed quite normal and it felt like we were long lost flatmates. My intention was to visit a fish market some way from my accommodation. Whilst I'm standing at the subway station trying to fathom out the ticket machine, two young students approached me and asked if they could help. When I told them I needed a change machine, with that they produced 1000 won and insisted I use it to pay for my ticket. I only asked where I could get change and suddenly they are buying my ticket and want to help me get to the fish market. We got talking and it turned out we're both heading in the same direction. So I jump on the subway with them. The students told me they were going to a baseball match and they asked - if I had to visit to the fish market cos actually its not that great! I was like, 'well I dont have to go, but I just read about it in the guidebook and I had no other plans'. They said 'how about baseball instead?' Im like, 'WOW.... OK, sounds fun'. So I abandon my fish market plan and head to baseball. First stop was for food at a stall selling whole cooked chicken on the street. They stop and buy me a chicken. Again I offer to pay, but they insist. Next we go to the supermarket and they insist I drink beer with them which they tried hard to pay for, but after insisting I won in the end (1-1). We arrive at the stadium and they want to buy me more food and then proceed to offer to pay for my entrance ticket. We meet up with their friends inside and have a great time, despite Busan losing (again - turns out Busan arent such a good team). Sung-Chul tells me that they always lose when he watches a game. The atmosphere was great and I was the only western face in a sea of Koreans. I got lots of looks and on my way to the toilet during an interval I was accosted by two young Korean girls who followed me asking lots of questions whilst giggling to each other. I felt like a movie star for the night.
The game was a lot of fun and I was glad I'd aborted my plans to visit a smelly fish market for which I'd been warned about the expensive sushi on offer. About the game, I particularly liked the fact that if a ball went into the crowd the chant was "give it to a child" and this didnt stop until a kid or even a baby had the ball in their hands. At least one baby was the proud owner of a used premier league basball tonight. Orange bin bags came around at half time and whilst most made hats out of them, the rest dutifully filled the bag with any garbage they had. The interval entertainment was watching a Korean propose to his girfriend on a small stage in front of a few thousand onlookers... she was presented with a nice looking cake. Next the film crew panned the crowd looking for couples to which they would zoom in on showing them on the big screen.... the crowd would then chant 'kiss'... 'kiss'... 'kiss' in Korean.
I found it slightly strange that a player on the oposing team who is very famous in Korea drew a lot more attention than anyone else on the pitch and during the game he proceeded to sign a few autographs for the home supporters?!! The old man next to me gave me a hard boiled egg and proceeded to fill my palm with salt which I gratefully accepted.
After the game my friends insisted on taking me back to the subway station even though I'm pretty sure they planned to get the bus themselves. They even came on the subway all the way back with me to make sure I was OK. (by now a group of 6 students)
All in all I'm sitting here totally amazed at the level of hospitality I have received thus far in Korea. Yes, the Japanese are incredibly hospitable and I've experienced similar kindness in Japan but I thought that this was something uniquely Japanese. All week I've been wondering what sort of hospitality people like this get when they visit the UK and sadly I cant imagine its anything like what they are prepared to give in their own country.
My first experience of Korean hospitality began in Japan with a quick chat to my Korean friends that I am studying Japanese with - they were also incredibly kind, spending about 2 hours with me telling me everywhere to go and making sure that I had people to meet to show me around when I arrived. When I arrived at Seoul station, Pyo and his girlfriend who are friends of my Korean classmates in Japan were waiting eagerly to meet me. They were great fun and they not only insisted on buying me meals and drinks, but even gave me a parting gift when I left. In fact they seemed most put out that i had booked accommodation and I'm pretty sure they would have happily put me up had I have needed a place to stay.
I sit here lost for words. I can only do my best to ensure that whenever I see someone lost at home that I remember how people have treated me. Sadly, we live in a different world where we presume the worst before getting to know anyone and we are quick to complain about people's lack of English skills and therefore we quickly give up or lose patience. However, the guy I met tonight said to me something that encouraged me... he said that when he was in America people always wanted to help him so he saw me and thought this was his chance to do the same in his own country.
