Monday, July 24, 2006
Gion Matsuri
Last week, Mayu-chan and I went to Gion matsuri, Yama-boko Junko (山鉾巡行, Yama-boko Junko) to be more precise.
Before I will show you the pictures, I will first let you read something about Gion Matsuri and Yama-boko Junko.
Gion Matsuri (祇園祭;, Gion Matsuri) is an annual festival that takes place in Kyoto and is said to be one of the most famous, if not the most famous festival in all of Japan. It spans the entire month of July and is crowned by the beautiful parade, the Yama-boko Junko (山鉾巡行, Yama-boko Junko) on July 17th.
This festival first originated as part of a purification ritual. In 869 CE the people were suffering from plague and pestilence which was thought to be a result of the rampaging deity Gozu. The emperor ordered that the people pray to the god of the Yasaka shrine, Susano-onomikoto. Sixty-six stylized and decorated halberds, one for each province in Japan, were prepared and erected at Shinsen-en Garden (at the intersection of Oike Street and Omiya Street, Nakagyo Ward) along with the portable shrines (omikoshi) from Yasaka Shrine.
This became a somewhat standard practice and was repeated wherever an outbreak would occur. In 970 CE it was decreed an annual event and has since seldom been broken. Over time the increasingly powerful and influential merchant class made the festival more elaborate and used the parade to brandish their wealth.
In 1533 the Muromachi shogunate halted all religious events, but the people protested stating that they could do with out the rituals, but not the procession. This marks the progression into the festival's current form.
Yamaboko Float Details
The floats in the Yoiyama Parade are divided into two groups, Hoko and Yama, and are collectively called Yamaboko. There are 9 of the larger Hoko which represent the 66 spears used in the original purification ritual, and 23 of the smaller Yama which carry life-size figures of famous and important people. All the floats are decorated with beautiful tapestries both from Nishijin (the finest in all of Japan) and imported from all over the world. In addition to the art, there are many traditional musicians and artists sitting in the floats.
Each year the families that maintain the floats draw lots at special meeting to determine what order they will take in the festival. These lots are issued at a special ceremony before the parade, during which the Mayor of Kyoto dons the robes of a magister.
Hoko Floats
Weight: about 12,000 kg
Height: about 25m from ground to tip / 8 m from ground to roof
Wheel diameter: about 1.9 m
Attendants: about 30-40 pulling during procession, usually 2 men piloting with wedges
Yama Floats
Height: about 6 m
Weight: 1,200 – 1,600 kg
Attendants: 14-24 people to pull, push or carry
More to come!
Before I will show you the pictures, I will first let you read something about Gion Matsuri and Yama-boko Junko.
Gion Matsuri (祇園祭;, Gion Matsuri) is an annual festival that takes place in Kyoto and is said to be one of the most famous, if not the most famous festival in all of Japan. It spans the entire month of July and is crowned by the beautiful parade, the Yama-boko Junko (山鉾巡行, Yama-boko Junko) on July 17th.
This festival first originated as part of a purification ritual. In 869 CE the people were suffering from plague and pestilence which was thought to be a result of the rampaging deity Gozu. The emperor ordered that the people pray to the god of the Yasaka shrine, Susano-onomikoto. Sixty-six stylized and decorated halberds, one for each province in Japan, were prepared and erected at Shinsen-en Garden (at the intersection of Oike Street and Omiya Street, Nakagyo Ward) along with the portable shrines (omikoshi) from Yasaka Shrine.
This became a somewhat standard practice and was repeated wherever an outbreak would occur. In 970 CE it was decreed an annual event and has since seldom been broken. Over time the increasingly powerful and influential merchant class made the festival more elaborate and used the parade to brandish their wealth.
In 1533 the Muromachi shogunate halted all religious events, but the people protested stating that they could do with out the rituals, but not the procession. This marks the progression into the festival's current form.
Yamaboko Float Details
The floats in the Yoiyama Parade are divided into two groups, Hoko and Yama, and are collectively called Yamaboko. There are 9 of the larger Hoko which represent the 66 spears used in the original purification ritual, and 23 of the smaller Yama which carry life-size figures of famous and important people. All the floats are decorated with beautiful tapestries both from Nishijin (the finest in all of Japan) and imported from all over the world. In addition to the art, there are many traditional musicians and artists sitting in the floats.
Each year the families that maintain the floats draw lots at special meeting to determine what order they will take in the festival. These lots are issued at a special ceremony before the parade, during which the Mayor of Kyoto dons the robes of a magister.
Hoko Floats
Weight: about 12,000 kg
Height: about 25m from ground to tip / 8 m from ground to roof
Wheel diameter: about 1.9 m
Attendants: about 30-40 pulling during procession, usually 2 men piloting with wedges
Yama Floats
Height: about 6 m
Weight: 1,200 – 1,600 kg
Attendants: 14-24 people to pull, push or carry
More to come!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Pictures
Girls High school behind our house. (yes only girls)
Hanshin Tigers Vending Machine!!!!!!!
