American sales shows fascionate me. In english I would say, the are very positive about their success. In german, I would say "dreist".. which means as much as "arrant" or "bold". But, somehow, this marketing works... there must be some people nbelieving in the promisses, otherwise, they would not buy it and the companies would change their advertisement. We have here cable TV with maybe 600 channels. Sounds amazing. Out of the 600 channels are 300 blocked, but can be available with an additional payment... Ok, so 300 channels available channels are left... Still a lot. Those are movie channels, music channels, children channels, news channels and the sales channels. I guess from the 300 channels are 200 sales channels. You can buy there everything and a lot of C-actors and models praise products, ranging from cosmetics, sport equipment, house applience until real estates. All easy accessable and you can purchase it with your credit card. If you missed one of the product shows, there is no reason to worry: You can see all the fancy stuff also online. That is wonderful!!!! I like to wonder myself about the products, prices and about the constaintly very good mood of the sales persons. They have to take very strong medicaments, or they are just good people, happy to share this innovative products with all other people. Ok, you might be wondering, why I am writing about that, it seems to be like every other sales show on TV. This might be true. But yesterday, I saw the cream! I saw the reason, why US is called the country of 100 opportunities, where a dishwasher gets a millionair! : Wealthy without risk! (I am sure, the diswasher had ordered this service)And: Make money riskfree guaranteed by law!. (Wow! I want to have this!) All promoted by an middle-old aged man and a women, who has to have an idea of risk and wealth, otherwise she could not have afford her 5 boob jobs. :-)
Monday, August 30, 2010
25/08/2010 - Hurricans & Starbucks
Today, I saw this advertisment on our Starbucks. Yes. Our Starbucks. We have one Starbucks on the campus. :-)
Labels:
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Saturday, August 28, 2010
23/08/2010 First day in classes... American classes
Classes started! I have 5 courses (plus my thesis). For europeans, this sounds not that much, but in fact, in US it is a bit diffirent. WE have to read a lot of books and have finals, midterms, projects, homeworks and quizzes. A lot of names for tests, tests, tests and ok, groupworks. So I will be really busy. (This is alsy, why I post this article now and not already some days ago)
Also the classes itselves are different. We have no morning classes, but somethimes we are sitting until 22:30 in the lecture. I have no idea how I shall do that without sleeping in. One day we have classes from 12:00-19:30, with only 2 breakes of 15 min in between. This is not long enought to eat and change the room. And it is almost a whole working day ... I will be starving.
However, the people there are great. I am very happy and I already met a lot of nice new friends. It is so easy to meet new people. The semesters starts, and we have a lot of orientation meetings, registration things and other events, where we meet other new starters. Everyone is looking for new contacts,a dn so forming groups is really easy. I also appreciate that there are open classes, where other people, than my normal fellow students participate. This makes a good mixture.
Also the classes itselves are different. We have no morning classes, but somethimes we are sitting until 22:30 in the lecture. I have no idea how I shall do that without sleeping in. One day we have classes from 12:00-19:30, with only 2 breakes of 15 min in between. This is not long enought to eat and change the room. And it is almost a whole working day ... I will be starving.
However, the people there are great. I am very happy and I already met a lot of nice new friends. It is so easy to meet new people. The semesters starts, and we have a lot of orientation meetings, registration things and other events, where we meet other new starters. Everyone is looking for new contacts,a dn so forming groups is really easy. I also appreciate that there are open classes, where other people, than my normal fellow students participate. This makes a good mixture.
18/08/2010 - Trailors, Trucks and the confideration flag. Welcom in Florida
I am in USA since yesterday. I made my long way over Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chicago to Jacksonville, where I got a late in the night pick up from my friends. Due to my late arrival I could not check in in my appartment and I slept the first night at their place. They are living in a very cute area, called river side. It is near to the river and all the houses are this "american style". Solo standing, nice frontyard, nice garange and wooden surfaces in yellow, white, pink or baby blue. And a lot of american flags everywhere.
Next day, I checked in in my appartment housing. There was also an american flag, just to make sure, you are still in the same country. My appartment complex is nice, there are 3 floor houses, 2 pools and a club house. In my appartment there are with me 3 girls living. All are nice, and maybe I will write you later a bit about them.
One of them is a girl from greece and she also just moved in. My friend (now our friend) wanted to help us to buy a car and he drove us to the car buying place. A white old men met us on the street and told us to follow his car. He has had a lot of tattoos and only a few fingers left. The final destination was an interesting trailorpark. Here was also a flag, but the south staate flag. So, just to make sure, where we are... US... somehow. Our friend is half black and he was imediatly pissed off of the flag and the person and the place and everything. But he is a nice american sales guy and he did not showed it, when we went to the 30 car wracks, which were parked behind the trailor. Than the man and our friend started their "ghetto talk". about the brothers and the neighbourhood, and that you have to help the people and so on. Interesting.... I never have had such an experience in my live. Finally, the car was too bad and we went home.
