Sometimes I think this blog should just be renamed "cute kid stories" since that's what usually ends up in here, but here it is, the most recent batch of adorable things I've seen, heard and encountered:
1. Santa-san's boshi: Today at the nursery school I was with the 2-3 year olds, a rare occasion since they can barely speak Japanese, much less English. They were having a kind of bread-y cake for snack and a boy pulled off a piece that was triangle shaped and said in the most adorable squeaky voice, "Santa-san no boshi mitai!" "It's like Santa's hat!" and he held it above his head and giggled for the longest time. Adorable.
2. On the way back from school I passed some of my students going the other way and one of them yelled after me, "Sara, I rabu you!" Sometimes I love this town.
3. Upcoming Christmas plans: I'm so excited, soon I'll be hosting my very first Christmas party on my own! It will just be a few friends coming over but it's going to be so nice to have such a great group together to celebrate the holidays. Since this is the first Christmas I'll be spending alone I feel really lucky that I'll be surrounded by such good friends- and good food, hopefully.
4. COLD: This isn't really a super positive thing but I couldn't not mention that it's gotten really cold here! I know it's nothing compared to Minnesota, but at least you all have central heating. My apartment is so cold. I don't feel like doing anything most of the time besides crawling into my bed and waiting for it to be dinner time. I really can't wait for March when I can start walking in the mornings again. I miss the old folks I usually see in the morning!
Well, time to head off to taiko practice. I hope you are all well this Christmas season!
Sending my love all over the world,
Sarah
Friday, December 17, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween!
Today's Halloween Highlight:
1. Middle school students. Even though they didn't wear costumes they did come all the way to my apartment in the rain just to trick or treat. It was very cute. Two boys and two girls came. I think it wasn't raining very hard on the way over but after I gave them candy and said goodbye I could still hear them talking outside of my door for a while. I figured they were waiting for the rain to stop but it must be cold outside, so I made them some hot chocolate and gave it to them in the various cups and mugs I have lying around the house. I hope it wasn't too sweet for them. I think they liked it. By the time they finished their hot chocolate, though, the rain was even worse so one of the girls called her mom to pick the two of them up and I lent my plastic umbrella to the two boys who were walking home. I think they may be my only trick-or-treaters this year but they were some of my favorite 9th graders so I'm glad I could give them candy and hot chocolate. Yay! Happy Halloween!
~Season's Greetings~
In other news tomorrow is November. WHAT?! I honestly don't know how it got to be November. October was so busy! I'm happy I got to see so many friends but I'm definitely not used to December being so close... my time here is dwindling!
I have made significant progress on my applications so hopefully there will be something amazing for me around the next corner but I just don't know what that is yet. Whatever it is I hope it allows me to be home for Christmas in 2011. I'm starting to get really sad that I'll be missing Thanksgiving again this year. Actually my good friend Erina who lives in Kyoto will be going back to Minnesota for Thanksgiving for the first time in four years! And I'll be here :( We're hoping she'll be able to join me when I go home in August, though, so we can have fun in Minnesota then.
Wishing you all a happy November!!!
xoxo
1. Middle school students. Even though they didn't wear costumes they did come all the way to my apartment in the rain just to trick or treat. It was very cute. Two boys and two girls came. I think it wasn't raining very hard on the way over but after I gave them candy and said goodbye I could still hear them talking outside of my door for a while. I figured they were waiting for the rain to stop but it must be cold outside, so I made them some hot chocolate and gave it to them in the various cups and mugs I have lying around the house. I hope it wasn't too sweet for them. I think they liked it. By the time they finished their hot chocolate, though, the rain was even worse so one of the girls called her mom to pick the two of them up and I lent my plastic umbrella to the two boys who were walking home. I think they may be my only trick-or-treaters this year but they were some of my favorite 9th graders so I'm glad I could give them candy and hot chocolate. Yay! Happy Halloween!
~Season's Greetings~
In other news tomorrow is November. WHAT?! I honestly don't know how it got to be November. October was so busy! I'm happy I got to see so many friends but I'm definitely not used to December being so close... my time here is dwindling!
I have made significant progress on my applications so hopefully there will be something amazing for me around the next corner but I just don't know what that is yet. Whatever it is I hope it allows me to be home for Christmas in 2011. I'm starting to get really sad that I'll be missing Thanksgiving again this year. Actually my good friend Erina who lives in Kyoto will be going back to Minnesota for Thanksgiving for the first time in four years! And I'll be here :( We're hoping she'll be able to join me when I go home in August, though, so we can have fun in Minnesota then.
Wishing you all a happy November!!!
xoxo
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Gas heaters and steaming bowls of daikon... it must be winter
懐かしいな〜
Today when the kids left school I could hear them screaming さむい！ (it's cold!) in the halls, and indeed it was. My three quarter sleeve sweater did not cut it. Then this evening I went to Mamiko's house and we had oden with big hunks of daikon (Japanese radish) and on the bike ride home from Mamiko's I could smell gas from space heaters spilling out into the dark streets. It's winter in Japan.
Today was cold, thus only one highlight:
1. Vocabulary diversification. Today one of my teachers had a few extra minutes at the end of class and decided to have me say a list of colors while the kids repeated after me. I was really not in the mood for rote memorization stuff. So as "revenge" (adopted into Japanese as a much cuter word) I contributed a new color to their vocabulary: a whole class of Japanese fifth graders saying, "cerulean".
Honorable mention: Mamiko. It always brightens my day to go to her house and chat. Also she makes a mean café au lait.
Today when the kids left school I could hear them screaming さむい！ (it's cold!) in the halls, and indeed it was. My three quarter sleeve sweater did not cut it. Then this evening I went to Mamiko's house and we had oden with big hunks of daikon (Japanese radish) and on the bike ride home from Mamiko's I could smell gas from space heaters spilling out into the dark streets. It's winter in Japan.
Today was cold, thus only one highlight:
1. Vocabulary diversification. Today one of my teachers had a few extra minutes at the end of class and decided to have me say a list of colors while the kids repeated after me. I was really not in the mood for rote memorization stuff. So as "revenge" (adopted into Japanese as a much cuter word) I contributed a new color to their vocabulary: a whole class of Japanese fifth graders saying, "cerulean".
Honorable mention: Mamiko. It always brightens my day to go to her house and chat. Also she makes a mean café au lait.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Persimmon月
October has been busy. Let's go weekend by weekend.
1. Nicole. My friend Nicole came from Virginia to tour around Japan with her friend Elizabeth but lucky for me she came a few days early so we had some time to catch up and shuffle around Kyoto together, reminiscing about our times in Nagasaki. Actually Nicole and I have only ever met in Japan, but we're pals. Haha. Highlights include Ginkakuji, an organic cafe with amazing sandwiches and even cooler people, a cake shop, and wandering around my town in the rain. However, I think the most memorable part of the trip was leaving a note in a drawer for two cute guys we saw at a coffee shop. I'm pretty sure the only person who will come across that note will be a very confused waitress.
2. Heather and Joe. Heather D'Evelyn and Joe came to visit me the next weekend and we met up in Kyoto for dinner one night and had Italian in Uji the second night. Unfortunately Joe lost his phone so the first day was hectic but he got it back and everything worked out just fine on day number two. It was so wonderful to see Heather, it almost felt like being back home! (Siri, we missed you!!!Beee!!!)
3. Shinichi. This weekend my friend Shinichi came over from where he works in Mie and we had fun catching up and seeing some really amazing spots in Kyoto. We went to Nanzen-ji, which may be my new favorite temple in Kyoto, discovered a magical thatched roof house (actually probably part of a secret temple where monks get to meditate in the mountains all day... luckies) and had delicious green tea flavored cream puffs with Godiva milk shakes.
General life updates:
The grad school application process is still underway but I'm such a slow writer I'll be amazed when the TC application is done and astounded if I have enough energy to finish two or three more.
Looked at the Bank Street application and it requires at least three essays. Buh.
In other news it's already started to get really dark really early. I am in danger of becoming a bear and hibernating all winter under my living room table under a blanket with a bag of chocolate and some books. Hence I may undertake joining a Japanese gym in the near future. Wish me luck.
Finally, it is persimmon appreciation month. Since the fall leaves aren't out in full force yet, bright round shapes of orange persimmons stand out against the dark green mountains, anticipating winter. It's still cheery, but getting colder.
1. Nicole. My friend Nicole came from Virginia to tour around Japan with her friend Elizabeth but lucky for me she came a few days early so we had some time to catch up and shuffle around Kyoto together, reminiscing about our times in Nagasaki. Actually Nicole and I have only ever met in Japan, but we're pals. Haha. Highlights include Ginkakuji, an organic cafe with amazing sandwiches and even cooler people, a cake shop, and wandering around my town in the rain. However, I think the most memorable part of the trip was leaving a note in a drawer for two cute guys we saw at a coffee shop. I'm pretty sure the only person who will come across that note will be a very confused waitress.
2. Heather and Joe. Heather D'Evelyn and Joe came to visit me the next weekend and we met up in Kyoto for dinner one night and had Italian in Uji the second night. Unfortunately Joe lost his phone so the first day was hectic but he got it back and everything worked out just fine on day number two. It was so wonderful to see Heather, it almost felt like being back home! (Siri, we missed you!!!Beee!!!)
3. Shinichi. This weekend my friend Shinichi came over from where he works in Mie and we had fun catching up and seeing some really amazing spots in Kyoto. We went to Nanzen-ji, which may be my new favorite temple in Kyoto, discovered a magical thatched roof house (actually probably part of a secret temple where monks get to meditate in the mountains all day... luckies) and had delicious green tea flavored cream puffs with Godiva milk shakes.
General life updates:
The grad school application process is still underway but I'm such a slow writer I'll be amazed when the TC application is done and astounded if I have enough energy to finish two or three more.
Looked at the Bank Street application and it requires at least three essays. Buh.
In other news it's already started to get really dark really early. I am in danger of becoming a bear and hibernating all winter under my living room table under a blanket with a bag of chocolate and some books. Hence I may undertake joining a Japanese gym in the near future. Wish me luck.
