The 11th March 2011 earthquake disaster occurred at 14:46 off the coast of Sendai. It was the biggest earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history, with a magnitude of 8.9. The last big earthquake to hit Japan was the 1995 Kobe earthquake, which did nothing like the damage Japan has seen in the last month.
I found out about it just before I went into a Listening class and, just like everyone else, I had no idea just how enormous the effects of it would be. I followed the news coverage closely, seeing each new video as it was released, and watched the death toll climb.
In the end I couldn't keep it up. I was torn between my interest in the event and the geography behind it (as long-term readers of this blog will know that I'm really interested in) and how sad it made me feel. Usually when I see terrible things on the news I'm quite emotionally unattached, so I was surprised when I realised just how affected I'd been. One video left me literally speechless after watching it. I couldn't imagine how powerful water could be before seeing this. In Britain we're so far removed from natural disasters, except for floods, that it's difficult to think about it.
Everything seemed to be getting so much worse over the days following the disaster; with the initial earthquake, then the devastating tsunami, followed by aftershocks and then the harrowing nuclear meltdown fears. I never thought that the Fukushima plant would meltdown, but of course the news played the worries up as much as it could.
I was in touch with my friends in Japan as soon as possible after I heard about it, and I got replies from all of them fairly quickly. I had a couple of friends who couldn't contact their families in the stricken areas for several days. I could not imagine how awful those days must have been, just waiting for any news about them. They were all fine in the end; it was the lack of communication that led to the lack of contact.
The death toll is difficult to find online, because all of the past articles with old figures are still there, but the last figure I heard was 27,000 people. My mind can't fathom that many people dying in just a few weeks.
Even Tokyo, quite far from the epicentre, will be suffering from planned blackouts into the summer, which will tough. Not least because of the heat and humidity.
It's difficult to find English news articles on it now, which is actually pretty disgusting, that it's dropped out of the public eye so quickly. It certainly hasn't dropped out of the minds of the Japanese people.
Japanese students studying abroad at Leeds have been really great, organising a stall raising money and managing it all day every day (they earned over £3,000 for the Red Cross appeal), and arranging lantern nights with food and drink stalls. It was a fantastic effort on everyone's part.
It's definitely an event that will not be forgotten for decades, and I don't think it should be. People need to be reminded of just how powerful nature is, and the nuclear repercussions will hopefully lead to increased safety procedures worldwide.
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Home In Britain
I'm back in Britain! It's so strange to be back! But of course it's lovely. I arrived at Heathrow yesterday and my family picked me up. It was such a nice reunion. We went to a restaurant and had a British roast dinner, which was amazing. It was exactly what I'd been craving - oven cooked food! And despite what the world may say, traditional British food is amazing.
Pretty much everything went smoothly for my last day, except for the beginning and the end. I got up at 5am to leave in time for my 6.30am bus from Kichijoji, which is 10 minutes by train. Wynne, Katy and Hime-chan came with me, and Rob got up to wave me off from the guesthouse. But when we got to the station, we found that there was a 55 minute delay on trains going into Tokyo! It said "Accident", but it's common knowledge that that usually means suicide.
So I had to get a taxi to Kichijoji station, and had a quick but sad goodbye to the girls. It really didn't hit me that I was leaving them. It took about 15 minutes to get to Kichijoji, but cost Y3,000 (£20) so I was very unimpressed!
I met Rei, the leader of Soul Run who had come to wave me off, at the station. He waited until my bus was out of sight to stop waving, which was really nice of him. It hit me then how much I'm going to miss everyone.
It took about an hour and 40 minutes to get to Narita Airport, and there I paid the rebooking charge for my flight. It was very easy to do, I just went to the JAL Ticketing Counter and showed them my e-ticket, and then paid the Y15,000 for it. After that I could check straight in at the check-in counter, and that went smoothly as well. Even though I had two pieces of hand baggage, and my suitcase was 3.5kg overweight, the woman who checked me in didn't say anything about it, and just chatted to me about my time in Japan and about ICU. I was really grateful, she must have known I'd have more luggage than the average passenger, having been in Japan for nearly a year. Even though I sent stuff home with my brother when he visited I still had a lot of things to bring back.
Then the flight went fine, until we were coming into land at Heathrow, and were about to touch down when the plane pulled up suddenly and started to circle the airport! They announced that there had been a plane on the runway that hadn't moved yet, so that could have been nasty! But we landed safely 10 minutes later.
Then immigration and baggage claim went very smoothly, and I was reunited with my family at arrivals. It was so nice!
We drove to a nearby pub and had our roast dinner, and then drove back to Birmingham. Everything was exactly as I remember it, and it was a very nice feeling when my house came into view.
It's weird being back, because everything is the same, and everything feels the same. Seeing my local area isn't special now, because I've come and gone so many times it just feels normal. Which is good - I suppose that means I'm growing up!
I haven't really reflected back on my time in Japan yet, I'm too tired! But it's already nostalgic, and I miss my friends and just being in Japan. I have lovely memories of that trip to Japan, and I know that it was one of the best times in my life so far. Let's hope that there are many more in the future!
Pretty much everything went smoothly for my last day, except for the beginning and the end. I got up at 5am to leave in time for my 6.30am bus from Kichijoji, which is 10 minutes by train. Wynne, Katy and Hime-chan came with me, and Rob got up to wave me off from the guesthouse. But when we got to the station, we found that there was a 55 minute delay on trains going into Tokyo! It said "Accident", but it's common knowledge that that usually means suicide.
So I had to get a taxi to Kichijoji station, and had a quick but sad goodbye to the girls. It really didn't hit me that I was leaving them. It took about 15 minutes to get to Kichijoji, but cost Y3,000 (£20) so I was very unimpressed!
I met Rei, the leader of Soul Run who had come to wave me off, at the station. He waited until my bus was out of sight to stop waving, which was really nice of him. It hit me then how much I'm going to miss everyone.