Next day, I checked in in my appartment housing. There was also an american flag, just to make sure, you are still in the same country. My appartment complex is nice, there are 3 floor houses, 2 pools and a club house. In my appartment there are with me 3 girls living. All are nice, and maybe I will write you later a bit about them.
One of them is a girl from greece and she also just moved in. My friend (now our friend) wanted to help us to buy a car and he drove us to the car buying place. A white old men met us on the street and told us to follow his car. He has had a lot of tattoos and only a few fingers left. The final destination was an interesting trailorpark. Here was also a flag, but the south staate flag. So, just to make sure, where we are... US... somehow. Our friend is half black and he was imediatly pissed off of the flag and the person and the place and everything. But he is a nice american sales guy and he did not showed it, when we went to the 30 car wracks, which were parked behind the trailor. Than the man and our friend started their "ghetto talk". about the brothers and the neighbourhood, and that you have to help the people and so on. Interesting.... I never have had such an experience in my live. Finally, the car was too bad and we went home.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
15/08/2010 - Lights and Fortune Gambling in Maccau
Having now soo much extra money (from the found of my wallet), I made a spontanous short trip to Macau. I went there with an american guy I met in the hostel. He is very humble and we have had of fun. We went by ferry appr. 1 hour and were in Macau. What is with Macau, I do not really know. It is - like Hong Kong - somewhat Chinese, but not China Mainland, and not everybody is allowed to enter. We get a 90 Day Maccau Visa at the customers control and surprisingly, it does not cost extra.
At the ferry gate are plenty shuttle busses to the Hotels and Casinos. It seems, this island survivies by gamblers only. It is kind of rainy, which is not unusual, beacuse it rains every day for a half hour in Hong Kong, therefore, it also rains for a short time in Macau. Welcome to the tropical islands :)
To make it short: we went with the shuttel bus in our hotel and after a short rest, we went to the historical center. It was really beautiful. Macau has been a Portugese colony for a long time, and this is still present. Plenty Portugese restaurants and nice old buildings dominate the center of the old town. We strall around and try some excersises at the free outdoor gym, before we went back to the hotel and get ready for the casinos.
The casinos give with its plenty twinkeling lights a wonderful skyline in the night. We met a couple from canada and spent the evening exploring the casinos and the casinos shows. I liked the Wynns the best. They have had a golden tree and a very impressing golden dragon. Those were stunning by theirselfes, but this all was again inbedded in a breathtaking show. Outside, they have had a water fontaine show with music and fire balls every 15 minutes and inside, behind the desk were little jellyfishes. Wonderful! Unfortunatly, they do not provide real roulett, or crab tables, so we went to starworld and MGM. In those establishments, I won 4$ and lost 500$... Thats live, but at least, I have had fun. My friend was really disappointed, because he changes a lot of money in Maccau Dollars, but at the most tables were only Hong Kong dollars accepted. The argument, to change the money he refuses because of the changing commission and the bad exchange rate. The fact, that he will loose everything anyway did not count for him :)
At the ferry gate are plenty shuttle busses to the Hotels and Casinos. It seems, this island survivies by gamblers only. It is kind of rainy, which is not unusual, beacuse it rains every day for a half hour in Hong Kong, therefore, it also rains for a short time in Macau. Welcome to the tropical islands :)
To make it short: we went with the shuttel bus in our hotel and after a short rest, we went to the historical center. It was really beautiful. Macau has been a Portugese colony for a long time, and this is still present. Plenty Portugese restaurants and nice old buildings dominate the center of the old town. We strall around and try some excersises at the free outdoor gym, before we went back to the hotel and get ready for the casinos.
The casinos give with its plenty twinkeling lights a wonderful skyline in the night. We met a couple from canada and spent the evening exploring the casinos and the casinos shows. I liked the Wynns the best. They have had a golden tree and a very impressing golden dragon. Those were stunning by theirselfes, but this all was again inbedded in a breathtaking show. Outside, they have had a water fontaine show with music and fire balls every 15 minutes and inside, behind the desk were little jellyfishes. Wonderful! Unfortunatly, they do not provide real roulett, or crab tables, so we went to starworld and MGM. In those establishments, I won 4$ and lost 500$... Thats live, but at least, I have had fun. My friend was really disappointed, because he changes a lot of money in Maccau Dollars, but at the most tables were only Hong Kong dollars accepted. The argument, to change the money he refuses because of the changing commission and the bad exchange rate. The fact, that he will loose everything anyway did not count for him :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
14/08/2010 - Honest Hong Kong
Since yesterday am I in Hong Kong. The city is big and shining. Bling bling. Gems are not big, they are huge! Seldom I have seen what they offer here as almost normal. Of course, I enjoy it and spent the whole morning in several Cartier shops, enjoying myself with a coffee on the nice jewels.