Finally, it is persimmon appreciation month. Since the fall leaves aren't out in full force yet, bright round shapes of orange persimmons stand out against the dark green mountains, anticipating winter. It's still cheery, but getting colder.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Moon Viewing
One of the things I really love about Japan is their appreciation of the four seasons. Today was a national holiday (for the vernal equinox) and we had a "moon viewing party" and it was terrific. There were people playing the shamisen and some of the taiko ladies did a performance reading of the childrens book "Mochi Mochi no Ki" (the mochi mochi tree). I got to wear yukata with my friend Yui, her friend Midori and our Vietnamese friend, Trang. Mostly there were a lot of old people there but it's always fun to talk with and observe them. These people really liked shamisen music. It's really traditional and strange sounding if you've never heard it before but it's a string instrument so whether it's twangy or melodic, I'm bound to love it. I wouldn't say that I would listen to shamisen music on a daily basis but for a live performance in a traditional(ish) Japanese building, surrounded by Japanese people, it was a really interesting and enjoyable experience.
That's the report for today, oyasumi~ (goodnight!)
That's the report for today, oyasumi~ (goodnight!)
Friday, September 17, 2010
September is upon us
Well, actually September is almost over. Here are some things I am thankful for:
1. Sand. Today I played in the sand with the 2-3 year-olds who were almost as cute as the 3-4 year olds. We sat on a bench shaped like a dog and served each other ice cream out of plastic buckets. Sand ice cream, mind you, but boy it was delicious. One little boy even served me a meal. I don't know what it was (besides a pile of sand and a big rock in a tin) but he said it was sour. He also served me something that I thought was very spicy but when I made him try it he said it wasn't spicy at all. いろいろあったな〜 There are so many different kinds of people in this world... (that was all just pretend, to those of you who think that I eat sour and spicy sand, by the way).
2. Barbara Kingsolver. I'm reading the Poisonwood Bible right now and I can't put it down. It's quite humbling and a bit scary. Especially the part where the US government is involved in the overthrow of the Congo. It's incredibly well written.
3. 3-3. The third 組, or class, of the 9th graders at the jr. high are some of the most adorable kids ever. Even the bad kids are kind of adorable... kind of. Tomorrow is the sports festival and for the past few months the kids have been preparing synchronized dance numbers and practicing games like, let's-tie-our-right-feet-together-in-a-long-line-and-race-around-the-track, or let's-ride-each-other-like-horse-crabs-and-tear-each-others'-hats-off. They have some awesome games here. The best thing, though, is to see these kids cooperating with each other- and dancing like fools. Who knew middle school kids could be so cute?
4. Japanese TV. Most of the time I get fed up with their ridiculous game shows (which are usually just selling something anyway) and their over the top dramas that reinforce the ridiculously low standards for acceptable male behavior, but a few days ago there was a cooking show on from Kyoto that showed how to make fish in a cream sauce. You must understand I have NO idea how to cook. So tonight I made a feeble attempt at making my own vegetables and sausages in cream sauce (because I wanted to save my fish for later) and it actually turned out ok. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to have to eat what I made but to me it was pretty good.
Ok, I should sign off. I hope you all are having a splendid time wheresoever you are. I've been thinking of home a lot lately and wishing that I had my friends around me and the ability to get around more freely (a car really would be nice). Sometimes I think about becoming a monk and living in the mountains... but that's mostly because I just want to live in the mountains... except there are monkeys there and sometimes they come in your house. Really, that actually happens. What would you do if a monkey came in your house? You might give that monkey a muffin. But then you'd be sorry.
Goodnight
1. Sand. Today I played in the sand with the 2-3 year-olds who were almost as cute as the 3-4 year olds. We sat on a bench shaped like a dog and served each other ice cream out of plastic buckets. Sand ice cream, mind you, but boy it was delicious. One little boy even served me a meal. I don't know what it was (besides a pile of sand and a big rock in a tin) but he said it was sour. He also served me something that I thought was very spicy but when I made him try it he said it wasn't spicy at all. いろいろあったな〜 There are so many different kinds of people in this world... (that was all just pretend, to those of you who think that I eat sour and spicy sand, by the way).
2. Barbara Kingsolver. I'm reading the Poisonwood Bible right now and I can't put it down. It's quite humbling and a bit scary. Especially the part where the US government is involved in the overthrow of the Congo. It's incredibly well written.
3. 3-3. The third 組, or class, of the 9th graders at the jr. high are some of the most adorable kids ever. Even the bad kids are kind of adorable... kind of. Tomorrow is the sports festival and for the past few months the kids have been preparing synchronized dance numbers and practicing games like, let's-tie-our-right-feet-together-in-a-long-line-and-race-around-the-track, or let's-ride-each-other-like-horse-crabs-and-tear-each-others'-hats-off. They have some awesome games here. The best thing, though, is to see these kids cooperating with each other- and dancing like fools. Who knew middle school kids could be so cute?