It took about an hour and 40 minutes to get to Narita Airport, and there I paid the rebooking charge for my flight. It was very easy to do, I just went to the JAL Ticketing Counter and showed them my e-ticket, and then paid the Y15,000 for it. After that I could check straight in at the check-in counter, and that went smoothly as well. Even though I had two pieces of hand baggage, and my suitcase was 3.5kg overweight, the woman who checked me in didn't say anything about it, and just chatted to me about my time in Japan and about ICU. I was really grateful, she must have known I'd have more luggage than the average passenger, having been in Japan for nearly a year. Even though I sent stuff home with my brother when he visited I still had a lot of things to bring back.
Then the flight went fine, until we were coming into land at Heathrow, and were about to touch down when the plane pulled up suddenly and started to circle the airport! They announced that there had been a plane on the runway that hadn't moved yet, so that could have been nasty! But we landed safely 10 minutes later.
Then immigration and baggage claim went very smoothly, and I was reunited with my family at arrivals. It was so nice!
We drove to a nearby pub and had our roast dinner, and then drove back to Birmingham. Everything was exactly as I remember it, and it was a very nice feeling when my house came into view.
It's weird being back, because everything is the same, and everything feels the same. Seeing my local area isn't special now, because I've come and gone so many times it just feels normal. Which is good - I suppose that means I'm growing up!
I haven't really reflected back on my time in Japan yet, I'm too tired! But it's already nostalgic, and I miss my friends and just being in Japan. I have lovely memories of that trip to Japan, and I know that it was one of the best times in my life so far. Let's hope that there are many more in the future!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Ready To Go!
I'm pretty much all packed and ready now. My suitcase and everything is on my bed, my room is spotless and sparkling (kind of...) and almost empty!
It really hasn't hit home yet that I'm leaving tomorrow, but it definitely will when my alarm goes off at 5am tomorrow morning and I have to get to Narita Airport. Some friends are going to come with me to my bus and wave me off, which I keep telling them there's no need to do, but they're adamant they want to come. I'll take a pack of tissues, just in case.
This is the end of an incredible year and I will never ever forget it. I definitely need some time to reflect on everything and let it all sink in. Maybe the 12 and a half hour plane journey will help!
My next post will be from Britain, so this is goodbye to Japan for the second time. Goodbye and see you again soon!!
It really hasn't hit home yet that I'm leaving tomorrow, but it definitely will when my alarm goes off at 5am tomorrow morning and I have to get to Narita Airport. Some friends are going to come with me to my bus and wave me off, which I keep telling them there's no need to do, but they're adamant they want to come. I'll take a pack of tissues, just in case.
This is the end of an incredible year and I will never ever forget it. I definitely need some time to reflect on everything and let it all sink in. Maybe the 12 and a half hour plane journey will help!
My next post will be from Britain, so this is goodbye to Japan for the second time. Goodbye and see you again soon!!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
One Week Left!
Oh wow, time is going so quickly! I now have just one week left to do everything I want to do and say goodbye to everyone I want to see!
My schedule is ridiculously full of things I'm doing, but I suppose that's the best way to end a year abroad - not give yourself time to think!
Because I'm so busy I don't think I'll have time to write any posts until I get back home now. I'll fill in the blanks once I'm back, so don't be confused if things appear in an odd order for a while!
For now, I'm going to try to enjoy my last few days in Japan as much as I can. Which means trying not to be sad that I'm leaving, and focussing on the positive. I'm glad I'm sad to be leaving, otherwise it would mean that I hadn't enjoyed my year abroad as much as I have!
My schedule is ridiculously full of things I'm doing, but I suppose that's the best way to end a year abroad - not give yourself time to think!
Because I'm so busy I don't think I'll have time to write any posts until I get back home now. I'll fill in the blanks once I'm back, so don't be confused if things appear in an odd order for a while!
For now, I'm going to try to enjoy my last few days in Japan as much as I can. Which means trying not to be sad that I'm leaving, and focussing on the positive. I'm glad I'm sad to be leaving, otherwise it would mean that I hadn't enjoyed my year abroad as much as I have!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Finished!
I've officially finished ICU now! Even though my final exam for Japanese was on Friday, I still had one essay to do for my Writing Ethnography (民族誌作成, Minzokushi Sakusei) elective class. I went into ICU for the day yesterday and finished that off.
And now, except for going in for my results on the 28th, I don't have any reason to go back to campus. Which is really sad! I definitely will be going back though, hopefully several times before I leave in two and a half weeks.
Even though sometimes I really didn't fancy going in for lessons, and the workload was definitely a big stress, overall my experience at ICU was a great one, and I'm really going to miss my friends and the teachers here.
But, if coming back to Japan after a year has taught me anything, it's that things don't change much, and ICU will still be there for me to visit when I'm in Japan next time. And there's no doubt that there will be a next time, it just depends on money as to when I can manage to come back!
And now, except for going in for my results on the 28th, I don't have any reason to go back to campus. Which is really sad! I definitely will be going back though, hopefully several times before I leave in two and a half weeks.
Even though sometimes I really didn't fancy going in for lessons, and the workload was definitely a big stress, overall my experience at ICU was a great one, and I'm really going to miss my friends and the teachers here.
But, if coming back to Japan after a year has taught me anything, it's that things don't change much, and ICU will still be there for me to visit when I'm in Japan next time. And there's no doubt that there will be a next time, it just depends on money as to when I can manage to come back!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Hello Rainy Season
Japan's rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu) officially arrived today! It's actually been a long time coming, as I was expecting it at the very beginning of June, but it's taken until the 14th to arrive in Tokyo.
Rainy season in Japan is caused by cold northerly air masses meeting warm air from the south, which creates a stable front across Japan, bringing clouds and rain. The average rainy season in Tokyo lasts from 8th June until 20th July, which seems like a long time for it to rain! But it doesn't rain every day, and I read an information page that said that Tokyo records an average of 12 days of rain in June, and 120 hours of sunshine. But this fluctuates from year to year. Okinawa (沖縄) and the other southern islands get rainy season from the beginning of May until about the 23rd June, so it's much earlier, and then it spreads north from there. But Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidou) hardly sees any of the rain because of the northerly latitude. So lucky!
