Japan 6

Hey Yoll!!

I've started writing this to you while on the over night bus on my way to Sendai to start helping in Ishinomaki City, a little further north east from Sendai. The last few weeks have been utterly incredible, and I have to admit that as I write this, I'm doing my best not to embarrass myself in front of the others on the bus. The amount of joy that I've experienced with people over the last 16 weeks, quite straight, has changed my life (and all my Kyoto friends will start laughing at that as I'm constantly saying 'this will change your life' or 'that might change your life' etc). It's been a great time and I'm glad to have all the memories and friendships that I take with me. There were plenty of character building moments, that are shaping me and I'm grateful for. I realized on the bus, that, despite my 'beautiful' apartment, I have come to see Kyoto as home.



Language wise, I've learnt a hell of a lot (for me lol) though I'm still a wee way off from being even slightly competent at it. But I love it, and am inspired in language learning that it will now be a life long hobby. In a sense, it's seriously annoying stopping the schooling now, as I feel that I've almost got thought the thick ice of my skull to the juicy part where the learning will flow better. But all good! Now it's on me to keep it up, which I intend to xD

But anyway.

Gion Festival, 3 weeks ago.
Tractor loads of fun! Myself and alot of people from the school, dressed up in traditional Japanese Clothing. Which made the whole event more enjoyable. Though I have to say that the traditional Japanese wooden jandels were a little sore, but so Sooo much fun to walk in. Thousands of people out and about(mostly in traditional clothing, real beautiful), and between being tall and wearing the getta(wooden jandels) which added about 2 inches to my height, being able to see above everyone made it even more fun (I'm not saying that I like to look down on people...). The main streets of Kyoto were shut for the huge crowds and parades that were on. There were also loads of food and drink stalls along the roads, selling anything from fried whole squids, to toffee apples and toffee strawberries. It was a great time of spending time with people had forming memories that are unforgettable. Looking back, I only wish I could go back. It was so much fun... who am I kidding, I just like trying to dress up like a Japanese person.



Myself and Simon

The last week of school was also seriously great too. Class was loads of fun with a role play where I acted an old Japanese man giving directions, zimmer frame and all. The last day itself, I managed to simply enjoy too, and other than a small wobble in the good bye speech, I managed to hold it together. (I miss you guys XD ). After school we all went to dinner together, followed by karaoke, pool, table tennis, and darts! And of course a good walk home after.



Me Class

It's hard saying good by to people you have come to know well. I think one of the tough things with it is that we have all been on the same journey together, and to leave that path, and the people on it, feels like your passing up so many joys and the sharing of trails, fun, and times that are further down that path. But I believe that this is healthy to go through. Its easy to become despondent about it, and think 'what was the point' or 'wheres the meaning in this'. But I'm thinking that it's important to treasure all moments and memories, as they ultimate add to your life and who you are, and often, who you become and influence what you decide to do. Meaning is in the relationships, which relationship, in its very nature, doesn't (shouldn't) end. But I can rant for hours about this so yea. Me continue.



Paul, me, Su

A couple of Saturdays ago, (my second to last school event), we all went to Lake Biwa for a BBQ and a swim. Yes, A Swim!! Yo'll have no idea how much I've missed that :D. An awesome awesome day. We played Bash The Watermelon Blindfolded, In the Lake Baseball, Sumo Wrestling etc. it was great. Plus awesome food, awesome people, and awesome swim. Not awesome was my camera, which the screen broke somehow that morning, and I've no idea how. So all the photos from the camera were shots in the dark, literally, the screen was dark! So annoyingly I've had to buy a new camera. But I decided to get a decent one. So basically it's 'Ash Proof'. Underwater,shock proof, simple stupid to use xD lol. And just in time for Fuji xD




The Fuji trip... do I even need to say anything? It was soo incredibly unreal. Seriously. Unreal. It's surreal looking back at it, I can't believe it actually happened!! It was a totally great time. Started with us all meeting at Kyoto Station at 8:30 in the morning to catch the bus to Fuji San (as its known in Japan). There were probably about 20 of us from the school who went. The bus ride there was quite the long trip, with us arriving at Fuji San at 5:00pm (but to be fair we stopped for a break about every two hours, so it was a cruisie trip). The bus ride itself was good fun, with there being quite a few people on the bus that you see at school, but don't actually know. So the whole trip was great for getting to know them all. The roads here, in a way, aren't too different to nz, but rather they are done properly without skimping on cost saving, which makes them great to travel on. Went through a few 'normal' tunnels that would of been at least a kilometer long, if not longer. It funny thinking how nz, such tunnels probably would never be made, yet are common place here. Anyway. On arriving at the 5th Fuji level (there are 10 levels, 1 at the bottom, and 10 just before the top), at cloud altitude, we had our briefing and were on our way up.



