tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42085675992493604672023-11-16T16:59:14.932+09:00 Aussie On The Izu The adventures of one small-town Aussie girl living in the shadow of Mt Fuji...AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-41874867293531163642013-08-01T12:58:00.000+09:002013-08-01T12:58:29.086+09:00The Izu Life: My Last Day at School<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is my last day of school. My apartment has been inspected, accounts closed, and tearful goodbyes bid. It's time for this proverbial (and perhaps literal as it is my middle name) "Alice" to come back up out of the rabbithole and return to the place where everything makes sense (even if they walk up-side-down there). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Emails have been exchanged with my successor. She is at the beginning of her journey now, and I am at the closing of mine. So-and-so@blueyonder.co.uk will soon be the one living in a place that makes little sense, and (supposing that our positions are to be reversed metaphorically), that means I am the one headed back to the "blue yonder."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's weird how things have come full circle like that. I found some leftover omiyage from Australia which I had brought as a gift for my colleagues on my very first day of school. Now, on my last day, I will give them away to the people who have helped me most in these past few hectic weeks. Weird. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Monday, I gave my farewell speech at the closing ceremony in full yukata. Whilst choking back tears, I implored my students to consider living in a foreign country. I know from first hand experience that doing so is one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can do with your life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/13422fb8fa5c11e28f3922000ae90d55_7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in a yukata which the school actually bought for me as a leaving present!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the next couple of weeks, I will be travelling around Japan with my mum. Then, its home to Australia. And then what? A job? More travel? I'm still not sure. I guess I just gotta get back out there. Out into the great blue yonder...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you to everyone who read, commented and hopefully found some useful information on this blog! I'll still be posted bits here and there over the next few weeks and months...</span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-31340214066613601322013-07-02T11:06:00.000+09:002013-07-02T11:06:01.160+09:00Some Site News<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you may have noticed, posts are starting to dwindle on this blog and this is largely due to my busy work schedule what with my students heading into exam week. I only have one month left in Japan and a lot of my time is being taking up with exam marking, and when I am not doing that, preparing to return home. Due to my busy schedule, I have had to halt regular posting on this blog. I will probably be posting in drips and drabs when I have time over the next month but after that and when I return to Australia, this blog will officially cease to be. Let this day mark the beginning of the end for AussieOnTheIzu.blogspot. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/994168_10151551198663889_2043782362_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking green tea back in June.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Japan has been an amazing experience for me and I hope you have enjoyed and found use in my posts as much as I have enjoyed writing them. I'm sure I will continue to blog or write in some capacity elsewhere after I have settled in Australia so stay tuned. Thank you so for all of your support over the past couple of years! </span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-32960438449287045252013-06-18T15:02:00.003+09:002013-06-18T15:03:02.938+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Cats doing people things...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found <a href="https://twitter.com/nyalan_jalan">this series of photos from Japan</a> of cats doing adorable people things... Enjoy!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="305" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/50/dc/f3/50dcf32f4d50f9245cc9a0d2becfe867.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Continue reading after the jump for more!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak2.pinimg.com/236x/63/1f/5d/631f5d789adaa44bc372e455c923622b.jpg" width="317" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/72/72/6d/72726d6f792af4a7b0cd465e22d0b72c.jpg" width="302" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BLzx4nZCEAIRvBU.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="media-image bottom-corners" data-height="1000" data-width="773" height="400" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BLzx4nZCEAIRvBU.jpg:large" style="border-bottom-left-radius: 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; display: inline-block; height: 551px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 425.92300000000006px;" width="309" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img class="media-image bottom-corners" data-height="1000" data-width="790" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BD185BUCAAIO2r2.jpg:large" style="border-bottom-left-radius: 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 575px; line-height: 18px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 454.24999999999994px;" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gallery-nav nav-prev enabled" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 613px; left: 0px; line-height: 18px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 171.59375px; z-index: 3001;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/nyalan_jalan">@nyalan_jalan on twitter</a> for more!</span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-21945619983220174592013-06-11T10:27:00.001+09:002013-06-11T10:31:30.840+09:00Tops Tuesdays: The Japan Wrap<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While searching for videos on Youtube which perfectly encapsulate the experience of Japan's culture, media and lifestyle, I stumbled across the following videos and couldn't choose just one for my Tops Tuesdays post. Enjoy some funny videos from Japan...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zBVgiEir9do" width="420"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See more after the jump!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W0X0cmQAdSE" width="420"></iframe>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/njaSXZC6qJM" width="420"></iframe>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And finally, an all-robot rock band...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IjhZsUnvbCc" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There seems to have been a running theme of robots in the past for Tops Tuesdays posts (see <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2012/08/tops-tuesdays.html">here</a> and <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2013/05/tops-tuesdays-giant-robots.html">here</a>)... Stereotypes mean we don't have to think don't they, boys and girls!</span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-55453366107070207972013-06-09T12:03:00.000+09:002013-06-09T12:04:32.529+09:00Travel Log: Getting my nerd on in Odaiba and Akiba<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/fc375e94ce8511e29cb522000a1f9215_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I headed out to Tokyo during the week to doing some shopping before I leave Japan. My calendar is filling fast with farewell parties and summer barbecues so I wanted to take advantage of my free time now to tick some of the things off the pre-returning-home-shopping-list. First stop was Odaiba in Tokyo Bay...