Home is just another word for you (Japan - Tokyo, Sydney)

And thank you to Billy Joel for the last post of this series.

Our last Tuesday began calmly, but became quite hectic.  Mr Onda picked us up at 9am for the drive to Nagoya train station and Kocho sensei Kato and Mr Anbo were in the support vehicle with our bags.  It was very generous of Mr Kato and the other teachers to spend the day with us. We had some time to kill before lunch and shopping was the order of the day.  There is a major shopping centre at the train station.  I continued my, unsuccessful quest, to purchase a GoPro.  The value just wasn't there.  I also tried to buy 19 X 2 gig USBs so I could load the photos onto then and give one to each of the students.  Again, prices precluded this from happening.  They had sold out of 2gb drives, but could sell be the 4gb version for $12 each.  Seriously?  No way.

On the back of that failed attempt we headed for the big shopping centre and purchased a few more pressies for the folks at home.  Then it was lunch - and the one thing I hadn't really eaten this time in Japan - tempura.  We listened to the advice of our Japanese counterparts and allowed them to order our lunch.  Unfortunately, it came with Miso soup, so that part of the set went untouched.  The rest of it was delightful, from the tempura to a little seafood pudding to dessert.

After lunch it was back to the cars to collect our bags and into the station to meet the students and farewell the host families.  Surprisingly everyone was either early on right on time, although extricating the students from the goodbyes took a little longer than anticipated.  We divided the students into three groups (with Jayne as sweeper) and made a staged attempt to get to the other side of the barrier and onto the platform.  All went well until the lead group headed for the wrong platform and Mr Anbo led my group to the correct one and went back to get the others. Confusion reigned supreme for a while, but we were united shortly after.

Mr Kato, Mr Onda and Mr Anbo had purchase platform tickets and came upstairs to wait with us.  The platforms have clear markings on them denoting the carriage number and where the doors will open.  Again, we divided the students into 3 groups so that we could access 3 doors to get onto the Shinkansen.  22 people with large bags was never going to be a smooth transition from platform to train.  The train was, of course, on-time.  We made our way to our designated doors and clambered aboard, lugging our bags behind us.  22 people in the aisle of the train trying to get past each other with huge bags in tow created a traffic jam - but we managed to sort it out.  This was the top Shinkansen that could reach speeds of up to 300kmh.  Awesome.

In Tokyo we had to transfer to the Narita express train and we had only 30 minutes to get off the Shinkansen, negotiate the Tokyo train station and find the the right platform with 18 students.  Jayne and I assumed the sweeper, or sheep-dog role, to keep everyone moving.  It was crowded and it was necessary to stop a few times to regroup, but we made it.  The Narita train actually had some baggage spaces at the end of the cabin which made life a little easier.

And then we were at Narita.  There was a brief discussion around whether we would go straight through migration or eat on the outside.  I wanted everyone straight through so we didn't have to worry.  Once on the other side there was nowhere to go.

Our plane was another 747 and it was filled to capacity which meant seat swapping became problematic because we were spread across both sides of the plane from row 54 to 75.  I was not particularly thrilled by this and will be taking it up with our travel agent.  Like, the flight over, it was a night flight, which meant we were fed and then it was time for sleep.  We were flying into a very strong headwind and there was a bit of turbulence as a result and we were 30 minutes late getting into Sydney.

The landing was one of the best I've experienced.  Well done to the pilot. Customs was negotiated quite quickly and our 18 students were with family members and heading home within a short space of time.

"Thank you" never really seems enough when you are responding to Japanese hospitality, but they are the only words we have.  To the teachers and the parents and other members of the Toyota Otani community who made a exchange such a memorable one - thank you - and we look forward to returning the compliment to you in Australia next year.

This will be my last post until January when Jayne and I will be driving to Mornington again for our Christmas break.  Until then, take care ...

