Looking down my driveway to the neighbors frosted Wonderland
March 21, 2012
First day of Spring. It snowed a sprinkling
The trees and power lines next to my house after a fresh snowfall
this morning and then the sun came out in a bright blue sky. Maybe it’s a good indicator that spring is actually here. Although, this weekend the temperature is supposed to get back down to -9 C with about 20 cm more snow due to fall. Maybe I haven’t missed ski season after all.
I have been back in my freezer box house
Tracks from my snow-flops in Snow as deep as my knees.
since March 5 and it has snowed several times since my return. One day it snowed about 40 cm (16”) and everything was absolutely covered in white. I went out and walked around in the knee high frosting for about an hour before getting my feet to cold to continue. I was even catching snow flakes on my tongue. I haven’t done something like that since I lived in Colorado about 37 years ago. Snow has a special quality that is attractive to trudging around in it until the cold starts settling in. It is amazing how fast it melts once the temperature rises a little.
My House at 4pm with more snow yet to fall
As I had mentioned in my previous blog update, when I first returned to school I realized how much my knowledge of Nihongo had suffered while enjoying the unique social order of China for two months. When I returned to my Nihongo jugyo on the 14th I was not much better than when I arrived. Although I could read much easier than I thought I would.
Two days after my return to school, there was an impromptu party at my house with Oda-san, his daughter, Sorano-san, my school principle, Yamaura-san and a friend who works at the Miasa City Office, Hosoi-san. I served them a dinner of my chicken vegetable soup that I make about once a week and we drank biiru and sake while munching on appetizers until about 11pm. I am glad I did not have to be at work the next morning like Yamaura-san and Hosoi-san. It was fun talking with Sorano-san again. She is such a fun and congenial person.
Go-nensei with Takeshita-sensei. Next years Roku-sensei (6th grade students) who will be going to Mendocino.
Yon nensei (next years 5th grade) with Nishida-sensei and Kasagi-sensei
When I returned to Miasa School I was moved in with the 四そしてと五年生, yon to go nensei, 4th and 5th grade students because that’s who will be traveling to Mendocino on 五月＋－日, May 11. I was with the yon nensei the first week back and then with the go nensei the last week of school. The term ended on the 16th. I will be with them again when the new school term begins on 四月五日, yon gatsu go nichi, April 5.
March 26, 2012
Snowed about 6 cm again last night. But, now the sun is out and melting the new fallen frosting. Went walking around a little this morning but the wind chill was a little tough so I came back in after about an hour.
Valedictorian of the 9th grade class
San-nensei students of Middle School receiving Diploma from Principal Yamaura.
On the last day of school I attended the graduation of the 6th and 9th grades. It was a very solemn ceremony without any humor in the mix, at least until it was over and then things lightened up for all involved. The 6th will now move on to Middle School while the 9th move on to High School. Principal Yamaura and all the teachers stood outside the school and shook hands with each of the graduates as they left one at a time for home with their parents. I was included in the line and congratulated each of the students, some even by name.
At 16:30 that afternoon, Kobayashi-sensei picked me up to attend the Miasa School Sensei End of Term Party. This was a dinner to thank and bid farewell to the teachers who are being transferred to another school for the coming year. Miasa School lost nine teachers this year. So there will be nine new teachers come April 5th. It will be interesting to see how the new teachers fit in with everyone else. I am sure there will be lots of hospitality accorded the new arrivals. The dinner party was lots of fun and I talked
End of Term Sensei Dinner Party. Shakin' it up after the dinner.
with some of the teachers that I usually only greet at school. When they are away from school their real personalities appear. They sure do like to have fun!
Mokuen-san cutting out a word brace upstairs at the Asagura with Oda-san in the background
I stayed home after the party for the next few days, relaxing, writing, watching Nihon terebi (tv). Mostly sports like volleyball, ski jumping and the Sumo Championships. Pretty exciting stuff. After hanging inside for a few days I was ready to go into Omachi and help Oda-san and Mokuen-san knock a couple of doorways through the walls at the Asagura so there would be passages between the art gallery and the cafe. The work on the cafe will begin in the coming month. The inner walls of the building were composed of sticks, hemp twine and mud plaster, covered with a form of stucco covering. It was a very dirty, dusty job since the
Mokuen-san removing 180 year old wood framework for mud plaster
180 year old mud had dried for all those years. We finished the remodel in just a couple of hours and then had time to enjoy a lunch together.
