8 月 7日 2007年
My journey in Asia ends today. I got up this morning at 5:30 to be at the bus stop down the road with all of my luggage. It was a nice walk and a time to reminisce. It’s amazing how quickly this time has gone by and how my last stop is so close to where I first set foot in Kobe.
Well my bus ride to Narita was excellent. I decided to eat in the airport before trying to head into Tokyo; that choice actually resulted in me not having enough time to go into Tokyo. That’s okay because I enjoyed my teriyaki burger and got to go into Narita instead.
In Narita, I tried to go to the Buddhist Temple Garden. It was so extremely hot, and thus, I never made it to the garden. I did have a good time exploring down the streets just checking out what everyday houses are like in Japan. I liked the cute little gardens that they had. Seeing the different-ness of the street stores, markets, and medicine stores stands out to me too.
Well, my flights have begun. They will last for nearly two days. From Narita to Detroit then to Memphis and then to Pensacola. My time in Detroit was interesting. The people there weren’t that friendly to me, and I realized that I am still talking really slow (like I talk in Asia for clarity). It was good to eat Mediterranean food there in the airport. By contrast, my time in Memphis was so good. I loved the smell of barbeque and hearing Southern English again. My favorite was when the guy in the airport spoke to me like Elvis, “B25 ... thahda way.”
And so the journey continues to Pensacola. It is wonderful to be back. I know that my return will bring so many people joy. Like last time though, I left part of my heart in Asia. Of my own will, I would not have returned (thus my two days of depression before leaving Japan); yet, I cannot and must not live my will but His.
Tonight I will stay with the Tinker family. They will come to pick me up from the airport. ... Well, I was forgotten, but they are on their way now. And so, the incredible journey is nearly over. Tomorrow I will arrive back at my apartment. My Daddy will take me back. I am looking forward to seeing those I left behind in May. I know that my return will bring many joy, and so, it is for that reason and obedience to Abby (my heavenly Daddy) that I return.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Japan: Old School Style
August 6th, 2007
Today was a wonderful day in Kyoto; it was also the last day with my friends in Japan. Yumi and I took the train to Kyoto. This is a place within an hour from Kobe and Osaka. It is an ancient place and feels that way too. In fact, the town has laws in place to protect it from losing its distinct historic features.
Kyoto is famous for its old houses and zen gardens. The roads are extremely narrow compared to other parts of Japan. Amisdst the history from ancient times, you can however find the modern blended in. For instance, McDonald’s is here but the sign is a dirty, muddy brown to blend in rather than stand out as the normal fire hydrant red.
Our first stop was for lunch in this old, Kyoto-famous house. It looks inside and outside like the old-style Japanese homes. And yes, we had to take off our shoes! I always am up for barefoot opportunities! :) The buffet inside was very good. My lunch consisted of miso soup, salad (eaten with chopsticks), rice, bean sprouts, and fried chicken nuggets. The view of the quaint little enclosed garden was so charming and calming too.
After lunch, we headed down to two more old houses. In Japanese, these old houses are called “machiya”. Our first home included a tour. It was built in the early 1900s and had carved wood panels inside near the ceiling. It was interesting to me that this home included a Western sitting room. My how different that room was from the rest of the home. The second home was free to go into and included a guest sign-in book I enjoyed both signing it and reading it’s global entries.
After the third home, Yumi and I headed back via train to Osaka. We both met up with one of her college friends and headed for sushi. (I definitely didn’t want to leave Japan and not try true sushi!) Our dinner was in a sushi bar/restaurant known for excellent sushi. We shared conversation and wonderful sushi. Dinner was roast octopus tentacle, cucumber roll (seaweed, rice, cucumber), roast salmon, salmon roe, tuna and and avocado roll, raw tuna and rice, roast tuna and rice, red and spicy ginger, soy sauce, and grapefruit juice.
With a belly partially full, I headed back alone via train to Kobe. I decided to get a Japan-only McDonald’s meal. So, I bought an EBI McFillet burger (shrimp burger). It was excellent, and I enjoyed eating it on the street watching the diverse street crowd. I walked down Dining Street, a street filled with all sorts of restaurants. The KFC has different menu items as the McDonald’s does. Then, I walked back to my hotel reminiscing of my first night in Japan and finished up packing. Finally at 2:30 AM, I went to sleep for my last wonderful night in Japan. Sayonara. :)
Today was a wonderful day in Kyoto; it was also the last day with my friends in Japan. Yumi and I took the train to Kyoto. This is a place within an hour from Kobe and Osaka. It is an ancient place and feels that way too. In fact, the town has laws in place to protect it from losing its distinct historic features.
Kyoto is famous for its old houses and zen gardens. The roads are extremely narrow compared to other parts of Japan. Amisdst the history from ancient times, you can however find the modern blended in. For instance, McDonald’s is here but the sign is a dirty, muddy brown to blend in rather than stand out as the normal fire hydrant red.
