Archive for August, 2015
August 20, 2005 part 1 – Getting there is not half the fun
Posted by Barniferous in Life in Japan, Return to Canada on August 20, 2015
This morning instead of getting ready for work, I finished packing my suitcase to fly home to visit my sick sister. My suitcase is the maximum size for Air Canada, and was completely loaded with clothes and last minute souvenirs. In addition, I also had my trusty Canada flag backpack loaded up to keep me entertained on my 3 train rides and two flights. To save time, I skipped breakfast and instead picked up a sandwich at 7-11 across from my apartment to eat on the train.
Japan in August is hot and humid. Unbelievably humid. I have been in less humid saunas. Usually I take my bike to the train station, but there was no safe way to bring my giant suitcase with me on the bike. I did consider trying, but thought that wiping out on a narrow road filled with traffic would probably not help my chances of getting to the airport on time.
The walk to the station with my large wheeled suitcase and fully loaded backpack took me about 20 minutes. By the end of the walk I had sweated through the back of my shirt. I loaded my giant bag onto the train for the short ride to Mishima, ignoring any dirty looks from other passengers. At Mishima station I rolled my giant bag from the main platform through the station towards the shinkansen platform. Fortunately this walk was completely inside and air conditioned. From Mishima to Tokyo I had the giant suitcase jammed between my legs and the seat in front of me. Usually I regret that I am not a very tall person. This was not one of those times.
Once I arrived at Tokyo station, I had to once again drag my mammoth suitcase through crazy crowds of people, past all the souvenir stands, and then down to the lowest level in order to catch the Narita Express. Fortunately the Narita Express is designed for travelers, and has ample storage space at the ends of the cars for luggage.
Train travel in Japan is quick, efficient, and convenient, unless you are bringing a large suitcase. When I came to Japan, NOVA was smart enough to get all of the teacher’s suitcases delivered to their new residences. The last time I went back to Canada, I did bring my suitcase, however it was not a horrible humid day like today.
By the time I got to Narita Airport I was sweaty, cranky, and exhausted. I was much happier and lighter when I was finally able to check my bag. Getting through security and immigration was quick and easy, and my flight left on time.
The first 2-3 hours of the flight was TERRIBLE. Our flight experienced non stop turbulence which got so bad that it occasionally shut down the in flight entertainment system. I rarely get motion sickness, but several people on the flight were not so lucky. The only thing worse than choppy air is the sounds and smells of other passengers barfing in a crowded, enclosed space.
The pilot did come on the PA several times to apologize and explain that the skies were quite busy, which prevented our flight from adjusting altitude. After about 3 hours of bouncing around, the air finally gave us a break and we enjoyed the remaining 7 hours in relative calm.
I was very happy to finally get on the ground in Vancouver. Whoever says getting there is half the fun is an idiot.
August 16, 2005 – Massive earthquake
Posted by Barniferous in Life in Japan, Uncategorized on August 16, 2015
There was a massive earthquake in Northern Japan today. Even though it was 400km north east of Numazu, my apartment building was still shaking and creaking.
Every time there is an earthquake I am reminded just how much I hate them.
August 15, 2005 – Star Wars Episode 3
Posted by Barniferous in Movies, The Penpal on August 15, 2015
Today I finally got to see Star Wars Episode 3. The Penpal and I went after she finished work. Thank you George Lucas for not screwing this one up!
Have I mentioned how happy I am that Japanese people prefer subtitles to dubbing? Otherwise I would not be able to see movies in the theater, or at least not be able to understand most of what’s happening.
August 14, 2005 – Obon
Posted by Barniferous in Life in Japan, Teaching English, The Penpal on August 14, 2015
This week is the O-Bon festival where Japanese people honour their dead ancestors. This means NO GROUP KIDS CLASSES! YAY! Thank you dead ancestors!
I found out today that I need to give 30 days written notice to move out of my Nova apartment, so I filled out the forms. I will be done with Nova accommodations as of September 15. I don’t officially have a new place lined up yet, but I do have some time scheduled with The Penpal to pick out a place.
August 13, 2005 – Too f**king hot
Posted by Barniferous in Life in Japan on August 13, 2015
Too hot to sleep. TOO HOT.
Japanese summer is THE WORST.
August 12, 2005 – Sick sister
Posted by Barniferous in Life in Japan on August 12, 2015
Today continued the “too hot and humid” weather in Numazu.
I called my sister today after work. She has been in the hospital for a while now waiting for some surgery. Unfortunately she has been bumped down the waiting list a few times already for people with more urgent needs. Canada’s health care system is pretty good overall (and free!), but the downside is that there are occasionally waiting lists. Fortunately she is still healthy enough to wait, but it is no fun waiting in the hospital.
Being away from sick family is no fun.
August 11, 2005 – Way too hot
Posted by Barniferous in Life in Japan on August 11, 2015
It has been WAY too hot recently. The humidity is usually in the 70-90% range, which makes it feel like I am living in a sauna. My apartment has one wall mounted air conditioner unit, which is on the opposite side of the suite. The AC unit is next to Palmer’s room. He shuts it off at night because it is “too noisy”. Even if it was on, the cold air would need to come all the way across the apartment and down the hall to my room.
I have to sleep with my window open to the outside and my door open, which really destroys the idea of privacy in my room. My only relief is a small oscillating fan, which efficiently moves the hot air around, cooking me like a convection oven.
Blarg.
August 10, 2005 – Movies all day
Posted by Barniferous in The Penpal on August 10, 2015
The Penpal and I left Fujisawa in the morning and returned to Numazu. We spent the rest of the day watching movies together before she returned home in the evening. It was a good day!
August 9, 2005 – Fireworks in Kamakura
Posted by Barniferous in The Penpal on August 9, 2015
I swapped the day off so I could go see fireworks in Kamakura with The Penpal. One of her friends lives in the area and invited us out.
Like the other fireworks shows I have watched this year, this show was nothing short of amazing, even thought it was a bit cloudy which affected some of the visibility. My personal highlight was a giant Doraemon head which was made up of several fireworks, which would have taken a lot of planning. Japanese firework shows are serious business!
After the show, tens of thousands of people tried to use the train station at the same time. It was PACKED. The station staff was giving directions with a megaphone informing everyone that the train was very busy, and which lines were going in which directions.
When we finally got on the train it reminded me of my nights on the last train out of Shibuya. The Penpal and I were pressed up against each other, which under most circumstances would be a good thing. However, we were also being crushed on all sides by strangers, and the temperature was approximately 6 million degrees and humid. It took some of the fun out of the situation.
The Penpal and I stayed the night in a hotel in nearby Fujisawa, both so we didn’t have to worry about returning to Numazu late, and also because it was good to get some time together.
Drinking in Japan 
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