So HIF technically ended about two weeks ago, but I've been running around Japan (Tokyo, Nagoya, Kamakura) sans internet and thus haven't been able to keep up on my blog too well. Very sorry to all the people who read it.
Anyways, looking back upon my experience at HIF with the filter of nostalgia, I recall the good times and memories made with my Hakodatian friends. The night before I left, I went up Hakodate mountain (by myself because my host family was too busy to come with me) to see the night view (yakei).
The Hakodate night view is said to rank among the top three night views in the world (Hakodate, Naples, and Hong Kong) and it is indeed quite a beautiful sight. When I was up there staring out over the city which I had come to know over the past two months, I realized that I had changed since I began my exciting cultural experience. I had come to understand more about Japanese culture, the people, and the language. I also gained a greater appreciation for my own country and the things that America has, but Japan doesn't. What I missed most in Japan were American's many obese people, stick deodorant, and Mexican food. On the other hand, Japan has far superior fireworks! During the Minato Matsuri festival, there was a spectacular fireworks show, including some that would explode after people on boats threw them into the water.
Here's a summary of my favourite parts of Hakodate:
1. Architecture! A must see is the Russian Orthodox church. Be sure to go inside to take a look at the highly ornate interior.
Be sure to stop by the Episcopal (I think) church nearby. The church's unique arches and cruciform design make it an unusual example of modern architecture in Hakodate.
My favourite Western building in Hakodate was the Future University. This post-modern glass mammoth building houses everything a University student might need all within a single envelope. Classrooms, gymnasiums, lounge space, bookstores, etc. are all packaged in separate glass containers. The glass interiors make many views of the side look like section cuts through the building. This idea was the best part of the building in my opinion despite the building's horrendous energy use. I'm sure heating and cooling the high 7 story-ceiling takes loads of energy that could be put to better use.
2. Japanese fashion / crrazy looking people. I have more picutres of them, but I haven't uploaded them all because my computer is running out of memory. For example, this lovely couple that I saw coming off the train one day. Notice the mj leaf blingin' necklace.
3. Tea at the British Consulate. This is a must-do when in Hakodate. Stop by the consulate for a nice tea time lunch after class ends. The consulate is right near the old Hakodate ward hall (the blue and yellow building). This is the afternoon tea set (quite tasty!).
4. Tanooki. Keep an eye out all through Hakodate/ Hokkaido for the Tanooki statue (even better if you get to see the real animal!). I didn't get to see a real Tanooki, but this is a picture of the Tanooki with the biggest balls that I could find. Tanooki are known for their large testicles and crazy libido. I'm not sure what a real Tanooki looks like, but I think it's some kind of mythical raccoon animal.
I will leave my readers with this last image of the Tanooki. He welcomes you to Japan, so please go to Hakodate and see him!!