I visit nice stones and watches for a half million USD, trying out some baby aligator bags. Than I notice that my wallet is not anymore in my bag. I start visiting the shops in reverse order, walk all the way bag, but, it is lost. I gave up and went to the 5***** hotel to ask the, if they can block my credit cards. They are nice and helpful and also set down a police report for me. I am relaxed, the money is away (i was just at the ATM) and the only thing, I struggle with, is that I was not buying more before I lsot the wallet. Than, the guy from American express told me, that I can get a new card on monday. Unfortunatly, it is now saturday, and I have no cent, and no cards and nothing. I have not yet paid for the hostel and i have no idea what to do. The amex guy tells me to ask the embassy, there should be a found for that. The embassor is a friendly men, but he does not give me money. But he showed me a way: I called my father, that he transfer me some money with western union. Pefect!
I went back to the hostel, explained the people my situation. There were fine, that I will pay a bit later and I skyped to my dad and explained him, what to do. He agreed to transfer me the money within a hour. Perfect! So, I thought... :-/
After our talk, I remembered, that I also need the code for getting the money. And my dad is a nice person, who stores his cellphone in the wardrobe and never use it. But he told me he will be back home 2 hours later. So, I wait and I tried to call him. Again and again and again. in the meanwhile, there was a email from the hong kong police station coming. Someone found my wallet!. Amazing! I was not expecting to get some money, but at least, I will have my driving licence, which is very usefull in US. I went to the police station to pick my purse up. Unfortunatly, was the officer not here and they asked me to wait.
After 30 min wiating, they told me he might be out for dinner and I should come back in 30 minutes. No problem! I understand this man. I am also very hungry. Since breakfast I have not had anything, due to the lack of money. So i walked around and went back to the police. There they told me, that he is not out for dinner, but left home. I should come back on monday. ... Monday.. I know this day. It is far away! And i am hungry. Luckily the police men understood my situation and said me, I could try it also the next day, at 9:00 in the morning. Ok... So, i went home and try to call my dad again. and again and again. I get really nervous, because it was already quarter to eight and on eight all banks are closing, which means, I do not get any money and I would stay hungry. Than, 5 to eight I could reach him (after I tried to call him for 5 hours) He was in a good mood and told me all what he done in the afternoon, and that the son of the lady from the bank also lost his wallet in china and and and. Due to my hunger i was kind of unpolite and stopped the call to run down to get the money and finaly food.
Next to western union, there was an indian stand with sweets and banas. I bought 2 sweets and ate them hungry. Than went I upstairs to my hostel, paid the bill and visit the night market to eat more.
I visit nice stones and watches for a half million USD, trying out some baby aligator bags. Than I notice that my wallet is not anymore in my bag. I start visiting the shops in reverse order, walk all the way bag, but, it is lost. I gave up and went to the 5***** hotel to ask the, if they can block my credit cards. They are nice and helpful and also set down a police report for me. I am relaxed, the money is away (i was just at the ATM) and the only thing, I struggle with, is that I was not buying more before I lsot the wallet. Than, the guy from American express told me, that I can get a new card on monday. Unfortunatly, it is now saturday, and I have no cent, and no cards and nothing. I have not yet paid for the hostel and i have no idea what to do. The amex guy tells me to ask the embassy, there should be a found for that. The embassor is a friendly men, but he does not give me money. But he showed me a way: I called my father, that he transfer me some money with western union. Pefect!
I went back to the hostel, explained the people my situation. There were fine, that I will pay a bit later and I skyped to my dad and explained him, what to do. He agreed to transfer me the money within a hour. Perfect! So, I thought... :-/
After our talk, I remembered, that I also need the code for getting the money. And my dad is a nice person, who stores his cellphone in the wardrobe and never use it. But he told me he will be back home 2 hours later. So, I wait and I tried to call him. Again and again and again. in the meanwhile, there was a email from the hong kong police station coming. Someone found my wallet!. Amazing! I was not expecting to get some money, but at least, I will have my driving licence, which is very usefull in US. I went to the police station to pick my purse up. Unfortunatly, was the officer not here and they asked me to wait.
After 30 min wiating, they told me he might be out for dinner and I should come back in 30 minutes. No problem! I understand this man. I am also very hungry. Since breakfast I have not had anything, due to the lack of money. So i walked around and went back to the police. There they told me, that he is not out for dinner, but left home. I should come back on monday. ... Monday.. I know this day. It is far away! And i am hungry. Luckily the police men understood my situation and said me, I could try it also the next day, at 9:00 in the morning. Ok... So, i went home and try to call my dad again. and again and again. I get really nervous, because it was already quarter to eight and on eight all banks are closing, which means, I do not get any money and I would stay hungry. Than, 5 to eight I could reach him (after I tried to call him for 5 hours) He was in a good mood and told me all what he done in the afternoon, and that the son of the lady from the bank also lost his wallet in china and and and. Due to my hunger i was kind of unpolite and stopped the call to run down to get the money and finaly food.
Next to western union, there was an indian stand with sweets and banas. I bought 2 sweets and ate them hungry. Than went I upstairs to my hostel, paid the bill and visit the night market to eat more.
