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bekijk ook het algemene dagverslag van 6 - 23 september | 24 september - 7 oktober | 8 - 21 oktober | 22 oktober - 4 november lees ook het persoonlijke dagverslag van Alex| Kees |Marie-Claire | Marieke Dagboek: Marie-Claire Witlox (muziektheater) Friday October 6 Pfffff…. What a long trip and it has just started! At 12.30u Jeroen and I were dropped at the airport by Maarten, who was so sweet to give us a lift!! Jeroen and I walked to the departure Hal and we saw a woman who looked like Marieke and her husband. It were them. A while later Junko and Wil arrived. Marieke and I checked our bags and went for a last drink whit our loved ones. After a drink and a few photo’s Jeroen and I smoked our last sigaret. After my departure I’m not gonna smoke again, ever! After a lot of hugs and kisses, we said goodbye! Marieke and I went to gate D22. It seemed that our flight to London was delayed for an hour, but after a few minutes my phone rang. Mr. Nishigori from the travel agency called to tell us that our flight from London to Tokyo was delayed for four hours due to a Typhoon….. We couldn’t do anything but wait, wait, wait. We arrived in London and waited! Saturday October 7 After I boarded I almost instantly fell asleep. On top of that I took two melatonin pills from Marieke. Luckily we had a lot of space for our legs. I slept for, like nine hours in a row. Wonderful! Nine hours later we flew above Siberia and Russia. Beautiful sites and lot’s and loads of clouds. When I woke up I had to think of my sweat husband. I miss him already, but the thought of him coming to Hirado is comforting me. I hope he isn’t gonna have delays like we have. Our stewardess was Dutch. The others were all Japanese so it was very extraordinary. She found out we’re Dutch and she pampered us with all kind’s of chocolates. She knew Marieke wanted to take pictures of great views, so every half n our she picked her up to go and look out of another window. She’s great; Catharina from Roosendaal. Marieke took great pictures. When we land we have to go to ANA, I first thought it was a name of a woman, but it’s the stewardesses here. They arranged us a hotel for the night. Tomorrow we’re gonna fly to Fukuoka and drive to Hirado so we will be in time for our welcome party. The people of ANA arranged us a hotel. We were told to go by train to a station called Saikura station. We bought a ticked and took the train. After a twenty minute drive we arrived, but it turned out to be the wrong station. We took a cab to the hotel. The taxi driver was very kind, but when he drove of he forgot to turn on the meter. It took me a few hands and feet to tell him to put the meter on. He thanked me a thousand times. Yeah, right. He just wanted to take advantage of the moment. Not with me! In the hotel we took our stuff to our rooms and went to the restaurant downstairs. Actually they were not serving anymore, but when we entered they wanted to make an exception. We sat down without shoes on small tables and two guys next to us were very interested in where we were coming from. We tried to make some conversation but it wasn’t easy. We ate sashimi, wonderful and drank sake and bear. One guy kept swinging his phone around. He obviously wanted our numbers. I took a little advantage of the situation and asked him if I could make a call. I called mr. Inoue to tell him which flight we are gonna take tomorrow to Fukuoka. In Hirado they’re having a farewell party for Alex and Kees. Still hope someone is gonna pick us up tomorrow. We’re now gonna have a good night sleep after a nice dinner and a good company and friendly welcome to Japan. Sunday October 8 This morning Marieke and I walked with our heavy bags to the train station that would lead us to Narita Airport. Our flight to Fukuoka went well, except for the takedown. Due to the plains decent I got a severe headache. I thought my head was going to explode. I think the pressure was getting to high. We landed safely and got our bags. We hoped Yuki was gonna be there to pick us up, but he was at the wrong airport. After a few minutes he arrived and our journey to Hirado by car could begin. It was beautiful to drive through the landscape of so many bamboo trees. We saw many, many rice fields. It was great. At the harbour we took the boat trip to the Island of Hirado. The weather was soft and the view magnificent. On shore the whole committee of 12xHolland was welcoming us. It felt great to be so welcome. It was almost as if we were movie stars. They showed me my house and at 18.30u there was a welcome party in the little café near my house, Carillon. The food was delicious and the people so nice and sweet. Tomorrow I have a big day and a full program, so I’m going to my bed. Monday October 9 The past night I slept for only three ours of and on. The jetlag is worse than I thought. But when I woke up and saw the view from my window, everything was ok. From my bedroom window I can see the Hirado castle. It’s a nice way to wake up. At 9.50u I met Ymke to go to my Nichibu lesson. We drove to the house of Kitani-sensei and there she was waiting for us. A beautiful lady in a beautiful Kimono was standing in front of the