Skiing in Japan

The irony of the situation is that for nearly the last two years I've lived in Pittsburgh, PA. For those unfamiliar, Pittsburgh has PLENTY of snow. It's so cold there and there are plenty of places to ski, if one so desires. I've lived in other cold places too, most notably Germany, which of course provides endless opportunities for snowy adventures. In spite of these facts, I have never attempted to ski or snowboard in my life. I'm not the outdoorsy type, in all honesty, and skiing has always been one of those things that I say I would do, but never feel motivated enough to do. So, when of my colleagues here in Japan informed me of a trip to a ski resort with about 4o other employees, I jumped at the chance. The planning was taken care of, I could rent my equipment there and I would be going out with a bunch of novices (some who had never seen snow before in their lives). Although in Japan, the group I went with was completely non-Japanese. These were a bunch of global recruits - relatively new employees recruited from other Asian countries to come work in Japan. Joining me would be a group of people from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia...etc. In my head, I imagined I should do fine...I'd at least seen snow and even attempted to ice skate once before coming to Japan. I didn't even fall when I did it. Ice skating and my ability to walk and drive on snow (thanks Pittsburgh) in no way prepared me for the travesty of attempting to ski. I couldn't even stand up in the things....it was horrible. I fell five times within the first few minutes and sat there immobile in the snow...how embarrassing! Most of the people I went with opted for snowboarding, so after taking of my skis I traded them in for a snowboard...hoping for better luck. It was better, in a relative sense. I still couldn't stand up and spent over thirty minutes at the top of the hill trying to stand up. After some maneuvering, I finally figured it out and made my way down. It was a long and hard journey and halfway there I stopped out of sheer exhaustion and the pain of my frequent falls. Determined to make the best of this experience, I convinced another skier in a similar position to snap a few pictures. It was an interesting experience, but I will say, do not attempt without some type of instruction/training beforehand...this isn't something to pick up along the way. Skiing in Japan certainly sounds cool...but limping in Japan does not....

Partying on the Yakatabune...

One of the many things to do here is Tokyo is to enjoy an evening on a yakatabune. After participating in a week long training course for European managers of the Japanese company that I work for, we ended our time together on a yakatabune - a Japanese party boat. The boat ride took us on a tour of the city on the Tokyo bay. We enjoyed the lights and the sights all while dining on traditional Japanese cuisine - sashimi, tempura, and shabu shabu. Combine tons of fun with unlimited drinks and a karaoke machine and we were ready to roll. The ride was far too short, but it was a great experience...a fun way to enjoy the culture associated with yakatabune, enjoy the sights and listen to your colleagues rap along to their favorite Emimen tune (thanks, Sven)!

Enjoy...

Visit the Tokyo Tower

During the week that my mother and godmother came to visit, we visited several notable Tokyo sights. After a day of viewing shrines and tasting the local cuisine, we took a quick walk over to the Tokyo Tower. I'm fortunate that it's walking distance from my office and only two stops away from where I live on the train. I'd been there once before with co-workers, but hadn't actually gone up in the tower...only seen it from a distance. Tokyo Tower is celebrating it's 50th birthday and is actually even taller than the Eiffel Tower. I knew this and told my mother and godmother, but they didn't believe it. For those who still have doubts, look it up at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Tower.

I was pretty excited about the visit, and in spite of a slight fear of heights ready to climb up and view Tokyo from another vantage point. My companions, however, did not share my enthusiasm. They preferred, instead to view Tokyo Tower from the ground. Whether or not you decide to go up in the tower, the area surrounding it is quite nice. A small shrine a beautiful park surround the grounds and I've heard that the Tokyo Tower won't exist much longer...so definitely...make a stop by to see it....

Lions and Tigers and Kangaroos?

I mentioned on an earlier post that my co-worker and I took a driving trip to see Mt Fuji a few weekends ago. In addition to seeing the famous Mt. Fuji, we also took some time out to enjoy a safari located really close by. I'm a little scared of animals, to be perfectly honest, but for the last few years or so I've expressed an interest in going to the zoo. As silly as this seems, I could never find anyone to go with and it was never a huge priority...so I just didn't do it. But, the idea of a safari was super exciting to me and I was super excited to see Mt Fuji and a safari all in one day trip. The safari didn't disappoint, and I was excited to see the animals so close up. As we drove by in our rental, we got to see the animals up close and personal and all with the snow covered top of Mt Fuji in the near distance. Highly recommended trip!!

Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa

For the last two weeks, I've had the pleasure of doing some sightseeing. A few Saturdays ago, I participated in a sightseeing tour with a group of European managers in Tokyo. We took in several historic sights and had a great time. I so enjoyed seeing the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa that I made sure to bring along my mother and god-mother during their visit the following week.

In addition to seeing this shrine, which is Tokyo's oldest, there is plenty of shopping and things to do in the area. Although I'm not a fan of the traditional souevnior shopping (think unlimited key chains, magnets and fans) boasting Japanese images...it's hard to avoid when I consider how many people will be expecting such trinkets when I come home. I've been two times at this point, and my recommendation is to go during the weekday if at all possible...the first time I went was on a Saturday and the crowds were almost overwhelming. In spite of when you go, it's still a great place and promises to be tons of fun.

For more information, see...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensō-ji

Go to the Museum...I recommed the Tokyo Edo

On my own, I'm ashamed to admit...I'm not a museum goer. I usually save museums for big trips to interesting places...I haven't been to one in a few years actually and that was in New York. But, whenever I go...I'm usually pretty excited to be there and wonder why I don't go more often. This weekend, I accompanied some European managers from Toshiba on a sightseeing tour and one of the places we visited was the Tokyo Edo museum. Honestly, I'd recommend it to others...in addition to the traditional exhibits, there are lots of interactive exhibits and really well-done replicas. It's a nice size and really energized my interest in absorbing as much Japanese culture as I can...two thumbs up!

Fantastic Mt. Fuji

Of the many things to do while in Japan, visiting Mt Fuji is usually tops of most people's list. In fact, a few of my co-woke rs here asked me if I wanted to join them in a climb of Mt Fuji a few days after I got here. I was torn...while I really appreciated their offer to include me in their fun, I knew that that this would be not a fun experience for me. I'm not the climbing type, I don't generally enjoy nature...and I would hate to have a safety scare so soon after arriving here in the country. So, I had to politely decline. I've been here for nearly three months, so another co-worker and I took a drive up to the area over our holiday weekend. What made me excited about THIS trip was the fact that (1) we wouldn't be climbing any mountains, (2) we could see the snow-covered Mt Fuji as opposed since it is the end of November and (3) our entire trip wouldn't be based on seeing the mountain. As much as I wanted to see Mt Fuji, I'd hoped to have something else to do. My friend and I visited a safari at Mt Fuji...this picture was taken in the parking lot of the safari...yeah!! So, in addition to marveling at the mountain in the distance we actually planned to do other things that day...love it!

Feeling Fat..

I've basically accepted the fact that I'm a monster here in Japan. I haven't been thin since I was a child, but never have I felt sooooo big. At least when I felt big alone, I could always find someone who was my size or bigger...and feel a little better about it...

No such luck here. In spite of my efforts to get my weight in check, no matter how well I do...I'll always be super huge here. I tower over most everyone and know without confirmation that I could never run into a store and pick up some pantyhose, shoes, gloves...nothing and expect it not to be a big ordeal. When the shopping bug hits me, I take myself to an American or European store and breath a small sigh of relief.

Yesterday, on a shopping trip after work to pick up a farewell gift for someone, I finally felt the desire to do a little investigating to confirm my fears. I cruised over to the sale rack and picked up some cute Guess heels on the large rack. Never one for conversions, I picked up the shoe flipped it over and was astounded to see that the Large shoes were a size 7. Intrigued...I checked the Medium shoes -6 or 6.5...and the small 5 or 5.5...interesting, indeed. Never the one to hide my feelings, my shock and dismay were easily picked up by my shocking buddies. Sensing my concerns, they suggested that we go to the equivalent of a Big and Tall shop if I wanted to make a purchase. In spite of the offer, I've decided to save my money and wait for my trip back to the States...I need to save money anyways!!

On a trip to the countryside last weekend, I finally found someone who was bigger than me...and couldn't resist taking a picture of the evidence...haha!

