Me and Asuka at the Ladaport Mall
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Me in front of Matsumoto-jo-It looks like I am in front of a green screen!
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Matsumoto-Jo
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Photo From on top of the castle. See the snowy mountains?
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Me and Papa at the castle. I am a giant!
Hello Everyone!
Last weekend was really busy and really fun!!!
First, on Friday, I went to a fancy mall with Asuka and Su. It was called the Ladaport, and it basically had a cruise ship theme- the pavement outside was rolled up and down like real waves! Basically, everything in the mall was super nice and super fun to look at. I especially enjoyed the various accessory shops! We ate lunch at a really cool European styled restaurant! I did not realize how much I missed silverware! (Using chopsticks is difficult!)
After the mall, we went down the street and did some good old Karaoke. Su and Asuka are such good singers! I am lucky if I can even hit the note...not that that stops me! After Karaoke, we then ate some dinner, and headed home.
When I got home, my Host-Mom (who I had not really seen in awhile.....She was gone overnight on Wednesday, I was gone late on Thursday because of Thanksgiving) and she asked if I would like to go to Nagano to visit my Host Dad's family for the weekend! (She could not go though, she had school).
I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but I had already made plans with another friend who I kept cancelling on....but I decided of course to go to Nagano. Nagano is about 3 hours north in the "country" and really reminded me a bit of anchorage because of all the mountains. It was very beautiful!
When we arrived at my H-Dad's family's home, I was struck by how traditional it was (compared to my H-mom's family home, which is more modern). Because we were a little more up north, it was kinda cold, and these old houses only have little in terms of heating. Basically, they have one room in the house that is warm because it has a heater and a Kotatsu (table that heats up and has a blanket over it). The other rooms have no heat, and are basically colder than the outside! Why central heating has not caught on yet I will never know....everything else here is very high tech!
My H-Dad's family is also very different than H-mom's- first of all, the spoke next to no English (except for my host-cousin, but I think he was too embarrassed to use it). This meant that if I did not understand something, I had no one to translate it for me! I got confused a lot, but it was nice to practice my Japanese a bit.
In the beginning, the we also very formal. There was a lot of bowing and gift giving-but after that they seemed like a big family. Basically, H-Dad's brother lives in the house with the grandparents, his wife, and 3 children. They seem to get along very well.
If everyone in America has a hard time telling Japanese apart, I think it really goes both ways. Host-Uncle said I looked Like Princess Diana...lol. Yeah right! Very funny though.
Also, Tsuki-chan's cousin is so much calmer than him. He was very interested in me, and loved all my photos and fireworks videos I had on my cell phone. Tsuki-chan got a bit jealous, but it was refreshing to see a calmer kindergartner for once.
We had dinner, and then we went to sleep. The next day, Papa took me around his town, and we went to this awesome castle called Mastumoto-jo. It is the oldest castle of this type still standing, and it was basically amazing! We climbed all the way to the top, and it was an awesome view of the surrounding area. We then went to the adjacent museum for it....which cost like $6 to get in (which is expensive for museums here!) and it was a let down. As many of you know, one of my biggest pet peeves is when historical objects are not displayed or preserved correctly. They had some Jomon vessels (8000-3000 BC) literally out in the open for any child to touch! I was horrified!
After the museum, we explored a little and had lunch at a Soba shop which was pretty Delicious. We then returned home, where we decided to go to an Onsen (hot spring). I had not been to one here yet, so I was eager to go. They were surprised I wanted to go, because the exchange students in the past did not like the fact that you would be taking baths naked with strangers. But I wanted to try at least once. So off we went!
It was nice, but it really felt like a glorified bathtub. And it was indoors...but I have heard of nicer ones which I will try to get to in time. Host Aunt helped me out a lot with the procedure, which was very nice. :)
On our way back we went out to dinner, which was delicious. But I had eaten a lot that day already, so I was kind of full...as usual. After dinner, we loaded up the car and headed back. We got home at around midnight, but I still had Homework to do....so I really got to bed around 1:00 am. It was worth it though!
On another note, I have finalized my plans for going to Kyoto this winter break! I am very excited and am going to plan a long list of things I must see. Roxy from AK is coming as well, as well as 5 other people on my exchange should be fun!
It was my Host Dad's birthday yesterday, and I printed out and framed a picture of my Alaskan backyard than he liked so much. He seemed to like it! I was very happy. :)
Right O! We are actually going out to birthday dinner tonight! Very fun! See you guys later!
Last weekend was really busy and really fun!!!
First, on Friday, I went to a fancy mall with Asuka and Su. It was called the Ladaport, and it basically had a cruise ship theme- the pavement outside was rolled up and down like real waves! Basically, everything in the mall was super nice and super fun to look at. I especially enjoyed the various accessory shops! We ate lunch at a really cool European styled restaurant! I did not realize how much I missed silverware! (Using chopsticks is difficult!)
After the mall, we went down the street and did some good old Karaoke. Su and Asuka are such good singers! I am lucky if I can even hit the note...not that that stops me! After Karaoke, we then ate some dinner, and headed home.