door. We immediately went upstairs to change our clothes for our own Kimono. Ymke helped me to put on mine, because it is very difficult. I hope I can do it on my own next week. After twenty minutes we were dressed and ready for the lesson. We had to sit in front of the door and open it, then make a bow to our sensei and then we could enter the room. Ymke and Kitani-sensei showed me a dance they are working on for the festival. It was incredible to see. The combination of the music, the dance and the Kimono’s was just perfect. Now it was my turn to dance. Kitani-sensei showed a dance combination and Ymke and I followed. We did half of the dance I have to perform on my own in a few weeks. Thursday we’re gonna finish it and then she’s going to make it really perfect. I really like it and hope I’m gonna be any good. After the Nichibu lesson Ymke and I walked through the main street and did some shopping. She showed me the public foot bath and we sat with our feet in the nice hot water of 35,2 C. At 13.00u Marieke and I met Koteda-san at the harbour and he guided our tour through Hirado. Ruriko-san and Butta-san joined us. It was nice to see and know all about the history of Hirado in relations to Holland. We saw beautiful flowers and big scary insects. Koteda-san said they were only small ones… I invited Ruriko-san for a glass of water at my place and we had a nice conversation. She’s a nice lady and reminds me a bit of my mother. She’s also very caring. Tonight we’re gonna eat at the restaurant I heard a lot of good thing’s about, Hana. Machida-san tells me Hana means flower. I’m hungry and very curious. Tuesday October 10 After again a bad night of sleep Marieke and I met at 9.55u on the bridge in front of the City hall of Hirado. We met the mayor. It was a special meeting where we were really guest of honour. He wished us a good time in Hirado and gave us a present. It was a beautiful piece of art we saw in the museum yesterday. At eleven o’clock we had a meeting and we could ask all the questions we had and our schedule was corrected. Ymke and Keiseke-san asked me if had wanted to go to the local high school to a good dance group and ask them if they wanna participate in de 12xholland musical. They danced for us and they are just what I needed. So I hope they’re gonna participate. Marieke and I had dinner in a little place right next to my house. After dinner we walked to a hotel 10 minutes away from my house that has a rotemburo, a hot bath outside at the seaside. When we entered there where a few Japanese woman already in the bathtub. They laughed at us when we were doing the washing ritual probably totally wrong. We spend some time with them and talked a little, but that was difficult. It was like an outside sauna right at the sea. There were flying fish in the sea and a fisherman that secretly took a picture. The Japanese ladies laughed very hard with their hand before there mouth. Very funny to see the costumes here. Wednesday October 11 Today I gave my first workshop at an elemantary school. There were about 80 children. They did a great job singing and dancing very beautiful. After wards they all wanted to touch me and have an autograph. Very special. The opening of Marieke’s atelier was at two o’clock. She showed her work and I played some violin. Tonight I’m going to have my first Shodo lesson and I’m looking forward to it. I’m very tired, because I’m still not sleeping well. Mostly 4 hours a night. That’s not good for a person who’s used to sleeping 8 hours a night. I hope tonight is going to be my night of a good sleep!! Thursday October 12 Yesterday evening I had my first shodo lesson. Shodo is the art of drawing Japanese and Chineese characters. I learned to draw with a pencil and ink a number of words and expressions. I was proud of the result. Maybe the teacher was too, because he asked me if I would sign a couple. He’s gonna show them on his exhibition. Now my bedroom wall is covered by my own shodo art. Finally I had a good night sleep. Seven hours in a row. This morning I went to my second Nichibu lesson with Ymke. We finished the dance! Now there’s a lot of correcting to be done I guess. I still have a couple of weeks before the presentation. Ymke asked me if I could go to Sasebo with her on Saturday to buy my own Kimono!!!! Wow! In the afternoon I did some serious cleaning because my house was a bit dirty to begin with. I washed my clothes and towels and everything is nice and clean. Tonight is a big night, because it’s gonna be the first musical rehearsal. I’m very curious who’s gonna come and what their skills are. Tomorrow I’m gonna tell you all about it, but first I have my appointment with Yoriko-san. She’s gonna accompany me on the piano at my concert on Sunday and we are going to rehears. Friday October 13 Yesterday evening at 19.00u was the first rehearsal of the 12xHolland musical group in the Bunka centre. I entered a big gym hall where the rehearsal was being held. A few people came in, some more people came in… even more people entered. I was surprised by the number of people who wanted to join the musical. All together there were over 35 people. The dance group from the high school I visited had also come. We started