Here today, in London tomorrow, and off to Morocco the day after! I've been a busy bee, but I guess that's more or less status quo. Speaking of 'bees'---I've just learned this and wish to share it:
Did you know that bee pollen is a near perfect food? It contains twenty two amino acids (so is a good source of protein), twenty-seven minerals and all known vitamins, in particular the B vitamins, including the elusive B12. If you were stranded on a desert island, and had nothing but bee pollen and water you could survive.
Bee pollen is particularly agreeable because of its convenience: it tastes sweet like honey, so is easy to give to children and very good value too. Every time we get stressed in our daily lives, it depletes our B-vitamins; taking a spoonful or two of pollen is a great way to boost our reserves, help us get over the stress and start buzzing again!
The granules are gathered within the National Biosphere reserve of the Danube delta in Romania. The Danube delta is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Europe and is home to more than 5,500 species of flora and fauna - it was designated a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO in 1990. The delta is a pristine, pollution free environment, which is essential for the quality of the bee pollen.
A recommended dosage is to begin with one teaspoon of granules daily, and build up over days or weeks until you are noticing a definite boost in your energy levels! I’ve just bought some and I usually sprinkle it over my porridge each morning.
So YES I've been learning lots, and I daresay the past three months could even be considered a bit of an 'Elise enlightenment'; academics have been awesome, but I believe several successive successful completions of Sudoku puzzles and a homemade white Béchamel sauce are my two latest and greatest achievements! I'm also in the midst of writing my first report for Rotary International, and I thought you may enjoy reading my response to the following Q.---What are your first impressions of your host country and community?
I said:
At first glance England didn’t appear to be all that distinct from the United States. In fact, when I arrived I initially thought I’d adjusted quite quickly! Of course there were obvious divergences; here, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road and words are often pronounced differently or even carry alternative meanings. For example, when someone asks for “Lou” in the U.S. they are most likely looking for a person, where in England, the “loo” is an informal reference to the toilet! My hapless roommate from Maine made this inaugural mistake, and corrected a British gentleman saying “Oh no, my name’s Julia!”
It was only after a few weeks that I began to notice certain nuances, which compiled together, created a contrasting culture unique to anything I’ve ever encountered. And indubitably, almost everyday now I find I’m exposed to another dynamic dimension of ‘Englishness’ that catches me by surprise. These realizations stem from multiple sources, and have sometimes arisen out of embarrassing experiences due to previous erroneous assumptions. A brief word of caution to future travelers who are England bound; please note that ‘locker’ and ‘changing’ rooms do not necessarily refer to the same place. Where ‘locker’ facilities are almost always communal, the ‘changing’ areas are separated by sex.
Then, by far my favorite events in foreign countries are festivals; they simultaneously give great insight into illustrating a country’s historical traditions and contemporary culture. Every year on the 5th of November England celebrates Bonfire Night, which remembers an infamous fellow, Guy Fawkes, and his failed attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605. This narrative may sound vaguely familiar, as the recently released movie ‘V for Vendetta’ was roughly based on it. A little town called Lewes located twenty minutes by train from Brighton is said to be the best place for Bonfire Night, and this year I was there! The evening commenced with wild fanfare, where local men, women and children dressed head to toe in elaborate costumes and paraded through the streets carrying live torches and lighting a litany of firecrackers. Interspersed among the marchers were huge effigies filled with fireworks for the after party. Guy Fawkes of course is a consistent theme, and the other towering constructs annually change. This year George Bush and the late Steve Irwin were also represented, and I’m still asking myself exactly why. Post-parade people followed their favorite effigy into surrounding fields where they were then sparked aglow; burning alongside the most massive bonfire I’ve ever seen! The sticks were piled at least 15 feet high, and the hot blaze was felt from at least the same distance away. Since I’ve arrived in England this night has been my most memorable experience, and I can hardly wait to see what other fantastic festivals I’ll find myself mesmerized by in the near future.
Right-o, I'm off to University for a lecture and study session. Tonight's jazz and then I must get packing! Much love ya!
05 December 2006
13 October 2006
Bits and pieces from Brighton!
