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Learning how to use chopsticks
Erin Aldrich, 22, qualified for the Sydney Olympics by placing second in the high jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The 6-foot-1 Aldrich is the current collegiate record-holder in the high jump (6 feet, 5 1/2 inches) and has been named an All-America in both track and volleyball at the University of Texas. Check back with CNNSI.com as Aldrich talks about sightseeing in Sydney.
September 7, 2000
A few days ago I arrived in Japan for my final meet before Sydney. I flew into Osaka and took a fairy to Kobe, where I stayed for a couple days. Today I traveled by bullet train to Yokohama. I compete in the Super Meet here on the 9th and fly to Sydney on the 10th. This is my first trip to Japan, and I have to say that I am very intrigued by this country. It is extremely clean, and the people are so generous and friendly! They will bend over backwards to make your stay more pleasant. Needless to say, I don't quite fit in being 6'1", but that's okay! My biggest challenge here is learning how to use chopsticks correctly. I can't count the times I have dropped food in my lap trying to fit in with the culture. Young children are far better at this than I am. It definitely makes me appreciate this talent of theirs. I thank the Japanese for not laughing hysterically at my "chopsticks ignorance." I have taken for granted the utensils we use in the United States. Believe me, we have it easy! Small bowls of white rice have become my staple food. It's shocking, I know. But, I have come to love rice, especially when it sticks together. Maybe I like it so much because it is the only food I can eat with chopsticks without dropping it in my lap. Hey, I keep trying, hoping that I will master this concept by the time I leave -- I probably won't though. You would have thought I had won the lottery yesterday when I was browsing the mall and spotted a Starbucks. People starred at me while my eyes got huge, and I boasted a giant smile on my face. I never realized how much I took Starbucks for granted while at home. Needless to say, I immediately headed for the door and excitedly approached the cashier to order my Caramel Frappuccino. Before I could say a thing, she started talking to me in Japanese. It went something like this, "#!$%&# FRAPPUCCINO #!%$&#!" Right when I heard the magic word, I smiled profusely and nodded YES! YES! We had spoken the international language! Sometimes it is hard for me to communicate here. Of course, the Japanese speak much better English than I speak Japanese. But, sometimes I don't know how to convey to them what I want. Due to this obstacle, my pointer finger has been put to good use. It is definitely working overtime! The other day, when I was shopping, I walked into a store that had some interesting T-shirts for sale. Apparently it is very popular here in Japan to wear shirts with English words on them. I couldn't help but smile when I read some of the slogans on the shirts. Here are some examples, "Good Boys See Highs" or "Trendy Light Makes Color." I don't know what they mean, but it was humorous, nevertheless. I have had a great time here, and I truly appreciate the hospitality the Japanese have shown while I've been here. I am fascinated by the culture, and I am definitely looking forward to my next trip back. Hopefully, this meet will be a good one for me to prepare for Sydney. I can't believe I am about to live my dream in a few weeks! Until next time...cheers! -- Erin
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