Monday (12/3)-- On Monday, I attempted for the first time to purchase tickets in Japan and to arrange domestic travel plans. My friend and teammate from St. Olaf had come up with a plan, in the months before I departed for the U.S., to come visit me in Tokyo for Christmas. We confirmed this fantastical plan a little after my arrival in Sapporo. This meant, however, that I would need to actually figure out how to travel within U.S. I am so inept at such things, I did not know where to start. What better task to start with than finding a plane ticket. Not really knowing what to do, I figured I would go to a travel center or air line center and buy my ticket there. The trickiest part is actually that I do not have a Japanese credit card (and I've heard they are difficult to obtain for non-Japanese), so all my purchases would need to be made in cash. This is no trouble at a travel center. But I was dismayed when, after walking into the ANA/JAL center next to campus, the worker told me the cheapest flight would be 30,000yen (just over $300). Having done a bit of asking and searching around online, I knew this price was much more expensive than it could be. This, it turns out, is because travel centers cannot book through discount airlines. These can only be done online. With credit cards. I didn't have 30,000yen on me, so I said that I would have to think about it and go to an ATM. After withdrawing enough money, I decided to stop and get lunch at the cafeteria, then to try the travel center at Sapporo Station, just to see if perchance there was a difference. Although it was a good experience for me to finally step into the large travel center at station, there was no such luck. The price was nearly identical. And the desk worker was considerably less interested in helping me than those at the smaller travel center. After leaving, I was perplexed as to what I should do. I really did not want to waste so much extra money on a ticket that I could get elsewhere for cheaper. Thanks to the suggestions of Eguchi, a Japanese student I have met, (and also many other friends!) I had spent lunch looking up prices on the discount airlines. These prices were generally about half that of the estimates the travel centers gave me. At the station, I asked if the prices would rise if I waited another day, and they said they wouldn't. So I decided to wait. Although I had been unsuccessful in purchasing a ticket, I was actually proud of myself for the accomplishment of communicating at not just one but two travel centers. Normally, I'm very nervous about going into such places and doing things on my own. While wandering back, I almost jokingly wrote on facebook asking if any Japanese folks with a credit card would be willing to purchase my ticket for me online and I could pay them the cash. trying to buy tickets. Proud that I actually successfully communicated at two travel centers. The Monday lecture that Professor Koike gives us was at 1PM for a change. When I arrived, Diao had brought me the container I had used for the squash I had brought to the thanksgiving get-together on Friday (that I had left so suddenly). Inside it, she had packed large slices of pumpkin pie that she had prepared! She brought it for me because I had been so worried for Becca, and as a result Diao had been so worried for me! It brought an instant smile to my face. Diao is so thoughtful and sweet! After lecture, I was further shocked to learn that Eguchi had agreed to buy my ticket online! I never actually expected anyone to agree to such an arrangement! He had already really helped me out by giving so many detailed suggestions about the process of buying tickets, so I was very shocked by his kindness. After class, the streets also became easier to walk because some of the snowpack had melted--I feel so much happier when I can walk with ease. That evening I sent my flight details to Eguchi, he bought the ticket, and we agreed to meet the next day at the agriculture building so I could pay him back.
Tuesday (12/4) -- Tuesday morning I had Kanji class, and then met Eguchi at 10:30AM at the agriculture building to pay him back. It was raining, unfortunately. I handed Eguchi the money, and the pie (I sure hope he liked it). Then I headed back to the dorm all wet from the rain. In the evening, I had track practice as usual.