I remember the rainy season two years ago, in 2008, was quite short and not very intense. It arrived earlier than usual, and I recall it only lasted about three weeks. It was actually quite comfortable, keeping the heat down, and the misty drizzle made me very nostalgic of Britain. But it was very humid, and on the days when the temperature rose, it was very sticky and uncomfortable! The humidity seems to average about 95% in rainy season, but there were plenty of days when 100% was recorded.
This year so far the humidity has only started to worsen over the past week or so. Up until then it was gorgeous sun and clear blue skies, but now it's getting to the time when you walk home at night in sandals and shorts and see moisture dancing in car headlights.
The next week's weather forecast is mainly for cloud or light rain, with temperatures hovering around 28C, but today is only 19C, so it's being kind and easing us in slowly. Thursday is going to be a bit of a killer, with predictions of 31C and cloud. That's going to be a very humid day!
It's a shame because from now until I leave rainy season will be in full swing, so my immediate memory of Japan will be cloud and mist! But it might mean Britain is a relief from the rain! (Which I don't think I've ever said before...)
There's more information about the dates tsuyu starts and ends on the Japan Meteorological Agency website.
Rainy season in Japan is caused by cold northerly air masses meeting warm air from the south, which creates a stable front across Japan, bringing clouds and rain. The average rainy season in Tokyo lasts from 8th June until 20th July, which seems like a long time for it to rain! But it doesn't rain every day, and I read an information page that said that Tokyo records an average of 12 days of rain in June, and 120 hours of sunshine. But this fluctuates from year to year. Okinawa (沖縄) and the other southern islands get rainy season from the beginning of May until about the 23rd June, so it's much earlier, and then it spreads north from there. But Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidou) hardly sees any of the rain because of the northerly latitude. So lucky!
I remember the rainy season two years ago, in 2008, was quite short and not very intense. It arrived earlier than usual, and I recall it only lasted about three weeks. It was actually quite comfortable, keeping the heat down, and the misty drizzle made me very nostalgic of Britain. But it was very humid, and on the days when the temperature rose, it was very sticky and uncomfortable! The humidity seems to average about 95% in rainy season, but there were plenty of days when 100% was recorded.
This year so far the humidity has only started to worsen over the past week or so. Up until then it was gorgeous sun and clear blue skies, but now it's getting to the time when you walk home at night in sandals and shorts and see moisture dancing in car headlights.
The next week's weather forecast is mainly for cloud or light rain, with temperatures hovering around 28C, but today is only 19C, so it's being kind and easing us in slowly. Thursday is going to be a bit of a killer, with predictions of 31C and cloud. That's going to be a very humid day!
It's a shame because from now until I leave rainy season will be in full swing, so my immediate memory of Japan will be cloud and mist! But it might mean Britain is a relief from the rain! (Which I don't think I've ever said before...)
There's more information about the dates tsuyu starts and ends on the Japan Meteorological Agency website.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Soul Run Leaving Party
Last night was the Soul Run leaving party for all of the one-year students who are leaving over the next few weeks. Soul Run is the traditional Japanese dance that I joined the society for at ICU.
It was at a really cool Hawaiian restaurant in Kichijoji (吉祥寺), and we'd rented the whole place for the evening, so it was quite expensive (Y3,200 per person) but it was definitely worth it. The atmosphere was incredible, with everyone just wanting to celebrate their amazing year in Japan.
But, it was bitter sweet, because we all knew it was the last time we'd all be together, and there were some teary-eyed people by the end of it. It was made much more emotional by Rei, our leader (団長, danchou), because he'd made a presentation for us and showed us on his laptop. It was a slideshow of photos and videos of us over the last year, and the full video of our performance. Apparently he'd spent a month collecting the videos and everything for it, and we were so grateful!
And after that, he called each of us up to him one by one and presented us with a copy of that video and a small board with personal messages from the permanent students to us. They were all so sweet and heartfelt! Definitely something I can treasure.
The whole night was one I will never forget. And I'll never forget the friends I made here.
It was at a really cool Hawaiian restaurant in Kichijoji (吉祥寺), and we'd rented the whole place for the evening, so it was quite expensive (Y3,200 per person) but it was definitely worth it. The atmosphere was incredible, with everyone just wanting to celebrate their amazing year in Japan.
But, it was bitter sweet, because we all knew it was the last time we'd all be together, and there were some teary-eyed people by the end of it. It was made much more emotional by Rei, our leader (団長, danchou), because he'd made a presentation for us and showed us on his laptop. It was a slideshow of photos and videos of us over the last year, and the full video of our performance. Apparently he'd spent a month collecting the videos and everything for it, and we were so grateful!
And after that, he called each of us up to him one by one and presented us with a copy of that video and a small board with personal messages from the permanent students to us. They were all so sweet and heartfelt! Definitely something I can treasure.
The whole night was one I will never forget. And I'll never forget the friends I made here.
Leeds Exam Results
Yesterday morning my results from the Leeds Exam that I took at the beginning of May came through via email.
I was anxious to get these results because if I failed the exam, I would have one more chance to pass in the Summer, and then if I failed that one, then I wouldn't be able to continue my degree at Leeds Uni.
But, thankfully, I passed! We didn't get a breakdown of how we did on each section, but I know that my overall mark was 84%, which I'm really really pleased with.
That mark makes the 12 hours of study a day, and getting ill afterwards, all worth it! (That's not sarcasm, by the way.)
Most people I know passed the exam, with varying marks, although I've heard of a few people who didn't meet the pass mark. So they now have to study over the summer for the re-take, and then will hopefully pass and be able to continue.
I'm so relieved to have passed, so now I can relax about that and enjoy my last month here.
I was anxious to get these results because if I failed the exam, I would have one more chance to pass in the Summer, and then if I failed that one, then I wouldn't be able to continue my degree at Leeds Uni.
But, thankfully, I passed! We didn't get a breakdown of how we did on each section, but I know that my overall mark was 84%, which I'm really really pleased with.
That mark makes the 12 hours of study a day, and getting ill afterwards, all worth it! (That's not sarcasm, by the way.)
