I'm flying to Korea tomorrow morning for a judo competition. The tournament will take place on Jeju island, located south of Korea. I'm going to meet my grandaunt at the train platform in Hon-Atsugi, and from there, we'll take the bus together to go to Haneda Airport.
I've just finished packing. I think this is the fastest I've ever packed! lol Maybe because instead of having all my things scattered around my house in Canada, they're all scattered in one room. So I'm all set to go.
My goal for Jeju is to fight to the best of my abilities. That may seem easy... but it's not. In judo, unlike a marathon, or a 100m sprint, where you're only fighting against yourself, you're fighting against an opponent. Therefore, you can't predict how a match will go. You have to have an open mind and be ready for whatever comes your way.
Lately, practices have been hard. I'm not throwing as much as I would like to. I'm not committing to throws and so I get countered easily, which doesn't help my confidence. Judo is really a hard sport. It's even harder here, away from all the coaches who usually help me out at practice, pointing out certain mistakes I'm doing or giving out advice.
But I still have some coaches who are helping me all the way from Canada. I'm sending out a special thanks to a couple of people (you know who you are) who have given me great advice. It's helped me a lot to stay focused and to keep going, even though I've taken I don't know how many falls already.
Time to go to sleep now. I'll post competition results and pictures from Korea as soon as I get the chance. Oyasumi!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
7A class pictures
Took some pictures of my Japanese class the other day... okay, in fact, it was a while ago but I haven't had time to upload them. Here they are.
It's so cold now in Japan. Everyone gasps in shock when I tell them that we get -45 degrees in Canada but personally, I feel just as cold in Japan's current 12 degree temperature. In class, I wear my parka and my tuque. I really look like a Canadian ; )
However, they also have some really warm spots as well. Yesterday, along with three other international students, we went to a sentou. It's pretty much exactly like an onsen (a hot spring) except that the sentou is not natural. I don't care if it's natural or not, it's great for relaxing muscles after training hard all week. And it's only about 10 minutes away from our residence so I'll be going quite often I think. : )
 |
| the girls of the class (representing Canada, Korea, Thailand and America) |
 |
| Two Libyans of our class (there are 6 in total): Youssef (left) and Mohamed |
 |
| Faraju and Isumairu (both from Libya) |
 |
| From left: Ahamedo (Libya), Ed (China), Busaisa (Libya) |
 |
| Our entire class (missing Youssef who is taking the picture I believe) |
However, they also have some really warm spots as well. Yesterday, along with three other international students, we went to a sentou. It's pretty much exactly like an onsen (a hot spring) except that the sentou is not natural. I don't care if it's natural or not, it's great for relaxing muscles after training hard all week. And it's only about 10 minutes away from our residence so I'll be going quite often I think. : )
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Some things take some getting used to
Boy is it tough to wake up early in the morning to go to practice. I don't think you ever get used to that. This morning, practice was at 6:45, which means I have to wake up around 6 in order to get dressed and also to prepare my bag and lunch for school because I usually have little time left between practice and class. And I'm lucky that I live right behind the dojo. The other girls have to bike 15 minutes just to get to the dojo, so I shouldn't be complaining. But I can tell you, there are often times when I just want to shut my alarm and go right back to sleep...
At least my schedule doesn't bother my roommate. In fact, I could say I practically live alone because I hardly see my roommate. I wake up early in the morning to go to practice. She's still sleeping when I go to class. At night, I'm usually asleep by 11 o'clock. She has a part-time job so she often gets back around 12 and then studies a bit before going to sleep. At least we both are sound sleepers so I don't wake up when she comes in late. And she isn't the least bothered by any sound I make as I'm getting ready in the morning. So we get along quite nicely ; )
I'm still getting used to being called Sayuri. I still hesitate when people ask me my name sometimes. My first instinct is to say France but then I remember that I also have a Japanese name, Sayuri. In Japan, it's much easier for people to remember Sayuri. Although they often are surprised to hear my name. An explanation about my family background almost always follows suit. I expect that I'll have the opposite problem when I return to Canada. When people will ask for my name, I'll answer "Sayuri". : p
Finally checked out the campus library today. I wanted to see if they had any English novels or Japanese language resources. It seems they might have a few English books, but I have a feeling they only have the classical novels, like 1984 by George Orwell. But I found a great little section of Japanese textbooks, Japanese novels translated in English, some Japanese cookbooks (in English!) and a ton of children's books. The children's books will be perfect for me lol. The vocabulary and grammar aren't too complicated so I should be able to read them. And of course, there have some nice pictures ; )
Off to study some kanji characters and some vocabulary for tomorrow. Oyasuminasai!