View over the city a couple minutes walking from our house
Some small shrine on a small island in a small city called Ako
A small shrine on top of the mountain 2 trainstops from our house (that were some HIGH HIGH stairs hahaha)
Well, this picture says enough
Ako
Nunobiki Ropeway, from shinkobe station
Nunobiki Ropeway
Nunobiki waterfall, view from the ropeway
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
The Japanese Subway
-Schoolgirls in all sort of uniforms,
-Salaryman in their black suits,
-People reading comic books, old and young,
-Middle age women fighting for a seat ( of course the middle age women win)
-Female only cabins,
-Chikans and Chijo
-Sleeping people, while sitting or standing
-trains every 5-10 minutes
-Train pushers
-Densha Otoko
-VERY CROWD SUBWAYS
-50% will play with their Keitai ( mobile phone)
-advertisements above your head
-Getting lost
-Watching the latest fashion
-A Gas Attack ( well this only happened one time)
-Salaryman in their black suits,
-People reading comic books, old and young,
-Middle age women fighting for a seat ( of course the middle age women win)
-Female only cabins,
-Chikans and Chijo
-Sleeping people, while sitting or standing
-trains every 5-10 minutes
-Train pushers
-Densha Otoko
-VERY CROWD SUBWAYS
-50% will play with their Keitai ( mobile phone)
-advertisements above your head
-Getting lost
-Watching the latest fashion
-A Gas Attack ( well this only happened one time)
Monday, June 26, 2006
First week in Japan
Hello everyone, Sorry for the late post, I have written a post last Friday but by mistake I lost everything (one hour writing) so now I am trying it again.
on Thursday the 15th of June, I needed to say goodbye to my family, which was of course really difficult, and sad. But not as sad as I thought it would be, maybe because the evening before I realized that life is fantastic, and I didn`t needed to care to much about my family, known they would be alright.
The flight from Amsterdam to Helsinki was alright, and nothing special happened in there, besides me smiling in my seat.
The flight from Helsinki to Osaka was different, first of all because it was much longer 10 hours, and I had a nice older Japanese couple sitting next to me, whom I talked to for hours. Arigato ne Eiko san and Enzo san, for being so kind to me. The airplane was of course full with Japanese people, and from around 200 people I maybe could only see 10-15 non Japanese. I tried to get some sleep in the airplane but remembering my previous experience with flying for this many hours, I knew I wouldn`t be able to sleep, and I didn`t.
Arriving in Japan was a bit weird I must say, because I was really tired, and suddenly I was unable to use my English, my Japanese level isn`t that high, and also the way to Kobe was weird, seeing building everywhere. Mayuko her mom picked me up from Sannomiya (center of Kobe), and we drove together to our new house in Rokko ( see pictures in the previous post. It was great to see her mom again, and we talked a lot.
In the afternoon I finally saw Mayuko again, and that felt so great! hold my wife in my arms again, after 6months and knowing we don`t have to separate anymore. Together we walked to our house ( from Rokko station, to our house is about 15minutes up hill walk) and she showed me our house.
I think the house where we are living in is great, it`s heaps larger than I had expected, and also the area where we are living in is great. Mountains on the right, ocean view on the left.
On Sunday we went to her parents house, and met the whole family again. We had a lunch together, toasted with beer (Kanpai) and had some nice talks. Later that afternoon we were shopping with her brother and his wife (we got a sofa from him).
On Monday we went to the City hall to take care of my Gaijin card ( this is a card that I should always have with me, because I am a foreigner in Japan ( Gaijin- outside person, foreigner. this word can be a bit rude, the same we have alochtoon in the Netherlands). When we wanted to fill in the papers, we found out that this fucker ( sorry but he is a fucker) on the airport made a mistake, by not checking my visa , and not reading my intent of stay in Japan. Because of this, he gave me a 3 month stamp, with the meaning that I needed to go out of Japan with in 3months, and that I could only get a 1 year Gaijin Card instead of a 5 year gaijin card. So yeah after we filled in some papers, we also needed to mail my passport to the Immigration.
A lot of work needed to be done, and probably still needs to be done. Paperwork, paperwork, and even more paperwork. Arigato Mayuko for taking care of this!!!
The days after that, we bought some stuff for the house, relaxed in Kobe`s herb park, and just enjoyed being together again.
On Thursday Mayuko needed to work again, so I started searching for a job as an English teacher. I had send out a lot of emails to companies in here, and even got a short interview on Friday, the interview wasn`t really an interview, because I just got the job, only problem was I didn`t knew for how many hours etc.
On Saturday we went to her Grandmothers house in Ako, she is around 84, we had a lunch. We had this real big EBI ( ebi is a Prawn), and after that we went to her grandmothers house. She showed me pictures of herself when she was young, and from Mayuko her mother ( funny to see that they really look like each other sometimes).
On Sunday we went to Sannomiya to buy a mobile phone for me, and a suit ( yes me in a suit, for job interviews, and for weddings etc). Well I got a real nice Mobile phone, the Vodafone 804ss please click here for some information. And also the suit I bought was pretty nice.
yesterday I started my Job as an Enlgish teacher here in Japan, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, even tough the first boy was a pain in the ass, because he just couldn`t concentrate, and I needed to take care of him by myself ( the teacher just run off, and said please take care of him). Later that afternoon I needed to teach some little girl from 6, which was just perfect, she was really sweet, and it was really easy to work with her. We practiced Pre-positions, and time.
The only bad thing about this work is that I can only work 2 times a week, and summer school which is starting from the 24th of June. So I don`t think I will stay here for a long time. Actually I am already looking for another job.