Our first stop was for lunch in this old, Kyoto-famous house. It looks inside and outside like the old-style Japanese homes. And yes, we had to take off our shoes! I always am up for barefoot opportunities! :) The buffet inside was very good. My lunch consisted of miso soup, salad (eaten with chopsticks), rice, bean sprouts, and fried chicken nuggets. The view of the quaint little enclosed garden was so charming and calming too.
After lunch, we headed down to two more old houses. In Japanese, these old houses are called “machiya”. Our first home included a tour. It was built in the early 1900s and had carved wood panels inside near the ceiling. It was interesting to me that this home included a Western sitting room. My how different that room was from the rest of the home. The second home was free to go into and included a guest sign-in book I enjoyed both signing it and reading it’s global entries.
After the third home, Yumi and I headed back via train to Osaka. We both met up with one of her college friends and headed for sushi. (I definitely didn’t want to leave Japan and not try true sushi!) Our dinner was in a sushi bar/restaurant known for excellent sushi. We shared conversation and wonderful sushi. Dinner was roast octopus tentacle, cucumber roll (seaweed, rice, cucumber), roast salmon, salmon roe, tuna and and avocado roll, raw tuna and rice, roast tuna and rice, red and spicy ginger, soy sauce, and grapefruit juice.
With a belly partially full, I headed back alone via train to Kobe. I decided to get a Japan-only McDonald’s meal. So, I bought an EBI McFillet burger (shrimp burger). It was excellent, and I enjoyed eating it on the street watching the diverse street crowd. I walked down Dining Street, a street filled with all sorts of restaurants. The KFC has different menu items as the McDonald’s does. Then, I walked back to my hotel reminiscing of my first night in Japan and finished up packing. Finally at 2:30 AM, I went to sleep for my last wonderful night in Japan. Sayonara. :)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Osaka Castle
This morning I rode the train by myself to meet Yumi in Osaka. It is the largest railway station in the country and has seven or eight different rail lines running through it. It was nice to see Papa lead me and help me make it there on my own. Yumi and I first had lunch at McDonald’s. I had the Japanese specialty of Bacon and Lettuce Burger. It was my first time to eat McD’s in Japan.
Next, Yumi and I headed to a big festival (MBS Osaka - Jo Summer Festival) hosted by a tv station. It was packed and super hot at the main entry site. As we walked around I saw many new things like this flying noodle game, but the coolest thing I saw was a Japanese street band marching down this one road. We followed them and their great jazz. They were all having so much fun especially the young tuba player.
Following the band led us along the way to Osaka Castle. It was built in the late 1500s or early 1600s by the Toyotomi family. In 1615, it was involved in the Summer War of Osaka. I am glad to have gone to this castle (complete with a moat) to see its architecture and delightful view, but the family’s story and war were gory. I definitely didn’t like that part.
The sun really tired me out despite the break from the heat in the castle. That and Yumi needing to meet another friend caused us to leave Osaka Castle after two to three hours. We took the train again and returned to Kobe. I met Shiho next for dinner. It was needed after an exhausting day out! (This was the first time in several years that both of my friends had seen one another.) Dinner was delicious Japanese fondue known as shabu shabu. Our dinner lasted about two hours and consisted of: sesame sauce, soy/vinegar sauce, daikon radish, negi (Japanese green onion), garlic, hira (Japanese herb), salty daikon and cabbage, rice, tea, water, orange juice, thinly shred beef, cabbage, bean sprouts, haku sai (lettuce?), mushrooms, carrots, tofu, seaweed, glass noodles, green tea, mochi with noodles, green tea ice cream, and cantaloupe ice cream. It was all very delicious! :) And that’s my day.
Next, Yumi and I headed to a big festival (MBS Osaka - Jo Summer Festival) hosted by a tv station. It was packed and super hot at the main entry site. As we walked around I saw many new things like this flying noodle game, but the coolest thing I saw was a Japanese street band marching down this one road. We followed them and their great jazz. They were all having so much fun especially the young tuba player.
Following the band led us along the way to Osaka Castle. It was built in the late 1500s or early 1600s by the Toyotomi family. In 1615, it was involved in the Summer War of Osaka. I am glad to have gone to this castle (complete with a moat) to see its architecture and delightful view, but the family’s story and war were gory. I definitely didn’t like that part.