Of course I'm really annoyed and upset about losing my camera, BUT the experiences I've had cant be summed up or explained in pictures. I can't wait to visit this fascinating country again and hopefully re-visit some of the great people that have been so kind to me. Before coming to Korea my perceptions were largely that of what I saw in the media and most of that related to the negative press about the north. I can't reccommend a visit here enough. The food is some of the best I have ever eaten, the people are incredibly warm and welcoming, the love motels are something you have to experience for yourself and the scenery is beautiful (unspoilt and very few foreign visitors in sight). I urge anyone wanting a new and refreshing holiday to visit Korea... of course you should visit Japan too because Japan is also a special place where you will find equal levels of hospitality and also have an amazing time.
To my Korean friends... I can't thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality. 'komabsubnida' for making my visit so enjoyable and memorable. Please visit me in Japan!
Having left Seoul (a fascinating city and one I highly reccommend a visit to) I made my way south to Gyeongju National Park on the south west coast of Korea. My accommodation being my first experience of a Korean love motel.... 'seedy, but comfortable' describes it best. Actually it was really clean and modern and for the money (less than 20 pounds a night) I have never stayed in better. For that you get a large double room (of course there is no single or twin option), a large plasma TV screen with about 60 channels (including local porn - this is afterall a love motel!), instead of complimentary chocolates on the pillow you will find a box of condoms! and the lighting controls can be adjusted by the TV remote to suit your level of sexiness. Whilst I'm sure at this point I bet you are thinking I'm a bit strange... In fact it is considered quite normal to stay at love motels in Korea because they are cheap and well maintained. Their actual function I'm led to beleive is for young Korean couples who want to get away from their parents. The funny thing is that you can rent a room by the hour and when you arrive you check in by passing your money through a tiny waist height hole in the wall counter where a lady who cant see your face passes you back your room key. The whole thing is anonymous, except in my case it wasn't because the lady didnt speak any English which meant that after several attempts of trying to explain things she felt it was easier to take me to the room and show me! (THE ROOM ONLY!)
Clearly displayed at the bottom of the stairs is a collection of videos and DVDs which guests are welcome to borrow. Most titles seemed to be in pink boxes with scantily clad women on the sides. Having been reccommended love motels by both Koreans and my ALT friends in Japan I was glad I experienced this at least once. I liken it to staying in a Japanese capsule hotel - if you think it there is nothing worse than being encapsulated in a coffin for the night then think again. This is something I reccommend anyone to try at least once. In both cases if the worst comes to the worst you only lost 20 pounds.
Anyway, so there is a lot to report and as I dont have any pictures I will try to sum up my experiences in words. I will begin by explaning todays events.
As I write this I'm sitting in some strangers house that I met earlier today on the train. When I sat down next to this guy he was listening to his mp3 player. I was suddenly passed an earphone and invited to listen along. He then got a notebook out of his bag and proceeded to write me messages whilst listening to the music. I found this rather strange, but rather amusing that I should communicate with someone via messages on a pad. 'Hello', 'where are you going?', 'what is your name?' etc.. This continued until the coffee cart came around. After insisting on buying me a coffee I struck up a conversation ceasing the opportunity whilst neither of us had earphones in. Conversation began in broken English and my non-existent Korean except I did learn 2 essential words 'koepi' - 'coffee' and 'Komabsubnida' - 'thank-you' . For everything else I became a master at chirades. During coffee I told my new friend about my visit and asked him if he knew the hotel I was going to check into which I pointed to in the Lonely Planet guide. With that the guy (who I had met just 20 minutes previously) insisted I stay at his house and when I said 'no that's too much', he rooted around in his bag for the key which he took off his key chain whilst muttering about the cost of hotels in Korea. He kept apologising for the fact that he had to work tonight and that he wouldn't be home.
