Throughout our stay in Japan I besiged (sp?) my fellow Chiba-ites with movie references. Which is why I find it fitting to end our experience with one last one.
I never got the title Lost in Translation. Didn't give much thought to it really. But as I start to decompress and reflect back on the entire experience think I get it and will attempt to explain.
The primary goal of the JFMF program is to share the culture of Japan with American educators, but in my mind it is also kind of a social experiment. Take a group of 200 people, drop them in a foreign land, provide them with enough structure to give them some purpose and ability to function, then sit back and watch.
Very quickly small groups assembled. In order to create a sense of trust, stories are shared, secrets are told. People you have known only a matter of days are now your bestest friends in your little corner of Japan. Meals are eaten together, social activities are decided as a group, and the bond is strengthened over luggage crisis, extended bus rides, and notes passed during seminars.
Three weeks seems like a long time, but it is over too fast. Soon it is time to say goodbye. You realize, but don't want to accept, that you may never hear from or see these friends again. Emails and phone numbers are exchanged. Invitations are extended, but we are in all likelihood not going to see each other ever again.
One of the final scenes in Lost in Translation shows Bill M. chasing Scarlett J. down a crowded side street then whispering something in her ear. Then he leaves. We never find out what was said. These two characters had explored Tokyo, shared dreams, revealed secrets and he just walks away? Being somewhat of a romantic myself I couldn't believe it would end like this.
But their relationship, just like many forged between the FMFers doesn't translate back in the States. Their relationship was based on their being in Tokyo, together, just like many of ours. I know I will miss my friends and hope that I will hear from them again. But the relationship that was has been Lost in Translation.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Jet Laggin' Part Deux
I cannot sleep!! I guess this is what they call jet lag. I thought I had a tried and true way to avoid jet lag -- Sleep on the plane (by whatever means necessary) and when you wake up, set you watch and mind to the new time and go about your day. My problem is I got sick. Phlemmie sick. (Is that a word?) You know, coughing, no voice, snotty, yucky chest and spent all day yesterday and today sleeping it off. This sucks.
Jet Laggin'
Guess I should have followed Japser's advice and stayed awake when I came home because it is past midnight and I can't sleep. I have a wicked cough and would like to sleep but between the "hack-hack" and mind racing it isn't happening.
So I will write to you. Hmm. OK, I've got it, reflection time. (Oh, goody!)
Why I Miss Japan
1. People are nicer. Trying to switch planes at LAX reminded me that I wasn't in Japan anymore. Other people in line were getting impatient (vs. the patient line waiting in Japan) and the workers had that, "I hate my job and I hate you," look that is supplemented with eye rolls and head-cocked glares. And sighs. I did not miss the sighs.
2. Everything is cleaner. Paper on the floor, wrappers strown, people eating and walking. Why aren't they messy in Japan? I think it's a respect thing and the whole inside/outside persona. There's a name for it. It's in my book.
3. Eye contact. Now I will admit that I used to be one of those, "Hi!" "Hi," Good Morning!" people. Let's refer to it as fake Courtney. I didn't want to say hello but felt pressured to be social and talk to others. No, I'm not saying I'll be rude, but I no longer feel the need to make eye-contact and smile to everyone (really everyone, even scary people) on the street. In Japan, eyes stayed lowered and there is no pressure to make polite small-talk with strangers. I like that. Today on the plane to Tucson, this nice older man sat next to me and usually in fake Courtney mode I would strike up a conversation with him. But today, I put on my headphones, didn't even turn the darn thing on, and put my head back.
4. Food. I didn't realize how much crap I ate. No, that's a lie. I did but I enjoyed it. Right now I am rethinking all the processed cheese, meats, and breads I eat. They served us half-a-hashbrown and sausage on the plane and it didn't even taste good. Yes I ate it -- but I enjoyed the fruit more. (No, I am not feeling well).
5. Heated toliet seats with spray options. Nuff said.
6. Doin' Stuff. I watch a lot of tv - as most of you know. Too much tv. Heck, I'm watchin' E! Daily 10 right now with the sound off. I liked going places and doin' stuff with people and by myself. I think I need to get out more. Walk maybe? See the Grand Canyon or the Monument place? Take up yoga or an exercise class? Now that may be the cough medicine talking but it could happen.
7. Can't think of a 7.
8. Cleanliness. I know this is kinda a repeat but before I was referring to public cleanliness. My house is a wreck right now. Being little miss type A w/OCD tendencies you would think my house would be perfect. But it is a perfect mess. Dog hair, dirty clothes, dirty dishes, dirty, well everyting. Tomorrow, I clean.
9. Hot Springs. Now I didn't get to go to one, but I did see the brochure. Our public bath was ok -- but the thought of soaking in a hot mineral spring right now sounds amazing. My body is sore and bruised. There are no hot springs in Tucson. Hot sand, but it's full of bugs and rattlesnakes.
10. Soup and Sashimi. I heart miso soup and sashimi. Tomorrow I may take a break from cleaning and go to the Japanese restaurant here in Tucson and suck down some soup and have an order of sashimi for dessert. I know it won't be the same but I don't think I can do pizza and cheese dip.
Ok -- that's it for now. As I develop my follow-on plan I will add to my blog. Hopefully you all will keep reading and makin' comments. Will try to sleep now, after another helpin' of cough medicine.
