Here is the video I promised. Sorry that it is late, I have been living like a monk at 高野山 (こうやさん) Koyasan. I have video and pictures and will post that this week!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOkLrbmsXek
Apparently I don't understand Sony Vegas Pro 9 as well as I thought, so there are some transition issues in this video. ごめんね！
I'm aching all over. Good night.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ONE GIANT POST TO RULE THEM ALL
So a lot of you have been yelling at me to post more! And rightfully so! Some of you even know that it was Silver Week in Japan, so I didn't have any school. You asked, "Bence, you don't have school, so why aren't you posting?" Well my friends it's because I've just been having waaaaaaaay to much fun! And now, I will forgo the process of separating my week and just post one giant post with all of my activities!
I'm afraid I wont be able to put videos up until next week sometime as I will be going on a Mountain Temple tour field trip. We will be living as monks and doing monk things. I will be sure to try and take pictures and video of allowed.
OK! My friends and I went up 六甲山 (ろっこうさん) Rokko Mountain. This was the first time that I had ever went up a mountain. We were accompanied by Cory's host family, the 森本 (もりもと) Morimoto family. There was sort of a theme park for children at the top, but lots of sight-seeing to be had. Here is a pic from the top:
I'm afraid I wont be able to put videos up until next week sometime as I will be going on a Mountain Temple tour field trip. We will be living as monks and doing monk things. I will be sure to try and take pictures and video of allowed.
OK! My friends and I went up 六甲山 (ろっこうさん) Rokko Mountain. This was the first time that I had ever went up a mountain. We were accompanied by Cory's host family, the 森本 (もりもと) Morimoto family. There was sort of a theme park for children at the top, but lots of sight-seeing to be had. Here is a pic from the top:
Well after that we went to the beach. Well, it's a beach but they don't have the nets set up offshore to keep the animals away. They all said swim at your own risk but jellyfish are abundant during this time of the year.
Being the badass Amuricans that we are, we decided that jellyfish weren't worth fretting over and swam into the deep. Deep deep. Like Jaws attacks deep. It was a bit scary. The water is actually supposed to be a bit dirty since Kobe is a port city, and well, I could tell.
The water is clear in the sense that you can see very well through it, but it sort of stings your whole body as you are in it. As we speak I'm growing a 3rd arm!
Well I couldn't take a picture of it because my hands were all wet or sandy, but we did run into jellyfish! It was pretty scary! In the process of trying to get out of the ocean as quick as possible, I stepped on a crab. He wasn't too happy about that and let me know about it quite clearly (,,#ﾟДﾟ) !!
It's a shame that I couldn't take a picture, because we managed to capture a jellyfish and check it out pretty well, they are actually pretty heavy!! Well here is a pic from the beach:
Being the badass Amuricans that we are, we decided that jellyfish weren't worth fretting over and swam into the deep. Deep deep. Like Jaws attacks deep. It was a bit scary. The water is actually supposed to be a bit dirty since Kobe is a port city, and well, I could tell.
The water is clear in the sense that you can see very well through it, but it sort of stings your whole body as you are in it. As we speak I'm growing a 3rd arm!
Well I couldn't take a picture of it because my hands were all wet or sandy, but we did run into jellyfish! It was pretty scary! In the process of trying to get out of the ocean as quick as possible, I stepped on a crab. He wasn't too happy about that and let me know about it quite clearly (,,#ﾟДﾟ) !!
It's a shame that I couldn't take a picture, because we managed to capture a jellyfish and check it out pretty well, they are actually pretty heavy!! Well here is a pic from the beach:
That's right, we found a log! It was drifting in the water and we swam out and brought it back!
_________________________________________
The next day, I went back to 六甲山 with my friends from France and two friends from Japan! I'm so ashamed to say, but I accidentally deleted the pictures that I took T-T But I have a nice video in the making which I will post soon!
During my expeditions I became hungry one late night and walked to the nearest Co Op and bought a cute little vegetable and fruit drink, and umm.... well just look at the picture:
The Holiday was great, and if I had to sum it all up in 1 more picture, well it goes without saying:
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Slow times, but soon a big trip!
Sorry for not posting in a while. To be honest, things have been pretty slow and boring this week. :[
Not that Japan is especially boring, but because school really started so I spend my time studying, not running around getting cool footage. But there is always the weekend!
I wanted to let everybody know that I will be going to a mountain named 高野山 kouyasan. We will be visiting ancient temples and secret places full of mystery and beauty. I just recently had the pleasure of watching Miyazaki's Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi). If you haven't seen it, I suggest it. AND I HATE ANIME! So you know this is good.