The sun really tired me out despite the break from the heat in the castle. That and Yumi needing to meet another friend caused us to leave Osaka Castle after two to three hours. We took the train again and returned to Kobe. I met Shiho next for dinner. It was needed after an exhausting day out! (This was the first time in several years that both of my friends had seen one another.) Dinner was delicious Japanese fondue known as shabu shabu. Our dinner lasted about two hours and consisted of: sesame sauce, soy/vinegar sauce, daikon radish, negi (Japanese green onion), garlic, hira (Japanese herb), salty daikon and cabbage, rice, tea, water, orange juice, thinly shred beef, cabbage, bean sprouts, haku sai (lettuce?), mushrooms, carrots, tofu, seaweed, glass noodles, green tea, mochi with noodles, green tea ice cream, and cantaloupe ice cream. It was all very delicious! :) And that’s my day.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
‘Neath the Falling Ashes
Today I met Shiho, and we went for lunch in Osaka. I have enjoyed seeing the beautiful traditional clothes being worn by Japanese men, women, children, and a foreigner or so. Shiho has been helping me learn about Japanese culture. She tells me that this day is special as it is one of only two days a year when you can see so many traditional garbs! They are called yukatas and are different from kimonos.
My lunch was in a modern/traditional restaurant. We went there because they had soba noodles with green onions. The rest of my lunch included seaweed, peanuts, deep fried bean curd, konjak (a Japanese plant) rice, Japanese tea, daikon radish, kinako and mochi, tempura (shrimp, carrot, lotus, pumpkin, and mushroom). Mochi is a gooey rice cake that looks like pudding. All that cost only $12 USD. It was very yummy, and it was even more enjoyable as we got to eat the little Japanese table with our shoes off! :)
After lunch, Shiho and I did some shopping. I am really not a big shopper, but it was a good time with Shiho. You could get anything you’d want at this place too! We also went to the Sky Building. This building is 40 stories tall, has an innovative design, and gives you a breath-taking view of the whole city! :) My favorite part was the cool escalator that connects the two buildings making up the Sky Building. You are literally transported at about 38 stories high from one building to the other. It truly rocks!
The time came next for us to head to the riverside spot to prepare for the fireworks show. (There is actually a similar show in Kobe too, but it is smaller. Thus, we came here.) As we walked on the street, we stopped to get some food to take with us for dinner. The little stand where we stopped gave only us six kabobs for the price of one! They were so nice and refused to take more money. Shiho and I also got some food down beside the river at the fireworks site. It was so yummy and wonderful to eat on the grassy outfield of a baseball field. :)
The fireworks started at 8:00 PM. They were so lovely! I enjoyed watching them and listening to the many Japanese people oooooh and ahhhhh. This was definitely not only memorable because it was so lovely but also because the ash from the fireworks literally fell on us! It was due to the direction of the wind. Though it was a bit messy and painful (some went in my eye) it was extremely enjoyable and lovely. About three hours later, I finally arrived back at the hotel.
My lunch was in a modern/traditional restaurant. We went there because they had soba noodles with green onions. The rest of my lunch included seaweed, peanuts, deep fried bean curd, konjak (a Japanese plant) rice, Japanese tea, daikon radish, kinako and mochi, tempura (shrimp, carrot, lotus, pumpkin, and mushroom). Mochi is a gooey rice cake that looks like pudding. All that cost only $12 USD. It was very yummy, and it was even more enjoyable as we got to eat the little Japanese table with our shoes off! :)
After lunch, Shiho and I did some shopping. I am really not a big shopper, but it was a good time with Shiho. You could get anything you’d want at this place too! We also went to the Sky Building. This building is 40 stories tall, has an innovative design, and gives you a breath-taking view of the whole city! :) My favorite part was the cool escalator that connects the two buildings making up the Sky Building. You are literally transported at about 38 stories high from one building to the other. It truly rocks!
The time came next for us to head to the riverside spot to prepare for the fireworks show. (There is actually a similar show in Kobe too, but it is smaller. Thus, we came here.) As we walked on the street, we stopped to get some food to take with us for dinner. The little stand where we stopped gave only us six kabobs for the price of one! They were so nice and refused to take more money. Shiho and I also got some food down beside the river at the fireworks site. It was so yummy and wonderful to eat on the grassy outfield of a baseball field. :)
The fireworks started at 8:00 PM. They were so lovely! I enjoyed watching them and listening to the many Japanese people oooooh and ahhhhh. This was definitely not only memorable because it was so lovely but also because the ash from the fireworks literally fell on us! It was due to the direction of the wind. Though it was a bit messy and painful (some went in my eye) it was extremely enjoyable and lovely. About three hours later, I finally arrived back at the hotel.
Friday, August 3, 2007
“I’m in Japan!”
2-3 Aug 2007
“I’m in Japan!” That’s what I keep telling myself and saying to myself. It is still a little surreal for me to be here. I am thankful for the these next few days to have my mind and understanding of the globe expanded, to see some of this amazing country, and to hopefully share the gospel again with Yumi and see it bear fruit ... for that is the true reason why I am here on this lengthy stopover. Your kingdom come; your will be done Father!
Well, now that my amazing but arduous trek to get to this hotel is over, I can sit and write and relay the true story of how Papa got me here. Here goes ...
