Konnichiwa!

Snow:)

2010-12-27T09:00:00.001-08:00

Always something new when I come home. This time; a garage and SNOW!

Inger enjoying the sight of the snow from the kitchen-window.

No one can enter our garden un-noticed these days. Whose foot-steps are these?

View from our garden. Unusual to see the little islands covered in snow.

Our nearest beach, covered in snow.

Fun patterns in the sea:)

The place where we usually go swimming. Fancy a swim?

Big changes from last time I was here (July) and today. A beautiful place, both summer and winter!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T02:52:00.000-08:00

Home for Christmas:) This is the view I woke up to Christmas morning. I have the best view from my bedroom back home at mum and dad´s place. And look; white Christmas this year!!!

I celebrated Christmas together with 4 of my siblings. All in all 12 of us. Nieces and nephew, sister- and brother in law and mum and dad. My oldest brother and his family was not with us on Christmas Eve, so only the 5 youngest in this photo. (Me, Gunnar, Inger, Einar and Sofie)

My godchild and nephew; Daniel(6) read the Christmas Story for us. Luke 2.

Our Christmas Tree, decorated with Norwegian flags:)

Martine, my youngest niece, ready for her 2nd Christmas.

The bigger, the better?

I think I got the tiniest one...A home-made Christmas decoration from my sweet niece Hannah (7).

Daniel got new skis, and Kamilla and Martine new dolls. Nothing much has changed since I was their age. Same wishes, same joy. Good to be back after 2 Christmases away from home. (2008: Philippines, 2009: Japan)

Goodbye Japan!

2010-11-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

After 3 good years in Japan it was time to say goodbye to friends and colleagues. Just a few images here of some of my friends. Here with a new Finnish Missionary, Varpu. She made this for me. A painting with a greeting from Psalm 121:8; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

The lovely Sigurdsson family (Iceland/Japan).

Johanna (Finland)... I´ll miss you!!!

The Youth-group in Church arranged a picnic in a Botanical Garden in Okayama as a Farewell Gift for me. A good end to a good year together! Thank you for lots of good memories:)

Saying goodbye to pastor Tsukuda and his wife; Midori was hard. I have no words to explain how much they have meant to me over the last year. They were always there for me. A beautiful couple with hearts of gold:)

Tom Cruise, Motoko and I

2010-11-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

Visiting Mt. Shosha, the film-location of the Hollywood movie ´The Last Samurai´, has been on my ´have-to-visit´-list since I came to Japan 3 years ago. Mt. Shosha can easily be reached, both from Kobe and Okayama, and thanks to a good friend I made it here today.

Motoko acted as my guide for the day. This was her first time visiting this place, but she did a great job answering all my questions.

Motoko usually works as a teacher at a Secondary School in Okayama. Today was supposed to be her day off, but I am afraid she had another ´student´ to take care of today. After arriving the montain by cable-car, we sat down for a bit to enjoy Motoko´s home-made lunch. What a great chef she is!

Sunny, temperatures around 20C and a beautiful location. Love picnics - thanks Motoko:)

Autumn is here!

All these colours...

Yellow leaves and blue sky; beautiful!

Momiji, Japanese Maple Tree, at its best! Love how you can see green, yellow and red in one tree.

One of the houses we passed on our way to the main-temples.

Engyoji Temple. This temple has been an important place for pilgrims since it was opened by Shoko Shonin in 966.

Love the background here. Nature and traditional Japanese houses. What a beautiful place this is!

More autumn colours...

Red and yellow, green and brown...

And finally; the location where they filmed many of the scenes from ´The Last Samurai´.

OK, this photo is not taken by me... But I did enter this house and this area. The ones sitting here today were a group of Secondary School students. Work-experience. My dream-job as a 14 year old was to work in a Primary School, so I got to try that for a week. The students today had chosen a week in the Temple. When we came there they were busy writing Chinese Characters (Kanjis). So no Tom Cruise today... But I met many other interesting people. Among them a Danish couple, a man playing the flute for us, I had to act as a translator for an American who had some questions for the people working in the temple etc.

Just some photos here to show you some images from Mt. Shosha. A great location for the movie; The Last Samurai. If you are in the area; please visit! If you are not; watch the movie. Recommended.

...these are a few of my favorite things...

2010-11-06T03:42:00.000-07:00

Sayo, Yoshiko and Chie wanted to treat me with a fun day out before leaving. And the tour started with lunch and my favorite Japanese meal: Sushi.

They took me to a fish-market south of Okayama City and we ended up at this sushi-restaurant. Oishi!

Sushi is art, both in taste and visual. Love the little boat they come in:)

We came across a candy-shop in the middle of the fish-market, and I got to buy candies in big bulks to bring back home.

After a good meal and some shopping we were heading south. The girls had planned the whole day to be a surprise, so all I had to do was to sit in the car and wait and see where we would end up. And these girls seem to know what my favorite things are; sushi, sea-breeze, sun, a day out in the nature, a good laugh and good friends.

I don´t have sea-view from my 11th floor apartment, but I can easily drive to places where I can be close to the sea. Like this place!

Look at the smiling rock! It has a beautiful view from where it stands, so all reasons to have a big smile on his face:)

The smiling rock´s view (the small rock to the left in the photo).

Chie; be careful!!! I was a bit scared of the heights here and did not pass behind this point.

But Chie and Yoshiko did:) Here looking over to Shikoku.

Me and Sayo, enjoying the view from a safe place.

From here I could see the beach I went to this summer.

Tiger??? We are in the year of the tiger now, and it would be perfect if it really was one. But I am afraid it was only a cat in a tigers´s clothes.

What a great day out! I hope to treat you girls one day in Norway:)

A weekend with Kimi-, Mizu- and Sumi-chan:)

2010-11-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Okayama Kimiho and Mizuho! I met these girls during my first year in Kobe/Japan. My japanese language skills were very limited at that time. But I was introduced to 2 english-speaking girls, Kimi&Mizu, and since then they have become some of my closest friends here. We all have experience from living and studying in England and Australia. Lots in common. Kimiho visited me earlier this year in May (see previous blog), but for Mizuho this was her first time visiting Okayama.

I do like having people over for coffee. Especially after I got this cool coffee-syphon.

Making dinner took me a bit longer than I planned it to be. But my guests were patient with me, and at 20:40 the quiche was ready to be served. Bon apetit!

An image from our breakfast the day after. A Mizuho Minute with Minute Maid.

Okayama, the Land of Sunshine! My friends start to doubt my favorite fact about my new home-town. It is known for being the most sunny place in Japan. But everytime friends come over to see me, the weather turn out like this...

We chose to ignore the weather and spent the afternoon outside. The colours of autumn are here and one of the good spots to enjoy this is the area around Shizutani School. This school is the oldest public school in the world. The history goes all the way back to 1666 when Ikeda Mitsumasa, the feudal lord of the Bizen area decided to found a school for the commoners. ´Better public morality is all up to the education of the common people´, was what he thought.

The autumn is still at a very early stage. But I like this time...a mix of green, yellow, red, orange, brown...

I was just thinking of how much space the chairs we usually use in the modern class-rooms take. How convenient to use these straw-mats?

If we only were born 311 years ago... Class of 1666.

Mizuho in front of Shizutani School:)

Thanks girls for a fun weekend! I am going to miss having you around when I leave Japan. 24 days left today...

A day in Osaka

2010-10-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sumika and I, back in Osaka, where we met first time 3 years ago.

Billy Graham´s son, Franklin Graham was visiting Osaka for the weekend. And so did we:)

Thanks to good navigation from our local friend we ended up at the coolest restaurant; Surprised Donkey (The name of the restaurant). I got a hamburger with ´Mabu-tofu´, one of my favorite Chinese/Japanese dishes.

Sumi and Tim in the cave:)

Church BBQ

2010-10-17T04:03:00.000-07:00

An overview photo from the annual BBQ at my Church. Blue sky and 25C.

I liked the way they prepared the grill. A fan can be used in so many ways.

Iwata and Kishimoto did a great job as BBQ chefs.

And the Norwegians attending this year´s BBQ were me and this fish:)

Yummy chestnuts!

Hiromi and Kinami were responsible for the Cheese Fondue. Oishi!

I was not the only non-Japanese in Church this Sunday. Tim (US), Jacob (UK) and Denis (Brazil) came along and joined us for the event.

BBQ in Japan is like anywhere else in the world; it´s a man´s job:) Pumpkin, beansprouts, noodles, salmon...there are no limits for what you can put on the grill.

The date said 17th Oct, but to me it felt just like a good Norwegian summer-day. Tsukuda-sensei (the pastor of the Church) found a place to hide from the sun.

Look at the car; a typical image from Japan. You never see a dirty car car in this country. They are so clean, you can use them as a mirror!

My first visit to this Church was last year at this time of year. Attending the BBQ this year was a very different from last year. I am now a part of the East Okayama Evangelical Lutheran Church. I see I will miss my new friends here a lot when I leave Japan... But luckily, I still have a few more weeks to enjoy their company.

How do you eat your Potato Chips?

2010-10-15T03:56:00.001-07:00

I am about to finish my 3 year long period in Japan. 3 years full of adventures, challenges, new friendships and lots of ´first-time-I have-seen-that...or done that´experiences. I have 6 weeks left here, and I am trying to make the most out of every day now. The most important thing is of course seeing friends, say goodbye and finish the work I started here. But whenever I have some time off, I use the opportunity to go shopping. All these things you can only find in Japan. I will ship my stuff back home in about a month´s time, and today´s contribution to my boxes are these potatochips tongs. Who wants greasy fingers?

The potatochips tongs:) I had to try them as soon as I got home. And yes, they are doing the job. These will not be another thing to fill up my drawers. Bought to be used.

Tottori

2010-10-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

On my day off this week I got to see the sand dunes in Tottori. These sand dunes are the only ones in Japan, and they stretch along the coast east of Tottori City for 16 kilometers and extend up to 2 kilometers away from the coast. The highest point is around 90 m. I am glad we came in October and not in the summer. I read somewhere that the sand easily gets a temperature of above 50C on a warm summer-day. Today was perfect; sunny and 25-26C.

Japanese...always fashionable:) I usually go for comfortable clothing when I go sightseeing. Jeans and t-shirt. While I was barefoot, others were walking in the sand with high-heels and cool boots.

Look at the colours!

We were told there were beautiful sights behind this hill. Worth a hike:)

Almost there...wow!!! It was like being on a gigantic beach:)

Johanna, Inger and me on top of the sand dune. What great views we had from here!!!

Todays lunch: A plate full of seafood. Oishi/Yummy!

Tottori is apparently famous for their pears. Japanese pear is a little bit different from the pear we usually eat in Norway. It is big, round in shape, yellow-ish, juicy and very tasty. I bought myself a pear drink for dessert. Cool can, tasty drink. Recommended if you are in the area.

We came across a Pear Garden and was offered to pick a bag full of pears to bring home. Hmmm...which ones to choose?

Me and the Pear Farmer.

Love the bag we got to keep our new-picked pears in:)

Driving along the coast of Tottori and Uradome gave me a feeling of being back in Australia and Great Ocean Road. Another good day in Japan. Thank you Inger and Johanna for your company:)

Okunoshima- 大久野島 -The Rabbit Island

2010-09-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Rabbit Island! Another exciting outing with Sumi&Tim. We had to go for a 1 1/2 -2 hour drive from Okayama to get to the ferry-terminal in Takehara (Hiroshima Prefecture). The island was a 10 min boat-ride from mainland.

We started our island-visit with a picnic. Sumika had prepared the best meal I could ask for: Maki-sushi, onigiri, fried root-vegetable, Japanese pear, rice crackers, chips, tea, chocolate, sour gum snake candies... She really knows what I like and what I can eat (...food allergies). Oishi!!!

