A Busy Weekend

Hello Friends,

On Friday, I had a chance to take a boat/walking tour with a Women's Group from the Tokyo American Club. The day was sunny, had a perfect temperature and the mood was high as our gaggle of American women met in front of Almond coffee shop at 8:45 at Roppongi Crossing. We took several trains during the busiest morning commuter time to get to the pier for our river trip. The locals sleep, listen to music, meditate or shut off very quietly when commuting by train. They basically disengage with each other and the world. I guess it is necessary, because there are so many strangers crammed trogether in such close proximity. At times it seems as if they are all in a dark funk. In the morning especially, you can catch glimpses of zombie-like faces. Anyway- our little groups that got into the train together were all talking so loudly, and everyone at once, that women were shouting to be heard. You should have seen the "stink eye" that some of the poor disturbed locals were giving us. Others looked shocked. I have to say too, that I have been around some VERY LOUD American women who actually embarrass me. My teacher-self fights the urge to shush them. I make it a point to speak rather softly on the trains, but there are some folks here who are either oblivious to how loud and obnoxious they seem to the Japanese, or they know and don't care. On a lighter note, some advice that was thrown my way went something like this: "Just remember... your job is to entertain the locals." Entertain them, we did.

Anyway, we arrived at the pier and had a short wait, boarded the boat and had a lovely 40 minute ride up the Sumida River to Asakusa, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Anyone who has been to Tokyo even once for a short time has probably visited here. The temple grounds hold several impressive structures, and there are lots places to spend your money- buying a fortune, paying for prayer, buying talismans for heath, safety, or passing exams- you name it! You can throw your yen away so fast, you hardly see it go. As I watched in wonder as some of our group engaged in yen throwing, I took some pictures. At the entrance to the main gate- there are two statues. The one on the left is the god of thunder and the one on the right is the god of wind. Both these guys are there to scare or blow away evil spirits. There are also rows and rows of white lanterns with different writing on them. These display a list of sponsors. (Maybe they sponsored a recent festival or event at the temple or some such thing) Once inside the grounds, one encounters a very large incense burner. They believe that the incense smoke is cleansing or healing, and that if you fan it to a part of your body that is sick, it helps with healing. I took in a few breaths of it for good measure.

We wandered around for a short time, and then found lunch. After a delicious tempura lunch, we walked another short way to the "kitchen district." It is a marvel. Think of some weirdo or obscure or specialized kitchen gadget. Go ahead. Now say it aloud..... Yes! You can find it there. Dishes, cookware, gadgets, small appliances, bake ware, glass ware, ingredients, chef wear- it is all located up and down the streets in this area. Very fun!

On Saturday, I performed my 3 class pieces at the American School with all the school Taiko students of Moko Igarashi. You will see pictures of Moko attached. She is a tiny fireball of percussion energy. Thankfully there were other Taiko Moms there. On the way to the school on Saturday, I was having a dread feeling that it would be a sea of Kindergarteners and ME. Before we performed I had time to watch some JV football, a cheer leading routine, sit in the sun in the bleachers and eat a messy chili dog with a diet Dr. Pepper. That school is a trip. It transports you to the USA. When you are within the fence, you are in America.
In the evening, I went to Chiba, to "audition" for a once a month conducting position with a group there. They remind me very much of the Trumansburg Community Chorus. However- they have been rehearsing the same music once a week for a year and are preparing for their next concert date: October 2008. They memorize all their music. It's an older group of folks who have all been given or have taken American nicknames. I was introduced to Bill, Irene, Meg, Nancy, Mary, ....you get the idea. They are so very sweet. I will probably do it- as it is only once a month and there is no pressure of a looming concert date, at least not right away! I hadn't conducted a group in over 4 months and it felt like coming home to work with them. The only downside is that it takes about an hour and a half by train to get there. It was a long day. Sunday was a day of rest!

Enjoy the pictures.

Take Care, and Stay in Touch,
Cheers,