dancing and after an hour I began practicing with the choir and a little orchestra. I was surprised how quick they sang a Dutch song and they did it very beautiful. This musical is gonna be great! When I came home after a nice dinner at Marieke’s I was welcomed by a little zoo. There was a grasshopper, a big cockroach and a spider the size of my thumb. First I went hunting, then I got a good night sleep. Friday 13th: Bad luck… In the morning I visited the Nakatsura elementary school in the south of Hirado. The school only had 28 students, so everyone came to the workshop. They were very friendly and enthusiastic. I started my lesson and wanted to play the violin. Some children had never seen a violin in their lives. I opened the case and got the violin, but when I got the bow there was something wrong. There’s a little screw at the end of the bow that you have to wind up in order to get the hair tightened. But the screw didn’t work anymore. Due to the different climate the metal in the screw started working and slimmed. AGAIN! A few years ago in Canada the climate was too dry and cold so the wood of my violin started working, but still then I could play. Now there was no way I could let the children hear the sound of the violin. Shame. I hope it is going to repair itself. The rest of the workshop turned out to be a success. The children gave me a lot of energy. They invited me for lunch, which was nice. In the afternoon we went to Tsutsusmi elementary school a small school with 29 students, where Yoki-san teaches. It was again a successful workshop. When we drove back to the city of Hirado I was bushed. It was a good week with a lot of new experiences, a lot of work and little sleep. Tomorrow I will go to Sasebo with a lot of my new friends: Yoriko-san, Michiru-san and her two boys and Ymke. In the evening I will rehears with Yoriko-san for our performance on Sunday. Saturday October 14 This morning we went to Sasebo. We went to buy little shoe’s for my Nichibu performance. While we were there I tried on a Kimono. It was looking great! I bought my own and a beautiful obi, that’s a waistband. We were be back in Hirado at five so I could meet my loved one on the internet to talk to him through video msn. While I was at Machida-san I asked him if he had a violin bow. He had a very old one that didn’t work. At the same time Ymke called and said that there was a violinist in town who had a spare one. We drove to his house and I could borough his bow. I also met a nice lady who is a piano teacher. After we got the bow I had a quick dinner with Marieke and then I had to rehears with Yoriko-san for the recital tomorrow. Sunday October 15 After a super night of sleep (10 hrs!!) I got dressed for the recital. I had my doubts with what to wear. When I arrived in Hirado I wore a t-shirt without sleeves and an open back, in Holland we call it een hemdje. After a day someone told me it wasn’t appropriate to wear that. Everybody here wears long trousers and blouses and vests even if it’s 30 degrees. I had to rearrange my wardrobe and bought a few extra shirts, because 70% of what I brought to Hirado I can only wear as underwear. Now there is a gossip in town about me. I’m the girl with the spaghetti-laces. So for the recital I really had to consider what to wear. The concert dress I brought with me was not appropriate enough. I forgot to bring my concert trousers because I only wear it in winter. I made a good combination of a dress with panty’s, a shirt underneath and a little vest. Warm but covered! Te recital was in the big hall of the Bunka centre. There was a festival which reminded me of the fancy fair at my father’s work but then 20 times bigger. I had a good recital and the people enjoyed it. The sun was shining brightly today. I sat in the sun for a while and read a book. Finally some time to relax after a busy week and a very tight schedule. Tomorrow the second week in Hirado will start. It seems I’ve arrived a month ago instead of a week. Next week will be very busy too, but at the end there will be a good reward for a week hard work. Jeroen will arrive on Friday and I’m really looking forward to that!! Hardly can’t wait. Monday October 16 I forgot to tell something last week. When I rehearsed with Yoriko-san her grandmother who also lives in the house invited me for tea. I entered the room and saw four big Koto’s, that’s a big Japanese harp that lies on the ground. She asked if I wanted to play. It was very special because even if I’ve never touched the instrument in my life, beautiful tones and music came out of the koto. It is much easier then I thought, but I can’t read the scores, though. I drank nice cups of tea with the grandmother who told me she once sang the song Caro mio ben. A song we were rehearsing for the recital. She gave me some self-made pottery. It was a special encounter. Last night I went to Machida-san’s place to pick up Marieke to have a bite and drink. When I came, Machida-san asked us for dinner. I brought my little dictionary so I could tell them that the dinner was uma or oishi. The son of the family cooked! We drank tee, chatted and watched a quiz on television. We had a lot of fun and they were very nice. After dinner