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think Odaiba is one of my favourite parts of Tokyo. You can see why this is growing in popularity as a weekend hangout spot among young people. Easily accessible using the monorail, large shopping malls in close proximity, open spaces for performances and relaxing, and a well thought-out and planned layout. Another of Odaiba's draw-cards is the giant Gundam replica at Diver City shopping mall. It was moved to its new home in 2012 from Shizuoka. You can always spot a throng of tourists gathered around the robot's legs marveling at its height and realism.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/da0900cece5911e2a5cd22000a1fb0b0_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While there, I picked up some lovely faux flowers from H&M to wear in my hair at my little sister's wedding this September. Sweet!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/c92825bccf7311e2be7722000a1cbc97_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a spot of shopping in Diver City and riding around on the monorail aimlessly, I headed over to Akihabara. <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2012/03/travel-log-akihabara-tokyo.html">You can read in more detail about my past travels to "Akiba" here</a>. Akihabara is home to all things nerdy. Specifically, I was looking to hit up the ever impressive Don Quixote building where AKB48 headquarters resides. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/a7660b90ce8511e29ecd22000aaa08de_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/a7660b90ce8511e29ecd22000aaa08de_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was looking for a bright purple cosplay wig as a kind of memento of my time in Japan which I could use for parties and cosplaying, etc. Don Quixote, however, let me down with a surprisingly small selection of purple wigs. Luckily, I hit the jackpot in a small side-ally cosplay shop.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/da9434cece8511e2b85022000a1f9e75_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next stop was Loft near Tokyo Station where I decided to buy up on stationary, electronic doo-dads and travel accessories. We don't have anything as good as Loft back in Australia and it is probably one of my favourite shops in the world. If you want or need something, Loft has already thought of it, invented it and packaged it for display. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was just a short day trip to Tokyo but it was great to finally see the giant Gundam and get in some shopping too. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-60984370864818143702013-06-09T11:35:00.002+09:002013-06-09T11:35:44.254+09:00The Izu Life: My final Sports Day in Japan<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/75242824aec411e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before I get all emotional about how my time in Japan is dwindling from months to mere days too quickly for my liking, let me just get on with it and share with you some of my favourite pictures of this year's Sports Festival at the high school where I teach. Check them out after the jump. Enjoy!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Warming up...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/3c448bf4ccbc11e2ace922000a1f90f6_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tug-of-war with bamboo.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/5eb56398ccbc11e29a1922000a9d0dee_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Running around with bamboo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/91948b9accbc11e2bcd822000aa80037_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jump rope competition.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/e4fae7fcccbc11e2a95722000a9f09e9_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Relay race.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/6f15f198cce011e2b23022000a1f9ad5_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hope you're having a smashing weekend!</span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-80694251074936114492013-06-04T13:51:00.000+09:002013-06-04T18:43:35.022+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before I Came to Japan<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak2.pinimg.com/736x/63/b0/69/63b0691533bf30de74f28b19b4d47af0.jpg" width="266" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My first few months in Japan were a whirlwind. Most new JETs get a few days to recoup from their jet lag, participate in orientation and training, and make some new friends before they begin teaching. I hit the ground running. Straight from the airport, I was shuttled to my new workplace and, bleary-eyed, introduced to my new colleagues. I was expected to start work the next day bright and early. No orientation for me. I could see my jet lag was going to become very drawn out and turn into JET lag so to speak. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It took a long time to adjust emotionally after that. I took even longer to make friends because I just didn't know where any other ALTs were. Looking back, there are many things I would try to do different. It was a difficult set of circumstances, but there were options to make that period in time more bearable. 2011 turned out to be one of the worst years of my life. But luckily, in 2012 I figured a lot of things out, and 2012 turned into one of the best years of my life. If only I had known in 2011 what I know now, things could have gone much more smoothly...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">10. Mental Clarity</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.390625px; text-align: justify;">It happens to even the most prepared and researched travellers after a big move overseas. You are always going to find your new environment surprising and different to your expectations; how surprising depends on the individual. When you travel, travel with an open mind. Throw away any preconceived ideas and you won't be disappointed by your own unrealistic expectations.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.390625px;">9. Cultural Adjustment</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">The emotional highs and lows of moving overseas can seem like an endless sickening roller-coaster. This is part of the normal adjustment to living in a new culture.</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"> Accept that during times where life seems too difficult, things are definitely going to change for the better and sooner than you think. </span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">The ‘curve of adjustment’ model for culture shock suggests we often feel initially happy, then go through a period of feeling lonely and unhappy before feeling settled and content with the new culture. Keep busy; the time will fly and you will find yourself enjoying new and interesting activities. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"></span></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
8. Health</span></span></h3>
<span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">Keep active. Physical activity has an effect of lifting one's mood as well as <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2012/02/izu-life-losing-weight-in-japan.html">maintaining a healthy body</a>. Don't forget to eat well. It can be exciting trying a whole bunch of rich, tasty, foreign foods but doing so every day will have a negative impact on your health. Besides, easing yourself slowly into a new diet of foreign cuisine will be beneficial for your digestive system.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c1/cc/16/c1cc1614ac3ab6d3ba5ce5b57595fd1a.jpg" /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.390625px;">You may also find you need more sleep than usual. Allow time to recover from your jet lag (hopefully you are given the chance to!).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"></span></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