At least my schedule doesn't bother my roommate. In fact, I could say I practically live alone because I hardly see my roommate. I wake up early in the morning to go to practice. She's still sleeping when I go to class. At night, I'm usually asleep by 11 o'clock. She has a part-time job so she often gets back around 12 and then studies a bit before going to sleep. At least we both are sound sleepers so I don't wake up when she comes in late. And she isn't the least bothered by any sound I make as I'm getting ready in the morning. So we get along quite nicely ; )
I'm still getting used to being called Sayuri. I still hesitate when people ask me my name sometimes. My first instinct is to say France but then I remember that I also have a Japanese name, Sayuri. In Japan, it's much easier for people to remember Sayuri. Although they often are surprised to hear my name. An explanation about my family background almost always follows suit. I expect that I'll have the opposite problem when I return to Canada. When people will ask for my name, I'll answer "Sayuri". : p
Finally checked out the campus library today. I wanted to see if they had any English novels or Japanese language resources. It seems they might have a few English books, but I have a feeling they only have the classical novels, like 1984 by George Orwell. But I found a great little section of Japanese textbooks, Japanese novels translated in English, some Japanese cookbooks (in English!) and a ton of children's books. The children's books will be perfect for me lol. The vocabulary and grammar aren't too complicated so I should be able to read them. And of course, there have some nice pictures ; )
Off to study some kanji characters and some vocabulary for tomorrow. Oyasuminasai!
Monday, November 14, 2011
まだまだ (mada mada) = You still have lots to learn
Recently, I've been feeling pretty pumped about studying Japanese. I feel like something inside of me is screaming out : "Study Japanese! Keep learning!". Or maybe it's the surroundings here in Japan that are subliminally tricking me into thinking that way. Anyhow, I suddenly am feeling very enthusiastic about learning, even more than usual (for those who know me : p ). I also bought two wonderful books at Kinokuniya this past weekend. One grammar dictionary and a book to learn 1 100 kanji characters. The best place to buy textbooks and other resources to learn Japanese is ironically in Japan. Normally, I think it's more common for people to study the language in their home country before coming to Japan, like I did. But if you're thinking of studying Japanese, I now suggest you come to Japan first to buy the great books they have here.
Part of why I'm so enthusiastic about learning is probably because I'm starting to feel quite at home here. I'm starting to understand more and more every day. I can ask people for directions if I'm lost. I know which train to take if I want to go somewhere. I know where to buy what I need. Without having to concentrate as much, I can hear and understand Japanese a lot better. Japanese comes much more easily to me now. Sometimes a Japanese word will pop in my mind before an English word!
But at the same time, whenever I want to pat myself on the shoulder for what I've learnt so far, I realize how little I know, how much more there is to study. And I'm scared I won't have enough time to become as fluent as I want to be. There is so much to learn. Japanese is really a hard language.
For example, they have so many words to say the same thing. "To arrive", "to do", "to go", there are so many expressions used to convey those meanings.
Then there are different forms of Japanese, depending on whom you're speaking with. If you're speaking to someone higher in rank, you have to use teinei (polite language) and keigo (honorific language). In class we learn to speak teinei most of the time. And then when I go to judo class or converse with other people my age in Japanese, I get all confused because they use another form, a more casual form of speaking. So I'm constantly having to think about which forms I'm supposed to use.