Yesterday, I left my hotel around 6 AM with Jun Ling. We went by taxi to the airport. I was really impressed with how quick and fairly cheap we made it there. We talked on the way which was both good and troubling. I really pray that dear Papa would set her free from her current job and the abuse at home and provide her with peace and love. She is a wonderful lady, mama, friend, and worker, but I don’t know how long on a heart level she can remain where she is at. Simply put, it stinks, and it’s tough.
Jun Ling went as far as she could with me, and then I had to do a lot on my own to make it to my terminal. Papa gave me peace the night before that everything would be okay concerning my bags making it to Japan. However, this was the rare occasion for me to have so many extra security checks added. My bags were searched heavily before I could even check-in at the airline counter, and then, I was randomly selected to answer even more security questions. It was scary, but I know that Papa was with me and apologized to the security lady for sounding rude. My passport wouldn’t scan so that caused a little trouble checking in too.
Having gone through all of that, I simply prayed that the rest of my time would go smoothly, and it did! Perhaps, it was selfish for me to pray that, but I simply didn’t want to go through any more checks! My flights from Beijing to Tokyo and Tokyo to Osaka were some of the absolute best flights I’ve ever had!!! Papa provided an absolutely, amazingly beautiful day for me to fly. I wish yall could’ve seen the beauty in creation I saw. The other thing that made the flights so nice was the in-flight conversation. I talked for a long time about politics, culture, and history with a 60-70 year old Norwegian guy and briefly with Yoko from Osaka about Japanese food. I will tell you straight up that an awesome airline to fly on is All Nippon Air!
So, I made it to Tokyo at around 2:30 PM. I went through Japanese Immigration and Customs, decided to wait to exchange money, and headed for my domestic flight check-in counter. Now an important consideration to mention is that I didn’t get my checked luggage because in BJ they told me it’d go all the way to Osaka. thus, I arrive at the check-in counter (after having difficulty finding it) with only my carry-on items. The lady goes through the process and tells me that I need to go back for my luggage! So, for the first time ever, the Northwest Airlines folks personally go back and get my luggage (which is heavy) and hold if for me. When I finally find that counter, I am escorted back to Customs to have a quick, personal check of my luggage which basically was answering about three questions. Thus, my mishaps turned into wonderful, personal service down to getting a luggage cart delivered to me.
Things continued to go smoothly after that. I waited about three hours for my flight, and then, off to Osaka. About an hour later, I arrive at Osaka International Airport. Now this is where things change again in my true tale. :) This is my first time to stay in Japan although I’ve flown through Japan a few times. So, I try to find the place to exchange money. The lady at the information desk tells me that there is NO place in this airport to do that because it’s a domestic airport. I tell her that I have no Japanese money and need to get to my hotel. I show her the name, and she says, “Oh! It’s very close. They have a free pick-up service to and from the airport.” She calls the hotel to come and get me and tells me where to go to wait. I go outside and have a little difficulty finding the spot but get there. The van comes, and it’s for the wrong hotel. So, I go back inside and wait for a long time to talk to the lady again. Twenty minutes later, I show a second lady my hotel info.
Now, by this time, I’m really trying to have fun and be relaxed and just rest in Papa despite my difficulties. I keep reminding myself that he loves me and that he’ll take care of everything. I learn that I can go outside and buy a bus ticket to my hotel for $11.00 and use my American money. I have only hundreds and fives, and the lady can’t tell me if I’ll get change. I spend $15 for the ticket to my surprise get ¥480 back in change. It’s not much, but it is some Japanese money (yen). I have difficulty understanding how to do the bus thing, but make it in time to catch the bus.
As I ride the bus to my hotel, I keep thinking a few things. First is “I’m in Japan!” Secondly, I think “Wow! I never knew they drive on the left side of the street (like in Britain) in Japan.” Third, I am blown away by the beauty of Japan --- its pretty night lights, its mountains, its peoples. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes to Kobe-Sannomiya. I get off, gather my things, pray, and try to find my hotel.
By this time it’s about 9 PM. I am starving and have no clue where my hotel is. I just keep saying to myself, “I’m in Japan!” Well I find a map of the area nearby but can’t find my hotel on the map. I ask a lady for help, but she walks away from me. So, I just walk and try to find my hotel. I pray that Papa would send me people to help. I am very tired and extremely hungry by now but decide that first I need to get to the hotel before I eat. So, I lug my stuff around and across the street, over a bridge and into a shopping mall that has OPA on the outside hoping that I am simply misreading it. Two ladies help me inside, a lady outside very briefly helps me, and in the end I get directions from two female police officers in a little Japanese police station.