12/08/2010 - My last evening in Japan
It is my last full day in Japan. I came somewhen at 7 in the morning home, totaly messed up. I was on a date and sooo pretty. But than, when I was kicked out at 6 in the monring (it was heavy raining) my make up was a mess, the lashes was half hanging down and my cute dress was somehow outstanding between all the people driving to work. I fall in the bed and slept and slept and slept. Somewhen I checked my emails and saw a lunch invitation from the cute girl, who was my simultan translator 2 days ago. Unfortunatly, I was not really able to stand up. Besides that, I have to get a shower, get ready and go to the place... so no chance to get there. Without a cellphone, i could not call, so i wrote an email back and we canceled the lunch for some sightseeing at 15:00. When I came there, there was also the nice guy who hosted me in Akashi. I felt a little bit guilty, because I let them wait for 3 hours, but I did not know that he was also there. We went to nice places in Osaka, to the Osaka tower, to some picture places and we made plastic food by our self. All Japan is full with plastic foods. Every restaurant shows a wide range of dishes as plastic foods to their consumers and also decoration is often fruits and fishes out of plastic. It was a very cool day, and we have had a lot of fun. I never made plastic food before, and I did not expect it to be that funny. (I highly recommend to do it, it is an unforgettable event). later, we met with the other trainer, whith whom I gave the session in Akashi. He wanted to join us for the dinner, but before we visited some breathtaking picture places in Osakas city center.
Than, when we drove to the restaurant, I regognized, that we are going to a very posh area. I just hoped the restaurant will accept credit cards, because as it is my last day, I do not have that much money left. Entering the bar, I just found out how crazy they were. It was an first calss place. elegant and cosy. And they booked the whole bar for the whole evening. And we were not only we 4. No. All my close friends from Japan were there giving me a good bye. This made me so happy! In special, because some of my friends, when I wrote them that I am in Osaka now, they just wrote back something like"have a good time"... I was really sad, because I thought they do not want to meet up with me. But they were just arranging this party blast!!! Debouchery the whole evening. They did not saved anything. so ince food, all specialities, oisters, champagne, sake, sashimi, soups, salads, octopusses, shark... all was there. A lot of laughting.. a great time. Somewhen at 2:00 I was really "tired" and a bit drunk, so that someone drove me home. I was feeling soooo sick and was glad, when I arrived at home. And this was not due to the driver.
Labels:
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11/08/2010 - Japanese romance in Osaka
I woke up in the flat... since month the first flat without aircondition and I am sweating. Not gloving or so... Sweating like a horse. I am hot and everything around me is hot. Also the water in the shower is warm. Puhhhhhh. But, I have to arrange myself a bit and organize what I wil do the day. This is all not that easy without having a cellphone. But somehow, I arranged to meet up with one of my friends. He is a nice Japanese guy and we met in Singapore. There he was a kind of mentor and he showed me (with a lot of patience) how to do origami birds. Well, we stayed in contact and he "really wants to go for a drink" with me. His wish my pleasure ;-) First, he picked me up at the subway and we went to the Osaka castle. It was very beautiful and we have had a lot of fun. After 2 hours he has had to go back to his company, but we have had an appointment for the evening, when his work will be finished (22:00).
I went home, showerd, changed my dress and get Japan nice dressed ready: Nice make up, some lashes, done eyebros, nice hair with a big loop and assessoires. Oh... I looked so cute!!! Than I went to the dinner, and afterwards some drinks. Somewhen he wanted to go to a hotel, because he has to work the next day. I was absolutly not tired and very courious about those love hotels, my friends told me about. In Japan it is common to go for private time in a love hotel. In this hotels, there are special rooms. And as Japanese are, some of those rooms are really crazy, in SM mode, or with spiderman, or everything is hello kitty or it is surrounded by an aquarium or so. Of course I also want to see that. To make it short: we walked around in the rain, all fancy rooms were already booked. So finaly we ended up in a karaoke room... Who want to do karaoke while having sex?!?! So, the machine stays off and he was so tired, that he starts sleeping imedently. Than, somewhen at 6:00 in the next morning, he jumped untder the shower and went back to work. (6:00-22:00). Well, the night in a love hotel was different, than I expected :-)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
10/08/2010 Travelling around Akashi
I woke up in my hosts place. Miki, my host, arranged all the traiings for me. He is a great guy. single dad with 4 children. Working hard, caring for his family and taking the time to be actiev in society. And to take the time to help a german girl, he never met before to arrange training sessions.
He was so nice and took 2 cute daughter from him and we went the whole day for sight seeing. We took plenty pictures and saw a impressing bridge, holes in the water and natural mysths. After that he drove me to Osaka. It was a 3 hours drive, and I felt soo deep in his debt. But he said: do not mind! And than I arrived at my new host in Osaka. A nice Chinese guy.
He was so nice and took 2 cute daughter from him and we went the whole day for sight seeing. We took plenty pictures and saw a impressing bridge, holes in the water and natural mysths. After that he drove me to Osaka. It was a 3 hours drive, and I felt soo deep in his debt. But he said: do not mind! And than I arrived at my new host in Osaka. A nice Chinese guy.