Me trying to balance the fried-shrimp sushi. Yummy! It is a long time since I have been able to sit outside and eat, and just enjoy the weather. Hope it will stay like this for a long time.

This island played a key role during World War II as a poison gas factory. Because of the island’s remote location and small size it was an ideal location for making and testing the poisonous gas. The rabbits were originally brought to the island to perform laboratory testing of the chemicals. A sad story behind all the rabbits that are left after the factory was put down after the war. Now there are hundreds of them running around, enjoying the food the people give them and the beautiful nature.

The visitor center. Loved how they just ´ignored´ the tree here, and built a house around it:)

We found the visitor center quite entertaining. Lots of unexpected items inside. Like this one; bamboo pan flute...:)

A beautiful little beach we came across. The island is quite small in itself, but there are surprisingly a lot of things to do here. They have a hotel, a bus (no regular cars), a swimming pool, tennis courts, camp sites, bicycle rentals, hot springs, big playing fields in front of the hotel etc.

The rabbits are tame and they seem to expect food when they see people. I didn´t have anything to give them during my first hour there, but got to buy some food pellets from the hotel after a while.

Give me more Sumika!!!

This one was quite disappointed I didn´t have any food to share with him. But I did promise him a chance to become famous by getting his photo on my blog. Cute, isn´t he?

A cute little lighthouse.

Good to be close to the sea again. The water was so clean and the colour was really nice. Wish I brought my swim-suit...

Sumika trying to pick a chestnut from the tree...

...ahhh...the spikes... but with the help of a towel she managed to pick one!

A fresh green chestnut.

It was a bit too early, so we couldn´t find a ripe chestnut. But out of curiosity we had to open it and see how it looked like.

The chestnut, ready peeled. But unfortunately not ripe...

We rented some bicycles from the hotel and continued our tour around the island on wheels. The rabbits were everywhere, so we had quite a few stops along the road. I was now in hold of food-pellets, and I could finally feed the rabbits myself:)

Sumika in the lead:)

Look at this... I was too busy taking photos of our shadows, and did not see that I had a hungry rabbit standing next to me. Sorry...

This building was used as the major gas production plant on the island. Now just the ruins remains.

An image from inside... Love and peace...

We were so lucky to witness a beautiful sunset!

What a gorgeous setting; sun and palm trees.

Look at the light in the sea. Ahhh...feels good to be close to the sea on a day like this.

Sumika´s bag is always full of surprises. Soap Bubbles; always fun and nice to look at.

It was hard to catch the bubbles and the view and the sun in a photo. But I managed to save this image.

What a beautiful island. Thank you Sumika and Tim for another fun day out!

Chillie´s Clothes Collection

2010-09-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

Many celebrities these days have their own perfume, jewellery or clothing line. Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton... I got an idea last year that I should start making my own clothes. No experience but an ugly shirt I made in Grade 8 in Arts and Craft Class. But a lot of things could have changed since then, so I decided to give it a try. But the new-purchased Sewing Machine and I didn´t have an immidiate connection. I couldn´t cope with the pace the Sewing Machine worked in, and it ended up with a 1 year long break. Then, with a better outcome. I am now in hold of 2 new-old dresses. Brand: CCC

I am not able to do things from scratch yet, but I have started my career with fixing old dresses. Like this one:) I bought an old dress at my Language School in Kobe. It had some collars I didn´t like, a neck-tie and too short arms. But I liked the shape of it and the colours. And luckily, I ended up with a good result. I did promise my class-mates to show up in my YWCA uniform one day. It took me a some time, but here it is! I am planning a trip to Kobe soon to show my latest contribution to the world of fashion. More to come:)

IKEA遠足

2010-09-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

Chie, Sayo, Yoshiko and I have been planning a trip to IKEA for months, and finally we made it. A fun day out where I was, for once, the ´local´. We had to drive about 170 km to get here (Okayama-Kobe), a 2 1/2 hours drive. And was it worth it? YES! Good shopping, good food and good company:)

I recommended my friends the famous IKEA meatballs. I have never seen anyone eat meatballs with chopsticks before, but Yoshiko did it like it was the most natural thing to do. And I do agree; the meatballs at IKEA are perfect size to eat with chopsticks. Next time:)

For 2 of the girls this was their first time to IKEA. The third one had been here once before. I have been to IKEA so many times so I don´t see what is special to this place anymore. Like these shopping bags. They found the big, yellow shopping bags funny. Worth a photo:)

Exploring Japan´s hidden attractions

2010-09-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

I have been complaining a bit about the heat recently. So I decided to do something about it on my day off this week by visiting some caves up north in Okayama Prefecture. I am in hold of both Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, but none of them mention this attraction I have just 70 km away. Ikura and Maki Cavern. I read about them in a pamphlet I got in the tourist information in Okayama. I found out from the map that I had to head towards Niimi (route 180), and after 1 and 1/2 hours driving I was there. Proud of myself to have made it this far. Here a photo from the little town-area in front of the biggest cave, Ikura Cavern.

Here is a sign for Ikura-do. This cave is 1.200 m long and I was told that it was 15C inside. Just this in itself was worth the visit. I had to cross the green bridge to enter the cave.

Not many visitors today. I was the only one walking inside there, but I think my fascination for this place just made me forget that I should be afraid.

Me and the rocks. No sounds. All I could hear was the water dripping from the roof.

I wanted to take a photo every minute. What an interesting place!

Erosion by groundwater has created these rock formations. They call it the limestone cavern.

It took me 40 minutes to go through this cave. New interesting sights around each corner.

It was more to the cave than I was able to explore. I just had to follow the path. But I could see that there were big holes next to the path, some of them filled with water. I felt like I was in a Fraggle Rock episode (norsk:Fragglene). I loved this TV-series s a child, and I could see all my favorite characters living in a cave like this. My no.1 favorite was Red (norsk:Vips). I didn´t meet any doozers or gorgs, but it made me laugh just thinking of them all as I was walking through this cave all by myself:)

I met a woman outside the cave, and asked her to take a photo of me. To prove to all of you that I was actually there. She asked me over and over again; are you ready, are you ready...and I answered yes, yes, YES!!! I think she expected me to do some cute actions with my fingers. The V-sign...something?!? How boring is it to just stand there, with my hands down...

You can see the entrance and the exit here. I´ve been inside this gigantic mountain!! A cool experience (...cool, here with double meaning:)

Ready for another cave-visit. I had to drive about 15km to get from Ikura-do to this one; MAKI-DO. It was apparently a bit low inside, so they recommended me to wear a helmet for the walk. I was not the only visitor in this cave, but the only one wearing a helmet. They explained that because of my height. The tall foreigner:) And did I need it...YES! I did bump my head into the wall several times. And made the other visitors laugh... Glad I can contribute with some entertainment.

This cave was only 450 m long, but very beautiful.

The light-settings in this cave made it even more special.

It was hard to find out where to go next in this cave. There were small roads going here and there.

I thought I was the only one in the cave for a while, but was surprised with a black flying creature. All I could think was: BAT!!! It was flying over my head and I was screaming. Now, that scares me:/

So I ran off and tried to stay close to other visitors for the last bit of my walk.

The end of Maki-do. I am wondering why none of my Travel Guides mention this on their ´What to see´-list. Maybe I should send a recommendation? I had a great day. Recommended.

Land of the rising sun

2010-09-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

Japan is often called the land of the rising sun. The Japanese call their country Nihon or Nippon 日本, literally meaning ´source of the sun´. You often see images like this from Japan. And I got to see it for real one morning this week. Just have a look at this:)

I am afraid the photo here can´t give you the amazing look I was met by as I came into my livingroom one early morning. The sunbeams were just as they look like at those traditional Japanese images (like the one above). I usually wake up around 5am these days. This summer is apparently the warmest summer since 1898, and I see that I have to make the most out of my time while the temperature is still under 30C. I usually go on bike-rides as the sun is about to rise. I have come to really enjoy this experience, and hope to continue my morning-exercise even when the weather gets cooler. Nothing beats a good sunrise:)

Korakuen Garden

2010-08-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

´Korakuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, is a cultural heritage site for the world to treasure´ These words are from the pamphlet you get when you enter Korakuen. I am so lucky to have this garden in walking distance from where I live. I can actually see my building from the view-point on a top of a hill here. I have been able to visit the garden in 3 seasons; winter, spring (cherry blossom season) and now in summer. It got up to 35C today. A warm and green experience. I was wondering if those fields would ever turn green when I arrived here in December, and look what I was met by today! I have never seen the garden as green as it was today before. Beautiful!

Love cumulus clouds! (Puffy clouds that looks like cotton.)

What a find! Cold water-stream right in the middle of the park where we could cool down. Allyson (American) and I had a quick walk through the garden, but spent a lot of time inside here. The best place to be on a warm day like this.

We were not the only ones hiding from the sun. I do realize that there are 2 essentials I haven´t purchased for the summer-season yet; a hat and a sun-umbrella. But I do have sun-glasses. Japanese don´t.

Now I am just looking forward to experience the autumn version of Korakuen Gardens. The Japanese autumn is really something to look forward to. The colours on the trees turn into the most colourful scenary and the weather is just how I like it. The day after tomorrow is September. That´s an autumn month, right? Cooler weather and dry air, welcome!

You were born to be loved

2010-08-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

">

This video from YouTube is originally a Korean Christian song. Here translated and performed by a Japanese artist, Yuuka Matsumoto (...with English subtitles). Please watch!

The video starts by saying that every year about 30.000 decide to end their lives in Japan. And that through this song they hope to forward the message that ´You are loved!´

God is love.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

1 John 4:7-12
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My prayer is that this message will reach those who are looking for a reason to live. According to Wikipedia the main cause for suicide in Japan is unemployment, depression and social pressures. The world might seem to turn its back to us at times, but God won´t...ever.

Just water please...

2010-08-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

Japan is boiling hot at the moment. Everybody tells me that this summer is warmer than usual. And I do believe them. I guess the wisest thing would be to avoid spending too much time outside. But I find that hard... I love out-door activities! I so want to go for a run, a hike or on a ride with my bicycle. And I do every now and then...even though I know I will end up with head-aches... It is hard to manage the balance of the liquid-intake these days. I drink a lot, but obviously not enough. I have no one else to blame this on but me... Japan has so much to offer, such a variety of drinks...

The best way to quench your thirst is to eat watermelon. They are really tasty at the moment, but you can´t just buy and ´drink´ it as you leave the shop. Japan has a solution to that. Look what I found today; watermelon on bottle! And not just the juice...you drink it as jelly. Shake the bottle for 10 seconds and there you are; fresh, watery watermelon jelly-juice:) YUMMY!!!

Coca Cola is maybe not the most healthy drink to drink during the summer heat. But Green Cola doesn´t sound to bad... Green Tea, Green Cola... It says ´For your natural life´on the bottle, and it claims that it is made from natural raw materials from plants...

As a child I used to love mixing soft drinks. I was obviously not the only one with this idea. Coca Cola Japan has made it easy for the kids these days; already mixed. Coke and Fanta, yummy!

Orange juice with rare cheese flavour... And 51% (!) of the drink are fruit-juices.

Just a selection here from some drinks I bought today. Luckily I can get clean, tasty tap-water here in Okayama. Cheaper, and healthier. But when I feel like a change, there is a whole world of drinks to explore out there.

FuN dAy（＝＾・＾＝）（笑）

2010-08-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Tim and Sumika decided to invite me out for a FUN day. And wow, I smiled from I woke up till I went to bed. FUN FUN FUN!!!

Kinoshita Circus first thing in the morning. We got to see elephants balancing on 2 legs, ´Beauty (woman) and Beast (tiger) Illusion´, zebras jumping through flames, The Wheel of Death, Tiger and Lion show, clowns, Motor Bike show, Double Flying Trapeze, glitter&glam. Kinoshita Circus is the oldest and biggest Circus in Japan, and they did impress me. FUN!