Classes are going well. I love learning so it's like a hobby for me. We have four different teachers, and today's teacher, Sakamoto sensei, is my least favorite. She speaks very fast and doesn't try to simplify her vocabulary for us so I don't understand what she's saying about half the time. Sometimes, a student will ask her the definition of a certain word in Japanese. And even though I know the definition, I often don't understand what she says! One thing I like is that she's a bit clueless about technology. So whenever she has to use the stereo or recorder to play some dialogues or listening exercises, it usually takes her quite some time. I've been using that time to start (and sometimes finish!) my homework for the day lol. Talk about being efficient ; )
Yesterday evening, I went out to eat with Natsumi, one of the judo trainers, and we had some noodles. Even though I know it's a custom in Japan, I was still surprised to hear some slurping noises coming from across the table. In Canada, we're accustomed to not making any sound when we eat. However, here in Japan, it's acceptable and even encouraged to slurp when you eat noodles. It signifies that the food is good. However, it was difficult for me to bring myself to make some sound. I'm so used to not making any sound. So that's another thing I'll have to practice : )
Part of why I'm so enthusiastic about learning is probably because I'm starting to feel quite at home here. I'm starting to understand more and more every day. I can ask people for directions if I'm lost. I know which train to take if I want to go somewhere. I know where to buy what I need. Without having to concentrate as much, I can hear and understand Japanese a lot better. Japanese comes much more easily to me now. Sometimes a Japanese word will pop in my mind before an English word!
But at the same time, whenever I want to pat myself on the shoulder for what I've learnt so far, I realize how little I know, how much more there is to study. And I'm scared I won't have enough time to become as fluent as I want to be. There is so much to learn. Japanese is really a hard language.
For example, they have so many words to say the same thing. "To arrive", "to do", "to go", there are so many expressions used to convey those meanings.
Then there are different forms of Japanese, depending on whom you're speaking with. If you're speaking to someone higher in rank, you have to use teinei (polite language) and keigo (honorific language). In class we learn to speak teinei most of the time. And then when I go to judo class or converse with other people my age in Japanese, I get all confused because they use another form, a more casual form of speaking. So I'm constantly having to think about which forms I'm supposed to use.
Classes are going well. I love learning so it's like a hobby for me. We have four different teachers, and today's teacher, Sakamoto sensei, is my least favorite. She speaks very fast and doesn't try to simplify her vocabulary for us so I don't understand what she's saying about half the time. Sometimes, a student will ask her the definition of a certain word in Japanese. And even though I know the definition, I often don't understand what she says! One thing I like is that she's a bit clueless about technology. So whenever she has to use the stereo or recorder to play some dialogues or listening exercises, it usually takes her quite some time. I've been using that time to start (and sometimes finish!) my homework for the day lol. Talk about being efficient ; )
Yesterday evening, I went out to eat with Natsumi, one of the judo trainers, and we had some noodles. Even though I know it's a custom in Japan, I was still surprised to hear some slurping noises coming from across the table. In Canada, we're accustomed to not making any sound when we eat. However, here in Japan, it's acceptable and even encouraged to slurp when you eat noodles. It signifies that the food is good. However, it was difficult for me to bring myself to make some sound. I'm so used to not making any sound. So that's another thing I'll have to practice : )
Monday, November 7, 2011
Field trip to Hakone!
Today, all the international students took a bus to Hakone, a city about one hour away by bus from the university. The trip was organized by the university to allow us to experience some of the great things Japan has to offer.
We first visited a sort of art exhibition. Inside certain buildings, there were paintings and carvings. Outside, there were all kinds of neat sculptures. I took lots of pictures but because I'm afraid to run out of space on the blog, I'm only uploading a few.
After that, we went to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its special black hard-boiled eggs. From what I was told, the eggs turn black due to the active sulphur in the hot springs. Eating one is said to add an additional seven years to your life. I shared an egg with my friend Mari, eating half. So I can maybe count on an additional three and a half more years? : p We'll have to test that theory.
We first visited a sort of art exhibition. Inside certain buildings, there were paintings and carvings. Outside, there were all kinds of neat sculptures. I took lots of pictures but because I'm afraid to run out of space on the blog, I'm only uploading a few.
 |
| Posing with some of the other international students |
 |
| With Mari, from Finland |
 |
| Huge koi fish, who just wanted to be given some food |
After that, we went to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its special black hard-boiled eggs. From what I was told, the eggs turn black due to the active sulphur in the hot springs. Eating one is said to add an additional seven years to your life. I shared an egg with my friend Mari, eating half. So I can maybe count on an additional three and a half more years? : p We'll have to test that theory.
 |
| There was lots of fog as we made our way up |
Last stop on our trip, the checkpoint at Hakone. Apparently, during the Edo Period, Hakone was an important checkpoint to control traffic along the Tokaido, the highway linking Tokyo with Kyoto. I just read this on the Internet. If they explained that to us during our trip, I clearly didn't understand. It might have been written on the little signs at the checkpoint, but I didn't try to read them.
 |
| A guy who declared he's a Ninja... not sure if I believe him... |
 |
| Having fun posing ; ) |
 |
| From left: Minji (Korea), In (Thailand), Yonjin (Korea), Mari (Finland), and me |
 |
| The university has its own buses! |
After that it was time to go home. It was a long day and I'm pretty tired. I still found some time and energy to post about it though because I know my readers are always awaiting new information. : ) Now, the break is over and training and classes start again tomorrow. Back to work! : )
A nice little lunch with my aunt
I finally got to see my aunt Shizuko on Sunday. It takes about 2 hours to get from her house to the university and since it's a pretty long and tiring trip, this is the first time I've been able to see her. She's technically my dad's aunt, so does that make her my great aunt? I'm not going to get started with that. My friends know that if you get past grandmother and grandfather, I get lost in all the family ties. The mother's sister who got remarried with the husband's uncle... err, just writing that is confusing to me ; ).
I decided to cook lunch for her. And what better to serve than quiche? I've made some quiches back in Canada and they're relatively simple to make. So I found a recipe online for a crustless spinach quiche. Then, I bought all the necessary ingredients at the supermarket. The day of, things went relatively smooth except when it came to using the oven to bake the quiches. I asked another girl for help and although she had never used it, she explained which buttons she thought I ought to press. So while I waited for my aunt to arrive, I prayed that my quiches would come out edible. And they did! : )
And best of all, compared to two years ago when I first saw Shizuko, I was able to speak Japanese a lot better. We were able to have actual conversations.
I've just finished the third season of The Mentalist. It's my little guilty pleasure. When I've done my homework and have a little spare time, I catch up on the episodes. Let me just say that I'm very angry with the producers of the series right now. Do they realize how frustrating they're making me (and the rest of The Mentalist fans) feel? From the first episode of the first season, Patrick Jane, a consultant with the CBI, has been looking for the man who killed his wife and daughter, a man who calls himself Red John. And after attempting to track him down through the whole first three seasons, he finally kills the man supposed to be Red John... but it turns out it's not him after all! AHHH!!! I'm going crazy! Producers, stop messing with us!
I decided to cook lunch for her. And what better to serve than quiche? I've made some quiches back in Canada and they're relatively simple to make. So I found a recipe online for a crustless spinach quiche. Then, I bought all the necessary ingredients at the supermarket. The day of, things went relatively smooth except when it came to using the oven to bake the quiches. I asked another girl for help and although she had never used it, she explained which buttons she thought I ought to press. So while I waited for my aunt to arrive, I prayed that my quiches would come out edible. And they did! : )
 |
| My aunt Shizuko, taking her first bite |
 |
| The hero of the day |
* * *
I've just finished the third season of The Mentalist. It's my little guilty pleasure. When I've done my homework and have a little spare time, I catch up on the episodes. Let me just say that I'm very angry with the producers of the series right now. Do they realize how frustrating they're making me (and the rest of The Mentalist fans) feel? From the first episode of the first season, Patrick Jane, a consultant with the CBI, has been looking for the man who killed his wife and daughter, a man who calls himself Red John. And after attempting to track him down through the whole first three seasons, he finally kills the man supposed to be Red John... but it turns out it's not him after all! AHHH!!! I'm going crazy! Producers, stop messing with us!
