FuJET vs. Fuji

She proudly stands below Tokyo, often crowned with snow at her summit throughout the year. To me, she is the most recognizable symbol of Japan.

Mt. Fuji.

This Saturday, I'll be climbing Mt. Fuji with almost 30 other Fukushima JETs. I still can't quite grasp what I've signed up for. At about 3,800 metres tall - Fuji is considered the tallest mountain of all Japan.

I've read the websites, talked to my travel agent, and listened to the advice from my sempai/kyotou-sensei. Overall, I've learned the following:
- Bring yennies if you want to pee, because the toilets cost money.
- The descent may be more strenuous than the ascent.
- Don't give up, even when the Japanese grandmothers effortlessly sail up the mountain. (I experienced this when I climbed Mt. Misen, a small mountain near Miyajima. Grandmothers were flying up the stairs at record speed, while young ladies were teetering on their high heels).
- etc.

This is the first major task that I've handled as FuJET VP. People who've travelled with me have learned that I am a major task-master. I love to make lists when planning trips, and have an obsession with them. I love being ridiculously organized when it comes to travelling into the unknown. You definitely won't see me hitchhiking across Shikoku like some of my friends during Golden Week - it's not my steeze!

Hopefully, I'll make it to the summit! I can't say I've stayed true to my Fuji Workout Plan. I took walks and jogs around my neighbourhood, but they were mostly unsuccessful. I'd end up chatting with my neighbours or my students. And sometimes, I'd fully stop and watch the baseball practices at school. I also climbed all the way up the ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle - I broke into a light sweat, and told S. that I'm just not a hiking enthusiast!

My JTE joked that I could call his cell phone if I get lost on Fuji. Most of my staffroom was surprised that I wanted to climb it in the first place. They initially believed I have a fascination with hiking, but I quickly explained I'm not. It's all about conquering this cone-shaped mountain that is known throughout the world.

Am I contagious?

It seems like old people think that I will infect them with germs.

Let me explain. I had to go to a health clinic tucked away in a nearby village, so that I could finish the last of my travel vaccinations. I overheard the elderly folk asking my supervisor in Japanese if he was indeed in good health. He explained that "the foreigner needs to get some vaccinations." Curious glances ensued.

When my supervisor left for a few minutes to do some errands, I had the entire bench to myself. An old lady came in, and sat down about two feet away from me. She looked over, and squeezed herself onto a bench that was filled to capacity with five other obaachan.

And that, my friends, marked my first experience as truly feeling like that "gaijin with germs." (Foreigner with germs).

That's right - I'm humorously donning a mask in the above photo. In Japan, it's actually very popular and "considerate" to wear a mask. The trend certainly increased with the swine flu scare. When I first saw the trend, it totally threw me off. But you get used to it. I forgot to warn my family before they came over for a visit last winter, so they were surprised when they saw everyone and their baby's mamma wearing masks.

My students often wear them, in an effort to avoid the "influenza" or a common cold. The mask is also used by those with illnesses, so that they'll protect others from getting it. It also functions as a great cover-up for those unsightly blemishes, I bet.

I've only tried on a mask twice since being here. And both occasions have involved an intense dusting of my house, that's all. I am grossed out when my students take off their masks at school. They place it neatly on the side of their desk during lunchtime, then place it right back on after brushing their teeth. Mmm, think of all the germs crawling on that moist mask.

Now, that's hygienic.

My next adventure in the health field? Going to the dentist this summer.