I want to have Jason Mraz's baby!!!

Guess where I went on Wednesday?? Yep, that's right....I went to Jason Mraz's concert in Tokyo! Woot!! It was truly AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. I was mesmerized the minute he stepped on stage. Oh how I miss the days at Java Joe's in San Diego, when there were only 7 of us in the entire audience, listening to his songs and witty banter. I'm so glad that he's gotten big though, and that he is now famous enough to have a show in Tokyo, but still not THAT famous, ya know?

Anyway, I took a half a day of nenkyu (paid leave) on Wednesday to trek to Tokyo for his concert. I wouldn't have missed it for anything! I'm glad that Emily, Ann and Mami love Jason as well, and were willing to trek out there and back the same night with me. This was their first time seeing Jason, and he didn't disappoint...how could he, right? We got there early and saw many many Japanese people waiting to get in as well, yet we were confused, because there is no way these people even know who Jason Mraz is! Anyway, we got in pretty early and we were lucky enough to find seats, as we really didn't feel like standing the entire time. (Short people, you know what I'm talking about.) Our seats were perfect because the venue really wasn't that big...I'd say it was more like a show than a concert.

The good thing about going to Jason's concert in Japan is that he didn't have an opening act AND he started on time. Strange. So yeah, the minute he stepped on stage and began singing, I remembered why Jason is SO great. His voice is just SOO powerful and crisp, not to mention he also has an amazing stage presence. The sad thing was that because almost the entire audience was Japanese, he didn't really bother with his usual witty comments. Actually, he didn't talk much at all. Sad!! We tried to tell him to talk to us but he didn't hear us, or, he just ignored us? Haha. However, Ann did yell out, "Do you like sushi?!", to which he responded, "I love sushi and anything that resembles sushi."

Lisa, I now understand why you said you got the chills when he sang Mr. Curiousity. WARNING: SPOILER COMING UP FOR JASON FANS WHO INTEND ON GOING TO HIS CONCERT SOON...SKIP THIS PART! Anyway, for the rest of you...if you've never heard Jason's song, Mr. Curiousity, please listen to it NOW. There's a part in the song where there's a lady opera singer performing for a like 10 seconds. Well, it turns out that there is NO opera singer...the "lady" is actually Jason!! You should've been there to witness the shock of the ENTIRE audience, when this high pitched lady-opera-singer-like voice came out of Jason. It was soo weird, but AMAZING. He is SO talented, as he can do ANY type of music...rock, rap, pop...you name it, he did it. He even managed to sing in French, at which point all the ladies in the audience (well, the ones that actually realized he wasn't singing in English anymore), wanted to melt right there.

It was really funny b/c Mami noticed that a famous Japanese pop duo (sorry, don't know their names), attended the show as well. They sat on the opposite side of the room, and watched with their entourage next to them. I think Mami probably had trouble deciding on who to focus on that night. Hehe.

The show lasted for like 2 hours and I was satisfied with every second of it. I wonder if he'll come back to Tokyo soon?? Hmm. K, next artist I want to see in Tokyo: Kelly Clarkson. It would be AWESOME if we could go to her concert. Let's rocking out to "Since You've Been Gone"!

Thought of the day:

The other day in class, I asked my sannensei, "What is the book which you are studying now?", as part of a listening practice. In ALL three of my classes, EVERY student pulled out their English textbook to look for the title. Um, haven't they been studying out of "Sunshine" for the past three years??! Is it THAT hard to remember? Sad, indeed.

It's Snowing!!

Well, not really right now....but read the following post as if it were yesterday!

Yes, yes...there's a crazy snow storm in Kizaki! I came out of my apt this morning and was welcomed by crazy snow in crazy wind! All the teachers are talking about it...well, there really isn't a time when they're not talking about the weather, but yes, this is so cool! If it's gonna be cold anyway, bring in the snow!! Wheeee!!!

Hmm...now for an update on the past weekend. On Friday, my shougakkou classes were observed by the students' parents. Luckily, the students were genki and the games worked out really well. Good good. Anyway, that night, I went out for kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) w/ Jenny, Sean, Em and Jeff at a place near Sean's place. It was SOO good! Mmmm mmm. After that, we met up with Tim at Fujiya for dessert. That was disappointing. After that, we managed to go to two bars, b/c we were drowning in cigarette smoke in the first one so we had to leave...disgusting! If anything, I hate returning home w/ my clothes and hair smelling like smoke...yuck! Anyway, that was Friday.