09/08/2010 My first training in Japan
Today, I give my frist training hour in Japan. I am very proud that I have the chance to provide a training in Japan & Japanese language. Of course I do not speak appropriate Japanese, therefore they arranged a simultan translator.
I take the train from Kyoto to Akashi. First, I was afraid, that it will take long and willbe expansive. But it is not like that. I can go with the local train for 15 Eur the way in 40 minutes. Perfect. In the train I use the time for wrapping my gifts. First, I bought some gifts in China to give out for the members. But than, I heard there are 12 members coming and I have only 10 gifts. So I went again for shopping in Kyoto. I found some nice heard shaped locks in the 100 Yen shop. So I bought them and some giftbags and I hope they will like it. It are cute locks for luggage or so. Maybe 10 centimeters, read, heard shaped and with a number combination. For my host, I have some belgian pralines. When I arrived, they are already waiting for me and the translator and the other trainer. I just recognize, how big the blow it all off. Wow... It is not a simple casual taining, we have an official session with press and 3 trainers coming. Wow. The other trainers are really good. And one of them I know already from singapore, where I met him in the Japanese headquarter. Such a funny hasard :) All is very formal. While my friends in Kyoto were very relaxed, those here are different. A lot of bowing, 90 degree bowing, a lot of formal words and streight sitting. But they are also very nice and after the training we went for a wonderful Chinese restaurant.
I take the train from Kyoto to Akashi. First, I was afraid, that it will take long and willbe expansive. But it is not like that. I can go with the local train for 15 Eur the way in 40 minutes. Perfect. In the train I use the time for wrapping my gifts. First, I bought some gifts in China to give out for the members. But than, I heard there are 12 members coming and I have only 10 gifts. So I went again for shopping in Kyoto. I found some nice heard shaped locks in the 100 Yen shop. So I bought them and some giftbags and I hope they will like it. It are cute locks for luggage or so. Maybe 10 centimeters, read, heard shaped and with a number combination. For my host, I have some belgian pralines. When I arrived, they are already waiting for me and the translator and the other trainer. I just recognize, how big the blow it all off. Wow... It is not a simple casual taining, we have an official session with press and 3 trainers coming. Wow. The other trainers are really good. And one of them I know already from singapore, where I met him in the Japanese headquarter. Such a funny hasard :) All is very formal. While my friends in Kyoto were very relaxed, those here are different. A lot of bowing, 90 degree bowing, a lot of formal words and streight sitting. But they are also very nice and after the training we went for a wonderful Chinese restaurant.
08/08/2010 - A traditional Japanese Dinner
Yesterday night, we got a good idea: My friends will trouw a nice good bye dinner for me with traditional cloths. This means with Kimono or Jokurta. I worn a Kimono when I was a geisha. So, I know, it is really hot and difficult to wear. Next to it, it is expansive, so I decide I will wear a Jokurta. A jokurta is a traditional japanese bath robe. It was worn to get to the bath or to wash yourself. Nowadays, it is appropriate to wear it in public and for official events. In difference to the Kimono, it is worn without underwear (= without the 5 layers of cloths). It is pretty light and still looks somehow like a kimono.
So, the sister of my friend picked me up in the noon to go with me and her family to buy a new Jokurta. In Kyoto those traditional dresses are very popular and you see a lot of men and women wearing it on the street. Therefoer, they sell them also in shopping malls. Lucky for me, they have sales at the moment and I can get a complete set of dress, belly loop and shoes for 6800 Yen. They have a lot of different colors and patterns and it is really hard to choose one of them. Finaly, I choose a cute pink one and a yellow belly loop. It looks amazing and my friend also buyes himself a new one. The kids are getting tired and we have to pick the up in the game zone. Oh my god.. I never saw such a game zone in a shopping mall... thousands of machines and computers, thousands of yelling kids, music, lights and tralala. It is really too much for normal adults. but the kids love it. We went fast with the kids to a sushi restaurant, where we have a light lunch. It is so cute, they have a kind of happy meal for children: different sushis, french fries and orange juice.
After that it is already time to go home, take a shower, making my hair and getting dressed. Luckily, one of the girls from my dorm took some classes in traditional Japanse culture and knows how to wear a Jokurta. So she help me to get in it and fix it.
Than, I went trough the street to find the restaurant. I feel very beautiful with that dress. The restaurant is a very high class establishment and we have a place (no table) outside on the terrasse with view over the river. The fresh breeze is perfect in the hot weather and we enjoy a perfect evening. We are traditional sitting on pillows and everyone has a small table in fron of him /her for the food. After a while, the sitting gets a bit complicated :) but it is really nice. The owner of the restaurant is a member of my club, so he join us and gives us a great menue of 12 dishes, all absolutly tasty. After the long dinner, we decide that we went all together to sing some karaoke. It is so much fun! In Japan karaoke is a private thing. This means, there are no public bars, where everyone grab the microphone and sings. We order a room, which is only for us with "all dirnks inclusive". It is amazing how good they can sing! And how much they enjoy. they are really freaking out with some songs. Unfortunatly, i cannot sing that well... and they are a bit dissappointed that I am so bad in singing and do not know any lyriks and so. But for the next time, I will train :-)
After the karaoke, we went to the bar we also ended up yesterday morning and go on with our party... somewhen in the early morning, I was tired and went to bed, to get a bit fresh before I go to my first training in Akashi. Kyoto was a great time!
