It's Been a While...

To my many many fans, I apologize for going so long without an update. The last couple of weeks have been very busy and now, yes mom, I really am beginning to wind down here. Not only do I need to start wrapping up my projects at work but I also need to figure out how I am going to get everything back to the states (this might entail buying another suitcase...).

Anyway, those who know me well know that will probably be put off until the night before I leave as I will do pretty much anything to put off boring tasks such as packing, so I'll blog instead. However, I am racing against my computer's battery so this might be short.

I have spent the last two weeks outside of Kamogawa. On Friday the 15th I traveled to Osaka to spend a week at Nihon Keiei Consulting. Shuji Niwa is an alum of Iowa's MHA program and invited me to visit when he was in Iowa in April. He generously put me up there and showed me around Nihon Keiei and Osaka. Being in a larger city for work is a little different than being in Kamogawa. The employees there mostly work from about 7-10 or 11. I offered some of them a break as many were eager to hangout with me and practice their English skills (a common theme I'm noticing since I've been here).

I probably should have taken more pictures while I was working but that would have been quite an achievement. I had a very regimented schedule while I was at Nihon Keiei, they kept me constantly on the move, which is good. Shuji Niwa is considering starting an internship program at Nihon Keiei so I may have been some sort of guinea pig. I gave him my thoughts upon the completion of my week there.

During my time in Osaka, I traveled to Himeji Castle, one of the largest and most in-tact castles in Japan. I was also able to go to Kobe, but mostly for business to see the International Medical Device Alliance. There is an area in Kobe they are developing for all medical R&D and eventually will be developing for hospitals to utilize the newer techniques and devices. It's an intriguing area.

I met a lot of great people while I was in Osaka and was out basically every night I was there. I'm not quite sure how they are able to function waking up 5am to work, going to work at 730, leaving work for dinner, and often going back to work until 10 or 11, but they manage.

After Osaka, I ran back to Kamogawa to do some laundry and headed back to Tokyo on Saturday the 23rd to meet Jessica and her brother Jacob. Unfortunately, they were delayed because Jess still hasn't learned her lesson about flying through O'hare (she and I have been delayed there for 15 hours and physically removed from a flight to Germany before in addition to other problems she has had...). So, I went out with friends Saturday night and met Jess and Jacob when they got in on Sunday.

Sadly, this meant fitting the city of Tokyo into one day of sightseeing somehow, not an easy task but we managed. Before they arrived I visited the Meiji Shrine where I actually saw a traditional Japanese wedding. It was interesting, mostly because all of the tourists were just standing around taking pictures of the bride (myself included...). Japanese people tend to take a lot of pictures it seems so I don't feel so bad doing it myself.

Once my guests arrived, we headed west to Shinjuku for a typical Japanese style dinner. Naturally, they were slightly confused by the ordering process and the use of chopsticks. I guess I didn't explain to them that chopsticks are pretty much always used here. Also, at most Japanese restaurants, dishes are more or less continuously ordered and shared among the table. This was a challenge for me as I'm used to being ordered for. They said everything I ordered was delicious though!

Following dinner we went to the Rippongi Hills Tower for a view of Tokyo at night. I apologize that the pictures don't always come out great...

Monday we toured the Imperial Palace, went north to Akihabara (the 'electric city'), Asakusa (a large shrine and souvenir lover's paradise), and Ueno Park (area with a large Japanese market and park). In Ueno, the most amusing thing we discovered were entire stores full of claw machines! They had everything from the typical stuffed animals to huge jugs full of ramen or Pringles. Interesting... (*Note how touristy Jessica looks in the photo below--her baggage didn't arrive until we were in Kyoto, she rolled with it though, very impressive).

Late on Monday, we took the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and got a good nights sleep so we could spend all day Tuesday sightseeing (I had everyone on a tight schedule). First, we went to Miyajima, a historical Japanese town on Miyajima Island with a shrine and temple where tame deer roam (and sometimes root through your bags...). This is where the iconic floating torii is located.

After Miyajima, we headed a little further west to Iwakuni, a samurai town with a historical bridge that was built with no nails or screws. There is also a ropeway that leads to the top of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle is located. Unfortunately, we were experiencing some bad luck with ropeways that day and they all seemed to be closed... I also remembered that this is where Midori, Wocher-sans wife is from!

I'll add more later, but I'm running low on battery...

And, I'm plugged in again. So, after Iwakuni we headed back to Hiroshima for dinner and a little more sightseeing. After another Japanese dinner (still my guests were slightly confused), we headed over to the Peace Park. The Peace Park is home the the A-Bomb Dome as well as many other memorials in remembrance of the lives lost during World War II.