After a good lunch in Nakasho we headed down south to a Brazilian Amusement Park; Washuzan Highlands.

Great views from wherever you are in the Park.

And what better way to enjoy the nature and the view than doing it from a SKYCYCLE!!!

The Sky Cycle is a kind of a Pedal Powered Rollercoaster...

...16 m above the ground...

Me and Sumika pedaling over Seto Ohashi Bridge. A bit scary, but what a view!!!

Turbo Drop...

Sumi and Tim:)

Visiting Cavern Quest...whaaaaaahhhh... Tim why arent´s you scared?

Dark clouds were approaching from Shikoku Island while we were there, and we got to see the rain and the sun greet each other with a Rainbow!!! A double one:) We celebrated this by taking the ´Rainbow Warp´ (a Ferris Wheel 222 m above sea-level).

The view from the top of the Ferris Wheel.

LOVED the Sky Cycle track. Here from our Sunset Ride:)

Sumi and Tim heading out on their bike:)

Ahhh...relaxing...

This was the scariest part of the ride:/

Doing a E.T. Bicycle Ride:) S.T. is making the 2010 version:)

Just a few images here from a GREAT day out. We topped this fun-packed day with my favorite food in Japan; SUSHI! I wish I had photos from here. The sushi came floating on boats next to where we sat. Yummy and entertaining:)

Thank you Sumi&Tim;)

Shibukawa Beach

2010-08-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

August is the warmest month in Japan, with day-time temperatures between 32C and 36C. I usually like being a citizen in the ´Land of Sunshine´(Okayama). But right now I am doing everything I can to avoid the sun. Well, not everything...I am still not in hold of a Sun Umbrella:)

I wake up every morning to blue sky and sun. It looks gorgeous out there, but I know it will be too warm to move walk around in the city. But look what I found; a beach 1 hour south of Okayama City. A perfect day-trip when I need to cool down with a swim in the ocean.

I was the only foreigner at the beach, so I got a bit more attention than I am comfortable with. But it was worth it. Hope to go back soon. I know where to go now at least, when I am desperate for a swim:)

Summer 2010

2010-08-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Looking back on my holiday in Norway. What a summer! I have 400 photos on my computer, and thousands in my head:) Just a few photos here to share some of all the fun I got to be a part of during my 4 weeks in Norway this summer.

I started my holiday by spending a few days in Oslo. Here a a photo from Holmenkollen Ski Jump; Norway´s most visited Tourist Attraction.

Good to be back home with my people.

Visiting Munch at home. (Edvard Munch, the artist behind the famous painting ´The Scream´)

I got to join a wedding in Valdres. Congratulations Anne Helene and Bjørn:)

´Nygift´ means ´Just married

The Wedding Party was held inside this gorgeous hotel. Sorry, just the roof here. Danebu Hotel it is...if you want to see more of it...

Love watching sheep as they walk around in the green grass. No worries, no stress, just enjoying life.

Listening to Grieg while driving through this scenary. Beautiful! I felt like stopping every 100 m. Photos please!

Hanging out with the locals:)

Borgund Stave Church. Built sometime between 1180 and 1250!

Toilet? That´s just around the corner...

Good old Norway.

How good it is to feel the sea-breeze again:)

Crossing Sognefjord, the world´s longest and Norway´s deepest fjord.

Crossing the Gaular Mountain. Destination: Bygstad, Sogn og Fjordane (I lived and worked in this county for one year as a Youth Leader 13 years ago.)

Nice guys, beautiful nature, fresh air, no appointments, no stress...just enjoying life:)

Awww...the nature, the air, the colours here... I really really appreciate Norway after spending some time away from it. Proud of my country:)

Mackerel anyone? I´ll catch it for you:)

No summer without a visit to Bergen. And as always when I am there; SUNNY!

Me and my oldest brother reaching the top of our islands highest mountain; Sålefjell (132m)

From our annual Marshmallow BBQ Party. This year; 7th Anniversary!

Hannah (niece) and Elias (nephew)

Me and Grandma:)

A glimpse from Grandma´s Garden Party

Kamilla (niece) and Gunnar (brother)

Daniel, godson and nephew:)

Lillesand in the background. A cozy little town south in Norway.

Enjoying the sun on the deck of the boat:)

Gorgeous views from inside of Saltholmen Lighthouse

I spent some of my last days of my Summer Vacation in this cute little house in Lillesand. A perfect end to a fantastic month in Norway!

Sisters:)

2010-07-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

48 hours non-stop of fun with my sisters.

Me and Sofie:)

Inger posing at Solastrand (a gorgeous beach in Stavanger)

Testing the water-temperature. Cold...

Jumping in the sand:)

Sea Food Salad. Love being back in Norway! (...where asking for gluten-free bread in a restaurant is the most natural thing:)

All my bags are packed...

2010-07-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

...I´m ready to go...cause I´m leaving on a jet-plane:) (Wish I could add the soundtrack to this blog-article. Please sing along while reading. If you don´t know it; check it out on YouTube. Leaving on a jet-plane. Great song.)

And yes, I am ready to leave Japan for a bit. I am going to spend the next 4 weeks in Norway together with friends and family. Can´t wait to see you all again:) Especially my nieces and nephews who I am sure has grown a lot during the year I have been away.

I came to Okayama 6 months ago, not knowing what was expecting me. But the church, my neighbours, the friends I have made here has made it easy for me to be a part of this city. I got to have a small ´thank-you´-speech to my friends in the church today. They have become my family here, and I am really thankful to have family both in Norway and in Japan.

My bags are full of presents. From neighbours and church-people. How will I be able to fit in 4 weeks of clothes, shoes, souvenirs, presents...? And within the 20 kg limit... Hoping the staff in the check-in counter will be nice to me.

And yes, I will bring my computer. Hope (I´m not promising...) to update the blog with photos from beautiful Norway:)

I can do everything

2010-07-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

...through Him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13

Himeji

2010-07-02T17:13:00.001-07:00

I have some friends coming over to Japan this summer. I won´t be here, as I usually head back to Norway at this time of year. But I thought I should share some advice here, if you are planning on visting Himeji. Like I did a couple of weeks ago. Himeji is usually a city that attracts many tourists. I have been there several times myself, and the park around the castle is usually crowded. But my last visit was quite different. I think I met 10- 15 people on my short visit outside the castle. Himeji Castle is one of the, if not the nicest, castles in Japan. But it seems to need some renovation. The Renovation Project is sceduled to last from 2009-2014, and during that time there will be restrictions. No visits inside for a while...

One of the interesting, unknown attractions is the fun mirrors in the public toilets outside the castle. I guess 99% of the visitors never notice all the fun you can have here. For free! Here a photo from my visit together with my sister last year.

I was trying to make a similar photo, one year later...without my sister. Not easy when you are alone. I recommend this experiment for 2+ people. Have fun!

Other interesting spots to see while visting Himeji:
- Shoshazan Engyoji: The place where they shot the famous movie; The Last Samurai
- Himeji Central Park: Who would think that you can go on a safari in Japan?

And they have the best restaurant here. It is a bit hard to find, but if you pass by a restaurant called Baobab; please visit. Oriental, yummy food, interesting books to read and the people working here are super-friendly.

Himeji is between Kobe and Okayama, and I love the fact that I can still take day-trips to this lovely city. Worth a visit!

FIFA World Cup 2010

2010-06-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Norway did not qualify for the World Cup 2010, but Japan did:) How lucky am I to belong to 2 countries at the moment. Gooooooo Japan!

The time-difference between South Africa and Japan is 7 hours. That means that the matches can be seen at 20:30, 23:00 and 27:30 (!!!). Next match (Japan-Denmark) is on at 27:30. Too late for a morning person like me...

But Japan´s match against Netherland was at a perfect time. Saturday night@20:30. Found a Sports Bar where everything was perfectly set up for Soccer Fans. Stadium, hot-dogs and drinks served at your seat, people dressed up in soccer-shirts, we did the wave, singing and cheering. And everybody left the room with a big smile. Proud of the Japanese guys, despite the loss. You did entertain us at least.

A fun night out together with Sumika&Tim:)

Thankful

2010-06-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Okey...a flat tyre is maybe not the thing I am most happy about. But I am thankful. Thankful to the observant gas-station workers at Port Island in Kobe for letting me know I had a flat tyre. After 300 km of driving over the last 12 hours, I was in need of petrol. All the guys working there were staring at my tyre in the front, and then I realized... It had a long screw inside it, and it was flat! How dangerous that could be on my way back to Okayama on the high-way... 100km/h with a flat tyre... Thank you Idemitsu (Port Island). I´ll give you a flower next time:)

I got to see many of my friends in Kobe this weekend. I wish I could post a photo of all my great friends here, but I always forget taking photos. Here is Priyanka from Sri Lanka (...it even rhymes:) with her son, Dylan. Priyanka and I were class-mates at YWCA. Now she´s a mum of an 8 month old boy. Big eyes and the biggest smile; CUTE!!!

2 and 1/2 years in Japan. Lots of people have been coming and going in my life. Thankful that I am still able to keep in touch with many of my new friends in Japan.

Let´s go bowling!

2010-06-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

Okayama Fair Lanes. I have a Bowling Hall just across the road from where I live. Ready for a game of bowling together with friends from Church.

The Bowling Shoes. Cute, aren´t they?

Okey, I´m ready!

The other guys got images like STRIKE and SPARE on their screens... I got this message after my throws.

1st Round: 72 points... 2nd Round: 54 points...

The score-sheet of my team-members. I got to keep it. To remind myself that I NEED PRACTISE! I actually got a free-game voucher from the staff. I think they felt a bit sorry for me:)

´The girls who play for fun´-team

The Pro Team

The Family Team

Bowling is obviously not one of my strengths... But I had fun.

Church, Chinese lunch, Bowling, Party at my place; a fun Sunday!

Coffee? Yes, please!

2010-06-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

Okey...before I came to this point it took me about 20 minutes. I was so lucky to get hold of a Coffee Syphon. Making coffee has never been more entertaining. Here some photos from my Coffee Science Project one early morning.

I start by pouring boiling water into the lower bowl, and then light the alcohol burner.

After about 15 minutes the water rises to the upper bowl. For one minute it stays like this, and whoop...

...fresh coffee drips down to the lower bowl.

It takes me 10 seconds to make instant coffee, 2 minutes in my Coffee Maker and this...20 minutes. But it is so worth it. For some reason the coffee tastes better after watching it being made over such a long time.

Welcome to Coffee Parties in Famille Tower Plaza!

Takahashi 60 years old!

2010-06-01T04:39:00.001-07:00

My ´Japanese dad´, Takahashi:)

Takashi (first name) Takahashi (family name):)

Golden Sparkling Wine. Nothing but the best for Takahashi´s 60th Birthday!

...with 22 carat edible gold flakes in it...

The host of the party, Kawasaki and I.

A fun evening:)

Some of Takahashi´s friends at Nishioka´s Italian Reataurant.

I met Takahashi 2 years ago in a dress-shop. He is the manager of a shop in the central areas of Kobe, where they sell beautiful evening dresses. I´m afraid I am not one of the best customers there, but we have become very good friends over the last 2 years. Takahashi is originally from Tokyo, but he LOVES Kobe, so he´s been living here over the last 30 years. And he really is like one of the locals here. He knows everybody in the city, all the best restaurants, the dialect spoken here, what´s happening in the area etc. And, being my ´Japanese dad´, he feels responsible to help me become familiar with this beautiful city. I have been introduced to many good restaurants, lots of great people, taught me a lot about culture, sports and religion in Japan.

