It’s been a little while as I’ve been distracted by work… I’ve also found myself at a loss for words since finding out my Aunt Momo passed on Saturday morning. I still can’t believe it and I am working through this realization everyday. Each day has gotten a little better, but it is not easy to be away from home in times like these. Her spirit definitely lives on and I am thankful to have shared times and memories with such a lively, spirited and opinionated woman. She could always make me (as well as a crowded room) laugh, and I know I will never forget that about her! It’s hard to accept, but I am blessed with another guardian angel… and I will make them proud, living my life to the fullest.
Last Friday I went to the teamLab exhibit at the Nagoya Science Center. It was amazing! The exhibit was an interactive, digital representation of physical life and technology as they intertwine. I probably could have spent 3 more hours in that exhibit alone, but I had a time restriction aka work. Shout out to Johnnie Hart for introducing me and sparking my interest in this particular exhibit! I am so happy I made it. Enjoy the [limited] pictures below, though know they don’t quite do the installation justice.
Yesterday, I went snowboarding near Gifu with a JT I work with, Toshie. I had a great time and I can’t believe I almost didn’t go because I am mildly depressed. I don’t think I have ever been to a mountain this big before nor seen conditions quite as good. I can now fully understand what having fresh “powder” really means regarding slope conditions. It took me about an hour to get up to where Toshie lives (near Gifu) via train and then we drove about an hour and a half north to this mountain resort. Prior to getting to the actual mountain, I was able to rent: a jacket, snow pants, gloves, goggles, a snowboard (plus bindings), and boots for approximately $50 USD. Seriously, unheard of! Also, since it was Wednesday, the entrance fee/lift pass was free. On top of this, the conditions were well worth the trek to get there and the weather was beautiful—the sun was out all day; and the way my body feels today, the exercise was much needed! I’m hoping I can make it back up at least one more time before winter is over. I feel like I always have thoughts in the back of my mind when I’m about to go boarding, like “do I really want to do this? Ughhh snow…” but after my experience yesterday, I definitely want to do it! Who knows, maybe after another year or two here, I might invest in some gear of my own and really make it a hobby 🙂 In addition, it was really nice to hang out with a JT without being at work. Of course, we did talk about the job for a little, but I got to learn about her and her family, the different things she likes to do as well as the different countries (55 to be exact) she has travelled. Come to find out, South America is her favorite continent to travel AND Argentina is her favorite country. Those of you that know my love for Argentina can understand why I was freakin’ out when she told me this! It was genuinely refreshing to hear and learn from Toshie as a friend rather than as a colleague and/or co-teacher. And it was good for my soul to escape the city for the day and explore a new part of the country!
Side note: I keep forgetting to mention this fun fact! One question almost all Japanese people ask in getting to know a new person is: What is your blood type? I remember one of the first times being asked this question by one of my students and I was utterly caught off guard because I could not understand of all things to know about me, my blood type is among the top. I now know that this is a way in which people learn about others; a person’s blood type gives insight to the type of person he/she is. For example, my blood type is O+ and this correlates to my positive and friendly character. Toshie also has O blood and I can attest that she is open to new people and experiences. She explained to me that most Japanese people have type A blood, which correlates a serious character, thus their generally serious demeanor. Interesting, right!? I thank my parents for teaching me my blood type early in life because I truly don’t think many people from the US actually know their blood type (which comes as a surprise to most Japanese because they all know theirs!). So, for all those planning to visit me in the future… save yourself from the embarrassment now and learn your blood type now!
PRECIOUS TRAVELS 