So this is a bit what had happened the last week. It`s busy, and I must say that so now and then I have my bad moments. For example, I like to be in charge, to do things myself, but now I am totally dependent from Mayuko, and that makes me insecure sometimes. But on the other hand, I am proud of myself on what I am doing, and proud of Mayuko on what she is doing for us.
We still got a long way to go, but we believe in the future, and up to now, our plans came out well...
Thanks everybody, and don`t forget to post a comment!!!
on Thursday the 15th of June, I needed to say goodbye to my family, which was of course really difficult, and sad. But not as sad as I thought it would be, maybe because the evening before I realized that life is fantastic, and I didn`t needed to care to much about my family, known they would be alright.
The flight from Amsterdam to Helsinki was alright, and nothing special happened in there, besides me smiling in my seat.
The flight from Helsinki to Osaka was different, first of all because it was much longer 10 hours, and I had a nice older Japanese couple sitting next to me, whom I talked to for hours. Arigato ne Eiko san and Enzo san, for being so kind to me. The airplane was of course full with Japanese people, and from around 200 people I maybe could only see 10-15 non Japanese. I tried to get some sleep in the airplane but remembering my previous experience with flying for this many hours, I knew I wouldn`t be able to sleep, and I didn`t.
Arriving in Japan was a bit weird I must say, because I was really tired, and suddenly I was unable to use my English, my Japanese level isn`t that high, and also the way to Kobe was weird, seeing building everywhere. Mayuko her mom picked me up from Sannomiya (center of Kobe), and we drove together to our new house in Rokko ( see pictures in the previous post. It was great to see her mom again, and we talked a lot.
In the afternoon I finally saw Mayuko again, and that felt so great! hold my wife in my arms again, after 6months and knowing we don`t have to separate anymore. Together we walked to our house ( from Rokko station, to our house is about 15minutes up hill walk) and she showed me our house.
I think the house where we are living in is great, it`s heaps larger than I had expected, and also the area where we are living in is great. Mountains on the right, ocean view on the left.
On Sunday we went to her parents house, and met the whole family again. We had a lunch together, toasted with beer (Kanpai) and had some nice talks. Later that afternoon we were shopping with her brother and his wife (we got a sofa from him).
On Monday we went to the City hall to take care of my Gaijin card ( this is a card that I should always have with me, because I am a foreigner in Japan ( Gaijin- outside person, foreigner. this word can be a bit rude, the same we have alochtoon in the Netherlands). When we wanted to fill in the papers, we found out that this fucker ( sorry but he is a fucker) on the airport made a mistake, by not checking my visa , and not reading my intent of stay in Japan. Because of this, he gave me a 3 month stamp, with the meaning that I needed to go out of Japan with in 3months, and that I could only get a 1 year Gaijin Card instead of a 5 year gaijin card. So yeah after we filled in some papers, we also needed to mail my passport to the Immigration.
A lot of work needed to be done, and probably still needs to be done. Paperwork, paperwork, and even more paperwork. Arigato Mayuko for taking care of this!!!
The days after that, we bought some stuff for the house, relaxed in Kobe`s herb park, and just enjoyed being together again.
On Thursday Mayuko needed to work again, so I started searching for a job as an English teacher. I had send out a lot of emails to companies in here, and even got a short interview on Friday, the interview wasn`t really an interview, because I just got the job, only problem was I didn`t knew for how many hours etc.
On Saturday we went to her Grandmothers house in Ako, she is around 84, we had a lunch. We had this real big EBI ( ebi is a Prawn), and after that we went to her grandmothers house. She showed me pictures of herself when she was young, and from Mayuko her mother ( funny to see that they really look like each other sometimes).
On Sunday we went to Sannomiya to buy a mobile phone for me, and a suit ( yes me in a suit, for job interviews, and for weddings etc). Well I got a real nice Mobile phone, the Vodafone 804ss please click here for some information. And also the suit I bought was pretty nice.
yesterday I started my Job as an Enlgish teacher here in Japan, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, even tough the first boy was a pain in the ass, because he just couldn`t concentrate, and I needed to take care of him by myself ( the teacher just run off, and said please take care of him). Later that afternoon I needed to teach some little girl from 6, which was just perfect, she was really sweet, and it was really easy to work with her. We practiced Pre-positions, and time.
The only bad thing about this work is that I can only work 2 times a week, and summer school which is starting from the 24th of June. So I don`t think I will stay here for a long time. Actually I am already looking for another job.
So this is a bit what had happened the last week. It`s busy, and I must say that so now and then I have my bad moments. For example, I like to be in charge, to do things myself, but now I am totally dependent from Mayuko, and that makes me insecure sometimes. But on the other hand, I am proud of myself on what I am doing, and proud of Mayuko on what she is doing for us.
We still got a long way to go, but we believe in the future, and up to now, our plans came out well...
Thanks everybody, and don`t forget to post a comment!!!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Our house
The kitchen
The 2 doors to the toilet and bathroom
TV\Computer, sofa will come in 2 weeks, and table in a couple of days
Eating Okonomiyaki with Mayu on my first day
.. Says enough?
Sorry for no message, because we are pretty busy at the moment, but everything is going well in here. We are setting up the house, and enjoying being together again.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Packing, and saying bye bye
Today it will be my last day in the Netherlands, at least for the next years. Tomorrow morning on 11.55 I will depart to Japan, via Helsinki.
