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[semitribe]

Golden Week wasn't as much of a vacation as I had hoped, bringing my sister around to a lot of touristy places. It started out ok, but her love for fish and boats and things really got annoying after a while, and rather than see authentic Japanese things, she was all about the tourist traps. Needless to say our interests don't mix

Comments

[kittybaby96]

I know what you mean about "no vacation" while showing family around Japan. I loved having my parents here, but I was the one that had to coordinate, translate, explain, indicate, and designate everything. First-timer enthusiasm was welcome, though, because I had hit the 6-month wall and I needed some reminding of why I decided to come here.

Wasn't Shin-Osaka INSANE?? Too many Japanese people for one building.

[semitribe]

At least your family was enthusiastic!! Heh. My sister was just kind of "Uh, we can do whatever. You live here, why don't you decide?" the entire time. Besides the aquarium in Osaka and the Imperial Palace, she had no interest in anything!

How did your parents like Japan after their grand tour?

We didn't go to Shin Osaka, but getting lost in Osaka-Umeda station is one of my favorite hobbies when I go to Kansai. Who designed that stupid station?!?!

If you want to see insanity, come to Tokyo. ;D

[kittybaby96]

No, dude, my parents were that way. Helpless. They had a WHOLE day on their own in Kyoto, and all they did was see things around the station (one temple, the station, Porta, and Kintetsu). Such a waste.

I hear you on Osaka-Umeda. And what is up with that "Great Hall of Pillars" at the subway entrance? Jesus, like the crowds are difficult enough to navigate without being blindsided and blinded by white, glaring pillars.....

[semitribe]

Nice!! Were they afraid to take a bus or something? Kyoto is like the most easy-to-navigate city for foreigners, too!

I think the goal of building anything in Osaka is to make as ugly as absolutely possible, ha.

[majean]

I haven't had much experience with Tokyojin, but I felt that Osakajin were nicer, rounder, tanner, and goofier. XP The Kansai region over all just seems so laid back. Ahhh... I need to find my way back there. I talked to that guy my mom gave me the contact info for. His school just opened in Otsu and he an only afford to hire parttime teachers at the moment, which would not be enough to get me a visa. However, if you are interested, I can pass his email along to you. Otsu is about 20 - 30 minutes south-ish from Hikone on the train. Close to Kyoto. My language partner went to Otsu Daigaku.

[semitribe]

Once you get to know them, people from Tokyo really aren't that different than people from Kansai, but they have like this hard shell on the outside that you have to break through to get to the gooey center.

Too bad he can only hire part timers! I don't think I'd want to teach English in the middle of the country, though. ^^;

[majean]

He said something about being a student part-time and working part-time, but didn't explain how that would get me a visa. :/

[hibiki_san]

I totally agree with you about Osaka having nicer people! Plus the food is better! However, as much as I hate to admit it, Tokyo has MUCH better looking people.

Oh, and I definitely understand the stress of having to play translator/tour guide. However, when my brother came to visit me in Tokyo we actually didn't have too many problems since we both prefer the laid back approach to sight seeing. He just went where ever I took him without complaints. XD

[semitribe]

Yeah, I agree with the better looking people thing. Actually, Kyoto seems to have the best looking people, but I think they might all be tourists. 笑

[thegreatoni]

don quixote..those wacky japanese. You'll have to tell me if you ever see any windmills in Japan ;p

[greginjapan]

between Narita airport and Nippori on whatever the train line is (I forget out), you can see a dutch-style windmill out in the middle of some field. it's pretty surreal.

by the way, at first I thought your user name said something about "toni" ...I'm a moron.

[semitribe]

Don Quixote is like the most awesome store EVER.
And yeah, there's actually quite a few windmills here.

[greginjapan]

hey, I know plenty of Japanese who support とんかつ's unbelievable awesomeness, thank you.

I can't say that natto is as horrific as its reputation...but I can't imagine it ever earning the phrase "I really liked it!!!!"
not to mention, it smells like feet. weirdo. :oP

I had a blast when my family-types were here, but it was soooo exhausting. However, even though they spoke only English, having to do all the negotiations and such myself I think actually really helped my Japanese. so. cool! :o)

[semitribe]

I agree that tonkatsu is delicious (ex: the most delicious とんかつ dinner I've ever had in my entire life), but it's so heavy. And they make natto with no smell nowadays, too.

Good for you having fun and improving your Japanese. :P