Wednesday (12/5) -- I had Japanese grammar class in the morning. While there, I brought up the idea to my classmate Magali about going to see the Hobbit movie together. I have been so looking forward (and also dreading...because of Peter Jackson's over-used "creative license") to the movie. Becca and I were originally supposed to see it together, but obviously because of Becca's sudden return to the U.S. and her injury, that was not possible. I certainly did not want to go to such a fun movie alone, after looking forward to it for so long. And I had considered asking Magali to join us, anyways. So I tried to bring it up casually not knowing if she would be interested. I was greatly relieved when she responded enthusiastically and said she would love to go! I said that I would go try to buy tickets straightaway after class (thinking that, since it is such a big, anticipated movie, I ought to get tickets before they sell out). I have never seen a movie in a Japanese theater, so I was not quite certain of how to do so. However, I had been keeping my eye out over the past week for a theater and learned that there is one located at the top floor of Sapporo Station, called Sapporo Cinema. So after class I headed there, walking at a brisk pace and excited but a little nervous about figuring out tickets. I wandered into the station, somehow navigated the tangle of escalators up to the seemingly hidden tenth floor. As most theaters, everything was quite dimly lit, with posters and waiting lines, and concession stands. I got in line, and when it was my turn I asked sheepishly (not knowing if it was possible to buy advance tickets) if I could buy 2 tickets for the Hobbit. As it turned out, that day was in fact the very first day advance tickets for the Hobbit were going for sale! It was not even 11AM, so I was probably the first person in Sapporo to buy tickets. (Indeed, as I would later learn, perhaps the first person in Hokkaido...!) I felt extremely accomplished. Leaving the station, most of the normally crowded restaurants were empty or just opening up and I realized then just how early it was in the day! That is the one advantage to my early morning class. In the evening, I had my Field Bioscience course. It is always a long, dark trek across campus which takes about 30 minutes to arrive at this class. After class, I had been asked by Joshua to go see the Sapporo White Illumination (christmas lights in Oodori Park). If I am honest, I felt so stressed about applications at this time, I was not particularly excited to go. I did not feel like I truly had the time to do such a thing, especially during the week. I had attempted to express this, but did not want to cause any disappointment, so went nonetheless. I said as we left from class that I could not spend much time there. So we walked hurriedly, and I felt bad for rushing Joshua along. He was really excited to see all the lights and to take pictures. But I knew, taking or gloves off so many times to take pictures was a bad idea. Any Minnesotan can tell you its a bad idea to keep taking off your gloves. Every time our hands got colder and colder. By the end, they were stinging sharply. I wish that Joshua had perhaps waited for another, less stressful day to go see the lights and then I would not have been so rushed. I do not like rushing people at all. After seeing all the lights and the little "Munhen (psuedo-German) Christmas" bazaar, I said that I really needed to head back. It's a bit of a walk all the way from campus to Oodori especially in the cold. Joshua, who is from Nigeria, asked if my hands stung and I said of course, but I am used to it. I felt so bad for him because he is not used to it at all! I tried to teach him the trick of blowing warm air on your hands, and mentioned that the real problem is if you CAN'T feel his hands at all. We stopped into a cell phone shop just outside of campus after he asked me to help translate one of his questions. By this point, it was around 8PM and I desperately wanted to get back to my dorm, and back to work. I felt that when we parted ways, perhaps he could sense my impatience and I felt bad for this. At the same time, I had made it very clear how busy I was, especially during the week. That night, I also baked a miniature strawberry pie to give Eguchi as a thank you. I made one for myself first to experiment with the recipe, and I think that it turned out really well. So I was excited to share it.
Thursday (12/6) -- I had Kanji class in the morning. It was a precarious walk, carrying the pie I had made. I am certain that I am destined one day to slip and fall while carrying something ridiculous like a pie. Our professor warned us of incoming bad weather and high winds, though they did not live up to her warning. I should have used my spare time to go to the campus Seikyou (coop) and apply for a credit card. I don't truly want a credit card for anything, except for purchasing plane tickets. As I've explained, there are a number of discount airlines that can only be booked online with a credit card. As I don't have one, I'm stuck relying on others or purchasing the twice as expensive tickets from other airlines. I've also been preoccupied with the personal statements for my graduate school applications. It sure is hard knowing what to write and what to say. It did become quite windy as the day progressed. Regrettably, I fell asleep for far too long in an attempt to take a nap. I should know better by now that once I fall asleep, I really fall asleep. Prior to a nap I had sent a message to one of the track leaders asking when and where practice would be. Occasionally on Thursdays practice is late, starting at 8PM. This is what I had expected. However, I was surprised to learn that practice would be at the regular 4:30PM, and in the much-desired gym even. I arrived a little early, and I should have helped everyone to go retrieve the hurdles to bring inside. However, I misunderstood what everyone was asking and only realized after going to change that I ought to have pitched in. I enjoyed the workout--it involved a circuit of three activities: medicine ball, hurdles, and lastly bounding. Throwing the medicine ball was no problem, but this time for the hurdles we were expected to jump with our feet together from a standing position, in a very distinct rhythm over the hurdles. This was not realistic for me, and even though the coach would say the rhythm as I jumped, it was impossible for me to replicate having never done before. It was really embarrassing to have to continue jumping, knowing I was doing the rhythm wrong. The circuit was followed by mini hurdles and free time. For mini hurdles, we practice running, and jumping, over hurdles that are only perhaps a foot off the ground. I've definitely improved since the first time we did that routine. Now I felt smoother, and there were not as many people giggling at me. That made me feel better after the embarrassing jumping over the larger hurdles. I grabbed dinner in the shokudou then stopped at the grocery store for some strawberries to bake another pie.
