Noah

June 15

This marks my last night in America for the time being. After several runs between the two houses, I am all packed and ready to go. Tomorrow I will leave my house at 6:00 am to go to Japan! It still seems surreal that I will spend sixteen days in a foreign country using a language that I have spent three intense years learning. And I will do it all with some of my best friends! The excitement that I feel is overwhelming. After a week of travel, I will settle down with Asuka, who I hosted this year, and his family in Niigata.

As I turn the lights off for one last night in Western society for the next sixteen days, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our trip! We literally would not go without each an every one of your donations. I'm sure that this trip will exceed each and every one of my expectations! I will update the blog as often as possible. See you all when I get back!

June 17

After a long day of travel, I currently sit in the common area at the Tokyo Central Youth Hostel. The plane ride was long, but ultimately worth it to be able to live and breathe in Japan for a short while. Two hours in the airport changing currency and purchasing transport tickets and four trains later, we ended up at the Hostel and are all settled in. A quick dinner at Mos Burger filled my aching stomach with a unique teriyaki burger. Another highlight of tonight is that I had my first Japanese bathing experience. It was definitely different, but I found it more relaxing and satisfying. I am exhausted, so off I go to get rest for a busy day tomorrow.

June 18

From the moment I woke up this morning, I did not sit down for more than 20 minutes. Today was filled with a beautiful morning adventure to Meiji Shrine, which consisted of walking through an amazing nature preserve with an iris flower pool and led to viewing the shrine itself. The shrine was incredibly  awe-inspiring; I even participated in a Shinto prayer ritual.

On one of the countless trains, which are much cleaner and more efficient than their American cousins, I was able to make conversation with an English teacher in Tokyo. It was a nice first conversation because he was able to help where I couldn't understand. My goal is to build each day on the amount and level of conversations I have with Japanese people.

Later in the day we went to Harajuku for lunch and shopping. Harajuku is the Japanese equivalent of an American strip mall, but is instead a several block long street lined with shops an both sides. Nothing was terribly elegant, but the stores and signs spoke to the trends of Japanese culture and their different advertising techniques. 
Dinner went by in a flash at the Hostel, and before I could wash my face, we were off again to see a street famous for architecture. However, on this after-dinner adventure, my fatigue caught up to me and caused the night to be a blur. One nice bath later, and I am sitting in the common area writing. This day was jam packed, and I can't imagine doing it again for the next while over and over again. I can't wait for what the future will bring.

June 19

Today was even more active than yesterday. In the morning, we went to the Ueno National Museum to look at historic Japanese art. The museum was huge and I learned tons about Japanese history. For lunch and shopping, we went to Ame Yokocho, which was another busy strip mall type street.  I ate an interesting meal at a local noodle shop: squid tempura udon noodle. It was delicious. I am glad that I was was brave enough to try it. After lunch, I had another conversation in which I conversed with two Japanese women about this trip and our upcoming travel plans.

We later ventured to the Tokyo Zoo, which was similar to the average American zoo. The highlight of the zoo was the panda, which I've never seen in person. Dinner was back at the youth hostel. From there, we rushed to the Tokyo Skytree, which was my site report. Although I fell asleep on the floor, it was incredible while I was awake. The views were amazing, and allowed me to see Tokyo from a different angle. The elevator was smooth and the structure was strong. Truly an engineering marvel. Now I sit here blogging and yawning, so off I go to bed. Oyasuminasai. 

June 20

Today consisted of a move from Tokyo to Nikko. After a quick thirty-minute breakfast, we ran down to the trains and got on our way. We were prepared for rush-hour crowds, but did not end up encountering them. Once we were out of the rapid transit system (miraculously we did not lose anyone or their luggage), we settled down in a two-hour train ride through the countryside, which was beautiful and different from Tokyo. There was green all around us all the time. It was a beautiful and relaxing train ride. Then we checked into our next hotel in Nikko, which is traditional Japanese style, and left for our next destination.

The collection of 15 Buddhist temples filled up our afternoon. They were the most gorgeous architectural, artistic, and intricate structures I have ever seen. The backdrop of an untouched misty mountain forest only made the scene more perfect. While exiting from the first temple, I dropped a 1 yen coin, which is the aproximate equivalent of 1 cent. As I was walking over to retrieve it, an old woman bent down to do so for me. I proceeded to thank her. After I did, we had a small conversation about me and the trip. She then began to tell me a short Japanese morality tale. I will translate it as best as I can: "If you drop one yen and neglect to pick it up because you say, 'that's stupid I'll leave it,' and then you need that one yen later, you will cry about it."  Her message was that just because it is a small amount of money, does not mean that it is not important to keep. That was my favorite part of the day. I felt that I had communicated well and gained an old Japanese lesson of wisdom.