Lots of fun memories from my time with Takahashi and his friends in Kobe. I´m glad Okayama is not too far away. We´ll meet again soon:)

A sunny day:)

2010-05-21T02:23:00.000-07:00

I know I made a blog about how great Okayama is for us ´cyclists´ a couple of months ago. But I have to do another one now. To show you how green and sunny it is at the moment. AND, my new-discovered routes. I´m afraid this article won´t be the last one. Love my bike, and the fact that I always find new, gorgeous places in an hour distance from Okayama City.

It is sooo green and colourful. Beautiful!

This flower is everywhere along the road. Yellow and green; it gives me the feeling of spring:)

I had a rest by the river. The water was a bit chilly, but perfect after an hour ride in the warm sun.

The river I usually ride along.

Back home, on my balcony.

I love the circles on the fence on my balcony. It gives me a great view from my sun-chair on the 11th floor.

Nature and city-life. I get it all here:)

17th May 2010

2010-05-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

Sausages from IKEA, ´Idun sennep og sprøstekt løk´ from Norway:)

Silje and I:)

Lots of nice Norwegians and friends of Norway gathered.

There are 3 days in the year I am more fond of than any other days. My birthday, 17th May and Christmas. All of a sudden I feel like being 10 years old again. Love all the memories I have from these days.

17th May is Norway´s Constitution Day. In most countries this day goes on with little or no celebration. But in Norway it is always a big party. Most for the kids, as this is their day. All the program, the food, the games; it´s all related to what children like. The party usually starts in the morning at the closest Primary School. From there the Children´s Parade starts. The day goes on with games for the kids, lots of ice-cream, hot-dogs, candies and so on. Who ate most ice-cream and hot-dogs were always a question in our School Newsletter when I was in Primary School. I was hoping to do well this year, but I guess I talked too much and ended up with lousy 3 sausages and 2 ice-lollies...

Celebrating 17th May abroad is always fun. We were around 30 Norwegians gathered in Kobe this year. A FUN DAY!

(Wish I had more photos to share, but I was too busy talking/arranging/eating/running here and there etc.)

Golden Week 2

2010-05-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Okayama! The home of the famous Momo-taro (a Japanese Folktale Character), Okayama Castle, one of the top 3 most beautiful gardens in Japan, Korakuen, and ME!

Nope, not in jail. Just hiding in the shadow for a bit. The sun is really strong today. Enjoying the view of the garden from one of the shelters. Okayama Castle in the background.

It is so green and spring-ish in the garden at the moment. Beautiful!

I like the design of the bridge:)

Look who I met in Kurashiki, Hello Kitty!

Coffee-Time!

This is the view from our table, while we were enjoying our organic coffee. Life is good:)

Ok Kimiho; visiting me is not just a relaxing experience. My visitors always seem to end up working for me in some ways...

My car is now clean, inside and outside. Thank you for visiting Kimiho:)

Golden Week 1

2010-05-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

I´m on my way to Shikoku:)

Seto-Ohashi Bridge is, with its 13.1 km, the world's longest two-tiered bridge!

The driver of the day, Liv.

Kimiho in front of Marugame Castle.

We were so lucky to end up right in the middle of a Festival. Marugame city, a happening place.

I started writing this blog 2 years ago. My first blogs were about Golden Week 2008 in Busan, Korea. I was having a week off, like most Japanese have this time of year. My work-schedule is a bit different this year, so only 2 days off for me during this year´s Golden Week. But first day off was full of first-time experiences for me, so I think I would be happy with just this day off. I was so lucky to have Liv (Norwegian friend and colleague) and Kimiho (Japanese friend from Kobe) on visit. I have been dreaming of going to Shikoku for so long, and finally I made it there!

Shikoku is an island south of Okayama. It is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan. Honshu is the largest island, and it is the island I live on. (The two other islands Japan consist of is Hokkaido and Kyushu). We had no idea of where to go, except knowing that we were to cross that bridge. A beautiful car-ride with ocean-view on both sides. I love travelling, not knowing where I end up. Always a success, and today was not an exception. We ended up in a city north of Shikoku called Marugame.

Sunny, 26C, music, dance, people dressed up in costumes, fair, food, handicraft, a hike up to the smallest castle I have seen in Japan, and not least, good company:) A great day out!

Surprise!!!

2010-05-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

Yoshika, Chie and Sayo surprised me with a Party!

Gluten-free cake. Yummy! Eating cake is not something I do very often. Thank you Sayo for taking time to make it for me:)

Happy Birthday-Girl!

Tea, flowers and chili-powder. These girls know what I like:)

Thank you Kristine for the parcel! (I managed to keep it for 3 days without opening it. Loved waking up to a Birthday Present:)

I thought turning 33 years would be a quiet happening. My plan for the day was to do my favorite thing; go on a bike-ride and just enjoy the sun and nature in Okayama. But I have to say that things turned out much better than I could ever dreamed of. I don´t know how and when my new friends found out that May 1st is my Birthday. But they did, and made sure that I got a memorable day.

Thankful for good friends:)

Seriously...

2010-04-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

I am just about to turn 33 years old. A girl in her best age:) I have not come to that point where I am embarrassed to say my age. I choose to think that the year I am in at the moment is the BEST year of life. I read an article in a Women´s Magazine last year, that 32 is the best year in a woman´s life. And I can agree, I´ve had a good year. Lots of exciting things happening.

I know I should be happy about people guessing I am younger than I really am. But again, look what I got from the NHK guy who came on my door (NHK: National Broadcasting Company in Japan). STICKERS! I have been a bit slow with paying the licence for my TV in Japan. The main reason is because I don´t understand much of the TV-programs here. So I am still battling with whether I should keep it or not. I never turn it on. The man had to do his job, and he gave me a fine. For not paying in time... He saw I was not too happy about this, and tried to cover the pain by giving me stickers.

I start to question what signs I am giving to the people around me? Don´t I look like an adult? Should I invest in a pair of glasses, in order to be taken more seriously? Or should I just enjoy all the benefits I get by having the look I have:) I guess the last. Forever young!

Remote-controls

2010-04-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

I moved into my flat in Okayama about 4 months ago. It is a good size, not too big and not too small. I should have been quite familiar with the flat by now, but I still discover new cool things about this place. Like a couple of days ago when I found (...another...) remote-control in my WC (I mean the room here, not the actual toilet:). I don´t have many electrical appliances in my apartment. One old TV, no video or DVD-player, one CD-player... But in Japan they seem to have a remote-control for just about anything. The roof-lamp for example has 3 different light-settings. I can control the on/off button and the brightness. I do see the benefits by having a remote-control for my Air-Conditioners up on the wall, but for my toilet?

Toilets in Japan are a bit different from what we are used to in Norway (Europe/Australia/USA). I have one of these high-tech toilets in my apartment. Not the most advanced, but I have the most important functions. Like an integrated bidet, a nozzle the size of a pencil that comes out from underneath the toilet seat and squirts water. I can control the pressure of the water, the temperature and choose between 2 different programs. And the function I like the most; heated toilet-seat. (More advanced toilets have functions like a blow dryer, massage options, automatic lid opening, automatic flushing, room heating and air conditioning for the room. Some play music to relax the user (some Inax toilets, for example, play the first few tunes of Op. 62 Nr. 6 Frühlingslied by Felix Mendelssohn.)

I don´t really see why I need a remote-control for my toilet, as I already have all the buttons next to the toilet (see photo). But I have to say, I find it all very amusing:)

Norwegian...ahhh, Salmon!

2010-04-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

A small Fish Market in Kurashiki who were excited about meeting Norwegians.

Norwegian salmon, they sell it here:)

When will they be able to enjoy their next piece of yummy Norwegian Salmon?

Japanese are funny when it comes to food. You mention a name of a place, and they associates it always to food. Like with me. They always ask me where I am from, and when I say Norway their immediate answer is....ah, Salmon!

According to this article 90% of the imported Salmon in Japan is from Norway. My favorite at Sushi Restaurants. Eyjafjallajökull, will you please stop?

The flight chaos brought by Iceland's volcanic eruption has impacted Japan's sushi industry, with seafood traders looking as far as New Zealand to make up a shortfall in imports of Norwegian salmon.Japan usually sources 90 percent of the prized Atlantic salmon from the Scandinavian country, much of it by air cargo, but stocks have run low since flights have been grounded because of the massive volcanic ash cloud."Absolutely nothing is coming our way. I'm praying that the disruption ends soon," said a trader in Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market, the world's largest. Bloomberg

Charcoal, yummy!

2010-04-19T03:04:00.000-07:00

Charcoal snacks:)

My friend at Zest Organic Food in Kobe

Just wanted to share with you the latest in Japanese snacks. I looked at the black stuff in my friends shop, and thought it was charcoal. For the purpose I usually think of when it comes to charcoal. It had never occured to me that this would be something to snack on. It is black as black can be! It is tasty and the best thing is that it is really good for your body.

Zest is an organic shop, located in Kobe (Aotani). They have the best Soup Bar there, lots of healthy food, Indian Food (take-away/obento), organic fruits and vegetables etc. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Konnichiwa!

2010-04-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

After almost 2 years of blogging I found out that it is time to change my lay-out. And the name of my blog...

The reason why my first blog´s name was ´moshi moshi´ was because that was the first Japanese word I learned. The Japanese say ´moshi moshi´ when they answer the phone. Just like we say ´Hello!´. But after spending some time in this country I am happy to say that my Japanese Language skills has improved. Not as much as I would like to, but still... I do manage to get around with my Japanese.

Konnichiwa is a better word to learn. This is the real HELLO. If you are planning on coming to Japan, know some Japanese in your neighbourhood, see Japanese tourists in your country; please use it. It has given me a lot of good friends. I pop into shops, say KONNICHIWA, and have the best conversations.

The profile picture is from a day in Miyajima. They were standing behind us in the line, waiting for the boat taking us back to mainland Japan.

West meets East. Look at our way of dressing... I always feel underdressed when I live here in Japan. Me in my jeans, they in their silken, flowery kimonos. Beautiful girls!

Travelling with mum and dad

2010-04-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

OK...last blog about my parents visit. For 2 weeks I got to experience how it was to be under mum and dad´s supervision again. It is many years since I spent this much time together with my mum and dad. Things have changed. This time I was the one to take care of my parents, explain things for them, drive them around Japan, introduce them to new places, food, people etc. But for the conductor on the train it obviously looked like I was still mum and dad´s little girl. Look what I got while travelling on Shinkansen (bullet-train) from Hiroshima to Okayama; an eraser.

I choose to take this as a compliment. I must look young for my age:)

Thanks for visiting!

2010-04-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

2 weeks with mum and dad in Japan. FUN!

Having lunch in one of Japan´s 3 most beautiful gardens, Korakuen. Oishiii!

Icecream, coffee, sunshine, 22C and good company. Enjoying Japan:)

Mum even got a little bit of a tan:) (My building in the background.)

Many walks under the Cherry Trees.

Pink, green and blue...beautiful!

Flowers popping up from the tree trunk!

Home-made Japanese Lunch Box. Yummy! Oishi!!!

Midori (the pastors wife) made lunch for us on mum and dad´s last visit to the Church.

They got to visit the Church on 5 different occasions.

Okayama City by night. (The view from my balcony)

10th April: On my own again in Japan...

My apartment feels very empty at the moment. Having mum and dad around 24 hours a day for 2 weeks made me almost forget how it is to live on my own. It always happens when I have good friends and family around. I guess I will get into my ´everyday life´ soon.

2 weeks, we´ve seen a lot. Many first-time experiences also for me. We have seen the beauty of Japan, the Church-situation, got a bit more information on the tragic stuff that has happened to Japan (A-bomb Musuem in Hiroshima and Earthquake Museum in Kobe). But the memories that will follow mum and dad most are all the lovely people they have met.