Presidential Matters

Although it may not be apparent in my blog, I'm actually here in Tokyo to work. I am super lucky to be here and have had the opportunity to to do many exciting things. I've met a lot of great people and participated in some really innovative and international programs. Last week, I attended Innovation Leader Training and worked with an impressive group of Toshiba international managers. After a week of interesting presentations and group discussions and reviews, I got to be a part of group presentation to Nishida-san, President of Toshiba!! For more details, check out the Toshiba website at: http://g-web1.toshiba.co.jp/cgi-bin/kouhou/enews/president.cgi

P.S. Information is in Japanese...good luck with that!

Kobe Beef...Yummy

I loooove meat...and especially beef...and that's no lie. I totally related to the Wendy's commercial when the guy described himself as a meat-atarian...I have to force myself to eat veggies most of the time. I had a day trip to Kobe for a business meeting earlier this week and nonchalantly mentioned my love of beef to my colleagues. After a successful meeting, they treated me to authentic Kobe beef...what a prize. They ordered for me, and I was shocked to discover that they ordered me a slab of meat that was it least twice the size of everyone else's at the table...how embarrassing. I quickly got over my embarrassment however, and dug in. All I can say is...you can believe the hype. The beef was delicious...so tender I only needed a butter knife. So well seasoned, no extra sauce was necessary. I also confirmed that the cows drink beer and are regularly massaged - hence the quality of the beef. All in all, highly recommended for all meat lovers. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this size of steak - it's not for the meek-hearted, but definitely give it a try!

Sushi...on a conveyor belt

I really enjoy sushi...I have since my first bite back in college. In fact, it's a very integral part of my weight loss plan here in Japan. It's real obvious to mention it's abundance here in Tokyo...especially since it's really popular back in the States. That being said, one of things that I had never seen until I got to Tokyo was sushi on a conveyor belt. How convenient! I sampled it during my first week here...in the train station and have seen it a few other places as well. I'm becoming a bit more discerning so I've stepped it up to the more expensive and delicious joints... In spite of that, I had to stop by one last time and share my experience with those who are interested...

Shichi-Go-San

I realize that most of my pictures are me...and that sometimes it's hard to tell if this blog is really about living and working in Tokyo or just a bunch of pictures of me. I know, and I'm ashamed. I bought a new camera since coming out here, and almost everyday I bring it with me and vow to take more pictures of other people or things...this blog is quickly taking on the mode of a personal scrapbook.

I work in a great place, with great people. They are all so open and patient with me...in spite of my ignorance and inability to communicate in Japanese. In spite of my attempts and language lessons, I am barely mastered some routine greetings and a few interesting words and phrases that I try to throw out whenever I can.

Last weekend, one of my colleagues invited me to his home to participate in a very personal and cultural event in Japan. I took a train ride and met up with him and his family at a local shrine to celebrate his twins' third birthday in the Shichi-Go-San ceremony. The twins wore elaborate clothes (kimono for the girl, darling little suit for the boy) and even greeted me in English..."Hello, how are you doing?." It seems that even toddlers around here are more bilingual than me...sigh. After our greeting, we all went in the shrine and listened to some chants and prayers in traditional Japanese and the children were given sweets as a reminder of their day. My synopsis is a bit short, so if you're looking for information about the event and it's importance in Japanese culture...check it out at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shichi-Go-San.

What an experience!!

Chesnuts Roasting on a random street in a random town outside Tokyo....

At the train station near my job, I noticed these strange little food items for sell. I wondered what they were, as I can't read anything but English...was pretty curious.

So, on a weekend trip to a small town outside of Japan, I encountered them again on the street. I stopped to inspect and asked my friend what they were.

Oddly enough...they were chesnuts. Not nearly as exotic as I assumed. I like peanuts, pecans, and cashews are okay with me...so I gave them a try. Exotic or not...I'll pass...I tried to hide my displeasure...but I guess I have a lot learn in that department...

I'm with the band...Beatles in Japan

Going to hear live music is one of those things I always think sounds like a good idea...but I rarely do it. I'm always busy and honestly there aren't that many people that I'd actually want to hear live. And then there's the question of venue...too big and I'm lost...too expensive and I'm not going. Oddly enough, several of my co-workers are musical...they love to sing Karaoke and play a variety of musical instruments...how impressive.