I will record the temples and nature, and beauty of the mountain and share it with all of you!~
Also I wanted to share something crazy. Today, in the news, there was security footage at a convenience store in Japan, where a small herd of bulls ran into the store and started knocking things over. Shortly after, a COWBOY on HORSEBACK entered the store and rounded them up.
What the heck Japan?
Also, one of these days, I promise, I will record the traffic around my house at night. Every 10th car is an RX7, Skyline, GTR, 240SX, 300ZX, etc. For those that love cars as much as I do, look forward to it!
Not that Japan is especially boring, but because school really started so I spend my time studying, not running around getting cool footage. But there is always the weekend!
I wanted to let everybody know that I will be going to a mountain named 高野山 kouyasan. We will be visiting ancient temples and secret places full of mystery and beauty. I just recently had the pleasure of watching Miyazaki's Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi). If you haven't seen it, I suggest it. AND I HATE ANIME! So you know this is good.
I will record the temples and nature, and beauty of the mountain and share it with all of you!~
Also I wanted to share something crazy. Today, in the news, there was security footage at a convenience store in Japan, where a small herd of bulls ran into the store and started knocking things over. Shortly after, a COWBOY on HORSEBACK entered the store and rounded them up.
What the heck Japan?
Also, one of these days, I promise, I will record the traffic around my house at night. Every 10th car is an RX7, Skyline, GTR, 240SX, 300ZX, etc. For those that love cars as much as I do, look forward to it!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Getting naked with a bunch of dudes
So today, I went to an 温泉 onsen (hot-spring / spa). It was segregated by sex of course.
Needless to say, 温泉 are very popular in Japan, therefore it was full. Of men. Naked men. And me.
To make things more embarrassing, I was treated to the 温泉 by Corey and his host family. Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful to them for the experience, and I am indebted to them for letting me spend a night at their wonderful house, but being naked with strangers is something I can shake off with time, but being naked with your good friend...you remember that for a long time.
Anyways, to be honest, after about 20 minutes, you forget that you are naked and start walking around full stride like the regular patrons.
Now that embarrassing confession is out, let me tell you how awesome it was!
温泉 heal you. Literally. There are salts and temperatures and water jets that when combined in seemingly infinite yet meticulously calculated variations, can and do heal you and make you feel like a new person when you leave.
The 温泉 that I went to had both indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and mist-sauna, and like all Japanese hot-springs, a shower area where you wash yourself very thoroughly on small stone benches.
I would love to show you some pictures, but for obvious reasons, I didn't take my camera with me. I think if I recorded that in HD, I would be charged for some kind of crime--guaranteed.
Corey and I felt so great after the 温泉 treatment, that we decided to go back every weekend, time permitting, and get a healing soak while experiencing something that is extremely Japanese and a large part of their culture.
For 2 people, it is only ￥700 per hour. A very good price for the most relaxing and body rejuvenating experience that is 温泉。
Needless to say, 温泉 are very popular in Japan, therefore it was full. Of men. Naked men. And me.
To make things more embarrassing, I was treated to the 温泉 by Corey and his host family. Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful to them for the experience, and I am indebted to them for letting me spend a night at their wonderful house, but being naked with strangers is something I can shake off with time, but being naked with your good friend...you remember that for a long time.
Anyways, to be honest, after about 20 minutes, you forget that you are naked and start walking around full stride like the regular patrons.
Now that embarrassing confession is out, let me tell you how awesome it was!
温泉 heal you. Literally. There are salts and temperatures and water jets that when combined in seemingly infinite yet meticulously calculated variations, can and do heal you and make you feel like a new person when you leave.
The 温泉 that I went to had both indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and mist-sauna, and like all Japanese hot-springs, a shower area where you wash yourself very thoroughly on small stone benches.
I would love to show you some pictures, but for obvious reasons, I didn't take my camera with me. I think if I recorded that in HD, I would be charged for some kind of crime--guaranteed.
Corey and I felt so great after the 温泉 treatment, that we decided to go back every weekend, time permitting, and get a healing soak while experiencing something that is extremely Japanese and a large part of their culture.
For 2 people, it is only ￥700 per hour. A very good price for the most relaxing and body rejuvenating experience that is 温泉。
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
2nd Video!! Japanese placement, and cell phone pictures!!!
First off, here is the link to the new video (it takes a while for youtube give me the HD upgrade, so if it isn't there, it will be soon):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhd7OVHaosU
The video is about the Okura Hotel in Kobe. I hope you enjoy!
So today I received the results of my Japanese placement exam. I tested into 4th year Japanese!! YEEAAAA Right where I belong! Perfect!
Ok now to more interesting stuff, my phone.
Phones in Japan can do 2 things ours in the US can't do very well yet.
