Memoirs of a Geisha.....

I have always loved learning about other cultures, people and places around the world.  I love hearing accents and making new friends with people of different backgrounds. It comes as no surprise that I have always been attracted to guys that are tall, dark and handsome!!  When I was growing up one of my best friends was latino and had the most beautiful brown eyes and long, dark, curly eyelashes.  I wanted to look just like her... I would've traded by blue eyes for her brown ones any day.

Anyway, back to my love of other cultures.  My interest and fascination with the Japanese culture began about 7 years ago....around the time that E and I started dating.  Being that he is half-Japanese (and half Norwegian) I wanted to learn more about his family and heritage.  It started with a visit to Chicago where his mother's family has lived since they came from Japan in the 1950's.  I had my very first taste of sushi and tried sake (Japanese alcohol) for the very first time.  Nothing like having the entire family watch you as you try raw fish for the first time!   Prior to having a stroke two years ago, his grandma used to hand-make the most beautiful Japanese dolls.  She would use scraps of silk to make the gowns on the dolls and the body parts are somehow made from egg-shells.  Many hours goes into each doll...she would make one for E's mom and her brother and sister each year.  Here are a few that are in E's mom's collection.  I wish you could see them in real life, because they are so detailed and beautiful!

E and I have always talked about how cool it would be to visit Japan.  Maybe even go there for a year and teach English or something.  I know they have teacher exchange programs like that available, so who knows??  I am incredibly jealous that my two younger brothers were able to go to Tokyo this past May for a little visit.  Check out their pictures at Jeff's Website if you'd like to see them!  Erick and I would also like to learn Japanese someday!

I started this post because I am in the middle of a wonderful read, Memoirs of a Geisha.  Click the link for more details and editorial review.  This book is the fascinating true story of a young girl in Japan during the Depression who loses her family and is taken in by an Okiya where she trains to become a geisha.  For those who don't know, a Geisha is a beautiful un-married artisan who is paid the big-bucks to entertain men (music, song, dance) in Japanese Tea Houses.  Lots of effort goes into making these women as beautiful as possible.  The story is very fast moving and is told from the little girl's naive perspective (but written by an English-speaking author who conducted the interviews with her when she was an adult).  I have had a hard time putting it down! It has given me great insight to this aspect of the Japanese culture.  I definitely recommend it.....it will also be made into a movie sometime soon.

Good bye..........shikkei!!!

Comments

[Kara Bailey]

I swear you always come up with the most interesting topics to write about. Very admirable. It makes me come back at least 3 times a week to check in what you have been doing. Maybe I will start one of these up myself - you know, with all my spare time. Talk to you soon.

[Muriel (marielos03 @ 2peas)]

I am thinking of suggesting that book for my book club's read for Oct/Nov so we can schedule a movie outing also. It comes out the ninth of December. Although if I do that I need to reread it.

[Raina]

I read Memoirs of a Geisha last year. Your post makes me want to read it all over again. Actually, I think I'll pull it out now, while I'm thinking about it.

[Kristina Contes]

Dude, going to Japan would be awesome! if you have the means to do so, I say go for it! So exciting!

And I still haven't read that book yet, I am so behind.

[Jen]

Hey! That's my very favorite book! I had no idea they were making a movie based on it, I'll have to look for that, (even though the movie is never as good as the book!).
Love how you tied this into your own life though...those dolls are just beautiful!

[Jen]

Oh! Cute new banner and LOVE the purple color scheme!

[Jessie F]

I'd really like to read that book too. I love learning about other cultures too and love Japanese food (sushi..yummmm, saki...yummm) I would love to go to Toyko one day too ;)

[Jen]

That is a FANTASTIC book! And I think the movie is coming out fairly soon actuall, but I could be wrong.

[Missy]

I LOVE THAT BOOK!
I read it forever ago and it's still with me.
I can't wait to see the movie ;)

[Maria]

Awesome post. I love the pictures of the beautiful Japanese dolls. Thanks for sharing them. I can't believe I still haven't read this book, I'm going to have to go get it this weekend!

[Christina P]

I saw the trailer to that movie and girl, i want to see it! Love your blog girl!