Dinner with Kondo-san, Satomi-san and Hiromi-san
This past Saturday night I was invited to dinner in Matsukawa by a long time friend of the Sister Cities Exchange. Satomi Kondo, whose parents own the Soba Restaurant in Miasa that we always visit when we bring the students to Japan, invited me to her family home to meet her husband, eat and drink into the evening and stay the night, since I would not be able to drive after drinking. Their daughter Hiromi, whom I have known for a few years, was home for the weekend from her job in Gifu, so it was nice to see her again too. Before leaving the Soba Restaurant with Satomi I sat with her mother and father, the Takeori’s who showed me pictures of their trip to Yangshuo, China in 1992. It was interesting to see photos of some of the same Karst hills that I just recently photographed. It is a small world.
This Thursday I am attending a BBQ in Miasa with some of the Miasa Sensei and also a few parents of a couple of the students going to Mendocino this year. It is supposed to be a nice day. But snow again the next day. I hope the weather lays back until the weekend when I should be in Tokyo, where it is much warmer.
When the Sun came out about an Hour later
When the Snow was Falling steadily early this morning
It has been snowing lately as I mentioned but I have yet to go skiing in Hakuba. I could go by myself but it is not as much fun as having someone with whom to ski and ride the lift. I am hoping one of my teacher friends will call and ask me to join them. If it happens, it happens.
Only six weeks until I leave Miasa and fly back to Mendocino on May 7. Hard to believe it’s almost time to head back to the US. These past 9 months have just “warped” by. As frigid as my freezer box house is, I will miss its cozy confines, but maybe not its chilly mornings. I need to start going through my stuff to decide what to bring with me and what to leave here. Some things are obvious, others, not so much.
Mountain panorama after the big snowfall of 3/14
I keep a Thermometer at the head of my bed and this is what is read the morning of 3/14
Icicles on the north side of my Freezer Box
Miasa Students coming to Mendocino learning how to play Taiko
Snow Forest. The patterns are what I saw
The tree next to my house after the big snowfall
Block Print Self Portraits without using a mirror by the Yon Nensei and ME
Shoveling out a path so I can use my car
Maekawa-san teaching the Exchange Students about Mendocino
6th & 9th grade graduates singing the Miasa School song
4th & 5th grades at graduation. These students will be traveling to Mendocino in May
Friday night, February 24, 2012
To View Larger Photos just click on them. Sorry this update is so long, just had a lot to say.
Yangshuo High School students who wanted their picture taken with me. It seems they had an assignment to speak English with foreigners and record who it was.
It’s Friday night, almost Saturday morning
Looking South down the Yulong River
as it is now 11:37pm. I am sitting in my room at Back Street Cafe & Hostel trying to ignore the female who is singing with all heart but completely out of tune with out even a notion of how to sing. People actually comment on her voice, behind her back of course, but mostly just grin and bear it until she is done.
I understand that it costs 5 Kwai to go up and sing a song with the male singer/musician who is quite a good guitarist who performs every night until about 12:30am. I can’t imagine that she pays him per song, since she sings so many songs, but I can’t imagine that he would let her even go up there and sing, sitting next to him for free, unless of course she is his girl friend, sister or owner of the bar.
Bi Jian on the Li River across from the Fuli Town river landing.
I can’t fault her persistence, but I can doubt her lack of talent. I wish I could this record this and put it on my Blog so you could hear what I mean.
Bamboo Raft on Li River south of Yangshuo
I am definitely not Caruso, but I can hear when someone is out of tune.
In any case, I am in my room waiting for them to stop performing (?) so I can go to sleep.
I have only five full days left of my stay in Yangshuo. I have enjoyed my time here even though I only saw the sun one day for about three hours through a hazy cloud covering. It has been cloudy here for at least 9 or 10 weeks, except for that one day. I would love to come back and see this place when the sky is blue, the sun shines bright and I do not have to wear a down coat and wool cap.
Saturday morning, February 25, 2012
Upstream View of the Tianjia River.