The ladies’ directions are good, but I take the wrong street and end up walking for about another hour. Finally, I pray again for Papa’s help to find my hotel. When I look up after that I immediately see my hotel! :) I am truly exhausted when I make it there, and then there’s the matter of paying for the room when I am several thousand yen short of my bill. My debit card and a phone call to Shiho clear up the matter, and on to the room I go. After dropping off my stuff and receiving a phone call from Yumi, I head out with a map to try and get dinner at 10:00 PM at McDonald’s. I never made it there; I finally gave up and spent almost all of the yen that I had on a Kwikie Mart dinner. I got the biggest meal I could find and returned to the hotel lobby for a delicious meal.
Well, that was yesterday. Today, I slept a lot and had breakfast downstairs. It is part of my room’s expenses, so I also fixed a plate for lunch. I feel much better now! I simply needed the rest. (I basically didn’t sleep much last night in China.) I do feel beat up physically, but that will soon pass. In a little bit, I will go out to explore Osaka. Tonight Yumi will come here, and then, we’ll go out for dinner. I dig Japan very much!!! It is clean, it is safe, and they recycle even in the hotel. They are also some of the most friendly and helpful people I’ve EVER met! It is such a change from China to be here!
... I had a wonderful time exploring Osaka or rather Kobe; it turns out that this is actually Kobe. My exploration led me down some streets, past a post office, past a BMW show room, down many restaurants, and to a travel agency where I could exchange money. That was such a happy sight! :) I learned that my hotel really is in such a wonderful spot and that my arrival last night could have taken only five minutes had I known the way. Even the McDonald’s I couldn’t find is so close to my hotel! I had to just laugh and think how ironic it all is. These mishaps and my time in BJ teach me the same things --- to show love and compassion for foreigners in America as I now know what it must be like for them.
After I exchanged my money, I decided to visit a park or something nice nearby. I had about three hours to wait for Yumi. The lady at the exchange counter told me about a city bus tour. So, I headed off for the tour. It was only ¥250 to see a large portion of this delightful city!! That is such a bargain (US $2.50)! The tour was extremely enjoyable and also showed me the way to some shopping places. I had an hour or less to shop (which is fine), and so I bought a cool gift at a Japanese baseball store and a camera. I also went down the biggest shopping street in Kobe a little road called Kobe Sannomiya Center Street.
I headed back to the hotel to meet Yumi for dinner. She had called to say she’d be an hour late, so I headed upstairs and watched part of a Japanese baseball game (Nipponham vs. Mariners). It was so cool to watch! :) I am so glad that they have baseball here. It too is a big change between Japan and China.
Yumi arrived, and we headed out for dinner. We talked on the way and eventually ended up at a Japanese restaurant. I had true Japanese food. It was good, but it was definitely not like the American Japanese food I’ve had. We ordered many dishes which are like appetizer size but fill you up if you order a bunch. Our dinner was the following: octopus in wasabi sauce, macaroni salad, hokke fish, piping hot egg (not!), oolong tea, grapefruit juice with gingerale, cabbage and chicken(?) ball soup, and rice in hot green tea with sour plum.
Yumi and I talked a lot. We caught up some on the past seven years. I think we’ve both changed a lot!! I hope to share more directly about Papa with her. I would love for her to become my sister. Only 1% or less of Japanese people are in the Family. It’s sad. :(
I am glad to have spent a few hours with Yumi and will see her again on Monday. She is taking the day off to be with me. Maybe we’ll go to a baseball game! :) It’s a huge part of the culture here, and there are some nearby teams. Definitely with Yumi and my friends in China, this summer trip has taught me that I want to stay in better and deeper contact with them. I am excited that I got an email from Jun Ling in Pinyin a little earlier! It is for the Gospel’s sake that I desire these things. America and Japan are too comfortable for me, but they and China so much so need the Gospel. May the workers abound in these fields oh so ripe with harvest!!! :)
PS: A typhoon came to Japan on the day I arrived. It headed for southwest Japan and didn’t affect my flight at all, but it did cancel the flights to Hiroshima. Big things like this always follow me; I love it and just smile and laugh as I continue to see these kinds of things follow me.
“I’m in Japan!” That’s what I keep telling myself and saying to myself. It is still a little surreal for me to be here. I am thankful for the these next few days to have my mind and understanding of the globe expanded, to see some of this amazing country, and to hopefully share the gospel again with Yumi and see it bear fruit ... for that is the true reason why I am here on this lengthy stopover. Your kingdom come; your will be done Father!
Well, now that my amazing but arduous trek to get to this hotel is over, I can sit and write and relay the true story of how Papa got me here. Here goes ...
Yesterday, I left my hotel around 6 AM with Jun Ling. We went by taxi to the airport. I was really impressed with how quick and fairly cheap we made it there. We talked on the way which was both good and troubling. I really pray that dear Papa would set her free from her current job and the abuse at home and provide her with peace and love. She is a wonderful lady, mama, friend, and worker, but I don’t know how long on a heart level she can remain where she is at. Simply put, it stinks, and it’s tough.