Friday (12/7)- Morning grammar class went as usual. In the evening class, my advisor Professor Koike was the lecturer again. I was really excited, because while some of the lectures are interesting, others can be a bit monotonous, and Professor Koike is always able to bring more energy to a lecture because he is very passionate about the topics. He even brought European style rye bread, baked by his wife! Professor Koike, if you have not learned already, is fascinated by many aspects of European (particularly German) culture. I helped to slice the bread since I arrived early. He also brought Basswood tree tea, that he had purchased in Germany. It smells like basswood honey, and although I am no great fan of tea, even I enjoy it. Part way through class, it felt as though the student next to me was kicking my chair. I ignored it at first, and then through him some glances to figure out why he was doing so, becoming a little annoyed. As I did so, the table and walls began ever so slightly to shiver. A Japanese student across the table said, in a tone more explanatory than surprised, "it's an earthquake."It was very, very weak but our chairs and table shook slightly. Our chairs all had wheels, so I think we could feel it even more. There was the subtle sound of the door and lamps shaking. Everyone was mostly quiet during the shaking, and then excited afterwards. I had almost forgotten about earthquakes! Boy was that an unexpected reminder. Personally, I found it exhilarating and not frightening. At the same time, the magnitude here in Sapporo was very weak compared to farther south where it was about 7.3. Further south, the shaking was more frightening, though nothing serious. After class I walked partway with Diao, enjoying conversation and cautiously proceeding over the icey sidewalks. I parted ways with her about halfway, as I was headed to visit Kotaro and everyone as the Sugiyama house to give them a strawberry pie. I think it turned out quite well, except still too liquidy. Kotaro made spagetti for dinner, and invited me to join. He is a talented cook, as are many of the guys living in Sugiyama house. Around 9PM I walked home.
Saturday (12/8)-- In the morning it was very snowy. Luckily practice was just the four of us middle distance runners at the campus training center. It was only weightlifting, as well, which was a relief. Often the weekend workouts are the hardest. I really enjoyed myself, and Hanako-san was again patient with me. We usually end the workout with some sprints on the treadmill. I felt happy to be able to keep the same pace as Hanako-san. After practice, I went to Sapporo station. For the first time, I wandered into the Daimaru bakery. Daimaru is a department store, to explain again, and the basement level of most department stores is jammed full of groceries, bento stands, desserts, and bakeries. I let myself choose a few different breads, including a large loaf to eat with jam for breakfast. I had brought along a forestry textbook, and I attempted to study in a starbucks but it was far too crowded and hectic. That is, indeed, one of my lasting complaints about Japan--there are a million and one cafes, but never anywhere anywhere anywhere to sit. To top it off, walking and eating is considered rude. Quite a conundrum. Whenever I buy something to eat, I feel that I spend more than half an hour minimum searching for someplace to sit. Benches are a rarity. As the sun went down, I wandered over to the Sapporo White Illumination to go through the stands once more and look for Christmas gifts. I found some lovely window chimes. There was so much snow falling, however, it made being outdoors impractical, wet, and cold. I decided to buy some samosas from an Indian food vendor to bring home for dinner. The walk back took much longer in the cold snow, and I even ducked into the station to stand and thaw. By the time I made it back to the dorm, I was frozen. But I ate the samosas with brown rice, and they were delicious.
Sunday (12/9)--It was a chilly morning. The practice was at the Makomanai ice rink, on the upper warm-up track. Hanako-san very kindly met me at the station to ride with to practice. The workout was 9x300m. Anything under 400m I consider a sprint, and enjoy without as much trepidation as longer workouts. I really had fun this time, and although I'm still not as fast as I wish to be, I felt that there was an improvement. I didn't even feel very tired at the end, though I wish I could get my legs to move faster. A recently graduated teammate of Hanako-san had joined the team for practice, and because he was not quite in track shape, he even ran with Hanako-san and I instead of the guys. This was great motivation as well. For one of the first times, I joined the team for lunch afterwards. We had soba in the cafeteria underneath the track. Later in the day there was supposed to be a team meeting (the first I had heard of it, of course!). Hanako-san said it would be okay if I did not go, since I was busy and the meeting was unexpected. Furthermore, I explained, I probably would not understand anything! In the afternoon, I also went to look around a little more at Sapporo station to think about Christmas gifts. I've found this to be very difficult. I want to give my family and friends gifts that are unique to Japan, but also practical.