'Okashi' San (Mr Strange) and I

A very cruisie pace all the way which made it great for taking photos and taking it all in. Within the first hour the vegetation gave way to the rock landscape that could be described as a grey Mars. There was quite a lot of people going up, so the closer we got to the top, the slower the going was. Not to mention the air being thinner. Myself, I felt a tad light headed and had a headache to begin with, though this soon dissipated. Have to say, it's a tad disconcerting climbing a steep rock face with a head full of helium. I managed to be the perfect parrot by repeating constantly, 'This is Awesome', and 'My new camera is seriously Awesome', and 'I can't believe that I left my hat on the bus, I feel like I've neglected it, poor thing!'. Fortunately, by this stage, most people on the trip had already work out that I'm a bit 'Special', so they were very understanding. No one pushed me down the mountain, so i guess that I wasn't too annoying!


We arrived at level 10 at about 10:30 pm, for a tiny dinner, and a small sleep before heading to the top at 11:30pm, to get there in time for the sunrise at 4:30 am. I got about 10 min sleep where I dreamed about going for a swim at Onemana, Coromandel. Now, it was warm when we started climbing, and it was pretty cold by the time we got to the 10th level. But that was before the wind picked up. So you can imagine the discomfort of being at 3500 meters, 0-6 degrees, on an exposed landscape that's windy. Cold. Also only taking on average 1-2 steps every 10 seconds, due to the swarms of other people with the same idea of seeing the sunrise (it's amazing how many people can be thinking exactly the same thing! Lol). It took about 1 hour to go 600 meters or less. But that was the only downer on it. Everytime you looked down, you could see Tokyo in the distance, another city, and this truly magical swarm of blue, green, yellow and white lights of the head lights from about 1000 people following in the distance, slowly shifting, making their way up, that I can only describe as glow worms floating down a river. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful things I've ever beheld. We got to the top around 3:30am and the relief was evident on everyones face. Then it was just a case of keeping warm whilst waiting for the sunrise, which I think was probably an amusement for some watching on.


Sunrise was brilliant. Not too many experiences can match that. It was ...ah I need a thesaurus. I need a more awesome word than awesome. But awesome is toooo awesome. So yea, it was awesome!! xD




Then the epic walk down, loads of fun. Not the same way as the way up. Super steep to the point of concern at times, zig zag over loose scoria rocks (not very fun to slide down on your butt, trust me). About 30 min into it, I realized that the sunscreen wasn't working. And I left the great ’Ash Altered Old Womans Hat' on the bus (sorry hat, I still feel bad for you), so the famous New Zealand ingenuity came to the rescue again, and I made a ninja mask from my t-shirt and with the sunglasses on top, I did look like a genuine twit.



But I loved the walk down. Real enjoyable being able to not have to worry about where your walking and can admire the view. Also got to have some fantastic conversations with people on the way down. Fully whizz bang.



Myself and Elena

Got back to the bus at 8:15 in the morning. So basically, started at 5:30, 6ish pm, 1hr break with 10 min sleep, 1 hr at top, walk down by 8:15am. And. I felt brilliant (really).



Needless to say, everyone was sleeping on the way back. But we did stop to have all you can eat lunch and a bath at an Onsen - a traditional Japanese bath house. Bathing naked with lots of other naked guys. .. yea. Interesting, especially when a couple japanese guys unsubtley check you out. Actually, quite amusing. But a insightful experience anyway. To be honest, I didn't find the whole public bathing thing that weird, I could easily get used to it. .. I shouldn't say things like that, I think I'm beginning to worry some people lol. After that we carried on back to Kyoto. Got back at about 7, when the Great Teacher Ueda (my Japanese teacher) helped me with getting my over night bus ticket, to get to Sendai later in the week. Honestly, that guy is a God send. Not only did we go to the main bus place to find that they dont have buses to Sendai, but he then tracked down a bus through another company, called them, and organized it all.... Turns out, I got the last ticket for the bus. Another moment where I look up and in true Spieghts Beer Ad style, saying 'Thank You'.



Filip and Karlle

Then to top off the day, I went to Jens and Peters place to play Super Nintendo video games until about 2 am. Then ice cream + awesome conversations meant I didn't get to bed until I think about 4 am xD

So pretty tired right?

Yea, but up the next day by 10 to sort out things for leaving, and then to get ready for final goodbyes with people that avo/night. I had planned to go to a nz cafe with them all, but due to a true ash moment, I looked at the map to see where it was, but didn't take my iPad with me....so I couldn't find it. So we all went to have dinner at CoCo Curry house, which was a regular dinner place for us, so was very appropriate for the final dinner before going down to the river for a farewell drink (or four). We all ended up walking home that night which, again, was a very fitting way to end the night. I got home around 5am.




Karlle, Jens, Peter, Maria with expression reflecting how they feel about me leaving



Maria, Jens, Peter, Jim, Karlle, Poris





Sooo pretty tired right?

Yea, but got up at 9 to start packing and to clean up the apartment, to be at the station that night in time to catch the bus to Sendai. Found myself slowly loosing it throughout the day, as I began to realize that this is it. Was really touched when 3 of the swedes came out to see me off with a final dinner. And have to admit I didn't hold myself together very well. But the time was incredibly special to me, and I rate it a without a doubt, one of the most special moments in my life. As it turned out, I probably would of missed my bus if they hadn't come, as I was waiting at the wrong bus stop, and due to their help, managed to track down the right place in time!