Most people I know passed the exam, with varying marks, although I've heard of a few people who didn't meet the pass mark. So they now have to study over the summer for the re-take, and then will hopefully pass and be able to continue.
I'm so relieved to have passed, so now I can relax about that and enjoy my last month here.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
One Month Left
The countdown has begun! It's officially one month until I go home. Everything is starting to wrap itself up here in Japan, with my final exams and essays next week, and my starting to arrange to see people for the last time before I leave.
As you can imagine, I have very mixed feelings at the moment. I'm really sad to be leaving again, and anxious to make sure I do everything I want to while I still can, but at the same time I'm really looking forward to seeing my family and friends again, and being at home.
With ICU's last lesssons next week, I'm really looking forward to being able to enjoy myself without the pressure of essays and schoolwork etc, but I've had such an amazing time there I know I'm going to be really upset to leave.
Tomorrow after teaching I have a farewell party in the afternoon on campus, and then the last ever Soul Run get-together in the evening in Kichijoji. It's going to be so sad!
But I know that the people I've met will still be here, or spread across the world in places like California, New York and France (which obviously gives me an excuse to visit!), so it's not a goodbye forever. But it will feel like one, as my adventures in Japan come to an end, again.
But because I remember how it felt to leave two years ago, and I remember how it felt when I came back last summer and saw my old friends and my old house, and everywhere I love in Tokyo, I know that I can come back in the future, and hardly anything will have changed.
Or so I'm telling myself now, so I don't get upset!
For now, I can focus on the amazing month ahead of me, and the memories I have yet to make. It's going to be a good one!
As you can imagine, I have very mixed feelings at the moment. I'm really sad to be leaving again, and anxious to make sure I do everything I want to while I still can, but at the same time I'm really looking forward to seeing my family and friends again, and being at home.
With ICU's last lesssons next week, I'm really looking forward to being able to enjoy myself without the pressure of essays and schoolwork etc, but I've had such an amazing time there I know I'm going to be really upset to leave.
Tomorrow after teaching I have a farewell party in the afternoon on campus, and then the last ever Soul Run get-together in the evening in Kichijoji. It's going to be so sad!
But I know that the people I've met will still be here, or spread across the world in places like California, New York and France (which obviously gives me an excuse to visit!), so it's not a goodbye forever. But it will feel like one, as my adventures in Japan come to an end, again.
But because I remember how it felt to leave two years ago, and I remember how it felt when I came back last summer and saw my old friends and my old house, and everywhere I love in Tokyo, I know that I can come back in the future, and hardly anything will have changed.
Or so I'm telling myself now, so I don't get upset!
For now, I can focus on the amazing month ahead of me, and the memories I have yet to make. It's going to be a good one!
Friday, May 21, 2010
First Month's Pay
Today I taught English as usual, which was a lot of fun. The girls are all really talkative and energetic, so they make the lessons go by really quickly.
And I got my first pay! It was only Y5,000 for the two lessons I taught in April, but it felt nice to be earning again! I haven't received money I've earned since summer last year working at Cadbury World! I was paid in cash, and the money was in a Japanese envelope, which felt very authentic.
I was shown where to go by a couple of my students, and then we went for lunch in the cafeteria afterwards.
And the nicest part of the day is the weather! It's the first 30C day, and the sky is a beautiful blue, with a cooling breeze. It's not humid yet, so this is perfect weather for me. I love Japanese May! But rainy season will be along soon, and then the comfort will disappear!
I'm going to take some work to the park and study in the sun with Katy now. Got to make the most of it!
And I got my first pay! It was only Y5,000 for the two lessons I taught in April, but it felt nice to be earning again! I haven't received money I've earned since summer last year working at Cadbury World! I was paid in cash, and the money was in a Japanese envelope, which felt very authentic.
I was shown where to go by a couple of my students, and then we went for lunch in the cafeteria afterwards.
And the nicest part of the day is the weather! It's the first 30C day, and the sky is a beautiful blue, with a cooling breeze. It's not humid yet, so this is perfect weather for me. I love Japanese May! But rainy season will be along soon, and then the comfort will disappear!
I'm going to take some work to the park and study in the sun with Katy now. Got to make the most of it!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Last Rent Payment
Yesterday I went to the headquarters of my guesthouse company in Higashi Koganei (東小金井) to pay my last rent for this year.
I had to pay extra because after next month I'm staying for an extra 17 nights until my flight home on 10th July. They had no problem with me leaving in the middle of the month, and it doesn't cost any extra for the daily extension.
But they are all such lovely people it was quite sad saying goodbye to them. I can't believe I'm already so close to leaving Japan again! I need to make the most of these last 7 weeks.
I had to pay extra because after next month I'm staying for an extra 17 nights until my flight home on 10th July. They had no problem with me leaving in the middle of the month, and it doesn't cost any extra for the daily extension.
But they are all such lovely people it was quite sad saying goodbye to them. I can't believe I'm already so close to leaving Japan again! I need to make the most of these last 7 weeks.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Japanese Dentists
In the aftermath of the Leeds exam, I've unfortunately fallen quite ill. It started last Monday (I actually expected to become sick straight after the Leeds exam, once all the stress had disappeared) but it waited three days and then struck me. I got a sore throat first, which was fine. But then my teeth started to hurt.
I suspected it was a wisdom tooth coming through, because the pain was at the back of my mouth where it would come through, and I'd had some pain a few months ago, but it disappeared after a few days. But this time the pain just got worse and worse, until I found it really difficult to eat, drink and sleep.
I had my midterm exam at ICU this Thursday, but I'd barely slept the night before so I don't think I did very well at all. I left early and cycled straight to a dentist in Tama (多摩) that was recommended by two of my friends from Leeds who have had teeth problems. But they were closed on Thursdays! So I found a different one near the station, but they were full on Thursday, so I made an appointment for yesterday (Friday).
I had another near-sleepless night on Thursday night, and then went to teach English, but I don't think I did a great job with such a painful mouth. I did explain what was wrong to my students though - they all know "wisdom tooth" now!