Monday (12/10)--Since Monday is the only day I don't have an early morning commitment of some sort, I woke up gloriously late--although perhaps later than was wise. I had planned to bake an apple pie to bring to Professor Koike's early afternoon lecture, since it would be the last before Christmas. I finished the pie just in time and headed out the door for the 1PM lecture. Diao had also made banana chocolate chip muffins, which were delicious. We had a desserts feast, and Koike-sensei was very surprised and happy about it. The lecture finished about 3PM. Just before it became dark, I snuck in a run. I had a surprising amount of energy, and really enjoyed the run. At 6:30PM, I met with Magali for our weekly weight training. As I was jogging along, she biked up behind me and surprised me! She is always so cheerful, I really enjoy the positive attitude and motivation when working with her. I had inarizushi for supper and tried to study at the starbuck at Aeon in order to prepare for the kanji midterm the next day. Magali and I had commiserated about how many characters and vocabulary words we needed to memorize, and all their subtle differences. There are probably more than 300. I was particularly nervous, because I have not been feeling confident about my memorization abilities, nor about actually applying the meanings of the vocabulary words in daily conversation. It cheered me up, however, when I ordered a scone at the Starbucks and (although I hate coffee) the cashier gave me a free coffee as well. Too bad I really dislike coffee. But the thought was very kind! I stayed until almost 11PM studying, then went back to the dorm and studied a little more before falling asleep.
Tuesday (12/11)-- I woke up at about 6AM to review the many, many chapters of kanji for the midterm exam. I still did not feel confident. Outside, it was snowing hard. Covered in snow and braving the weather, I arrived to class, laid out my materials to review for a few more seconds, and steeled myself for a tough exam. Unexpectedly, an unfamiliar professor walked silently into the room and began to write on the white board. She wrote: "class canceled. Exam moved to Thursday." I couldn't believe it! At first I thought it had to be a mistake. Our kanji professor is rather strict about attendance and I thought that there was no way she would miss such an important class. But it turns out she was sick, and while at first I thought we would have to take the exam without her even being present, very fortunately she had moved the exam all together. I've never had such a strange experience in my life! At St. Olaf, an exam would virtually never be re-scheduled in such a way. And certainly not a midterm! It was fortuitous for me, because I wanted to study more. But I could also understand Magali's disappointment--she had prepared and just wanted to get it over with. I felt somewhat similarly (I had been expecting to take an exam, after all), but I counted my blessings, knowing that such an opportunity would never arise again. It meant I could focus even more. We also were scheduled to have our Japanese grammar midterm the next day, anyways. So it meant I could work on that with less stress. Even more surprising to me was the fact that a handful of students arrived after everyone had left, saw the note on the board, confirmed with us, and then left. That meant they would have arrived late for their midterm! Unbelievable! This same handful of students frequently arrives late for class. Once or twice I can understand, but everyday means that there is a serious time management problem going on. I stayed in the classroom for a while to keep studying with Magali and a few other students. Then I headed out, and stopped by the bakery on the way. In the evening, the track workout was a circuit in the campus training center. In fact, it was this circuit that I had done on one of the very first practices I had ever attended. It was really encouraging to feel the improvement. After practice while cooling down with a teammate (Rinko-san), we discussed some of my favorite Disney movies. Robin Hood is high on my list. Rinko-san suggested that she would rent the movie and we could have Nabe together! I was so flattered by the invitation. For dinner, I had Tempura which wasn't too enjoyable. Far too greasy for me, and too fishy.
Wednesday (12/12)-- I had my Japanese grammar midterm. I felt that it went okay, but definitely not spectacularly. I was able to answer most questions fine, but there were some that I really second-guessed. I was not sure what the result would be. The rest of the day was defined, as so many things in Hokkaido are, by snow. To give you an idea, here is the note I wrote that day here on my journal: SO MUCH SNOW IT SNOWED ALL DAY. It must have been at least a foot all at once. I tried to study an ecology/forestry textbook til around noon in the library. Regrettably, libraries have a tendency to put me to sleep as much as I love them. I couldn't decide what to do for lunch, but I ended up seeking out a mysterious vegetarian restaurant I had learned was nearby. I wandered there quite haphazardly and decided if I could find it, I would eat there. Turns out it is literally right next to campus, and right next to the large Yodobashi Camera store I have mentioned as a landmark. It's been right under my nose this whole time. The food was delicious, all local, all organic, and all 100% vegetarian. It was such an incredible relief to eat there, not having to worry at all about the ingredients. And so so so delicious. Not expensive either! About 800 yen for a whole lunch set! I felt so happy all over afterwards, and healthy. I came back to the dorm to try tostudy some more, then dozed off a little. Snow snow snow. In the evening I had class. Afterwards Joshua wanted my input concerning text and a description for a photo he wanted to enter in a contest. I felt a little frustrated, because although I was flattered to be asked for my opinion, in such instances I think that an individual should write their own caption. I also get embarrassed about saying anything poetic about other people's photographs so I was at a loss for what to say. For dinner, I had Inarizushi and kabocha dinner. When I got back to my dorm, I realized that I think I drink too much hot cocoa because I don't have heat in my room yet. I drink a mug a day to keep warm! It's a shame I don't like tea, because that would be a much healthier option!
I am going to stop there for this entry. I am rather behind, as you can tell! But I will add more soon--about the end of the month of December, my birthday in Japan, and of course my incredible trip to Tokyo to visit my fellow ole, Kait. To give you an idea of how I have been feeling throughout December, I will say that it has been defined by finding my own abilities and own independence. My fellow Fulbrighter, Becca, unfortunately had to travel back to the U.S. for surgery, and so throughout the whole month I was for the first time all on my own. Although of course I missed Becca, I actually found this to be an invigorating and strengthening experience. I even felt, in some small way, excited for the chance to see how I would do on my own. After a full month, I do indeed feel that I have grown. I have become more confident in myself, and more able to do things on my own. I have realized more about who I am, and become comfortable with that. I have faults, to be sure, but I am happy to be me. In the time leading up to December, I was often feeling left out or as though I was grasping to follow others. Now I know to do what is best for me, while still being considerate of others. I am here to forge my own experience, and I do not necessarily need to cling to what is familiar. I am my own person, with my own perspective, and my own speed of moving.
Tuesday (12/4) -- Tuesday morning I had Kanji class, and then met Eguchi at 10:30AM at the agriculture building to pay him back. It was raining, unfortunately. I handed Eguchi the money, and the pie (I sure hope he liked it). Then I headed back to the dorm all wet from the rain. In the evening, I had track practice as usual.
Wednesday (12/5) -- I had Japanese grammar class in the morning. While there, I brought up the idea to my classmate Magali about going to see the Hobbit movie together. I have been so looking forward (and also dreading...because of Peter Jackson's over-used "creative license") to the movie. Becca and I were originally supposed to see it together, but obviously because of Becca's sudden return to the U.S. and her injury, that was not possible. I certainly did not want to go to such a fun movie alone, after looking forward to it for so long. And I had considered asking Magali to join us, anyways. So I tried to bring it up casually not knowing if she would be interested. I was greatly relieved when she responded enthusiastically and said she would love to go! I said that I would go try to buy tickets straightaway after class (thinking that, since it is such a big, anticipated movie, I ought to get tickets before they sell out). I have never seen a movie in a Japanese theater, so I was not quite certain of how to do so. However, I had been keeping my eye out over the past week for a theater and learned that there is one located at the top floor of Sapporo Station, called Sapporo Cinema. So after class I headed there, walking at a brisk pace and excited but a little nervous about figuring out tickets. I wandered into the station, somehow navigated the tangle of escalators up to the seemingly hidden tenth floor. As most theaters, everything was quite dimly lit, with posters and waiting lines, and concession stands. I got in line, and when it was my turn I asked sheepishly (not knowing if it was possible to buy advance tickets) if I could buy 2 tickets for the Hobbit. As it turned out, that day was in fact the very first day advance tickets for the Hobbit were going for sale! It was not even 11AM, so I was probably the first person in Sapporo to buy tickets. (Indeed, as I would later learn, perhaps the first person in Hokkaido...!) I felt extremely accomplished. Leaving the station, most of the normally crowded restaurants were empty or just opening up and I realized then just how early it was in the day! That is the one advantage to my early morning class. In the evening, I had my Field Bioscience course. It is always a long, dark trek across campus which takes about 30 minutes to arrive at this class. After class, I had been asked by Joshua to go see the Sapporo White Illumination (christmas lights in Oodori Park). If I am honest, I felt so stressed about applications at this time, I was not particularly excited to go. I did not feel like I truly had the time to do such a thing, especially during the week. I had attempted to express this, but did not want to cause any disappointment, so went nonetheless. I said as we left from class that I could not spend much time there. So we walked hurriedly, and I felt bad for rushing Joshua along. He was really excited to see all the lights and to take pictures. But I knew, taking or gloves off so many times to take pictures was a bad idea. Any Minnesotan can tell you its a bad idea to keep taking off your gloves. Every time our hands got colder and colder. By the end, they were stinging sharply. I wish that Joshua had perhaps waited for another, less stressful day to go see the lights and then I would not have been so rushed. I do not like rushing people at all. After seeing all the lights and the little "Munhen (psuedo-German) Christmas" bazaar, I said that I really needed to head back. It's a bit of a walk all the way from campus to Oodori especially in the cold. Joshua, who is from Nigeria, asked if my hands stung and I said of course, but I am used to it. I felt so bad for him because he is not used to it at all! I tried to teach him the trick of blowing warm air on your hands, and mentioned that the real problem is if you CAN'T feel his hands at all. We stopped into a cell phone shop just outside of campus after he asked me to help translate one of his questions. By this point, it was around 8PM and I desperately wanted to get back to my dorm, and back to work. I felt that when we parted ways, perhaps he could sense my impatience and I felt bad for this. At the same time, I had made it very clear how busy I was, especially during the week. That night, I also baked a miniature strawberry pie to give Eguchi as a thank you. I made one for myself first to experiment with the recipe, and I think that it turned out really well. So I was excited to share it.