I slept in on Saturday and met up with Jeff at Ota Station for our walking tour of Ota. Surprisingly, there are many places we can go to by foot if we only walk three steps farther than we usually do! Yaay for walking! We decided we'd have ramen for lunch. We went to this one place and ordered the spiciest miso ramen on the menu, thinking, "This is Japan...how spicy can it be, right?" Um, big mistake. Big big mistake, as we paid the price for it. The miso ramen looked normal enough...but after I took my first bite, I should've stopped there. But I didn't. We continued eating the spicy ramen meanwhile going through pitcher and a half of ice tea (half of which we discreetly poured into our ramen to water down the volcanic miso lava, not to mention the 10 other condiments we dumped in there to ease the pain), sweating as if it were summer time, watching our lips catch on FIRE, and having immediate stomach pains after each spoonful of soup we drank. Why didn't we just stop eating, you ask? Because we are retarded. Yes, retarded indeed. We literally both felt sick to our stomachs after finishing our meal. This was indeed the spiciest thing I've EVER eaten, not to mention the fact that it's in Japan of all places! Strange, but yes, I shall stay away from "spicy ramen" for awhile.

That night, I attended Ann's aunt's shinnenkai (New Year's Party). It was me, Ann, Ann's aunt and about 10 of her friends...all of whom were over 60 years old, I think. Anyway, we had a 7-course meal at her uncle's sushi restaurant. It was good, but well, let's just say that I was really full by the 5th course, though we ALL had to continue eating every bit, as it was considered rude to not finish our food. What was meant to be a nice meal turned out to be a stuff-yourself-till-you-pass-out dinner, because everyone was trying to be "polite" at her uncle's place. After dinner, they all decided to go to karaoke. I had to pass, first b/c I think I would've felt very outta place at karaoke w/ them, and also, I could barely move after the meal. I made Kouji work hard for his money when I got back home...

I was very proud of myself on Sunday. I biked from my place to Time Clip, which ended up taking only 1/2 an hour, and not 1 hour as assumed in the last post. Anyway, I biked there, returned my movie and got a new one as well. I also visited Uniqlo...which is just across the street. I think Uniqlo in Japan would be like GAP for us in the States. Anyway, after an unneccessary purchase, I biked from Uniqlo to Ota Station. Thus, my bike is finally parked at Ota Station for good! Well, maybe not for good. I can now bike anywhere in that area...which really doesn't mean too much considering I DO live in Ota. Hehe.

Thought of the day:

The title of today's reading in class was, "Let's Save the Earth." My JTE asked me, "Cindy, what do you do to save the earth?" Umm...ummm....."I recycle?" He then said, "That's it??......What about saving water?" Umm...umm...."I take shorter showers?" (Which, by the way, is totally made up.) K, do Japanese people "save the earth" in ways that I don't know about? Someone, please enlighten me.

Boring post comin' up...if you don't like it...well, too bad!!

Ok, so I'm at the point where it's too cold and I'm too lazy to do ANYTHING, let alone blog. BUT, if I don't blog now, it'll be worse later. So here goes a boring regurgitation of recent events.

So, last Wednesday night, we had our first Ota potluck since the New Year at Jenny's place. She made Thai curry...mmm mmm! I also brought some food omiyage from Hong Kong to the potluck, which consisted of almond sand cookies and chewy chewy peanut candies. Now I don't think the sand cookies went over too well, as I still had the whole box left over at the end of the night! Sad, b/c at least my friends can tell me that it tasted a bit drrryyyyy, but as for my Japanese teachers (who each got a sand cookie and a peanut candy), well, let's just say that they would say that dirt tasted "oishii!", just to be polite. Hahahha. Hmmm...now there's an idea! Next trip, next trip. Yes, I am evil.

On Friday night, I trained to Maebashi with Jeff and Jenny to Haley's surprise birthday party. It was so cool to see everyone show up for her birthday. Teresa really did SO much for her...it was awesome! It was nice to force myself out of Ota and meet up with some other people in Gunma who I normally don't get to see. It's getting harder and harder to not stay in though....damn cold weather!!