Many good memories from 2 eventful weeks. Thanks mum and dad for taking time to see me here in Japan!

Road Trip to Hiruzen

2010-04-05T01:24:00.000-07:00

Hiruzen Bible Camp

Tasty bread (Norwegian recipe) made by Ikeda-san. Yummy!

Visiting the lovely Igi-family.

Igi-sensei makes the best coffee (...and has the most entertaining coffee maker:)

Popped by the Matsue-Li family while driving through Hiruzen.

Cherry Blossom Festival

2010-04-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Just some photos here to share some of the images we have been met with over the last week. A photo will never be able to catch the beauty of the Cherry Blossom Tree. The trees were in full bloom this weekend; a perfect opportunity to go out for a picnic.

Hiroshima and Miyajima

2010-04-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

...with me as the Tour Guide.

Genbaku Dome (The A-bomb Dome in Hiroshima)

Walking through the beautiful green park.

Sitting in front of the Peace Museum.

Some girls eating their lunch under a Cherry Blossom Tree.

Me and mum entering the boat that took us to Miyajima Island.

Lots of deers walking around on the island.

So much to see in Japan. 2 weeks is not enough to see all what Japan has to offer. I am here on a 4 year contract, but I am afraid even that won´t give me enough time to see and experience all. But we have been able to cover parts of Japan´s top sightseeing spots. Like today; the Peace Center in Hiroshima and a trip to the lovely island, Miyajima. Visiting Miyajima was a first-time experience for me as well. Glad I made it here after more than 2 years in the country. A gorgeous place! The Cherry Trees were in full bloom, and the sun were shining. A good day!

A Japanese morning

2010-04-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

Matsunaga-san made traditional Japanese green tea for us.

Japanese sweets. Beautifully made as always.

I got to wear a kimono for the first time. Happy!

Look at the bow!

I am single, so long arms for me. (Married people has shorter arms on their kimonos)

When you turn 20 years old in Japan, you become an adult. They have a ceremony in January where all 20 year old girls wear a kimono like this. So for an hour I got the experience of how it is to be a 20 year old Japanese girl. Loved it!

Mum and dad is visiting me in Japan this Easter. Lots of travelling these days. We´ve been to Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kurashiki++ so far. But we spend most time in my ´home-town´, Okayama. These photos is from a morning in my Church in Okayama. One of the Church-members wanted to give me the experience of wearing a kimono, and my parents to join in a Japanese Tea Ceremony. I have seen many Japanese girls/women wearing these beautiful clothes, but now I know how it feels like. It is tight. And getting dressed does take time. Thank you Matsunaga-san for giving me this experience!

The last snowfall

2010-03-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

The view from my room when I openend my curtains this morning

Hiruzen Bible Camp covered in snow

Hoping the roads are free from snow. No winter tires...

In Japan, Vernal Equinox Day (Japanese: 春分の日 Shunbun no hi, Norwegian: Vårjevnsdøgn) is an official national holiday, and I spent that day going up to NLM´s (Norwegian Lutheran Mission) Camp Site, Hiruzen, where we were to hold the annual Conference. Hiruzen is a bit up in the mountains, but I thought I would be safe to drive up there this late in the year. And I was, up till the last day of the Conference. I guess, and hope this was the last bit of winter this year. The calender says spring, and I have promised my parents who are coming in 3 days sun and temperatures around 15-20C. Ready for lots of fun outings and picnics:)

Roundabouts...

2010-03-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

If I were a politician in Japan, I would do something to make the traffic run more smoothly. Simply by building more roundabouts. There are traffic lights everywhere here. I spend so much time waiting for a green light these days, and it gives me lots of time to plan how it would look like if they would let ME have a say in the street-planning. Yes to more roundabouts!

The roundabout in the photo is the first one I have seen in Japan. I guess there are more, it is just that I haven´t been driving much before now. But the first one I see is quite an impressive one. Beautifully made. Yes to more of these:)

Kenta-kun and Tunu-chan:)

2010-03-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

I really miss my nieces and nephews these days... Haven´t seen them for 8 months. But I feel lucky to have friends all over the world who includes me in their families. I am now Auntie Chillie to 2 beautiful Kenyan children. Kenta is a 3 year old boy, speaks fluent Japanese and English and has the most fun stories to tell. Tunu (girl) was born 4 months ago, and has her own language. After 4 years in Japan it is now time for them to move back to Africa. I will miss having African friends around, but hope to visit my ´niece and nephew´ in Kenya one day:)

The photos are from Matsue Vogel Park. An amazing collection of flowers and birds. I didn´t get to see the penguins dressed up, but love the fact that they do on special occasions. LOVE penguins:)

Norwegians!!!

2010-03-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

Eli and Silje:)

Me outside the Jeans Museum in Kojima.

Order made jeans...like that!

The ´famous´ Betty Smith:)

I am now in hold of a cool pair of Betty Smith jeans. Happy!

After 3 months of being the only Norwegian in Okayama, I realized how much I missed hanging out with people from my own country. Speak my language, laugh of the same kind of jokes, talk about things only Norwegians find interesting etc. 2 days with NMS´s volunteers, Eli and Silje did me good. Lots of talking. I have so much unsaid, as my Japanese Language still limits me. So I am afraid there were more talking than listening from me this time...:)

The photos from the Jeans Museum is from a road-trip we had down to the coast. I am doing my best to spread the word; Betty Smith. THE jeans to go for this year.

All these languages...

2010-03-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

">

I find my life a bit difficult at times, having to deal with 3 languages. Thinking in Norwegian, teaching in English and lots of listening and reading in Japanese these days. Got a reminder here that there is a whole lot more to learn...

March...

2010-03-10T00:45:00.000-08:00

March is known as the month of the year with the highest suicide rate. For 12 consecutive years, suicide has risen in Japan, with 32,753 cases in 2009. The highest number was reported in March with 3,079 victims, followed by 3,064 and 3,001 cases in April and May respectively.
The issue of suicide is more serious in Japan as these victims are people in their most productive years. The 2008 Population Survey Report published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicates suicide as the leading cause of death for the age group 20-29 and 30-39.

(Link:Japan Today Full article: http://www.japantoday.com/category/shukan-post/view/march-is-worst-month-for-suicides-of-salaried-workers)

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Mission:Possible

2010-03-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

I promised you a video of my car and my car park. Here it is!

">

Jorunn Chillie BOND Svela

Plum-tree Season is here

2010-02-22T02:45:00.000-08:00

Kellie did fit in well with all the other Photographers in Korakuen Park

This is a result of Kellie´s photography skills. Beautiful!

Love all the different colours on the Plum-trees

...and the grass is gradually getting its green colour back after a long winter

Had a rest in the park, enjoying a good cup of green tea...and kibidango (millet-dumplings)

Monday is my day off. A great opportunity to go around and explore the area around my house. I still feel like a tourist in Okayama, and the camera is always in my bag.

I was lucky to have Kellie (Australian class-mate from Kobe) and her mum on visit this Monday. And Okayama showed itself from its best side this Monday. Sunny and 15C.

Japan is famous for its Cherry Trees. I feel a bit sorry for the Plum Trees. Nobody talks about them. But look at my pics... The Plum Tree blossoms are the first sign we get as we enter the Spring Season. Love the colours! I have seen them since the middle of February and I like the fact that they start this early. I am ready for Spring and warmer weather. The Weather Forecast says sunny and 17C for tomorrow. It is good to be a citizen of Okayama.

Saturday and sunny:)

2010-02-13T03:30:00.000-08:00

I usually head north of my Mansion, cycle along the river and end up here. Love to live this close to the nature.

10 min of cycling from busy Okayama, and there I am right in the middle of a Farming Village.

The river I follow. My house can be seen in the photo. The one closest to the centre.

Looking back gives me a reminder that I am never too far away from the city.

As the title says; everything set up for the perfect day. But here I am, on my 3rd day trying to recover from a cold. I was so tempted to go on a long bike-ride this morning. But I did realize soon that this is not going to happen today. Another day inside on my coach...awww... So I thought I should share some photos from a day in January I went cycling in beautiful Okayama.

Okayama is a great place for cycling. It is flat, the air is clean and I can go on for hours without being stopped by traffic lights. And I know there are lots of ´not-yet-explored´ cycle tracks around. My bike is definately one of my best shopping in Japan so far. That, and my car:)

(For those of you waiting for a video of my parking lot; please be patient with me. I am still looking for my charger (camera)... So I am without camera these days...)

Momotaro (The Peach boy)

2010-02-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most famous legends in Japan is the story of Momotaro. And it has its origin from Okayama. The Main-Street going through Okayama City, buildings, the football-stadium is named after him. He has his own museum, there are statues of him everywhere, the most popular souvenir is some dumplings (kibi-dango) from the story etc. So I thought I should share the story with you here.

Once upon a time there lived an old man and an old woman in the country of Okayama. The old man went everyday into the mountains to cut wood, while his wife would go to the river to wash clothes. One day, while the old woman was down at the river washing clothes, a big peach came floating down the river! It looked so delicious, she decided to take it home for her and her husband to eat. When the old man came back to their home, the old woman cut the peach open, and to their surprise, there was a small boy inside! They decided to call him Momotaro, which means 'peach boy'.

The old couple raised Momotaro to be big and strong. One day, he decided to go and defeat the ogres living on Ogre Island that were pillaging the land. The old woman fixed him some delicious millet dumplings, known as kibi-dango, for his long journey to the island. On the way, a monkey, a dog, and a pheasant joined him, giving them a dumpling each in return for their help in fighting the ogres.

Upon reaching the Ogre Island, Momotaro and his companions found that the gate was locked to the Ogre's fort. The pheasant flew inside, and grabbed a key to let the others in. Once inside, they fought the evil ogres. The pheasant pecked their eyes, the dog bit their legs and the monkey jumped on their backs, clawing at the beasts. Finally, the ogres cried for mercy! They gave the strong Momotaro all of their treasure, and he returned to his village triumphantly. Momotaro and the old couple lived happily ever after.

A 9-minute long video from the story. It´s in Japanese, but you will understand the storyline if you read the summary above before watching. Enjoy:)

">

Munch in Japan

2010-02-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

OK; I have been bragging about living in the city with most sunny days in Japan. But I am afraid my friend, Ulla (Finland) is not yet convinced. She came to spend 2 days together with me in ´The Land of Sunshine´, and it rained from the minute she stepped out of Shinkansen (bullet-train) till she left this place. So to make it clear, yes it does rain every now and then, even in Okayama. But those days are rare. The sun came out the day after she left. Too bad. Next time Ulla:)

I think museums are made for days like this. It was a good time to explore the exciting things Okayama has to offer inside. The building behind us (see photo) is the famous Ohara museum in Kurashiki. An impressive collection of art from famous artists like Picasso, Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, Modigliani, Rothko and not least; the Norwegian painter Edvard Munch. I was looking forward to see ´Madonna´, but didn´t get to see it this time as it was away for a repair. So, at the moment Munch and I are the only Norwegians represented in Okayama at the moment.

Munch and I:)

Toyota Vitz

2010-01-27T04:05:00.000-08:00

I got my car delivered this week. So excited!!! I promised you photos of my new car, but I am afraid my camera is out of battery, and I can´t find my battery charger. So annoying... Well, this photo will have to do in the meanwhile. Cool, isn´t it?

But the coolest thing is my parking space outside my flat. In Japan you can´t buy a car unless you have your own parking space. And since I live in a block with 29 floors it says itself, a normal parking lot would be impossible. But Japan has a solution to this. You can see car parking lifts everywhere. We have one outside where I live. And my parking space is on the 4th floor. I just love the entertainment it is to get out my car. I put my key in, press my number and the lights and the bip-bip sound starts. Cars under me are pushed to the left or the right, floors are going underground, and down comes my car from 6 -7m above. I really hope to make a video out of this one day and post it here. It is the coolest thing. I feel like James Bond every time I get my car out. Wroom, ready for a new day and new challenges ahead.