Thursday (12/6) -- I had Kanji class in the morning. It was a precarious walk, carrying the pie I had made. I am certain that I am destined one day to slip and fall while carrying something ridiculous like a pie. Our professor warned us of incoming bad weather and high winds, though they did not live up to her warning. I should have used my spare time to go to the campus Seikyou (coop) and apply for a credit card. I don't truly want a credit card for anything, except for purchasing plane tickets. As I've explained, there are a number of discount airlines that can only be booked online with a credit card. As I don't have one, I'm stuck relying on others or purchasing the twice as expensive tickets from other airlines. I've also been preoccupied with the personal statements for my graduate school applications. It sure is hard knowing what to write and what to say. It did become quite windy as the day progressed. Regrettably, I fell asleep for far too long in an attempt to take a nap. I should know better by now that once I fall asleep, I really fall asleep. Prior to a nap I had sent a message to one of the track leaders asking when and where practice would be. Occasionally on Thursdays practice is late, starting at 8PM. This is what I had expected. However, I was surprised to learn that practice would be at the regular 4:30PM, and in the much-desired gym even. I arrived a little early, and I should have helped everyone to go retrieve the hurdles to bring inside. However, I misunderstood what everyone was asking and only realized after going to change that I ought to have pitched in. I enjoyed the workout--it involved a circuit of three activities: medicine ball, hurdles, and lastly bounding. Throwing the medicine ball was no problem, but this time for the hurdles we were expected to jump with our feet together from a standing position, in a very distinct rhythm over the hurdles. This was not realistic for me, and even though the coach would say the rhythm as I jumped, it was impossible for me to replicate having never done before. It was really embarrassing to have to continue jumping, knowing I was doing the rhythm wrong. The circuit was followed by mini hurdles and free time. For mini hurdles, we practice running, and jumping, over hurdles that are only perhaps a foot off the ground. I've definitely improved since the first time we did that routine. Now I felt smoother, and there were not as many people giggling at me. That made me feel better after the embarrassing jumping over the larger hurdles. I grabbed dinner in the shokudou then stopped at the grocery store for some strawberries to bake another pie.
Friday (12/7)- Morning grammar class went as usual. In the evening class, my advisor Professor Koike was the lecturer again. I was really excited, because while some of the lectures are interesting, others can be a bit monotonous, and Professor Koike is always able to bring more energy to a lecture because he is very passionate about the topics. He even brought European style rye bread, baked by his wife! Professor Koike, if you have not learned already, is fascinated by many aspects of European (particularly German) culture. I helped to slice the bread since I arrived early. He also brought Basswood tree tea, that he had purchased in Germany. It smells like basswood honey, and although I am no great fan of tea, even I enjoy it. Part way through class, it felt as though the student next to me was kicking my chair. I ignored it at first, and then through him some glances to figure out why he was doing so, becoming a little annoyed. As I did so, the table and walls began ever so slightly to shiver. A Japanese student across the table said, in a tone more explanatory than surprised, "it's an earthquake."It was very, very weak but our chairs and table shook slightly. Our chairs all had wheels, so I think we could feel it even more. There was the subtle sound of the door and lamps shaking. Everyone was mostly quiet during the shaking, and then excited afterwards. I had almost forgotten about earthquakes! Boy was that an unexpected reminder. Personally, I found it exhilarating and not frightening. At the same time, the magnitude here in Sapporo was very weak compared to farther south where it was about 7.3. Further south, the shaking was more frightening, though nothing serious. After class I walked partway with Diao, enjoying conversation and cautiously proceeding over the icey sidewalks. I parted ways with her about halfway, as I was headed to visit Kotaro and everyone as the Sugiyama house to give them a strawberry pie. I think it turned out quite well, except still too liquidy. Kotaro made spagetti for dinner, and invited me to join. He is a talented cook, as are many of the guys living in Sugiyama house. Around 9PM I walked home.