It’s now just after midnight. They are still singing across the narrow street. Shouldn’t be much longer now before they stop.
Louis and Inrae really wanted me to have a Photo in Front of the West St 2012 New Year Display. What could I say? The City took it down the next day.
During almost two months here in Yangshuo I have walked, ridden bikes and taken buses almost everywhere around the area. Been to Moon Hill, the Butterfly Cave, Yulong River a few times, made the trek to Guilin twice and visited numerous smaller attractions along the way. Walked and rode up and down the Li River too many times to remember. I have walked up and down the streets of this small town to the point that the street venders no longer pester me to buy their wares. I know most of the streets by name. The laundry shop owner knows me when I come in. I have met locals and tourists, both Chinese and foreigners alike. I have made a couple of good friends of some native nationals. One of whom is Bi Jian, or Jane as she calls herself in English. She has helped me many times while I have been here. She is a wonderful person whom I am very glad to have met. I have been able to spend time with my long time friends Louis and Inrae who have lived here off and on in the past. It’s been a great time. I will try to fill these next five days with as many adventures as I can, considering it is supposed to rain for the next two or three days. Also, the women here at Back Street
ME, Bi Jian, Gemma, Inrae, Louis & Axue after the last "Going Away Dinner" at Back Street Cafe on my last night in Yangshuo.
Cafe & Hostel have treated me really nice since I arrived. Gemma, the manager, Axue the cook and Auntie the housekeeper. Gemma is a very smart, attractive and congenial person who is a competent manager and an asset for any employer.
A True Pillar of Caveman Intelligence.
Axue is young, attractive and full of life, along with her vivacious friend Jiao who works at their sister restaurant, Minority Cafe two doors down. All of them are always smiling, laughing and happy about the day. I am lucky to have found Back Street for my HAFHAFH. I will always remember this place with its writing and drawings on the walls by cafe & hostel guests.
One thing, among many, that I have noticed about China, is that many Americans view this country as if it is behind the US in its social infrastructure, something like the US used to be about 75 years ago. But being here I now believe that this is what the US will become. A country with an infrastructure that is in serious disrepair. Roads that are not maintained, trash lying everywhere, basic shoddy construction of older buildings. But even here things are improving, although they too are dealing with the Super Rich not returning a portion of their wealth to benefit the country. If the rich in America keep hoarding all the wealth of the country and refusing to put anything back into that which they are squeezing dry, then this is the future of America.
Two Yangshuo School Kids just after a very long day at School
When is enough wealth in one hand enough? I understand from researching my current book that when Julius Caesar was assassinated he was worth anywhere from $40 to $60 Billion in current American dollars. The richest Roman of his time was Crassus with about $80 Billion. He is held to be the wealthiest man in Roman history as he had a personal net worth equal to the treasury of Rome. When Crassus was killed in Syria, he was beheaded and molten gold was poured into his mouth to quench
ME writing in my Room above Back Street Cafe.
his insatiable greed. The Roman Republic soon became an Empire after that. Are we to follow in their footsteps. Crassus and Caesar were not typical though. They were much wealthier than other rich people of the time. Most of the Roman Senators were worth at least $3 million but usually much more upwards to $200 million. Sound familiar?
Yangshuo Fishermen in the middle of town.
Since too much inequality can foment revolt and instability, the CIA regularly updates statistics on income distribution for countries around the world, including the U.S. Between 1997 and 2007, inequality in the U.S. grew by almost 10 percent, making it more unequal than Russia, infamous for its powerful oligarchs. The U.S. is not faring well historically, either. Even the Roman Empire, a society built on conquest and slave labor, had a more equitable income distribution.
The Precarious Walk between two Karst Hills
If I were any of the top 1% of America’s super rich I might start looking over my shoulder for the advancing hordes of poor citizens that, in antiquity, ripped the Emperor Petronius Maximus to shreds as the Vandals entered Rome in 455 AD. No matter how much money you have, death is an equal opportunity employer. The only difference is the method by which death employs you.
Ahh, the musicians stopped performing across the street, so I will stop ranting about the current state of America, and instead try to get to sleep now and try to enjoy the day, when I wake up.
I went to sleep but did not sleep well and consequently had a banging headache this morning for some reason. Need to get some food and take a walk this morning. Need some fresh air.
