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23/3/2017 0 Comments

iTTTi Training: Trains

Japanese trains are silent. The engine may huff, the couplings will swing, and the cars can creak, but you won't hear a word. People bring silence to the train. It's an odd concept in North America since North Americans love to talk. There's laughter, sometimes overly loud music, and of course, conversation. Yet, in Japan, the silence is deafening. The few times I heard anything was often between foreigners or high school girls. Even still, the foreigners eventually learn it's a faux pas, and the girls always speak in hushed tones. The train became a prime example of Japanese etiquette.

For instance, if someone is carrying a backpack or any other type of bag, it takes up no space. If they sit, it's on their lap, and if they stand, it's between their legs and on the ground. Courteous. Polite. Efficient. That's not all. Say someone enjoys reading during their commute, they will use a book cover so no one may be offended and they are granted their privacy. In truth, I highly doubt there would be offense in the first place, but the thought is there. People listen to music, but you'll never see them move. No rhythmic bobbing of the head, or even a slight toe tap, and while you would think this was only true for the train...the night clubs always surprised me.

As I'm sure you've guessed, Japanese trains can be quite busy - especially Tokyo trains. Yet, there is no pushing or shoving. When the doors open, people allow everyone to disembark and wait in a self imposed queue automatically. The moment people are done leaving the train, the queue begins to board. Everyone respects the amount of time someone has waited, and respects the order. It was heavenly. I loved being able to trust that every single person understood the unspoken, unwritten rules of commuting. It made commuting safe.

But, marching in robotic synchronicity, and keeping absolute silence was sometimes painful. There's an absence of life. I can honestly say I hold politeness, courtesy, and respect in the highest regard, however...it was as if everyone lacked humanity. It was like the town from Footloose. Everyone was so morally upstanding, that it even prevented them from dancing. I wanted to be the person who breathed life back into Japan - well, everyday Japan. Japanese TV and media is another story. I think it's the only way they can express anything. Through over the top symbolism, and crazy hi-jinks. Trust me, in everyday life, people hide their eccentricities. Usually. Save for the odd man inexplicably wearing a girl's school uniform.

I digress. Japanese trains are efficient and always on time. If they're late (even by 5 minutes), either someone died, or the weather has actually gotten serious. Worried about being late for work? Just ask one of the many train staff for your proof that the train was actually late (chien shoumeisho). I'm serious, it's a slip of paper officially stamped, essentially acting as an apology to your employer. I had to ask for one a few times, but luckily it didn't affect me. I still managed to arrive early (thanks to leaving early and typically short delays).

Overall, the most impressive part about Japanese trains is the fact that so many of them are still running. I often took trains to rural Japan, and that meant riding on the oldest trains you've ever seen. Like the ones just after they were done with coal. They worked beautifully. Sure, they made a little bit more noise, and sometimes when they started moving again you could feel the whole train jolt and shudder as it caught up to the engine, but they worked perfect. That's another thing I learned about Japan, they believed in fixing things - not replacing them. Another quality I greatly admire.

For today's post, I've arranged a few photos from trains around Aichi. I've also included a few videos of trains in movement. They're a bit boring, but interesting. I hope you enjoy, and I'll be back for the next update on March 31. Jya ne! (See you!)