A lot have happened the few days so let me first go back to my last day of work; Friday the 9th of June. I took a morning off, to get some sleep, and woke up perfectly happy. On my work it was pretty normal actually, and it didn't really felt like it was my last day. Because another guy (Paul) also had his last day in there, we decided to buy something together * here in the Netherlands when it is your last day on work, or birthday, it is normal to buy something like Pie or Candy* but because we couldn't order Pie anymore we decided to buy some Pizza for everyone. After work we had a small goodbye party/ watching the first soccer match at the bar across the street. I was happy to see the Japanese managers in their too, because I know that they won't come that fast. I want to thank everybody from my work for the great time I have had in there, and the trust and respect you guys gave me. Arigato Gozaimasu (thank you very much) especially I have to say thank you to a group of people, but I think you guys already know who I mean.
On Saturday I had a beautiful canoe trip with my sweet mom, the weather was perfect, and the water was quiet. We had some great talks that day, and as normal it always feels great talking with my mom about nothing, life etc.
On Sunday I was at my dads place to watch soccer with the whole family! Whoehoe, Netherlands won with 1-0. I am definitely going to continue following the matches when I am in Japan, just I don't know if they are really being broadcast in there.
Monday was shopping day, I needed to have some shoes, t-shirts, and for my mother in law Godiva chocolate. Ow and not to forget I also bought Rummikub, and Triominos. I packed my bag ( I won't use a suitcase but a big Cricket bag because I can put more crap in it) which was 25 kilo... AAAA I can only bring 20 with me, so I needed to take some things out of the bag, DVDs do I need them NO, BYE BYE. A book, NO don't need BYE Bye, So finally it went back to 15 kilo. But yeah haha, on the next day it was back to 22 kilo. pfff I hate packing my bag.
I went to Egmond yesterday with my mom, a small place next to the beach, where we did some last shopping * I have bought some presents for the child that my brother in law and his wife are expecting, and for Eisuke the child of Mayuko her best friend. While we sat on the beach we had some good talk (again) and I asked her for advice. My mom is a bit afraid that I am going to lose my Dutch feeling, and while turn into Samurai William. But I don't think I will do that, because my heart will always be in The Netherlands, and I will always have Dutch blood *alright a little Belgium blood too, don't say this to anybody else alright*.
And today is my last day in here, I have finished packing my bag, except for my laptop and the chocolates that lays in the fridge. Tonight we will have a family dinner at my dads place, and tomorrow will be the time to say goodbye.
This is where it become difficult. Saying goodbye to people whom I love, and especially to people whom are family and whom I have become so close with for the last 2 years. I love you my brother, I love you Carolien, I love you Dad, and I love you my sweet mom. You guys will always be in my heart and my family forever. That's why distance is nothing more than meters and flying hours. Because we will always stick together.
I will update you guys next week how my first week in Japan was. Wish me luck
A lot have happened the few days so let me first go back to my last day of work; Friday the 9th of June. I took a morning off, to get some sleep, and woke up perfectly happy. On my work it was pretty normal actually, and it didn't really felt like it was my last day. Because another guy (Paul) also had his last day in there, we decided to buy something together * here in the Netherlands when it is your last day on work, or birthday, it is normal to buy something like Pie or Candy* but because we couldn't order Pie anymore we decided to buy some Pizza for everyone. After work we had a small goodbye party/ watching the first soccer match at the bar across the street. I was happy to see the Japanese managers in their too, because I know that they won't come that fast. I want to thank everybody from my work for the great time I have had in there, and the trust and respect you guys gave me. Arigato Gozaimasu (thank you very much) especially I have to say thank you to a group of people, but I think you guys already know who I mean.
On Saturday I had a beautiful canoe trip with my sweet mom, the weather was perfect, and the water was quiet. We had some great talks that day, and as normal it always feels great talking with my mom about nothing, life etc.
On Sunday I was at my dads place to watch soccer with the whole family! Whoehoe, Netherlands won with 1-0. I am definitely going to continue following the matches when I am in Japan, just I don't know if they are really being broadcast in there.
Monday was shopping day, I needed to have some shoes, t-shirts, and for my mother in law Godiva chocolate. Ow and not to forget I also bought Rummikub, and Triominos. I packed my bag ( I won't use a suitcase but a big Cricket bag because I can put more crap in it) which was 25 kilo... AAAA I can only bring 20 with me, so I needed to take some things out of the bag, DVDs do I need them NO, BYE BYE. A book, NO don't need BYE Bye, So finally it went back to 15 kilo. But yeah haha, on the next day it was back to 22 kilo. pfff I hate packing my bag.
I went to Egmond yesterday with my mom, a small place next to the beach, where we did some last shopping * I have bought some presents for the child that my brother in law and his wife are expecting, and for Eisuke the child of Mayuko her best friend. While we sat on the beach we had some good talk (again) and I asked her for advice. My mom is a bit afraid that I am going to lose my Dutch feeling, and while turn into Samurai William. But I don't think I will do that, because my heart will always be in The Netherlands, and I will always have Dutch blood *alright a little Belgium blood too, don't say this to anybody else alright*.
And today is my last day in here, I have finished packing my bag, except for my laptop and the chocolates that lays in the fridge. Tonight we will have a family dinner at my dads place, and tomorrow will be the time to say goodbye.