4. Japanese TV. Most of the time I get fed up with their ridiculous game shows (which are usually just selling something anyway) and their over the top dramas that reinforce the ridiculously low standards for acceptable male behavior, but a few days ago there was a cooking show on from Kyoto that showed how to make fish in a cream sauce. You must understand I have NO idea how to cook. So tonight I made a feeble attempt at making my own vegetables and sausages in cream sauce (because I wanted to save my fish for later) and it actually turned out ok. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to have to eat what I made but to me it was pretty good.
Ok, I should sign off. I hope you all are having a splendid time wheresoever you are. I've been thinking of home a lot lately and wishing that I had my friends around me and the ability to get around more freely (a car really would be nice). Sometimes I think about becoming a monk and living in the mountains... but that's mostly because I just want to live in the mountains... except there are monkeys there and sometimes they come in your house. Really, that actually happens. What would you do if a monkey came in your house? You might give that monkey a muffin. But then you'd be sorry.
Goodnight
Monday, August 2, 2010
One Year
Yes, it's been exactly one year and one week since I first arrived in Japan. I would say I can't believe it's been a year already... but to be honest I can. Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying myself but I've gone through so many phases (maybe what some would call culture shock) it almost seems like it's been more than a year. Somehow every season was a new adventure. My hope is that in this next year I can just enjoy being in Japan, knowing what's around the next corner and getting to delve further into the mystery that is Japanese culture.
That being said, here's my list of things that I've appreciated in the past few months:
1. Gion Festival: perhaps the most famous festival in Japan, my friends and I got there at 8:00 am just to be able to stand in front when the parade went by. There were giant portable shrines (this time on wheels) with people riding in the front, up in a room-like space and then there were some on the roof as well. I wish I could put pictures up but I really don't know how... Oh, also the incarnation of God was riding in the top of the first portable shrine (called hoko).
2. Babies. Right now it's summer break so I'm not going to the Jr. high or elementary schools. It's all nursery school all the time! Sometimes I get a little fed up when I have four children pulling on my arms in different directions asking me to play with them but really... is that something to complain about? For the most part the kids are really sweet and really cute and a good two hours of my work day is spent either putting children to sleep or taking kyukei (an hour long break in a small tatami room where I eat snacks with the other teachers). It's perfect.
3. Mamiko. I don't know if I've written about Mamiko before but she is my best friend in Ujitawara and has not only helped me in times of need (cockroach emergencies, homesickness etc) but she is an amazing friend whose amazing, old Japanese house is a place I can go anytime. We've spent the year driving around Kyoto prefecture, traipsing through malls, mountain climbing and eating all kinds of Japanese food together. She is someone I'm really going to miss when I leave next year.
4. My Uji friends (and Kyoto, Kameoka friends etc.) Of course, when you live in a country where the culture is so different from your own you definitely need to get out sometimes and talk with other native English speakers. For me my friends in Uji and Kyoto have been so amazing and we have had so much fun in Kyoto city together. I'm especially going to miss Katherine (from Australia) who lived in Uji last year, and Ian (from the US) who was living in Kyoto but was a regular guest in Uji and host in the big city (Kyoto). It's not going to be the same without them :(
5. Fall: it's hot right now. So hot and so humid. No one feels like doing anything or even eating really. I can't wait for it to cool down and for the fall colors to come out! (Even if that's not really until November >_<)
6.Giant frogs: Mamiko and I saw a frog cross the road that was seriously the size of a small puppy. It was huge.
7. Cicadas: I used to hate how loud they were in Nagasaki because they woke me up every morning, but in Ujitawara they're not so noisy and it's come to be a really soothing sound during the hot summer days. Also, I'm not as afraid of them anymore (they're usually about two inches long or even bigger) I think because the boys at the nursery school bring huge bugs to school to play with every day. I'm talking about 3-inch-long stag beetles that these boys keep as pets! They're an inch tall!
8. Going home: I have been looking forward to August 13th for MONTHS. I cannot wait to come home and see all the people I love and miss so much! I only wish I didn't have to leave again!
9: People who read this blog: if you are reading this (and are not some creepy stalker) I appreciate it. I hope you've been able to get a little glimpse of what my life is like here from this random assortment of events, impressions, and experiences.
That being said, here's my list of things that I've appreciated in the past few months:
1. Gion Festival: perhaps the most famous festival in Japan, my friends and I got there at 8:00 am just to be able to stand in front when the parade went by. There were giant portable shrines (this time on wheels) with people riding in the front, up in a room-like space and then there were some on the roof as well. I wish I could put pictures up but I really don't know how... Oh, also the incarnation of God was riding in the top of the first portable shrine (called hoko).
2. Babies. Right now it's summer break so I'm not going to the Jr. high or elementary schools. It's all nursery school all the time! Sometimes I get a little fed up when I have four children pulling on my arms in different directions asking me to play with them but really... is that something to complain about? For the most part the kids are really sweet and really cute and a good two hours of my work day is spent either putting children to sleep or taking kyukei (an hour long break in a small tatami room where I eat snacks with the other teachers). It's perfect.
3. Mamiko. I don't know if I've written about Mamiko before but she is my best friend in Ujitawara and has not only helped me in times of need (cockroach emergencies, homesickness etc) but she is an amazing friend whose amazing, old Japanese house is a place I can go anytime. We've spent the year driving around Kyoto prefecture, traipsing through malls, mountain climbing and eating all kinds of Japanese food together. She is someone I'm really going to miss when I leave next year.
