I FINALLY went to an Onsen
I know I just posted only a few days ago, but I thought I would update, because before leaving Japan, I finally experienced the most Japanese thing ever- the onsen.
Now I know, many are thinking, how did you live more than a year in Japan and never go to an onsen? You see, being naked in front of other people isn't really my thing. And I don't really like hot baths. So the combination of those too things kept me far, far away. However, I have one friend at work who is my room buddy, and she teaches in my classroom in the afternoons/evenings after kindergarten is finished for the day, and she absolutely loves the onsen.
After a little debate, I decided that I would probably regret never experiencing an onsen in Japan if I went back to America.
The onsen was probably one of my favorite experience in Japan. We spent a solid four hours there. The first two hours were spent in and out of the five sauna rooms that were available, where you wear a little outfit similar to what Aladdin wears- little shirt with two pockets in the front and incredibly long shorts. The saunas were different temperatures, but were fabulously relaxing. One of them, the hottest one, was the equivalent of 190 Fahrenheit! We laid on the floor, often on top of stones after we put our towels down. You had to be quiet or whisper in each room so as not to disturb others.
The hot baths were also fabulous! I am sure the natural hot springs are even better, since the one we went to in Sendai was man-made. Everyone showers both before and after getting into the baths. I admit it is a bit odd showering next to a whole bunch of strangers while sitting on a little stool, but it was so natural to all the Japanese people because it was what they grew up with. It just reminded me that what is the "norm" for me is so different from other people living all over the world. The onsen even has a super nice restaurant, amazing ice cream, and a tatami room to just lay back, relax, and sleep.
On a more serious note, today was the last day of school, and Closing Ceremony for K4. The teachers who were leaving MeySen were called up to say goodbye. When I got back to sit with my class, one of my precious little girls was crying. She understands that she will not be seeing me again, and was just as sad as I was. It was a very emotional day saying goodbye to the kids and hearing the mothers thank me for taking care of their children. I was bound to cry eventually, so what better day than today? It is difficult for me to believe that in just a few short days, I will be back in America after finishing my traveling in Japan. I cannot express with words the gratitude that is in my heart for the experiences I was able to have this past year overseas. One day, when I am old and gray, I will have so many memories that will continue to make me smile, day after day. Life is what we make it, and I want to make it a good one. No matter where I find myself.
Sayonara from Japan. See you soon. In America.
After a little debate, I decided that I would probably regret never experiencing an onsen in Japan if I went back to America.
The onsen was probably one of my favorite experience in Japan. We spent a solid four hours there. The first two hours were spent in and out of the five sauna rooms that were available, where you wear a little outfit similar to what Aladdin wears- little shirt with two pockets in the front and incredibly long shorts. The saunas were different temperatures, but were fabulously relaxing. One of them, the hottest one, was the equivalent of 190 Fahrenheit! We laid on the floor, often on top of stones after we put our towels down. You had to be quiet or whisper in each room so as not to disturb others.
The hot baths were also fabulous! I am sure the natural hot springs are even better, since the one we went to in Sendai was man-made. Everyone showers both before and after getting into the baths. I admit it is a bit odd showering next to a whole bunch of strangers while sitting on a little stool, but it was so natural to all the Japanese people because it was what they grew up with. It just reminded me that what is the "norm" for me is so different from other people living all over the world. The onsen even has a super nice restaurant, amazing ice cream, and a tatami room to just lay back, relax, and sleep.
On a more serious note, today was the last day of school, and Closing Ceremony for K4. The teachers who were leaving MeySen were called up to say goodbye. When I got back to sit with my class, one of my precious little girls was crying. She understands that she will not be seeing me again, and was just as sad as I was. It was a very emotional day saying goodbye to the kids and hearing the mothers thank me for taking care of their children. I was bound to cry eventually, so what better day than today? It is difficult for me to believe that in just a few short days, I will be back in America after finishing my traveling in Japan. I cannot express with words the gratitude that is in my heart for the experiences I was able to have this past year overseas. One day, when I am old and gray, I will have so many memories that will continue to make me smile, day after day. Life is what we make it, and I want to make it a good one. No matter where I find myself.
Sayonara from Japan. See you soon. In America.
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