Saturday (12/8)-- In the morning it was very snowy. Luckily practice was just the four of us middle distance runners at the campus training center. It was only weightlifting, as well, which was a relief. Often the weekend workouts are the hardest. I really enjoyed myself, and Hanako-san was again patient with me. We usually end the workout with some sprints on the treadmill. I felt happy to be able to keep the same pace as Hanako-san. After practice, I went to Sapporo station. For the first time, I wandered into the Daimaru bakery. Daimaru is a department store, to explain again, and the basement level of most department stores is jammed full of groceries, bento stands, desserts, and bakeries. I let myself choose a few different breads, including a large loaf to eat with jam for breakfast. I had brought along a forestry textbook, and I attempted to study in a starbucks but it was far too crowded and hectic. That is, indeed, one of my lasting complaints about Japan--there are a million and one cafes, but never anywhere anywhere anywhere to sit. To top it off, walking and eating is considered rude. Quite a conundrum. Whenever I buy something to eat, I feel that I spend more than half an hour minimum searching for someplace to sit. Benches are a rarity. As the sun went down, I wandered over to the Sapporo White Illumination to go through the stands once more and look for Christmas gifts. I found some lovely window chimes. There was so much snow falling, however, it made being outdoors impractical, wet, and cold. I decided to buy some samosas from an Indian food vendor to bring home for dinner. The walk back took much longer in the cold snow, and I even ducked into the station to stand and thaw. By the time I made it back to the dorm, I was frozen. But I ate the samosas with brown rice, and they were delicious.
Sunday (12/9)--It was a chilly morning. The practice was at the Makomanai ice rink, on the upper warm-up track. Hanako-san very kindly met me at the station to ride with to practice. The workout was 9x300m. Anything under 400m I consider a sprint, and enjoy without as much trepidation as longer workouts. I really had fun this time, and although I'm still not as fast as I wish to be, I felt that there was an improvement. I didn't even feel very tired at the end, though I wish I could get my legs to move faster. A recently graduated teammate of Hanako-san had joined the team for practice, and because he was not quite in track shape, he even ran with Hanako-san and I instead of the guys. This was great motivation as well. For one of the first times, I joined the team for lunch afterwards. We had soba in the cafeteria underneath the track. Later in the day there was supposed to be a team meeting (the first I had heard of it, of course!). Hanako-san said it would be okay if I did not go, since I was busy and the meeting was unexpected. Furthermore, I explained, I probably would not understand anything! In the afternoon, I also went to look around a little more at Sapporo station to think about Christmas gifts. I've found this to be very difficult. I want to give my family and friends gifts that are unique to Japan, but also practical.
Monday (12/10)--Since Monday is the only day I don't have an early morning commitment of some sort, I woke up gloriously late--although perhaps later than was wise. I had planned to bake an apple pie to bring to Professor Koike's early afternoon lecture, since it would be the last before Christmas. I finished the pie just in time and headed out the door for the 1PM lecture. Diao had also made banana chocolate chip muffins, which were delicious. We had a desserts feast, and Koike-sensei was very surprised and happy about it. The lecture finished about 3PM. Just before it became dark, I snuck in a run. I had a surprising amount of energy, and really enjoyed the run. At 6:30PM, I met with Magali for our weekly weight training. As I was jogging along, she biked up behind me and surprised me! She is always so cheerful, I really enjoy the positive attitude and motivation when working with her. I had inarizushi for supper and tried to study at the starbuck at Aeon in order to prepare for the kanji midterm the next day. Magali and I had commiserated about how many characters and vocabulary words we needed to memorize, and all their subtle differences. There are probably more than 300. I was particularly nervous, because I have not been feeling confident about my memorization abilities, nor about actually applying the meanings of the vocabulary words in daily conversation. It cheered me up, however, when I ordered a scone at the Starbucks and (although I hate coffee) the cashier gave me a free coffee as well. Too bad I really dislike coffee. But the thought was very kind! I stayed until almost 11PM studying, then went back to the dorm and studied a little more before falling asleep.