Last week, I was invited to a live performance at a venue not far from work. The price was reasonable, it was on a Thursday...and how often would I get the opportunity to hear a Japanese band cover Beatles hits? The decision was made, I had a great time...and I got to take pics with the band...lucky me.

In addition to my customary picture, I've also included a snippet of the performance...and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it actually works!

Statue of Liberty in Odaiba

A few weekends ago I took a quick weekend trip to the Statue of Liberty...haha...just joking. Instead of coming back to the US, I actually took a ferry ride to Odaiba...a cute little tourist area. Complete with a shopping area, charming Ferris wheel, and tons of places to eat and look around...I had a great time. The ferry trip there is nearly as fun as the location itself. Lots to do and see...find out more information at...http://wikitravel.org/en/Tokyo/Odaiba.

Enjoy!

Halloween in Tokyo!!

Yes, Halloween is celebrated in Tokyo. Of course, it's not as widely celebrated as it is in the US but some of my Japanese friends have told me that it seems to be increasing in popularity on a yearly basis. To be honest, I've never been a big Halloween fan, I haven't dressed up since I was a very small child...and even then I gave away over half of my treats collected from trick or treating because I've always hated chocolate. In spite of my ambivalence, I have been trying to do things that I normally don't in Japan...so I went with two friends from work to party in Roppongi...the infamous part of town dominated by wild foreigners. There...I witnessed tons of foreigners and Japanese young adults in costume, drinking and dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller." In spite of big plans, all I could muster was a small mask that conveniently fit in my purse....haha. Fun times!!

Ramen Noodles, Anyone?

Ramen noodles...nothing new, right? We all eat them - especially when we're lacking time and/or money. I ate my fair share in a cup in high school and college, and so I wasn't surprised to hear them talked about time and time again.

What I wasn't prepared for, however, was the borderline obsession with them and a variety of other noodles. Ramen isn't just ramen...I've been to the museum and learned about the different broths and noodle varieties. They vary by region and there are ramen restaurants all over. For me, ramen has always been an old standby - but never have I been preparing to go out with friends for dinner and thought...I'm really in the mood for a big bowl of ramen tonight...go figure!

Wild Horses

One of the first questions people typically ask me about Japan is..."how is the food?" I generally have few complaints. I can't lie and say there aren't certain dishes that I miss...or pretend to not notice the difference between burgers here and in the States...but aside from that, few complaints. On a positive note, food here comes in much smaller portions and is generally much healthier than in the US.
One of the main tenets of having a successful international assignment is being open...or so I've read. I'm pretty picky about some food, but in general, I'm open to most meats. So, during my second week in Japan, on a driving trip to Yamanashi, we stopped off at a somewhat traditional Japanese restaurant. Traditional in that we had to take off our shoes and sit on the ground. Traditional in the sense that raw horse meat was on the menu. In an effort to show my new co-workers just how open I was to new experiences, I persuaded them to do the ordering and that I would sample what they choose. I hated the tofu that came out, but surprisingly loved the taste of the raw horse meat....isn't that ironic? I've never been particularly squeamish about raw foods - I'm a big fan of sushi and as long as it's safe...I'll give it a try. After my dabble with horse, I've since learned that I've only scratched the surface of raw cuisine. Apparently, raw beef and chicken are also quite popular here...yum yum!!

Inflexible Flex-Time

Here in Japan, I'm working at a large national company...they own my company in the US and I'm participating in an exchange of sorts. Back home in Pittsburgh, one of the visible benefits of our workplace is the opportunity to enjoy flextime...which basically means you came come in at a time that is suitable for you as long as you are at work within the core business hours and stay the requisite 8 hours. I looove flextime...and I hate waking up early. Even when I do wake up early, I must admit, I still can't get in early mostly because I take the time to eat breakfast, catch up on the news, check emails and generally prepare myself to face another day at work. All that being said, I'm not a slacker and have no problem staying late to get my work done. The beauty of flextime is that you can work around a schedule that fits your life as long as it doesn't harm your productivity. Overall, the work day is very flexible - from when you leave, to when and if you take lunch, and when you leave.