(oh) what a feeling (Japan - Toyota, Asuke)

With a nod to the Toyota jingle and a link to the movie Flashdance.  Both are relevant on our last official day in Toyota.  Later today we are visiting the Toyota factory to see where my new car was born.  Then, this evening at the Farewell Party, Matt will be dancing as a part of the entertainment.  And because Jeremy, Brianna and Sarah wanted a shout out, here you go #shout out.  Brianna’s performance on the bus today with her plastic trumpet was sublime.  #Not really.

The 'shout out' crowd

First stop today, after Toyota Otani, was the Toyota factory – well, one of them, there are many.  We had a guided tour and saw the production of the Estima, Crown and MarkX.  It was absolutely amazing, an incredible mix of automated  and human production.  Interestingly, there were no photos allowed and we couldn’t take cameras, phones or any electronic devices into the factory. 

From there we went to the Toyota museum, although it wasn’t a museum as we would expect.  There was only one old model car, the rest were current production models of Toyota and Lexus.  The 86 was there in boring white and a stunning yellow 2-door Lexus sports car worth around $375,000.  There was also a Lexus bike, carbon, of course, Di2 dura ace with dura ace wheels.  No price tag that I could see, but it’s higher speced (bike talk for specifications) than my bike, so I’d think around the $10,000 mark.  The gift shop had a limited edition model 86 GT for ¥155,000.  I was not permitted to purchase it L.  I did buy a smaller cheaper version that cost about $6 and picked up some red, glow-in-the-dark-red, Toyota branded golf balls for dad.

Random fact: you are never far from a hair dresser, there seems to be one on every second corner – and on the other corner there is a 7-Eleven or a Family mart.

Onto the bus to head for the traditional Japanese village. *sigh* It is going to take about an hour.  An hour of Brianna’s trumpet, Sarah’s ukulele and Jeremy’s singing.

The village we visited was called Asuke, it was like the former Old Sydney Town.  There were houses where artisans practised the traditional way of doing things, from paper making to weaving, blacksmithing, wood-carving and umbrella making.  While our entry was being negotiated we gathered around the token cow of the village and watched as Claudia and Jeremy tried to pat it.  Every time they got close the cow moved its head and its apparently sharp horns towards them, resulting in a lot of screaming.  Activity time, and the students either made paper or a wooden toy.  Then it was free time to explore the village while our hosts took us to lunch.  After everything had been explored, including the souvenir shop and vending machine , it was back to the bus for the journey back to Toyota Otani, the Farewell party and my last official duty, the farewell speech.

A black butterfly

Making postcards

The postcard

Crafting a toy

The party commenced close to 5pm with the usual round of speeches.  Mr Kato delivered his speech in English in response to me giving my opening speeches in Japanese.  I spoke in English this time with Kayo translating because my Japanese is so woeful.  Mr Kato presented me with the gift for the school, a beautiful decorated and lacquered box.  

Following this the Otani students performed some musical pieces, a choir followed by the band with the finale bringing the two together.  Then, the return of the dancers that we saw at the Welcome party.  All very talented students, it has certainly put the pressure on Gilroy and what we will be doing next year.

The singers in traditional costume

The Gilroy students responded very well, first with a dance piece by Matt.  Then he backed up to sing a duet with Emily with Jasmine accompanying them - Hallelujah - one of my favourite songs.  They did brilliantly.  To conclude we had the comedy trio of Ryan, Pat and Brett doing that Wiggles classic, Fruit Salad.  And then, food.  Lots of food.  It was a veritable feast.

The final formalities went to the PTA president who bestowed more presents on all of us.  Then Mr Ito, the resident Marty Brannan (photographer) gave us all a personalised CD with copies of all the photographs that he took while we were here.  There was many hours of work in this present and the Gilroy students clearly appreciated his contribution.  Then we were presented with gifts from the teachers who had chaperoned us during our visits - Christmas is not so bountiful as this...

