Tag Archives: ExPat

To Be or Not to Be….That Is The Question

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Emily Cannell

To Be or Not to Be? The question on the mind of the Ouisar-san. Now posted to you. Some of you have expressed delight concern as to where I`ve been. Not only have I not been aggravating readers who happen … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

How Could Something So Pretty Smell So Bad?

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Emily Cannell

And I don`t mean my smelly brood. I`m referring to one of the World`s Great Mysteries. Not as famous as Crop Circles, the building of the pyramids or the disappearance of the Mayans, but equally mysterious. Just how is it … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

Even the Japanese are Excited About Bama!

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Well football fans, the Tide is going to the National Championship. Again. Only diamond ear rings the size of my eyeballs would get me more excited. Alabama has rabid fans everywhere. And no one, nowhere, nohow, can out cheer  the … Continue reading →

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Just How Rude are You? The Chopstick Test

Posted on November 25, 2012 by Emily Cannell

As if the Offspring didn`t cause enough raised eyebrows at home with their barn like behavior at the trough supper table, now the Japanese we encounter while dining have concluded somewhere hidden underneath those clothes is a curly tail. Amidst … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

Miyajima- The Jewel on My UNESCO Hit List

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Life is not a race. Unless you`re a Clampitt. Then what`s not a race is a competition. If there are no competitors, go up against yourself. I usually take on the inner voice that provides unwelcome running commentary on the … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

The Best Ramen- A Quest for the Holy Grail of Noodles

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Many of you know of my singular and all-encompassing love of the ramen noodle. In particular, the spicy version known in Japan as “Tantanmen.” Slurping, sloshing and spraying this delectable carb on other patrons at the ramen bar is an … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Japanese Name Calling- Not Appropriate for Children and Teenagers

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Tengu. Oh-and  it`s nasty. Use it carefully. Don`t tell I taught you or I`ll call you a liar. After reading this, you will shiver with delight every time you shout it at your worst arch-enemy from behind the locked sound … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture Lessons, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

“What`s Your Type?”

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Emily Cannell

“What`s your sign?” The ultimate conversation starter lost with the demise of the horoscope in the 70`s. Perhaps it got tangled up with disco. Whatever the reason,  I stopped looking for a Leo soul mate and that groovy Sagittarius embroidered … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Ouisar-san drops the Ball on the Local Matsuri

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Emily Cannell

The fact that I`ve been blogging for two full years and haven`t done a post on a matsuri is shameful an oversight. Especially given the number of these that occur throughout the year. During a matsuri, the neighborhood shrine`s delegates … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Japan- Add It To Your Bucket List

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Emily Cannell

It was turning out to be the typical Clampitt vacation. A perfect storm of sorts. We boarded a plane headed 3 hours south toward Okinawa, then another 45 minutes further south to Ishigaki Island. So did several right-wing activists ready … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments