Finally got away from the park these past few days. I've been to the botanic gardens and Sekino Falls in Miyakonojo, Japan. Today I returned books at the library (toshokan) When I first came to this city, my translator kept saying they had no english books at the library. Yeah right. I stopped by last week and found at least 100 english books at their local branch. A feast for my eyes. I absolutely love libraries. I love reading. I love the library book smell. Yahoo! Once I checked out my 7 books I was in 7th heaven!

Since I'm leaving Japan in a few days I didn't get any books, but I couldn't resist sitting and reading one. At the other table next to me a man sat chilling. He chilled so hard he slumped over and started snoring. Hilarious. Lucky person who can sleep anywhere and I guess the library is a good place. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter and oh so quiet.

My next post I'll discuss the shenanigans that go on at weddings here. I've been to a lot of weddings and seen a lot. Or maybe I'm just lucky!

Tags: japan, Miyakonojo, library, travel

I was "attacked" by a ferocious poodle in the park today. I saw the cute little guy running with his owner towards me. They were having so much fun. I made the japanese doggy sound "waon" and the poodle came charging towards me. He could only jump but so high but boy he was persistent at attacking my legs.

I laughed so much and tried to hide behind another lady but it didn't help. Finally the owner grabbed him and the lady kept saying "sumimasen" sorry or excuse me. Luckily my tiny friend had no nails and no lasting damage was done except to my pride. Yes I was frightened for a moment. : )

Tags: dogs, dangers, japan, Miyakonojo, travel

Hi,
I promised to reveal my secret of avoiding the dreaded stare in Japan and maybe even elsewhere. Let me know if this works for you in Japan and other countries.

Number one realize that YOU STARE FIRST. That's right you are the one initiating THE STARE and not them. Try this. Walk by a group of Japanese people and don't look at them at all. No glances of wonder at them. Just look straight ahead or through them. You can even act quite snobbish if you desire. I guarantee you will receive no stares. They will in fact look away from you. Okay so even if they were looking at you how would you know? That can be a good thing. Why be so concerned about other people. Go out and enjoy yourself and don't worry about other people. If someone wants to interact with you they will approach you and say hello.

Number two if they are really being rude and running up in your face to point at you still ignore them. They will get the message that you could care less about them and leave you alone. This is harder to do if they are giggling or pointing but it works anyway. When you look at them, you acknowledge them and feed into their frenzy of self-importance over you. Remember when I stared at the fish feeders and the bird lady in the park. They could care less about me and went on enjoying what they were doing. I respected them even more.

Tags: Japan, Miyakonojo, singer, travel

Hi,
Here’s another colorful tale of Miyakonojo Park. Yesterday on my daily romp through the park I saw a family feeding fish. There were 2 little kids age 4 and 5 and Mom and Auntie. They sat on the steps leading into the water. Whenever the little girl stood up I thought splash she’s going to fall in that mirky water but it never happened. They sat so close to the water that their feet got wet whenever the fish jumped up to snatch the pieces of bread. I had fun watching the huge fish jump up like Jaws and smack on some tasty morsels.

Now to the Bird lady. She was wearing a long skirt and long black gloves and of course the obligatory sun hat. She had pigeons line up on the fence and was hand feeding them. Later I saw 2 pigeons perched on one arm and one on the other. She was just holding court with all the pigeons. I couldn’t get enough of watching her. She was really bonding with these birds.

I stared at all these people and none turned to look at me or acknowlege me. I did not speak to anyone. Many travelers come to Japan and worry about the amount of stares they get. In fact I used to worry about it a lot. It seemed every where I went people here went out of there way to stare at me. Walked backwards to stare at me and on and on.

In my next post I’m going to reveal how to avoid the dreaded stares in Japan and maybe even elsewhere.

Tags: Japan, Miyakonojo, singer, travel

Well, I'm into my 3rd month in Japan and this is my first blog post. I've finally broken the 4th wall here and I wanted to celebrate. Language and cultural barriers have stood in my way, but today no more.

Here's my story. I went to the park for my daily run and saw two small boys throwing around a bird. So I yelled "dame" which means stop. The oldest one comes up to me all remorseful saying he was trying to get the bird to fly or something like that (I can still barely understand Japanese) but he responded like a typical kid would and I knew he was trying to explain his way out of it. I slumped my shoulders down and dipped under the fence and looked at the poor bird. It looked half dead. I told the kids to wash their hands and went on my way. They did as told. I was so surprised with this interaction. Since I've been here the children just stare at me. I had one tiny girl break into tears when I tried to say hello to her. Yup one 4th wall down now.

I also feel more relaxed and comfortable here now so maybe everyone can see this too. Like I'm being natural and realize people are people.
Now you get some jerks here though too. Later at the flea market in the park a guy tap me on the shoulder and I looked and saw he was crazy . He came for me again and I shouted "dame" and he just said Africa and I said New York. As in this New Yorker WILL kick your a.. so stay back jack.

All in all the citizens in Southern Japan (Miyakonojo) are more colorful than Northern Japan (Shinjo) I have more stories to back that up.

Tags: Japan, Miyakonojo, Shinjo, singer, travel