Lots of goodbyes, lots of photographs and the night was over around 7:30.  All that remained was to go home and try to pack.  I had been hopeful we'd have more room in our bags on the way home because we had all the presents for our hosts on the way over, but we have received more presents than we have given out.  As I write this, I have just finished re-organising the bags.  Everything fits, just.

Tomorrow is Nagoya, shopping, the Shinkansen to Tokyo, a train to Narita and home with the flying kangaroo.  A few prayers to keep the typhoons at bay would be appreciated.  The next blog will be Wednesday or Thursday from Sydney.

Arigatou gozaimashita and sayonara.

Stares and whispers, wherever I go (Japan - Toyota)

And so commences the recollection of our weekend in Toyota and some random things I've learned about Japan this trip.  I apologise for the time-shifting that will occur in this post. I am writing on Sunday afternoon and will possibly add to it this evening as well.

Jayne maintained that people keep looking at us, and it's true, there are not a lot of westerners in this part of Japan so we are a bit of a curiosity.  Certainly there is nothing as disarming as a the stare of a curious child - and I felt that this morning as we walked over the bridge towards Toyota Stadium.

To return now to chronology, yesterday we slept late (well, for us) and went to breakfast at 8:45.  Brett arrived shortly after.  He was going into the school for some tennis and then an afternoon of sight-seeing with some of the younger teachers.  We (OK, I, but Jayne came with me) went in search of the EDION store because I knew it had electronics and I was determined to get a Gopro while I'm over here.  After a couple of minor detours we found the store, it is bright and colourful and incredibly noisy.  Two floors of electronics, phones, cameras, toys, fridges and other household appliances, including toilet seats - the bidet kind, and a "personal toilet" for the train or plane.  The picture looked interesting.

Random fact: they love to use over-sized animals as advertising, but sometimes the association is not so clear.

Outside a store that sells 'western' gear

A car service centre

I'm guessing a dental practice

Much like my shopping expeditions in Tokyo, this one ended in the same fashion - no purchase.  The price was ¥43050 and even after the 10% tax discount it is still the same undiscounted price in Australia.  It's cheaper duty free in Sydney. After amusing ourselves with the vast of array of goods, we commenced the walk back to the hotel - this time all downhill.

Random fact: you are never far from a vending machine in Japan. They are as common as ATMs in Australia.

Thirsty?

Back in the hotel, I read the SMH online to see what was happening in Australia and cleared some emails caught up with a few other things.  It was a pleasant way to while away the afternoon before the night's exploratory walk to locate dinner.  Being without our resident translator, Kayo, made this a little challenging.  We walked up the main street toward the station and checked out the possibilities.  Finally, we settled upon an Italian place in T-Face, one of the big shopping centres. The food was good and the wine list in Japanese, so I pointed to one and lucked a passable French Chablis.  Wine is still in its infancy over here, although you can purchase it from just about about any country.  We did see a bottle of Yellowtail for ¥980, that's about $11 Australian.  No, we didn't buy it. Respect please.  I wouldn't drink it at home, so I certainly wouldn't drink it in a foreign country.

Random fact: bikes are left anywhere and everywhere, many of them unlocked.

Whilst wandering around yesterday I saw my new car 8 times.  Despite the fact that is was Saturday there kids everywhere in school uniform.  Cram school is very popular over here and the students are required to wear their regular school uniform.  They were even sighted on Sunday.

Random fact: there are phone booths everywhere, but I've never seen one being used.

Sunday morning was another cruisey start to the day, although as a dedicated waterbed man I'm finding the beds a tad on the hard side and my ribs are a little sore.  Jayne described the bed in Tokyo as having all the give of an ironing board.  We saw both Kayo and Brett at breakfast.  They were heading to Nagano, the site of the previous Tokyo Olympic games. We were doing ... not much of anything J

After breakfast we went for a little walk - for 2 and a half hours.  I checked out google maps and found a reservoir that was basically a straight walk from the hotel.  Water bottles in the backpack and we set off.  We walked over the bridge towards the stadium.  

