"Ningen banji saiou ga uma" is a Japanese proverb, literally translated as "All human affairs are like Saiou's horse". It means, "One can never know what will prove to be lucky or unlucky". The meaning came from a Chinese folk tale about an old man called Sai. Here is the story:
Once upon a time, an old man, Sai, lived near the Chinese Northern Fort. One day his horse ran away. His neighbors commiserated with him over his misfortune, but Sai said "How do you know this is not really good luck?". A few days later the horse returned, bringing another horse with it. However when his neighbors congratulated him on his good luck, the old man said "How do you know this is really good luck?" Sure enough, some while later Sai's son fell while riding the horse, and broke his leg. However this turned out to be good fortune when all the young men of the village were ordered to join the Emperor's army. Sai's son didn't have to go since he had a broken leg.
This year in Japan I have experienced great fortune and incredible bad luck. I am placed in a lovely town, centrally located on an astoundingly beautiful island, with clean air and fresh produce. Unfortunately, my town is far enough from the ocean that I have only been to visit those life-giving waters ONCE in the year. I was lucky to inherit a car from my predecessor, only to see it totaled one month after purchase. My pre-existing medical situation was a big worry, but allowed me to travel to the lovely city of Sapporo regularly for doctor's checkups and shopping. I received enough income from my work to afford the luxury of a vacation in delicious Thailand, enjoyed our time there immensely, and at the end of the trip became seriously injured in a scooter accident. My job challenges me to visit dozens of schools all over the region, which allows me the pleasure to drive through incredible mountainous forests and meet hundreds of beautiful children. After one year in Japan, I have been blessed to arrive with my patient and resourceful partner, with whom I can depart calling my fiancee. We will build our lives strengthened and, at times amused, by the memories of this remarkable year abroad.
Once upon a time, an old man, Sai, lived near the Chinese Northern Fort. One day his horse ran away. His neighbors commiserated with him over his misfortune, but Sai said "How do you know this is not really good luck?". A few days later the horse returned, bringing another horse with it. However when his neighbors congratulated him on his good luck, the old man said "How do you know this is really good luck?" Sure enough, some while later Sai's son fell while riding the horse, and broke his leg. However this turned out to be good fortune when all the young men of the village were ordered to join the Emperor's army. Sai's son didn't have to go since he had a broken leg.
This year in Japan I have experienced great fortune and incredible bad luck. I am placed in a lovely town, centrally located on an astoundingly beautiful island, with clean air and fresh produce. Unfortunately, my town is far enough from the ocean that I have only been to visit those life-giving waters ONCE in the year. I was lucky to inherit a car from my predecessor, only to see it totaled one month after purchase. My pre-existing medical situation was a big worry, but allowed me to travel to the lovely city of Sapporo regularly for doctor's checkups and shopping. I received enough income from my work to afford the luxury of a vacation in delicious Thailand, enjoyed our time there immensely, and at the end of the trip became seriously injured in a scooter accident. My job challenges me to visit dozens of schools all over the region, which allows me the pleasure to drive through incredible mountainous forests and meet hundreds of beautiful children. After one year in Japan, I have been blessed to arrive with my patient and resourceful partner, with whom I can depart calling my fiancee. We will build our lives strengthened and, at times amused, by the memories of this remarkable year abroad.
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