This is where it become difficult. Saying goodbye to people whom I love, and especially to people whom are family and whom I have become so close with for the last 2 years. I love you my brother, I love you Carolien, I love you Dad, and I love you my sweet mom. You guys will always be in my heart and my family forever. That's why distance is nothing more than meters and flying hours. Because we will always stick together.
I will update you guys next week how my first week in Japan was. Wish me luck
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
7 days to go, what should I bring with me?
Well only 7 days to go, 1.5 day to work. Next Monday I will go shopping; food, clothes, etc. But the question is: What shall I buy, what shall I bring with me to Japan? I hope you people have some idea's for me.
List of things that definitely want to buy:
Peanut butter
Godiva Chocolate for my mother in law
Chocolate spread
Cheese shaver
Smoked Sausage
Dutch souvenirs: such as post cards, and small well other stuff, NO DROP
present for my father in law, V.S.O.P
So if anybody got some idea's for me???? Please leave a comment.
List of things that definitely want to buy:
Peanut butter
Godiva Chocolate for my mother in law
Chocolate spread
Cheese shaver
Smoked Sausage
Dutch souvenirs: such as post cards, and small well other stuff, NO DROP
present for my father in law, V.S.O.P
So if anybody got some idea's for me???? Please leave a comment.
8 days to go
Only 8 days to go, and I will depart to Japan. WOEHOE!!! I must say that sometimes I am going crazy a little bit, it's a big step that I am going to take and sometimes it is a bit scary, but mainly I am just so happy to be with Mayuko again, and to be in Kireii (beautifull) Japan again.
Almost everything is done, I only have to send out some money next week, and make some phone calls to the city hall, and my insurance company.
But first off all only 2 days to work, I must say that I have really enjoyed this job, even though there are some things in the company that I disagree on. But yeah, that's okay. Just want to say thanks to all of you guys who have been kind to me in here. Niara ;)
I will be writing more the next couple of days, and I hope that when I am in Japan I will be able to write every week.
Matane * see you soon
Almost everything is done, I only have to send out some money next week, and make some phone calls to the city hall, and my insurance company.
But first off all only 2 days to work, I must say that I have really enjoyed this job, even though there are some things in the company that I disagree on. But yeah, that's okay. Just want to say thanks to all of you guys who have been kind to me in here. Niara ;)
I will be writing more the next couple of days, and I hope that when I am in Japan I will be able to write every week.
Matane * see you soon
Sunday, May 14, 2006
32 Days to go.
Since last week Mayuko has moved into our new house to get used to the place, and because it is close to her work in Nishinomiya. She is also setting up the house, so that when I come we only have to do the fun things. Thank you my love for this!!! Stuff that mayuko bought already:
*Fridge
*washingmachine
*Table
*Carpet.. we got 2 rooms with tatami, bit to much
*Futon
*Microwave
She also got some stuff from her parents, and we will buy some small things together when I arrive there.
The walking up and down from the station to the house is not so bad as she thought, but the summer is not here yet hahaha. And also she saw a wild boar in front of our house. haha, scared the hell out of me when I heard this... great for the BBQ though. From our balcony we can see a large tree, and some view over the ocean!
This upcoming Monday, I have to go to the Japanese embassy here in The Hague, to change my COE *Certificate of Eligibility* into a Visa. I should fill in some papers in the morning, than wait for 5 hours * I think I will go to the beach* and I will have my REAL Visa.
Then Tuesday, I have to tell my managers that I am leaving the company, so that is also very exciting.
and then Thursday I have to go to my uncle, who is sadly having cancer, and is doing worse all the time.
So yeah, beside the last thing my life is great! And I am a happy person :D
Sunday, April 30, 2006
I GOT THE VISA
This last Saturday my wife said that she had big news for me, and it WAS! When she said this I immediately knew what she was going to say: She received my Visa.
I was so happy to hear this, because I was a little bit worried if it would come in on time, and that everything was arranged good. I almost cried actually and it made me have this big smile when I am thinking about it! 45 days to go now, yes counting off sucks because the days are only going slower and slower, and my excitement is getting bigger and bigger haha.
Mayuko will be moving to the house this Wednesday, so let's see what she's thinking of it.
I hope this last weeks will not be to hard, but I will try to see everything with a positive attitude.
I was so happy to hear this, because I was a little bit worried if it would come in on time, and that everything was arranged good. I almost cried actually and it made me have this big smile when I am thinking about it! 45 days to go now, yes counting off sucks because the days are only going slower and slower, and my excitement is getting bigger and bigger haha.
Mayuko will be moving to the house this Wednesday, so let's see what she's thinking of it.
I hope this last weeks will not be to hard, but I will try to see everything with a positive attitude.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
less than 50 days to go, Yatta
Well, only less than 50 days to go, whohoe, I am getting Dokidoki *excited* because Mayuko got the keys of the house yesterday, and it is larger than we expected. It is as I have said before 2 rooms of 6tatami, but the Kitchen is also 6 tatami, so that means that we can put a table in it. and also the balcony is larger than we expected, we can even put 3 chairs in it haha.
I went to the bank last week, to get an insurance, to send money to Japan, and to give Lientje * my mom her wife* power to end my bank account. So I guess almost everything is done in here, all I have to do is send a moving out message to the City hall, and some other small things, and wait for the big thing the Visa...
