Hey everyone!
I just came back from a 22 day visit to Japan last week - an unforgetable experience.
After loading over 200 JPod lessons under my belt, I was much better equipped for the real deal than I had been before - so for both the teachers and the students of Japanese Pod 101 - keep up the good work! Being in the middle of the 'hot' period, I spent much of the time perspiring through various cultural and other attractions and diving for cover in air-conditioned buildings - but it was definately worth it! Anyone who is considering should step forward and make their move, because I had a fantastic time scaling central Japan, including places such as Osaka, Hamamatsu and Kamikochi.
One particular experience to note, however, was in an interesting local bar in Takayama. My family and I were trying to locate a restaurant mentioned in the Lonely Planet guide for that evening's dinner, but with our efforts in vain. Stepping into one of the places nearby, I found myself faced with the responsibility of wading through the all-Japanese menu in order to choose us something to eat (my mother and sister's Japanese was fairly limited). Now, although I comfortably know a couple of hundred kanji, this menu was too much, with its spider-like writing depicting words that I didn't recognise. After using the classic helplines such as 'what do you recommend' and 'can you explain the menu to me?' to the rather nervous, non English-speaking young bartender, we finally made some progress. A series of 'mystery' dishes then followed, with the three of us not really sure whether they were what we'd ordered, but not exactly in a position to complain.
The moral of the tale? Learn those kanji! Before I came to Japan, I wasn't really aware of how useful these Chinese characters were - I thought it would be more for those interested in reading literature or writing letters. But trust me, the hours of study will be worth it! There's a whole number of occasions where you'll come across situations where there's no English or romaji translation, and what's more, it will open up a whole host of new doors. Just think - no more skipping all the delicious looking authentic restaurants, because the menu's giving you kanji-only access.
Remember, keep your head down, and prepare to reap the rewards!
All the best,
#Flex#