Marieke and I wanted to drink some sake and we ended up in the footbath with a sake that we bought in the supermarket. We chatted ‘till the lights in the footbath went out and the music stopped. We had a good evening. This morning after my Nichibu class I first had lunch with Ymke at Carillon. We ate a nice Hirade beef burger. At one o’clock I decided to go for a big walk, starting by visiting the Saikoji Temple Reiho-kan Hall. The path to the temple was beautiful. There were different kinds of flowers and Buddha’s. On the top of the hill there was the big, red temple. A kind lady behind the counter told me I had to pay 200 yen to enter the temple. Obviously I was the only visitor today. I paid her and wanted to go, but she wanted to tell me something else. She told me I could go upstairs in the temple, but I could also go downstairs and she was pointing at her tummy. I knew there was something in the basement. Marieke told me there was a little chapel behind a wall, where you would arrive if you would hold and follow a wall in the dark. I’m very claustrophobic so I thought of doing it but I wasn’t sure yet. The lady was still trying to tell me something but I didn’t understand. She came into the temple with me and hoped that would help her explain to me what she meant. We were standing on top of a stair. She pointed down into the dark and pointed again at her tummy. I felt the anxiety of the claustro so I thought she meant that it was scary. I mimed her my version of scary and she said I was right and wanted me to go down. Yeah right, first scare me and then I must go down by myself? No way. I said that she had to go first. She had to laugh really loud and went down the stairs. A little light went on and I saw a painting of a Buddha holding a baby. The lady said: Baby! Oh, so with pointing at her stomach she meant that this was the room of the Buddha praying for fertility. I thought this was it, but the lady walked toward a wall and made clear that I had to put my hand against the wall. Before I even realized what to do she was gone into the dark. In an impulse I followed her. I could hear her footsteps but I couldn’t see a thing. I had to walk fast to keep up with her. In an instant I thought I could always go back. I looked over my shoulder, but everywhere around me it was pitch black! As a die hard claustrophobic my heartbeat pitched up, I started sweating, in my panic I let go of the wall, but in a split second I corrected myself. Letting go of the wall would mean the end of the world! So I grabbed the wall again. Just before I wanted to make a panic scream in whatever language, she said something. First I was afraid that she was saying. Ok, here you are, see you later and would go. Behind a corner out of the blue there was a shimmering orange light and a little Buddha statue. It was beautiful. The lady said a prayer and I made a quick shaky picture and we walked around another corner. There was the light I was searching for. The stairs!!! We went to the first floor and she left me in the temple. What an experience… I’ve never felt happier to be outside in the open air, the sun shining brightly . Tonight Marieke and I are going to the rotemburo. I deserve a little relaxation. Tuesday October 17 Yesterday evening after the rotemburo Marieke and I went for a little bite to Hana, our favourite restaurant. Outside we ran into a man who can speak a little bit English and asked me a couple of times if I wanted to have a drink with him. I kindly said no before, but now he saw us enter the restaurant and followed us. We really didn’t want him to, but he just did. He shouted: My pay, my pay! We said we just wanted to eat together and we didn’t want him to pay. It didn’t work. He came and sat one chair away. We talked a bit and after a while he was calling his friends. They came. One was a dentist and one had a hotel. They wanted us to go and sing Karaoke with them but we thanked. When they left. The sweet people of the restaurant toughed us how to say: “No thank you” in Japanese: Yakamashika! Will come in very handy. We had a good time in Hana. The people are so sweet and the food is great. After a long ride to the south of the Island Ymke and I arrived this morning at the Tsuyoshi elementary school. Michiru-san and her husband also arrived and joined the workshop because their two sweet boys are in this school. So as I entered the big gym where my workshop was gonna be held, as usual all children started clapping their hands. I must say it feels very special to be so welcome, time after time. It’s great that I could play the violin again. The children sang and danced very good. I was touched by their energy and devotion. After the workshop Michiru-san and her husband invited us to their home for a lunch. We ate a delicious pasta with broccoli and sardines. In the evening I had a rehearsal with a student who is gonna accompany me on the piano on Sunday and also with Machida-san with whom I’m gonna play a duet with on flute and violin. Yoriko-san and I practiced on the song she is going to sing in the musical. Wednesday October 18 I had a school workshop today for the children here in the city of Hirado. It was good fun. There was an article about me in