On Saturday, I slept in till 12:30. Yes, nothing to be proud of, but I need my sleep! I realize that I never fully recovered from my two trips over the break, as I am ALWAYS feeling sleep deprived these days! Anyway, I met up with Jeff, Jenny and Ann to watch Pride and Prejudice at AEON. This is probably the best movie I've seen in Japan thus far! Yes, I liked it more than King Kong. I just loved the story itself and I thought Keira Knightly did a great job. Mr. Darcy could've been cuter but he wasn't not good-looking enough to get me distracted from the movie. Make sense? Anyway, I am still up for seeing the BBC series with Colin Firth! Any takers??

I went to Time Clip on Sunday night and rented Harry Potter for my kids. I thought I'd be able to bike there from my place, but after seeing Tim drive from my place there, um, no thanks. I'm not about to bike an hour each way just to rent a movie! Sorry to disappoint you kids, but it ain't happenin'! That's why I've decided I'm gonna leave one of my bikes at Ota Station, since it's a lot closer from there. It's SOO cold lately though, I really don't want to bike....

This Monday, I went to ESS with Em. This is the English exchange thingy that goes on every Monday. It used to be at Grow Up....read past blog entry... Anyway, it was cool to see everyone back from the winter break. It was also free as Benny gave us "pocket money" for New Year's. Yaay! Anyway, the best part was that I got to get rid of the rest of my sand cookies! Poor Japanese people...didn't know what I was throwin' at them! Muaahahhahahhahaha. Note: Bringing back the food omiyage from Hong Kong made me go over my luggage limit and I had to pay the overweight charge!! K, just to clarify...NOT me being overweight...my luggage! Anyway, so these sand cookies and chewy pieces of stuck-in-your-teethness cost me....never again!

Moving on. On Wednesday, Tim's potluck had to be cancelled due to coincidental circumstances. Dude, do I sound like an episode of CSI or what? Anyway, instead of the potluck, a few of us went to Ikkyu for some dinner. It was goood. I almost forgot how good the food there is. After dinner, we opted for a caffeine fix and headed to Starbucks. Hot Starbucks boy wasn't there...boo.

K, now I'm all caught up! But then again, the weekend is just around the corner...meaning, wait for more posts next week from the ever-so-exciting Shindy!! Not.

Thoughts of the day:

If I just remain on my couch and focus hard enough, will my apartment start cleaning itself?? That'd be sweet!! Trying as we speak...or type, should I say.

Oh yes. Big news. Another year, another...another...unwanted cloned omiyage from my teachers? Anyway, just wanted to inform you all that I've decided to stay a second year in this craziness of a country. Yeppers, I will be here to torment my Japanese students till next summer. Why...you may ask? Well, my answer to that is...why not?! Haha.

Osaka and Back!!!

Kay, so I'm finally posting up pictures from my trip to Osaka last weekend. I came back from Hong Kong on the 31st of Dec., celebrated New Year's by going to Meiji-jingu (shrine) in Tokyo with some JETs, then went back to school for a few days before heading off again on my trip to Osaka, from the 6th thru the 9th. Actually, I took the overnight bus there from Tokyo. Thus, I had to leave from Ota to Tokyo (which took 2 1/2 hrs by train), then take the overnight bus from Tokyo to Osaka (which took 8 hrs). Yeah, I know. Originally, I was supposed to head there w/ Ann, but unfortunately, she caught a stomach virus the day before so she couldn't go with me. Sad! It would've been cool if she could've gone, but it was still nice to see a couple of my host families again and to re-visit places I had been to before. (Btw, I participated in a homestay program 3 1/2 years ago so I have like 6 host families in Osaka!) Seriously, half my suitcase was filled with omiyage (souvenirs) for them! But yeah, I only got to see a couple of them as everyone was away for the long weekend. Anyway, enjoy the pictures below as I've decided that I can't be bothered to recount my Hong Kong nor my Osaka trip in words.


Ebisu-bashi in Osaka City


I know this clown is famous for some reason....


The five-storied pagoda in Nara


A picture with the "college student" tour guide my host family set me up with. My host dad was as surprised as I was.


A very orange picture at one of the numerous shrines in Nara.


There are lots and lots of freely roaming deer in Nara. Word of advice: Don't try feeding them as I did or you might get attacked....or worse yet, bitten like I was!! (Note: That is NOT dandruff in my hair...it's snow!)


My token picture at Kobe....


My host brother and his family. We had sukiyaki that night...mm mmm!


