Week 21: Holy Snow

My Lovely Moe 

He Looks Like This After I Park Him Everywhere

Holy. Snow.

I have repeated these two words non-stop for the past two weeks. The first snow fall occured on Friday, December 5th. What began as an innocent sprinkle of snow, turned into apocalyptic winter wonderland in less than 24 hours. This past weekend the snow has elevated to easily three-five feet, and that number keeps increasing. The past few days I head out to my dear car Moe, and seemingly sing in my head, "Everday I'm Shovelin'..." to the tune of LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem song, specifically swapping Shufflin' to Shovelin.' In other words, the amount of snow is so ridiculous that all I can do is laugh hysterically as I shovel it off my car...and apparently come up with ludicrous songs to go with it.

Least to say, the snow brings both challenges and rewards. It is a mess to drive in, and never have I been this nervous to hop in my car before. The Japanese attempt to keeping the roads clear is via giant snow plows, and an only semi-effective sprinkler system along all the streets. Night time driving is the equivalent of a really bad video game where the goal is to disrupt the driver's vision as much as possible, and drop snow bombs along the ride, but instead this is the reality of snowy Inaka winters. In turn, each  time I leave my car, it is expected that I will return to a marshmallow looking blanket of powder piled perfectly atop it. Thereby instituting the mental struggle to simply want to go anywhere knowing that there will definitely be an arm workout waiting for you. My extendable snow brush-shovel-contraption and I have already become good friends.

From KJ Parking Lot

Yet, the snow has a beauty that is indescribable. My feeble attempt to take pictures fails to do justice to the snows enchantment. The trees look like the fake snow-covered trees that you see in Snow Globes back in the U.S. but in this case they are as real and majestic as ever. Also, when in snow country there is absolutely no excuse to avoid snow sports. To be frank:

I went skiing. For the first time in over a decade, and...

I LOVED IT.

Atop one of the runs at Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort

My dear friend from high school, Anna, frantically messaged me pre-ski experience in slight disbelief that I was finally going. Since frankly, I was the person in high school surrounded by ski-enthusiastic friends who went every year and simultaneously attempted to drag me along with them...and never did. However, I was determined to commit this year. I did so entirely and invested in a ski pass, ski clothes, and rented my own set of skis, boots and poles. Basically, I did not give myself a choice of not liking skiing (huge sigh of relief that I enjoyed it so much!).

Ski Pass; First Day on the Slopes

This past Saturday I ventured over to the ski resort with my Mom's joking email in mind telling me, "Don't fall off the chair lift!" (yeah...that happened the first time) before the rest of the crew, and took a ski lesson in Japanese and somehow managed to only fall once during the entire lesson. I eliminated my anxiety with the chair lift after the first fall, and can say that I am a bunny slope semi-pro. The one attempt to go down a huuuuuuge run was not so pretty, and resulted in me butt scooting up a mountain to avoid tumbling the entire way down. I am ever grateful to Talia for enduring this process with me, and never complaining once. Rather, she listened to my manic laughter at how ridiculous the situation I put us in was.

Regardless, I am anxious to go  again and practice more. I am hoping between it being a good workout, it also helps make the snow enjoyable.

Pictures Taken Around My Apartment

On another note, in light of my previous blog post, I just want to say a huge virtual-Thank You. I am still overwhelmed with the number of messages I have received. It is unbelievably amazing to realize how many wonderful people I have in my life. It seems silly to say, since I have always known of my good friends and family, but it's crazy how it sometimes takes hitting rock bottom to fully wake up and realize how fortunate I am. In a  span of two weeks I have been in touch with more people around the world than I have my entire stay in Japan. I regret that it took me this long to reach out to so many people, but I hope to continue to maintain these conversations in the new year.

Yukiguni Crew at our Thanksgiving and Christmas Party 

Lastly, in lieu of the holiday spirit and snow, it has been a blast hanging out with my local Yukiguni crew. Between our Christmas party and a weekend filled with skiing, I am continually grateful for the camaraderie and sheer desire to have a good time these folks bring.

To end, I am extremely excited to head back to the States this Friday (tomorrow!). I'll be time traveling and leaving Friday night and arrive in the morning at LAX. I am anxious to get out of Japan, and take a break from all the maddness that has ensued in the past couple months. I am looking forward to recharging with friends and family (frankly 5+ months of not seeing people is TOO long). Also, after getting over the fact that I wasn't going to see another Asian country in 2014, I recently booked a ticket to Singapore as a birthday present to myself in January where I will finally be reunited with one of my best friends, and study abroad roommate: Mac as she makes her big work move to Asia!