Inrae & Louis Working at Back Street Cafe. Sometimes they spend most all day in one cafe doing their work.
Just came down stairs to eat lunch and found Louis and Inrae having breakfast in the Cafe. Always nice to see them. Louis and Inrae like to come for breakfast and spend the entire day working on their individual projects and then possibly stay for dinner since they have been here all day. Inrae is working on a rewrite of her first novel in order to get it ready for entry in a literature contest in Korea.
Bi Jian and her friend, He Lin at He Lin's Hotel that is being renovated at this time. She should be open by May. It is directly across from Butterfly Cave.
Louis is researching for his various projects. The Back Street Cafe breakfast is one of the better breakfasts around. I am surprised more people do not frequent the place. Minority Cafe, on the other hand, is almost always busy with guests. I guess their reputation is better, or more known, but their breakfast is still not as good as Back Street.
Now that I have finished my lunch I should probably take a walk and get some fresh air.
Ahh. Nice long walk. Stretched my legs, got some air. Went down by the river boat docks. The tourists has just come in off the boats from Guilin. All the shuttle buses were lined up, each waiting for their turn to carry a group of 10 into town to spend their much anticipated and appreciated money on West St.
He Lin and I became fast friends. She is a very nice person and I hope to see her again.
Walking around Yangshuo is a miniature version of China. Crossing the streets seems like a mass of confusion, kind of like a beehive of activity. People, cycles and cars moving around each other in some kind of unspoken understanding, managing to avoid any collision of flesh and metal. Although, at times you wonder at the level of congestion and how everyone moves through it all. One thing for sure,
No Matter Where you go there are always People around.
people are everywhere. It is quite evident, in even such a small town, that there really is 1.4 Billion people in this country. It is even more apparent in the larger cities like Guilin, which is still a small city, where the congestion is that much more pronounced. Imagine your own home town or city with four times the amount of people currently living there. You would then be coming close to the population of China. It is amazing though, the amount of congeniality in everyone. Everyone talks to everyone like they are family. Must be a hold over from the days that all the citizens were comrades. I think there are more smiles here per capita than anywhere in the US. Just as I wrote those words, I looked up from my computer to see a group of four walking by, all smiling, laughing and talking. It’s more the case than not.
Cliff Climbing is a Major Attraction around Yangshuo. This cliff is at the entrance of He Lin's Hotel.
I will miss several things about Yangshuo and China in general. Mostly the people. The casualness of life here, almost an acceptance that this is how it is and it’s up to you to change it, if you feel like it. A good realization, of which to be reminded before I depart for Japan and then later, for home in Mendocino.
My Neighbor, Sharon's house on fire. I was first informed that it was my house aflame.
Life is always changing and we just have to adapt or be swept beneath that change. A week ago I received a message from a friend on Facebook telling me that she had just heard on the radio that, as I was reading the message, my house was on fire! Well, obviously I went through all the mental and emotional changes that are expected when you get news like that before I finally realized I should call my house and hope that someone answered. It was 1 am in Mendocino when the phone rang and the person staying at my house answered on the first ring. My heart beat slowed instantly. I told her it was me and she said, “Have you already heard about the fire?” My heart again quickened. There was indeed a fire.
The wonders of the modern world. Half way around the world and I had already heard about the fire.
“Is my house on fire?” I asked even though I figured it wasn’t since she had answered the landline phone.
“No. It’s Sharon’s house. It was completely ablaze when the
Sharon's House Fire fought by another one of my neighbor's, Erin Keller.
fire department arrived and they are now just focusing on keeping the fire from spreading through the trees and brush towards your house and other houses farther away. At this point her house is a lost cause, along with her car.”
Sharon lamenting the loss of her PT Cruiser. Just over her head, is the roof of my house.
Of course I felt really bad for Sharona. She has been one of closest friends for over 30 years. I lived in her house for four years after my divorce. I ended up buying the house right next door. But, at the same time, I obviously felt great relief that my house was ok, as was my friend who is staying in my house.
Adapt or die. It has been uttered so many times throughout history and never seems to be untrue. I have had that reaffirmed several times since my trip started last June. It has been a continual adaptation to constantly changing circumstances from the moment I departed Mendocino eight months ago. One of the constant sayings we have while traveling with the Sister Cities group tours is: “It’s a good thing we’re so adaptable.”