7. Relationships</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">Remember you may need to make more of an effort socially and not rely on it all just falling into place. When I first arrived in Japan, I expected the ALT community to be a tight-knit one. I was way off. I hadn't anticipated the long physical distances between ALTs making it difficult for me to make friends as a solo arrival. As such, I pressured myself into making friends immediately and often with the wrong sort of people. I easily became entangled with some very nasty personalities. I had to learn to pick and choose who I spent my time with. I wish I had started things off slower and made acquaintances to start with. Don’t box yourself into friendships. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/1e/72/97/1e72978f0049b4b78b4bba61c68809f9.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to make new friends, be active in engaging with the place you have come to. That could mean joining a local <i>taiko</i> group or participating in tourist activities. Don't forget to send photos home so that your friends and family have can get a good understanding of your current life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><h3>
6. Staying calm</h3>
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
They say, “fake it till you make it” and I think this is helpful advice for new JETs. You might be experiencing a low after your arrival in Japan. That's okay. Go through the motions of being involved even if your heart’s not in it yet. This will preserve your casual and professional relationships until you are feeling better.<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><h3>
5. Help</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20.390625px;">There are several places to seek help when you have had a bad day or you need to be counselled on a serious issue. Start with fellow ALTs. They can be a great source of experience and advice without having to worry about language barriers. Try also your work colleagues who know the local area like the backs of their hands. Your supervisor is also required as part of their job to help you. Next, try your Prefectural Advisor (PA) who should have given you their contact information before you arrived at your placement. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
The JET Programme provides a phone counselling service for JETs who need to talk. The CLAIR JET Line is run by trained volunteers and is available during working hours through the week. Call<span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> (03) 5213-1729. CLAIR also has a </span><span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Counseling System Committee for issues of greater importance than day-to-day matters. Additionally, </span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">CLAIR provides a system of </span><span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Self-Support Group Leaders</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> for speakers of languages other than English. Call the CLAIR JET Line ((03) 5213-1729) for more details</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">After working hours, you can call the</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">AJET Peer Support Group</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">for a chat or advice from fellow JETs who are also trained volunteers. Call (050) 5534-5566.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">There are also lots of non-JET counseling options, including the </span><span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tokyo English Life Line</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> on (03) 5774-0992. </span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">The</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ministry of Education has an ALT Advisor</span><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">, Mr Huw Oliphant, who is available to talk about your work situation on (03) 3593-6263.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div>
</span><h3>
4. Home Sickness</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This happens to everyone. Times get tough and it's important to remember why you threw yourself into a life of transience in the first place. Maybe you chose to live abroad to launch yourself into a new phase of life, to improve your future employment opportunities, or to broaden your mind. A little bit of work toughing it out now will have a positive impact on your life in the long run. Talk about your decision to live abroad and about why it’s worthwhile with your friends and listen to their opinion.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
3. Behaviour</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make a conscious effort to notice better times – times when homesickness is even a little less strong. What’s different at those times? Does this give you some clues about what you can do to make your experiences abroad more positive?<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><h3>
2. Environment</h3>
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Make your apartment your own! <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2013/02/the-izu-life-ten-diys-for-life-in-japan.html">Decorate it how you like</a>. Cut out some funny cartoons and pin them up. Read a humorous book or rent a funny video. Listen to upbeat music. Create an environment that’s comfortable and familiar. Stay focussed on a positive future. Imagine what your time on the JET Programme will lead to – the job possibilities, everything! – in as much detail as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Find & Keep by Beci Orpin via WeeBirdy.com" height="400" src="http://www.weebirdy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Fak_-Confetti_-Final_-86-800x961.jpg" width="332" /><br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><h3>
1. Kindness</h3>
</span><span style="line-height: 20.390625px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Be kind to yourself – living abroad is a big step and needs some time to adjust to. Forgive yourself for bad behaviour. Treat yourself as a reward for all you've gone through. Give yourself a night off to do something you really want to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Leave any questions below in the comments!</b></div>
</span></span>AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-12110521848851064772013-06-04T12:26:00.000+09:002013-06-04T18:47:46.383+09:00The Izu Life: My Very Last Culture Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/6afd97d2ca5b11e282a722000a1f9d5f_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/6afd97d2ca5b11e282a722000a1f9d5f_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last weekend was my final chance to experience a Japanese high school culture festival. The kids put in a lot of effort and produced a lovely cultural festival for the public to enjoy. Many seemed to sense that this was one of their last chances to interact with me freely outside of a classroom and were very courteous and kind. So I would like to say thank you to my students for making my final cultural festival a memorable experience. Check out some of my favourite pics of the cultural festival after the jump...
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lady Liberty enjoys churos at 22HR:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/f26d5a4aca5b11e2b1d222000a1fb859_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little mermaid on the staircase...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/448d9234cb4911e2947622000a9e138b_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kappa hates you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/782e9bcecb4911e2949722000a1f90e1_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo wall at the all male-run maid cafe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/d78d06f0cb4911e2a58122000a9d0ed5_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/aussieontheizu/?vm=grid">Follow me on Instagram for more</a>!</span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-33580313638405080702013-05-28T15:04:00.001+09:002013-05-29T18:54:13.445+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Sleeping with a Ghibli Character<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's no denying the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_Ghibli">Studio Ghibli</a> films are a huge international success. That means there is a lot of Ghibli merchandise on the market. I spotted <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/160722280424521802/">this</a> adorable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Neighbor_Totoro">Totoro</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> sleeping bag on </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/aussieontheizu/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pinterest</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and decided to share here. </span><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-models-220CM-Totoro-bed-sleeping-bag-sofa-Christmas-gifts-/280987134155" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are various options on ebay</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> if you want to buy one for yourself. Enjoy!