So, the sister of my friend picked me up in the noon to go with me and her family to buy a new Jokurta. In Kyoto those traditional dresses are very popular and you see a lot of men and women wearing it on the street. Therefoer, they sell them also in shopping malls. Lucky for me, they have sales at the moment and I can get a complete set of dress, belly loop and shoes for 6800 Yen. They have a lot of different colors and patterns and it is really hard to choose one of them. Finaly, I choose a cute pink one and a yellow belly loop. It looks amazing and my friend also buyes himself a new one. The kids are getting tired and we have to pick the up in the game zone. Oh my god.. I never saw such a game zone in a shopping mall... thousands of machines and computers, thousands of yelling kids, music, lights and tralala. It is really too much for normal adults. but the kids love it. We went fast with the kids to a sushi restaurant, where we have a light lunch. It is so cute, they have a kind of happy meal for children: different sushis, french fries and orange juice.
After that it is already time to go home, take a shower, making my hair and getting dressed. Luckily, one of the girls from my dorm took some classes in traditional Japanse culture and knows how to wear a Jokurta. So she help me to get in it and fix it.
Than, I went trough the street to find the restaurant. I feel very beautiful with that dress. The restaurant is a very high class establishment and we have a place (no table) outside on the terrasse with view over the river. The fresh breeze is perfect in the hot weather and we enjoy a perfect evening. We are traditional sitting on pillows and everyone has a small table in fron of him /her for the food. After a while, the sitting gets a bit complicated :) but it is really nice. The owner of the restaurant is a member of my club, so he join us and gives us a great menue of 12 dishes, all absolutly tasty. After the long dinner, we decide that we went all together to sing some karaoke. It is so much fun! In Japan karaoke is a private thing. This means, there are no public bars, where everyone grab the microphone and sings. We order a room, which is only for us with "all dirnks inclusive". It is amazing how good they can sing! And how much they enjoy. they are really freaking out with some songs. Unfortunatly, i cannot sing that well... and they are a bit dissappointed that I am so bad in singing and do not know any lyriks and so. But for the next time, I will train :-)
After the karaoke, we went to the bar we also ended up yesterday morning and go on with our party... somewhen in the early morning, I was tired and went to bed, to get a bit fresh before I go to my first training in Akashi. Kyoto was a great time!
07/08/2010 (2) - In the Zen temple
My friends are amazing. After my Geisha shoot, they pick me up and arrange for me a visit in a very private Zen temple. Normally this temple is closed for public, but a friend is a friend of the priest and so I am a llowed to enter the beautiful temples.
The other tourists around are looking a bit jalous, and, yes, they have reason for it. It is a wonderful place. The zen master took his time and showed me around. Beautiful 700 years old paintings, springs and trees. I was allowed to see the very special and holy imperail gate, which is only used if the imperer is arriving. That was 2 times in the last 400 years. When ever the imperer is coming, the zengardens have to be new structured and new sand is used, that the empoerer can walk on a new surface. He explained me the meaning of old zengardens. Detailed aranged stones, which have to be rearragend every morning new by one of the 3 training monks.
He takes me with in the very old teahouse, and showed me the traditional tea ceremony and the meaning behind it.
It was wunderful. And after it, we went all together to a very small japanese restaurant /bar. The boys ordered all the food on the menue and lots of sake. We have had great fun and I was eating a lot of strange but tasty things. The most strange one was the eye of a fish. For real. They said, this has a lot of collagen and therefore it is very good for my skin to eat it. I just trust and try everything. The exe was not bad in taste. But also not outstanding good. Normal. I was very surprised, that the pupil was hard. I thought it is just a hole in the eye, but it is a small black hard ball. like a little pearl and -for me- not eatable.
The other tourists around are looking a bit jalous, and, yes, they have reason for it. It is a wonderful place. The zen master took his time and showed me around. Beautiful 700 years old paintings, springs and trees. I was allowed to see the very special and holy imperail gate, which is only used if the imperer is arriving. That was 2 times in the last 400 years. When ever the imperer is coming, the zengardens have to be new structured and new sand is used, that the empoerer can walk on a new surface. He explained me the meaning of old zengardens. Detailed aranged stones, which have to be rearragend every morning new by one of the 3 training monks.
He takes me with in the very old teahouse, and showed me the traditional tea ceremony and the meaning behind it.
