The Girls Room

4EverBonded

Germanlady said:
Very interesting - an American in Japan. Thanks for telling. How long have you been there? I mean, there are foreign countries, but this one surely is real different. How do you cope? I love to travel and would do nothing else, if I could, but living seems like a brave move.

It was a leap of faith at first. I was hired to teach via the internet, so I had not even met my new boss in person until I arrived here (6 years ago). My first 4 months were a real adjustment. It is a different culture for sure; for example, there are not many animal welfare organizations here, at least there are some but it is not easy to help strays (a concern of mine always). And it is still a heirachal society (and yes, men are still first). I am an only child, so in a way I think that really helped me. I do not get lonely. I love solitutde, time to read and walk on the mountains. It also helped that I overlook the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. And fortunately, I loved teaching Englilsh here (I had taught and coached before - soccer - but this was my first time teaching English as a second language). When I went back to the U.S., I could hardly make ends meet. I worked 3 jobs for 3 years, including work from home and weekends. Then realized that I would be happier back here in Japan teaching. Fortunately, I was again lucky to get a very good job via internet and life has progressed from then.

Germanlady

Actually seeing animals suffer, which I believe is not a rare thing in Asia, would kill me or make me kill them. I have built up an animal welfare in mny home city many years ago and its the best thing, I ever did. I hope, it will improve my karma a bit ;)

Which city are you close to?

Sandy

4EverBonded said:
Waking up now and checking our thread and yay, it's still alive.
Thanks for the pic, GL. (Gee, it is easier to just say GL isn't it?)
I guess you can shorten mine to 4Ever or maybe just 4E. ;)
I'm a really private person, but I am comfortable giving out a bit more info on me:
I'm American. Probably the oldest, and certainly one of the oldest, on this forum (sigh ...). No I never made it to Woodstock (younger folks tend to ask me that); I was a tad too young at that time.
Been a Bond fan since about age 13. HUGE Bond fan. Oh yeah.
First film in theatre: Diamonds are Forever (I so wanted to jump into the movie and live it; I thought it was the most exciting and fun thing I had ever seen)
Then immediately read all of the Fleming books (I love to read, can't get enough of it ...)
I do highly recommmend reading them. I am now going to start re-reading them after a gap of many, many years. I remember enjoying From Russia with Love a lot.. Even got some of my guy friends in high school to read some; they were surprised they liked the novels so much.
Now in my 3rd year teaching English in Japan. Had taught here about 6 years ago also for one year. LOVE teaching here, for many reasons. I do not speak Japanese, though, ashamed to say - but great at expressions (sumi-mah-sen "excuse me" ; suh-goy "amazing, fantastic, great!" etc.) I am starting to take some lessons from a friend, because I want to be able to put a sentence together and have basic level ability at least.
So I love Bond, James Bond. And I love movies; so of of course I am a fan of this franchise and rabidly look forward to each new film.
I rather like all of the Bonds; I appreciate that each brought something unique to the role. My least favorite is George L. I love Sean - he so indelibly stamped Bond into our culture and he is a very fine Bond indeed. I also love Roger as Bond a lot, especially TSWLM, FYEO and Octopussy. I enjoyed Timothy's Bond but did not like the second one so much. And I do still like Pierce's Bond very much. I did not care for a lot of TWINE or DAD, but not because of him. I think GE and TND are really good Bond movies.
And then came Daniel. Hmm. When I heard they cast him, I remember complaining to my best friend, "Ohmygod he does not look like Bond. What are they thinking?!" (self professed Bond afficionado that I am, plus since I read the books as a teen my Bond had very dark hair and blue eyes) ... but I did not know a lot of his work. OK I only knew him from the Tomb Raider flick at that time - but then I calmed down and realized well, I liked him in that silly Tomb Raider movie. But he doesn't look like Bond ... never mind the whining, I got over it because when I saw CR the whole movie zoomed up my list to one of my top 4 and he was truly Bond for me. First of all, the man can act. And he is sexy. And he became Bond for me. Really I think so far Daniel is tied with Sean as my favorite Bond ... but then Roger is right there, too. I do not think I am fickle so much as I appreciate each of those actors' Bonds.

The rest of me ... well, I am lucky: I live with friends and we have 4 dogs (1 is mine that I inherited when my elderly Japanese neighbor passed away 2 years ago) and I enjoy walking on my mountain very much. I have good work, friends, and peace here. I may be here another 5 years, not sure.
My one major bummer: Skyfall will not be here in Japan until something like January 2013!!1 Arrgggghhhh!!! I wish Bond would film in Japan again; it is an amazing and beautiful country for sure.
That's more than enough for this thread - sorry to be longwinded!
Cheers to all.