I am wishing everyone the happiest of holidays, and a great start to 2015! I look forward to seeing what the year of the Sheep brings!

Honesty and Asking for Help

I was told about a month ago, "What is a blog, if you can't be honest with your readers." This comment has stuck since then, and in light of the last month of 2014.    

           I choose to be blatantly honest.

When you are accepted into the JET program, they send you a general handbook. In the many pages, there are a series of graphs and charts that detail the "waves of culture shock." There are various versions depending on the "type," of person you are. My version cannot necessarily be mapped on a "wave graph," rather I describe my experience thus far as this metaphor:

I'm on a train. The train takes a while to get going, but finally it's up and running. Then, it breaks down. It's fixed, and begins to move again, but suddenly, out of no where, it breaks down. Once again, it's fixed a second time, but within seconds it breaks down a third time. And then, I'm stuck.

The moment I moved to Japan, I was overwhelmed with culture shock, inabilities to cope with severe isolation and working a job that I had no prior experience in. Added with the the frustration of not being able to understand anything that was going on around me due to the language barrier. Most of all, I missed so many people. I let every single one of these factors, plus many others, to make me dig a very negative hole for myself. I dug it so deep, that I worried I couldn't get out. I let these feelings overwhelm me. I took out my fears, insecurities and aches of missing everyone I loved, to turn me into a person that was not me. I had evolved into a version of myself that I hated, and most of all wanted to get rid of.

My meek train metaphor above describes my experience in Japan. I've had three major life events, that have almost consecutively occurred in recent two months of being here. All have been caused by unpredictable events that are tied to significant people in my life, and all have hit close to home. Although, not directly correlated to the country itself. These three happenings, in conjunction with all the stresses of moving and working abroad, have frankly turned the latter of 2014 into a year that has caused me to experience a type of pain and suffering I have never felt before.

No one being, can truly tell you how you're going to feel in a new place. Moving, making a change, transitioning and so on, are all parts of life that can either be the most rewarding, the most difficult, or a mix of the two. No one can warn you of what is going to happen in your life when you decide to take a leap of faith.

I recognize now, more than ever, that I do not have to deal with my train wreck on my own. It's taken me until my third breakdown, to finally: ask for help. 

In a span of less than 48 hours, I have been overwhelmed with the number of phone calls, messages, video chats, and sacrifices of local ALTs have made to frankly: help me.

For me, it's something easier said, than done. Very few people knew what was going on in my life when I first moved to Japan, as paraphrased by the above paragraphs. I didn't let people know, because I am both stubborn and was trying to prove "something," to myself that I could do this. I realize now, that I can't get through any of this without help. I realize how silly I was not being honest with myself and others. I realize how my strive to handle things alone, caused me to possibly hurt and push some of my closest relationships away. Importantly, I realize how lucky I am to have people who have made sacrifices right and left to help me, notably the 90% of them being an entire Ocean away from me.

I write all of this, because a blog is supposed to be a record of an experience. Even though I, and everyone else viewing this wants to revel in all my positive and happy moments. I remember what that first person said about blogs and honesty, and I think the entirety of these raw emotions I am feeling finally need to be published in this space. I want every person who is reading this to gain a better understanding of the hardships, not to make them feel sorry, but to provide perspective. 

To further emphasize my point, I write this to all my fellow patrons abroad who are making a work transition in a foreign country, it is probably one of the hardest things you will ever do. I write this also to my friends and family Stateside, who feel the same about moving to a new city or state. I write this to people who feel stuck where they are, and have no idea when their train is going to be moving again. I write this to all the future JET participants, not to scare you, but to prepare you mentally, a heads-up never hurts.

Each person's experience is completely different on JET. I believe that no one person's feelings can accurately be mapped on a chart offered in a guide book. However, what can be written in a guide book is this: Ask for help. 

I have asked for help, and the results are overwhelming. By no means am I OK. In fact, I may not be OK for a long time. But, my cries for help are being met. Even as I sit alone in my apartment in my tiny countryside town, I feel incredibly loved and cared for. Most of all, I am beyond thankful. I am scared and nervous for each day here, as of late. Each day is a really scary and unknown adventure that I hope to overcome and tackle. In the moment, my train is completely at a standstill, but slowly and surely I at least am realizing it will move again - eventually.

In the meantime, my goal is to focus on each day leading up to December 19th when I will be Stateside (yes, change of plans) and in California for two solid weeks. I hope to recharge and optimistically end this horrendous period, on a good note.

To every single person who has helped me along this journey, I thank you. I know with your help, that I will get through this.