I've been here a day short of two weeks, and while initially I thought I'd transitioned terrifically in two days, I've now realized it'll take time. Superficially, England doesn't appear to be considerably altered from what I know. However, scratch the surface, and instantaneously there are inCREDible insights into a contrasting culture incomparable to another. Yes, I reckon that's more or less an obvious universal truth; but it seems I usually first seek similarities to ground my feet in foreign lands, and THEN delve into dynamic differences with an incessant inquiring mind.
Speaking of "scratching", I've been doing that to my head a lot and wondering: "why do the English seem overly concerned with fires?" We have weekly Friday drills at my flat, and Monday night I was at an event where we had to re-arrange the chairs three times to free the fire escape! Phrases perplex me sometimes too. In Japan I picked up a decent dose of lingo from British mates, but I'd never heard anyone say "have you a lighter up your bum cause they'll arrest you!" This was shouted aloud by a not-so-sober bystander while I ran by him on the boardwalk this afternoon.
Onto ale, apparently it’s kosher to drink all hours of the day! Pubs have people in them from 8 a.m., and in fact, most of my seminars are immediately followed by further informal chats with pints in pubs! Then, this may disappoint some, but I’ve become more or less a teetotaler. This could have been caused by sipping so much “sake” at endless “enkais” in Japan, and I guess that’s quite alright. Cheese has become my latest vice.
Meanwhile, meandering among the masses I’m hearing SO many languages. And when “espanol” or “nihongo” trickles in, I can’t HELP but to eavesdrop! I know this is ridiculously rude, and at times I’m discovered when I unconsciously answer a query with a quick reply. I’m a hopeless extrovert, always keen to converse, even and especially with complete strangers! It’s those unpredictable instances which often make my day. I love a sassy smirk, unwarranted wink, and raised eyebrows of suspicious surprise!
Finally, for all you savvy Skypters, I’ve finally joined up. I’m Elise54321 so save me to your contact list. Please send your details as well! Cheerio then, I’m off.
Speaking of "scratching", I've been doing that to my head a lot and wondering: "why do the English seem overly concerned with fires?" We have weekly Friday drills at my flat, and Monday night I was at an event where we had to re-arrange the chairs three times to free the fire escape! Phrases perplex me sometimes too. In Japan I picked up a decent dose of lingo from British mates, but I'd never heard anyone say "have you a lighter up your bum cause they'll arrest you!" This was shouted aloud by a not-so-sober bystander while I ran by him on the boardwalk this afternoon.
Onto ale, apparently it’s kosher to drink all hours of the day! Pubs have people in them from 8 a.m., and in fact, most of my seminars are immediately followed by further informal chats with pints in pubs! Then, this may disappoint some, but I’ve become more or less a teetotaler. This could have been caused by sipping so much “sake” at endless “enkais” in Japan, and I guess that’s quite alright. Cheese has become my latest vice.
Meanwhile, meandering among the masses I’m hearing SO many languages. And when “espanol” or “nihongo” trickles in, I can’t HELP but to eavesdrop! I know this is ridiculously rude, and at times I’m discovered when I unconsciously answer a query with a quick reply. I’m a hopeless extrovert, always keen to converse, even and especially with complete strangers! It’s those unpredictable instances which often make my day. I love a sassy smirk, unwarranted wink, and raised eyebrows of suspicious surprise!
Finally, for all you savvy Skypters, I’ve finally joined up. I’m Elise54321 so save me to your contact list. Please send your details as well! Cheerio then, I’m off.
29 August 2006
"Good To Have You Home"
We've grown up way too fast,
living day by day.
But the memories of the past,
will never fade away.
Maybe someday,
you'll decide to settle down.
But until then,
keep tracking new ground.
Think of all the places,
that you've traveled, unraveled.
The many faces met along the way.
We know that there are many places, you still have to roam.
But right now, it's just good to have you home.
Just think of all the years we've shared,
and how they've shaped our lives.
Helping each other,
get through our troubled times.
It's been such a long time,
since I have seen your face.
But now you're coming home,
And all I can say...is...
It's good to have you home.
Thank you brother for the beautiful song! I love you.
living day by day.
But the memories of the past,
will never fade away.