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Bi Jian and me on Green Lotus Peak (Mirror Hill) walking the section that was closed to the public.
Another day. No rain again even though it was forecast yesterday and today. Now it is forecast for Tuesday through Thursday. So, I might have to visit the Lui Ce Garden at the base of one of the Karst hills next to the Li River. Louis says it’s really beautiful. One of the few places in Yangshuo I haven’t seen yet.
Old Name of Yangshuo
I just had the best time today and tonight! After deciding to go to Lui Ce Garden, Bi Jian accompanied me because she had never been there before either. We walked all through the place and the many buildings with a garden guide that Bi Jian stopped and asked to accompany us. The young lady pointed out the many things we would have missed if she were not along. The guide was a very nice young woman who showed us all around while explaining to Bi Jian in Putonghua and to me in English when she knew the words. She spoke English pretty well, though her vocabulary needed some study, her pronunciation was quite good.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bi Jian Breaking Rules. coming out of the closed walking section.
It’s raining again today. That’s why I wanted to visit the Lui Ce Garden yesterday.
Green Lotus Pavilion Ridge End
The Karst hill that rises above the garden has a long history and has been utilized any many different ways and by many different people since the founding of Yangshuo about 1,400 years ago. It has actually had many names through history, one of which is Green Lotus Peak. There are several inscriptions carved into the rock cliffs and various of photos of VIP’s visiting the garden over the years. From Chou En Lai to President Clinton and many others. Bi Jian and I walked up the stairway, even though it was roped off for repairs, that led to the cliff face that gave the hill one of its names, Jianshan or “Mirror Hill.” The view was quite nice from there. We noticed no repairs being done on the stairway except that the steps were covered with fallen tree leaves. Obviously unused for quite some time.
View of Li River and the aptly named Pavilion at the base of the photo.
After viewing as much as we could we walked back to Yangshuo from the opposite side of the hill from where we entered. Bi Jian stopped by a friends hotel to visit and we were invited to join them for a Birthday Dinner for a friend of theirs that evening. We first had to return home and prepare to come back out.
Bi Jian next to a granite slice of picturesque beauty.
About 5:30 we stopped at the store and I picked up a bottle of wine and returned to the gathering. About eight people besides me and a little girl sat around a small coffee table, as usual in China, where we cooked and ate various dishes as they were ready. We toasted with the wine almost every time someone picked up their glass and moved onto beer when the wine ran out.
From the time we arrived I was asked several questions, in Putonghua of course, and Bi Jian had to function as a translator as best she could. We laughed a lot about the questions and answers. I am not sure what Bi Jian told them I said, but they seemed to enjoy my words.
Birthday Dinner with Friends after visiting Green Lotus Peak
One of the men that tried the most to communicate with me started singing a Chinese song from Beijing, which everyone enjoyed and afterward he requested that I sing a song. It was hard to think of something on the spot so I sang the first verse of “Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor. After that other people sang some songs and occasionally they all sang together. When I finally realized that this was a Birthday dinner, I sang my favorite birthday song, “Birthday” by The Beatles and the birthday Lady thought it was the best song of the night.
A Birthday Cake worth Eating!
When they brought out the cake it was very impressive impressive in its big decorated round box. Frosting flowers and slices of fruit on top, chocolate on the sides with an interior of lemon cake. Sure tasted good and I am usually not one for cakes. They even forced me to have a second piece! 8>)
The Birthday Lady with the youngest guest with eyes only for the cake.
By the time we left they were telling me that I had to come back on my birthday so we could have another dinner party and I would have to learn more Putonghua. I told them I would see what I could do before October.
It is just a good thing we went to the garden yesterday and attended the dinner last night because the rain is still falling this afternoon. There was even lightning and thunder earlier today.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tim, Gemma, Stefan & Sarah from Great Britain. 6.5 months of Traveling in Asia.
Last night, after having dinner in the BS Cafe I was talking with Gemma about her plans for the future. It seems she is opening up a womens apparel and jewelry store just across Gui Hua Lu a couple of doors east. She had asked me about appealing colors one day but I was surprised to hear she had started refitting the store space she has leased. I am glad she is trying to do what she wants.