When I got home, my Host-Mom (who I had not really seen in awhile.....She was gone overnight on Wednesday, I was gone late on Thursday because of Thanksgiving) and she asked if I would like to go to Nagano to visit my Host Dad's family for the weekend! (She could not go though, she had school).
I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but I had already made plans with another friend who I kept cancelling on....but I decided of course to go to Nagano. Nagano is about 3 hours north in the "country" and really reminded me a bit of anchorage because of all the mountains. It was very beautiful!
When we arrived at my H-Dad's family's home, I was struck by how traditional it was (compared to my H-mom's family home, which is more modern). Because we were a little more up north, it was kinda cold, and these old houses only have little in terms of heating. Basically, they have one room in the house that is warm because it has a heater and a Kotatsu (table that heats up and has a blanket over it). The other rooms have no heat, and are basically colder than the outside! Why central heating has not caught on yet I will never know....everything else here is very high tech!
My H-Dad's family is also very different than H-mom's- first of all, the spoke next to no English (except for my host-cousin, but I think he was too embarrassed to use it). This meant that if I did not understand something, I had no one to translate it for me! I got confused a lot, but it was nice to practice my Japanese a bit.
In the beginning, the we also very formal. There was a lot of bowing and gift giving-but after that they seemed like a big family. Basically, H-Dad's brother lives in the house with the grandparents, his wife, and 3 children. They seem to get along very well.
If everyone in America has a hard time telling Japanese apart, I think it really goes both ways. Host-Uncle said I looked Like Princess Diana...lol. Yeah right! Very funny though.
Also, Tsuki-chan's cousin is so much calmer than him. He was very interested in me, and loved all my photos and fireworks videos I had on my cell phone. Tsuki-chan got a bit jealous, but it was refreshing to see a calmer kindergartner for once.
We had dinner, and then we went to sleep. The next day, Papa took me around his town, and we went to this awesome castle called Mastumoto-jo. It is the oldest castle of this type still standing, and it was basically amazing! We climbed all the way to the top, and it was an awesome view of the surrounding area. We then went to the adjacent museum for it....which cost like $6 to get in (which is expensive for museums here!) and it was a let down. As many of you know, one of my biggest pet peeves is when historical objects are not displayed or preserved correctly. They had some Jomon vessels (8000-3000 BC) literally out in the open for any child to touch! I was horrified!
After the museum, we explored a little and had lunch at a Soba shop which was pretty Delicious. We then returned home, where we decided to go to an Onsen (hot spring). I had not been to one here yet, so I was eager to go. They were surprised I wanted to go, because the exchange students in the past did not like the fact that you would be taking baths naked with strangers. But I wanted to try at least once. So off we went!
It was nice, but it really felt like a glorified bathtub. And it was indoors...but I have heard of nicer ones which I will try to get to in time. Host Aunt helped me out a lot with the procedure, which was very nice. :)
On our way back we went out to dinner, which was delicious. But I had eaten a lot that day already, so I was kind of full...as usual. After dinner, we loaded up the car and headed back. We got home at around midnight, but I still had Homework to do....so I really got to bed around 1:00 am. It was worth it though!
On another note, I have finalized my plans for going to Kyoto this winter break! I am very excited and am going to plan a long list of things I must see. Roxy from AK is coming as well, as well as 5 other people on my exchange should be fun!
It was my Host Dad's birthday yesterday, and I printed out and framed a picture of my Alaskan backyard than he liked so much. He seemed to like it! I was very happy. :)
Right O! We are actually going out to birthday dinner tonight! Very fun! See you guys later!
8 comments:
I'm totally impressed by your onsen courage. (0o0;) I don't think I could ever, ever, ever try that, lol...
When you say you did a lot of bowing and gift-giving, what kinds of gifts are you talking about? What kind of stuff is appropriate?
Oh noes! Will someone please think of the Jomon vessels!
I also love your Random capitalization of words, ;p
Also, I need your Address!!!
the castle is so gorgeous!!! and i laughed at the princess diana comment.
You really do look like Princess Diana, I have always thought so!
I'm so glad you are getting to see so much. You didn't really get into a bath NAKED, did you? Not to be a puritan, but I prefer a towel, even when I'm alone. They do that up at Chena hot springs all the time - I have always been skeptical.
When I was in Russia, and Mexico, too, I saw the same thing - priceless stuff just sitting out in the open. Evidently the honor system works better in other countries than it does here.
We miss you Maddy!
M! You took a bath with a bunch of other people? THINK OF THE UNSANITARY THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING THERE! You go right now, Missy, and wishy-washy your whole body!
LMAO
I can't stand shaking hands with people and you're bathing with them.
Good for you to be so brave.
And I am glad you found a well-behaved little person to chill with for the weekend.
Princess Diana?!?! Alive!?!? Why is she standing next to Asuka and a Christmas tree?!?
Oh wait...thats just Maddy...my bad.
The Japan shopping mall you had mentioned is so interesting. Who would not want to shop in a place like that. Just imagine, you are enjoying the beautiful sight while you are having fun shopping.
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