Sunday, May 27, 2007

Fillin' Up

As the final weeks, days, and lessons approach I'm finding myself trying to fill up on all things Japanese. I'll most likely see the foreign friends I've made here again, somewhere in the world. But there are people, places and experiences that are unique to this time and place that will never be experienced again. And I'm trying to soak those up before the clock strikes twelve. So, in no particular order, here are some photos of things that have been keeping me away from my apartment, off the computer and consequently sleeping very soundly at night.


Volunteer at the 24th Kurobe Jimmy Carter Marathon! The Masters Swim team members asked me to join their little volunteer gang. We got free t-shirts and a gift card--just for wearing a yellow jacket and cheering!!















Dinner at a friend's new apartment. It's unusual to be invited to someone's house for a meal. People usually go out to eat and drink and it's smoky and expensive. But it was really nice to eat homemade food, listen to great music and just enjoy time together without the other chatter of a restaurant.


And there are lots of other things that I just don't have photographic evidence of: an enkai, a tea ceremony, several meals out with friends, and of course watching the fabulous victory of Hakuho--the next Mongolian Yokozuna!

(excuse the strange underlines...not sure what happened there)

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Reality is setting in

It's happening. On Saturday several of us spent 3 hours at the post office and shipped a total of fifteen boxes, five of which were mine. Today I went to pre-pack some boxes that will be shipped out to the UK in June. In the coming weeks I'll prepare a box for India. And then there is the little stuff that needs to find a home still...plants, documents, pictures, my fabulous bike, etc. And hopefully it will all get worked out by the end of June. And July will be smooth sailing!!

Sunday, May 06, 2007

The Colare Flea Market


Pre-packing: I've started the packing process early. It is by far one of my least favorite activities in life. I'm notorious for being unable to pack. I usually need a team of friends and family to pack me up whether it's a weekend adventure or a safari to Africa...I can't manage alone. This time, I'm alone! Agh! So, I've started 3 months early. And this is what my apartment looks like. I have boxes for the UK, US, India, Flea Market, Recycle Shop and garbage! It's a logistical nightmare. Sara, where are you???




We loaded three cars full of STUFF! My little was loaded down to full capacity. I couldn't see out the back window and was almost sitting on my steering wheel. Luckily, the drive was short! It's amazing how much one can accumulate in a few years. We arrived at 8:30, the flea market was set to start at ten. But the early birds were already scoping out the scene and asking about prices! Thanks to Linea we had a great big tent and tarp to set out. And we filled our little space with clothes, snowboards, skis, pottery, clothes, gadgets, shoes, boots, an broken air-gun, a broken guitar, a broken coffee pot, a broken playstation, clothes, weights, a TV sattelite system, and more clothes.



We had a bin of 50Yen items. That was popular with people! And we dropped the price to 25Yen in the afternoon and started a free bin. We had a group of boys hovering over the free bin for about an hour. They were thrilled and loaded up a few bags!



And of course we were set up in style: the VW, music going, and two coolers of food, drinks, snacks, etc. It was a party! And of course, as the only foreigners at the flea market, we attracted a lot of attention--good for sales!



Johnny was on display a lot! He had lots of big items, but they were all broken! So he kept trying to show people that it wasn't really that broken! He was mildly successful! But Japanese people aren't really interested in broken old stuff.


Kylie: Here is your pottery
<-----Before and After----->

Sorry we couldn't sell more!








Overall it was a fabulous day. In part because it was spent with friends outside in the sun! And in part because we sold a lot of stuff and came home with lighter loads. But also because it made me realize that in three years, not only have we acquired a lot, but we've accomplished a lot too! Between the three of us, we knew many people that came by-students, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. And we were able to negotiate, sell stuff, and give stuff away in Japanese. It was one of those things that if someone told me I'd have a stall at a Japanese flea market three years ago, I would have cried from laughing at the ridiculous image. Just like if someone told me 5 years ago I'd be living in Japan, I would have balked at the idea. And 10 years ago if someone told me I'd be teaching overseas, I would have cringed at the thought. The journey is full of surprises and keeps me on my toes. Where will it take me next? And where will I be in 5 years? I can only imagine.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

For Sale!

GIANT OCR3 2006 Road Bike



According to the manufacturer:
Featuring a butted ALUXX aluminum frame and formula One composite fork, OCR geometry delivers equal parts performance and forgiving positioning for all-day comfort.

It's a small size bike, but it is adjustable. I'm about 5'4" and it's perfect for me. I bought it last year and have used it for commuting as well as longer fun rides around Toyama and Hokkaido. It's also great for training if you want to do road races or triathlons.

Also comes with:
Cateye odometer
Topeak underseat bag
Cateye front light
Cateye back light
Polar Bear insulate water bottle and holder
Giro helmet (red, white and black)

It has 1300km on it. It was in a small accident last summer, but was serviced by a bike shop and it didn't need any repairs! And I've been riding it ever since.

It's available in late July, the exact date is negotiable. Depending on where you live, I can deliver it or you can pick it up and ride it home!!

Original Price + Extras=93,818Y

I'm asking 75,000Y or Best Offer
Leave me a comment if you're interested in it

I really really don't want to sell it, I love it! But I won't be needing it for the next year or two or ten! Who knows! Oh man, am I going to miss it!