Kat's Japanese Adventure

What  a hot summer it has been around these parts.  Allegedly the hottest it’s been since the summer of 1979, Shizuoka is a steaming niku-man of  humidity and oppressive heat. Last year when I arrived, I only used my Air con unit for 8 days or so during the time I adjusted to the heat. Sadly - for my electric bill- I’ve left it on every night during the month of Aug and then some.  It’s been up to 39, and has left me drenched in a puddle of sweat on many an occasion.  Thankfully, the gods of the shokuin shitzu (teachers room) have granted us unlimited coolness and peace by graciously turning on the heavy-duty ac’s - though sadly this is the only room in the whole school so equipped, and my classroom is hotter than blazes.

Today I got up quite literally at the crack of dawn to fight the heat in a more creative way than merely flipping my pillow to the cool side for the umpteenth time.  I saddled up my mamachari (grandma bicycle) with my new surfboard (9 feet!! Cherry red!!) and jiggled my way down to the beach. Riding a bike with such a huge board is awkward at best as the rack turns into somewhat of a sail during even the faintest breeze. I was thankful that there was nary a student out on the bike path as I clung to the handlebars with one hand, and steadied my board with the other.

When I arrived at the beach, It was glorious. the sun was peaking up above the Izu peninsula, and Fuji was standing tall and proud - a rarity during these humid and hazy summer months. She towered over the surrounding horizon, dwarfing us mere mortals with her impressive gaze.  I never ever tire of her.

The water was already speckled with early birds in search of worms, so I quickly hopped into my wetsuit and made my way down to the water, trying my best as to not get in anyone’s way.  I paddled out (after stepping onto something squishy which made me jump) and waited at the same distance that most people seemed to be hovering in anticipation of the perfect swell.  I looked about to see if any of them were surfing longboards like myself, but found that only 1/ 12 or so seemed to be on anything longer than 7 feet. Short boards seem to be a bit more apropos for the area, but I’m too awkward and bumbly still to manage on one.  I was really happy to find that there were two other women out - as we’re usually a pretty darn rare sight to see on this particular beach. 

I caught a few good waves, but with Aug being a wave-less month, was somewhat out of practice, and got tired pretty quickly.  About an hour in, I decided to just have fun, and instead of focusing on standing up on each wave, would just stay on my stomach, and enjoy the ride as long as possible, staying on the board till just before my fin might skid against the sand.

It was a perfect day out.  I wrapped up around 8:30, and headed home  for a shower and some waffles, thanks to the 3 hours of “holiday” I get each week for teaching my night class - which incidentally, is my favourite class of all.

I’ve been able to enjoy every moment of the summer (despite the waveless month aug) and It seems like the end of it (at least weather-wise) is nowhere in sight.  I truly couldn’t have asked for a better placement.  I’ve been to the beach at least 3 times a week all summer long, and I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon.  I’m planning another surfing event for all the other ALTs etc to come try it out, which is looking a bit more complicated than I had originally expected, but hopefully will run smoothly.

 All is well,
Kat

(which is largely populated by Chinese, Thai, and South American women) - I was asked about my hobbies. I answered that I liked surfing (because 1 - I do, and 2- It’s easy to say in Japanese). No one believed me though, because even though I have a nice tan, I am far too white to be considered a legitimate surfer.

Only in this country is my skin tone considered pale. I was always described as “olive” back home. The choruses of “But you are so white!!!” were funny. Maybe it’s because I am a westerner, that my skin tone is perceived to be whiter than it actually is just because my features are supposed to match… Either way, I need to hit the beach this weekend to prove ‘em wrong.

It was awful though! For some reason, the teacher is convinced I belong in the advanced Japanese group because I’ve lived here a year, but my Japanese is so so terrible. I’m going to bee struggling like mad if he doesn’t let me jump down to the beginner class next week! It wouldn’t be so bad if it were being taught using bits of English - but because none of us speak a common language- when i don’t understand, he just repeats it again slower! Quite frightening when you’ve got zero clue what’s going on.

It feels like a dream. I’m still just as in love with this country as I was when I first arrived. Here’s to another great year! :D

Fuji Rock was a blast. An absolutely amazing five day break from my standard life. I got to listen to many of my most favorite bands, as well as get into a huge amount of new music I had never even heard of before. There was rain, sun, and enough mud to last a lifetime. Pictures and details to come soon.

1.  Mini Kit Kats- These are not your average chocolate bars. They are unusual and delightful variations on a classic. Some are spread out regionally – like the Hokkaido corn flavor,  Tokyo Soya sauce, and Shizuoka’s wasabi, while others -like ramune, aloe, V8 and lemon vinegar- appear and disappear as fantastically as the elusive sakura (which - coincidentally is also an amazing flavor)
2. Kotatsus –  A heated table draped in a big blanket. Like moths to a flame, this is the best way to stay warm and bond with your friends all winter long. My personal record is 14 people huddled round a 3x3 table!
3. Nabe –Cousin to a hotpot or fondue, this traditional winter dish is like a kotatsu for your mouth. The communal style of cooking and eating warms both your tummy and your heart.
4. Kakigori – A Japanese variant on shave-ice. It’s the best way to stay cool without AC in the hot summer months, and is easy to spot from miles away – just look for the blue/white/red flag with the 氷 kanji.
5. Yukata – an inexpensive, light, and convenient alternative to kimono, designed for summer wear.  They come in a vast array of gorgeous colours and patterns, usually made of cotton. Getting your students to teach you how to wear one is always a highlight. Be brave and wear one to your local hanabi!