4EverBonded said:
I hadn't thought of that: yes, very modern, very advanced in some ways yet steeped in tradition (thousands of years old culture). Hmm: and of course, the way of the Samurai, which Bond could relate to.

So interesting, @4EverBonded!!! I contemplated the idea of moving to Japan a few years ago but I'm very much European, and I'm still very emotionally connected to this silly old continent that I love so much.

4EverBonded said:
I hadn't thought of that: yes, very modern, very advanced in some ways yet steeped in tradition (thousands of years old culture). Hmm: and of course, the way of the Samurai, which Bond could relate to.

I would also love for Bond to return to Japan (apparently he is!). And yes, Bushido. I wonder if we could get that amazing line from YOLT (book): You only live twice. Once when you are born and once when you face death in the face. Did I get it right?

Germanlady

I would like to know, if you, 4everbonded, have experienced the Japanese as the workoholics, they are always described.

FireSkull

@4everbonded you must be surrounded by some pretty cool gadgets. I'm Jealous. :D

Sandy

MikeBravo said:
@4everbonded you must be surrounded by some pretty cool gadgets. I'm Jealous. :D

Sorry to disapoint you but just because she lives in Japan that doesn't necessarily mean that she is surrounded by gadgets any more than if she continued in the US!

4EverBonded

Hi, everyone! Just checking in before I crash into bed. I am exhausted. A long day, but good, tiring, and a meeting after work. So just to answer a few things:

Mike, I live in western Japan, Not Tokyo (where the truly amazing cool gadgets are more prevalent), in an old Japanese house (actually new for Japan: Only about 80 years old) with hardly any gadgets, not even a real oven, in a quaint neighborhood. I walk to the train station and take the train or bike everywhere (which I LOVE); very convenient.

Sandy, I think you got the quote from Fleming's novel YOLT right; I guess I should double check it to make sure.

Germanlady, yes the culture of workaholics is - on my personal lmited experience - based on truth. Everyone seems to work hard here, at jobs and in personal life, and for a long time (I could be wrong, but I think 70 is the retirement age here). To do otherwise is, I think, frowned upon. Stoic is a good word. But also, as again a generalization (so please take this with a grain of salt) it seems many folks I know really do without some basic comforts by choice (because it is sort of the way it is done here, in their families and others they know) - such as: even though Japan is techologically advanced, there is little insulation in the buildings (they could of course but choose not to do so) ...so when it is winter the cold seeps through the houses and buildings easily. And my Japanese friends may complain a little but not much. They use their air conditioners/heaters much less than I do (I want to be warm or cool enough to be comfortable). Maybe they are more easily comfortable than me in the harsher weather, for sure that could be true - but anyway it is part of the culture that I notice.

"Ganbatte!" sort of *gahn-bah-tay" is truly said everywhere, in nearly every situation. It means basically "Go for it!" Do your best, give your all. And with that comes the sense of don't complain, make do, and overcome. Hard workers, yes, and that seems to be part of their upbringing.

When the imbelievably devastating earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan a little over a year ago, so many feelings flooded through me of course. And one thought came to the surface, too: the Japanese can overcome this. Even if half of their entire country was wiped out, they have the spirit to rebuild, hold fast, and keep faith. They come together and work together no matter what; it is part of their culture for sure.

I am American, and I see things through my American perspective naturally, yet I can say even though there may be some things I am not comfortable with or do not really care for here, I do respect the Japanese people very much. For me, at this time in my life, I am blessed to be here.

I am not the only member who is living in Japan. I know that manfromjapan is, too; but I do not know where he lives. I just remember reading (here on MI6) an article he wrote about QOS. And there are probably other Japanese members. Love to hear from them, too. :)

Okay konban wa (good evening) and I am off to golden slumbers (I hope).
To be continued ...

FireSkull

4everbonded Nice to hear from you from Japan. I know that one quality Japanese have best is their timeliness. All the emplyees are at their office at RAZOR SHARP time they're supposed to.
When the disastrous tsunami and eq hit, the discipline and patience shown by them is talked about in the world. They were really lining up for getting the supplies waiting for their turn whereas you can imagine people would break into riots and chaos in any other part of the world. Do you know what happened to those brave people who were there in the Fukushima Nuclear plant to contain radiation? I'd like to hear about them and hope they somehow have survived. God bless them.

