JIP:
I did buy a few video games while I was overseas because they have a lot of stuff we’ll never get in the States plus they are all in Japanese so I thought it would be a good way for me to continue to practice! Sadly I haven’t picked them up in years now but they were very interesting and cute. Maybe I will for the 4 trips we’re taking this summer!
JIP:
One big event that we attended while in Japan was a dog show! During the “talent” aspect of it there were a lot of neat tricks and even funny little skits. Of course I didn’t understand all of it but this couple dressed up their dogs in famous movie attire like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars! Really freaking cute.
JIP:
As stereotypical as I might sound, sumo wrestling is very big in Japan. They even have tournaments in elementary school for all ages and sexes! The people would joke and ask if we’d like to try and when we answered yes though they’d laugh it off. =/ Too bad too because I’d have liked to!
JIP:
One thing I really loved about Japan is how they integrate nature. They take what’s already beautiful and there and build around it or within it instead of destroying it. Sure there are a lot of industrialized areas, but even in Tokyo I’d come across small shrines and parks hidden between giant buildings.
JIP:
I noticed there are a hell of a lot of smokers in Japan! There are even vending machines on the side of the road that lets you buy packs of cigarettes. Since I don’t smoke I never figured out how these machines check if you are of age, but to me it seems like they make it a little too easy for one to light up!
JIP:
When most people think of Japanese food they think of sushi. And by gods I wish that that was the majority of what Japanese people ate! I’d have loved sushi. I was only offered it once my entire three months there however. Most of the sushi that I did get to enjoy was bought at the grocery story of convenience store pre-packaged but made fresh that day.
JIP:
Being newly off of Weight Watcher’s it was somewhat hard to allow myself to eat the foods I’d normally avoid such as sugary drinks and pastries. I struggled with it until the end but I actually needed the calories since there was not much for me to eat. Here is a bottle of Calpis Water (my favorite un-carbonated soft-drink) and a chocolate bun. I actually split this with my roommate Kayla and to be honest it wasn’t that good!
JIP:
At Yamadera there was beautiful stonework everywhere. Hell there was beautiful everything! One thing that can’t be and will never be ruined for me about my experience in Japan is how beautiful it was. Breath taking is the words I’m looking for.
JIP:
Aww Japanese curry. <3 I lived off of you. It’s seriously the only style of curry I actually enjoy since it is traditionally very very mild. In fact, all the ones I’ve had have had no heat at all just a lovely curry flavor. I should make some soon!