Maybe someday,
you'll decide to settle down.
But until then,
keep tracking new ground.
Think of all the places,
that you've traveled, unraveled.
The many faces met along the way.
We know that there are many places, you still have to roam.
But right now, it's just good to have you home.
Just think of all the years we've shared,
and how they've shaped our lives.
Helping each other,
get through our troubled times.
It's been such a long time,
since I have seen your face.
But now you're coming home,
And all I can say...is...
It's good to have you home.
Thank you brother for the beautiful song! I love you.
14 May 2006
JET reflections
Dear 2006-7 In-bound JETs,
Greetings and WELCOME to Aomori! By now you've probably realized you'll soon be living in Honshu's most northern prefecture: nationally noted for the Nebuta festival, redelicious apples, and labyrinth-like snow banks.
Some of you have already had extensive experience with Japan - its language and culture, while others are wondering what exactly to expect. I was part of the latter group. When I arrived in August of 2003 my Japanese repertoire consisted of two words, Konnichiwa and Sayonara, and I'd only eaten sushi once - California Rolls - (if that counts) while visiting a mate in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
So yes, my arrival was accompanied by several surprises! And during the first few hours in Aomori, I believe I committed at least four faux pas. I offered a hearty handshake to my supervisor as he graciously bowed, and narrowly missed jabbing him in the head, then got into the driver's side of his Toyota minutes later, continually confused "dozo" (after you, or here you are) with "domo" (thanks) on the ride to my apartment, and raced into my new home completely unaware that the "indoor shoe rule" also applied to houses!
By now I'm quite confident you're not only questioning my competence, but probably also wondering how I've managed to survive abroad in Japan for three years. I don't deny some days have been difficult, but they've been equally met with great growth - both personally and professionally. I've acquired tangible skills, some more useful than others. I'm now able to successfully drive manual on the left-hand side of the road, sit "seiza" style for sixty minutes, fold paper cranes, and most recently, I realized I've reached a language level proficient enough to joke in Japanese! It's a wonderful feeling to have people laughing "with" versus "at" you. Although, the second still happens sometimes too! And that's perfectly okay.
I've learned how to listen more and talk less, practice greater patience, and balance ideals from a culture I've grown up in, with another culture I continue to identify myself more with! Although I'm in Japan "teaching English", much of my time is spent listening: to colleagues who wish to impart their knowledge, students who want to share their stories, smiling strangers at the supermarket, and children in my neighborhood eager to say "hello" and then spout their favorite English expressions.
I've also found that living abroad requires much patience. It sometimes takes double or triple the time to complete day-to-day tasks, which is initially frustrating, but eventually becomes a favorite memory. Seeing Tamura-san, the "scooter man", to repair my Yamaha ride at times entails an entire afternoon! He loves to babble in Tsugaru-ben while I sip Georgia coffee. And, when the can's empty he brings out the Ghana dark chocolate - a love I cannot resist. All who know me well can attest to that!
While fully expressing myself in Japanese continues to be a challenge, understanding indirect communication has been even more perplexing! My colleague, Mikami-sensei, refers to it as "spiral speech". It took many months before I was able to deduce that "it might be difficult", "maybe" and "I'm not sure" = "no". Communicating effectively in Japanese involves intuition, and the ability to read between the lines. Relaying direct information isn't the superlative goal. Rather, emphasis is placed on the intention, delivery and reception of that information. I've come to both respect and utilize this approach when speaking to someone I don't know very well, or to be diplomatic in discussing delicate issues.
In the past three years I've also had a plethora of awesome adventures! I've discovered new pastimes, developed others, and devoted the remainder of my time to Take-san - the best Shiatsu masseuse in Aomori! He's miraculous. Talk to Natalia upon arrival for details. I've turned snowboard silly and Thai Chi crazy. I've tooted my flute in the Aomori orchestra, jumped & jived in jazz dance, thrown pots in my ceramic class, and taken my trek roadie on long rides with Aomori's die hard cyclist clan! My most gratifying experiences have derived from these opportunities and personal friendships. They've offered me a genuine glance of Japan.