1) Send entire phonebooks / single entry / your own info via Infra-Red beam to another phone, to save the hassle of exchanging info!
2) Watch TV. Anywhere. FOR FREE.
Here are some picks of my gangstalicious phone:
I apologize for the fuzzy pictures. I'm still rushing to do everything here still.
Well I have to go to bed. Enjoy everybody!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhd7OVHaosU
The video is about the Okura Hotel in Kobe. I hope you enjoy!
So today I received the results of my Japanese placement exam. I tested into 4th year Japanese!! YEEAAAA Right where I belong! Perfect!
Ok now to more interesting stuff, my phone.
Phones in Japan can do 2 things ours in the US can't do very well yet.
1) Send entire phonebooks / single entry / your own info via Infra-Red beam to another phone, to save the hassle of exchanging info!
2) Watch TV. Anywhere. FOR FREE.
Here are some picks of my gangstalicious phone:
I apologize for the fuzzy pictures. I'm still rushing to do everything here still.
Well I have to go to bed. Enjoy everybody!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
FIRST OFF! Here is the link to my first video! Be sure to click, "Watch in HD"!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdCKJZdi8sc
Anyways, I got a sweet Japanese cell phone that stores and plays music, comes with a speaker-pod, takes great video and stills, internet everywhere I go, code scanner (Japan does this thing with scanning codes on products to tell you info or get discounts, etc.), infrared phonebook sharing, and...best of all....its GOLD. hahaha In japan, all phones have really embarrassing colors, and apparently, Gold is the new black.
I will post pictures of it later, I didn't have time today because...well because I got lost.
I got lost - to the extreme. I got off of the bus to go home, looked up, and realized. "OMG I don't know where the F*** I am!!!"
It was at that point that I put my 日本語 (Japanese) to the test! I failed that test. Well not really. I asked 3 different people how to go home in very good Japanese, and they all told me in very good Japanese, that they have no idea where I want to go...I didn't have my address on me (-__-メ).
It was about 30 minutes after I began wandering the streets of the Kumano-cho, that a horrible, desperate, and overwhelming feeling hit. I'm lost, nobody can help me because I can't even help me, and I can't read shit!
I called my host mother and father 10 times each before they finally picked up. I thought Japanese was hard to understand. Over the phone, with cars, buses, and trains flying past--its impossible. After 30 more minutes of following directions via the phone, I ended up close to home. Close enough for my host mother to spot the 6 feet 1 inch 外人 (foreigner) wandering the streets like a stray dog.
I wanted 2 things, a plane ticket home, and some 酒。 That was a terrible feeling. ＿|￣|○
I however did make a friend on my journey...and well, I scared somebody too I guess.
There was this stray cat, that meowed at me each time I passed it as I walked up and down, up and down the streets. Finally, it decided to follow me and keep me company while I desperately searched for anything that seemed familiar. During that process, one of the Japanese men that I asked for help---he just backed away from me with a very scared face until he hit a wall, and then managed to sink himself into the wall to get away from me.
Well Enjoy the video, I need some 酒. Tomorrow is a new day right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdCKJZdi8sc
Anyways, I got a sweet Japanese cell phone that stores and plays music, comes with a speaker-pod, takes great video and stills, internet everywhere I go, code scanner (Japan does this thing with scanning codes on products to tell you info or get discounts, etc.), infrared phonebook sharing, and...best of all....its GOLD. hahaha In japan, all phones have really embarrassing colors, and apparently, Gold is the new black.
I will post pictures of it later, I didn't have time today because...well because I got lost.
I got lost - to the extreme. I got off of the bus to go home, looked up, and realized. "OMG I don't know where the F*** I am!!!"
It was at that point that I put my 日本語 (Japanese) to the test! I failed that test. Well not really. I asked 3 different people how to go home in very good Japanese, and they all told me in very good Japanese, that they have no idea where I want to go...I didn't have my address on me (-__-メ).
It was about 30 minutes after I began wandering the streets of the Kumano-cho, that a horrible, desperate, and overwhelming feeling hit. I'm lost, nobody can help me because I can't even help me, and I can't read shit!
I called my host mother and father 10 times each before they finally picked up. I thought Japanese was hard to understand. Over the phone, with cars, buses, and trains flying past--its impossible. After 30 more minutes of following directions via the phone, I ended up close to home. Close enough for my host mother to spot the 6 feet 1 inch 外人 (foreigner) wandering the streets like a stray dog.
I wanted 2 things, a plane ticket home, and some 酒。 That was a terrible feeling. ＿|￣|○
I however did make a friend on my journey...and well, I scared somebody too I guess.