the Nagasaki newspaper today. I don’t know what it’s saying but I will have it translated. At six o’clock I had an appointment with the photographer of the same newspaper. He’s gonna make a special about me this month and he wanted to make a picture of me dancing. In the evening I went to my shodo lesson. Kensei gave me a stamp especially made with my initials. Very beautiful memory of Hirado and my shodo lessons. I can write a few words in Japanese now and I’m very proud of it. Only two nights of sleep and my sweetheart will come to Hirado!! Thursday October 19 This morning I woke up very early, because I’m so excited that Jeroen is gonna come tomorrow. I did some laundry and cleaned the place a little. At ten I had my Nichibu lesson, which I always enjoy. Kitani-sensei is a real kind and elegant lady. Today I had to dance my solo alone for the first time. I still needed some help, but I’m gonna practice very hard this week. In the end of the lesson I tried on some Kimono’s. Ymke has a very beautiful one I can borough for the performance. In the afternoon I called Marieke to have lunch with us. After lunch Marieke and I went for a walk and ended up going to the museum where they have Japanese erotic prints. It seems that the Dutch writer Cees Nooteboom travelled to Hirado just to see these prints. When he arrived the owner of the prints showed him other prints. Cees told him he didn’t came for those he wanted to see the erotic prints. After some hesitation the owner came down with the erotic prints. I must say. They are very artistic and very erotic. In the museum some parts of the prints were covered up. A little prudish I guess. I hadn’t expect the Japanese to have this kind of art, but as we say in Holland: Silent waters have deep grounds! Tonight is my second 12xholland musical rehearsal. I hope we can do a lot tonight. Friday October 20 Last night the musical workshop went really well. Everybody was there and even more people came. We reached the ending of the Dutch song of which I’m very proud and the orchestra is a big help for the choir. The dancers did a great job dancing on a brick floor. We had to rehears in the hallway of the Bunka centre because there was no room available. Every member of the musical is so sweet and eager to learn it’s very nice to work with them all. After the rehearsal Yamaguchi-san invited Yoriko-san and me for dinner. We had a real Japanese dinner with all my favourites; like soup and sashimi and lot’s of more delicious things. We had a nice conversation and a laugh. This morning I got up really early because Michiri-san, Ymke and I were driving all the way to Fukuoka. Ymke and I went to the musical Gone with the wind. It was very spectacular and interesting to watch this 3 hour musical. Even though I couldn’t understand a word they were saying I had a good time. We went to a nice restaurant to eat and after a little while it was time to drive to the airport to pick up Jeroen! He was right on time and I was waiting for him when he walked out of the terminal. It was so good to see him again! Sunday October 22 I had to perform in Tabira and in the Bunka centre today. My program contained 25 minutes of singing and playing the violin. I was waiting in the dressing room of the Bunka centre and there were a lot of girls who wanted to get a glimpse of me. When they saw me they were all excited and screaming hysterical. I asked them if they wanted to take a picture with me. They were very nerves and happy with the picture as if they couldn’t believe it. When I closed the door I heard them screaming again. I felt a little bit like Madonna. Even when I was performing, girls were waving to me from the audience. So funny! Late in the afternoon I wanted to show Jeroen a few sightes of Hirado but it started raining. We sat in the footbath for a while, very romantic. In the evening Marieke, Jeroen and I ate at Hana’s. Oichi! Monday October 23 This morning I took Jeroen with me to my Nichibu lesson. It was the first time I had to put on my Kimono myself. Jeroen, Ymke and Kitani-sensei had a cosy chat while I was struggling to put on the Kimono the right way. I succeeded very well. Kitani-sensei said that it was very good for a first time. I had to dance my dance alone and it went ok, but I have a lot to do before it’s perfect. So I’m gonna keep practising. At one o’clock Yoriko-san, Ymke, Jeroen and I drove to Sasebo where I had two classes to give the musical workshop. The children were a little bit older, eleven or twelve which was great fun. We laughed danced and sang. As usual after the lessons I had to give my autograph, they even wanted Jeroen’s autograph. I made him dance too and he was super. After the workshop’s Jeroen and I were dropped of at the Sasebo bus terminal where we took the bus to Nagasaki. It was beautiful to see the view from the bus of mountains, little villages and the seashore. In Nagasaki we took a hotel room and went for some sushi in the city. We shopped a little and enjoyed being in the city. Tuesday October 24 Jeroen and I spend all day in Nagasaki. It was nice to be in a city again. The weather was nice and we walked all around the city for 9 hours. We saw some beautiful temples and bridges, we walked