So I will write to you. Hmm. OK, I've got it, reflection time. (Oh, goody!)
Why I Miss Japan
1. People are nicer. Trying to switch planes at LAX reminded me that I wasn't in Japan anymore. Other people in line were getting impatient (vs. the patient line waiting in Japan) and the workers had that, "I hate my job and I hate you," look that is supplemented with eye rolls and head-cocked glares. And sighs. I did not miss the sighs.
2. Everything is cleaner. Paper on the floor, wrappers strown, people eating and walking. Why aren't they messy in Japan? I think it's a respect thing and the whole inside/outside persona. There's a name for it. It's in my book.
3. Eye contact. Now I will admit that I used to be one of those, "Hi!" "Hi," Good Morning!" people. Let's refer to it as fake Courtney. I didn't want to say hello but felt pressured to be social and talk to others. No, I'm not saying I'll be rude, but I no longer feel the need to make eye-contact and smile to everyone (really everyone, even scary people) on the street. In Japan, eyes stayed lowered and there is no pressure to make polite small-talk with strangers. I like that. Today on the plane to Tucson, this nice older man sat next to me and usually in fake Courtney mode I would strike up a conversation with him. But today, I put on my headphones, didn't even turn the darn thing on, and put my head back.
4. Food. I didn't realize how much crap I ate. No, that's a lie. I did but I enjoyed it. Right now I am rethinking all the processed cheese, meats, and breads I eat. They served us half-a-hashbrown and sausage on the plane and it didn't even taste good. Yes I ate it -- but I enjoyed the fruit more. (No, I am not feeling well).
5. Heated toliet seats with spray options. Nuff said.
6. Doin' Stuff. I watch a lot of tv - as most of you know. Too much tv. Heck, I'm watchin' E! Daily 10 right now with the sound off. I liked going places and doin' stuff with people and by myself. I think I need to get out more. Walk maybe? See the Grand Canyon or the Monument place? Take up yoga or an exercise class? Now that may be the cough medicine talking but it could happen.
7. Can't think of a 7.
8. Cleanliness. I know this is kinda a repeat but before I was referring to public cleanliness. My house is a wreck right now. Being little miss type A w/OCD tendencies you would think my house would be perfect. But it is a perfect mess. Dog hair, dirty clothes, dirty dishes, dirty, well everyting. Tomorrow, I clean.
9. Hot Springs. Now I didn't get to go to one, but I did see the brochure. Our public bath was ok -- but the thought of soaking in a hot mineral spring right now sounds amazing. My body is sore and bruised. There are no hot springs in Tucson. Hot sand, but it's full of bugs and rattlesnakes.
10. Soup and Sashimi. I heart miso soup and sashimi. Tomorrow I may take a break from cleaning and go to the Japanese restaurant here in Tucson and suck down some soup and have an order of sashimi for dessert. I know it won't be the same but I don't think I can do pizza and cheese dip.
Ok -- that's it for now. As I develop my follow-on plan I will add to my blog. Hopefully you all will keep reading and makin' comments. Will try to sleep now, after another helpin' of cough medicine.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Back Home Again (In Arizona)
Just wanted to let you know that I arrived back in Arizona safely after two of the freakin' longest days of my life, that were all really the same day. (International Date Line reference for you geography people). After hanging out at Narita airport for way too long, we got on the plane to LAX. I managed to sleep on the plane, with a little help from my doctor. We arrived in LA around 11:00 am November 1, after leaving Narita at 5:35 pm on November 1 -- basically traveling back in time.
Thank goodness I had my good buddy Jasper (miss you Jasper-san!) to help get me through Customs and to my next flight. Slept through that flight as well and arrived in Tucson where Mr. Corrigan met this very haggard mess of a girl.
Sipsey is super happy I am home. Francie didn't care, but I got lots of hugs from Haley. Mr. Corrigan loves his new samurai (sp?) sword, Ultraman doll and mask, and floating pen we got at the Chiba City science museum. So far I have slept more, turned down delicious pizza, and massaged out a nasty cramp in my right calf. I am feeling old. And I published most of the 80 comments you had posted. 80!! We are in the lab Monday where we can talk and answer questions.
Tomorrow, laundry and probably more sleep. As I get more pictures from our last nights in Tokyo I will post them. Gotta wait for the other Chib-ites to share first though, I didn't bring my camera with me. Oops.
Thank goodness I had my good buddy Jasper (miss you Jasper-san!) to help get me through Customs and to my next flight. Slept through that flight as well and arrived in Tucson where Mr. Corrigan met this very haggard mess of a girl.
Sipsey is super happy I am home. Francie didn't care, but I got lots of hugs from Haley. Mr. Corrigan loves his new samurai (sp?) sword, Ultraman doll and mask, and floating pen we got at the Chiba City science museum. So far I have slept more, turned down delicious pizza, and massaged out a nasty cramp in my right calf. I am feeling old. And I published most of the 80 comments you had posted. 80!! We are in the lab Monday where we can talk and answer questions.
Tomorrow, laundry and probably more sleep. As I get more pictures from our last nights in Tokyo I will post them. Gotta wait for the other Chib-ites to share first though, I didn't bring my camera with me. Oops.
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