So much happens in so little time in Japan!
This week we have really jumped into classes. Japanese is tough! I don't think its necessarily that hard of a language to learn...we just have so much going on. We have had a few experiences trying to get used to speaking the language, which will definitely be the best way to learn.
Since I last wrote, we have had 2 more Automotive Seminars: "Observation and Evaluation of Driver's Behavior" and "Car Materials and its Processing". The first was very interesting to me because I love trying to understand what it is the driver wants. In order to better understand this, the University developed a van with thousands of sensors that quantify driver's reactions, physical and emotional. I would certainly benefit from doing more research into these
reactions to better understand the driver in order to design the ideal automotive interior environment. The second seminar consisted of some relatively unfamiliar processes for me relating to steel composites and forging techniques. We slightly touched on carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), which I chose for the topic of my paper so that I can better research the effects the textile world is having on material choices. I have created a link to the right of this blog where I am posting these seminar write-ups.
On Tuesday, I went back to Nagoya Castle (with a group) in order to go inside. I have to say the grounds and moat outside are much more impressive. I had not realized that the entire Castle had been rebuilt. The inside was very modern and touristy with museums on every level. The view from the tower was wonderful, but I think I will stick to enjoying the outside of most buildings and the landscape.
Wednesday began with Japanese and Seminar, and ended with a fun night with Kerry. We went to a "hole in the wall" spot towards her in of town (which is closer to the University) where we met up with one of her friends. He was with a large group of Americans (and 1 New Zealander). They were all teachers here in Nagoya and have been living here for a number of years. All were very nice and certainly made for an exciting night. The ride and walk home was another highlight of the week. Erin, one of the teachers I'd met, lives in the same area and we rode the subway and then walked back together. During the walk home we ran into some of her friends. They were all from Nagoya and were playing African-inspired musics in the streets at night. Even when most of the city had died-down for the night, there is still so much culture!
Today we traveled to Kyoto! This was a beautiful trip and so much fun! We started at Kiyaomizu Dera in the Higashiyama area. This was certainly a tourist spots with tons of cute shops along the way to temples hidden in the mountain. There were monuments throughout this site believed to bring you good luck. One site was between two small rocks and it is believed that if you could walk between these rocks with your eyes closed you will have good luck in love. There was also a waterfall with 3 spouts to drink from. One brought you luck in love, one in intelligence, and one was for long life. (I took a huge sip of the intelligence water!)
Next we went to Kinkaku-ji in the foot of Kingasa-Yama. This was the site of a temple (constructed in 1397) which was part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408. The entire temple is covered in golden leaf.
To finish the trip, we visited the Kyoto sweets shop of Yatsuhashi. Yatsuhashi is a Japanese confectionary (a type of rice-based cookie dough) served in every flavor imaginable! We got to sample all we could take and brought back many souvenirs from the store.
It has been a wonderful week and we have very excited Friday (I get to visit Kerry's Guilford office) and weekend (Homestay is this weekend!).
No comments:
Post a Comment