along the riverside and we visited the harbour of Desima. We bought a lot of presents for our family and friends at home. At six o’clock our bus to Sasebo left. When we were driving to Sasebo it started raining very hard. We were lucky to be in safe and dry. Ymke called us to see where we were. She was in Sasebo and was bound to drive to Hirado. We were lucky again because at that moment we were 5 minutes from the Sasebo bus terminal. We had a cosy drive to Hirado with Ymke. We arrived in Hirado at nine. Actually we were very tired and wanted to go to bed, but Ruriko-san invited us for a drink and a bite/ Because tomorrow it’s Kungi festival, there was a special occasion to be at. We went because Ruriko-san, Inoue-san and Reiko-san would also be there and in my time in Hirado I hadn’t had the chance to see them outside work. We went for some nice food and sake and after dinner. They suggested to go and sing Karaoke and we did. It was a great night of English and Japanese songs, a lot of laughs and sake. Wednesay October 25 This morning I woke up with a little head-ache. Yesterday evening was actually the first time I’d had a real party in Hirado.That on it’s own is not so bad, but if you have to teach in the morning it isn’t that pleasant. Luckily for me I had to teach at the Hirado elementary school. So no long drives that make me nauseous even when I didn’t drink sake the night before. I entered the classroom and there they were, 83 little children bouncing up and down. When I started dancing and singing with them I realised that they were very young and had a lot of energy. So I decided not to use a lot of words, but just dance. They did a great job and when the workshop was done I was beaten and satisfied and so were they, I guess. After the workshop there were three parades in town because of Kungi festival. First I went to the City Hall to have a look at the poster Keiseke-san made for the musical which is called: “Kijk me nog eenmaal aan…”. It looked great. Then we had lunch at Carillon and there came the Dragon dance. It was beautiful to see. All these men (10) holding each a big stick and on that stick was a piece of the dragon. All together they held the dragon and danced. In the evening we were invited for Kungi dinner at Machida-san’s house and we ate a very nice dinner. At seven we watched the dance parade in the steet. Later we went to Mori-san’s house at the sake factory. She also invited us for a bite and sake. We met Lord Matsura. After we walked a little through town we decided to go home. It was a good day. Thursday October 26 This morning again a Nichibu lesson. The closer the performance comes, the harder it seems to dance the dance properly. It is so nothing that I’m used to, but I will succeed well. At twelve Jeroen and I had a nice lunch with Keiseke-san and Ymke. After lunch Jeroen and I walked to the Pagode. I already had been there, but I thought it was so beautiful that I wanted to show him too. We made some great pictures, because the weather today was very clear and sunny. Jeroen packed his suitcase and we said goodbye at the bus terminal. He will make the long trip to Amsterdam where I’m gonna see him next week! At seven Yoriko-san came to pick me up to go to the musical rehearsal. It was a very good one, because we finished every song and dance. Now we have three rehearsals the put the pieces together and make it a whole. I think it’s amazing what you can do in only seven rehearsals. It’s almost impossible to make a musical in that short period of toime, but I think we’re gonna succeed just fine. In the evening I had a late dinner and went to Hanna. I needed the distraction It was great fun! Ymke, Courtney, Marieke and Keiseke-san joined. We had a big discussion about the differences between Japanese and European or American behaviour and manners. It was very interesting. Friday October 27 Today I could sleep in, but it didn’t really work out as I wanted. Jeroen was staying the night in Fukuoka and had to get up early to catch his flights. Even though I couldn’t do anything for him I was hoping everything went well and it did. In the afternoon I made some preparations for the musical. I gave Yoriko-san another singing lesson. At five I went to Ymke’s. We had our Nichibu practice on stage. So we took on our Kimono’s and slippers and went to the Bunka center. There I could practice my dance on stage for about four times. The first few times went well, the last two I sometimes lost it. I still have another week to practice. Had a nice dinner at Hana again in the evening. Jeroen called that he arrived safely, so I had a good night of sleep. Saturday October 28 At ten in the morning we left with a big group of foreigners to Sasebo. We were with a group of seven people, mainly ALT’s (assistant language teachers), American and English, and Ymke and I. In Sasebo was the annual dance festival. There were a lot of dance groups performing on the streets. It was like a carnival parade with only dance groups. There was a whole route through the main street of Sasebo. It was great to see. The sun was shining very brightly so I got sunburned. I also did some shopping for the musical. I found clothes and make-up. In the evening