Kingdoms and Culture a *Two for one

 *This an article that I was asked to write for the schools newspaper so I knew it could easily double as a much needed blog post, hence two for one!

Destination Fukuoka, Japan!

My foray into Japan was fueled by that oft-taken excursion to Fukuoka (Foo Koo Oh Ca) by many ESL teachers in Korea, for what is known as the "visa run".

I must also say that all of the information that I read prior to taking the trip was spot on for directions, landmarks, transportation, etc. I jetted as opposed to taking the ferry mainly because I'm in Incheon and because I prefer to travel by air.

But unlike most, rather than go and quickly return I decided to make it a mini 4 day 3 night vacation. And how grateful I was because.....I Love Fukuoka Japan!

After taking care of my official business on the 1st day, of course I went across to Hawks Town mall where I spent the better part of the afternoon, checking out the fashion, the people, the atmosphere. I also had a very 'expensive' veggie burger at the Hard Rock Cafe, but it was well worth every bite, cause I hadn't had a VB in almost a year!!!! But after coming to Korea I've since learned to make a mean grilled Tofu burger, I'll share the recipe soon.

On the return to the subway I came across a brochure stand advertising a body care massage place, SLOW Care and Relax, just steps away from exit one at Tojinmachi station. I'd planned to go to a hot springs or get a massage anyway so I grabbed a brochure from the stand to look it over.

I went a few days later and it was sooooo soothing and relaxing. I opted for a body and standard foot massage as opposed to the massage with foot reflexology, didn't want to feel any pain. One hour, 30min body 30min feet was $4500 JPY (about $45. $50 depending on daily rate) with oil.

The place has a serene atmosphere, with soothing music and draped, opened air rooms. You change out of your street clothes into a pair of loose long shorts and a t-shirt. sort of like at the Jimjilbang (Korean Spa). Then after the massage you receive a nice drink of warm tea with Japanese lemon and honey. Ahhhhh...it was delightful.

The two women there, who may have been sisters, were so nice and helpful, even though my masseuse didn't speak a lot of English we still found a way to communicate. So if you have to make the run, and you're only staying for a night treat yourself to a massage since you'll be there for 24 hours anyway.

From the moment that I got off of the plane I found the people in Japan to be so friendly, courteous and engaging. It was really refreshing. At every point during my stay if I had to ask a question or needed assistance selecting the correct subway ticket or directions the willingness of people to help was just outstanding. It was as if all of the people in the city were social ambassadors.

And that is what endeared me to Fukuoka; the people, the city and the weather. It was balmy compared to when I left Korea that cold Tuesday morn Jan. 26, 2010. Riding the shuttle over to the subway I saw short palm tree's. Wait a minute, palm tree's???? I had to do a double take.

On the way to my hotel I saw geraniums in the ground, another double take. I stayed just around the corner from Hakata station at the b hakata hotel. It's a boutique hotel for business travelers.

Very nice, small room. Not overly fancy, free in room Lan internet access, which was really cool, brought my laptop. There's a fridge and a very deep, soaking tub, which I read that Japan is known to have. Loved it! Bought some bath salts in Hawks Town and enjoyed a spa like soak every evening. Also offers free breakfast, but apparently the deal that I received for my room rate did not qualify me for that option.

No problem. There were plenty of places nearby to get food. I stopped into the grocery store the next morning after picking up my visa, which by the way was ready at 10am, and grabbed some fruit so that was my standard breakfast fare for the duration of my stay. It's really good that I'm vegetarian.

Then I found a lovely little French bakery cafe right in the train station and for $300 JPY ($3.00) I purchased croissant sandwiches which served me well for lunch brunch or a mid day fill up. Plus other little delightful veggie and sweet treats.

I found shopping in Japan to be extremely expensive$$$$$, but I managed to find some good deals, like a scarf for $300 yen ($3.00, a nice, cute, lined, wool cap for $1000 yen ($10.00) and some cool sun glasses for $1000 yen.

While sitting in the waiting area at Slow Care and Relax, I saw a flier for an Ethiopian Restaurant.
I asked if they knew the place, they did not. So I took out my Map of Fukuoka and they tracked the area for me and told me what stop to take.

I love Ethiopian food. Like I said, it's really good that I'm vegetarian. The place is called Fasika.
If you are ever in Fukuoka you must go there and say hi to the owner, my Japanese sista, sista smiley! Take the subway to the Akasaka station

The food was heavenly. The Ethiopian chef, Hiwot, had me dancing in my seat! The spices and savory flavor was just yummy! It was so good, and because it was my last night in Fukuoka, I ordered one to go and brought it back to Korea. The price was reasonable for a dinner, $1500 JPY plus the flier had a free drink offer. That in room fridge really came in handy!

And the area around Akasaka station was really quaint. There was a different feel to it than the other areas of Fukuoka that I explored; maybe European. This area has narrow streets with interesting shops, resale, artsy, antique and original designs.

I met two really adorable sisters, Nozomi and Kayo.

They are designers with a lovely silky, feminine line of clothing called; Calcium. It's abstract, floral designs with a pastel palette that are silk screened from original hand painted designs.


The prices are not for the "faint of heart" but the quality, style and creativity is there to back it up. And they had a "killer" pair of just my style, leather and canvas boots.

Check them out when you go by Fasika's cause they are right around the corner! or follow this link for a show B 4 u go: www.calcium102.com
I can definitely see Fukuoka as my next destination!!!!
CHECK BACK FOR PART II: Dreadlock Rasta Japanese Stylee!!! Soon Come Iyah

Backing Up and Going Forward To a Second Year

I need to back up a few months to give you some perspective. As stated previously I am 16 days a way from my 1st year anniversary for living abroad. How exciting is that really!! Who knew? I arrived February 18, 2009 on a 1 year contract with a private school. Private schools are as much the norm here as are public schools. Education has a high priority here and parents who can afford, and many do, send their children to private schools once they leave public school for the day every day.
I went right to work the very next day. I suppose they wanted to make full use of their investment. Ten months into my contract, My God had another plan. The private school began to experience financial troubles and the "spiritually driven financial bail out plan" was put into play for me.

Out of the blue I received a call from an acquaintance about a Public School position. Those jobs are highly regarded here. After looking into it, I knew it was indeed a no brainer and that I would be breaking my contract at the private school. I am now working in a public school and have a new contract through December 2010. So now I'm officially going into my second year.

The challenge is greater but so are the benefits. I have more students but they are older, so I don't have to play hide and seek, or chase children into the classroom. It's also an all girls middle school, so that's kind of nice. It's not a Utopian environment but I love it just the same. I have a lovely office and multi-media in my classroom so that allows me even more creative flexibility.

I had a friend tell me how surprised she was that I made this move and that she did not think I'd last 3 months. How wrong she was and how little she knows about my God and my adventurous spirit!

Catching Up

We are already thirty three days into the new year! The end of the year proved to be a busy time for me. Rather exhausting but I'm still yet grateful for the experience.

Time has really moved on because I am now sixteen days away from marking my 1st full year here in South Korea.

Throughout this journey Almighty God has blessed me tremendously and has kept me through all of my trials and there were more than I expected but through it all I leaned in to HIM more and more and my faith and trust in HIM was strengthened.

This has been indeed a spiritually rewarding journey and I can't wait to see what great and marvelous things HE has in store.

Blessed Love