As I explained earlier, yesterday was filled with the most incredibly serene and awesome environment I have ever been to. Ever. Pictures do not come anywhere close to capturing it. The smell, feel, sounds, and visuals each contributed to the environment as a whole. It felt fitting that it was raining while we were there. The rain added a dimension of divinity and mystery, which contributed to the potent character of the environment. 

Now I'm off to bed again, to sleep as long as possible for another predictably busy tomorrow. Goodnight!

P.S.
I did not have Internet when I wrote this last night, hence the delay.

June 21

Today we went to Edo Mura, a recreated samurai village. The goal was to give a feeling of actually living in the time period. From the smells to the townspeople walking about, it felt like a real place. I can say that I know how it feels to be an Edo period Japanese person. My favorite part of the day was the ninja show in which many clever stunts and effects took place. I also enjoyed the maze which was so much more intricate and confusing than any maze I could have imagined. It included trap doors and moving walls.

Next we journeyed to an outdoor onsen; a naturally spring-fed bath intended for relaxation. I have never experienced anything so truly serene as bathing outdoors. It made me feel in touch with nature, which was comforting and enjoyable. I also felt renewed and healthy once out of the onsen because of the healing warmth and soothing minerals.

June 22

This morning we awoke early to venture to a gorgeous waterfall via sketchy bus and scenic gondola. We got both a far away and a close up view, which gave perspective to its size and power. The beauty of the rock face and greenery combined with the speed and intensity of the falling water inspired the photographer within me. Thankfully, I was able to steal Katie's camera and get some awesome shots of my surroundings.

To end the day, we took a long four-hour nature hike through the wooded hills of Nikko. For a large portion of the walk, I decided to walk alone to self-reflect and ease my busy and exhausted brain. The hike did not feel like four hours because of how relaxed and satisfied I felt throughout its duration.

June 23

Today we took a Japanese bullet train from Nikko to Hiraizumi. It was quieter, faster, and smoother than I had expected. The interior looked like an airplane. After the train ride, we went to an old temple from the 800's. It was not as awe inspiring or breath taking as the ones from Nikko, but I still enjoyed them. They were more calming, which has been the theme of the last few days. This as tired as I've been all trip, so I'm off to bed.

June 24

Today we went to another old temple ground with several national treasures. It was also from the 800's. My favorite part was a gold leafed shrine building. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures, but I will never forget its beauty, elegance, and divinity. I felt privileged to be able to stand in its presence.

Next we ventured to a canyon river for a boat ride. The woman who operated the boat used a long stick and sang old folk music. The 90 minute cruise was relaxing and scenic like nothing I've seen before. The stone walls of the canyon were covered with greenery, which is different than I would have expected. I enjoyed our more relaxed day today.

The last day and a half staying at the onsen has been an experience. We take a bath when we arrive home for the day, followed by changing into traditional kimono and eating old style Japanese dinner on the floor. The food is interesting, and requires the most struggle out of any food so far. That being said, I finished my entire meal last night for dinner and this morning for breakfast to be polite. Off I go to dinner now.

June 26

Here I lie in my bed in the Katsumasa household after a long day of high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train) travel. I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time! The entire family is very welcoming and helpful. Dinner was a delicious homemade teriyaki chicken with rice, salad, soup, and strawberry cake. After dinner, we watched the movie Avatar in Japanese to both relax and practice Japanese at the same time. Then I presented the family with gifts and showed them my photobook, which describes me and my American life. This house is nice and cozy. Asukas room has two levels, and is absolutely a Japanese man cave. I am so excited to live here for the next six days! I could not feel more at home with a Japanese family.

However, at the same time, I miss the new group of people that I have grown to love. We bonded so well, and it feels like my extended family is missing. This trip has flown by so far and hopefully I will see everybody in school tomorrow! Oyasuminasai.


June 29

These past couple of days at KJ have been a blast. We got to meet up with all of the Japanese friends we made in the States, and make new friends with others at the school.

The first day, we were met with an all-school welcome ceremony that made us feel like royalty. The ceremony was followed by an introduction to KJ, which is Asuka and friends' high school, and a day of shadowing our home hosts. It is hard to understand their classes, as they are all taught in Japanese, but it is immensely fun to help them learn English. All of the students listen in awe as we flawlessly read simple English sentences. They are even more surprised to hear us speak in Japanese. They are impressed that we have taken the time to learn their language.