I had my musical rehearsal and we rehearsed on stage for the first time. It is so great to see the development in the whole piece. I think it is going to be super! After the rehearsal I was very tired and went to bed. Sunday October 29 This morning I got up very early, because I had to go to a tea ceremony and I wanted to wear my kimono. It takes a little time to get everything on right so I took my time. I was very pleased to see that I had it on in half an hour and that it looked just fine. I went to the Matsura temple step by step on my wooden slippers. When I arrived everybody was looking at me and complimenting me. I was glad to see that I had picked the right occasion to wear my kimono, there were a lot of other girls and ladies wearing one. People often asked me if I had put it on myself and how many years I was following lessons for it. I felt very good about it. There was a photographer following me the whole time and taking pictures when I walked, sat down, drank tea. I felt a little like a celebrity (again) . After a ceremony with Lord Matsura and the Mayor of Hirado we had another, more casual ceremony with Hotta-sensei and Ymke. After that we had lunch. At five we went to a nice viewing point to take some pictures of the beautiful sunset. Tonight at seven we had a musical rehearsal again and we put all the pieces together. It was fantastic to see the whole. Everybody is doing a great job, dancing and singing. Only one more rehearsal and then it has to be ready for showtime. Monday October 30 This morning I had my last Nichibu lesson. Everything has to go well on the general rehearsal tomorrow and of course on friday at the festival. In the afternoon first I made the technical list for the musical for light and sound. After that I had some spare time and the weather was so good that I decided to go to Ranpu beach. In front of my house there’s a little bus that goes to Ranpu beach every two hours for free. I took the bus at half past three. I enjoyed being on the beach, took beatuful pictures. When I came back I went to Marieke’s atelier. She was giving a workshop and I wanted to watch it. It was very nice to see the people in the workshop working so hard on there mosaics. I ran into Ruriko-san and she told me something funny. Yesterday at the tea ceremony there was this man taking pictures of me the whole time. He called her today to ask me if I wanted to give my permission to him for using the pictures at an exhibition in Nagasaki. I told her that it was ok, but I want to see and have the pictures myself. I also asked if he could take pistures of the exhibition. I’d like to see what kind of event it is going to be. Funny! After the workshop Marieke and I had a great time in the rotemburo. Tuesday October 31 This morning I had a school workshop at the elementary school in Hirado. It was great fun. The children were very active and gave me a lot of energy. After the workshop I did some shopping for the musical. I’ve found something great for Yoriko-san to wear. She’s playing one of the leading parts. In the evening I went with Yoriko-san to Natsuco-san’s. She is going to accompany Yoriko-san on the piano. We rehearsed a little and then I had to go to my Nichibu practice on stage in the Bunka centre. I put on a beautiful Kimono of Ymke and danced my dance a couple of times on stage. Keisuke-san took some pictures of me dancing. I think they look really nice. At nine I went to the temple where Marieke was having cooking class. Wil and Junko were there too and I really liked to see them. We drank nice sake and I didn’t eat the fish soup. There was a huge fish head floating in my bowl. I ate really nice other things, though! Wednesday November 1 I had my last school workshop today and it wasn’t the best one. I‘d only taught at elementary schools in Hirado and this was a junior high school. That on it’s own is not a big problem, but… When I entered the big hall there were 118 boys and girls. They were divided in groups of boys in blue jackets and girls in pink jackets all separated in straight lines. I asked them some easy questions, but nobody had the courage to answer them. They were sooooo shy! It was very difficult to get something out of them and get them to dance or sing. It cost me a lot of energy. At the end they were a little bit more loose and open and they performed well for each other. It was a shame that this was the only workshop Wil and Junko had seen. It wasn’t representative for the rest of the workshops I’ve given in the past weeks. After the workshop I was so tired that I had a little rest. In the evening there was the big general rehearsal for the musical. Wil and Junko came as well as Inoue-san and it went very well. Tomorrow we have only the technical rehearsal with sound and light. After rehearsal I went home with the Machida family. It was Yoshiyuki-san’s birthday. We had a good conversation. Their English has improved in the month that I’m here. We can have real nice conversations now. They are very friendly people. When I got home I immediately fell asleep. Thursday November 2 Today I decided to go to the Nichibu lesson I had actually cancelled. In the morning I was free anyway and I sure need a little more correcting