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/3c/08/3f/3c083f1e26cc506bbd7c6267f67b75fc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/160722280424521802/">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-43931065442505676052013-05-26T12:21:00.000+09:002013-05-26T12:22:08.571+09:00The Izu Life: Attending a Goukon in Japan<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="image taken from http://hokuromura.exblog.jp/8510138/" src="http://cybrog.threethousand.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/konpacomic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hokuromura.exblog.jp/8510138/">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday night found me standing outside a train station waiting for my ever-late friend and host of that evening's "goukon." A <i>goukon</i> is a kind of mass date that is popular in Japan where a group of (mostly) strangers meet up for some beer and laughs and then afterwards the couples that clicked call each other for follow-up dates. Such practices are becoming increasingly common and important in a country with a declining birth rate and where working individuals are finding less time to build meaningful relationships. <i>Goukon</i>s provide a relaxed atmosphere to essentially date several people all in one evening. I myself had been asked to join this <i>goukon</i> after a couple of the host's friends pulled out. I shifted nervously, hoping my outfit was appropriate; heels, cigarette pants, and a boyfriend blazer. A group of boys standing nearby were jostling each other and giggling; obviously at the start of a big night out themselves and less nervous about it than me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"How late is she now?" my friend I had roped into doing this with me asked.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"8 minutes."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But just then we spotted her brilliantly bright pink coat weaving through the crowds of dull salary-men suits towards us. Surrendering her ticket at the gate, she jogged over to us, all apologies for being late. Another couple of women who had been standing nearby shuffled over and introduced themselves. To my embarrassment, we had been standing next to some fellow attendees for the same <i>goukon</i> for the past 10 minutes without realizing it. Only our host knew all of the guests. She introduced us all then quickly bobbed away to hug one of the boys who had been jostling with his friends earlier. Oh, God. <i>They</i> were the guys we were here to meet? It was going to be a long night...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Immediately, our host introduced us to the 5 young men who suddenly adopted mature poses. Politely, each greeted us and introduced themselves formally. Now that I looked closer, the "boys" appeared to be in their mid-20s, like us. Each worked for the same engineering company and had lived for several years in Canada, making their English skills surprisingly exceptional. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With little time to spare, we hiked off to make our reservation in time at an <i>izakaya</i> near the station. Slow in my heels, I brought up the rear. One of the boys dropped back to walk with me and I spent the remainder of our walk trying to teach him to pronounce my name, ("Seh-rah." "Sa-ra?" "Close enough.")</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Arriving at the <i>izakaya</i> we managed pack all 10 of us into a single booth and the beer flowed. Small courses of meats, various fried vegetables, and mini-salads kept coming. Still the guys' appetites could not be stemmed so four of us ordered a "Russian Roulette" <i>Takoyaki</i> Plate. It comes with four <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2012/07/travel-log-osaka.html"><i>takoyaki</i> (octopus balls)</a> but two of them were laced with a dangerous about of chili powder. While the other two partakers of the aforementioned dish ran to the bathroom to rinse out their mouths, me and my new friend--having freshly bonded over non-spicy <i>takoyaki</i>--struck up a conversation about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop_bear">Australian drop bears</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Much of the evening consisted of the guys pointing at each-other and accusing one another of being lecherous. It was as if they were trying to point out which was the least sketchy, and therefore, the best catch. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"What kind of guy do you like?" they kept asking. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I don't know!" I replied, a bit tiddly by this point. "I like guys who don't answer back!" I said because I couldn't think of anything to say and a terrifying image of a Japanese housewife kept flashing in my mind. Is that what they were looking for? Someone to stay home all day, make them sandwiches and raise their children? Because that is all that Japanese culture had lead me to believe about marriage in Japan. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"What do you mean?" they asked. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I mean, I want to be in charge!" Did I sound assertive, or just drunk and rude? "I'm not going to be a stay-at-home-mum!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The guys looked around in confusion. Perhaps I had cocked this up badly. Had I crossed some invisible line of appropriateness? On the other hand, it seemed to me that living in Canada had taught them nothing about women's suffrage and equal rights. And since <i>when</i> was I looking for a boyfriend anyway? I've been happily single for two years now... Was this <i>goukon</i> awakening something in me? Or perhaps it was just too much beer combined with some invasive questions? My nerves, at some point, had developed into indecision about my complicit participation in this group date. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was also surprising to find myself sitting at a table with a group of young men, screening a group of women who were essentially strangers for 'wife material.' Had the delicate art of finding a mate been reduced by the industriously efficient Japanese mindset to a screening process in the form of a mass date? Why date one woman at a time when you can save time by inviting five different women on a single date? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was probably the first time I had been scrutinized like that by a Japanese man for my girlfriend/wife potential. Generally speaking, when a Japanese man looks at a non-Japanese woman, he sees an overly-large, sometimes awkward (that comes with the territory of living abroad), and--when compared with the <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2011/07/shopping-in-japan-2-casualwear-and.html">frilly fashion choices</a> of Japanese women--less girly than their counterparts. But these men where being polite, conversational and seemingly interested. Had living in Canada enlightened these men to the possibility of foreign women after all? The intensity of their gaze and their questions almost convinced me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the end of the night, after many beers and fun memories, I left the <i>izakaya</i> with a sense of accomplishment and happiness. I had been nervous at the start of the evening, but I felt much more relaxed at the end. Maybe it was the alcohol, but I definitely felt a sense of confidence. I didn't resemble a 1950's housewife and that's okay. Because I'm happy with who I am and conforming to anybody else's idea of how a woman should behave means you're life is probably going to turn out pretty miserable. Maybe I hadn't made a great impression at the <i>goukon</i>, but the good news was it didn't matter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That sense of confidence seemed to have had an effect. The next day I received a call from one of the guys asking for a follow-up date. </span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-39485436832816891282013-05-21T12:31:00.003+09:002013-05-29T19:01:02.398+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Dance Dance Revolution <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took a week off last week but now I'm back with today's <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/search/label/Tops%20Tuesdays">Tops Tuesdays</a> post. This week during my Internet travels I found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNCVSiDbRBY&list=WLDEE6A47A1040A43F">this video</a> on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> and decided to share it here. There are plenty of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Dance_Revolution">DDR</a> videos out there but this is by far the most mind-blowing in my opinion. Enjoy!