Student festival, kareoke, and facing the harsh reality of traveling abroad
This past week, a big student festival was held on the campus of the university. There were booths set up everywhere selling food, little souvenirs, etc. For the first part of the week, I took a back road to avoid having to go through the crowds of people. Plus, we weren't allowed to ride our bikes in campus during the festival. But then I finally had some time to go check it out. Here is how the main street on campus looked like that week:
During the week, I also had the chance to go to a kareoke bar for the first time! And I loved it! At first, I was a bit nervous to sing in front of the others but once I got over it, I just enjoyed myself. And I was so happy they had a big selection of songs in English (I don't know a Japanese song yet... I better get started on that). I was even able to sing a song in French by Céline Dion. Lots of fun, and actually very liberating. I'm sure I'll be going again soon ; )
Lately, I've also been realizing a couple of things. Before I came to Japan, I thought that the easiest thing about my trip to Japan would be leaving it at the end of my stay. I know I'll be excited to go back home and see my family and friends again after such a long time. But I'm also realizing now that the people I meet here will no longer be a part of my life. Of course, thanks to Skype and other social media tools, staying in contact with one another is a lot easier than in the past. But it's not the same as being able to call them up to go out somewhere. I've already gotten attached to the people who are part of my everyday life here in Japan. It's hard for me to imagine that I won't be able to see them when I go back to Canada. I know that when the time for goodbyes comes along, it'll be pretty tough and emotional. :'(
 |
| The German booth, which sold German food (All three of us are not German, just in case you're a bit puzzled. My roommate (far right) and her friend were helping out. I was simply there to check it out.) |
 |
| German food |
 |
| Supposedly advertising German food... not sure why he's in a Pokemon costume. |
 |
| One of the delicious treats sold at the festival |
 |
| With my friend and judo trainer, Natsumi |
During the week, I also had the chance to go to a kareoke bar for the first time! And I loved it! At first, I was a bit nervous to sing in front of the others but once I got over it, I just enjoyed myself. And I was so happy they had a big selection of songs in English (I don't know a Japanese song yet... I better get started on that). I was even able to sing a song in French by Céline Dion. Lots of fun, and actually very liberating. I'm sure I'll be going again soon ; )
Lately, I've also been realizing a couple of things. Before I came to Japan, I thought that the easiest thing about my trip to Japan would be leaving it at the end of my stay. I know I'll be excited to go back home and see my family and friends again after such a long time. But I'm also realizing now that the people I meet here will no longer be a part of my life. Of course, thanks to Skype and other social media tools, staying in contact with one another is a lot easier than in the past. But it's not the same as being able to call them up to go out somewhere. I've already gotten attached to the people who are part of my everyday life here in Japan. It's hard for me to imagine that I won't be able to see them when I go back to Canada. I know that when the time for goodbyes comes along, it'll be pretty tough and emotional. :'(
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
What a day
I have never been so tired in my life.
So this is how my day went: I first did a bit of homework this morning before the judo practice. At practice, we did 6 sets of 4 min newaza randoris. After that, we did 5 sets of 6 min tachiwaza (standup) randoris with no break in between. I was sure we were done after that but I was then told we had to do another 5 sets of 5 min tachiwaza randoris. I was pretty tired after that. I got back to the dorm, made myself a quesadilla and managed to lay down for maybe 15 minutes before it was time for running training. My hair was even still wet from the morning practice as I set out for the mountain, where we'd be doing our running. It's about a 20 min bike ride to get to the bottom of the mountain. From there, you have to climb up the steep path to get to the top of the mountain, which also takes about 20 minutes. Then, the real training starts. We did countless sprints uphill. That mountain is like a paradise for trainers. There are so many steps and paths that can serve for training purposes.
After that, the training was finally over. But then we had to make our way back down the mountain. Let me tell you, even if your legs are not exhausted from both the sprints and the judo practice earlier in the day, getting down the mountain is tiring and dangerous. The steps are very steep and there are branches and leaves everywhere. As I went down, I had to be overly careful so that my legs wouldn't give out under me. Then, another 20 min bike ride to get back to the dorm. Finally I was home!!!