The scaffolding is where it is being repainted

Men fishing in the river

All roads seemed to lead in this direction today, the bridge was crowded with young families, many pushing prams.  Past the stadium we went and through the next suburb, on to the reservoir.  The walk took not quite an hour.  The reservoir itself was low on water so I assume that it is fed by the snow and dries towards the end of summer.

A shrine at the reservoir

Not a fish caught - although one did get away

There were a number of men fishing, but no-one had any luck while we were there, although one of them will be going home a great story.  The rod was bending magnificently before the fish took the hook and disappeared into the deep.

Random fact: In Tokyo the pavements are marked with keep left signs and pretty much everyone does. It Toyota there are no signs and everyone stays to the right.

After watching hopefully, but unsuccessfully, for a catch we began the walk back to the hotel.  About half-way we could hear crackers being set off, whistles and drums and people chanting.  Not quite sure what it was all about, but the pictures are below.

The crowd at the stadium had grown larger, although the traffic into it had dissipated somewhat.  We thought we would check out what was happening.  Even after having walked though the exhibits and the crowds, I'm still not sure.  There were posters for 'truck safety' but that didn't seem to match the exhibits.  There were jumping castles and a host of interactive things for the kids to do - hence all the children heading there in the morning.  There were queues for everything except the toilets (take note Australia).  There was the usual person in a costume, Jayne said "do you want to cuddle the stuffed animal?" and I put my arms around her.  Well, she was tired and a bit red faced, we had been walking for a while.

The queue to sit in a fork-lift. No, really.

The re-turfing is finished

Back onto the bridge and towards the hotel, when Jayne noticed plenty of action on the floodplain beside the levee bank.  I don't know what this activity/sport is called, but it is akin to a tight-rope except the talented young man were actually bouncing on it and using it like a trampoline.

And so I spent the afternoon writing this blog and emailing Australia, hi Joy, before we go out for a late lunch/early dinner, back to the Italian restaurant to eat pizza.  I have long held the belief that pizza is THE international food.  I have eaten it in Australia (naturally), England, Italy, France, the United States, Spain and today I will add Japan to the list.

Random fact: the urban areas of Japan are all about function, not form.  While the older buildings maintain that beautiful balance between timber and other materials, the modern blocks are relatively colourless.

The night is here and with it a victory by a rugby league team in Australia that few people really care about.  If New Zealanders were asked to leave the country the eastern suburbs would be decimated and so would their football team.  That said, congratulations to the victors.  A well deserved win.

Everybody was kung fu fighting (Japan - Toyota)

OK, it wasn't kung fu, but I don't know of any ninja songs.

The return to an 8am start was welcome after yesterday’s long day.  The weather forecast has changed as the typhoon moved further away from us and what was a forecast for heavy rain has now been reduced to cloud and possible showers. We have a great deal of time on the bus again today as we travel to the ninja village.  However, I’m getting ahead of myself dear reader, the day begins with a calligraphy class.

Roll call ... sort of

Curiously the images on the board stay the same for each visit

 The class was set up with the special paper and ink and the teacher had already drawn a number of different cunji symbols on paper for the Gilroy students to copy.  She then demonstrated the significance of making a stroke on the paper on a special board.  Water was used for the demonstration and as the board dried the symbol disappeared.  This fascinated the students and Kayo was most excited.  I think we will be making a few purchases for the Gilroy classrooms as a result of this demonstration.

Demonstration and translation

The special board

Ciaran, Stephanie and the Japanese teacher

The students approached their task seriously, in the main, until Brianna started asking questions about whether there was a cunji for ‘swag’, ‘cool’ and ‘fried chicken’.  Brett was the only Gilroy teacher who tackled the ink and paper and produced some very good work.  Jean enjoys the dubious title of the first person to get ink on clothes – it was only a spot.