in my dance. Wil and Junko where there and took some pictures. After my Nichibu lesson we had lunch in a place near my house and we had a nice conversation about my stay in Hirado. They explained me a few things about the differences between Japanese and Dutch culture I wish I had known before. It would have made things much easier, “Maybe”. In the afternoon I was busy arranging the final things for the musical when Noriko-san, Machinda-san’s wife asked me if I wanted to go to Ikitzuki with her. Ikitzuki is avery small island next to Hirado. They’re connected with a bridge. I’d never been there and wanted to see that, so I went. Machida-san took over the things I was preparing for the musical. It was a very nice afternoon. We went to Ikitzuki town and to the lighthouse. At 4.30u I had an appointment with Yoriko-san at the junior highschool where I would work on the acting parts with the boys in the musical. The musical rehearsal went super. I have totally no worries for tommorow. It is going to be great! In the evening I went to dinner with Ymke, Yoriko-san, Keisuke-san, Courtney, Alex and Cliff. We even went to the Karaoke bar. It was a great evening with a little bit to much sake… Friday November 3 The big day had come. The day we were all working towards since I came. I wasn’t feeling very well. Maybe because of the sake the night before? In Japan it is a custom that when you empty your glass someone else fills it again for you. This way you have no idea how much you drink. Yesterday I had enough I guess, but there weren’t ringing any bells. So today I had to find out in a very harsh way. I went to Kitani-sensei’s place to get dressed for my dance which started at 14.30u. They put on my Kimono with me and they put make-up on my face. Nobody would see how I felt, but I felt horrible. IWe went to the Bunka-centre and waited untill it was my turn to dance. I danced and had a pretty good feeling about it. It went well. After my dance I prepared the participants for the musical that was scheduled for 16.00u. At 16.00u they danced and sang very beatiful. It was a big success!! I was so proud of everyone. We did a great job in only one month! After the festival I went home to frechen up a little and at six Ruriko came to pick me up to go to the farewell party. It wa great that so many people were there to say goodbey. I ever got some presents. The people were all so sweet and caring. We had some sushi and orange juice and I was feeling much better all ready. After the party everybody wanted to go a nd sing Karaoke. I really wanted to go to bed, because I had my share of Karaoke yesterday, but I didn’t wanted to be a party pooper, so… We sang some Karaoke and at 23.00u I went to bed. It was a great and moving day! Saturday November 4 In the morning I packed my things and claened up my house a little bit. At ten Ymke came to pick me up. We went to bring back the bow I borrowed for my violin. After that a girl from Nagasaki had come to see me. She wanted to talk to me about the possibilities for her to study piano in Holland. She’d finished Tokio conservatory and wanted to go to Holland. We had a talk and a drink and a cake. It was a nice meeting. She came to the Bunka centre with Ymke and me to have a look at the exhibition where my shodo art was hanging. At twelve Ymke and I bought some flowers for Kitani-sensei and went to her to give them to her. She wasn’t at the farewell party yesterday and I wanted to wish her a proper goodbye. She was moved and very happy with the flowers and our visit. At one o’clock it was time to go to the harbour. There were a lot af people to wave me goodbye. When some of the people from the choir started singing “Kijk me nog eenmaal aan” I almost started crying. It was so sweet. I kissed everybody goodbye and got on the boat. When the boat sailed away I left a very nice time and a good experiance with a lot of new friends in Hirado. Goodbye Hirado! Thank you so much for all the new things I was able to get to know; All the friendly people I met and all the good things we did together! Keisuke-san and Ymke brought me to my hotel in Fukuoka. We talked about Keisuke-san’s idea to come to Holland to visit Jeroen and me. That would be great! We had an emotional goodbye in the hotellobby and then they left. My Japan adventure was almost to an end. I realized that when I came into my hotel room. A sad moment. But then I thought about Jeroen who I was going to see the next day and who I missed so much. That made me feel better. I had dinner with Wil and Junko in Fukuoka and we had a nice last evening in Japan together. Sunday November 5 After a long trip via Narita to London I finally arrived in Amsterdam. What a different world this is… At the airport Jeroen and my parents were there to pick me up. It was great to see them again, although I could barely keep my eyes open. I hadn’t slept in the plane, so I was awake for about 24 hours. I was so glad to see my sweet Jeroen again. I decided to never go on a long trip again without him! bekijk ook het algemene dagverslag van 6 - 23 september | 24 september - 7 oktober | 8 - 21 oktober | 22 oktober - 4 november lees ook het persoonlijke dagverslag van Alex| Kees |Marie-Claire | Marieke