4. My Uji friends (and Kyoto, Kameoka friends etc.) Of course, when you live in a country where the culture is so different from your own you definitely need to get out sometimes and talk with other native English speakers. For me my friends in Uji and Kyoto have been so amazing and we have had so much fun in Kyoto city together. I'm especially going to miss Katherine (from Australia) who lived in Uji last year, and Ian (from the US) who was living in Kyoto but was a regular guest in Uji and host in the big city (Kyoto). It's not going to be the same without them :(
5. Fall: it's hot right now. So hot and so humid. No one feels like doing anything or even eating really. I can't wait for it to cool down and for the fall colors to come out! (Even if that's not really until November >_<)
6.Giant frogs: Mamiko and I saw a frog cross the road that was seriously the size of a small puppy. It was huge.
7. Cicadas: I used to hate how loud they were in Nagasaki because they woke me up every morning, but in Ujitawara they're not so noisy and it's come to be a really soothing sound during the hot summer days. Also, I'm not as afraid of them anymore (they're usually about two inches long or even bigger) I think because the boys at the nursery school bring huge bugs to school to play with every day. I'm talking about 3-inch-long stag beetles that these boys keep as pets! They're an inch tall!
8. Going home: I have been looking forward to August 13th for MONTHS. I cannot wait to come home and see all the people I love and miss so much! I only wish I didn't have to leave again!
9: People who read this blog: if you are reading this (and are not some creepy stalker) I appreciate it. I hope you've been able to get a little glimpse of what my life is like here from this random assortment of events, impressions, and experiences.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Coming Home, Learning, and Why Your School Should Accept Sarah Emily Rogers-Tanner
First of all, I am SO EXCITED to be coming home in August!!! Unfortunately I'll only be in MN for 6 days so if I don't end up seeing you please know that I certainly wish I could see everyone! This trip is going to be quite the whirlwind but also a lot of fun! I can't wait!!!
That being said I have a little piece of writing here that's about how much I love Ujitawara (despite it's far-away-ness)
I love this town. It can get a bit claustrophobic at times but I really like seeing my students all around town. There are kids I play taiko with on Fridays that I also teach at the middle school. I get to see my preschool students in the grocery store (so cute!) And the longer I stay here the more I realize that I'm in some way connected to almost everyone in this town. Just tonight I was riding my bike past what looked like a huge event. There were cars parked on every street (granted, there's not that much 'street' in this town) but there were people lined out the door of this big traditional building (though not a temple). I happened to run into someone who I had met before at the town office and she told me that it was a funeral for the mother of one of the nursery school teachers whose big, welcoming smile always makes me feel at home when I arrive to work in the morning. It was so interesting. If I hadn't talked with that woman it would have been just another event that I passed thinking, "wow," but all of a sudden I was (however minimally) peripherally involved. I've been thinking a lot lately about how many students and adults I know in this town. I've even wondered if the old men who I see on my morning walks have grandchildren that I teach in elementary or middle school. Whenever I hear the ambulance going through town I wonder if it's someone I know or a student's grandparent. Living here, and also experiencing the way teachers work in Japan (it's insanely involved- don't get me started) has really added to and expanded my ideas about community and education... and that's why you should admit me to your graduate program (haha, grad school personal statement on the brain...)
Anyway, I enjoy every day!!! (That's some Japan-glish for you)
Seriously it's great here... but I can't wait to be home ;)
That being said I have a little piece of writing here that's about how much I love Ujitawara (despite it's far-away-ness)
I love this town. It can get a bit claustrophobic at times but I really like seeing my students all around town. There are kids I play taiko with on Fridays that I also teach at the middle school. I get to see my preschool students in the grocery store (so cute!) And the longer I stay here the more I realize that I'm in some way connected to almost everyone in this town. Just tonight I was riding my bike past what looked like a huge event. There were cars parked on every street (granted, there's not that much 'street' in this town) but there were people lined out the door of this big traditional building (though not a temple). I happened to run into someone who I had met before at the town office and she told me that it was a funeral for the mother of one of the nursery school teachers whose big, welcoming smile always makes me feel at home when I arrive to work in the morning. It was so interesting. If I hadn't talked with that woman it would have been just another event that I passed thinking, "wow," but all of a sudden I was (however minimally) peripherally involved. I've been thinking a lot lately about how many students and adults I know in this town. I've even wondered if the old men who I see on my morning walks have grandchildren that I teach in elementary or middle school. Whenever I hear the ambulance going through town I wonder if it's someone I know or a student's grandparent. Living here, and also experiencing the way teachers work in Japan (it's insanely involved- don't get me started) has really added to and expanded my ideas about community and education... and that's why you should admit me to your graduate program (haha, grad school personal statement on the brain...)
Anyway, I enjoy every day!!! (That's some Japan-glish for you)
Seriously it's great here... but I can't wait to be home ;)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Turning Japanese, I Really Think So
Have I been in Japan too long? Here are a few things that I would never do in Minnesota:
1. I bought a parasol. I know, it seems so... Puff Daddy? Michael Jackson? 19th century? but the fact of the matter is that Kyoto summers are HOT and a parasol actually keeps you comparatively cool. Also, it's light blue with a white, lacy pattern around the edges... who could resist?