About 10pm four people came in for drinks. I was talking with Gemma and writing on my book for a couple of hours while the two couples were talking among themselves about their trip so far. I could tell from their accents they were probably from England. About 12:30am, in order to engage them in conversation I asked if they were indeed from England, to which they said they were, except for one of the young ladies, Sarah, who is from Wales. They have been planning this trip together for a couple of years. They are traveling through Southeast Asia and China for 6.5 months. They have been here for three months already. We had a lively conversation about several topics from religion, politics, history, movies, working, travel and a few more that I don’t remember. About 2:45am I noticed the clock and how tired Gemma was looking, waiting of for the guests to leave so she could close and go to sleep. I finally excused myself and proceeded to my room. The young travelers were very talkative and will be in Yangshuo until tomorrow sometime.
Wednesday, Leap Day, February 29, 2012
Last night in Yangshuo. Today is my friend Frank Schneider’s birthday. He is finally 16 today (actually 64). Happy Birthday Frank!
Bi Jian Cooking next to Last Night Dinner. And what a great time it was!
Louis, Inrae and Bi Jian gave me a going away dinner at Bi Jian’s house last night, Tuesday. Joining us were four guest boarders at Bi Jian’s. One couple from Haerbin and the other from Da Jian, from up north in Heilongjiang Province. The most north province in China. Haerbin hosts an annual Ice Festival.
My friend Meng Gui at her new job at the Jade Store.
They were very nice people and today we shared a ride on the Li River as we all rode down and back on one of the River Rafts. It was fun but riding a bike around the area is more entertaining.
Tonight, Louis, Inrae, Bi Jian, He Lin and I are having my last supper at Back Street Cafe. I want to spend the evening where I have been staying these past two months. Gemma and Axue have been very nice to me while I have been here so I would like to give them some business.
Snow piled up in Miasa for the winter of 2012.
Kind of sad to be leaving Yangshuo, though ready to get back to Miasa. Although, it is getting warmer here and I heard yesterday at Miasa was about -15 C. COLD! And there is still lots of snow. I wonder if I can even get to my house at this point.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Sitting in the lobby of the Guilin Riverside Hostel trying figure out whether to go out for dinner or just stay here and have something from their cafe. Nor much of a cafe. I think it’s just Microwave food. Although, there is beer and brandy available. As it turns out the GRH does not have a cafe, only coffee. The concierge directed me next door if I wanted to eat dinner. That’s what I did.
Me and He Lin dancing in the middle of West St. Such fun!
Last night was very comfortable at Back Street Cafe. Our dinner was excellent and we took our time eating. Gemma and Axue made sure we had great service. I just kept ordering more dishes as we finished earlier choices and we were all pretty stuffed by the time we decided to take a walk down West St. Due to some last minute things He Lin had to take care, she couldn’t join us for dinner, so she didn’t meet us until about 9:30 when we were already walking on West St. It was really nice to see her again. Louis and Inrae really liked her. Louis and I took turns dancing with her in the middle of West Street while Inrae snapped photos and Bi Jian laughed.
He Lin and me still dancing in the middle of West St.
Louis and Inrae went home early while He Lin drove Bi Jian and me back to her hotel for tea. Her place is south of town, directly across from the Butterfly Cave and after she finishes her renovations the grounds will be extremely pleasant. I would like to stay there when I return to Yangshuo. She will have fishing available right off the porch in front of your room.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
A portion of the Wall Sculpture along the walkway along the Li River in Guilin
I am trying to finish up this update as I sit in my room at my friends’ the Kitahara’s house. I arrived last night in Omachi about 9:50pm after a very long day of travel and was met at the train station by Hiromi and Kiyonori. Hiromi is downstairs making dinner for the family and me. I am staying with them until Monday when I will try to move back to my house in Miasa.
Li River in Guilin with Guilin Riverside Hostel in the Center with the Blue Roof.