With all my heart,
Adrienne

Week 19: Becca & Korea

Becca and I at Gyeonbokung Palace

 

Last weekend I took my first excursion outside of Japan and visited one of my favorite AEPhi sisters Becca! Becca is teaching English in the outskirts of the fantastic city of Seoul. True to her big heart, she pulled out all the stops and catered this trip to my interests. We dined like queens, and I fell in love with Korean food. It was a fantastic trip, and I'm already anxious to see if I can return to Korea at another point this year. 

Delicious Market Place

I arrived late Friday night, and we both having had a long week of teaching slept in on Saturday. We finally left the house and grabbed a late lunch at this fantastic street market near Gyeonbokgung Palace. One of Becca's teachers recommended this gem to us, and it was well worth it! This traditional market asks visitors to buy gold coins for the equivalent of about 10 U.S. dollars. We walked up and down the aisles probably five times before we each decided on our perspective spread. We were both surprisingly stuffed. It was all delicious! I particularly enjoyed my Kimchi Pajeon, which is a delicious egg pancake (lower right of my tray). 

After we stuffed our bellies full, we headed to the palace. Becca, not only a food connoiseur, but also a big fan of taking photos (thank goodness!) urged us to stop by the gorgeous fall leaves. Both of us being from California continually "oh-ah-ed," at the real fall foliage and of course, took photos.

Obligatory Jumping Photo and Selfies at Gyonbokgung Palace

We showed off our AEPhi Love in Korea

We played around at Gyeonbokgung Palace, equipped with Becca's selfie stick which are all the rage in Korea. We couldn't go inside the palace due to the hours, but the outside was gorgeous. I loved looking at the architecture. Although somewhat similar to the Japanese temples, this place utilized a lot more color and geometric designs. 

Foodie Adventures in Seoul

Only a few hours later, we ventured over to another part of the city where I met Becca's crew of friends. We dined on legit burgers and really nice brew. I got overly excited when I saw Sculpin, a Ballast Point classic, on the menu and ordered it. I paid way too much for it but it was worth every penny of my nostalgia. The burgers were also really good and I got my fix of burgers and brew. This place was very hipster and had Butterbeers on the menu. Usually, I do not like sweet beverages but this was such a unique concoction (and from Harry Potter!) that I couldn't resist ordering one myself. Of course, good friends help each other finish their drinks.

I don't have any photographic evidence, but we  all ventured over to Karaoke. Me, usually anti-Karaoke (not a big fan of singing, sorry folks!) had a blast. It was wonderful meeting Becca's friends and putting faces to names of her group in Korea. 

N. Seoul Tower Fun

The next day we went to N. Seoul Tower, a hit destination in Seoul. Becca came prepared with our "love lock," to put on one of the many fences at the foot of the tower. We spent a good chunk of time in this area enjoying the view from the top of the tower, taking lots of pictures (of course!), and of course being corralled by a group of Asian tourists to take a group photo with them (one woman had a death grip on me, probably to make sure I wouldn't run out of her picture). 

O'ngo Korean Food Tour

After adventuring around the tower, we went off to a big shopping area where another one of our fooding restaurants awaited us. We got Dak-Kalguksu at an amazing restaurant recommended by one of Becca's teachers. This restaurant was amazingly efficient. We ordered immediately, and after stepping away to use the restroom I returned and our food was waiting.

Afterwards, we did some window-shopping and we relaxed in a cafe. Later, we met up with Becca's good friend, Michelle who is also in her program. Becca's parents got her this amazing food tour experience for her birthday present. The three of us went on the night food tour with O'ngo. This three and a half experience was amazing! We took all the back streets, and ate at hole in the wall restaurants that only the true locals would know about. We dined at four restaurants. My favorite was the first Korean BBQ place. We sat outside at intimate tables and had a blast enjoying really good meat that came with tons of spices, sauces and condiments to enjoy our grilled food with. Our dessert restaurant showed off Korea's version of shaved ice. Another treat I am usually not a fan of in the States, but was pleasantly surprised by this version. Our guide ordered two flavors. My favorite was the matcha-flavor shaved ice. It had red bean and condensed milk hidden in the center. The true tea flavor shined through this dish and it was a great end to the entire meal.

Overall, my trip to Korea was amazing. I absolutely loved the country, the people, and of course, it was amazing to see a friend, more importantly a sister, Becca. She was one of the most generous and hospitable hosts I have ever had and I am ever grateful for the organized and fun weekend she planned for us. If I have time, I hope to make my way over there again. In the meantime, I will do my best to post again before the holidays hit. I'll be in Taiwan visiting Patrick for Christmas and New Year's, and am anxious to escape this cold weather (surprisingly, it hasn't snowed yet!).