Back in the Jo

I had a feeling I would find my way back to Miyakonojo. I just didn’t think it would be quite this soon. But, here I find myself, about two-and-a-half months after my last trip, wandering incompetently throughout this relatively unknown Japanese town. It’s kind of a trip. And wander is kind of a lie. I just got in last night, and thought I’ve ventured to the vending machine for some excellent Japanese coffee, I have mostly been catching up on work and getting glimpses of the World Series on the TV guide channel.

You see, they do televise these games here, because of Daisuke and Matsui, but it’s only on cable, and Luke doesn’t have cable. But one of the channels is split into 16 tiny screens so you can see all broadcasts simultaneously. So, I am watching Rockies baseball players the size of ants take on the Red Sox in a tiny corner of the screen. And, since I can’t see the score, I have to check ESPN.com periodically for an update.

Anyhow, it’s strange to be back here – I mean, who visits Miyakonojo regularly? That’s right, no one. Except for me – driven by the desperation of a long distance relationship to spend thousands of dollars and travel thousands of miles. It’s kind of fun, though. I feel like a jet setter. Yesterday at the airport I felt quite experienced and important finding my way through the familiar routine of getting from one continent to the next. Even another foreigner sought my advice at the entrance to customs. I must look like I know what I am doing.

So, last night, Luke picked me up in Miyazaki – it was raining, of course, because it always rains whenever I go anywhere – and we made the short drive back to Miyakonojo. It’s definitely a lot different to visit this time. The weather is much, much better. Still humid, but a lot cooler. (I worry about having to readjust to the cold when I get home, but I guess it will be nice to be warm for a few more weeks, before I become a skiing popsicle on the slopes of Vail.)

It smells different, too. When I walked out this morning to get some coffee, it was the first thing I noticed. It must be the smell of fall, but it’s much sweeter here than it is in Colorado. Unlike the subtle dry, leafy odor we drink in all through October, this is pungent and thick. I like it though – it complemented well my peek into the temple grounds next door.

I’m not sure what I am going to do today. Luke is at work until late afternoon. He’s actually going to be working the whole time I’m here, which is probably good. I plan on spending the time working and studying for my GMAT. Yuck. But, it sounds like we have some weekend trips planned, and Luke has arranged an archery lesson for me! I am so excited for that.

Hopefully, I will be able to relax and get out a little more on this trip. Last time I was here I had so much work to do, and this short visit seems to have landed fortuitously in a small chunk of time between completion of a few projects and initiation of a few more. So, that’s good.

I think this concludes my first entry. Unless something fascinating happens to me on the way to the Lawson convenience store – you never know!

Sayonara, Part II

And a later date it is. The whole point of my story is now moot. I was trying to explain how my return tickets were for different days. I was to fly out of Miyazaki on August 13 and then out of Nagoya on the 16th. But, as it turns out, I was able to get a flight back to the states right away, so no dillydallying in Nagoya for me – thank goodness!

I suppose that wraps up my trip to Japan. My last week was spent hanging out in Miyakonojo and taking some daytrips with Luke. This adventure culminated in the biggest festival of the year, the Bonchi Matsuri (they must have known I was leaving!). For such an occasion, Luke and I decided to wear traditional Japanese clothing – a yukata, or summer kimono, for me, and a jimbe for Luke.

I was fitted for a yukata at a local kimono shop with some help from Yasue. After trying on a few different patterns, I settled on a dark red robe covered in sakura, or cherry blossoms, and a marigold obi belt.

In preparation for the festival, I put my hair up, as you’re traditionally supposed to do, and left plenty of time to get dressed. I thought it would take me a while to arrange the yukata and conquer the challenge of tying the obi belt, but I managed fine, and we were off to the matsuri.

Luke arranged for us to dance in the parade with the Miyakonojo International Association. We had about 10 minutes to learn the two dances, which no one in the group was really able to pick up. It involved a fan, fancy footwork and a bunch of clapping. I wasn’t too worried, though, as we were in a sea of people, so no one would notice if we were out of step.

I attempted to dance for a little while, but eventually resorted to just sort of walking in the back while fanning myself, running off to the side, every now and then, to snap a photo of Luke looking totally perplexed as he tried to follow the dance leader.

After the parade, we sampled all the festival food and watched performances and drumming in the streets. It was a fantastic way to cap off my trip.

On Sunday, I bought a few last minute souvenirs and packed up before heading out for my last taste of real Japanese sushi – for a while anyway.

But no worries, I think there is more Japan in my future – hopefully sooner than later.

Konichi Wa

My computer is finally configured to the Japanese network at Luke's apartment! I have been here for nearly a week now, but haven't been able to do anything online as my computer, like me, apparently does not speak Japanese. And then last night, all of a sudden, something clicked. I can only hope the same for myself - at present I am the intellectual equal of a Japanese infant.

Regardless, I really like it here so far. I am in Miyakonojo, a town of about 180,000 on Japan's southernmost major island, Kyushu. It is located in a predominantly agricultural valley surrounded by rolling hills that are covered in the thickest, darkest forests I have ever seen. I can only assume that the foliage is so dense here due to the incredible annual rainfall – outrageous amounts of which seem to be falling since I arrived.

Miyakonojo is located about an hour away from the coastal city of Miyazaki, the prefecture’s namesake. Miyazaki is known as the Japanese surfing Mecca, and while I haven’t spent time there yet, I did fly into their airport, which features a runway that comes straight in from the ocean.

Speaking of arrival, I got here on the evening of July 5 after about three plane rides and 20 hours of travel. Luke picked me up at the airport and we made the hour drive from Miyazaki to Miyakonojo. After getting settled in Luke’s apartment (a small one bedroom with a tiny kitchen and living area, the kind of bathroom where everything gets wet, a very cool tatami bedroom floor and a balcony that’s main purpose seems to be for hanging clothes to dry – not that they do ☺), we made our way down to an Izakaya . . .

(If you feel obligated to read my blog, then I am sorry for the long post. If this is occupying a part of your boring day at work, then by all means, read on. Regardless, this will probably be my longest entry since I have so much catching up to do!)

My understanding of Izakayas is that they are sort of the Japanese equivalent of an English pub. They are pretty mainstream, average restaurants located in every neighborhood as a gathering place for the locals. Anyhow, this is where I had my first Japanese meal of gyoza (dumplings, only these dumplings were wrapped in chicken wings!), salad and something else – I can’t remember exactly what, some mystery meats, I think (maybe tongue?). The owner set up a special plate for us since it was my first night in Miyakonojo.

On Friday Luke had to go to work – he teaches English in public schools through a government-sponsored program. I spent the day trying to catch up on work, despite my lack of connection. When Luke got home we took off sightseeing . . .