4EverBonded

I think punctuality is part of the Japanese people's tradition, and to be late is unacceptable. If your train is really delayed for more than a couple of minutes, for example, the train staff will offer you a receipt to prove that it is not your fault you arrived late for work. For something to be unacceptable here is a big deal; it has been said that Japan is a "shame-based society" so anything out of line is frowned upon. That seems like a harsh statement and too broad a generalization but perhaps there is something to that. Rather opposite from our American emphasis on individualism and free expression and make yourself stand out of from the crowd attitude. Personally, I am a strong believer of individualism and freedom of expression, yet I see positives from the Japanese culture, too.

I could not find full updated information quickly (I just spent 20 minutes looking online) regarding the Fukushima workers. God bless them all, truly. Those who stayed, and the many firefighters and engineers and other workers who streamed into the area to help and who stayed, were definitely exposed to dangerous levels of radiation; the long term effects cannot be good. I beileve 3 were hospitalized last spring and I think at least one worker has died. (in addition to the 2 young ones who were killed during the tsunami as they tried to make repairs). I am nowhere near that area and for months I checked radiation levels, but we are okay.

Anyway, I am happy to chat about Japan but I feel that I am for sure not an expert; so I hope people do not take offense at anything I offer - it is really my opinion.

Bond related ... Bond here is still huge: Most of my Japanese friends enjoy James Bond - and they do like Daniel Craig. They also seem to really like Tom Cruise, still (I don't) and I did not get to see Ghost Protocol in the theatres so I am still waiting for it to be available on dvd to rent. I do want to see it; heard from MI6 members it was great.
Why, oh why do we have to wait until past Xmas, probably into 2013, to see Skyfall? Still tough to think about for me. :-((

FireSkull

My dad always talks about Japan and he used to tell me that they never compromise on quality.

Even I'm a huuuuge fan of Tom Cruise and Daniel Craig. Top Gun is my all time favorite movie followed by Casino Royale!

I love almost all other movies by both the actors.

Germanlady

Hey 4ever - its interesting to have point of views from someone, who knows both countries. I would think, Japanese way of living is very different to ours and that honour thing and all, that goes with it, seem a tad bit overdoing it. But its their nature. I have to say, if I think Japan, with one eye I always see them slaughtering whales and dolphins. I know, in our countries, we have our own history concerning treatment of animals, but those are engangered species and it just seems so senseless, as its known by now, that their meat is very unhealthy. So why?

My son has visited Japan and he found it very different but he liked lots about it. A friend of his had married a Japanese woman, who now came to live in Switzerland. Personally travelling is my love and so I wouldn't mind getting my own impressions of that country.

4EverBonded

Germanlady said:
Hey 4ever - its interesting to have point of views from someone, who knows both countries. I would think, Japanese way of living is very different to ours and that honour thing and all, that goes with it, seem a tad bit overdoing it. But its their nature. I have to say, if I think Japan, with one eye I always see them slaughtering whales and dolphins. I know, in our countries, we have our own history concerning treatment of animals, but those are engangered species and it just seems so senseless, as its known by now, that their meat is very unhealthy. So why?

My son has visited Japan and he found it very different but he liked lots about it. A friend of his had married a Japanese woman, who now came to live in Switzerland. Personally travelling is my love and so I wouldn't mind getting my own impressions of that country.

I sincerely hope you do visit! It is worth a trip, for sure. I'd be happy to show you my little part of Japan. I wish I was closer to London, especially for the premiere of Skyfall. And I am sure some of our forum members will be there. Lucky! I will probably have to stay away from news and this website a good deal if I don't want to not know the full story before I finally get to see it.

Sandy

This is so interesting @4EverBonded! I'm travelling to Sweden tomorrow, I wish it was Japan instead. A colleague of mine went to Japan last month and he didn't like it, I went crazy when he told me! What a shame, I wished I was in his place, I would have enjoyed it :)

4EverBonded

Oh I'd love to visit Sweden, Germany, France, Norway - all of Europe/Scandinavia actually! And the Mediterranean. I hope to still, some day. I have only been to London, just once, for 2 weeks a long time ago (and of course loved it).

If someone comes to any Asian country from a western culture it will be so different, some folks are bound to feel uncomfortable or not like some things. But if you can have an open mind and heart and be willing to have things look, feel, and really taste different - then traveling to other cultures can be rewarding.

I know airfare is not cheap to Japan, but please do come ya'll (my southern American roots coming through) when you can! Right now the cherry blossoms are blooming, and it is a glorious Japanese spring. The blossoms only last barely 2 weeks, the air is crisp and cool with sunny mixing with rainy days, finally a warm enough spring to feel like spring. This time is maybe my favorite, although I have to say I enjoy the fall more (splendid colors and crisp air then, too) and it lasts longer.

4EverBonded

A question for our MI6 member ladies: Which Bond girl would you want to be, if you could? (Different from the question of which character actually resembles you or that you relate to.)