Last but not least, we headed to Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan. I had been here earlier in my trip but only for a day. We started our trip with the Philosophers Walk, which took us down a path lined with shrines and temples. Our first night in Kyoto, we decided to try Teppen-yaki, not unlike habachi in the US, but a little more traditional. After dinner, I forced them to join me for a drink (it was my birthday eve, after all). I think she was a little upset because, while she thought she was ordering champagne, she actually ordered marc de champagne. I guess that's what she gets for even trying to order champagne...

Happy birthday to me! On Thursday we pretty much went everywhere. Starting with Niko Castle, located right across the street from our hotel.

After that, we headed over to the Golden Pavilion. Today, we utilized the bus passes that were provided by our hotel. We were rather proud of ourselves because on this trip, we had used basically every mode of transportation: airplane, boat, bus, subway, train, walking, all in all we did quite well. After the Golden Pavilion, we headed over to Heian Shrine.

After a little souvenir shopping, we headed back to the hotel to 'pre-game' and get ready for my birthday dinner! A few friends I met in Osaka were coming up to Kyoto to celebrate. We started with drinks (is there any better appetizer?), then headed out to get sushi. After sushi we headed to yet another restaurant (in true fat-kid style) to have yakiniku, do it yourself barbecue. We ate and drank the night away and I even managed to get them to do some sake-bombs.

Once I learned they had to be up at 0530 the next morning, I agreed to let them head back to Osaka (I can't believe they even came after hearing that!).

The next morning we headed out for a short trip to Kamogawa, just long enough for them to see my diggs, meet Wocher-san, and see the hospital (which Jessica managed to survive through, though I saw her turn an interesting shade of green once we headed into the OR).

All in all, the last two weeks off were less than relaxing but I was able to see a lot of Japan and I met a lot of great people that I hope to keep in touch with once I head back to the US.

Go Marines!

Given the title, this is the perfect opportunity to welcome David home. I'm glad he is back safe and sound and at least able to see Amanda on the weekends... It won't be too long before they'll join me in Iowa City for some tailgating, I'm sure!

The Marines I'm referring to in the post are actually the Chiba Marines, one of the twelve national baseball teams in Japan, and one of six in the Pacific League. I went to a game last night with Etoh-sensei, who I'm glad to say I can call Taichi. First names are much less commonly used in Japan than they are in the US (although I forget sometimes). I've been meeting with Taichi once a week or so to work on his English. He is applying for internships at the US Naval Hospitals and wants to be well rehearsed. His English is already better than most I've heard as he grew up in South Africa, but practicing in conversation never hurts.

We took the train up to Chiba after work, it was about an hour and a half ride. Chiba is newer city of about 1.5 million and I was told is basically a bedroom community for people working in Tokyo. What I saw of it seemed very clean and nice, but we rushed over to the game pretty quickly.

Japanese baseball is almost the exact same as American baseball (can I say American baseball, I think that would just be baseball). They do have some added improvements or amenities while you're in the stands. Instead of throwing out peanuts, popcorn and cans of beer, girls walk around with premixed highballs and pony kegs strapped to their back! They know how to have a good time.

They also have a fan section that literally never stops singing. I mean they never stop. The Chiba Marines are known for jumping up and down to support their team (kind of strange), but they were jumping up and down and singing the whole time. Some fans brought in drums and trumpets to play (in unison with other fans, not a professional marching band--just fans). One of the most interesting parts was when they switched pitchers. They would drive a the new pitcher out onto the field (no longer done in the US) in a Volvo! I was just expecting a Toyota or a Nissan or something...

And what else would they do at the 7th inning stretch? Blow up long white balloons and let them fly into the air. Overall, a very fun night. Thanks, Taichi!

KANPAI!

I have told some of you this, but who would have thought that the Japanese don't embrace the sake bomb? In fact, when I asked most of them, they didn't even know what it was! Well, that just would not do. I took it upon myself to teach them.

I'm not sure exactly why this trend hasn't caught on in Japan, but I don't know that they 'bomb' quite as many things as we do. It actually wasn't until I was here that I realized we do that... a lot.

Anyway, after my pharmacy rotation the department wanted to take me out to celebrate, welcome me to Japan, and have me try something new. We went to a yakitori restaurant, basically skewered chicken. The difference--they pretty much utilize the entire chicken. They have skewers of just skin, heart, liver, cartilage, and then other items as well--octopus, salads, etc. The food was good.