Tuesday (12/11)-- I woke up at about 6AM to review the many, many chapters of kanji for the midterm exam. I still did not feel confident. Outside, it was snowing hard. Covered in snow and braving the weather, I arrived to class, laid out my materials to review for a few more seconds, and steeled myself for a tough exam. Unexpectedly, an unfamiliar professor walked silently into the room and began to write on the white board. She wrote: "class canceled. Exam moved to Thursday." I couldn't believe it! At first I thought it had to be a mistake. Our kanji professor is rather strict about attendance and I thought that there was no way she would miss such an important class. But it turns out she was sick, and while at first I thought we would have to take the exam without her even being present, very fortunately she had moved the exam all together. I've never had such a strange experience in my life! At St. Olaf, an exam would virtually never be re-scheduled in such a way. And certainly not a midterm! It was fortuitous for me, because I wanted to study more. But I could also understand Magali's disappointment--she had prepared and just wanted to get it over with. I felt somewhat similarly (I had been expecting to take an exam, after all), but I counted my blessings, knowing that such an opportunity would never arise again. It meant I could focus even more. We also were scheduled to have our Japanese grammar midterm the next day, anyways. So it meant I could work on that with less stress. Even more surprising to me was the fact that a handful of students arrived after everyone had left, saw the note on the board, confirmed with us, and then left. That meant they would have arrived late for their midterm! Unbelievable! This same handful of students frequently arrives late for class. Once or twice I can understand, but everyday means that there is a serious time management problem going on. I stayed in the classroom for a while to keep studying with Magali and a few other students. Then I headed out, and stopped by the bakery on the way. In the evening, the track workout was a circuit in the campus training center. In fact, it was this circuit that I had done on one of the very first practices I had ever attended. It was really encouraging to feel the improvement. After practice while cooling down with a teammate (Rinko-san), we discussed some of my favorite Disney movies. Robin Hood is high on my list. Rinko-san suggested that she would rent the movie and we could have Nabe together! I was so flattered by the invitation. For dinner, I had Tempura which wasn't too enjoyable. Far too greasy for me, and too fishy.
Wednesday (12/12)-- I had my Japanese grammar midterm. I felt that it went okay, but definitely not spectacularly. I was able to answer most questions fine, but there were some that I really second-guessed. I was not sure what the result would be. The rest of the day was defined, as so many things in Hokkaido are, by snow. To give you an idea, here is the note I wrote that day here on my journal: SO MUCH SNOW IT SNOWED ALL DAY. It must have been at least a foot all at once. I tried to study an ecology/forestry textbook til around noon in the library. Regrettably, libraries have a tendency to put me to sleep as much as I love them. I couldn't decide what to do for lunch, but I ended up seeking out a mysterious vegetarian restaurant I had learned was nearby. I wandered there quite haphazardly and decided if I could find it, I would eat there. Turns out it is literally right next to campus, and right next to the large Yodobashi Camera store I have mentioned as a landmark. It's been right under my nose this whole time. The food was delicious, all local, all organic, and all 100% vegetarian. It was such an incredible relief to eat there, not having to worry at all about the ingredients. And so so so delicious. Not expensive either! About 800 yen for a whole lunch set! I felt so happy all over afterwards, and healthy. I came back to the dorm to try tostudy some more, then dozed off a little. Snow snow snow. In the evening I had class. Afterwards Joshua wanted my input concerning text and a description for a photo he wanted to enter in a contest. I felt a little frustrated, because although I was flattered to be asked for my opinion, in such instances I think that an individual should write their own caption. I also get embarrassed about saying anything poetic about other people's photographs so I was at a loss for what to say. For dinner, I had Inarizushi and kabocha dinner. When I got back to my dorm, I realized that I think I drink too much hot cocoa because I don't have heat in my room yet. I drink a mug a day to keep warm! It's a shame I don't like tea, because that would be a much healthier option!
I am going to stop there for this entry. I am rather behind, as you can tell! But I will add more soon--about the end of the month of December, my birthday in Japan, and of course my incredible trip to Tokyo to visit my fellow ole, Kait. To give you an idea of how I have been feeling throughout December, I will say that it has been defined by finding my own abilities and own independence. My fellow Fulbrighter, Becca, unfortunately had to travel back to the U.S. for surgery, and so throughout the whole month I was for the first time all on my own. Although of course I missed Becca, I actually found this to be an invigorating and strengthening experience. I even felt, in some small way, excited for the chance to see how I would do on my own. After a full month, I do indeed feel that I have grown. I have become more confident in myself, and more able to do things on my own. I have realized more about who I am, and become comfortable with that. I have faults, to be sure, but I am happy to be me. In the time leading up to December, I was often feeling left out or as though I was grasping to follow others. Now I know to do what is best for me, while still being considerate of others. I am here to forge my own experience, and I do not necessarily need to cling to what is familiar. I am my own person, with my own perspective, and my own speed of moving.
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