Recently I have been working a lot on my website www.kobecityinfo.com and added many things, so please take a look and tell me what you think of it, and if anyone knows how I can let my website be higher in the search programs, please send me a message!
See you in 49 days in Japan :D
I went to the bank last week, to get an insurance, to send money to Japan, and to give Lientje * my mom her wife* power to end my bank account. So I guess almost everything is done in here, all I have to do is send a moving out message to the City hall, and some other small things, and wait for the big thing the Visa...
Recently I have been working a lot on my website www.kobecityinfo.com and added many things, so please take a look and tell me what you think of it, and if anyone knows how I can let my website be higher in the search programs, please send me a message!
See you in 49 days in Japan :D
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
My love for "Dreams Come True"
My love for Japanese music, only goes to a couple of artists, such as Hikaru Utada, Boa, Spitz, and a couple more. But my Favorite Japanese Band all time is : "Dreams come True". Why I love them? Because I can cry on their music, but at the same time smile, even though I don't understand a thing about it.
The band was formed in 1988 by the bands lead singer is Miwa Yoshida, Nakamura Masato, the arranger, producer, bassist & overall mastermind, and Nishikawa Takahiro, keyboardist, manipulation and sound designer (who stepped out of the group in 2002).
Dreams Come True presents music which is a pleasure to the ear, the mind, and the soul. Never being content with one style, they compose songs with genre influences from Pop, R&B, Jazz, Funk, Disco, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop, Latin, and even Classical; Many styles, as varied as their own musical influences, provide their music with a rich base to form their own unique Dreams Come True style.
They have sold over 30 million albums and 15 million singles. Had 22 Top five singles, and reached 10 times the #1 posistion. And also their album hit the #1 album posistion 11 times. Dreams Come True albums have also been a staple of the Oricon charts, accumulating close to 18 years worth of time during the group's 17 year history. Their second album, Love Goes On..., spent over 4 years on the charts.
So I guess everyone is getting the point: THE JUST ARE THE BEST BAND IN JAPANESE HISTORY!
So here are some songs for you:
Because I think DTC is such a great band, I want to spend some more attention to them later on, so: TO BE CONTINUED
The band was formed in 1988 by the bands lead singer is Miwa Yoshida, Nakamura Masato, the arranger, producer, bassist & overall mastermind, and Nishikawa Takahiro, keyboardist, manipulation and sound designer (who stepped out of the group in 2002).
Dreams Come True presents music which is a pleasure to the ear, the mind, and the soul. Never being content with one style, they compose songs with genre influences from Pop, R&B, Jazz, Funk, Disco, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop, Latin, and even Classical; Many styles, as varied as their own musical influences, provide their music with a rich base to form their own unique Dreams Come True style.
They have sold over 30 million albums and 15 million singles. Had 22 Top five singles, and reached 10 times the #1 posistion. And also their album hit the #1 album posistion 11 times. Dreams Come True albums have also been a staple of the Oricon charts, accumulating close to 18 years worth of time during the group's 17 year history. Their second album, Love Goes On..., spent over 4 years on the charts.
So I guess everyone is getting the point: THE JUST ARE THE BEST BAND IN JAPANESE HISTORY!
So here are some songs for you:
Because I think DTC is such a great band, I want to spend some more attention to them later on, so: TO BE CONTINUED
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Learning Japanese
Okay, with only less then 2 months to go, I have to learn the language as soon as possible. The problem is a bit (read my previous post) that I can't get my mind clear. But maybe this is the cure for it, to keep busy in my mind.
My goal for learning Japanese this upcoming 2 months, is first of all to increase my vocabulary, to be able to talk in basic conversations *well this is for the next half year.... year).
to be continued...
My goal for learning Japanese this upcoming 2 months, is first of all to increase my vocabulary, to be able to talk in basic conversations *well this is for the next half year.... year).
to be continued...
Less then 2 months, and I am freaking out sometimes
It's less then 2 months to go, and It looks like everything is doing great, finished my Tefl degree, got a great cheap house, saved enough money, and am ready to go to Japan and my wife.
But, with less then 2 months, I am also losing myself in some way, getting more stressed, losing my confident, and just sometimes don't know what to do. I guess this is because of being on a distance relation for 2.5 year, and this will be the last 2 months of it. I have to say goodbye to my family, my life, my country, and start all over again, is it really this difficult? or really this simple? I don't know any more how to think about certain things, I am having my emotions about this, but when I talk to my wife about it, i can't always get to hear what I want, that's not her fault, because she is raised by this, and same as most Japanese, feelings is just way different than we Dutch people.
But it's is tough sometimes, and I guess I just have to come over it, be strong, and be patient. I am already patient for 2 years now, and now is finaly the time , and I am freaking out haha.
I should be confident about myself more, and keep knowing in my mind that my wife is loving me, even though she is busy with school, herself, and our house etc.
Only less then 2 months... Counting of the days... day by day, day by day, everything looks so slow at the moment...
But, with less then 2 months, I am also losing myself in some way, getting more stressed, losing my confident, and just sometimes don't know what to do. I guess this is because of being on a distance relation for 2.5 year, and this will be the last 2 months of it. I have to say goodbye to my family, my life, my country, and start all over again, is it really this difficult? or really this simple? I don't know any more how to think about certain things, I am having my emotions about this, but when I talk to my wife about it, i can't always get to hear what I want, that's not her fault, because she is raised by this, and same as most Japanese, feelings is just way different than we Dutch people.
