Back from my Colo trip. Had lunch with Hedgehog, during which we discussed Russian history and literature from a mushroom and other perspectives, and also the differences between SCA and LARPing. And traded pics of our cherished furkids, of course!
Next week we’re (my partner and I, not Hedgehog and I, although that would be fun, too) are going to Japan to tourist along with my stepson, who is ending a three-year gig as an assistant English teacher with the JET program. JET is a great program that pays decent (for entry level), is well run and mentored, and gives you great international experience in a truly fascinating place. So if you know a soon-to-be or recent grad with a yen for foreign experience, they might want to check it out. I believe the JET people give preference to those who major in something related to Japan or Japanese, but that’s not essential. (Howard had zero Japanese but lots of sports and other leadership experience.) They’re big on “character,” and of course they’re looking for people who will do well in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by new people.
This is a great option for recent grads, especially in a down economy. I believe they aim for geographic and experiential diversity, so those from the flyover states may actually have an advantage over coastal / Ivy types. (Howard’s cohort also included people from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa; and people from outside the U.S. may also have an advantage.) You can stipulate where you would like to be placed—I’m guessing many candidates say Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka—and your preferences will be taken into account, but you must be willing to go where placed.
And recent horrifying tragedies aside, Japan is probably the safest country to visit, so any helicopter parent types reading this can relax. (Unlike my mom who, when I called her up from Italy during my first Euro trek, thirty years ago, asked me if there was anything to eat. “Yeah, Mom, it’s Italy. They have food.”)
Anyhow, last year when we visited, we saw Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. (A highlight was the Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the works of anime superstar Hayao Miyazaki.) This year, we’ll be driving a rental car around the mountainous Tohoku region north of Tokyo, which also happens to offer some of the best onsen in Japan. (Onsen, a.k.a., Japanese baths, are the best thing in the world, assuming you don’t mind scrubbing your privates amidst a roomful of strangers doing the same.)
Punchy
Christ almighty, it’s lunchtime! Are you trying to cause me some involuntary emesis?
satby
That sounds wonderful Hillary, enjoy!
I’m strongly considering attending the wedding I was invited to in India, and making a one or two day stopover in Tokyo to see my “Japanese daughter”, who was an exchange student with my family 25 years ago. I would see a tiny bit of Japan, meet her mom, and it can be almost no cost because some airlines will allow a day or two lag between changing planes.
My mom would be happy if I did that, she loved to travel. Thanks mom!
satby
(And) Hi Hedgehog! Nice to see you!
Amir Khalid
@Punchy:
Well, the roomful of naked strangers will be either all men or all women. All they’re doing is getting clean, and there’s nothing remotely sexual (let alone sexy) about the situation.
Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA
When I was preparing for my Norway motorcycle trip, my husband suggested I pack Army surplus MREs in case my bike broke down, so I wouldn’t starve. I love him anyway, the neurotic goofball.
hedgehog the occasional commenter
(waves) Hi, Hillary! Hi, satby! Hillary, loved meeting you IRL.
Punchy
@Amir Khalid: That was my point. A roomful of strangers all scrubbing naughty bits is brain bleach material; certainly neither sexy nor exciting.
pamelabrown53
The JET program sounds like an important experience for your step-son. I’m sure his life has been immeasurably enriched.
I’ve only been to Japan once and while I didn’t see the Ghibli Museum, one of my highlights was the Hakone Open-Air Museum: it was a breathtaking melding of large scale sculpture and botanical gardens. If you haven’t been then I recommend.
Didn’t go to any Japanese baths, now I’m regretful. I’m fascinated (and low-info) about the rituals of the baths. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
Hillary Rettig
Punchy: We aim to please! Glad you read the whole piece. ;-)
Miss Bianca
@hedgehog the occasional commenter: Wish I could have got together with all y’all! Oh well, next year in Telluride for the Mushroom Fest! Enjoy your trip to Japan, HR!
Hillary Rettig
@satby: I would do that in a flash! Email me if I can help you plan your itinerary.
Hillary Rettig
@hedgehog the occasional commenter: [[waving back]] hi!
Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA
Hillary, I hope there will be posts and pics from Japan. Your trip sounds amazing.
pamelabrown53
@Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA:
Funny about Americans and their food. On my first trip to China in the mid-nineties, we encountered a physics professor who would only eat at McDonald’s. When we took my mother to Paris, she would yammer at every waiter in English like in the movie “When Harry Met Sally”. Embarrassing. Now, at least she’ll let me help her order ( I start with what she likes and try to nudge a stretch).
Hillary Rettig
@pamelabrown53: All onsen are super, but the best I went to was in Tamba where the main pool resembled a koi pond (very natural) and you were like a koi swimming around.
Also, it had a waterfall that you could stand under and position yourself so it hit whichever part of you needed a massage – sheer heaven.
Of course, the Japanese aren’t big on central heating, so the onsen (which warm you completely up) are a necessity as much as a luxury.
Hillary Rettig
@Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA: not a great picture taker but I will do my best!
Betty Cracker
Wow, Hedgehog! You look so much like a dear friend and former colleague I worked with for several years — you could be sisters! Hillary, I hope you’ll continue to update us on your trip so those of us who are tethered to our locality can travel vicariously. Be safe, and have fun!
Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA
@pamelabrown53: Yeah, I could be a bit more adventurous myself in that regard, but I’m not too bad. I at least make an effort to avoid fast food.
Funny thing with my husband, though, when I was going to Norway — it wasn’t about what I ate. He just somehow convinced himself that there are no people in Norway so there’s no need for cell phone coverage or restaurants or supermarkets, and if the bike broke down I’d starve to death on the side of the road before help could arrive. I think the scenario he had playing out in his head might also have included me befriending a volleyball named Wilson.
He doesn’t have the largest comfort zone.
goblue72
Friend of mine did JET when he graduated from college – taught English in Hokkaido. Fortunately for him, he was an avid snowboarder.
Denali
@Satby,
Do it!
satby
@Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA: oh, this just made me laugh. Your hubby sounds like my oldest son.
My son, who maybe is just jaded after years of having to travel to see his father and my mom in Florida and all the exchange students we had bringing the world to us, hates to go anywhere. He’s 33 and has managed to always get a job within 10 miles of the house in Chicago. He and my daughter-in-law are going to LA tomorrow for a long weekend, and I hope he meets up with his brother there, but he’ll be unsettled for days after he gets back. Poor kid.
satby
@Denali: seriously working out how ?
pamelabrown53
@Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA:
Expanding one’s comfort zone is, IMHO, a necessity in living life to its fullest. OTOH, Norway would not be on my list for countries to revisit if I want to focus on food/cuisine.
hedgehog mobile
@Betty Cracker: :blushes: I have doppelgangers in several places around the country.
NotMax
Been to Obama?
Kobekid
sounds like you’re be up north this time, maybe a bit cooler but not much. If you find yourself in Kansai or Kobe let me know. Got a few vegan places we could go.