2. I've had fish and rice for breakfast twice this week- and yes, I cooked it myself. Turns out fish is really easy to make!
3. I bought a sweater with sparkly bows for pockets...
But don't worry guys, I still hate nato (fermented bean paste) so I'm not a total goner. Also, I don't actually enjoy teaching English, I would much rather be an actual elementary school teacher so... I'm coming home.
Speaking of which, I'll be home in late August! If you're around, look me up!!!
1. I bought a parasol. I know, it seems so... Puff Daddy? Michael Jackson? 19th century? but the fact of the matter is that Kyoto summers are HOT and a parasol actually keeps you comparatively cool. Also, it's light blue with a white, lacy pattern around the edges... who could resist?
2. I've had fish and rice for breakfast twice this week- and yes, I cooked it myself. Turns out fish is really easy to make!
3. I bought a sweater with sparkly bows for pockets...
But don't worry guys, I still hate nato (fermented bean paste) so I'm not a total goner. Also, I don't actually enjoy teaching English, I would much rather be an actual elementary school teacher so... I'm coming home.
Speaking of which, I'll be home in late August! If you're around, look me up!!!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Commuting: Inaka-style
Saru. Monkey. Monkeys. Three words, two languages and it all adds up to confusion when you tell someone that there’s “saru” up ahead. For example, today on my morning walk I was told to “watch out for saru-san,” and I expected that there was a rambunctious, furry fellow up ahead and that I should be careful not to get in Mr. Saru’s way. I did not expect his immediate family and extended relatives.
Truth be told, on the way up I didn’t see another living creature besides myself and the man walking ahead of me. All I could hear was the incredibly genki music accompanied by various Japanese commentators’ expressions of surprise and delight, “ehhh?!?!” “naruhodo…” “sugo~i!!!” rattling out from his headphones.
Half-way up the mountain we were warned by a fellow early morning walker to watch out for “saru-san.” I stayed close to the man with the headphones, who also had a hefty umbrella. ‘Good thing it’s a cloudy day,’ I thought.
We walked on, all the way to the top without a glimpse of Mr. Saru’s tail. I was glad- I certainly did not need a mauling right before school- and after resting for a minute or two, I figured I’d just trot right back down the mountain. No need to bother the old man with the music, who was now washing his face and taking a drink at the village well.
Unfortunately, as I walked back- exactly the way I had come- I turned a corner and there in front of me, where not three minutes ago one could see only a mountain road, some sakura and bamboo, were nearly twenty monkeys. Many were swinging from trees, I saw one little baby run across the grass and across the road. There were monkeys hanging from the net-like retaining wall, and two giant monkeys sitting in the road eating massive bamboo shoots and looking like nothing short of a bulldozer could get them away from their breakfast.
I shot a glance over my shoulder. My protector was no where in sight. Awkward as it is to walk next to an old Japanese guy in silence, I did not want to go it alone; and after a few minutes of waiting I had to make a decision. Should I walk through a pack of monkeys or be late for work? This was not the sort of dilemma I was used to. Bears I had dealt with. Moose and deer I had dealt with. But when those things happened I was dealing with wild animals in the wilderness. This was Wilderness on the Way to Work. Like some terrible game show. Ack, Japan. I decided to go for it.
The only thing that could give me an advantage was a tool. That’s what separates us from the apes, right? I did have an umbrella that day, but it was a retractable one. Too short to give a monkey a proper smack in the head without getting too close- but lo and behold, it made a terrific sound when struck against the guard rail of this lovely mountain road. Even better, this seemed to scare off at least the babies and smaller monkeys as I approached.
Ten meters ahead of me, the monkeys were clearing out- well most of them. As I walked along, banging my umbrella against the rail and probably waking everyone in the tiny mountain village above, monkeys were running left and right, jumping into trees and disappearing into the underbrush. Unfortunately there were still the daddies: two giant monkeys sitting in the middle of the road, completely undisturbed.
Three meters away they still weren’t moving. I was terrified that they would lash out and grab me with their long hairy arms. People have gotten their faces torn off by chimps, who knows what the saru equivalent might me? Luckily, though, I remembered the advice given in the Arashiyama monkey park pamphlet: “Do not stare the monkeys in the eye”. Note taken. I walked within a meter of both giant monkeys, keeping my eyes on the ground and my steps as quiet as possible. I couldn’t tell if they were watching me or not but out of the corner of my eye I could see their long scraggly hair. I could have touched both of them as I passed.
In the end, I guess “not staring them in the eye” was a pretty good idea. I was allowed to pass through their family reunion unharmed, face in tact.
A few minutes later I ran into one of the other old men who often walks that mountain. He told me, “The monkeys are especially scary when you run,” at least, that’s all I could catch from what he was saying. Then he pointed to his umbrella, “that’s why I always bring this.”
A modern, Japanese Roosevelt. Turns out the trick to getting to work on time in rural Japan is simply to speak softly and carry a big stick.