In my preparations for moving to Tokyo and my new position, I asked about flextime and was assured that it was in existence. 8:30 seemed to be the general start to the day, which was ok...I knew that I should make an impression and aim for that time...at least at the beginning. Imagine my surprise, however, when I came in at around 8:50 on my first week after printing out some documents at my apartment (I hadn't yet been hooked up to the printer at work) and was met with questioning looks and a sense that all was not okay. I won't go into detail, but I will say this. If you are coming to Japan, and more specifically, if you will be in my position soon - do not believe the hype. Flextime here does not necessarily mean the same thing it does where you are coming from...do not take that fact for granted.

Flextime for me means being here before 8:30 and taking lunch in the 45 minutes that are designated lunch time - and if I ever forget, the bells and the fact that the lights go down during that period are helpful reminders. It also means, that around at 5:00 when the end of the day bells sound, I am encouraged to leave....interesting take on flextime, I must say...

The Merlion in Singapore

Ok...I'll admit it. Prior to coming to Japan, and meeting some great co-workers from Singapore...my knowledge of the country was extremely limited. I knew nothing about it...except...and this is the most embarrassing part...that in the early to mid 90s an American kid was caned there. I know..it's bad, but apparently I'm not the only one. When I told a few friends and family members that I was traveling to Singapore for business while in Japan...they mentioned the caning incident as well. Ironically, these people were all around the same age as me...so I lack to blame our ignorance on our youth...haha. So, aside from cautions about not chewing gum and doing anything "caneworthy"...I was completely in the dark about the country. I won't turn this blog into a a geography lesson or history lesson, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised! Singapore was great...really great. The weather is amazing...it's located near the equator so tropical weather ALL YEAR ROUND (take that, Pittsburgh)...the food is yummy (I love seafood and tropical fruit)...and they even speak English. Shopping is waaaay cheaper than Japan, and I had an excellent time. So excellent, in fact, that I called my mom immediately and recommended her and the family to put Singapore on the top of their vacation lists. I took a picture of the famed Merlion...and because of the poor quality of my camera (I know...I know...the new pink one should be here this week) you may only be able to see a faint picture behind our smiling faces

For more info about the famous Merlion....go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlion

Excuse Me, I have to use the restroom....

The toilets here are downright luxurious. It sounds silly to say, but 99% of the ones I've seen are equipped with the works - a seat warmer, a bidet and a number of other options to enligten your experience. At the airport, at work, at hotels...they're all over the place. I'd enjoyed and appreciated them for a few weeks...until a trip to the rural area of Mei, located about an hour away from Tokyo. I was there to speak with a global recruit working there at auto factory. About halfway through the interview, I asked to be excused to the restroom. I was led to an outdoors trailer like building, and gasped when I opened the door. This was my first time seeing the traditional Japanese toilet, and it was shockingly different from those I described before. I tried to limit my reaction - I certainly didn't want to come across as the rude American....but it was certainly interesting, that's for sure.
A few days later, at a train station on my way to the American military base, I encountered my second traditional toilet. What's most interesting about them, to me, is that in both instances both styles of toilets are in the same bathroom, it's merely a question of which door you open...and I suppose, your preference. This time, I went for it...with my camera and all....tradition comes alive!!

Happy Bday - Karaoke Style!!

Although not necessarily routine, my colleagues organized a big celebration for my birthday. They insisted on taking me out, they got me lots of nice pink presents...and we ended the night in....a Karaoke bar!! Of course, I knew of the somewhat cliche idea of the Japanese love of karaoke bars. I despise the thought of singing in public, and have only gone to watch other people back in the States. In spite of my reluctance, I was persuaded into going (the wine with dinner made my persuasion a bit easier) with the group.
Upon entering the bar, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the bar was completely different than the ones I'd been to in the States. Unlike the big room with one performer on center stage, the bar had a number of small soundproof rooms with their own little systems and booth. So, instead of facing a roomful of curious strangers, I would only have to embarrass myself in front of small group of my co-worker...so much better!! We sang a long in a group to a variety of hits both Japanese (I couldn't really follow along) and American (some even I didn't recognize). Soon, soothed by the encouragement and support of my new friends, even I took the mike and belted out a Britney classic..."Baby Hit Me One More Time." A night to remember...