But it's is tough sometimes, and I guess I just have to come over it, be strong, and be patient. I am already patient for 2 years now, and now is finaly the time , and I am freaking out haha.
I should be confident about myself more, and keep knowing in my mind that my wife is loving me, even though she is busy with school, herself, and our house etc.
Only less then 2 months... Counting of the days... day by day, day by day, everything looks so slow at the moment...
Monday, March 27, 2006
Teaching in Japan preparation
When I arrive in Japan, I should get *of course* a job. My love is in the IT/Design section, but that's not so easy to get, because my Japanese is not that good yet. So instead of searching for an IT job, I want to start as an English teacher ( EIGO NO SENSEI). When I was in Japan last year, I was teaching Japanese kids in summer school for one week! It was not easy, especially because I had NO NO NO experience in teaching at all, but It also was heaps of fun, and after already 3 days the kids started to enjoy a lot with me, and I enjoyed with them.
So as a preparation to make things more easy, getting a job, and feeling confident about myself, I am doing a TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). It is not the best teaching course there is, but better something than nothing! I have 10 modules, plus and extra Grammar, and Kids module! Here is a short list of what I learn:
> Module 1 : Student Motivation, Teacher Roles & EFL Methodology
> Module 2 : Grammar Awareness
> Module 3 : Classroom Management & Student Levels
> Module 4 : How to teach Grammar
> Module 5 : How to teach Vocabulary
> Module 6 : Observe & analyze a teacher in action (on DVD ROM)
> Module 7 : How to teach Speaking and Writing Skills
> Module 8 : How to teach Reading and Listening Skills
> Module 9 : Games & Lesson Planning
> Module 10 : Information & Resources
> Module 11 : Extra GAM (Grammar Awareness module)
> Module 12 : Extra Young Learners
Check for more info the website from I to I tefl
I am really enjoying this course, and I am learning a lot ( even though it is only theory) I still have to work on my English though, and that is one of the hardest parts of this course. But yeah, isn't everyone learning in life!? I finished all modules except the Games & Lesson Planning and the Young Learners one. The Lesson planning really is a .... But I learn a lot from it, so that's okay.
I really hope that I can find a nice teaching Job in Japan, and that I can develop my website (www.kobecityinfo.com ) , so that I can make money with that, and get more people visiting my website * currently I got 2300 a month! woehoe!
Catch you people later, and don't be afraid to leave a comment!
So as a preparation to make things more easy, getting a job, and feeling confident about myself, I am doing a TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). It is not the best teaching course there is, but better something than nothing! I have 10 modules, plus and extra Grammar, and Kids module! Here is a short list of what I learn:
> Module 1 : Student Motivation, Teacher Roles & EFL Methodology
> Module 2 : Grammar Awareness
> Module 3 : Classroom Management & Student Levels
> Module 4 : How to teach Grammar
> Module 5 : How to teach Vocabulary
> Module 6 : Observe & analyze a teacher in action (on DVD ROM)
> Module 7 : How to teach Speaking and Writing Skills
> Module 8 : How to teach Reading and Listening Skills
> Module 9 : Games & Lesson Planning
> Module 10 : Information & Resources
> Module 11 : Extra GAM (Grammar Awareness module)
> Module 12 : Extra Young Learners
Check for more info the website from I to I tefl
I am really enjoying this course, and I am learning a lot ( even though it is only theory) I still have to work on my English though, and that is one of the hardest parts of this course. But yeah, isn't everyone learning in life!? I finished all modules except the Games & Lesson Planning and the Young Learners one. The Lesson planning really is a .... But I learn a lot from it, so that's okay.
I really hope that I can find a nice teaching Job in Japan, and that I can develop my website (www.kobecityinfo.com ) , so that I can make money with that, and get more people visiting my website * currently I got 2300 a month! woehoe!
Catch you people later, and don't be afraid to leave a comment!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Baseball
The number one sport in my own country The Netherlands is soccer, I am raised with soccer by my father; we always watched the games and I played soccer daily on the street with my brother, and my dad.
This is over from the time I will arive in Japan, because the number one sport in Japan *at least the one that is most interested for me* is Baseball ( Yakyu in Japanese), you know 2 teams, try to hit the ball as good as posible, and than RUN!!! first base, Second base, third base, HOME!!!! HOMEEEEE RUNNNNNNN. In Japan there are 2 leauges, the Central leauge, and the Pacific leuage. They concists of 6 teams, which plays several games a week. The winner of each leauge will play against each other in the play offs. and the winner of that is THE WINNER!!!!
Last year the Hanshin tigers * they are located in the Kansai area, so I will probably see some games of them. * were the winner of the Central leauge, but they lost the Play offs.
In the last month their were the World Baseball Classics, what is seen as the WORLD CUP. and the winner of that: JAPAN!!!!!!!!
This is over from the time I will arive in Japan, because the number one sport in Japan *at least the one that is most interested for me* is Baseball ( Yakyu in Japanese), you know 2 teams, try to hit the ball as good as posible, and than RUN!!! first base, Second base, third base, HOME!!!! HOMEEEEE RUNNNNNNN. In Japan there are 2 leauges, the Central leauge, and the Pacific leuage. They concists of 6 teams, which plays several games a week. The winner of each leauge will play against each other in the play offs. and the winner of that is THE WINNER!!!!