About an hour later we arrived in Busan and as we got off the train I struggled to keep up with my new friend who was scurrying in and out of the gaps emerging in the crowds, only breifly looking back to mouth to me in broken English "follow me, it's not far". Seeing me struggle with my bags (mostly omiage for friends back in Japan - yes Teresa there is something for you!!) he kindly took two of them out of my hands which felt like an olympic relay team effort as we carried on at a fast pace until we reached an empty subway station. Still a bit shocked that someone would invite me to their house after such a brief encounter I was even more surprised to see a subway ticket thrust into my palm without hesitation. Once again I offered to pay, but this just seemed like it was making the man feel awkward and uncomfortable so I didnt persist and gratefully accepted. After two stops and a two minute walk up a hill we arrived at at run-down apartment block. Now at this point you may be thinking that I'm totally mad and perhaps I am, but this guy seemed genuine and I really didn't have any reason to doubt his intentions. The fact that he has let me into his house and he isn't in tonight means that I could just as well steal all his belongings (including the expensive laptop that I am now writing this post on). Anyway so the guy says he has to leave for work, but would be back in the morning at 9am. We walked in the door to his house and he apologises over and over for how untidy the house is (actually a certain ex girlfriend of mine could show him what untidy really is). Anyway, with that he's off out the door having given me his only key, showing me the fridge, giving me some food and showing me how everything works including the heated futon on the floor. I'm left sitting in this apartment wondering what I have just done, but somehow I it doesnt feel awkward or strange.
It doesn't stop there. With my accommodation arranged I decided this afternoon to venture out into the city. At first it felt a bit strange locking the door to a strangers apartment that I had only just met, but soon it seemed quite normal and it felt like we were long lost flatmates. My intention was to visit a fish market some way from my accommodation. Whilst I'm standing at the subway station trying to fathom out the ticket machine, two young students approached me and asked if they could help. When I told them I needed a change machine, with that they produced 1000 won and insisted I use it to pay for my ticket. I only asked where I could get change and suddenly they are buying my ticket and want to help me get to the fish market. We got talking and it turned out we're both heading in the same direction. So I jump on the subway with them. The students told me they were going to a baseball match and they asked - if I had to visit to the fish market cos actually its not that great! I was like, 'well I dont have to go, but I just read about it in the guidebook and I had no other plans'. They said 'how about baseball instead?' Im like, 'WOW.... OK, sounds fun'. So I abandon my fish market plan and head to baseball. First stop was for food at a stall selling whole cooked chicken on the street. They stop and buy me a chicken. Again I offer to pay, but they insist. Next we go to the supermarket and they insist I drink beer with them which they tried hard to pay for, but after insisting I won in the end (1-1). We arrive at the stadium and they want to buy me more food and then proceed to offer to pay for my entrance ticket. We meet up with their friends inside and have a great time, despite Busan losing (again - turns out Busan arent such a good team). Sung-Chul tells me that they always lose when he watches a game. The atmosphere was great and I was the only western face in a sea of Koreans. I got lots of looks and on my way to the toilet during an interval I was accosted by two young Korean girls who followed me asking lots of questions whilst giggling to each other. I felt like a movie star for the night.
The game was a lot of fun and I was glad I'd aborted my plans to visit a smelly fish market for which I'd been warned about the expensive sushi on offer. About the game, I particularly liked the fact that if a ball went into the crowd the chant was "give it to a child" and this didnt stop until a kid or even a baby had the ball in their hands. At least one baby was the proud owner of a used premier league basball tonight. Orange bin bags came around at half time and whilst most made hats out of them, the rest dutifully filled the bag with any garbage they had. The interval entertainment was watching a Korean propose to his girfriend on a small stage in front of a few thousand onlookers... she was presented with a nice looking cake. Next the film crew panned the crowd looking for couples to which they would zoom in on showing them on the big screen.... the crowd would then chant 'kiss'... 'kiss'... 'kiss' in Korean.
I found it slightly strange that a player on the oposing team who is very famous in Korea drew a lot more attention than anyone else on the pitch and during the game he proceeded to sign a few autographs for the home supporters?!! The old man next to me gave me a hard boiled egg and proceeded to fill my palm with salt which I gratefully accepted.