It was wunderful. And after it, we went all together to a very small japanese restaurant /bar. The boys ordered all the food on the menue and lots of sake. We have had great fun and I was eating a lot of strange but tasty things. The most strange one was the eye of a fish. For real. They said, this has a lot of collagen and therefore it is very good for my skin to eat it. I just trust and try everything. The exe was not bad in taste. But also not outstanding good. Normal. I was very surprised, that the pupil was hard. I thought it is just a hole in the eye, but it is a small black hard ball. like a little pearl and -for me- not eatable.
Monday, August 16, 2010
07/08/2010 I am a Geisha
I went today to my Geisha - Transforming. In fact, I did not get a transforming to a geisha, but to a maiko. A maiko is the trainee geisha. In opposite to a geisha wears the meiko colorful kimonos. I love colors and I love geishas, so I decided I want to do this maiko transofrmation.
I researched a studio last month in the internet and I was a bit shocked by the prices. But... I really want this, so I think, I deserve it.
To be well prepared, IO did not went out last night and get awake very early to go to my studio. The studio is in the old Kyoto district, which is famous for a lot of geishas. Well, I am not sure, if the plenty geishas, people see and picture there are real geishas, or as me, tourist who make this styling :) But the scenery is wonderful. I arrived there after a long walk in the heat and felt like a princess. I got a thing bathrobe and have had to change. I also get those socks with the seperate toe (for the "geisha-flip flops") and than I went to the make up.
They make my face and neck with 2 differnt white creams white and than a bit rose. I got some niche eye make up, new pink eyebrows and red lips. After that, I could choose my kimono and got the dressing.
This dressing is really effort. There are severyl layers and towels they use to hide the breast.The funny thing is, they hide the brest, by putting towels on your tommy. So, after all you are fat like a barrel. :-) Than the put me the beautiful kimono on, and the belt and the loop of the back and the underskirt. Than I got my faked hai and the assessoires like shoes, bag and all the nice flowerthings they have in their hair. Puh... It was heavy and hot ans soooooo beautiful!
After the dressing, I went out with my fotographer and she took somke pictures with me infront of some houses and trees and in the street. A lot of people were fascinated and took fotos of me.
It was really surprising for me how difficult it was to walk in that geisha shoes. And I have had the not high ones.... Ususally I have always 8 cm high heeels, or higher, so I thought, walking with that cute shoes would be no problem.. but it was really hard to keept the balance :)
And I was sweating... it was soooo hot! I was really happy when I could take all the nice clothers off afterwards and feel the nice cold of the aircondition on my legs.
An amazing experience!!!!!! I loved it!
I researched a studio last month in the internet and I was a bit shocked by the prices. But... I really want this, so I think, I deserve it.
To be well prepared, IO did not went out last night and get awake very early to go to my studio. The studio is in the old Kyoto district, which is famous for a lot of geishas. Well, I am not sure, if the plenty geishas, people see and picture there are real geishas, or as me, tourist who make this styling :) But the scenery is wonderful. I arrived there after a long walk in the heat and felt like a princess. I got a thing bathrobe and have had to change. I also get those socks with the seperate toe (for the "geisha-flip flops") and than I went to the make up.
They make my face and neck with 2 differnt white creams white and than a bit rose. I got some niche eye make up, new pink eyebrows and red lips. After that, I could choose my kimono and got the dressing.
This dressing is really effort. There are severyl layers and towels they use to hide the breast.The funny thing is, they hide the brest, by putting towels on your tommy. So, after all you are fat like a barrel. :-) Than the put me the beautiful kimono on, and the belt and the loop of the back and the underskirt. Than I got my faked hai and the assessoires like shoes, bag and all the nice flowerthings they have in their hair. Puh... It was heavy and hot ans soooooo beautiful!
After the dressing, I went out with my fotographer and she took somke pictures with me infront of some houses and trees and in the street. A lot of people were fascinated and took fotos of me.
It was really surprising for me how difficult it was to walk in that geisha shoes. And I have had the not high ones.... Ususally I have always 8 cm high heeels, or higher, so I thought, walking with that cute shoes would be no problem.. but it was really hard to keept the balance :)
And I was sweating... it was soooo hot! I was really happy when I could take all the nice clothers off afterwards and feel the nice cold of the aircondition on my legs.
An amazing experience!!!!!! I loved it!
06/08/2010 - Kyoto in Old Japanese Style
Japan has fantastic fast trains. The Shinkansen train is faster than our ICE in Germany. Long distances can be done in less than 1 hour. But therefore, this train is super expansive. So, I decided not to take 1h train, but doing a 9h night bus ride. Very unconfortable, but finally I arrived in Kyoto.
Kyoto is a medium sized city in Japan. I guess round about 1.5 million people. So, I arrived there, smelling, tired and with only 25 kg luggage. I found out, that there is a airport luggage delivery service in Japan, and so, I could sent my 30 kg suitcase from Tokyo to my final airport in Osaka for only 25€.... How great!!! I feel so... easy :)
Nevertheless, I have had to cross half of Kyoto to get to my hostel. When I arrived there, noone was there. So I wait until someone opened me the door. Unfortunately, the alarm started and I have had no clue how to switch it of. So the alarm stayed on for the next hour, while I tried to sleep a bit on the couch in the lounge (what is is strictly forbitten).