The following day, yesterday, was more of the same in school, except we shadowed a guest host whom we had not met before yesterday. My host's name is Toshigi, and he barely spoke English, but he tried very hard, and the day went by smoothly because of his awesome perseverance. After school, Asuka's family picked us up from the train station, from which we promptly ventured to a sushi restaurant. Before I describe the meal, I must convey my frustration about sushi in America. American sushi is expensive! Here, I was able to get six pieces of tuna sushi for the equivalent of about a dollar! My host family considers sushi fast, cheap food; the Japanese equivalent of Homers. I decided to be adventurous, trying all sorts of raw seafood, including raw octopus sashimi and salmon egg sashimi. When I tried to pay, my host family respectfully refused my offer and generously paid for my large meal of sushi.

Today I went to a barbeque with Asuka at his friend's house for dinner. It was seven Japanese guys my age crowded around a charcoal grill. Each one of them was eager to meet me and find out about my life and our similarities and differences. While sitting around the grill, we would each throw on slices of raw meat, talk to each other, then eat our cooked and delicious meat. Never have I felt so welcomed, comfortable and relaxed around Japanese people. Honestly, I was scared going into the situation because I did not want to be outcast from the apparent fun and conversations happening around me. Now, I am so happy that I went because it was incredibly fun, and delicious to boot. Experiences like the barbeque tonight remind me of the importance of this trip to me. I learned today from Asuka's awesome friends that you can make anyone feel good and happy just by being a nice person and including them in any way possible, no matter who they are, where they come from, or what language they speak. They made me feel welcomed, and for that I will be thankful forever.

July 1

This marks my last night in Japan on the ETHS exchange. The single best moment of the trip happened today. The Katsumata family took me to a trendy Japanese restaurant where I had the best food of the whole trip. I did not know what I was eating, but did not care. I ate way past my fill, but there was somehow still food on the table. They eat so much food here! At the end of dinner, my host father told me something that made the entire trip feel complete. He told me that whenever I am in Japan, I am welcome in his house, and that I am part of his family. I felt that he truly meant that. I have not stopped smiling since he told me. I could never imagine it possible that I could become so close to a foreign family in one week that I am welcomed into it. For example, tonight my host mother gave me parting gifts that fit my personality exactly. Then, as I was about to take a bath, she had already made one for me, a little colder than usual because she could tell that I was hot. My gifts to them do not seem sufficient enough to thank them for all that they've done. My parting letter to them will be a long one.

I feel ready to go back home to America, but do not want to leave my home, family, and friends here in Japan. If I ever come back, I know that I will be welcomed by the many strong relationships that I've developed here. Now I know why I took Japanese. Now I know why I studied for quizzes and tests. Now I know that I can eat any food put in front of me. Now I know that people should not stop at language barriers. The list goes on. I have learned an unidentifiable amount of life lessons here. Now I know that I want to come back.

28 comments:

  1. So very excited for you, Noah! This will truly be a life changing experience. I am thrilled that you have this opportunity. Can't wait to read your blog. Love you, Aunt Mar

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  2. have a great time! we love you! grandma & grandpa SI INOR A (SPELLING?)

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  3. Konnichiwa!!! Have Fun! Hope you got our text this morning- sent it to mom too. Just learned about this website- we will keep you on our minds! XO
    Aunt Col, Uncle Dave, and Jack . Grandma wrote the sionora one:)

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  4. Ikagadeska (spelling?) Love your blog Keep the up-to-dates coming....You're in for a GREAT time....Love from Nanny & Papa

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  5. Ikagadeska (spelling?) Love your blog keep the up-to-dates coming You're in for a great trip Love from Nanny & Papa
    P.S. Your family has to learn how to SPELL in Japanese...

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  6. Have a great trip, Noah! Post often...I would love to hear about your experiences while travelling through Japan. Tell Asuka hello from his Evanston family. Love you lots, Mom XO

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  7. Love your commentaries on the scenery and culture....We relate a little because we spent 14 glorious months in the same arena that you're now experiencing, although 60 years earlier...LYL

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  8. Elroy,

    I have tried to post 3 times. Hopefully, this one works. Anyways, after dropping of 6 foot tall baby boy at O'Hare, I have been wondering how you were doing in a foreign country? From the pictures, it seems just fine! Have fun and take it all in. Please thank Mr. VanKrey for setting up this blog, and being a great trip organizer/chaperone/teacher. Love Dad.