The over night bus ride up was great, which is where I started writing all this (I'm now five days later). It was a great time to reflect over the last 16 weeks, the joys, the disappointments, the mistakes, the hopes, how far I've come, where I'm going (literally, character, life in all aspects, etc), but most importantly, the great people I've met. Needless to say, another night of little sleep.

Sooo pretty tired right?

Got into Sendai at 8am. Coming into Sendai had a strange effect on me. When you see the vastness of the plain that Sendai is on, you get a far more real feel for what happened than what a photo or imagination can give, the scale of the size and amount of water. Goes without saying, horrific. The condition of the City is very good. Every now and then you see something that makes you wonder if it was a result from the tsunami, but otherwise you wouldn't know something had happened. Though in saying that, there is plenty of rebuilding going on, and alot of places look very new. The people there, like Kyoto, are extremely kind, and I've had no problems getting here to there, and there to ..where? I'm loving using the little language I know, and this is inspiring me to learn more!



Apparently It's some kind of grass hopper, but at the time I would have sworn it was a giant jumping spider (about the size of my palm)

From there I caught the bus to Ishinomaki City and got there at 12 noon. Ishinomaki is a different story to Sendai. Some parts are not 'too' bad, but some areas are completely flattened with only clearing work done, and no rebuild. The need here is so great that you can't really fathom it, it's just too huge to grasp the enormity of what needs to be done. I got picked up at about 12 and by 1:30 I was in a house working on it ('Mudding Out' - clearing the damp sludge underneath it before the new floors can be laid). Back breaking stuff. Love it xD Then went and visited the nearby Onagawa, the worst hit area. They showed us the total height that the tsunami came to (42 meters there), and explained a whirlpool effect that caused so much damage. You stand there, picture the height of the water, fill of debris, in a whirlpool the width of the valley, and ... yea, don't know what to say, How can that be? Then you see a 4 story solid concrete apartment that has been ripped off its foundations and lying on its sides with a smashed car in it etc. I can go on.
Im living in an area that is probably half of what it was, with the remaining places all with signs of damage. Very simple living, but the people, honestly, incredible people. But theres heaps to do, and what is being done feels like its barely scrapping the bottom of the barrel with what is left to be done. But it's something that will help someone and that's something xD (it's becoming my motto).

Slept well that night!

My timing arriving here has also been interesting, as I arrived a day before two American teams left here, and it was great getting to know them all, though it sucks that they left as they are all good people (one of the teams leader asked his team who is willing to fit me in their luggage to take me with them, so definitely cool in my book XD Actually, I'm disappointed that the time was so short. They are amazing people that on reflection, has really made me stop and reassess my attitudes and where my current attitudes will take me in life. Two days with them and life long friendships straight away).


The Awesome Texans

I'm staying in a house that is almost exactly like a nz beach house, on the second floor, large room to myself. It has a swimming pool (only 2 feet deep, but enough to swim in, or just lie in the water). Right now I'm sitting on my bed, with windows open, listening to the sea xD. Been swimming in the sea twice, as its a 5 min run from where i live, and intend to make this a morning ritual. An awesome japanese guy lives in the room next to me, he surfs, and hopefully we will go out soon and surf some.


Most groups are here for a week at a time, but because I'm here for a month, they are putting me with a carpenter to build houses and what not, I think for the whole month. The work I'm doing is basically working on houses how ever need be (all sorts of stuff, yesterday I was putting the jib lining up on walls, today building a shed). Hard work, but fun with fun people. Fully enjoying doing real physical work for a change. Love it. The house owner is so grateful she makes us French toast, buys us alsorts of drinks, snacks, and buys us bento boxes for lunch. End of the day, this one feels well satisfied. Oohhhh I want a swim now xD lol



Not so fantastic - you can not look anywhere without seeing the devastation. It's always sobering and keeps your feet on the ground. It's tough to not be moved by it. There's a school on the way to beach that looks abandoned 20 years (lots of places around are like this), all the clocks have stopped at exactly the same time, like a movie kinda. You see fields of weeds where old foundations of building only remain, rubbish piled high in some areas with thousands (not exaggerating)of cars stacked on top waiting to be delt with. It's very sad to say the least. The hardest thing is hear the stories. I was helping in a house yesterday morning where the old man who owns the house, only survived because the tatami mat on the floor lifted up when the water came through, pinning him against the ceiling. He lost both his wife and mother who were in the house with him.
So yea. It's great being here, but it's very real why I'm here. Meeting more and more people with stories like this.




Another update soon! In the meantime, hope things are well wherever you all are. I'm over halfway through the trip now, and coming to the pinnacle of my reason for being here xD so Awesome Awesome!

Take Care Yoll!!


Asher

Location:Ishinomaki Machi