There was this stray cat, that meowed at me each time I passed it as I walked up and down, up and down the streets. Finally, it decided to follow me and keep me company while I desperately searched for anything that seemed familiar. During that process, one of the Japanese men that I asked for help---he just backed away from me with a very scared face until he hit a wall, and then managed to sink himself into the wall to get away from me.
Well Enjoy the video, I need some 酒. Tomorrow is a new day right?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Intelligent Bumper Stickers
I know I know, you are all wondering why Bence hasn't said a word for 2 days and now he uploads three times in one day (night for you)! Well now that I'm settled, I have time to explore and to do research.
Seeing as the temperature here in the Hyogo-ku is melt-your-skin hot, and the humidity is drown-if-you-open-your-mouth%, I think research is best.
I'd like to introduce and explain one of the things that Japan does which makes me all giddy, which is to display cute little stickers on cars based off of the driver of said car! I've been seeing these everywhere and have been wondering what the heck they were.
Anyways here are the symbols and their meanings and readings (in JSL romanization):
高齢運転者標識 （こうれいうんてんしゃひょうしき）
(korei untensya hyousiki)
Elderly Driver Sign:
This sign is used to display that the driver is old.
(typically around 70)
--------------------------------------------------------
初心運転者標識 （しょしんうんてんしゃひょうしき）
syosin untensya hyousiki)
Beginner Driver Sign:
This sign is given to all beginning drivers and must be displayed until 1 year after they've received their driver's license.
This is the WATCH OUT I'M A 16 YEAR OLD GIRL!! sticker.
(Though in Japan the driving age is 18.)
--------------------------------------------------------
身体障害者標識 （しんたいしょうがいしゃひょうしき）
(sintai syougaisya hyousiki)
Handicapped Driver Sign:
This is the handicapped-driver sign. I think our picture of a person in a wheelchair is much more clear, but this 4-leaf clover works too I guess.
(Maybe Japan thinks that these drivers will need all the luck they can get to make it home in one piece?)
--------------------------------------------------------
聴覚障害者標識 （ちょうかくしょうがいしゃひょうしき）
(tyoukaku syougaisya hyousiki)
Deaf Sign:
This little butterfly is used to let all other drivers know that this driver is deaf. Go ahead and honk your horn all you like, they can't hear it.
(This symbol will be replaced soon with a new one depicting dots like this, 「○○○」 so I have heard.)
--------------------------------------------------------
I hope when you go to Japan and see these cute stickers, you will remember this and drive accordingly! I really wish we did this back in the States. I want to know who is old, who is young, and who is deaf!
But remember to put them on your car in an easy-to-spot area!
or else...
Seeing as the temperature here in the Hyogo-ku is melt-your-skin hot, and the humidity is drown-if-you-open-your-mouth%, I think research is best.
I'd like to introduce and explain one of the things that Japan does which makes me all giddy, which is to display cute little stickers on cars based off of the driver of said car! I've been seeing these everywhere and have been wondering what the heck they were.
Anyways here are the symbols and their meanings and readings (in JSL romanization):
高齢運転者標識 （こうれいうんてんしゃひょうしき）
(korei untensya hyousiki)
Elderly Driver Sign:
This sign is used to display that the driver is old.
(typically around 70)
--------------------------------------------------------
初心運転者標識 （しょしんうんてんしゃひょうしき）
syosin untensya hyousiki)
Beginner Driver Sign:
This sign is given to all beginning drivers and must be displayed until 1 year after they've received their driver's license.
This is the WATCH OUT I'M A 16 YEAR OLD GIRL!! sticker.
(Though in Japan the driving age is 18.)
--------------------------------------------------------
身体障害者標識 （しんたいしょうがいしゃひょうしき）
(sintai syougaisya hyousiki)
Handicapped Driver Sign:
This is the handicapped-driver sign. I think our picture of a person in a wheelchair is much more clear, but this 4-leaf clover works too I guess.
(Maybe Japan thinks that these drivers will need all the luck they can get to make it home in one piece?)
--------------------------------------------------------
聴覚障害者標識 （ちょうかくしょうがいしゃひょうしき）
(tyoukaku syougaisya hyousiki)
Deaf Sign:
This little butterfly is used to let all other drivers know that this driver is deaf. Go ahead and honk your horn all you like, they can't hear it.
(This symbol will be replaced soon with a new one depicting dots like this, 「○○○」 so I have heard.)
--------------------------------------------------------
I hope when you go to Japan and see these cute stickers, you will remember this and drive accordingly! I really wish we did this back in the States. I want to know who is old, who is young, and who is deaf!
But remember to put them on your car in an easy-to-spot area!
or else...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
