living the Japanese life

*Note: Start at the bottom of this post and work your way up to view it in chronological order. Domo arigato gozaimas.

Kokoro's drawing of me. ^o^

I got Kokoro stickers and a sticker book. I used to have a sticker collection and trade with my friends when I was her age. I nailed the "age appropriate" gift. ;)

Sayo's childhood friend and her daughter, Hanae and Kokoro! Totemo kawaii!
We had dinner at Hanae's mother's izakaya (eating and drinking restaurant). She is a GREAT singer and did karaoke to my favorite Japanese songs from high school. It was a really fun night.

Me trying on a shirt in a store...the salesgirl MADE me wear this face covering to try it on...I suppose to keep garments clean. Hahaha...I had a good laugh.

Sayo demonstrating how to touch your "Passmo" or "Suica" train card at the gate.

Very long escalator at the stop near our apartment. The first of three just to get to the train.

She's glaring at me, telling me to "get to work!"

Working at Sayo's office (she works for Trace Register).

Post onsen meal of noodles.

More randomness along the pathway.

Ok, sorry, this photo of the bears is not exciting at all. They are in there, we promise.

Buddha in the madness.

he came out of nowhere!

Not the best place for an open fire...

Photos of the magical onsen that were promised long ago...this is of the bizzarrooo walkway to the ryotemburo (hots spring baths). It was a maze of antiquities...and creepy old men.

Hi all,

We've been missing for a while now...life is BUSY! Note, there is now an blog under February 12th- one that we started and just finished. :)

Things keeping us busy:
-Stephen working 6 days a week plus overtime during the week
-Our friend Wally visiting us
-Homework for Jill's grad school...just two more weeks of the quarter!
-Jill's work for Trace Register- testing the software (20 hrs./week)
-And last but not least, HAVING FUN.

So until either of us sits down to share some stories with you, I thought I'd share photos and random thoughts.

Random thoughts from Jill:

-I am getting sick of being deaf in Japan. When I've been in other countries it's been kind of nice because it allowed me lots of time to think and not be distracted by the environment as much. However, in Japan it just makes life more chaotic. It would help to understand Japanese announcements so that I can know if I'm on the right train for sure, walking the right way in a station, going to the correct floor in a building, if the train is about to hit another train (when really urgent-sounding messages come on the loud speaker and everyone stops and listens intently) etc. etc. Japan wins the contest for the country with the most audible stimuli. I'll try to take a video soon to give an example. Anyone have an idea of another country that would be on the podium?

-People here stay up really late. My neighborhood coffee shop (yes, unfortunately it is Starbucks) is open 10am-2am. The minute I saw the hours my identity as a "night owl" was validated. If a huge Starbucks cafe in a bookstore is open till 2 am that must mean that a significant percent of the population are frequenting it that late. I studied there till midnight the other day and was surprised to find people of all ages- even retired people- studying, reading, or participating in Japan's infamous "public sleeping." One man came, sat down and immediately passed out (although alcohol was a factor). People really just don't sleep here as much as they should- Japanese companies require grueling hours from employees (like 13 a day from some), the pace of life in the city is not the healthiest, and there is always something to do here/somewhere to eat+drink/friends to see, etc. I am more appreciative now of our apartment that is far from the hustle and bustle and density.

-Japanese women walk miles every day in stiletto high heels. On concrete. Up and down many many stairs. In the pouring rain.

-Women's restrooms often have separate "powder rooms" full of primping women- primping as though they are off to a ball (after work on a Monday night). They can be seen putting on fake eyelashes, reapplying foundation, you name it. Things that women in the U.S. would rarely do in public (at least in Seattle that is).

-Public drunkenness is somehow acceptable here and yet you shouldn't blow your nose in public because it is "impolite." But you can be passed out on the station floor in a three piece suit (seen it).

-Eyelashes are big deal here. Several women have asked me if mine are real. There is a growing industry of eylash "extensions"...longer eyelashes glued onto eyelids that last for several weeks, and cost about $100 a pop.

-I really love walking miles and miles now when I go out (in my comfy tennis shoes).

-Japan is marketing Spring like there's no tomorrow. Sakura (cherry blossom) is the icon of spring here...and oh boy is it cute and pink!

Ok, now for the photos. We've also decided to begin "vlogging." You should see a video installment soon. :)

Oh, and lastly, we made some really great friends! A month ago while a church a girl named Ariadne introduced herself to us. She is from the east coast and married to a Japanese guy, Masahiro, who happened to study abroad in Seattle! We've hung out a bunch since. And Masa happened to frequent the "Central Saloon" in Pioneer Square three doors down from my work...we like to think that we used to pass each other on the street while he was in town. :)

Matta ne,
Jill