To each of you I wish the best of luck! I hope your time on the JET programme will be as fulfilling as mine has been. Before you arrive be sure to keep in close contact with your predecessor; they are your greatest resource, and can answer all of your questions. Come with an open mind and an enthusiastic spirit and I've no doubts you'll fare well. Ganbatte!
Cheers,
Elise
Toyama H.S.
Greetings and WELCOME to Aomori! By now you've probably realized you'll soon be living in Honshu's most northern prefecture: nationally noted for the Nebuta festival, redelicious apples, and labyrinth-like snow banks.
Some of you have already had extensive experience with Japan - its language and culture, while others are wondering what exactly to expect. I was part of the latter group. When I arrived in August of 2003 my Japanese repertoire consisted of two words, Konnichiwa and Sayonara, and I'd only eaten sushi once - California Rolls - (if that counts) while visiting a mate in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
So yes, my arrival was accompanied by several surprises! And during the first few hours in Aomori, I believe I committed at least four faux pas. I offered a hearty handshake to my supervisor as he graciously bowed, and narrowly missed jabbing him in the head, then got into the driver's side of his Toyota minutes later, continually confused "dozo" (after you, or here you are) with "domo" (thanks) on the ride to my apartment, and raced into my new home completely unaware that the "indoor shoe rule" also applied to houses!
By now I'm quite confident you're not only questioning my competence, but probably also wondering how I've managed to survive abroad in Japan for three years. I don't deny some days have been difficult, but they've been equally met with great growth - both personally and professionally. I've acquired tangible skills, some more useful than others. I'm now able to successfully drive manual on the left-hand side of the road, sit "seiza" style for sixty minutes, fold paper cranes, and most recently, I realized I've reached a language level proficient enough to joke in Japanese! It's a wonderful feeling to have people laughing "with" versus "at" you. Although, the second still happens sometimes too! And that's perfectly okay.
I've learned how to listen more and talk less, practice greater patience, and balance ideals from a culture I've grown up in, with another culture I continue to identify myself more with! Although I'm in Japan "teaching English", much of my time is spent listening: to colleagues who wish to impart their knowledge, students who want to share their stories, smiling strangers at the supermarket, and children in my neighborhood eager to say "hello" and then spout their favorite English expressions.
I've also found that living abroad requires much patience. It sometimes takes double or triple the time to complete day-to-day tasks, which is initially frustrating, but eventually becomes a favorite memory. Seeing Tamura-san, the "scooter man", to repair my Yamaha ride at times entails an entire afternoon! He loves to babble in Tsugaru-ben while I sip Georgia coffee. And, when the can's empty he brings out the Ghana dark chocolate - a love I cannot resist. All who know me well can attest to that!
While fully expressing myself in Japanese continues to be a challenge, understanding indirect communication has been even more perplexing! My colleague, Mikami-sensei, refers to it as "spiral speech". It took many months before I was able to deduce that "it might be difficult", "maybe" and "I'm not sure" = "no". Communicating effectively in Japanese involves intuition, and the ability to read between the lines. Relaying direct information isn't the superlative goal. Rather, emphasis is placed on the intention, delivery and reception of that information. I've come to both respect and utilize this approach when speaking to someone I don't know very well, or to be diplomatic in discussing delicate issues.
In the past three years I've also had a plethora of awesome adventures! I've discovered new pastimes, developed others, and devoted the remainder of my time to Take-san - the best Shiatsu masseuse in Aomori! He's miraculous. Talk to Natalia upon arrival for details. I've turned snowboard silly and Thai Chi crazy. I've tooted my flute in the Aomori orchestra, jumped & jived in jazz dance, thrown pots in my ceramic class, and taken my trek roadie on long rides with Aomori's die hard cyclist clan! My most gratifying experiences have derived from these opportunities and personal friendships. They've offered me a genuine glance of Japan.
To each of you I wish the best of luck! I hope your time on the JET programme will be as fulfilling as mine has been. Before you arrive be sure to keep in close contact with your predecessor; they are your greatest resource, and can answer all of your questions. Come with an open mind and an enthusiastic spirit and I've no doubts you'll fare well. Ganbatte!
Cheers,
Elise
Toyama H.S.
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