Brett and the Otani students

Ninjas at the lunch venue

It happened at the end of the calligraphy class, the word I was dreading, bus.  The ninja village was a 90 minute drive L.  The mood on board was subdued in comparison with yesterday, some of them were positively quiet – I think the hectic pace was beginning to take its toll.  That was until the 1 hour mark when some of the students began to get restless.  With the restlessness the noise level rose and culminated in the singing of “100 bottles of beer on the wall”.  Fortunately for us at 92 bottles we pulled into a service centre for lunch.  The good news, it stopped the song, the bad is that we were going to have to eat again and tonight is the big dinner with the PTA.  After surveying the menu 3 of us opted for fried chicken and rice.  The set also came with miso soup which we left untouched.

The ninja village is a strange set-up.  The shop where you get changed into the ninja gear is about a 300 metres from the ninja village and across a main road.  We would have looked really stupid in our outfits except that we were ninjas and no-one could see us.  The students breezed through the ninja museum, sadly, because I found it quite interesting although I didn’t get to read as much as I would have liked.  From there we went to the ninja house to see how the hidden compartments and secret passages operated.  For those of you old enough it was like being in an episode of Shintaro and I was Tombay the Mist.  Google it kids, better still try youtube, you never know.

The next activity was throwing ninja stars, real metal ninja stars.  As the young set say, swag.  We decided that we had a new use for the cricket nets at school.  Although I’m not sure it would take off in a safety-conscious nanny-state like New South Wales.  Normally we would leave the village but the teachers from Toyota arranged for the ninja show to be brought forward a few minutes so that we could attend.  It went for about 30 minutes and featured 2 carefully choreographed ninjas using a variety of real weapons.  It was interesting and I have a new-found respect for chopsticks as a weapon.

Ordinary chopsticks!

Brett in action

The real deal

Back on the bus for the journey home.  The kids were generally quiet and there was some napping.  However, the ninja show had made us late and we didn’t get back to the hotel until 5:45 which gave us exactly no time to change and be back downstairs to head to Mr Naito’s restaurant for dinner with the PTA and staff by 6pm.  Sadly, the father of one of the teachers had died during the day and Mr Kato, the principal and AP versions, were unable to attend.

The food was as fabulous as I remembered it and the saki kept flowing all night.  Just when you thought things were wrapping up another set of dishes would arrive.  Sashima: tuna and kingfish, prawns, sushi, meatballs, skewers of different varieties, it seemed endless.  It was a wonderfully relaxed and enjoyable evening.  Mr Ito was the life of the party and once again Brett and Miss Kajima came in for some good-natured ribbing.  Our host, My Naito was busy all evening ensuring we all had plenty to eat and drink.  The president of the PTA talked to me about his children’s experiences at Gilroy and the fact that he has hosted a Gilroy student for the last 3 exchange programs.  Presents were exchanged and the Gilroy key rings seemed to be the prized possession.

At the end of the evening Mr Naito told us it was to dangerous to walk back to the hotel for fear of pirates – he meant kidnappers.  I’ve never felt so safe anywhere, but he was keen to walk with us so that he could show us more hospitality.  We hadn’t walked 100 metres from the restaurant when he stopped at a Japanese pub and he ordered drinks and more food.  It was great to chat with him about his time in Australia and the importance the exchange program has in his life.  While we were talking I expressed my like for the rice crackers we were nibbling with our Asahi.  He momentarily disappeared and returned with 4 packets of the snack, one for each of us.  That really sums up Japanese hospitality and we could learn something from it – it is that concept of the other, rather than self that sometimes is lost in western society.

Another long day was at an end as we walked to our room around 10:30pm.  Thankfully, we all have the weekend free – except for Brett, he is going out with the young teachers – this is a first as it doesn’t sit well with Japanese hospitality, but we are most grateful.  There will be a post of the weekend’s laid back activities – late on Sunday, I think.