Earthquakes...Oh My!!

When I left work last Friday, the big news was that a typhoon was heading towards Tokyo. Several people reminded about me the rain and the bad weather that was on the way. At the end of the workday on Friday, in fact, I was startled to look outside and see just how dark and ominous it was. I got myself mentally prepared for this typhoon.

Truthfully, by the close of the weekend, the impact of the typhoon was barely detectable to me. It did rain quite a bit, but on Sunday morning (I think it was either Saturday or Sunday) I woke up to the feeling of my world shaking. My room on the 17th floor was unsteady for about five minutes (it seems like such a long time....especially when your in bed coming out of a deep sleep).

At this point, that is the second earthquake I've experienced in Tokyo and in life. When people say that they happen frequently here....they weren't exaggerating.

All of the training and orientation material information I received about Japan had significant amounts of information about what to do in the event of an earthquake. While looking for apartments, all of the listings boasted that their buildings would remain safe during earthquakes. During my first week of work, my manager directed me to an earthquake simulation training held by the police...we all took turns putting on helmets and running under desks while in a little trailer area that was moving and shaking similarly to level 5 earthquake. For those who may not know, here a few bits of info:

- The last earthquake in Tokyo over magnitude 5 occurred in 2005
--During level 5 earthquakes "many people try to seek safety and some/many people find it
difficult to move"

- Both earthquakes I experienced thus far were level 3
--Level 3 earthquakes "are felt by most people indoors"

Just in case you were wondering....

Getting My Feet Wet

One of the many things that I plan on enjoying are the onsen or "hot springs" here in Japan. I love hot tubs, and the thought of one makes me think of long languid soaks and enjoying my time here. I love being pampered, I love relaxing...so this seems like the perfect activity, for me right? Well...not quite...you have to be completely nude to enjoy this particular Japanese activity. So, when some of my new co-workers here invited me on a day trip to celebrate the holiday weekend...we thought long and hard (and exchanged about a dozen emails about where we'd we and what we'd do). Of the many suggestions considered, going to an onsen was one of them. I immediately leaped at the idea...after all, I'm certainly no prude. However, after a little consideration I knew that in spite of the great personalities of my new friends, and our mutual desire to learn from each other...this was one adventure that I wasn't quite ready for. While it is one thing to enjoy an onsen in the company of complete strangers (who by the way are speaking in a language I can't understand) it is quite another to do so with the women who sit right next to you day after day.
We ultimately reached a compromise...a wonderful day spent at Fruits Park...with you guessed it, plenty of fruit, yummy wine, great conversation...and a mini onsen...a foot onsen!! Great thinking, ladies!!

Sour Grapes

It's been nearly two weeks since I arrived in Japan...and the transition has gone remarkably well. Few, if any real complaints and aside from brief but sharp bouts of homesickness...I feel very comfortable here, like I wouldn't mind living here. The people are super nice, the city is cool and I love sushi and getting around without a car. Of course, there is more to eat here than sushi, and most of it is quite healthy. The small portions, while initially disappointing, are fine and I always think that this is the way things should be if you have any regard for your health and weight (which I do, even though it may be hard to tell...). In spite of all the positives, there are some significant drawbacks. First, there is the unease that comes with being unable to read a large amount of the menus and the great majority of the labels in the supermarket. It doesn't help that a fair amount of this food is completely unrecognizable. What is most saddening is when I can either (a) read the label or (b) discern the product...and THENＩsee the price. I'd been warned before coming about just how expensive everything was...but as a true food lover...seeing the actual prices made my heart hurt. This weekend, I went to the countryside with some co-workers...we went to Fruits Park and bought grapes and wine. Delicious..and almost a steal...a small bunch for 500 Yen= $5!! This is merely one of many such examples, but when I explained my feelings to my co-workers, they tried to soothe my anxiety by reminding me how much less we were paying for these grapes than we would in the grocery story...what a relief!!

New to This...

I've been living in Tokyo for about two weeks now. I've never lived in Japan before, and aside from one short trip here in June..this is all a very new experience to me. I've never blogged before either, but hopefully my posts will be helpful to other people in similar situations...thanks in advance for your patience...I'm new to this....