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DNCVSiDbRBY" width="480"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">YAMI: Inside that building are the answers to questions I've been asking myself ever since the series began. Finally, I'll know the truth about my past.</span></i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">TÉA: Do you think they'll have DDR in there too? </span></i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span 16px="" line-height:="" x-small="">YAMI: Téa, it's Japan. Of course they will.</span></i></span></blockquote>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-70408167297522017702013-05-10T07:46:00.000+09:002013-05-29T19:01:48.673+09:00T.G.I.F.: Black Sabbath in Tokyo and May Sumo Tournaments <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not only does Japan celebrate Mother's Day (母の日) on May 12th this weekend (Happy Mother's Day, mum!), but also <a href="http://ozzfestjapan.com/en/index.html">Ozzfest</a> is coming to Tokyo. Ozzfest is a rock concert featuring Slipnot, Tool, Slash, AND Black Sabbath held at the premium rocking-out venue, <a href="http://www.m-messe.co.jp/en/">Makuhari Messe</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If that is not your cup of tea, why not check out the May sumo tournament at the Sumida sumo stadium? It starts May 12th and continues until the 26th. Click the image below for more information and ticketing details!</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/"><img alt="Art of SUMO15 Art of SUMO" src="http://creativeroots.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Art-of-SUMO15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Happy Mother's Day!</b>AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-3289182813702282052013-05-07T11:08:00.002+09:002013-05-07T11:08:16.452+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Giant Robots<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yY6xOxGI4Yw" width="400"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a little unsure of the origins of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY6xOxGI4Yw">this video</a> but I spotted it during my travels of the interwebs and thought it was awesome. In it, a girl test runs a "<a href="http://www.sakakibara-kikai.co.jp/products/other/kw_cyclops.htm">Kid's Walker Cyclops</a>" constructed by <a href="http://www.sakakibara-kikai.co.jp/">Sakakibara Kikai</a>. Will the Japanese love of robots ever cease to be? I hope not. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's some music to listen to simultaneously with the video above...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x7PjQnw_E0U" width="400"></iframe></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-2266268996696634422013-05-03T09:55:00.001+09:002013-05-07T11:10:18.093+09:00T.G.I.F.: Free Yoga Session in Roppongi<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Golden Week! For those who don't know, Golden Week (starting today) is a series of four national holidays in close succession which people in Japan usually use for travelling around and out of Japan. Unfortunately, that means this is NOT a recommended time to travel in Japan due to the high density of crowds around popular tourist destinations. It can be impossible to get a seat on trains and hotels often hike their prices up anticipating the competition for accommodation. So what to do?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are stuck for ideas and are in the mood for something quirky and relaxing, I recommend skipping Golden week altogether, sticking around, and trying the free yoga sessions being put on today through May 12th at <a href="http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/en/">Tokyo Mid Town</a> in Roppongi, Tokyo. Escape the frantic pace of the Golden Week rush and take a moment to slow down and smell the roses. There are two sessions a day; the morning session (9am) and afternoon session (7pm). Enjoy!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="yoga" src="http://www.travelience.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/yoga.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelience.com/blog/events-in-golden-week-in-tokyo-japan-2013/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Image Source</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-14288281920780285362013-04-30T12:58:00.000+09:002013-04-30T13:04:20.734+09:00Tops Tuesdays: My Top 5 Most Pin-able Posts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Make a Giant Confetti Wall by Beci Orpin" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/550x/17/19/14/1719148d5946041a02327a1bc2961d6a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="324" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weebirdy.com/2012/11/how-to-make-a-giant-confetti-wall.html">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week I thought I'd take a look back at some of my most useful posts for daily life in Japan. Things that you should be pinning right now for later reference. Continue reading to find out what I'm talking about...</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Shopping In Japan #1: Workwear</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/1a/55/c4/1a55c419969cef22febf704e84edd181.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faussieontheizu.blogspot.jp%2F2011%2F06%2Fshopping-in-japan-1-workwear.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia-cache-ak1.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F1a%2F55%2Fc4%2F1a55c419969cef22febf704e84edd181.jpg&description=Shopping%for%workwear%in%Japan"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Early on in my blogging career, I wrote a <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2011/06/shopping-in-japan-1-workwear.html">three-part series</a> on how to shop in Japan for Westerners including "<a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2011/07/shopping-in-japan-2-casualwear-and.html">casual-wear and shoes</a>" and "<a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2011/07/shopping-in-japan-3-underwear-and.html">underwear and sportswear</a>." Japanese shops stock clothes and shoes for smaller bodies and not always in styles we are used to. Check out this post for more tips on how to clothe yourself while living in Japan. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Tips for Beating the Chill this Winter...</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="236" src="http://www.hungry.com/~jamie/jimages/evenings.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faussieontheizu.blogspot.jp%2F2011%2F12%2Ftips-for-beating-chill-this-winter.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hungry.com%2F~jamie%2Fjimages%2Fevenings.jpg&description=Beating%the%chill%of%Japanese%winters"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know about you but Japan's winter is apocalyptic compared to Australia's. Yes, winter in Australia is admittedly wimpy compared to other parts of the world, but I'm sure it still comes as a shock to many Australians--and perhaps some other nationalities--how cold it can be. This is especially true when you consider that Japanese houses are built from thin, light-weight materials with no central-heating which allows the cold temperatures in very easily. This is because all houses in Japan are essentially temporary structures. The earthquake resistant building technology is always improving and changing, and so Japanese houses are torn down and rebuilt frequently. <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2011/12/tips-for-beating-chill-this-winter.html">Check out the post</a> for tips on how to resist the chilling temperatures of Japan. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Ten DIYs for Life in Japan</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="DIY pretty bird wall stickers! Nail-free, non-permanent and easy wall-art." src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/af/ad/06/afad06e0683adcb3c537bab0c08ba338.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faussieontheizu.blogspot.jp%2F2013%2F02%2Fthe-izu-life-ten-diys-for-life-in-japan.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia-cache-lt0.pinterest.com%2F550x%2Faf%2Fad%2F06%2Fafad06e0683adcb3c537bab0c08ba338.jpg&description=Ten%DIYs%for%Life%in%Japan"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The problem with teacher's housing in Japan is that it is not always in the best condition when you first step foot inside. I remember spending a lot of time scrubbing, cleaning and painting when I first arrived in Japan. The good news is there are a lot of cheap and easy ways to improve your living conditions yourself. <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2013/02/the-izu-life-ten-diys-for-life-in-japan.html">Check out this post</a> to find out how. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Top 5 Hay Fever Cures</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://www.mjog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/hayfever.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faussieontheizu.blogspot.jp%2F2013%2F03%2Ftops-tuesdays-top-5-hay-fever-cures.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mjog.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F03%2Fhayfever.jpg&description=Top%5%Hay%Fever%Cures%for%Life%in%Japan"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sick of sneezing your way through spring? <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2013/03/tops-tuesdays-top-5-hay-fever-cures.html">Check out this post</a> for tips on how to combat the epic proportions of Japan's spring hay fever season. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. A Frank Discussion of Mt. Fuji's Impending Explosion</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Indonesia Mountain | Thalang" src="http://tourism.jazz.or.id/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Mount-Talang.jpg" /></span><br />
<a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faussieontheizu.blogspot.jp%2F2013%2F01%2Fthe-izu-life-frank-discussion-about-mt.html%23&media=http%3A%2F%2Ftourism.jazz.or.id%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F12%2FMount-Talang.jpg&description=How%to%survive%the%Tokai%Earthquake%and%Mt.%Fuji's%Eruption"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you ever pin anything from this blog, it should be this post. Please, for the sake of your own <i>LIFE</i> and especially if you live in or near Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2013/01/the-izu-life-frank-discussion-about-mt.html#">please take the time to read this post</a> about what you need to know to survive a major natural disaster in Japan including a volcanic eruption. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You might also want to check <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2012/02/izu-life-losing-weight-in-japan.html">this post</a> on losing weight in Japan and <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2011/07/getting-haircut-in-japan.html">this one on getting a haircut</a> in Japan. Very useful posts that didn't make it into my favourite five. <b>Hope you are having a lovely Tuesday and looking forward to Golden Week!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-2089767952509275052013-04-26T15:05:00.000+09:002013-04-26T15:05:37.537+09:00T.G.I.F.: Tokyo Gay Pride Rally<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This weekend, <a href="http://tokyorainbowpride.jp/en">Tokyo has gay pride</a>! Last year, I wrote about the event and how this even needs your support. To check out that post, <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/2012/04/tgif-were-here-were-queer.html">click here</a>. For more details about the celebrations, click the image below...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tokyorainbowpride.jp/en"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="265" src="http://tokyofashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Tokyo-Gay-Pride-2010-000-P9337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tokyofashion.com/tokyo-gay-pride-parade-2010-pictures/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Image Source</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-10459944027149024672013-04-23T12:32:00.000+09:002013-04-23T12:35:23.424+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Hadoken<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Move over twerking and planking, <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/latest-internet-craze-hadouken-article-1.1306684">the "Hadoken" craze</a> is sweeping Japanese high schools. Believed to have started in celebration of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Z:_Battle_of_Gods">Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods movie</a> released March 30, this new photographic trick of the eye is named after a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadouken">special attack move from Street Fighter</a>. This is trend is "tops" this week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Continue reading after the jump for more images!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="vocaloiding:
SHINRA TENSEI!!!!
" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/662dbe2ca8c8aa945b82733d6d95c8cb/tumblr_mk9fhpUo7M1r38yf8o1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://boku-wa-potato.tumblr.com/post/46375370873/vocaloiding-shinra-tensei">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="225" src="http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/04/11/1226615/729545-hadoken.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.news.com.au/technology/hadouken-the-craze-thats-smashing-social-media/story-e6frfro0-1226617572682">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="266" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1306682.1365013510!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/hadoken.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/latest-internet-craze-hadouken-article-1.1306684">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="266" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e8b03886b1815d09b794caa27c47f962/tumblr_mlcvteVoOd1qc6vv1o1_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nanceq.tumblr.com/post/48126381413/too-awesome-masa-photoshoot-event-4-13-13-at">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="http://www.atlnightspots.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hadouken-meme-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.atlnightspots.com/street-fighter-hadouken-meme-has-gone-viral-in-japan-and-americas-next/">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-53787671368807223192013-04-23T12:08:00.001+09:002013-04-23T12:09:09.913+09:00The Izu Life: Happy Birthday to me!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I turn 27! Happy Birthday to me!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DLN1LKdjGs/TwRtraJxkBI/AAAAAAAAEhE/alc3ygzXKxo/s1600/Hello+Kitty+Birthday+Cake+Photos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kannytheng.blogspot.jp/2012/01/hello-kitty-birthday-cake.html">Image Source</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-76253826200491311422013-04-16T12:14:00.000+09:002013-04-16T12:15:08.141+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Make Japanese Fast Food at Home!