Johnson in Japan? Nosnhoj in Nippon?....I'm not sure if I need to re-name Yoshimi's blog, but what is certain is a whole lot has happened in the past little while. No promises as to whether we'll be able to keep this up in these busy times... It may be time to resort to Facebook, but not right now as we have no wifi. Hoping this might be a good way to send out a bit of an update.
After deciding to make the move back to Japan, we did what naturally happens when you choose to move: enjoy it with great people in such a way that makes you question why you would ever chose to leave in the first place. There is no question that we are incredibly lucky to have such wonderful friends and family!
We enjoyed another great visit with Karina in Vancouver just in time to celebrate as Yoshimi wrapped-up her job. I am so grateful that in our time in Canada, Karina and Yoshimi have had the chance to grow close in a way that can only be described as "sisters".
We also had the pleasure of hosting Yoshimi's parents! Their second visit to Canada!!
Andy, Jaime, Hanabi & Hitomi: we really can't say enough about their kindness, generosity, and hospitality throughout our entire time in Vancouver (right up to chauffeuring us to the airport for our departure!) We are forever grateful for your friendship - you are truly exceptional people.
We successfully cleared-out our apartment, effectively disassembling our lives, and our international transition began. Always an adventure full of excitement, but make no mistake, moving sucks.
We now open our eyes in the morning and find ourselves in Japan. We are staying with Yoshimi's parents in the city of Hamada (Shimane prefecture) while we begin to set-up our life in a town about an hour and a half up the coast in Ohda.
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the harbour by Yoshimi's home↑
looking down from up above Hamada City↑↓
a shot of Yoshimi's part of town↑
(taken from the hillside where there once was a castle)
One of the gates leading up to the site of Hamada Castle↓
Returning to Japan is akin to experiencing another dimension. For me it is a strangely familiar experience which remains simply fantastic. It is also incredibly fascinating to see Yoshimi's re-entry having become significantly (successfully!?) Canadianized. Words cannot sufficiently describe the experience, nor do pictures. I don't mean to over exaggerate, but it makes me admire Chris Hadfield's ability to effectively share his experience aboard the I.S.S. (even more). I am so fortunate to be able to share this experience with my perfect partner: Yoshimi. The smile on her face says it all.
On the plane to Japan!↑
Yoshimi walks the new sea wall near her home↓
In our first 24 hours in Japan:
- I was interviewed at the airport by a t.v. crew.
- Yoshimi was offered a teaching position.
- Japan reminded me that it still has plenty up its sleeve to shake an "experienced" foreigner: I felt a little squeamish as a neighbour brought over and sliced-up some fresh sea cucumber (you know: echinoderms from the class Holothuroidea). Objectively speaking, it was grotesque - which made it all the more unbelievable that I then enjoyed it sliced as sashimi topped with a bit of daikon oroshi.
Always something yet to be experienced!
In our first week in Japan, among other things:
- We were awaken in the middle of the night by a shaking house! Earthquake! (very unusual for this part of Japan - we were feeling the effects of a 5-point-something quake far away in Shikoku)
- In our stay at Yoshimi's family's home, a beautiful old Japanese home, means that during these colder days you come to know the necessity and comfort offered by a warm pair of slippers, a warm kotatsu, and an electric toilet seat.
"Arigatogozaimasu Karina-chan!" for the thoughtful gift!
"Genkan"(front door) of the Tanaka residence↑
"Butsudan"(Buddhist family alter)↓↓
Yoshimi keeping warm
- I've discovered that Yoshimi's family in fact has Samurai roots, which is surprising as this was never mentioned before and because her family name suggests a farming heritage (which only strengthens my theory that she in fact has ninja roots)
- We have been car shopping and have all but completed our search - which has focused heavily on a car named Cocoa (pink car pictured below)...which is really a newer version of the "Naked". Fun names.
- We have eaten like royalty every night - the spread that Yoshimi's mom prepares is quite simply over-the-top delicious. And there are so many different dishes that...well, I need to get out and go running more often. (see pictures below, and drool)
- I've bumped my head fairly hard a few times on doorways (yes, I am tall here in Japan)
- We have completed our hunt for an apartment - which we will not be able to view beforehand (that's just the way it works).
- After spending half a day in the cell phone store, we now have our new phones (which I have yet to figure out how to use - shifting from smartphone back to regular flip-phone (not-smart phone?). Which explains our delayed reply to your emails (gomennasai / sorry!).
- We have enjoyed starting to reconnect with friends in area.
O.K., it's getting late here and the blog is not letting me insert pictures anymore... So from here on its gonna be a barrage of pictures with a comment here and there!
First Sushi! OISHIIIII!!!
99 percent of people who have a dog in Japan, have this dog (Shiba-ken).
Roof of a shrine...apparently a shrine's roof design indicates the gender of the shrine? (we still need to fact check that one with Yoshimi's brother)
trying-out the massage chairs at the local electronics shop
oops, the massage chair was set for a different body type!? squeezing my legs like they were half the size!! ouch! .....and....ahhhhhhh.
warm toilet seats. best invention ever.
seems one of the local restaurants (Gusto) knew we were coming?
The expressway is coming along nicely!!
we paid a visit to our beloved kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) shop in Izumo!
(you know the one, E&T!) They have tablets at each table now to place your order!?
a map on the wall showing what part of Japan each type of fish comes from
it was a late lunch, so we had the place pretty much to ourselves!
(you can take what is already going around on the belt, or order directly (um, I guess now that means using the tablet) to the sushi chefs in the middle to have your order made super-fresh!
Here is a look at the menu! One of each, please!!!
One thing I really love about Shimane is the main road runs parallel to the coastline making for some very scenic driving!
It is an incredible feeling to be able to look out over the vastness of the Sea of Japan.
Took this shot to share 2 things: Red roof tiles are special to Shimane.
Also, the solar panels on the traditional roofing (not an all-too uncommon sight) is so symbolic of the Japanese combination of traditional style with modernity.
the Tanaka family fridge - nice!
for a bit of exercise we hiked up a hill/mountain to see the shrine at the top
the Tori gates mark the entrance to Shinto Shrines
You can check on the signs below to see if Yoshimi is doing it right
(t.m.i.?) here is a shot of the back of the shrine. The little house back there is where the god of this shrine resides.
keeping warm under the kotatsu while watching sumo! a simple slice of heaven.
On clear days this past week a beautiful sunset gives way to a full moon.
We hope that as you all read this, wherever you may be in the world, although we may be separated by vast distances, we hope sharing these words and pictures will bring us closer together.
Love, Steve & Yoshimi