I bought a car...

2010-01-17T04:35:00.000-08:00

...and look what I got as a ´thank-you-for-buying-a-car-at-our-place´; Japanese snacks:)

OK, I have never been out car-shopping before, so I don´t know what is normal and not. But after having a look at the car, finding out that this is the car I want, signing all the papers I needed I got a ´Goodie-bag´ as I said farewell to the Car-Dealer.

It will take about a week to register my car, make a numberplate ++, so I will come back with more photos and details about my newest shopping when it gets here. I´m excited!!!

I´m a lady:)

2010-01-14T04:27:00.000-08:00

レデイース means Ladies. So all you men out there, stay clear...this one is for women only.

So thankful for being a ´lady´ these days. I don´t know if I just didn´t notice this in Kobe, but Ladies Lunches (both in restaurant and take-away lunch) is everywhere in Okayama. I love it when they tell me what a ´lady´ is supposed to eat. Just look at this one, yummy!!!

Exploring Okayama

2010-01-09T03:15:00.001-08:00

Okayama City

Always a new cool cafe to visit. This one; The Modern Art Cafe

Mingling with the locals

More rice-smashing

Sushi; love it!

Japanese kids having fun with Soap Bubbles at the Zoo next to my house

Okayama Castle

Visiting one of Japan´s 3 most beautiful gardens, Korakuen.

Guinness Record Spinning Top at Kurashiki Toy Museum

The oldest Public School in the world

My first 4 weeks in Okayama has been a great experience. Saying goodbye to Kobe and my friends there was hard. But I am not too worried any more. Okayama has a lot to offer. Good neighbours, always sunny, lots of cool cafe´s, friendly people around, interesting attractions, close to both sea and mountains, etc. I had a long bike-ride this morning along the river and I felt lucky to be here. Going away from the city all I could see was nature and the mountains. I ended up in a small village with traditional Japanese houses. And as soon as I turned my bike, I could see all the high building´s of Okayama City. I get it all here, close to nature and quiet places and I can still enjoy the benefits with living in a big city.

Thankful for the opportunity to spend some time here:)

Skiing in Japan

2009-12-31T02:27:00.000-08:00

7.00am. Excited about the day ahead.

Daisen Kokusai Ski Area. Rental Ski:)

Freezing cold...brrr...

Yes, that´s me!

I love snow!

I have never been a big fan of winter and skiing. After living in countries like Australia and Hong Kong I did realize how extreme Norway can be weatherwise. How on earth did people decide to live this far up north? When I moved to Japan 2 years ago, I had that impression that it was a warm country. And it is, during summer. But Japan has both extremes, hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters.

I went skiing on the last day of 2009. Daisen Kokusai Ski Area. A 3 hour long bus-trip from Okayama City. And even though I had my first skiing-experience in a long time in heavy snow, I did have a good time. Skiing is fun! I can´t believe I haven´t done it for so long. I will definately try to make it another visit this season.

So, one of my New Year Resolutions this year will be just about this. No more complaining about cold weather and snow. The new me says: I love snow:)

Goodbye Charlie

2009-12-30T02:17:00.000-08:00

Seeing Charlie off as she is about to board the bullet-train, Shinkansen

Another Charlie and Chillie Christmas is over. Lots of good memories:) Thank you for coming Charlie!

Boxing Day

2009-12-26T04:36:00.000-08:00

The initial plan today was to rent a car and go to Hiroshima. But things never turn out as we plan. There were no cars availiable in the 5 Rental Car Shops we visited, so we decided to go on the local train to Hiroshima (3 hours east of Okayama) instead. And 2 hours later we ended up in Himeji (1 and 1/2 hours west of Okayama). It´s a good thing we are flexible and OK with changes of plans.

But going to Himeji turned out to be a good plan. Himeji has the most beautiful Castle in Japan and Charlie got a good hike inside the castle.

My Church in Okayama

2009-12-25T05:35:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to post some photos of my new Church, East Okayama Evangelical Lutheran Church. This is the Church I will work in over the next 2 years. Sunday Service every Sunday at 10:30. Welcome to join us!

Christmas Day

2009-12-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

Look what we got for Christmas. A roast chicken from Sumika and Tim!

Our dinner Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Charlie keeps herself entertained by doing origami

No reason to be bored as long as you have a piece of paper:)

Christmas Day; another sunny day in Okayama. The land of Sunshine:)

We had a walk in the morning and discovered that I have a huge sports-area next to where I live. So everything is set up for 2 sporty years for Chillie-chan. I do like running, and found a running-track I can use whenever I feel like it. I think my knees will like that.

And as you can se from the photos; we made ourselves a proper dinner for once. Finding a whole chicken is not the easiest thing here in Japan. Most supermarkets doesn´t have it. But thanks to good friends (Sumika and Tim) we could enjoy a lovely Christmas meal with Roast Chicken. Yummy!

Okayama is a small city, so we have covered most of the roads going up and down from my house. But that gives us time to spend some quality time back home. Charlie has really gotten into the Origami and surprise me with new creations every day. Like today, a triangle-box perfect for popcorn.

For friends and colleagues in Japan; I am now in hold of a Rummikub/Rummy. Welcome to join me for game-evenings in apartment 1106.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T05:55:00.000-08:00

We started the day with a walk along the Nishigawa river.

Perfect weather for a walk outside.

Impressed with all the different paths and benches along the river.

The Service Program

Since it was my Norwegian Christmas today, I got to open all the presents from Norway. Thank you friends and family!!!

Charlie and I making rice-porridge.

Porridge on Christmas Eve is a must.

Christmas Sweets. Yummy!

I got up at 5.30 this morning. Excited about the big day. Norwegian Christmas:)

After a rainy day yesterday the sun came back and we had a great walk along the river going through Okayama City. Always something new to explore in this city.

And since there are no Christmas Service either today (24th) or tomorrow (25th) in my Church here in Okayama, we decided to have our own Church Service in my flat.

Another Norwegian tradition on Christmas Eve is to eat Rice Porridge. We were too keen to eat our porridge so we forgot all about the almond. In Norway we hide an almond in one of the bowls, and the one who gets it wins a Marzipan pig. So we ended up sharing the one we had.

Other things on the program: Dancing around the Christmas Tree, opening of presents, drinking gløgg (mulled wine) and visitors coming in the evening. Sumika and Tim came to say hi. They are off for their wedding in America, leaving Japan tomorrow morning. The wedding will be on Dec 31th. All the best for the big day Sumika and Tim!!!

Famille Tower Plaza

2009-12-23T22:11:00.000-08:00

How to make rice sticky? You just boil some rice, put it in a big bowl and hit it with these hammers.

When the rice has been hitten enough times, it turns out like a dough. The kids here are waiting for their share to fill it with red-beans and other japanese toppings. Yummy!

And of course; the 2 foreigners had to have a try.

Again; a happening fun for kids...and the 2 of us:)

Watch out man!

I met the leader of the Social Event Group at Famille Tower Plaza on my first day here, and he invited me to the big end-of-year event, Riceball-making. Today, 23rd Dec is the Emperor´s Birthday so it is a public holiday in Japan. A fun day out in the Garden. I got to talk to some of my new neighbours and they are all very very friendly. Thinking I will be happy here:)

My first visitor

2009-12-22T04:56:00.000-08:00

Charlie and I visiting Kurashiki. A beautiful old town 15 min trainride out of Okayama.

We met a man who was playing Christmas Carols on a Fish Stick. FUN:)

Chillie and Charlie:)

A candy-shop full of kids and parents...and the 2 of us. Yummy..what to choose?

Love snowmen

Dec 22nd, and I finally got time to decorate the Christmas Tree. With Norwegian flags.

I didn´t have to stay long in my new apartment in Okayama before I had my first visitor coming. Charlie came 3 days after me, and I am really happy to have her with me this Christmas. We have celebrated a lot of Christmases together, but never one in a cold country. And this is the first Japanese Christmas for both of us.

The Japanese have their Christmas Celebration on the last Sunday before Christmas, so we are already done with the Japanese celebration. A 5 hour long Sunday Service/lunch/party in my new Church. Lots of people and good fun. The next Christmas coming up is mine, which is on the 24th. So Norwegian Christmas on the 24th and English Christmas on the 25th.

But these days before Christmas are spent on exploring my new neighbourhood. I still haven´t found the nearest supermarket, where to go running, what buses and trams that goes where and when... A lot to get into when you move to a new city. But doing these things are just fun when you are 2.

Other fun things we have been up to these days: Origami, Christmas Cookie baking, karaoke, sightseeing, toy museum, a walk in one of Japan´s most beautiful parks, we have been inside the Okayama Castle, eating lots of good Japanese food etc.

Lots of exciting things coming up over the next days. 2 days till Christmas:)

Okayama

2009-12-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

Okayama got a new citizen last week. ME! I went to register myself at the City Office and the number said: 703.173 citizens per 17.12.2009. I thought I should go back and see if that number is changed by now. Plus one Norwegian:) I have been here for 6 days, and so far very pleased with my new hometown.

And not least, my new flat. As you can see on the photo, I am not alone here. I live on the 11th floor of a 29th floor building. Each floor has 10 apartments, so 290 apartments in all. Famille Tower Plaza. Please come and visit!

YWCA Christmas Party

2009-12-11T18:06:00.001-08:00

Andy (Germany) and Mayumi (Philippines)

The A2 class singing Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

I was the Quiz Master

The teachers surprised us with a dance. Good fun!

Sawamura Sensei and Kotera Sensei

Fukui Sensei

Cake Decoration Competition

One of my favorite cakes

And the winner is; group 2!

Mayumi on Santa Claus lap:)

Ulla (Finland) and I:)

2 years of study is over. I came to Japan with no knowledge of the Japanese language. The Japanese language is written with a combination of three scripts: modified Chinese characters called kanji (漢字), and two syllabic scripts, hiragana (ひらがな or 平仮名) and katakana (カタカナ or 片仮名). It has been the most humiliating thing I have ever done. Still, after 2 years of studying I am finding it hard to read menus, books, newspapers (read impossible), say what I really mean, share emotions...awww... I have often regret why I started learning this hard language. Will I ever be able to master it? But the teachers at my Language School, YWCA, have been really patient with me. The same grammar, same characters has been repeated over and over again. (Thank you!) And little by little I have been able to understand more and more. So if you are interested in learning Japanese; Kobe YWCA is recommended!

So after going to this School every weekday since I arrived here in Japan January last year, it was a strange feeling thinking that this would be my last day here. Luckily it was a fun day:) Well, any day at YWCA is a fun day, but today was Christmas Party. All the students in the Japanese Language School and the ones studying to become a Japanese Teacher were there. And all our teachers. A fun end to a 2 year long, but very interesting study.

I will definately continue studying om my own. So much on my heart, but my Japanese vocabulary is still on a Beginner´s Level. Now looking forward to another adventure in Japan. The next 2 years will be spent in Okayama City.

New sofa?

2009-12-10T22:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming up and I just came over something that could have made it to my Christmas Wish-list. Some of you know that it was a BIG thing for me when I bought my first sofa. 31 years old, and I was out shopping for my own sofa. I really felt like an adult. But sofa´s like this was not in sale then.

The name of the shop was ´Jesus Diamante´. It made me think of the best treasure we can find. Diamonds may be of great value, but being a friend of Jesus is the best choice I have ever taken. And I thought of the verses saying something about heaven and how it will be when we get there:

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21: 21-27

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6: 19-21

So maybe I don´t need that sofa after all. I will get something much better in heaven.