This night actually happened a while ago. I believe I was teaching them how to take the sake bomb here. However, based on my face and my empty glass, it appears I have already had one...or two.

All the departments at Kameda are very welcoming and receptive. This reminds me that I need to take more pictures. They also had a visiting intern from the University of Michigan, a PharmD student. She is here observing how the pharmacy department operates in Japan (the education required is quite different from the United States as is the organization and many of the procedures). She will be leaving sooner than I am but it was nice having a fellow American here!

Following Directions

I found an interesting thread online the other day and decided to try to find the area it was referencing:

"Out in Chiba, between the stations of Ohara and Onjuku, there is a small station called Namihana.

Go from the station towards the ocean....it is perhaps about a three kilometer walk.

You will reach a small fishing village.

Turn right on the road and head up the hill. You will start to see a nice beach but continue up the hill along the road.

After you pass a decent sized pond on your left, you will reach a small driveway into a field on your left.

Walk down this " path" and you will come to a dilapidated fence. Not going through the gate but instead following the footpath beginning at the left of the gate, you will soon start to head through what can be best described as jungle.

You will soon come into a clearing, but continue along the path until you come to an entrance to a cave. It may look like there is a dead end, but it is a tunnel. As you enter, be prepared for a rather steep walk down and watch out for slippery rocks.

Just as it starts to get dark behind you, you will be able to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Do NOT attempt to run!! One meter beyond the exit will give you a 30 meter drop onto the rocks below. Instead, from the exit, you will find a goat path that will take you down the side of the mountain to the beach below.

Now, as Ohara and Onjuku produce some of the most crowded beaches in Japan during the summer, this particular beach is empty even during Obon. If there is anyone there, it is most likely a nude sunbather.

The place is Tokyo' s best secret beach if not Japan' s.

Be careful about the incoming tide as it tends to block the entrance to the tunnel once it has come in. Overnight camping is NOT a good idea and the water can be a bit rough for the best of swimmers. But if you are looking for a little adventure in navigation and would like a nice secluded place during the peak of the summer holiday season, this is as good a place as any."

Either the description was vague or my ability to follow directions is lacking. Keep in mind this station (Namihana) was quite far from the ocean, with a good amount of mountains between. Nevertheless, I set out to find this supposed picturesque and secluded setting for a day at the beach.

My travels that day took me in multiple directions out of Namihana. The coastline of Japan has many inlets and outlets which means the ocean can really be in multiple directions. So while I headed in the most logical direction to begin with, this was incorrect. After about an hour, I thought I was on the right path and started heading through miles of rice paddies (three kilometers...ha).

I continued down this road for about an hour and eventually saw the ocean. Unfortunately, there was no fishing village. I was at the point where I really just wanted to see some sign of civilization. The beaces at this point were beautiful and completely unoccupied (the picture at the top and the one below are from my walk here).

Finally, after I continued, I came to a small fishing village. It occurred to me that I had come into the area in the opposite direction. So... I turned around. I headed back up the road. Past the 'nice beach' described in the thread, the 'good sized pond' and down the path. He failed to mention that the jungle would also eat any footwear you choose to bring along that day (it was basically a mud pit), and into the cave. Those of you who know me well know that I love doing things like this.

Emerging from the cave, the view was breathtaking. It was have been better due to what I had gone through to get there. Unfortunately, the thread did not lie, there were five or six individuals taking advantage of the seclusion. Also unfortunate, by the time I had found it the sun was almost past the cliff and I had pretty much missed any good opportunities to relax on the beach.

It was still worth it.

On my way back to the fishing village (yes, I chose to take the correct way back, which was much faster), I came across a unique rock formation out in the ocean. This small fishing village was unlike any other place I'd ever been in Japan. Altogether secluded yet very western at the same time. While I was walking I saw four or five westerners and many western style homes.

"My Patriotic Heart Beats Red, White, and Blue."

I spent the holiday weekend, the United States holiday weekend which, much to my dismay, has no precedent here whatsoever, outside of Kamogawa. I started off on Friday traveling to Yokosuka Naval Base with John, Midori, and Sachko Klaus, also an American who is going to be the director of the four year nursing college at Kameda opening next year. I had been looking forward to this trip for quite some time. Not only would I be able to see another hospital, but it would give me the chance to be around a few more Americans than usual (about 33,000 when the ships are in port).