The dentist didn't speak any English, which I was expecting, so I had my electronic dictionary out checking the technical words. She took an X-ray and told me that my wisdom tooth was coming through, and it had caused the gum to become inflamed. She explained what she was going to do, and then injected anaesthetic around the area, and then used a laser to treat the gum. At first I didn't realise she was already using the laser, but then I could smell and taste burning flesh, and that was a pretty clear indication!
Afterwards they gave me two pills for pain, if it did come back. And come back it did! I'm worried that it might have become infected and spread, because my throat is still very painful and my jaw is tender to the touch. But the pills they gave me are rubbish! I took one last night to help me sleep, and I could still feel everything! I actually find British supermarket-bought Paracetamol much more effective. Japanese medicine just isn't strong enough! Plus I'm quite tall so there's more "body" for it to get through before it actually helps me.
If I'm still in pain on Monday I'll go back to the dentist and ask if there's anything else they can do. If it is infected, I don't want it to spread further, because one of my friends had to have root canal surgery here last year, and I really don't want that!
It was quite easy to actually get the appointment, and the treatment was quite cheap (Y1,600), because I have Japanese national health insurance and I just showed them my insurance card (保険証, hokenshou). I didn't have that last time I lived in Japan on a working holiday visa, so I don't know what would happen if I didn't have it.
I really hope it gets better soon. I miss sleep and food!
I suspected it was a wisdom tooth coming through, because the pain was at the back of my mouth where it would come through, and I'd had some pain a few months ago, but it disappeared after a few days. But this time the pain just got worse and worse, until I found it really difficult to eat, drink and sleep.
I had my midterm exam at ICU this Thursday, but I'd barely slept the night before so I don't think I did very well at all. I left early and cycled straight to a dentist in Tama (多摩) that was recommended by two of my friends from Leeds who have had teeth problems. But they were closed on Thursdays! So I found a different one near the station, but they were full on Thursday, so I made an appointment for yesterday (Friday).
I had another near-sleepless night on Thursday night, and then went to teach English, but I don't think I did a great job with such a painful mouth. I did explain what was wrong to my students though - they all know "wisdom tooth" now!
The dentist didn't speak any English, which I was expecting, so I had my electronic dictionary out checking the technical words. She took an X-ray and told me that my wisdom tooth was coming through, and it had caused the gum to become inflamed. She explained what she was going to do, and then injected anaesthetic around the area, and then used a laser to treat the gum. At first I didn't realise she was already using the laser, but then I could smell and taste burning flesh, and that was a pretty clear indication!
Afterwards they gave me two pills for pain, if it did come back. And come back it did! I'm worried that it might have become infected and spread, because my throat is still very painful and my jaw is tender to the touch. But the pills they gave me are rubbish! I took one last night to help me sleep, and I could still feel everything! I actually find British supermarket-bought Paracetamol much more effective. Japanese medicine just isn't strong enough! Plus I'm quite tall so there's more "body" for it to get through before it actually helps me.
If I'm still in pain on Monday I'll go back to the dentist and ask if there's anything else they can do. If it is infected, I don't want it to spread further, because one of my friends had to have root canal surgery here last year, and I really don't want that!
It was quite easy to actually get the appointment, and the treatment was quite cheap (Y1,600), because I have Japanese national health insurance and I just showed them my insurance card (保険証, hokenshou). I didn't have that last time I lived in Japan on a working holiday visa, so I don't know what would happen if I didn't have it.
I really hope it gets better soon. I miss sleep and food!
Leeds Exam
Last Friday was the dreaded Leeds exam for all the students on their Year Abroad in Japan. I think I nearly killed myself revising for it - every day during the three weeks before the day I spent around 12 hours studying for it.
We were using Kanji in Context, a very well-organised textbook that takes you through the kanji and vocab by using example sentences for each one. We were expected to know 1,003 kanji and the vocab that goes with them. And the idea was that we could work through the textbook throughout our year abroad, and know it inside-out by the time the exam arrived. But with the workload from ICU, I just didn't have the time. The blessing was that there was a lot of overlap between the two syllabuses, and we had our six week holiday and then the Golden Week public holiday in the two months before the Leeds exam, so we had more time to study.
The exam itself was not as hard as I was expecting it to be, but I'm sure that's because I was in the Intermediate class at Leeds last year. The beginners who have only been studying for a year and a half found it quite hellish, and a lot of people I've spoken to are convinced they failed. If people do fail, then they get one more chance to pass in September, and if they fail that one then they can't continue with their degrees. It's so strict! And a lot of people aren't happy at all with the system, as students from other British Universities don't have to do anything on their year abroad except pass their programmes of study in the host University.
The exam was made up of four sections - kanji reading (20%), kanji writing (20%), Japanese to English translation (30%) and an essay (30%). The hardest section for me was the Translation, and the easiest was the kanji reading.
I'm really glad the exam is over. ICU's workload seems so much more bearable without the extra responsibility. And we should get the results at the end of May or the beginning of June. So until then I can live in ignorant bliss, and then deal with the reality of my result when it comes!
We were using Kanji in Context, a very well-organised textbook that takes you through the kanji and vocab by using example sentences for each one. We were expected to know 1,003 kanji and the vocab that goes with them. And the idea was that we could work through the textbook throughout our year abroad, and know it inside-out by the time the exam arrived. But with the workload from ICU, I just didn't have the time. The blessing was that there was a lot of overlap between the two syllabuses, and we had our six week holiday and then the Golden Week public holiday in the two months before the Leeds exam, so we had more time to study.
The exam itself was not as hard as I was expecting it to be, but I'm sure that's because I was in the Intermediate class at Leeds last year. The beginners who have only been studying for a year and a half found it quite hellish, and a lot of people I've spoken to are convinced they failed. If people do fail, then they get one more chance to pass in September, and if they fail that one then they can't continue with their degrees. It's so strict! And a lot of people aren't happy at all with the system, as students from other British Universities don't have to do anything on their year abroad except pass their programmes of study in the host University.
The exam was made up of four sections - kanji reading (20%), kanji writing (20%), Japanese to English translation (30%) and an essay (30%). The hardest section for me was the Translation, and the easiest was the kanji reading.