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  9. Noah - I love reading your posts. Your descriptions are wonderful and I am really getting a feel for all that you are seeing and doing. I am so excited for you that you are having this once in a lifetime experience. love you, Aunt Mar

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  10. Dear Noah,
    I love your blogs and really enjoy the photos that Mr. VanKrey posted. That is one crowded shopping area. Wow!
    Enjoy, Nobie!!!
    Love you, Mom
    XOXO

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  11. Dear Noah,
    We are really enjoying your blogs.They are very well written.It is true about the trains being much better than ours.When we there in the 1950/s the trains were amazing.
    Love u lots
    Nanny Bunny

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  12. Fell asleep on the floor of the SkyTree? Very funny, Buddy!!!
    XO

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  13. Great E-mail Noah-san....Your description of your experiences in Nikko took Nanny and myself back 60 years to when we made the same trip on the same train-route....The surroundings, as you described were very spiritual in nature....Nikko, as you probably know, is the religious center of Japan visited by pilgrims throughout the year...nice story of the old woman and her morality tale....Love your blogs,,,very descriptive....keep them coming....Love from Nanny & Papa

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  14. Noah, great descriptions and stories. You are making me yearn to visit this far away land! Keep the posts coming. Love you lots, Mom

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  15. Noah - You are a phenomenal writer. I never knew you had this hidden talent! Your story about your meaningful encounter with the old woman literally brought me to tears. These are moments that will last with you a lifetime. As I said before,this trip will be life changing. Enjoy every moment of the days ahead. Keep writing these posts. They are so enjoyable and just made my day. Love you, Aunt Mar

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  16. Noah - Sounds like an incredible trip. And Aunt Mar is right, your writing is something to behold. I look forward to reading your first novel, you truly have a remarkable talent!
    Uncle E

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  17. Noah,
    I just want to tell you how impressed I am on your writing skills.Papa and I marvel on the way you express yourself. We are really enjoying the Japan narrative and are reliving the time we spent in that country. Have fun on the rest of your trip.
    lyl
    Nanny Bunny

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  18. Nature Loving Boy, you are now - awesome!!!

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  19. Noah - Your description of the 'interesting' food and your 'struggle' cracked me up!! Every morning I look forward to reading about your latest adventure. Your descriptions never cease to amaze me. You are the best! Love you, Aunt Mar

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  20. Fuzzathon,

    I was glad I got a chance to Skype with you. Taylor did an awesome
    job of getting it to work on the fly under time pressure. In case you didn't realize it, you have a great sister. Sloane's not bad either ;) Looks like you continue to have a great time. Keep it up, and we'll all be watching.

    Dad.

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  21. Thorn,

    The BlackHawks won the Stanley Cup! I wish you were here to experience it with me. I love watching the Bears and the Hawks with you. Those are real teams in real sports. Unlike the made for television "reality" based fake show that the Miami Heat are...our teams are real teams built from within, in a real sport that involves skill with no "acting". Oops, there might be Florida readers on this blog...offense intended. Anyways Elroy, I taped the final game for you if you want to watch it. It was memorable.

    Dad

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  22. Dear Noah,
    I wish you a wonderful stay with your Japanese Family and great visit to Asuka's school. Tell us about the school. Good luck with the presentation - I am sure it will be fab.
    Love and miss you lots!!!
    Mom

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  23. Dear Noah,
    I hope that you have a good stay at your friend's house.Iloved
    all your commentery on your trip.Part of it reminded us of our stay in Japan about 60 years ago.You are a great writter.Lots of
    Love Nanny Bunny

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  24. Roy,

    It sounds like you are having a great time. I am glad you are at Asukas house. That must be a very different experience. Tell them I say hello, and thanks for taking care of the Fuzz!

    Dad

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  25. Another great blog Noah-san....I love the descriptions of your
    interaction with Asuka, his family and all the many Japanese high-schoolers along the way....It sounds like this trip will be remembered by you for years to come....Love from Nanny & me....

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  26. Noah - another blog entry that was beautifully written, and inspiring too! Love your insights into the goodness of people and the many similarities with others even those from far away lands. What a life changing adventure you are on!! I am so thrilled for you. Love, Aunt Mar

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  27. Noah - Sounds like an awesome trip! Glad you are doing so well. You write beautifully too :)
    Love,
    Jamie

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  28. Noah,

    It sounds like you had a great time in Japan. Now comes the time when you must transition back to reality. It won't be easy, but in time you will like America again! BlackHawks. Bears. Pizza. Sailing.

    Dad

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