I know none seem to have happy endings that we know of, ... but aside from that. Is there one you would like to be? There are two for me: Honey and Natalya. Both seemed to have a strong sense of who they were and could go on to live fulfilling and fun, adventurous lives.

OK 2 questions: Which would you like to be?
AND If you were an actress, which would you like to portray?
For me, I think I would have loved to have played Bach's role in TSWLM, Wai Lin's role in TND, and Vesper (if only it could be a happier ending, but still; how great to be that girl that Bond first loved!)

jackdagger

I'm jealous of you all! Life is so boring here in the United States! :P

@4EverBonded: That's a tough one. It seems that all my favorite Bond girls have had pretty difficult lives/backstories. Although if I were an actress, I'd definitely want to portray Solitaire. Her costumes would be so fun to wear, and I love her character!

FireSkull

@jackdagger and I so much want to be in US.... B-)

Germanlady

I will go for Vesper - bing loved as much by such a man - but then would confide in him and let him kill the baddies for me and live happily ever after. We would produce a little Bondine etc... B-)

@Jack - boring to be in th US? Really? I tried to get my Green Card, when I was 20 and would have killed to live there permanently. But what a great time I had there. I loved LA - you either love or hate it. I loved it. These days - not so much, so maybe you are right. Its not,. what it used to be. Still, when I visit, it still has some magic for me.

jackdagger

I live in Connecticut, so, yeah, it's pretty boring here. I've never been to California, but I'm sure there's a lot to see there. I've always wanted to see Europe though. Hopefully I'll get to one of these days.

4EverBonded

And I've always wanted to spend more time in New England! I want to see northern California, but I'm not a fan of LA and southward.

Germanlady

I have seen Cal from San Fransisco to San Diego and it still holds some special meaning for me - maybe when you are young, it all does and you keep it like that.

I can only recommend to go see it - at least once. And sure, Europe has so many different cultures, that its always interesting to visit some countries.

@Jack - so you go to NY sometimes? Are you living close? If you ever touch Germany, let me know ;)

Germanlady

Just wanted to wish the Ladies and everybody else a nice weekend. :)

jackdagger

You too, Germanlady!

To answer your earlier question, I've been to New York a few times. I think it's about 4-5 hours away from me. And I would love to go to Germany; it's in my top 3 places I want to visit!

Sandy

Let's keep this post running, ladies! I'm back from Sweden, it was great. I was in the middle of nowhere, in an island connected to the continent by only a bridge and boat (not, it was not the set for TGWTDT, at least I don't think so) but at least the hotel was 4*!

4EverBonded said:
Oh I'd love to visit Sweden, Germany, France, Norway - all of Europe/Scandinavia actually! And the Mediterranean. I hope to still, some day. I have only been to London, just once, for 2 weeks a long time ago (and of course loved it).

If someone comes to any Asian country from a western culture it will be so different, some folks are bound to feel uncomfortable or not like some things. But if you can have an open mind and heart and be willing to have things look, feel, and really taste different - then traveling to other cultures can be rewarding.

I know airfare is not cheap to Japan, but please do come ya'll (my southern American roots coming through) when you can! Right now the cherry blossoms are blooming, and it is a glorious Japanese spring. The blossoms only last barely 2 weeks, the air is crisp and cool with sunny mixing with rainy days, finally a warm enough spring to feel like spring. This time is maybe my favorite, although I have to say I enjoy the fall more (splendid colors and crisp air then, too) and it lasts longer.

It must be so beautiful in Japan right now! And it makes me feel homesick, the cherry trees are also blooming now where I come from ;;) but here there are not many of them.

4EverBonded

They only last about 2 weeks at most ... making the sight more anticipated and appreciated. I love riding my bike in this weather, it is refreshing.
Sounds like you had a lovely spot to relax in, Sandy! I do want to keep this thread going; I'll write more later. But it's nearly 7 a.m. now and I have to run for my train. "Kio sketay" everyone (take care). :)

CodeNameViva

Girl Bond fan checking in. :) I don't have time to read the whole thread right now so I'll be back.

4EverBonded

Thanks! and where is Artemis? I think that member is female, too ...

Germanlady

Hi Viva - welcome in the girlie chat. I have been neglecting it, whilst fighting with the boys ;) Sorry about that - the neglecting...

Me too, will back later in the day after work gto chit chat some...

Germanlady

Hi to the girls and have a nice weekend. :)

Sandy

We have to keep this thread running, ladies! A strategy is required /:) and I'm already already working on it. Have a great weekend!

Categories

In this Discussion

Announcements