European Week:)

2009-12-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

The good thing about living in Kobe is that there is always something to do. If I feel like escaping daily life every now and then, there is always somewhere to go. There are restaurants from all over the world. Jamaican, African, Mexican, Brazilian, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Swedish (IKEA:) etc. But now, that Christmas is coming up all kinds of European Christmas Festivities are coming up.

Luminarie is a light festival held in Kobe every December since 1995 in memory of the Great Hanshin earthquake that year. The lights are donated by the Italian Government and they are all hand-painted. The decorations change a little bit every year and the music does too. I have only been there twice, this year and last year, but they played Italian music both years. I felt like I was back in Rome, in a Cathedral enjoying the glass-paintings. Gorgeous!

2 days after I went to Osaka to visit the annual German Christmas Market. I didn´t get to meet St. Nikolaus this year, as he only comes out on the weekends. But the stalls were there, selling real German sausages, Christmas Decorations and Mulled Wine. It as like coming back to Europe for a bit. Good feeling:)

2 years in Kita Osaka Kyokai

2009-12-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

The people in the Church that day. Japanese do know how to make group photos:)

The Women´s Group in the Church wanted to dance some Hula-Hula (Hawaiian) Dance for me before I left.

My first Church here in Japan was in Osaka. Kita (North) Osaka Kyokai (Church). I came to visit this Church for the first time January 15th last year (2008). It took me a looong time before I could understand what they said there. So even though I am not able to understand 100% now either, I do see that I have improved at least. I remember leaving one day after service and thinking that the only word I really understood that day was the word FISH.

But you do get a long way with a smile and body language. I had to excuse myself for my poor Japanese on my last day in this Church. But one of the members came up to me and said that she always understood my heart. So be it; my grammar, correct words, right pronounciation won´t ever be perfect. But my biggest wish is that the Japanese will understand who I am and what I am passionate about through my being. I so want to pass on the love from Christ, but the words are not there yet. But I am not giving up:)

Potato Chips - the Japanese way...

2009-11-27T03:11:00.001-08:00

Shake, shake, shake...

Unsalted Potato Chips

My Flavour Sachet; Consomme

The result:)

MUJI is one of my favorite stores in Japan. They sell the coolest things. Not that they are famous for being cool... Muji means ´plain´, so their clothes, furnitures and household-stuff is very plain. Natural colours. But they do have some interesting things in their shelves every now and then. Like today; I found this Unsalted Potato Chips. The point is that you can flavour them as you like. I could choose between fish-taste, chicken, caramel, smoked cheese, maple sugar, mango chilli, black pepper++

I didn´t really believe that it would work, but it really did. Loved it! So if you´re in Japan; please try it. Oishiii!!!

Healthy drinking

2009-11-11T23:26:00.000-08:00

Health Drinks are big business in Japan. Beauty drinks, Diet drinks, Power drinks, Vitamin drinks, Probiotics drinks; they contain everything you need. I have seen all these colourful bottles, brown, yellow, pink (for the girls), blue, green, but it took me some time to figure out what is good for what. But my friends in the shops have been good teachers. I sometimes get a bottle when I leave their shop, telling me that I should take care of myself. They are a bit concerned about us foreigners, having the image that we drink a lot of Coca Cola.

And I do... I do admit. But see what I found in 7 eleven today; Coca Cola, no calorie, plus fiber. I wonder what they put in it, but the taste is good. So I choose to think that even drinking Coke will be a part of my Healthy Drinking Diet from now on. Other drinks I am addicted to: Yakult, Beauty Drinks (with Collagen), green tea and the best of all; hot water with lemon.

Authumn in Kobe

2009-11-11T23:10:00.001-08:00

There are 2 months in the year that I am not missing my life in Norway. Of course, I always miss family and friends back home. But November and February are the hardest months to get through. It is cold, nothing exciting happening and no holidays coming up. Japan on the other side shows itself from the best side this month. Great temperatures, sunny days, beautiful blue sky, flowers and trees in all colours. Hard to focus on my studies these days. I just want to go hiking...

Donald Duck

2009-11-03T23:51:00.000-08:00

Donald is noisy, cranky, impatient - and completely lovable. All he wants to do is please his sweetheart, Daisy, and get through one day without losing his temper. So far, he´d had trouble with both, but he never gives up!

I caught a cold, and this is what the mailman brings me while trying to recover. Good timing Charlie:) Thank you!

A week in Hong Kong

2009-10-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

Charlie and I in our favorite Noodle Shop in Tai Po

Ricenoodles, choi sum and fishballs in soup; YUMMY!!!

Charlie got to meet her big hero, MICKEY MOUSE

Daisy Duck and I, both a big fan of Donald Duck

From my date with GOOFY

Charlie having a break in HOLLYWOOD

I have been a bit lazy with my blog lately. So to all my faithful readers, sorry... I will try to be more consistent from now on. My workload hasn´t really increased after the summer, but for some reason I seem to have less time to do the things I had time to do before.

I got a week off between the Spring and the Authumn Semester at YWCA. And decided to spend that week in Hong Kong together with Charlie. And what a week we had!!! It is Typhoon Season in Asia at the moment, but I was lucky to come in between 2 Typhoons hitting Hong Kong. So we were able to spend lots of time outdoor. Sunny and warm.

One of the highlights were when Charlie and I did a Norwegian Play/Story in front of about 100 4th Grade students. The story we shared was the ´famous´ tale about Espen Ashlad and the Eating Competition with the Troll. Charlie dressed up as the Troll while I did the other roles needed for the play. A big success! We are now thinking of possible directions to go, in case we should need a change of professions; Charlie and Chillie touring the World with Norwegian Folktales. I really should be paid by the Norwegian Government for this. To promote Norway through Folktales...

Another highlight was our breakfast in Disneyland Sunday morning. 2 single girls in their 30´s. Not the most common sight in the Family Hotel. So we got a lot of attention from the Disney characters. As you see from the photos; I got to date Goofy!!! I have always been a big fan of Donald Duck and was hoping to see him. So I had to ask Daisy Duck where he was. I also managed to tell her that I have a bit of a crush on him myself, something which caused a lot of attention from the people working there. She called him right away to see what he was up to. Luckily he was out swimming, so I wouldn´t get the chance to meet him this time. But we left as friends. We both agreed that Donald Duck is a great man, and he will always have lots of admireres. How much fun to be able to live out dreams from our childhood.

I just love Hong Kong! There is so much to this city. An impressive skyline, big parks, islands, beaches, great cycling tracks, good hiking possibilities, good shopping, markets etc. I have so many good memories from my 3 years in that city, so I don´t think this will be my last visit. To all my friends I got to meet this time; GREAT seeing you again. To those I didn´t manage to find time to meet; next time:)

3 and 1/2 hours flight between Hong Kong and Osaka; I like that!

Less than 4 months till Christmas!

2009-08-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

I am one of those who listen to Christmas music all year round. I try to visit Christmas Shops wherever I go travelling, at any time of the year, and I collect Christmas ornaments from all over the world. LOVE CHRISTMAS!

Being a Missionary in Japan brings up a lot of questions and thoughts I have never thought of before. I have never really questioned who God is. The fact that God is the creator of everything, the Father of Jesus, my saviour, who I will spend eternity together with. I couldn´t live without the security God gives me. That whatever happens to me, I will always be safe in his hands. He is the one who comforts me, guides me, encourages me, listen to me, protect me from danger and most important; the one who gives my life a meaning.

I have met a lot of people after coming here to Japan, and I am amazed how much they respect my job as a Missionary. Talking about God and spiritual things doesn´t seem to be a taboo here as it is in western countries. Japan is a country with many God´s, and they are all good. Your God, my God; it is all the same. This is what they tell me. But the Bible is different from other religions. Reading the Bible makes it clear that there is only one God.

Deuteronomy 5:7 You shall have no other God´s before me (The first Commandment)

John 17:3 — And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

1 Timothy 2:5 — For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

I have been listening to a group called ´Downhere´ a lot lately, and today I discovered a new song. `How many Kings´...a Christmas Song¨,)

Just a few lines from it here.

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

The God you can read about in the Bible. Please read for yourself. This is why we celebrate Christmas. Something to celebrate all year round¨,)

Sweet!!!

2009-08-20T02:33:00.000-07:00

I just fell in love with this girl. Please watch it; it will make you smile!

Shop with Style

2009-08-19T06:43:00.001-07:00

I learn a lot during my time here in Japan. Like today; learn how to shop with style.

One of my best friends here in Kobe is a 59 year old Dress-Shop Owner/Designer. He is teaching me the dialect spoken here in Kobe, teaching me about the Japanese cuisine, all about diets, about Buddhism and today about shopping.

I went out early this morning to hang out with some good friends from my School (YWCA). We went to the cinema, had lunch together and did some shopping after. At Japan´s 3rd largest shoppingcenter!!! Today´s shopping: Western groceries and a dress from Benetton. After leaving my friends, I thought I should just pop in and say hi to my dear friend, Takahashi. But my plastic-bags was apparantly not a good sight. ´You should shop with style´, he told me. So I was given his first copy of his newest design, the CHANEL inspired bag.

No more simple plastic-bags on me. A girl has to shop with style, at all times.

TOKYO!!!

2009-08-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Nijubashi Bridge in front of the Imperial Palace. Apparently the most photographed scene in Japan.

My dear friend and excellent guide/planner of my first visit to Tokyo, Kimiho

Asakusa Temple

Rice-cakes, nicely arranged on a shelf outside a shop in Asakusa. Amazed by the variety!!! My favorites are the bright red ones...full of chili...SPICY!

Met up with Steph from Canada. 8 years, no seen... He has been here for 7 years, so...kind of like a local¨,)

Meiji Shrine

Shopping in Harajuku!!!

Thinking of changing my style a bit...I feel a bit boring here...with my jeans...

LOVE sushi¨,)

Oishiii!!!

What to say...?

20 months in the country, and finally; I made it to Tokyo!!!

I have been dreaming about going to this city for so long, but didn´t want to go here alone. Big city, little English. So I feel blessed to have friends like Kimiho who speaks excellent English and Japanese. Hoping that will be me one day... We spent 3 full days there, covering LOTS of the ´must-do´s´ in Tokyo. Asakusa Temple, Ueno Park, staying in a Capsule Hotel, eating fish and drinking miso-soup for breakfast, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara (been there done that), taken trains from the world´s most busy train-station in the world, Shinjuku, experienced Night-life in Roppongi, lots of walking, Sony Building, H&M in Japan!!! etc.

We chose a quite happening time to go and visit Tokyo. Earth Quakes, Typhoons... But I guess I just have to be prepared for things like this while being here in Japan.

Tokyo is definately a city I will go back to. Lights, shopping, music, people, entertainment 24/7. I saved some attractions...to give myself an excuse to come back.

Love Tokyo!!!

`I will be together all the time.´

2009-07-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

Japan´s many 100 yen shops (everything in the shop is 100 yen (ca. 6.50NOK) do know how to cheer me up. Like today... No need to feel sorry for myself for being apart from friends and family in Norway. Look what my new coaster says:

I will be together all the time.

What a great summer!

2009-07-27T05:58:00.000-07:00

My older sister, Sofie gave me another niece this summer, Martine. She is the cutest and most kind baby-girl you can imagine.

Lovely Kamilla (niece) trying to do some acrobatics. Sweet!

Daniel´s (nephew) new hobby; building muscles. We´re talking push-ups, weights and healthy eating.

Elias (nephew), Gunnar (brother), Inger (sister) and Hannah (niece) exploring Trondheim by sea.

Meeting up with Heidi in Bergen. Fun!

My x-share mate from my year up in the Northern parts of Norway, Kari Hilde

Lots of BBQ Parties. Here at Marianne´s place.

Our annual BBQ Party where Marshmallows and chocolate are on the menu. Yummy!