Truth be told, on the way up I didn’t see another living creature besides myself and the man walking ahead of me. All I could hear was the incredibly genki music accompanied by various Japanese commentators’ expressions of surprise and delight, “ehhh?!?!” “naruhodo…” “sugo~i!!!” rattling out from his headphones.
Half-way up the mountain we were warned by a fellow early morning walker to watch out for “saru-san.” I stayed close to the man with the headphones, who also had a hefty umbrella. ‘Good thing it’s a cloudy day,’ I thought.
We walked on, all the way to the top without a glimpse of Mr. Saru’s tail. I was glad- I certainly did not need a mauling right before school- and after resting for a minute or two, I figured I’d just trot right back down the mountain. No need to bother the old man with the music, who was now washing his face and taking a drink at the village well.
Unfortunately, as I walked back- exactly the way I had come- I turned a corner and there in front of me, where not three minutes ago one could see only a mountain road, some sakura and bamboo, were nearly twenty monkeys. Many were swinging from trees, I saw one little baby run across the grass and across the road. There were monkeys hanging from the net-like retaining wall, and two giant monkeys sitting in the road eating massive bamboo shoots and looking like nothing short of a bulldozer could get them away from their breakfast.
I shot a glance over my shoulder. My protector was no where in sight. Awkward as it is to walk next to an old Japanese guy in silence, I did not want to go it alone; and after a few minutes of waiting I had to make a decision. Should I walk through a pack of monkeys or be late for work? This was not the sort of dilemma I was used to. Bears I had dealt with. Moose and deer I had dealt with. But when those things happened I was dealing with wild animals in the wilderness. This was Wilderness on the Way to Work. Like some terrible game show. Ack, Japan. I decided to go for it.
The only thing that could give me an advantage was a tool. That’s what separates us from the apes, right? I did have an umbrella that day, but it was a retractable one. Too short to give a monkey a proper smack in the head without getting too close- but lo and behold, it made a terrific sound when struck against the guard rail of this lovely mountain road. Even better, this seemed to scare off at least the babies and smaller monkeys as I approached.
Ten meters ahead of me, the monkeys were clearing out- well most of them. As I walked along, banging my umbrella against the rail and probably waking everyone in the tiny mountain village above, monkeys were running left and right, jumping into trees and disappearing into the underbrush. Unfortunately there were still the daddies: two giant monkeys sitting in the middle of the road, completely undisturbed.
Three meters away they still weren’t moving. I was terrified that they would lash out and grab me with their long hairy arms. People have gotten their faces torn off by chimps, who knows what the saru equivalent might me? Luckily, though, I remembered the advice given in the Arashiyama monkey park pamphlet: “Do not stare the monkeys in the eye”. Note taken. I walked within a meter of both giant monkeys, keeping my eyes on the ground and my steps as quiet as possible. I couldn’t tell if they were watching me or not but out of the corner of my eye I could see their long scraggly hair. I could have touched both of them as I passed.
In the end, I guess “not staring them in the eye” was a pretty good idea. I was allowed to pass through their family reunion unharmed, face in tact.
A few minutes later I ran into one of the other old men who often walks that mountain. He told me, “The monkeys are especially scary when you run,” at least, that’s all I could catch from what he was saying. Then he pointed to his umbrella, “that’s why I always bring this.”
A modern, Japanese Roosevelt. Turns out the trick to getting to work on time in rural Japan is simply to speak softly and carry a big stick.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Poetry at the Jr. High: Exerpts
My cats
small. cute. hot.
It is popularer than my dog.
I like cats the best.
My cats.
Bard
small, cute, kokekokko!!!!
bards are prettier than dogs,
I like bards the best
Bards
*birds
*kokekokko is the Japanese "cockadoodledoo"
small. cute. hot.
It is popularer than my dog.
I like cats the best.
My cats.
Bard
small, cute, kokekokko!!!!
bards are prettier than dogs,
I like bards the best
Bards
*birds
*kokekokko is the Japanese "cockadoodledoo"
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Just another day in Japan
Today was a lot of fun. I went to one Kenji's house- Kenji is a nursery school teacher. I got to hang out with him, his wife, Emi, and their new baby, Anju! Anju is three months old and she's adorable! We also spent some time walking around the neighborhood and got a chance to play with some of the neighborhood kids. One of them asked me if I was studying English. They all thought since I kind of understood what they were saying that I spoke Japanese and not English. They were very cute but they tired us out! First we played on scooters, racing each other down a small hill and then we just ended up running up and down the hill for I don't know how long. That's one of the great thing about kids, though. They don't get tired of doing the same thing over and over, it's always exciting to them.
After our playtime with the girls we went inside and had an amazing lunch with Kenji's parents. Today was the 100th day of Anju's life so she got to "eat" a special meal- but really her grandfather just held up different kinds of food to her mouth so that Emi could take pictures. I don't think Anju ate the rice or the fish. She's still so tiny! But it was all pretty fancy. Oh, and Kenji's dad made meatloaf! I don't think that's a traditional part of this meal (haha) but it was amazing! I can't say it was like having mom's meatloaf, but it was pretty darn good.