Last year the Hanshin tigers * they are located in the Kansai area, so I will probably see some games of them. * were the winner of the Central leauge, but they lost the Play offs.
In the last month their were the World Baseball Classics, what is seen as the WORLD CUP. and the winner of that: JAPAN!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Housing
The last year, my wife (oksan) and I have been fantasizing about a house, where, how much, etc. We have looked around on some websites, and when I was in Japan last year, we even visited 2 houses. The size of a house is in Tatami size, one tatami is measure roughly 180 cm x 90 cm. What were looking for was a house with 2 rooms, both 6 Tatami exl Kitchen, and bath. Normally for something like this you pay around 60/70.000 yen a month * convert* and the first month you have to pay around 4 to 5 times the rent: Reservation fee (tetsukekin), Deposit (shikikin), Key money (reikin), and Service fee (chukai tesuryo) . So yeah this will cost around 240.000 yen, which is of course expensive! But the good thing is, that in Japan, you don't have waiting lists, you can get a house in 1 or 2 days! and that's what I like, because here in Amsterdam, you will come on a waiting list from a minimum of 3-4 years, at least to get something that you Like!.
Because when I come to Japan, I won't have a job yet, we need to life from my oksan her salary, so we shouldn't get a too expensive house. So what we did, well actually she did, was applying for a special house *provided by the City Hall* , which only people who don't have enough income, are handicaped, etc. and the good thing is, we got one!! (well for 99%, she only should show the papers!) this house cost us only 30.000 yen a month, compairing to what I wrote before, it's a BIG difference!!! we have size what we want, 2 rooms from 6 Tatami, and a balcony *what more do you want!!! and one of the best things is that it is located between Kobe, and Osaka,
in a place called Rokko, which is just under Mt. Rokko * we spend our wedding day here. From this area you could view over the whole city of kobe, and see the ocean.
So yeah, I am really happy to get to life in this area, even though we have to walk up the mountain from Rokko station! Here are some pictures from the Mt Rokko area.
Because when I come to Japan, I won't have a job yet, we need to life from my oksan her salary, so we shouldn't get a too expensive house. So what we did, well actually she did, was applying for a special house *provided by the City Hall* , which only people who don't have enough income, are handicaped, etc. and the good thing is, we got one!! (well for 99%, she only should show the papers!) this house cost us only 30.000 yen a month, compairing to what I wrote before, it's a BIG difference!!! we have size what we want, 2 rooms from 6 Tatami, and a balcony *what more do you want!!! and one of the best things is that it is located between Kobe, and Osaka,
in a place called Rokko, which is just under Mt. Rokko * we spend our wedding day here. From this area you could view over the whole city of kobe, and see the ocean. So yeah, I am really happy to get to life in this area, even though we have to walk up the mountain from Rokko station! Here are some pictures from the Mt Rokko area.
Monday, March 13, 2006
3 Months until Departure
It's been a while since I have written something down here, so I though, let's Write. Especially because it's only 3 months before I am going to Japan, I should update you guys, and well everyone else on this planet.
The last time I wrote something in here, is already 8 months ago or something, so a short update : After coming back to the Netherlands I felt really bad, because of the 2 different worlds we are living in, the selfish western world, and the non-selfish-sometimesfake- eastern world. I choose to live in the Eastern world!
I've been studying Japanese, English, and started up my own website: www.kobecityinfo.com this website started out with 100 a month, 1000 a month and now I have over 2000 for the upcoming month with around 300+ visitors a month. I almost finished my Tefl study, it's damn hard sometimes, but hey, if I can get a job more easy in Japan, why not?
2 weeks ago my wife applied for my Spouse Visa, and we will probably hear something in about 1.5-2 months from now. Crazy times it are, lot of things to do, and lots days to wait. At least, it sometimes seems to be a lot of days, while it is only 3 months.
The next weeks I will update you people more about my preparing for Japan, and my departure from my country, my family, my work, etc.
Matane ( see you soon in Japanese)
The last time I wrote something in here, is already 8 months ago or something, so a short update : After coming back to the Netherlands I felt really bad, because of the 2 different worlds we are living in, the selfish western world, and the non-selfish-sometimesfake- eastern world. I choose to live in the Eastern world!
I've been studying Japanese, English, and started up my own website: www.kobecityinfo.com this website started out with 100 a month, 1000 a month and now I have over 2000 for the upcoming month with around 300+ visitors a month. I almost finished my Tefl study, it's damn hard sometimes, but hey, if I can get a job more easy in Japan, why not?
2 weeks ago my wife applied for my Spouse Visa, and we will probably hear something in about 1.5-2 months from now. Crazy times it are, lot of things to do, and lots days to wait. At least, it sometimes seems to be a lot of days, while it is only 3 months.
The next weeks I will update you people more about my preparing for Japan, and my departure from my country, my family, my work, etc.
Matane ( see you soon in Japanese)
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Just married!!!!
this is infront of the city hall, we kept it small but the day was great, and the feeling of being married even greater
our dinner, soup, spagethi, salade, steak, deserts, toast, etc etc.. to much haha
our view, while eating our lovely dinner, to bad the night photo's failed!!! cause that was just beautifull, looking over Osaka, kobe, see nara behind osaka, and in the background starts wakayama!
MARRIED COUPLE and beautiful background!!!
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