Yokosuka was very different than anything I had seen before. I've been to military bases before, both at home and abroad, but I think there is a stronger sense of community here due to the great distance from the US. The hospital brief was given by the commanding officer of USNH Yokosuka, which was greatly appreciated. The greatest takeaway was the strong partnership that is needed between his facility and the Japanese facilities in the event a sailor comes in with an injury they are unable to care for. USNH is fully staffed with about 50 beds and has a variety of specialties. However, they do see many cases that they are unable to provide care for. When serious cases present, they will Medevac to Kameda. These relationships with community hospitals allow them to operate with only critical staff and ensure that the individuals on base are still safe and will have somewhere to be cared for in the event of a catastrophe.

A very interesting arrangement that I learned about while I was visiting was the purpose of the overseas troops in Japan. They are an industrialized country with means of their own, but we stay by invitation of the Japanese government to defend Japan. Therefore, any attack on Japan is considered a direct attack on the United States as well. Because of this, Japan spends just over one percent of their GDP on defense (while we all have a good idea what the US spends). Japan does build and maintain all the facilities on base and staff many of the positions on base, all paid for by the Japanese government (still, they are getting a pretty good deal).

After the brief, we did a quick tour of the base but unfortunately we were a bit behind schedule so we only had enough time to grab some essentials and get a quick haircut. Naturally, I bought Coors, Chips Ahoy, Chex Mix, and Starburst. That all sounds normal. John plans on heading back over before I depart so we can go to Chilis. He likes to go with the students, I certainly wouldn't mind a REAL American burger. I'd go tonight if that ferry would run a little later...

From Yokosuka, I took the train up to Tokyo to spend the weekend with a few friends from work. Friday night I spend some time looking around Ginza, a higher end shopping district that was right near my hotel. It was late though, so I didn't have too much time. This area has the highest priced real estate in the world (it can be several million dollars per square foot!). Just inside Ginza designers would have multiple locations, of course for shoppers convenience. Two or three Burberrys, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Botegga Vanetta, and Matsuya Ginza, similar to Saks. 

On Saturday, Sachie and Yoh picked me up to take me sightseeing. Though they are both long time Tokyo residents, they rarely go sightseeing or know too much about the town. Our first stop was the Imperial Palace, also a couple blocks from my hotel. Because we were unable to find the residence among the gardens they were convinced the Emperor and Empress no longer lived there (seriously), but we asked before we left and found out all was well and there are very few views of the household itself. 

The gardens inside the Palace are pristine and kept up unlike anything I've seen. I may have said that but every garden I see is getting better and better.

After the Imperial Palace, we headed up to Asakusa. This is the site of an old temple and also a lot of small shops that line the streets. Temples involve a lot of rituals such as inhaling smoke before entering (this is supposed to make you smarter or enlighten you), and washing in a fountain so you are cleansed before praying.

Also there, five story pagoda:

And a good view of Tokyo's new Sky Tree, which will replace Tokyo Tower. The Sky Tree will be the tallest tower in the world, for a few months until something beats it. It is used for broadcasting, and of course you can go up and experience some good views inside.

After Asakusa, we took a boat tour down to Akihabara (actually we went to a random station then took the subway to Akihabara). Akihabara is known as the electric city and has a ton of duty-free shops and high-pressure salesman. It is one of the more frequented areas of Tokyo by tourists. Many people buy items thinking they will work well in the US and they are getting the cutting edge technology, but really we get things in the US just as quickly and depending on what you buy, it might not work in the US. I avoided buying electronics.

After Akihabara we went south to Akasaka. We had dinner here in a traditional Japanese restaurant. Dishes are ordered throughout the meal and shared by the table. Two others joined us from Kameda after work. The dinner lasted for a few hours and I headed back to the hotel.

On Sunday, we had another aggressive day with a switch in tour guides. Today was Motoko and Oshimoto. We started off at Ueno Park, an area with the Tokyo Zoo, National Museum, Science Museum, etc. We went to the National Museum before lunch.

After lunch, we walked through a market area that was crowded with people that sold anything you might want, or not want. From shoes to raw fish. It was a very interesting experience.

We explored Ueno Park a little more and then went down to Tokyo Tower to get a good view of Tokyo so I could see exactly what I had been traveling through.

After the tower, we met a few more people in Shinagawa, had dinner, and headed back to Kamogawa.

Today is the Fourth of July. It's difficult not celebrating in style in the US as I'm sure I would be doing if I were there. It is a typical workday, though not as busy as usual. I have convinced John to seek out some American food after work with me, which will help ease the pain of not being on American soil on this awesome holiday.

God Bless the USA!