Yesterday started out with taking a shower at the Guilin Riverside Hostel at 4:30am in order to meet the Taxi at 5:30am for the ride to the Guilin Airport. I had met a fellow traveler the night before and we arranged to share the taxi to the airport since he was flying the Chengdu. He is of Chinese descent and speaks Cantonese but he was born and raised in Rotterdam. He also is fluent in Dutch and English. But those three languages did not help much with our communication with the driver who only spoke Mandarin (Putonghua). We finally figured the cost of the ride (90 Kwai) after the driver tapped it into his phone. My new acquaintance and I sat in the airport lounge until it was time for me to board as he didn’t leave until 9am.
I had to pick up my back pack at the Guangzhou Airport and then recheck it on to my International flight to Tokyo, but when I arrived in Guangzhou my pack never came out of the baggage shoot and after waiting a long time an airline assistant came over to see what was my problem. I told her the situation and she got on her walkie-talkie and after about 15 more minutes my bag came through the shoot. I thanked her and started walking fast toward the International gates because I knew from when I had arrived two months ago, it
A fellow Passenger while Rafting on the Li River in Yangshuo
was a long walk. Along the way I was looking for place to check my bag on to my flight but failed to see anything. When I arrived at the security check gate I still had my pack with me and when they started to put it through the scanner I told them I did not want to take it on board the plane, I wanted to check it as baggage, but after checking my ticket they said I did not have enough time and would have to either carry it on or check it at the gate. I shrugged and said ok but, of course after scanning it they noticed I had a couple of bottles of shampoo and skin cream in the pack which they said I would have to leave with them. I told them I was checking the pack at the gate but they said I would still have to leave it with them anyway. I again shrugged and said ok. I had to get to my plane. Unbeknownst to me, they also removed my small bottle of vitamins from a side pocket. I wish the security people had some kind of common sense instead of just rule book sense. They get pretty frustrating at times.
Dragon Raft on the Li River in Yangshuo
Leaving that security gate I walked in the direction of the International gates but first had to pass through another security gate to file a departure form with the Visa personnel. Again the friggin’ Visa’s! Mine expired that day, March 2. The woman let me pass after filling out a form and I was off again. As I may have mentioned in an earlier blog post, the size of the Guilin Airport is nothing short of huge. It is a long walk from Domestic to International. It was also a long walk from security to my gate but I managed to check my bag and visit the restroom before boarding. After announcing for everyone to begin boarding we stood in line for about 10 minutes before anyone was allowed to enter the plane. They finally closed the door and I thought we were going to get underway but after sitting there for 20 minutes they announced they were sorry for the delay and we would be leaving as soon as the cabin documents were completed, whatever that meant. After a total of 45 minutes of sitting there we finally started for the runway, which, was a long way away from the terminal. This place is huge.
Relaxing and snapping photos on the Li River south of Yangshuo.
The flight was pretty non-eventful except for three or four turbulent areas and there was no in flight entertainment because the system was out of order. I thought I would work on this update but when I turned on my computer, nothing happened. The battery had not charged and was completely dead. So much for that. Luckily I had installed the Nook Reader on my iPod and could read the book I had purchased for research for my book.
All dressed Up and No Where to Go on the Li River south of Yangshhuo
When we landed in Japan everything was fine until I arrived at immigration to be issued my Visa. No waiting to get to the counter but after checking my passport and forms they asked me to go to the waiting room. Now what? I thought. Never been asked to sit in the waiting room before. When I sat down in the room there were three Muslim women dressed from head to toe in black with only their eyes visible. One was nursing her baby, the other two were sleeping as was the four boy beside them. Talking with the security officers was their husband dressed in an all white ankle length shirt, with green turban and long, full black beard. He showed them his papers and explained who the ladies were and then he and the officers walked out of the room and kept speaking outside the door. Just then and officer came in and over to me.
“Evans-san. Her is your Passport with your new 90 day visa. Thank you for waiting. You are free to go.”
I thanked them and hustled out of there. I still had to catch the Narita Express to Shinjuku so I could get on the 6pm Super Azusa train to Matsumoto and then the Oito Line train to Omachi. The next Super Azusa was not until 7pm and would not arrive until an hour later, or about 10:10pm, so I had to get on the 6pm train.