I'm really glad the exam is over. ICU's workload seems so much more bearable without the extra responsibility. And we should get the results at the end of May or the beginning of June. So until then I can live in ignorant bliss, and then deal with the reality of my result when it comes!
Friday, April 23, 2010
My First Day At My New Job
I just got back from my first day teaching English at Tokyo Woman's Christian University. It was so much fun!
I taught two 90 minute lessons, which is now my usual Friday slot. In the first one I had four students turn up, and we spoke about the change of healthcare in America, and debated the good and bad points. It was a really fun lesson, and the students made the time fly by.
Then I had lunch in the cafeteria, and not only was I the only foreigner there, I was the only male! I got so many stares. Then on the way out of the cafeteria I found a poster advertising my lessons. It felt so weird, almost like celebrity!
Then in the second lesson five students came, and we discussed the students' plans for Golden Week, and then debated whether or not money equates to happiness, which is something I stole from my Japanese lessons at ICU. And at the end of the lesson one of the girls asked to have a photo taken with me! It was so strange... I didn't realise I'd be such a point of interest!
It was a really fun day, and I'm really looking forward to teaching more classes there.
I taught two 90 minute lessons, which is now my usual Friday slot. In the first one I had four students turn up, and we spoke about the change of healthcare in America, and debated the good and bad points. It was a really fun lesson, and the students made the time fly by.
Then I had lunch in the cafeteria, and not only was I the only foreigner there, I was the only male! I got so many stares. Then on the way out of the cafeteria I found a poster advertising my lessons. It felt so weird, almost like celebrity!
Then in the second lesson five students came, and we discussed the students' plans for Golden Week, and then debated whether or not money equates to happiness, which is something I stole from my Japanese lessons at ICU. And at the end of the lesson one of the girls asked to have a photo taken with me! It was so strange... I didn't realise I'd be such a point of interest!
It was a really fun day, and I'm really looking forward to teaching more classes there.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I Have A Job!
In a very surprising turn of events, a friend of mine from ICU told me about a job position at Tokyo Woman's Christian University (東京女子大学, Toukyou Joshi Daigaku) teaching English to students there.
I went to an interview on Tuesday and they hired me! Everyone there seems really nice, and they made me feel right at home. The University itself is really nice as well, but not as nice as ICU, it has to be said!
So starting tomorrow I'll be teaching two 90 minute lessons every Friday. And it's a short contract, just until the end of their term in mid-June, which works perfectly for me, as I'll be leaving for Britain on 10th July.
I'm really surprised I found a job! I'd resigned myself to not earning any money this year. But I'm very relieved! It will really help my money situation. The pay is quite good, Y2,500 per 90 minute lesson, and I'll be teaching two classes a week, so that's £35 per week more than I would get if I didn't have a job! Plus they pay for my transport. It's in Nishi-Ogikubo (西荻窪), which is just five stops away from my station.
I spent some of this afternoon making lesson plans for tomorrow, but they warned me that as I only went on the schedule on Wednesday it might turn out that no students come. But they did add that I'd be more likely to get students than some of the other teachers from ICU because I'm "an attractive guy". I thought they were joking! But they were completely serious. Uh oh, better try to be as good looking as possible then! But I still get paid if no students turn up, as long as I wait to see if anyone comes during the whole time. So I'll take my textbooks along, and might end up being paid for studying!
I'm a bit nervous, because I've only taught one student at a time before, at Gaba and private teaching in 2008, and if a lot of students turn up then I could be in charge of a class of 10 or 15 students. Scary! Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly...
Also, as a side note, I'm really sorry about the lack of posts about China and my brother's visit recently. The reason is that my Leeds exam is in two weeks (that's the exam I have to pass to continue my degree) so I'm studying around the clock trying to do ICU work as well as cram as much vocab and grammar, and as many kanji as possible, into my brain. I promise I'll catch up after the exam is over and I can finally breathe again!
I went to an interview on Tuesday and they hired me! Everyone there seems really nice, and they made me feel right at home. The University itself is really nice as well, but not as nice as ICU, it has to be said!
So starting tomorrow I'll be teaching two 90 minute lessons every Friday. And it's a short contract, just until the end of their term in mid-June, which works perfectly for me, as I'll be leaving for Britain on 10th July.
I'm really surprised I found a job! I'd resigned myself to not earning any money this year. But I'm very relieved! It will really help my money situation. The pay is quite good, Y2,500 per 90 minute lesson, and I'll be teaching two classes a week, so that's £35 per week more than I would get if I didn't have a job! Plus they pay for my transport. It's in Nishi-Ogikubo (西荻窪), which is just five stops away from my station.
I spent some of this afternoon making lesson plans for tomorrow, but they warned me that as I only went on the schedule on Wednesday it might turn out that no students come. But they did add that I'd be more likely to get students than some of the other teachers from ICU because I'm "an attractive guy". I thought they were joking! But they were completely serious. Uh oh, better try to be as good looking as possible then! But I still get paid if no students turn up, as long as I wait to see if anyone comes during the whole time. So I'll take my textbooks along, and might end up being paid for studying!
I'm a bit nervous, because I've only taught one student at a time before, at Gaba and private teaching in 2008, and if a lot of students turn up then I could be in charge of a class of 10 or 15 students. Scary! Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly...
Also, as a side note, I'm really sorry about the lack of posts about China and my brother's visit recently. The reason is that my Leeds exam is in two weeks (that's the exam I have to pass to continue my degree) so I'm studying around the clock trying to do ICU work as well as cram as much vocab and grammar, and as many kanji as possible, into my brain. I promise I'll catch up after the exam is over and I can finally breathe again!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
My Brother's Visit: Arrival
This morning I went to Narita Airport to pick up my youngest brother, Dominic. He's come to Japan for a ten-day holiday, to spend some time with me in Tokyo.
I spent the night on the sofa at my old house in Chuo-ku, because it's a lot closer to Narita Airport, and it meant I could get out of Tokyo without hitting any of the morning rush hour trains.
I didn't have a great night's sleep, about four hours, but that was all forgotten once I'd met him and we started chatting. We took the train back to my guesthouse, which takes between 2 and 2 and a half hours. But it seemed to go a lot quicker with him there.