Somewhen the desk was open, I stored my luggage, took a shower and went with a nice guy from Newzealand into the city to buy some gifts for my JCI friends. We crossed the imnperial garden, went in for 5 meters, shot some pictures and went on. The same with the castel and severy temples... We were just too tired and sweaty for sight seeing. but we shot great pictures and I am very happy I have had my semi professional camera!
Later I visit a frined and his family for a BBQ. He has had his 4 kids and the 2 babies of his sister with him. I am highly surprised. Japanse kids are so nice and happy, never fighting or crying. And the steaks were exellent! :-)
Kyoto is a medium sized city in Japan. I guess round about 1.5 million people. So, I arrived there, smelling, tired and with only 25 kg luggage. I found out, that there is a airport luggage delivery service in Japan, and so, I could sent my 30 kg suitcase from Tokyo to my final airport in Osaka for only 25€.... How great!!! I feel so... easy :)
Nevertheless, I have had to cross half of Kyoto to get to my hostel. When I arrived there, noone was there. So I wait until someone opened me the door. Unfortunately, the alarm started and I have had no clue how to switch it of. So the alarm stayed on for the next hour, while I tried to sleep a bit on the couch in the lounge (what is is strictly forbitten).
Somewhen the desk was open, I stored my luggage, took a shower and went with a nice guy from Newzealand into the city to buy some gifts for my JCI friends. We crossed the imnperial garden, went in for 5 meters, shot some pictures and went on. The same with the castel and severy temples... We were just too tired and sweaty for sight seeing. but we shot great pictures and I am very happy I have had my semi professional camera!
Later I visit a frined and his family for a BBQ. He has had his 4 kids and the 2 babies of his sister with him. I am highly surprised. Japanse kids are so nice and happy, never fighting or crying. And the steaks were exellent! :-)
Labels:
Castle,
Imperial Garden,
Japan,
Kyoto,
Shinkansen
Saturday, August 7, 2010
05/08/2010 Sunset over Mt Fujii
03/08/2010 Special treatment in the Maid-Cafe
I spent this da with the finnland-girls I met in my place. They are typical finnish. With piercings, tatoos, shaved sides, and Spicegirl shirts. They want to go to a maid cafe. First I did not know, what this is, but than, my host explained it to me, that this are sexy dressed girls, in super cute and short maid uniforms, which take special care for their guests. Sounds fun. So we went there with 5 persons. Because the finnish girls are quiete pushy, we went there in the morning, leaving the house at 8:20... Crazy. In special, if this nice cafe does not open before 11. So we wait and wait and than we entered. All food is sweet with a lot of cream and very expansive. There were 2 maids, which were busy with everything else, but us. And english? forget about it. No cute jumping, no other things. So we left the cafe and go on.
I bought a great new camera! Unfortunatly, all the manual is in Japanese laguage, so it will take a while until I am an expert with it.
And one other thing happened that day: We were injailed by the Tokyo metro. My host and I, we entered a gate, which was just closing. Unfortunatly, there was again a second gate, which was already closed. So, we stuck between those both gastes and called the police. The nice police men were very friendly and helpfull and informed the security company to take us out of our jail.
I bought a great new camera! Unfortunatly, all the manual is in Japanese laguage, so it will take a while until I am an expert with it.
And one other thing happened that day: We were injailed by the Tokyo metro. My host and I, we entered a gate, which was just closing. Unfortunatly, there was again a second gate, which was already closed. So, we stuck between those both gastes and called the police. The nice police men were very friendly and helpfull and informed the security company to take us out of our jail.
02/08/2010 Almost Tokyo
Today is the day I am flying to japan! Everything worked fine, I catched my subway, got my very havy bag and checked in. I am allowed to carry 20kg with me. When I put my back on the scale and it shows 30kg, the nice check in lady says nothing. not even a look. No comment about my additional 25kg hand luggage. No discussions, it easily works. Wow. A great start. The flight is nice, I work, I sleep. Arrived at the airport, everything works fine, everything is in order and easy to follow. It is great. The only thing, I found out, that Tokyo Airport is not in Tokyo. It is even in a different state. So, I take a 2h bus ride to arrive, but even this is fine. I cross different landscapes, and everything looked like germany. Excatly like when I drive the autobahn from Karlsruhe to Landau. Ok, later, it looked a bit like the area around Mannheim, but this is still the same highway, only 30 km more in the north. I am surprised :-)
Late in the evening I arrived at my host and we went for tradittional Japanese goof, Omoyapppi or so. It is a nice pancake-omlett, done by yourself on a tepanyakki. Very tasty!
Late in the evening I arrived at my host and we went for tradittional Japanese goof, Omoyapppi or so. It is a nice pancake-omlett, done by yourself on a tepanyakki. Very tasty!
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