My host family's dog, Giro. Is that not the BIGGEST dog you've ever seen in your life?! The first time I stayed with them, I was freakin' SHOCKED at his size...might as well be a wolf!!


A picture with my host dad, mom, sister, brother and his kids.


A picture with my other host mom and dad. This host mom is half Australian and half Japanese...thank goodness for fluent English speakers!


My host brother (who I hadn't met last time but apparently is hot!) and his friends at their Seijinshiki...a Japanese Coming of Age Celebration for all those who turn 20 years old on that calender year. Hmm...20 years old isn't THAT young, right? Haha.


As you can see from the elaborate kimonos that the girls are wearing, a Seijinshiki is a BIG event...think of it as their version of prom, but even MORE important. The girls spend numerous hours choosing the right kimono, doing their hair, nails, just every detail you can imagine. I was SO impressed by all the beautiful kimonos I saw that day...


This girl has a more traditional hair-do...isn't the detail just amazing?!


Finally, my token picture of Shijo-dori in the Gion District at Kyoto....just like in Memoirs of a Geisha! Hehe.

By Popular Demand.....

I told you they had matching outfits!!!

Hong Kong......in Pictures!

Kay, so I'm back from Hong Kong and I've been hiding out in my apartment for the last few days, except for a short trip to AEON, of course. It was actually very irritating, as ALL the ATMs are closed b/c of the New Year's holidays. Hello?! Today is already the 3rd...New Year's Day has passed! For those of you who don't know (or didn't remember, such as myself), it is impossible to get out money from the ATM from like Dec. 30th? to Jan. 3rd because all banks and ATMs are CLOSED. Thank goodness I had enough money to at least get me some groceries or else I would surely starve. While Jenny and I were at AEON, I told her that today would be the best day to rob any Japanese person...considering they are probably carrying heaps of cash on them b/c of the ATM situation. Ugh, things in this country frustrates me sometimes.

Anyway, I had a great time in Hong Kong. I wish I had more time there to do some more shopping, as I didn't really buy very much b/c of time constraints. I will write more later, but there is SO much to write about that I don't know where to begin...thus, here are some pictures as a start....


A picture with some of my cousins at my uncle's Christmas party.


The groom and his boys can't cross the red line to see the bride until they play some games that the bridesmaids have prepared, and most importantly, hand over enough $ in the red envelope to the girls' approval.


There is some saran wrap and whip cream on the groom's face...his groomsmen have to lick it off!


Finally...the red envelope comes out....is it enough??


The happy couple serves the bride's parents tea...they do this for all the elders.


The maid of honor holds a red umbrella over the bride while rice is thrown into the air as the couple walks to the car.


This is the Mickey and Minnie groom and bride I gave my cousin for his wedding!


Guests sign in as they come in to the Chinese restaurant for the reception.


A picture of me with the married couple...the bride is wearing a "qua"...a tradional Chinese wedding dress.


A picture of my cousin, Winsome (the groom's sister), and me. I know...don't ask about the name...I think she made it up herself.


A picture of me with some of my cousins...one of which I didn't know existed until recently.


The bride changes outfits...


And again...she had a total of 5 dresses that day!


Um...am I at a Halloween party? Don't ask me WHY my cousin's girlfriend dressed her daughter up like a cake for the wedding. Actually, the whole family had matching outfits...


A view of the restaurant...they had over 20 something tables...I think.


A silly picture with my little cousins.


After the wedding...outside the restaurant.


Look at the lights above!


A typical "dai pai dong"...it is like a street stall with seats and tables...the food here is great here b/c the dishes are cooked with enough "fire."


My aunt, my cousin and me at a dai pai dong...


These are my relatives...there are many more that aren't in the photo...scary isn't it?!


A picture of me and my aunt at the end of Temple Street.


The opposite side of the street...


I love Christmas decorations in Hong Kong!!!


One last picture at Hong Kong International Airport...aww...sad!

Hong Kong.......Food

Chicken feet and egg yolk custard buns....my favorite dim sum!


Pork and jellied soup appetizers??


Shanghai cuisine


Frog and mushroom clay pot rice...mm mmm!


More clay pot rice!


Mango and black glutinous rice with coconut juice...to die for!


Mango mochi with coconut shavings


Tapioca dessert in coconut milk with fruit


Fruit...I've been missing out on this in Japan


Mango and more mango! This time, with mochi balls...