Jun Ling went as far as she could with me, and then I had to do a lot on my own to make it to my terminal. Papa gave me peace the night before that everything would be okay concerning my bags making it to Japan. However, this was the rare occasion for me to have so many extra security checks added. My bags were searched heavily before I could even check-in at the airline counter, and then, I was randomly selected to answer even more security questions. It was scary, but I know that Papa was with me and apologized to the security lady for sounding rude. My passport wouldn’t scan so that caused a little trouble checking in too.
Having gone through all of that, I simply prayed that the rest of my time would go smoothly, and it did! Perhaps, it was selfish for me to pray that, but I simply didn’t want to go through any more checks! My flights from Beijing to Tokyo and Tokyo to Osaka were some of the absolute best flights I’ve ever had!!! Papa provided an absolutely, amazingly beautiful day for me to fly. I wish yall could’ve seen the beauty in creation I saw. The other thing that made the flights so nice was the in-flight conversation. I talked for a long time about politics, culture, and history with a 60-70 year old Norwegian guy and briefly with Yoko from Osaka about Japanese food. I will tell you straight up that an awesome airline to fly on is All Nippon Air!
So, I made it to Tokyo at around 2:30 PM. I went through Japanese Immigration and Customs, decided to wait to exchange money, and headed for my domestic flight check-in counter. Now an important consideration to mention is that I didn’t get my checked luggage because in BJ they told me it’d go all the way to Osaka. thus, I arrive at the check-in counter (after having difficulty finding it) with only my carry-on items. The lady goes through the process and tells me that I need to go back for my luggage! So, for the first time ever, the Northwest Airlines folks personally go back and get my luggage (which is heavy) and hold if for me. When I finally find that counter, I am escorted back to Customs to have a quick, personal check of my luggage which basically was answering about three questions. Thus, my mishaps turned into wonderful, personal service down to getting a luggage cart delivered to me.
Things continued to go smoothly after that. I waited about three hours for my flight, and then, off to Osaka. About an hour later, I arrive at Osaka International Airport. Now this is where things change again in my true tale. :) This is my first time to stay in Japan although I’ve flown through Japan a few times. So, I try to find the place to exchange money. The lady at the information desk tells me that there is NO place in this airport to do that because it’s a domestic airport. I tell her that I have no Japanese money and need to get to my hotel. I show her the name, and she says, “Oh! It’s very close. They have a free pick-up service to and from the airport.” She calls the hotel to come and get me and tells me where to go to wait. I go outside and have a little difficulty finding the spot but get there. The van comes, and it’s for the wrong hotel. So, I go back inside and wait for a long time to talk to the lady again. Twenty minutes later, I show a second lady my hotel info.
Now, by this time, I’m really trying to have fun and be relaxed and just rest in Papa despite my difficulties. I keep reminding myself that he loves me and that he’ll take care of everything. I learn that I can go outside and buy a bus ticket to my hotel for $11.00 and use my American money. I have only hundreds and fives, and the lady can’t tell me if I’ll get change. I spend $15 for the ticket to my surprise get ¥480 back in change. It’s not much, but it is some Japanese money (yen). I have difficulty understanding how to do the bus thing, but make it in time to catch the bus.
As I ride the bus to my hotel, I keep thinking a few things. First is “I’m in Japan!” Secondly, I think “Wow! I never knew they drive on the left side of the street (like in Britain) in Japan.” Third, I am blown away by the beauty of Japan --- its pretty night lights, its mountains, its peoples. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes to Kobe-Sannomiya. I get off, gather my things, pray, and try to find my hotel.
By this time it’s about 9 PM. I am starving and have no clue where my hotel is. I just keep saying to myself, “I’m in Japan!” Well I find a map of the area nearby but can’t find my hotel on the map. I ask a lady for help, but she walks away from me. So, I just walk and try to find my hotel. I pray that Papa would send me people to help. I am very tired and extremely hungry by now but decide that first I need to get to the hotel before I eat. So, I lug my stuff around and across the street, over a bridge and into a shopping mall that has OPA on the outside hoping that I am simply misreading it. Two ladies help me inside, a lady outside very briefly helps me, and in the end I get directions from two female police officers in a little Japanese police station.
The ladies’ directions are good, but I take the wrong street and end up walking for about another hour. Finally, I pray again for Papa’s help to find my hotel. When I look up after that I immediately see my hotel! :) I am truly exhausted when I make it there, and then there’s the matter of paying for the room when I am several thousand yen short of my bill. My debit card and a phone call to Shiho clear up the matter, and on to the room I go. After dropping off my stuff and receiving a phone call from Yumi, I head out with a map to try and get dinner at 10:00 PM at McDonald’s. I never made it there; I finally gave up and spent almost all of the yen that I had on a Kwikie Mart dinner. I got the biggest meal I could find and returned to the hotel lobby for a delicious meal.