It's so nice to have him here! I get on very well with my brothers, so it's like having a friend stay with me.
He's absolutely exhausted right now, and I'm quite tired, so we'll have an early night, and then we're going to Kamakura to see the big Buddha statue tomorrow with some friends from ICU. And it should be lovely because the cherry blossom is still in full bloom! (And this is the second time in my brother's life that he's seen Japan covered in blossom, because he came in Spring two years ago as well! Not many 15 year olds can say that they've done that, especially coming on their own the second time...)
And of course I can't wait for my 21st birthday on Friday!
I spent the night on the sofa at my old house in Chuo-ku, because it's a lot closer to Narita Airport, and it meant I could get out of Tokyo without hitting any of the morning rush hour trains.
I didn't have a great night's sleep, about four hours, but that was all forgotten once I'd met him and we started chatting. We took the train back to my guesthouse, which takes between 2 and 2 and a half hours. But it seemed to go a lot quicker with him there.
It's so nice to have him here! I get on very well with my brothers, so it's like having a friend stay with me.
He's absolutely exhausted right now, and I'm quite tired, so we'll have an early night, and then we're going to Kamakura to see the big Buddha statue tomorrow with some friends from ICU. And it should be lovely because the cherry blossom is still in full bloom! (And this is the second time in my brother's life that he's seen Japan covered in blossom, because he came in Spring two years ago as well! Not many 15 year olds can say that they've done that, especially coming on their own the second time...)
And of course I can't wait for my 21st birthday on Friday!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ready for China
I just finished packing everything up for my trip to China. I'm so excited!
I'm nervous as well, I really want everything to go smoothly, and a lot of things have to go right tomorrow. But I think it will, my flight is in the evening so there will be plenty of time for me to get across Tokyo by train. I'm taking the cheapest option, using normal commuter trains to get to Narita Airport, which takes just over 2 hours from where I live in West Tokyo, but only costs Y1,530, compared to the much more expensive express trains or buses.
I think I've got everything ready, and I've arranged to meet the friends who I'm staying with in Shanghai at Pu Dong airport, and then we'll go back to their apartment. Once I'm with them I'll feel much more comfortable about everything. That is until I go to Beijing by myself of course! But I'm sure everything will fall into place and plans will come together.
First things first - flight tomorrow!
I will probably blog about the trip when I get back in two weeks, and I'll also catch up on some of the happenings earlier this month, because I've been so busy recently I haven't had a chance to write everything up. It will get done, I promise!
I'm so happy I'm finally going to China!!
I'm nervous as well, I really want everything to go smoothly, and a lot of things have to go right tomorrow. But I think it will, my flight is in the evening so there will be plenty of time for me to get across Tokyo by train. I'm taking the cheapest option, using normal commuter trains to get to Narita Airport, which takes just over 2 hours from where I live in West Tokyo, but only costs Y1,530, compared to the much more expensive express trains or buses.
I think I've got everything ready, and I've arranged to meet the friends who I'm staying with in Shanghai at Pu Dong airport, and then we'll go back to their apartment. Once I'm with them I'll feel much more comfortable about everything. That is until I go to Beijing by myself of course! But I'm sure everything will fall into place and plans will come together.
First things first - flight tomorrow!
I will probably blog about the trip when I get back in two weeks, and I'll also catch up on some of the happenings earlier this month, because I've been so busy recently I haven't had a chance to write everything up. It will get done, I promise!
I'm so happy I'm finally going to China!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
New Softbank Phone
On Sunday evening I met my friend Kyoko in Kichijoji to upgrade my 2G service phone to a 3G service, because Softbank are discontinuing the 2G service from the beginning of April.
We went into the shop and explained what we wanted (I was counting on Kyoko for translation, because the phone is in her name, as I was under 20 when I bought it in 2008). They showed us two prepaid (Pay-As-You-Go) models that we could get, one that Katy has (about Y4,500), which is a basic phone with a camera, email and of course the ability to call people! The other was more expensive (about Y7,000 excluding the charger) and could access the internet and TV along with other things. But I went for the cheaper one, because I knew I'd never watch TV on my phone.
They were able to keep my phone number, email address, and even my address book on the new phone, which I was very pleased about. And it came with Y6,000 credit already on it, and as I bought it for Y4,500ish, it was better than free!
I'm still figuring it all out, but it's much more stylish than my old one. Although I have noticed that it's slower, probably because of all of the graphics that the old one didn't have.
Hopefully it will serve me well!
We went into the shop and explained what we wanted (I was counting on Kyoko for translation, because the phone is in her name, as I was under 20 when I bought it in 2008). They showed us two prepaid (Pay-As-You-Go) models that we could get, one that Katy has (about Y4,500), which is a basic phone with a camera, email and of course the ability to call people! The other was more expensive (about Y7,000 excluding the charger) and could access the internet and TV along with other things. But I went for the cheaper one, because I knew I'd never watch TV on my phone.
They were able to keep my phone number, email address, and even my address book on the new phone, which I was very pleased about. And it came with Y6,000 credit already on it, and as I bought it for Y4,500ish, it was better than free!
I'm still figuring it all out, but it's much more stylish than my old one. Although I have noticed that it's slower, probably because of all of the graphics that the old one didn't have.
Hopefully it will serve me well!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Good Day For Japanese
Today I met up with a friend I first met at Sakura House two years ago, when she was working there and often visited my building.
She then moved to London, where I met up with her several times whenever I was there. And she's here in Tokyo for a month before going back to London for another year where she's working.
We met in Kichijoji this afternoon, and we greeted each other in Japanese. I didn't think anything of it, because I usually greet Japanese friends in Japanese, and then have to switch to English when I don't understand, but that didn't happen!
I understood virtually everything she said, and anything I didn't understand, she explained in Japanese instead of switching to English. She has really clear Japanese, and spoke slowly so I could catch everything. She's definitely the easiest to understand Japanese friend I have.
