September 7, 2014
Day 1:
So, the flight went well, not too much turbulence. I was fortunate enough not to have anyone else sitting next to me, which provided me with more freedom. I watched three movies during that 14 hours flight: X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Godzilla. I also managed to sleep for about one hour and a half, which means that the rest of the time, I was awake. So what else did I do? I listened to music while filling out the papers for the customs and entry to Japan. I had to ask a lot of questions to make sure I had everything right, yet I still managed to make a few mistakes. I also read a little bit and ate.
This is one of the meals I ate on the plane. For the airline's own sake, I won't even try to compare this with my mom's food... ;-)
The moment I took a step off the plane, I immediately felt the humidity and heat like a blow to the face. I had been warned, yet I was expecting a little more AC within the airport premises. Walking through the airport, my visual memory kicked in and I could remember most of it from my previous visit three years ago. Very useful in a country whose language you do not fully understand.
Now, apparently I attract trouble because I wasn't in Japan for more that 20 minutes when it started.It took me one hour to get through immigrations as well as customs. It's quite frightening to have three Japanese men and women discuss while glancing in your direction and holding your credentials. And that's how it ends. They didn't let me in, and I was sent back home.
Just kidding. Once I had passed immigrations and customs, I walked out and immediately found Shigenori Iwasa, my friend, waiting for me. Hugs were exchanged, pictures taken, and we were off for a long four hour ride to the Iwasa's house, who live in the Tama-shi part of Tokyo. Shigenori declared me "ame otoko", which can be literally translated as "rain man" because I apparently brought rain and traffic to the road back home. After a few wrong turns, a few stops, more than enough phone calls as well as discussions, a stop at a supermarket to get my sleeping gear (futons, covers and pillow), Iwasa san and I made it home...
... where Reiko, Shigenori's wife, was waiting for us with her usual big smile. I also got the chance to meet Yoshiki, the third son, for the first time.
After the introductions, it was clear that Reiko would only speak to me in Japanese... At least I'm getting good practice. My Japanese isn't as bad as I thought it was, yet, it is clear that I have come to the right place to learn.
FOOD! Reiko has always been famous in our family for her cooking. You will most likely see many of her meals on my blog, every time I visit. I'll just let the pictures talk for now (drooling is allowed).
After Skyping with my family, I was off to take a relaxing, japanese-style bath, in which I almost fell asleep, to finally end up in my bed.
Day 2:
In Canada, my room has no windows (illegal, I know...). But, this allows me to have no light whatsoever in my room, which in turn lets me sleep in, undisturbed. I do not have that luxury in Japan, or anywhere else I sleep, as a matter of fact. So there I was woken up at 6:30 a.m., jet lagged, yet wide awake. Reiko was not ready to make me breakfast, yet she so kindly did. Now, by breakfast, I mean a Japanese breakfast, which most of us foreigners would call a full 3 course supper. Delicious none the less, it takes some adjustment to eat such food at such an early part of the day.
I managed to study some Japanese with the textbook I brought from Canada. I also got to say hello to Kenzo, the Iwasa's second son, before he was off to school. Yes, he had school on a SUNDAY!! A brave lad, having to study for a full year in order to enter his desired university.
At around noon, I decided to take a nap to help me recuperate from this jet-lag. I had originally intended to sleep for 2 hours. Apparently, my body had other plans. I slept till 6:45 p.m., at which time I jumped out of bed. Reiko simply laughed when I explained, and ushered me to the dinner table.
(Reiko made Gyoza especially for me, since she knew I really like Gyoza and apparently Gyoza and beer go well together. This picture was intended to make my dad jealous :P)
As I was finishing my supper, I managed to have a profound conversation with Reiko and Shigenori, something I would consider as priceless. We talked for over an hour yet it didn't seem like such a long time. Probably because Reiko's food is sooo delicious. Sorry mom, you have some fierce competition over here.
Kenzo soon arrived home from school, and we watched part of Yoshiki's school festival. Yoshiki had been asked to be the commentator for a humoristic wrestling match between funny characters. It was quite entertaining, and I regret not being able to understand what he was saying. Afterwards, Shigenori wanted me to show him my DJing, so I played one of my mixes while I explained how I usually go about recording one. I then brought him and Kenzo to "my" room, where I had installed my laptop. I showed them a little bit about how electronic dance music is made, although I'm sure it's hard to understand. Especially since I explained it all in English.
Soon after that, Reiko helped me prepare my outfit and the stuff I'll need for tomorrow. I will be heading to Tokai University in order to meet with a few people as well as get my visa. After a warm bath, and writing this blog article, I was then off to bed.
(Left: Kenzo Iwasa / Right: Me all dressed up)
2:33 PM |
Category:
1st Time,
Flight,
FOOD!,
Friends,
Host Family,
Iwasa,
Movie,
Sleep,
Trouble
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