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/04/15/make-your-own-yoshinoya-beef-bowl-at-home-even-better-than-the-original-%E3%80%90recipe%E3%80%91/"><img alt="Make your own Yoshinoya beef bowl at home7" height="301" src="http://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/make-your-own-yoshinoya-beef-bowl-at-home7.jpg?w=580&h=437" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/04/15/make-your-own-yoshinoya-beef-bowl-at-home-even-better-than-the-original-%E3%80%90recipe%E3%80%91/">Image Source.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinoya">Yoshinoya</a> is a Japan-based, more than 100-year-old, fast food company which is famous for its low-cost "beef bowl." Now, you can make your own beef bowl at home (via <a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/">RocketNews24</a>). <a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/04/15/make-your-own-yoshinoya-beef-bowl-at-home-even-better-than-the-original-%E3%80%90recipe%E3%80%91/">This recipe</a> makes the <a href="http://aussieontheizu.blogspot.jp/search/label/Tops%20Tuesdays">Tops Tuesdays</a> post this week. </span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-64552880902357458592013-04-15T13:30:00.000+09:002013-04-15T13:30:02.744+09:00Travel Log: Fuji Five Lakes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/cd60398ea56711e2a66b22000a9f09de_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fuji Five Lakes is one of the few places left in Central Japan where you can still see cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom season is over in the greater Tokyo area for this year but in other, more cooler parts of Japan (such as Fuji Five Lakes), the season is now hitting its peak. Continue reading to see some pictures of the blossoms along Kawaguchi Lake's photogenic northern shore. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/43749fbca56711e289dc22000aa805fd_7.jpg" width="400" /></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/8889e94aa56711e2afd722000a1f98d6_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/a47d467ea56711e2ac8422000a1fbf16_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/fa3d45bea56711e2beb322000aaa0754_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/94502ccaa56811e2ac8a22000a9e2947_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/cddd3fdca56811e28a3222000a9f17b2_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/60e1e86aa56811e28e2d22000a1fbe71_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/46c031c2a58011e28c6a22000a9f3c64_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is so much to do in Fuji Five Lakes but I only had time to visit Kawaguchiko during my day trip. Check out the <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6900.html">Japan Guide page</a> for more information about travelling in Fuji Five Lakes. <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/aussieontheizu">Click here to follow me on instagram!</a></span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-62093389785287126912013-04-12T10:59:00.000+09:002013-04-12T10:59:48.128+09:00The Izu Life: Start of Term and New Beginnings<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week, I began my final semester teaching English in a Japanese High School. It has filled me with a sense of nostalgia. In a little over 3 months I will return to Australia. It's mind boggling to think how quickly the end of my contract is approaching. At this point, I have been living in Japan for a little over 2 years. It honestly feels more like 6 months have passed since I have arrived. Everything feels like it is happening so fast, just as I was told it would. </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="225" src="http://blog.britishcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/blog-japan-higher-ed-590.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.britishcouncil.org/2013/01/08/japan-an-international-future/">Image Source</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next few months are going to be among the most hectic of all of my months in Japan. Preparing to return, job hunting, making farewell gifts, packing, mailing stuff home, arranging for flights, applying for a pension refund, cancelling my accounts... its a dizzying prospect. I shall have to stay as focussed as possible over the following months. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the bright side, my new first years students are lovely if not completely terrified of me. All of the teachers I am working with this semester are great team-teachers. The lessons have been planned, the curriculum decided on, name cards made, seats assigned, introductions exchanged; life is carrying on as usual. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My departure date is set for mid-August. After my contract ends, I will be staying in Japan for 2 weeks to do some travelling. After that I will be gone. <b>All good things come to an end.</b> Some of the people I have met here who I have considered to be main-stays and have shaped my experiences here are <a href="http://www.hungryfeet.com/home/2013/4/7/last-meals-in-japan.html">already leaving soon</a> or <a href="http://www.survivingnjapan.com/2013/03/thank-you-reverse-culture-shock-and.html">have already left</a>. I keep thinking, "No! I'm supposed to leave you guys! Not the other way around!" It is the people I've met who have made Japan what it is to me in my heart. As these people slowly break away, Japan becomes a little less clear in my mind. It grows and changes, so much so that my successor to this position will obviously have a very different experience to mine. That makes the fragility of what I have experienced all the more precious. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Listen to me, plotting the end of it all when things have only just begun. This is why it is important to stay focussed in the now and not on the ultimate end. Spring time has long been the perfect metaphor for fresh starts and this year is no different. All good things indeed come to an end, so make it as good as possible before the end comes. </span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-74305360420919627872013-04-12T10:25:00.000+09:002013-04-12T10:25:57.388+09:00T.G.I.F.: Last Minute Sakura Festivals<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Missed out on this year's early cherry blossom season in Japan? Don't worry; there's still a few opportunities to take in the cherry blossoms in colder regions of Japan such as Fujigoko and Nagano. Of particular note, this weekend in Kaga, Ishikawa the <b><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/topics/kpeilp000002xx9m-att/kpeilp000002xxhm.pdf">Taishoji Sakura Festival</a></b> is being held. In addition to <i>hanami</i> in the park, lion dances will be performed and you can take boat trips down the river to take in the beautiful <i>sakura</i> blossoms. At night, a <i>sakura</i> illumination event will begin, lighting up the beautiful trees and setting the scene for a romantic evening stroll. Click the image below for more details...</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/topics/kpeilp000002xx9m-att/kpeilp000002xxhm.pdf"><img height="266" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7249321250_6f543291dc_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gacks/7249321250/">Image Source</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-40494829568469621482013-04-09T09:04:00.000+09:002013-04-09T09:04:25.681+09:00Tops Tuesdays: Happy Kitchen<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YouTube sensation, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/RRcherrypie">RRcherrypie</a>'s videos of mini culinary masterpieces have gone viral in Japan and internationally. Working in silence, Kracie recreates various foods in miniature using only water and powder. Her "happy kitchen" series are fascinating...</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g8gJOCwBuFc" width="400"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Tuesday!</span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-9479515091929001612013-04-05T11:17:00.004+09:002013-05-29T18:51:26.089+09:00The Izu Life: Japan's Obsession with Blood-Types<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcdsflDhNh1rjt715o1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="396" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://potterheadandthatswhoiam.tumblr.com/"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Image Source.