And to my surprise, I ended up only speaking a couple of sentences of English the whole afternoon! The first time was by accident, when we were paying the bill for lunch. But all the other times she asked me what the English equivalent was for Japanese sentences she wasn't sure how to translate.
I was so happy! It was the most Japanese I've ever spoken! And it was a great confidence boost, as I am in dire need of speaking practice.
There were times when I wanted to say something, but wasn't quite sure how I'd say it in Japanese, and I usually give up and either just say it in English, or just not say anything at all. But today I forced myself to say more complicated sentences and it turned out that the sentence unfolded as I was saying it! I need to be braver in future!
I did notice that I started a lot of my sentences with the English word "like", and then the rest was in Japanese. So I'll have to try to knock that on the head before it becomes too engrained a habit!
We wandered around Kichijoji, and I tried a Sakura frappuccino in Starbucks, which was very nice, but would be better when the weather's nicer. (Speaking of weather, it's meant to be 21C and sunny tomorrow afternoon, so I'm really looking forward to that! It might call for the first shorts weather of the year, in early March!)
Then we went to Inokashira Park (井の頭公園, Inokashira Kouen) and wandered around for a bit, but then it started to rain, so we headed back to the station.
Hopefully we'll be able to meet up and go to karaoke with some of the other Sakura House people before she goes back to London.
So it was a greatly needed confidence boost this afternoon, I was extremely pleased. And Rob, Matt and I are meeting a Japanese friend who doesn't speak much English for dinner tonight, so I'll try my best to practice more then.
She then moved to London, where I met up with her several times whenever I was there. And she's here in Tokyo for a month before going back to London for another year where she's working.
We met in Kichijoji this afternoon, and we greeted each other in Japanese. I didn't think anything of it, because I usually greet Japanese friends in Japanese, and then have to switch to English when I don't understand, but that didn't happen!
I understood virtually everything she said, and anything I didn't understand, she explained in Japanese instead of switching to English. She has really clear Japanese, and spoke slowly so I could catch everything. She's definitely the easiest to understand Japanese friend I have.
And to my surprise, I ended up only speaking a couple of sentences of English the whole afternoon! The first time was by accident, when we were paying the bill for lunch. But all the other times she asked me what the English equivalent was for Japanese sentences she wasn't sure how to translate.
I was so happy! It was the most Japanese I've ever spoken! And it was a great confidence boost, as I am in dire need of speaking practice.
There were times when I wanted to say something, but wasn't quite sure how I'd say it in Japanese, and I usually give up and either just say it in English, or just not say anything at all. But today I forced myself to say more complicated sentences and it turned out that the sentence unfolded as I was saying it! I need to be braver in future!
I did notice that I started a lot of my sentences with the English word "like", and then the rest was in Japanese. So I'll have to try to knock that on the head before it becomes too engrained a habit!
We wandered around Kichijoji, and I tried a Sakura frappuccino in Starbucks, which was very nice, but would be better when the weather's nicer. (Speaking of weather, it's meant to be 21C and sunny tomorrow afternoon, so I'm really looking forward to that! It might call for the first shorts weather of the year, in early March!)
Then we went to Inokashira Park (井の頭公園, Inokashira Kouen) and wandered around for a bit, but then it started to rain, so we headed back to the station.
Hopefully we'll be able to meet up and go to karaoke with some of the other Sakura House people before she goes back to London.
So it was a greatly needed confidence boost this afternoon, I was extremely pleased. And Rob, Matt and I are meeting a Japanese friend who doesn't speak much English for dinner tonight, so I'll try my best to practice more then.
Sentou Public Baths
Last night Rob, Matt and I went to a public bath (銭湯, sentou) in Tama (多摩). I'd been with them to an onsen (温泉) hot spring last year, so we'd seen each other completely naked before, which is a weird thought! But we all fancied a soak and a bit of relax so Rob and I cycled to near TUFS and met Matt.
The public baths work just like hot springs, but are much more common, and cheaper. It cost about Y400 for us to go in, and there wasn't a time limit, except for the closing time, which was about 11pm.
You first put your shoes in the small lockers near the reception, and then go through the curtain to the changing rooms, 男 means men and 女 means women.
In the changing rooms you completely undress and put your clothes in a locker. With sentou you often need to bring your own towel, modesty towel (to cover areas you don't want other people to see) and shampoo etc. Onsen usually provide these things.
Then you go through into the main bath area and sit in front of one of the mirrors on a small stool and wash yourself all over. Make sure to wash off all of the soap before getting into the bath. In the bath I went to, there was one large hot bath, with jacuzzi-style areas along one wall, and one ice-cold bath. It's quite dangerous to change your body's temperature so quickly so be careful if you want to try the cold one!
The water temperature is often extremely hot. The one we went to was about 40-50C, and we couldn't stay submerged too long. The Japanese guys seemed more used to it, but we poor Westerners just couldn't manage!
We stayed for just under an hour and then washed again and got dressed. It's so nice on your muscles! Especially when the last time I had a bath was at home in November, it's only showers for me here!
The public baths work just like hot springs, but are much more common, and cheaper. It cost about Y400 for us to go in, and there wasn't a time limit, except for the closing time, which was about 11pm.
You first put your shoes in the small lockers near the reception, and then go through the curtain to the changing rooms, 男 means men and 女 means women.
In the changing rooms you completely undress and put your clothes in a locker. With sentou you often need to bring your own towel, modesty towel (to cover areas you don't want other people to see) and shampoo etc. Onsen usually provide these things.
Then you go through into the main bath area and sit in front of one of the mirrors on a small stool and wash yourself all over. Make sure to wash off all of the soap before getting into the bath. In the bath I went to, there was one large hot bath, with jacuzzi-style areas along one wall, and one ice-cold bath. It's quite dangerous to change your body's temperature so quickly so be careful if you want to try the cold one!
The water temperature is often extremely hot. The one we went to was about 40-50C, and we couldn't stay submerged too long. The Japanese guys seemed more used to it, but we poor Westerners just couldn't manage!
We stayed for just under an hour and then washed again and got dressed. It's so nice on your muscles! Especially when the last time I had a bath was at home in November, it's only showers for me here!
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