Shin-Moriyama

Sukaguchi

Shobata

Tokyo


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13/3/2017 1 Comment

iTTTi Training: Best Ramen

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Even the manhole covers are decorative!
Everyday while I was training in Japan we visited a different Peppy Kids Club (PKC) school. To be more accurate, they were classrooms with a teacher's area, and bathroom. But they called them "schools". In order to get to the school, we had to wake up early, take a subway, and wait for the right bus. A tricky thing to do since everything is in Japanese. So you hope that your hearing and matching of Kanji is on point. Depending on the city and bus company, the buses may operate slightly differently. In Nagoya, you get on and take a ticket. Then you watch the digital board at the front to determine your fare (it depends on distance). When you hear your stop, you push the button and dump the ticket and your exact fare into a machine. I was lucky enough to be with other people so if a mistake was made, at least I had support. I was lucky enough that I didn't make a mistake (that day). From the bus, it was a short walk to the school.
It was the middle of August, and the height of the summer. While the days were truly beautiful, they were also terribly humid. I didn't have a single moment of dry-ness. I was either perspiring from the heat and humidity, or in the shower trying to stop feeling so sweaty. As soon as I left the shower, the wet air stuck to my skin and reminded me of the overwhelmingly unbearable heat. Thank god for air conditioning. Although my roommate often disliked the air conditioning, I couldn't live without it. I'm from Canada! Home of the long winter! Especially these days with erratic weather and extreme climate change. It's the middle of March and I'm staring out at 30 cm of snow! Ridiculous. Anyway, it was damned hot and I did everything I could to alleviate the heat. I bought a scarf you dipped in cold water, and wore around your neck. It helped keep me cool for long bouts of commuting.
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This is what they call, "walking".
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Best. Restaurant.
After a full morning of practice lessons, it was time for lunch. We wandered around until we found an incredibly unique ramen restaurant! The moment I laid my eyes on those adorable pigs, I knew we had the right place. The door was traditionally short, requiring everyone to bow their heads. It was a bit stuffy inside, but it smelled heavenly. On the little TV played Japanese baseball, and there were a few men at the counter eating ramen. Like every Japanese restaurant, smoking was allowed, and was whisked away swiftly by efficient ceiling vents. I stared at the large menu depicting various bowls of ramen. I got really excited, and since we had limited time, I picked quickly. I waited patiently and could not have prepared myself for the pinnacle of ramen. Each feature was perfectly flavoured on its own, but together they sang in harmony. It was a delicate balance of expertly defined flavours, and it was obvious that such perfection could only be achieved through years of cooking. ​
I was able to visit a few times, trying different bowls, and shaking my head in disbelief every time. It was like stumbling on to hidden treasure. The place was run by a woman and her granddaughter. I fell in love with this woman. After one meal, we were walking away when she came running outside to give me my sunglasses. I was embarrassed, but thanked her profusely. She then proceeded to compliment me, and touch my face with her hand. I was shocked initially, but had the fortune of having a fellow trainee present who spoke fluent Japanese. She thought my skin was absolutely stunning, and could not believe how beautiful it looked. I blinked and felt instantly flattered, but undeservedly so. I thanked her and she quickly returned to her restaurant. I stood in disbelief while the group laughed. After a few visits, I knew the next one would be my last.
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I tried to take a photo of the chef, but she was too shy!
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I got used to cars being on the "wrong" side.
I asked her for a photo, but she was so embarrassed that I couldn't get a good one. I then told her (in my very best Japanese) that I loved her restaurant, and thought it was the best ramen ever. I exclaimed that it was delicious and I loved it. She teared up, and blushed in disbelief. I enthusiastically nodded, and told her again how much I loved it. I wanted to hug her. I waved goodbye and lamented never being able to eat the best ramen again. I looked high and low for another ramen place, but each one was disappointing. Too bland, too salty, not enough of one ingredient or the other. I should have proposed the day I met her - then maybe I would be living out my days in ramen heaven. I feel like Space Dandy, I will never know the taste of the phantom space ramen ever again...
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The Search For The Phantom Space Ramen, Baby
Thanks for reading! Next update is March 24! See you, Space Cowboy.
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16/2/2017 0 Comments

My First Day in Nagoya

Back in 2014 I moved to Japan and had the experience of a lifetime. I was all set to be an English teacher, and ready to move to my first big Japanese city, Nagoya. It's located in the Aichi prefecture in central Japan. I spent a hot and humid August training, teaching, and exploring in the "peaceful" city.
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When I arrived in Nagoya I was dazed and confused. I had just flown 23 hours and 15 minutes through Vancouver and Taipei to finally land at my destination. I wasn't able to sleep the entire time since I had been buzzing with excitement. When it was my turn through customs, I handed over my papers and did my best to communicate with the agent. Then I picked up my baggage and was asked about the contents. I glanced at the sign and realized they were looking for dangerous items, I shook my head. He motioned around his body, and I practically shouted, "Yes, I have clothes!" We both chuckled and he let me through. I was greeted by the company representative, and taken out on to the highway.
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Here we go!
The drive didn't take long, and soon enough I was introduced to my roommate and temporary apartment. Since we were both starved and looking to explore the area a bit, we headed out to look for food. We found a convenient 7-11 and a small grocery store. I wandered the aisles in awe. There were a lot of pre-made meals (thank goodness). So I picked up some sushi and karaage. When we headed back to the apartment, we met up with some other trainees and immediately found ourselves with plans for the night. We were going out for some karaoke! Trust me when I say, you can never get enough. Most of the karaoke bars in Japan offer private rooms, and nomihodai (drink all you want for "x" amount of time). Some of the most fun I had was in a karaoke bar.
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Grocery store and hyaku-en shop
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Sanctuary
The next day we were very lucky and managed to do some exploring before we began an arduous month of training. For the most part we just wandered around and let our senses guide us. At one point, we were so excited by the prospect of finding an arcade that we walked into a pachinko parlor. Well let me tell you - it is loud and bright and deafening and flashflashflash!!! Definitely not arcade games, and definitely filled with smoke. So we headed to re-known Osu Kannon temple. The Buddhist temple was incredibly popular, and I watched as person after person shook the large, heavy rope and rang the bell atop the steps. I eventually followed suit and felt a little lighter afterwards. We made our way back down and I discovered a man covered in pigeons. It was obvious to anyone that it brought him great joy, but I could not say the same for some of my colleagues. After that we visited a large, covered shopping district - teeming with curiosity.
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DINGDINGDINGDINGDING!!!

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