Though I may have finished making entries on this blog, you are also welcome to read about some of my experiences in leading a local ministry at my other blog, here: (https://uniteeph4-1-16.blogspot.com/)
The flight from Japan to the UK had one transfer in Beijing. This little initial flight was small enough that I mostly rested (it also didn't have electricity available for me to get work done). I remember that after the uchideshi experience I'd had, the plane seats did feel luxurious (as one friend said they would), and I did greatly enjoy the in-flight food and the general experiences of the flight. In Beijing, I had several hours of layover, so I spent the time walking around the airport, debating whether to buy a Chinese power converter so I could type/get work done, and getting work done on my phone (there were USB chargers). I also did the usual things--refilled my two water bottles, did some stretches, made sure I was at the right gate, etc. Since I didn't have data in China and the airport WiFi wasn't working, I had to wait until I landed in London to communicate with anyone. The airport was nice, and I did get a kick out of a sign by a fountain (...
Ah exile to the coffee shop again--poor me! Coffee, CHAIRS, and a power supply so I can type--it's a tough life. ;) In reality some parts of uchideshi life are tough here, and some are not--the last few days have been drastically more relaxed than any I've spent here so far, and as I round out three weeks here and am letting my knee recover, that is a welcome reprieve. This morning started like all mornings, with cleaning, but it was drastically later than usual at 8AM instead of 5:30AM. We ended up heading out with soshihan, but due to heavy rain we didn't get to hike a mountain with him. Instead, we road a train a little over an hour into the mountains and went into a traditional onsen (hot springs bath). It's a good thing that I've had several cultural experiences like this already, so being naked with a bunch of other guys (including soshihan) wasn't actually that weird. The hot water was also quite excellent for my bo...
This blog is to express my thoughts and experiences as I travel to Japan to be a live-in Aikido student (uchideshi) for Yasuo Kobayashi Shihan. I'll be departing February 26th, 2018, and I plan to post semi-frequently from that time until I return around April 15th, 2018 (though I may post a little after that time, too). The primary gearing of this blog is to share the experience with those I know and with those I love, though if you have found your way here and don't feel you are in one of those groups, you are also welcome to read on regardless. It is likely important that readers understand the attitude I'm leaving to train in. It is my intent to take this time of travel and training to be present in the moment and to learn about both Aikido and life; it is also my intent to be physically and somewhat mentally separate from my normal life and ministry so I can pray and reflect on them. I fully recognize that most of my time in Japan will be taken up by the...
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