</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my co-workers approached me yesterday and asked for some help making an English dialogue for a first year English class. The topic of the lesson was blood-types. She gave me the textbook to read. It detailed the way Japanese people like to judge a person's personality based on their blood type (A, B, AB, or O). The idea is that certain personality traits occur commonly in different blood types. She asked me what my blood type was and was surprised when I didn't know. The textbook explained Japan's interest in blood types as an innocuous pastime that Japanese people used as a conversation starter. But part of me couldn't help feeling a sense of suspicion of the origins of this obsession.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since then, I haven't been able to get the conversation off my mind and did some further research. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_types_in_Japanese_culture">wikipedia article</a> did nothing to alleviate my niggling concern and neither did this <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-202_162-4767079.html">news article</a>. It seems the interest is rooted in a not-so-innocuous history.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="283" src="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20090201/as-japan-in-the-blood/images/9c8fbe7d-6610-4cfc-8a5a-7bf5cddef142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/01/in-japan-your-blood-type-_n_162917.html">Image Source</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A series of best-selling books are released annually in Japan. They are tailored lifestyle guides for people of each blood type. They tell you what to eat, how to exercise, and who to date. The books were released under a pseudonym but reports suggest the origin of these lifestyle guides is not based in scientific research (and the fact that they were published anonymously does little to encourage my faith in the "truth" that these books represent). After looking at excerpts from each book, it seemed to me that some aspects of each book contained the same information essentially repackaged four different ways anyway. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMKOZz6ArkBWUoWsQje8P1icxA2MdmbUdGPbq8o1IZ3GT_APZz6J1FGJ4TGJ2HTrjzutLqxw-ZEkG5WDtZ_-cVNLSOYLk0gqNXt1MGLAV9eMGK7VpOq7vfXv-04oCLy9Ay4RkeWG5Mko/s400/Ketsuekigata.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.farmofminds.com/2012/09/ai-nihon-why-your-blood-type-matters-in.html">Image Source</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the lack of science-based research to support the findings of these books, the Japanese people continue to believe in the power of blood-types to determine one's personality. That DNA affects the one aspect of a human being that I (foolishly?) thought was the last stronghold of self-determination. Dating websites and matchmakers in Japan like to match clients based on the compatibility of their blood-types. Japanese singles will turn down prospective dates based solely on their blood type. Pop stars are profiled online and their blood type is listed as important information. Anime characters are assigned a blood-type based on their personality. Employers in Japan have been known (despite attempts to educate them against discrimination) to ask for job applicants' blood status and reject those of an unsavoury blood-type, which is usually "B." This is called <i>bura-hara</i> ("blood type harassment"). B-types are thought to be unpredictable and unreliable renegades. The prime minister of Japan once apologised for his handling of the March 2011 crisis, explaining that as a "B" blood-type he was prone to irrational behaviour. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Blood_purity"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is this starting to sound familiar to anyone else?</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The fact is, modern scientists dismiss the "blood-type = certain personality traits" argument as complete nonsense. The origins of this obsession comes from research conducted in the early 1900s. The researchers in Japan were trying to find a link between blood types and the breeding of elite soldiers for the Japanese army. I would like to point out that the researchers lacked credentials and the research pool consisted of merely 10-20 people. Originally, the study hoped to draw conclusions about the tendencies of certain races based on the prevalence of their blood type. The research concluded that Taiwanese people were "cruel" and "rebellious" due to the high percentage of people with blood type "O." The study was quickly refuted by genetic experts for its unscientific basis, and yet the interest in blood-types continues in the Japanese public to this day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://images.wikia.com/harrypotter/images/2/21/Pure-Blood_(Harry_Potter_Trading_Card).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Did you know you can deal 8 damage to your opponent if they are not pureblood? </i><a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/File:Pure-Blood_(Harry_Potter_Trading_Card).jpg">Image Source</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had to Skype my mother to find out my blood type because I didn't know what it was. I'll just say that it wasn't B but I'm not sure whether to be relieved or not that it isn't. A curious part of me wants to spread the word that I am B-type and conduct a little social experiment of my own. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ultimately, my blood-type is not anyone's business. I am suspicious of anyone who wants to judge me based on something that an individual has no control over and in reality has no bearing on one's decisions, life and personality. The whole thing bears too startling a similarity to pureblood supremacy which the Death Eaters of J.K. Rowling's <i>Harry Potter</i> series believed in (and which Rowling used as a metaphor for the Nazi Party). To put faith in the perceived idea that a person's blood status determines the opportunities in their life is dangerously close the notion of genetic supremacy that forms the core of racist ideals. As an English Teacher working in Japan whose role it is besides English instruction to teach the importance of a global community and inter-cultural understanding, to judge people based not on their ethnic background or genetic proclivity, I can only see the ideas and history behind blood-typing in Japan as working against everything that I am fighting to drill into my students' brains. So from this point on, when somebody asks "What is your blood type?" if it doesn't feel right, I'm going to keep that information to myself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What do you think of the blood-typing issue? <b>Care to weigh in?</b></span></div>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4208567599249360467.post-58999556202683784182013-04-05T09:34:00.000+09:002013-04-05T09:34:04.051+09:00T.G.I.F.: Kanamara Matsuri, Kawasaki<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Kanamara Matsuri (かなまら祭り or "Festival of the Steel Phallus") is being held in Kawasaki, Japan this Sunday 7th April. If you are looking for something unique to do this weekend, this could be an interesting little excursion. The festival, colloquially known as "Penis Festival," has become popular among locals and tourists. It's exactly what it sounds like. Without going into too much detail, click the image below for more details and history behind the event. Apologies for the crude imagery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanamara_Matsuri"><img alt="File:Kanamara Matsuri 2007 (phallus festival)-crop.jpg" height="252" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Kanamara_Matsuri_2007_%28phallus_festival%29-crop.jpg/800px-Kanamara_Matsuri_2007_%28phallus_festival%29-crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanamara_Matsuri">Image Source.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AussieOnTheIzuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572177200671354787noreply@blogger.com0