A month in Norway goes fast. I wish I could stay longer, meet up with more friends, have more time with close family and friends, travel more, enjoy the fresh air longer etc. But I guess I would never be pleased. I do realize more and more that leaving my country is getting harder year by year. I do miss my family and my friends back home. I left Norway for the first time in year 2000 to do parts of my Teacher Degree in London. And since then, I have basically been living abroad most of those years between.

But coming back to Kobe was not bad either. I love this city! I was really tired after my 24 hour long travel, but I am afraid I don´t give me the time I need to get over the jet-lag. I have been using every opportunity I get to go out there and do my favorite things; meet up with my friends, hiking, running, shopping, eating sushi, enjoying the warm evenings ...

I guess I should be happy about having 2 good homes. But living in ´2 worlds´ is not just easy. I will always miss one or the other.

Again... I am really thankful for having one stabile factor in my life. God knows about my life, both here in Japan and my life in Norway. So I guess I should just enjoy being present where I am at the moment and knowing that God is with me right there.

Posting some photos here of some of my friends and family. For those of you who are not in one of my photos. Sorry...I always forget the camera. If you want to be on my blog, please send me a photo and I will post it. Miss you all!!!

I´m home...and my brother is married¨,)

2009-07-02T00:36:00.000-07:00

The happy New-Wedded couple!

My mum and Inger

The Wedding Car. Sweet¨,)

Inger and niece, Hannah

Gunnar, Inger, me, Janne Gro (sister-in-law) and Nils Ole

It was a late night for the little ones¨,)

Life is good!

I flew back home on the 25th June, and made it just in time for my brother´s wedding. I´ll let the photos talk for itself. A great day with surprisingly good weather.

Nothing is like summer in Norway! I have been in Norway for about a week now, and the weather has been great from day 1. Enjoying relaxing days down by the sea, going on bike-trips, joining local events, seeing friends and family... A break from normal life is good!

Cheers!

2009-06-24T04:21:00.001-07:00

Look what I got today! A Lanborghini Glass for my Coke. I am a westerner, and of course...we drink Coke every day. Well, my dear 82 year old friend thought so, and wanted to give me a gift before I was leaving the country for a month. So here I am, drinking my Coke and doing everything else but what I am supposed to do. Like packing and cleaning the house.

I am starting my holiday a bit early this year. I am supposed to be in School for another 3 weeks, but my brother is getting married this weekend. And, although I have quite a lot of siblings, I can´t miss out on BIG events like this. Really looking forward to see family and friends again. (For those of you who live in Norway; I will be home from 25th June till 24th July. Hope to see as many as possible. Please come and visit!)

So today have been...and will be very...busy. After School I had to start my ´Farewell Visits´ to all my friends in the shops and restaurants around in Sannomiya. I guess coming back to Norway will be a bit of a Reverse Culture Shock. No attention from the people in the shops or restaurants...at least not compared to what I am used to here. On my round today I was told that I look more beautiful than the models in their magazines, I got lots of presents (soap from Thailand, peanuts, glass, lucky coin, ear-rings, ´half-price-gift-just-for-me´ etc. And I was invited to a Party as soon as I get back here... I have the best friends!

Some (read LOTS) cleaning left, a couple of hours sleep, 22 hours travelling and I will be in Norway! The weather-forecast says sunny and temperatures around 25C. Yes, still talking about Norway¨,) Sounds good!

Farewells...it has no end...

2009-06-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

I just said goodbye to my sister who has been here for a month, and 2 days after; I had to attend another Farewell Party. Lise and Helgi still have 2 weeks left in Japan, so I don´t have to get too upset about it yet. I will attend another Farewell Party on Wednesday and another one on Saturday. It seems like everybody is leaving Japan these days...

The last month has been just like one big Party. I have the best baby-sister in the world! So much fun to have her around all day long. We have been able to travel, eat a lot of strange food, meet up with lots of fun people, attended parties, hiking, shopping, watching movies+++ Every day has been packed with happening events. FUN!

But life seems to be back to normal now. I am cooking my own meals again, I have time to keep my house tidy and I am back into running. Yay...finally! I had a 4 week long break from running, but I guess all the walking up and down from my house to the city has kept me fit to continue where I left it¨,) Shopping is a great exercise!

I guess I am the only one to blame when it comes to these Farewells. I chose a life in a city where people are coming and going. And I am the one who left family and friends behind in Norway. But if I didn´t leave my home-town (as I was sure I wouldn´t 12 years ago) I wouldn´t be able to meet all the great people I have met over these last 12 years.

So, I better just get used to it...

So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu, Goodbyyyyyeeeee!

2 weeks and no new posts...sorry...

2009-05-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

I think this is the longest I have gone without posting a new post...2 weeks... My sister came to Japan, safe and sound, May 11th. So there have been more of a focus on our common blog than this one over the last 2 weeks. For all my non-Norwegian readers; I will be more active here next month. The Norwegian blog-address is: svelaijapan.blogspot.com (Translation-programs won´t help you I am afraid as the language we write in is dialect¨,)

Just some photos here to show you what I have been up to these last 2 weeks. First; Soccer Match between Vissel Kobe and Nagoya Grampus. My first introduction to Japanese football. Japanese supporters are great. We ended up at the Supporter Stand and got to into the songs and rythms quite quickly.

The real big event during these 2 weeks though were the Norwegian Constitution Day, May 17th. A lot of things to plan, but thanks to many good friends the whole event turned out to be a success. I got to dress up in my National Costume, eat Norwegian food, sing Norwegian songs and do the games we always do on this day. We were 43 Norwegians gathered at the Party, and for about 4 hours we got the feeling of being in Norway. A fun day!

Other interesting things to give a report on: I have no School this week. The reason for this is the fear of Swine-flu. There has been reported 193 cases of Swine-flu in the area, and that effects the whole society. More than 4000 Schools in my region has closed this week, and we will have to wait and see what happens next week. So this gives me time to spend more time with my sister, we get to travel more and more time to explore Kobe together.

Love having my sister around!

Golden Week

2009-05-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following my blog from the beginning might remember this week from last year. I started my blog right after spending a great week together with Charlie in Korea. At that moment I didn´t really know what Golden Week was standing for. All I knew was that I had a week off School, and that I had the opportunity to go away.

But now, that I am wiser than last year（＾ー＾) I can tell you a bit about the famous week in the beginning of May. 3rd May: Constitution Memorial Day, 4th May: Greenary Day, 5th May: Children´s Day.

So because of this, I have been out of School since 1st May and will not be back before the 12th May. I would like to take some honour here; it all started with the big day, 1st May. My Birthday! I am now in my 32nd year, and according to some research I am now at my most attractive. At the age of 32 you know what you want in life, you have found the lifestyle that suits you, you´re confident, you take good care of yourself, good fashion sense etc. I don´t know if this means that I will go downhill from now on, but I will for sure enjoy the best year of my life! (I said the same about being 18, 19, 20, 22, 25, 28 and 30...)

Anyway, so far so good. I had a great Birthday Party at an Italian Restaurant under the railways in Kobe. But I forgot to take photos... Sorry. The photo on this blog is from the day after, where Lise, Helgi and I went to Osaka and took the Ferris Wheel, Hep Five. It is inside a Shopping Center in Umeda. Great views over Osaka. Recommended!

For my Norwegian readers and for those who are interested in looking at photos of my sister and I:

I created a new blog yesterday called: Du store verden! My sister will come to Kobe on the 11th May and stay here for a month. She is now studying to become a nurse, and will have her final ´field experience´ here in Japan. So we thought it would be a good idea to give some feedback home on all the fun we are going to have this month. Lots of photos and good stories.

Always something to celebrate. 1 year anniversary for my blog (proud!), 32 years, new blog...

Life is good!

Kobe YWCA

2009-04-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

From the left: Kellie (Australia), Ulla (Finland), Michael (Germany), me, Esther (Germany), Tsukamoto (Peru)
I am writing the Chinese Character for ´water´ while Gomi-sensei is trying her best to look like a strict teacher¨,)

Time to give a report from the place I spend most of my time...

I can´t believe that I haven´t written any blogs about my Japanese Class yet! I guess it is about time after 15 months with studies at YWCA. My main job these 2 first years in Japan is to study Japanese. And I do, every day from 9.30-13.00 at Kobe YWCA. A great School, with lots of great teachers. A lot of students have come and gone in my class during my 15 months in the School. People from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Finland, Germany, Australia and Peru.

I will never forget my first day in the School. The teachers were a bit surprised over the level I was at. I knew nothing at all... What a challenge. I didn´t know any of the Japanese Characters, no words, nothing... So they had to set up a private class for me. 2 weeks with intensive learning. They were hoping I would be able to fit into the lowest class after that. But they were wrong... I still had a long way to go. Thankfully Ulla (Finland) came along and the two of us made a class at our level.

But look at us now; We are now in the Top Class at Kobe YWCA. We have been there since April this year and we are quite proud to have reached this far. My Japanese is very poor, but miracles do happen. I still have another 6 months of study. Hoping to improve a lot during that time.

To my Japanese friends: Thank you for "understanding" my broken Japanese.

To people who are praying: I need help... wouldn´t mind your prayers¨,)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-16T01:48:00.000-07:00

Easter is such an important time to me. This is the time when I remember how Jesus went through all that pain. He was willing to die on the cross, so that he could save me from my sins. He knows me so well. My thoughts, my actions, my words... everything. And still, he did this to save me. Just have a look what it says in the Romans 6:8-11

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

So celebrating Easter is actually a happy time. It is hard to remember the price Jesus had to pay for us, but we know what happend on Easter Day. Jesus rose from the dead and showed the whole world that he is the Son of God. This is what I want to share with people I meet in Japan. There is no need to try to impress God with good deeds. Jesus paid the price for you and me to enter heaven. All we have to do is to say thank you Jesus!

I don´t think many people in Japan knows that we have been celebrating Easter this week. You see no Easter Decorations in the shops or in the streets. I even had to go to School on days like Good Friday and the monday after Easter. It is good to have a Church to go to then. I got to celebrate, that Jesus lives. Even today!

A friend of mine also made sure to help me getting into Easter-mood. Helga Marie (Norway) brought Easter Egg, Chocolate eggs, marzipan, Kvikk Lunsj (Norwegian Biscuit Chocolate...very typical Easter¨,). So I can´t really complain. I had a good Easter!

The photos are taken from our trip to Himeji Castle. The Cherry Blosson season is about to end. But this day was one of the best ones. Blue sky, cherry blossom in full bloom, 22 C. A perfect day for picnic under the trees. Have a look at my lunch. The flowers were falling down and I could spot lots of tiny ´souvenirs´ in my bag and clothes when I came home. Spring is here!

It has been great to have Helga Marie in the house. Or should I say, to have a friend to go shopping together with. And a friend to have meals and good conversations with. My flat feels a bit empty today... But I won´t be alone for long. My dear sister, Inger, will come very soon. And she will stay here for a month!

My flat is not big, but friends are always welcome!

Look who´s my neighbour!!!

2009-04-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

The first photo is Ko Ko (male) and the other is Tan Tan (female)

I haven´t met many of my neighbours yet... I have met the family living under me, the man doing his bonsai-trees next to my house, the hairdresser, the women in the supermarket across the road, the white guy having his cigarette on the balcony every morning at 7am, and the woman with the 3 dogs. But look who I met this week!!!

I just love pandas. They are sooo cute. They were having their breakfast when I visited them. Bamboo, yummy¨,) It is their favorite food... They live just 10 minutes away from me. Can´t believe it took me so long to get here. I usually go running in that area, but little did I know what was hiding behind those walls.

Other interesting creatures living there was the oldest elephant in Japan (born in 1943!), a Polar Bear, tiger, leopard, lion, koala, kangaroo, monkeys, gorilla, flamingos, giraffe, crocodile+++

Always something new to explore¨,)