Well, that was yesterday. Today, I slept a lot and had breakfast downstairs. It is part of my room’s expenses, so I also fixed a plate for lunch. I feel much better now! I simply needed the rest. (I basically didn’t sleep much last night in China.) I do feel beat up physically, but that will soon pass. In a little bit, I will go out to explore Osaka. Tonight Yumi will come here, and then, we’ll go out for dinner. I dig Japan very much!!! It is clean, it is safe, and they recycle even in the hotel. They are also some of the most friendly and helpful people I’ve EVER met! It is such a change from China to be here!
... I had a wonderful time exploring Osaka or rather Kobe; it turns out that this is actually Kobe. My exploration led me down some streets, past a post office, past a BMW show room, down many restaurants, and to a travel agency where I could exchange money. That was such a happy sight! :) I learned that my hotel really is in such a wonderful spot and that my arrival last night could have taken only five minutes had I known the way. Even the McDonald’s I couldn’t find is so close to my hotel! I had to just laugh and think how ironic it all is. These mishaps and my time in BJ teach me the same things --- to show love and compassion for foreigners in America as I now know what it must be like for them.
After I exchanged my money, I decided to visit a park or something nice nearby. I had about three hours to wait for Yumi. The lady at the exchange counter told me about a city bus tour. So, I headed off for the tour. It was only ¥250 to see a large portion of this delightful city!! That is such a bargain (US $2.50)! The tour was extremely enjoyable and also showed me the way to some shopping places. I had an hour or less to shop (which is fine), and so I bought a cool gift at a Japanese baseball store and a camera. I also went down the biggest shopping street in Kobe a little road called Kobe Sannomiya Center Street.
I headed back to the hotel to meet Yumi for dinner. She had called to say she’d be an hour late, so I headed upstairs and watched part of a Japanese baseball game (Nipponham vs. Mariners). It was so cool to watch! :) I am so glad that they have baseball here. It too is a big change between Japan and China.
Yumi arrived, and we headed out for dinner. We talked on the way and eventually ended up at a Japanese restaurant. I had true Japanese food. It was good, but it was definitely not like the American Japanese food I’ve had. We ordered many dishes which are like appetizer size but fill you up if you order a bunch. Our dinner was the following: octopus in wasabi sauce, macaroni salad, hokke fish, piping hot egg (not!), oolong tea, grapefruit juice with gingerale, cabbage and chicken(?) ball soup, and rice in hot green tea with sour plum.
Yumi and I talked a lot. We caught up some on the past seven years. I think we’ve both changed a lot!! I hope to share more directly about Papa with her. I would love for her to become my sister. Only 1% or less of Japanese people are in the Family. It’s sad. :(
I am glad to have spent a few hours with Yumi and will see her again on Monday. She is taking the day off to be with me. Maybe we’ll go to a baseball game! :) It’s a huge part of the culture here, and there are some nearby teams. Definitely with Yumi and my friends in China, this summer trip has taught me that I want to stay in better and deeper contact with them. I am excited that I got an email from Jun Ling in Pinyin a little earlier! It is for the Gospel’s sake that I desire these things. America and Japan are too comfortable for me, but they and China so much so need the Gospel. May the workers abound in these fields oh so ripe with harvest!!! :)
PS: A typhoon came to Japan on the day I arrived. It headed for southwest Japan and didn’t affect my flight at all, but it did cancel the flights to Hiroshima. Big things like this always follow me; I love it and just smile and laugh as I continue to see these kinds of things follow me.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Leaving My Homeland
I have had a wonderful last day in China. This morning my depression about leaving China lifted, and I worshipped Papa and read his book. I prayed for Jun Ling to come and asked for Papa to connect Daryl and I too. I realized that only he could connect us. When Jun Ling didn’t come by 11, I went out to give her a call to ask her to come. I really hoped to meet Daryl by noon to eat with him. Jun Ling arrived around 1 o’clock.
She and I briefly talked, and then, off we went for me to catch a bus to meet Daryl. It took about 1 ½ hours to go to the bus station to meet Daryl. Then I had to walk a bit to use a telephone inside at a cell phone shop. The man was super nice to talk with Daryl and let me use his cell phone. (Prior to that, a lady on the street said no because she didn’t understand me.) He also drew me a map, and off I went again by foot and taxi to IKEA to meet Daryl. I am glad that my dear friend took me there in Guangzhou as I knew what to look for this time.