Me and Louis Dancin' with "the Man" in front of the Boys & Girls Bar on West St. in Yangshuo
By the time I reached Shinjuku it was 5:50pm and I almost ran to the ticket counter where the clerk directed me around the corner to get my ticket. Problem was, he did not understand where I wanted to go. I came back to him when I realized he thought I wanted a ticket for the local train to another station in Tokyo. When I explained that I wanted to go to Matsumoto and then to Omachihe looked at the clock and shook his head like I would be lucky to catch the train. I was greatly aware that might be the case and silently wished he would hurry and issue my ticket. I ran down the escalator, pack on my back, computer pouch over one arm and carrying my harmonica and box of tea in my other hand. The train conductor directed me down to the non-reserved cars and the train started moving before I found a seat.
The View across the Paradise Pond at night in Yangshuo
All this time in the back of my mind I knew I still had to inform Hiromi that I was on the 6pm train and not the 5pm train as planned. I had no phone, no Internet connection for my iPod so the only choice was asking someone if I could use their phone. Just then a young man from India dressed in a nice suit walked into the car looking for a seat and ended up sitting right in front of me. After a while I noticed he was fooling with his phone and when he put it away I leaned forward and asked:
“Excuse me. Do you speak English?”
He turned to me, “Yes, I do.”
“I am wondering if you could do me a favor. I have to meet a friend at the end of my route and she does not know what time I arrive at the stop. Can you send her a text and let her know I will be there about 10pm.”
“Of course. I understand. It will be my pleasure. What is her number?”
I told him and he typed in what I dictated.
“If she does not answer this text you can call her and make sure she knows what time you get there.”
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. It saved a lot of problem for her and me.”
“No problem. I was happy to help you.”
Karst Hills across the Li River In Yangshuo
I sat back and for the first time that day I felt like I could almost relax, but I did need to know if Hiromi received the message. After several train stops and he had not indicated that he had received a reply I thought it might be better to ask if I could call her. He was happy to oblige.
As it turned out, Hiromi had not answered her text messages and did not know about the later pickup time. She was happy I called. Just as my benefactor was exiting the train at his stop in Kofu, Hiromi text back that she would meet me at 9:45pm at Shinano-Tokiwa Eki. He walked back into the car to my seat to show me the text. A very nice guy.
Hiromi and Kiyo were at the station waiting for me when I arrived at 9:50pm. I have been doing errands with Hiromi today and also went with her and Oda-san to interview a couple of more artists for the Art Exchange Show in May at the Mendocino Art Center. So, back to work on the Sister Cities exchanges and on Monday I am back at Miasa School to help facilitate the student exchange for their trip, also in May. Lots of work to do, and I am glad I can help.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
I left here two months ago today. Seems like it was yesterday. I am sure when I am back in Mendocino it will seem like it was only yesterday that I departed for Japan.
The Green Tea Cake after the Kitahara's dog, Harry was left alone for a split second to jump on the table and lick as much as he could before we noticed him. Boy, was he in trouble!
The Birthday Dinner Crowd at the Kitahara's
Getting ready to pick up my car at the Asagura and then drive out to Miasa to check out my Freezer Box house. Tomorrow I will try to make it to school in the morning and then come back after school to put things in order so I can move in. The electricity, gas, water, and Internet are supposed to be turned on again tomorrow so I should be there in case some needs to get inside the house. I know the gas man has to come inside. Tonight we are having a birthday dinner party for Hiromi’s husband, Kiyonori and his father.
I need to refresh my Nihongo since I have been listening to Putonghua for the past two months. It is amazing how much language a person can forget when not around anyone speaking it.
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Road to Miasa this Morning on my way to Miasa School
I am back in my house in Miasa and everything is on and works! When I awoke this morning at the Kitahara’s there was 8cm of fresh, super wet snow on every exposed surface around. Luckily I got up early and was able to shower, eat breakfast, finish packing, give a ride to Kanta Kitahara to the train station so he could get to school and drive to Miasa School for my first day back to work. I haven’t driven in such slushy snow since my days in Colorado some 37 years ago (well maybe once or twice going skiing since Colorado). It was squirrelly. Luckily my car has 4W drive.
Anyway, at school I soon realized how much Nihongo I had forgotten in just two months! I felt like I was just starting to learn again. I have a lot of studying to catch up on! I am now with the 4th and 5th grade classes because that’s who is coming to Mendocino this year. So,… mata ne.
amendonesianinmiasa 