| Provided by Hyotan | |
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The wonderful Nihon By Bostjan Bezensek |
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| Japan – the land in the far
east. Had a pleasure to visit for 5 months during the spring/summer of
2007. Following the invitation from Mrs. Morita san of Hyotan newspaper I
am pleased to share a few memories about the life in Hitachi (and Japan).
Before arrival – expectations and excitement build up with a pinch of concern how will it all work out and how will I cope with the language? Have been studying Nihongo from a language book for a few months prior, but knew there was still a lot to learn. On arrival – felt like being parachuted on another planet. With the help of my host(s) soon got my feet on the ground and started taking in the new experience with a big spoon. |
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| The language – I wish to know in advance my language book bought in Europe will be of little use. On reflection I say there exist three versions of Nihongo – the super polite shop talk, the polite version and the most commonly used plain form. With a bit of polite version under my belt no wonder I couldnft understand much in the first weeks. It was as if they were speaking Japanese to me. . Not to mention the wonderful new alphabets to learn too and we soon resorted into the internationally understood gpoint + onegai shimasuh language. | |
| Hitachi was a lovely place. A small town for Japanese standards, yet big enough with all amenities to make for a comfortable life. Although we couldnft communicate much at first, Hitachi folk is soo friendly. Taxi drivers always want to chat and encouraged me to practice my Nihongo. And who could forget those school children in their matching uniforms staring at me like Ifve fallen from another planet and sheepishly shouting ghelloh and ggood morningh al the time. Bliss. | |
| I must mention the most memorable moments Ifve experienced in the west country. The temple & shrine laden hills of Kyoto and the unspoiled Arashiyama were just amazing. The cormorant fishing in Arashiyama brought a small glimpse of life in the old days back to life. Further west, the magical Miyajima island surprises with its spectacular O-Torri and Itsukushima shrine floating on water. To top them all the climb up the Fuji san was a wonderful experience. Soo beautiful night sky up at altitude and amazing sunrise really made the effort unforgettable. |
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 In Kyoto, with Maiko-san |
 In Miyajima National Park, Hiroshima Prefecture |
| And then there were the English teachers who blew the summer away. Of all
the things to do in Ibaraki I would not expect to take up playing golf!
There were so many golf courses all around the prefecture. And the driving
range right there on the hill overlooking the city! I was surprised to
find so much space in Hitachi, completely contrary to what I was
expecting. It is commonly though in the west that in Japan one can only
buy a car if he/she has a parking space. But everybody (!) owns a car in
Hitachi and parking is really not a problem. Everything is so much cheaper
too, vending machines and shops are all around the place making for a
really convenient life. I like these provisions very much. Not to mention
how safe and clean the place feels and in fact is. There has to be the
flip side to all the nice things unfortunately. I would say the corporate
culture of spending endless hours in the office (for my field of work) day
on end results in a limited free time and social life as we know it in the
west. That takes some getting used to. The British people are just the
opposite which again is not good and I opt for the middle way. @ |
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| I wish life was so convenient and pleasant
(and safe) here in Glasgow. I miss Nihon very much and wish to return one
day. Sayonara Nihon! Bostjan Bezensek Editor's note: Mr. Bostjan Bezensek, a lecturer at Glasgow University in Scotland, stayed at Hitachi utilizing his sabbatical leave. |
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