My time with Daryl lasted for about 4 1/2 -5 hours. He wanted me to have dinner with him, Wanda, Wanda’s mom, and other friends; however, I wasn’t able to eat with them because of the transportation issue. Though I’d definitely have enjoyed the dinner and time with him, I am just thankful for the time to talk and be with him! It is quite the gift from my dear Papa! I am very thankful that we were able to catch up on his life and that I could share about my time in Beijing with him. It is cool that I have been to see him each time I’ve been in China! :)
After the ride back, I went to the internet café. I checked my email and was able to look at many pictures from my mom and sister. I will leave in less than 12 hours. What an amazing time I’ve had in China! Thank you my dear Papa for this wonderful summer; it has truly been amazing!!!
Lord, I have seen you be faithful to all you said about this time in China! I have seen you help me greatly with Chinese language (Mandarin, Hakka, and Cantonese). I have seen you grow my faith deeply and am still thankful that you forgave me today for my worries the past 2-3 days. I have seen you open up many doors for me to travel all over China this summer and immensely provide for me! You have taught me so much this summer!!! I love you my true Father!!! May my love for you abound more and more and your love abound in all my life!!!
- <3 Amanda Kay :)
She and I briefly talked, and then, off we went for me to catch a bus to meet Daryl. It took about 1 ½ hours to go to the bus station to meet Daryl. Then I had to walk a bit to use a telephone inside at a cell phone shop. The man was super nice to talk with Daryl and let me use his cell phone. (Prior to that, a lady on the street said no because she didn’t understand me.) He also drew me a map, and off I went again by foot and taxi to IKEA to meet Daryl. I am glad that my dear friend took me there in Guangzhou as I knew what to look for this time.
My time with Daryl lasted for about 4 1/2 -5 hours. He wanted me to have dinner with him, Wanda, Wanda’s mom, and other friends; however, I wasn’t able to eat with them because of the transportation issue. Though I’d definitely have enjoyed the dinner and time with him, I am just thankful for the time to talk and be with him! It is quite the gift from my dear Papa! I am very thankful that we were able to catch up on his life and that I could share about my time in Beijing with him. It is cool that I have been to see him each time I’ve been in China! :)
After the ride back, I went to the internet café. I checked my email and was able to look at many pictures from my mom and sister. I will leave in less than 12 hours. What an amazing time I’ve had in China! Thank you my dear Papa for this wonderful summer; it has truly been amazing!!!
Lord, I have seen you be faithful to all you said about this time in China! I have seen you help me greatly with Chinese language (Mandarin, Hakka, and Cantonese). I have seen you grow my faith deeply and am still thankful that you forgave me today for my worries the past 2-3 days. I have seen you open up many doors for me to travel all over China this summer and immensely provide for me! You have taught me so much this summer!!! I love you my true Father!!! May my love for you abound more and more and your love abound in all my life!!!
- <3 Amanda Kay :)
Just a Quick Message
Just a quick message to yall as it may be a few days before I can write again.
In less than 24 hours I will be flying from Beijing, China to Japan for a five-day stay. I have a few Japanese friends from college (UWF, Pensacola) that live in Osaka. My stay will include some time in Tokyo, Osaka, and possibly some other nearby scenic spots. My friends and I haven't seen each other for seven years. They have done a wonderful job preparing things for my arrival and stay! As expected, we are all excited to soon be spending some time together in Japan.
I will arrive back in Marianna on August 8th, probably in the evening or late afternoon. My father is planning to come to Pensacola to pick me up that afternoon and drive me back. I have definitely had a wonderful adventure in Asia this summer and will miss it here greatly!!! BUT ... I am looking forward to seeing yall too. I start teaching right away although students won't return to school for about two more weeks ... so, if we don't see each other right away it is likely due to my work responsibilities.
Oh, in case you're wondering there will be more on this blog about my time in Beijing. It's just too much to write about at the internet cafe now. So ... please be patient and know that entries about the rest of my time in Asia (Beijing and Japan) will be posted later along with my pictures.
Bye for now ... See yall soon ... Love Amanda Kay :)
In less than 24 hours I will be flying from Beijing, China to Japan for a five-day stay. I have a few Japanese friends from college (UWF, Pensacola) that live in Osaka. My stay will include some time in Tokyo, Osaka, and possibly some other nearby scenic spots. My friends and I haven't seen each other for seven years. They have done a wonderful job preparing things for my arrival and stay! As expected, we are all excited to soon be spending some time together in Japan.
I will arrive back in Marianna on August 8th, probably in the evening or late afternoon. My father is planning to come to Pensacola to pick me up that afternoon and drive me back. I have definitely had a wonderful adventure in Asia this summer and will miss it here greatly!!! BUT ... I am looking forward to seeing yall too. I start teaching right away although students won't return to school for about two more weeks ... so, if we don't see each other right away it is likely due to my work responsibilities.
Oh, in case you're wondering there will be more on this blog about my time in Beijing. It's just too much to write about at the internet cafe now. So ... please be patient and know that entries about the rest of my time in Asia (Beijing and Japan) will be posted later along with my pictures.
Bye for now ... See yall soon ... Love Amanda Kay :)
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