But then, another challenge awaited me. I had to cook supper. Boy, was I tired. The last thing I wanted to do was cook. But I cooked up some ground beef with garlic and onions and some eggplant, green peppers and mushrooms, cooked some pasta and added some tomato sauce, and voilà, a delicious spaghetti! : )
The dishes I cook don't usually taste exactly the way I expect them too. There's still a lot I need to learn. But anyhow, there's a certain satisfaction you get from cooking something on your own. I love being able to create something new. Afterwards I enjoy eating it : ) And experimenting is fun, you never know exactly what you're going to get : p
This week is going to be tough. I'm so glad we don't have school so I can get to rest a bit between practices. But it's because we don't have classes that the practices are longer and more intense. It's exhausting but I'm glad to be training. After such hard trainings, I always get such a great feeling of accomplishment. Yes, just about every muscle in my body hurts, but I know that my body is strong and can take it. Whatever kind of stress is thrown at it, it's able to perform. And a certain confidence comes from that. To know that during a match, I don't have to worry about my body giving out on me. I also have to thank one of my coaches, Alim, for my performance at today's running in the mountain. Last summer, when my brother Vincent and me spent two weeks at his house to train, he made us run this little trail. The trail consists of about 15 minutes worth of steep stairs going up and down. So I was ready for today's training. I had already done this kind of training and I knew my body wouldn't let me down. Running is a great mental training. Because you have to push yourself. And only you have that power to decide to keep on going. That's the kind of spirit you need in a judo match. No matter how tired your body is or how little energy you think you have left, you have to stay strong and keep on fighting.
Tomorrow, we only have judo in the morning. Then I have the afternoon off. I'm planning to go check out the booths that have been installed for the student festival. Right now, I only have one plan for tonight: SLEEP!!!
Oyasumi! (Good night ; )
So this is how my day went: I first did a bit of homework this morning before the judo practice. At practice, we did 6 sets of 4 min newaza randoris. After that, we did 5 sets of 6 min tachiwaza (standup) randoris with no break in between. I was sure we were done after that but I was then told we had to do another 5 sets of 5 min tachiwaza randoris. I was pretty tired after that. I got back to the dorm, made myself a quesadilla and managed to lay down for maybe 15 minutes before it was time for running training. My hair was even still wet from the morning practice as I set out for the mountain, where we'd be doing our running. It's about a 20 min bike ride to get to the bottom of the mountain. From there, you have to climb up the steep path to get to the top of the mountain, which also takes about 20 minutes. Then, the real training starts. We did countless sprints uphill. That mountain is like a paradise for trainers. There are so many steps and paths that can serve for training purposes.
After that, the training was finally over. But then we had to make our way back down the mountain. Let me tell you, even if your legs are not exhausted from both the sprints and the judo practice earlier in the day, getting down the mountain is tiring and dangerous. The steps are very steep and there are branches and leaves everywhere. As I went down, I had to be overly careful so that my legs wouldn't give out under me. Then, another 20 min bike ride to get back to the dorm. Finally I was home!!!
But then, another challenge awaited me. I had to cook supper. Boy, was I tired. The last thing I wanted to do was cook. But I cooked up some ground beef with garlic and onions and some eggplant, green peppers and mushrooms, cooked some pasta and added some tomato sauce, and voilà, a delicious spaghetti! : )
The dishes I cook don't usually taste exactly the way I expect them too. There's still a lot I need to learn. But anyhow, there's a certain satisfaction you get from cooking something on your own. I love being able to create something new. Afterwards I enjoy eating it : ) And experimenting is fun, you never know exactly what you're going to get : p
This week is going to be tough. I'm so glad we don't have school so I can get to rest a bit between practices. But it's because we don't have classes that the practices are longer and more intense. It's exhausting but I'm glad to be training. After such hard trainings, I always get such a great feeling of accomplishment. Yes, just about every muscle in my body hurts, but I know that my body is strong and can take it. Whatever kind of stress is thrown at it, it's able to perform. And a certain confidence comes from that. To know that during a match, I don't have to worry about my body giving out on me. I also have to thank one of my coaches, Alim, for my performance at today's running in the mountain. Last summer, when my brother Vincent and me spent two weeks at his house to train, he made us run this little trail. The trail consists of about 15 minutes worth of steep stairs going up and down. So I was ready for today's training. I had already done this kind of training and I knew my body wouldn't let me down. Running is a great mental training. Because you have to push yourself. And only you have that power to decide to keep on going. That's the kind of spirit you need in a judo match. No matter how tired your body is or how little energy you think you have left, you have to stay strong and keep on fighting.
Tomorrow, we only have judo in the morning. Then I have the afternoon off. I'm planning to go check out the booths that have been installed for the student festival. Right now, I only have one plan for tonight: SLEEP!!!
Oyasumi! (Good night ; )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)