After the game my friends insisted on taking me back to the subway station even though I'm pretty sure they planned to get the bus themselves. They even came on the subway all the way back with me to make sure I was OK. (by now a group of 6 students)
All in all I'm sitting here totally amazed at the level of hospitality I have received thus far in Korea. Yes, the Japanese are incredibly hospitable and I've experienced similar kindness in Japan but I thought that this was something uniquely Japanese. All week I've been wondering what sort of hospitality people like this get when they visit the UK and sadly I cant imagine its anything like what they are prepared to give in their own country.
My first experience of Korean hospitality began in Japan with a quick chat to my Korean friends that I am studying Japanese with - they were also incredibly kind, spending about 2 hours with me telling me everywhere to go and making sure that I had people to meet to show me around when I arrived. When I arrived at Seoul station, Pyo and his girlfriend who are friends of my Korean classmates in Japan were waiting eagerly to meet me. They were great fun and they not only insisted on buying me meals and drinks, but even gave me a parting gift when I left. In fact they seemed most put out that i had booked accommodation and I'm pretty sure they would have happily put me up had I have needed a place to stay.
I sit here lost for words. I can only do my best to ensure that whenever I see someone lost at home that I remember how people have treated me. Sadly, we live in a different world where we presume the worst before getting to know anyone and we are quick to complain about people's lack of English skills and therefore we quickly give up or lose patience. However, the guy I met tonight said to me something that encouraged me... he said that when he was in America people always wanted to help him so he saw me and thought this was his chance to do the same in his own country.
Of course I'm really annoyed and upset about losing my camera, BUT the experiences I've had cant be summed up or explained in pictures. I can't wait to visit this fascinating country again and hopefully re-visit some of the great people that have been so kind to me. Before coming to Korea my perceptions were largely that of what I saw in the media and most of that related to the negative press about the north. I can't reccommend a visit here enough. The food is some of the best I have ever eaten, the people are incredibly warm and welcoming, the love motels are something you have to experience for yourself and the scenery is beautiful (unspoilt and very few foreign visitors in sight). I urge anyone wanting a new and refreshing holiday to visit Korea... of course you should visit Japan too because Japan is also a special place where you will find equal levels of hospitality and also have an amazing time.
To my Korean friends... I can't thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality. 'komabsubnida' for making my visit so enjoyable and memorable. Please visit me in Japan!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Monday, April 02, 2007
Visit to Chofu and Shimonoseki
I'd heard a lot about the cherry bloosom season (Sakura) before coming to Japan and was looking forward to experiencing it for myself. It is truly beautiful - many streets and parks are lined with trees in full blossom and it feels magical. I now know why Japanese people get so exited about this time of year... This was a visit to Chofu yesterday
The gardens at this temple were stunning...
Next stop was Akamajingo - a famous shrine in Shimonoseki...
The gardens at this temple were stunning...Next stop was Akamajingo - a famous shrine in Shimonoseki...
桜宇部で Sakura at night in Ube
This park near to my house is really beautiful lit up by pink lanters ... Many people were enjoying 'Hanami' (Cherry bloosom viewing) parties which happen during the day and at night.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Hagi 萩市
On Sunday Youko and her husband kindly took me to Hagi for the day.
At the castle ruins
Hagi is a former castle town located in the north of Yamaguchi Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast. The town is famous for Hagi yaki (萩焼き) a distinct style of traditional local pottery which is among Japan's finest. Hagi used to be the capital of the Mori daimyo (feudal lords), who governed present Yamaguchi Prefecture (then known as Choshu) for more than 200 years, and played a central role in overthrowing the shogunate and bringing an end to Japan's feudal age in the second half of the 19th cetury.
At the castle ruins
Hagi is a former castle town located in the north of Yamaguchi Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast. The town is famous for Hagi yaki (萩焼き) a distinct style of traditional local pottery which is among Japan's finest. Hagi used to be the capital of the Mori daimyo (feudal lords), who governed present Yamaguchi Prefecture (then known as Choshu) for more than 200 years, and played a central role in overthrowing the shogunate and bringing an end to Japan's feudal age in the second half of the 19th cetury. I'm looking forward to taking my family back there for the cherry blossom which is already starting to bloom.
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