So, I think I'm going to sign off. My apartment is in need of a serious vacuuming and then I might head to the library to say hello to Mamiko and the other library workers and maybe I'll work at getting through all the amazing books I got for Christmas. Sayonara!
xoxo
After our playtime with the girls we went inside and had an amazing lunch with Kenji's parents. Today was the 100th day of Anju's life so she got to "eat" a special meal- but really her grandfather just held up different kinds of food to her mouth so that Emi could take pictures. I don't think Anju ate the rice or the fish. She's still so tiny! But it was all pretty fancy. Oh, and Kenji's dad made meatloaf! I don't think that's a traditional part of this meal (haha) but it was amazing! I can't say it was like having mom's meatloaf, but it was pretty darn good.
So, I think I'm going to sign off. My apartment is in need of a serious vacuuming and then I might head to the library to say hello to Mamiko and the other library workers and maybe I'll work at getting through all the amazing books I got for Christmas. Sayonara!
xoxo
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Jumping for Joy
I went to the nursery school today and the kids were playing telephone in English. There were two rows of five year-olds “competing” against each other, but it was not a race, you just had to get the correct word. Sometime in the middle of our game the word “cherry” was chosen and whispered in the ear of the first person in their respective row. Once “cherry” had made its way to the end of the first line the little boy at the very end jumped up and yelled “YAY!!!” He was just so excited that he got the word. He didn’t even know if it was correct because he still had to wait for the other line to finish, and the game wasn’t timed so he hadn’t won first place or anything. But he was literally jumping for joy. So cute.
Friday, January 8, 2010
How, in Japan, I Began 2010
1.“くつを忘れた” (I forgot my shoes!)
Said to me by a five year-old boy who forgot his shoes at the entrance to the school. I walked with him downstairs to get his shoes. I don’t know why but this struck me as particularly cute.
2. Ending telephone conversations with, “Hello!”
One of the five year-old girls at the nursery school and I were playing house and calling each other on the “telephone” (two pieces of cardboard). In Japanese getting off of the phone is like a competition to see who can make the most noise before the receiver clicks. You say something like, “hai~ wakarimashita~, sayonara~, hai~” and continue to hold the last syllable until the other person has hung up. It’s polite...? Anyway, this little girl decided to end her conversation with, “hai wakarimashita, Hello~”. I may not understand Japanese telephone etiquette, but I know that was adorable.
3.Christmas #2!
Since I surprised my parents for Christmas, all of my presents were shipped to Japan. This means that they are currently sitting on my sofa, waiting to be opened. Tomorrow, I’m calling my parents and opening the presents over Skype. First of all: the times we live in: wow. Secondly: it’s like Christmas Eve all over again!!! I can’t wait for second Christmas!!! :)
Said to me by a five year-old boy who forgot his shoes at the entrance to the school. I walked with him downstairs to get his shoes. I don’t know why but this struck me as particularly cute.
2. Ending telephone conversations with, “Hello!”
One of the five year-old girls at the nursery school and I were playing house and calling each other on the “telephone” (two pieces of cardboard). In Japanese getting off of the phone is like a competition to see who can make the most noise before the receiver clicks. You say something like, “hai~ wakarimashita~, sayonara~, hai~” and continue to hold the last syllable until the other person has hung up. It’s polite...? Anyway, this little girl decided to end her conversation with, “hai wakarimashita, Hello~”. I may not understand Japanese telephone etiquette, but I know that was adorable.
3.Christmas #2!
Since I surprised my parents for Christmas, all of my presents were shipped to Japan. This means that they are currently sitting on my sofa, waiting to be opened. Tomorrow, I’m calling my parents and opening the presents over Skype. First of all: the times we live in: wow. Secondly: it’s like Christmas Eve all over again!!! I can’t wait for second Christmas!!! :)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Kimono and Crack-pipes: A Very Japanese Day
1. Crack pipes. Ok, we're starting from the end, but I feel I should explain this one first. Ok, I did not see, nor have I ever seen a crack pipe in Japan. I don't even know what they looked like, but tonight my new friends/second or third set of surrogate Japanese parents/grandparents decided to introduce me to "brandy tea". First of all, they turned the lights down really low. Then Noriko, the mother, poured a cup of tea. Her husband, Ichiro, poured brandy over a sugar cube that he had in a tea spoon and proceeded to light it on fire. I couldn't help but laugh to myself at how much this seemed like we were doing some kind of hard core drugs. Of course, though, it was nothing of the sort and the brandy tea tasted very good.
2. Kimono. Today was the first time I have ever worn a real kimono for winter. I have pictures, but I don't think I'll be able to load them any time soon. This week is getting really busy!!! However, I will say that it really was an experience in itself. There are a ridiculous number of ties and pieces of padding and sashes you have to put on. It's almost like if a tuxedo were a dress and twice as complicated.
3. Gingerbread cookies. I got to make gingerbread cookies today in Uji for a cooking class. It was really great! They weren't really like our gingerbread cookies, but it was close enough, especially considering I won't be able to actually have gingerbread cookies next year. :(
4. Kyoto play-time. Last night was spent out on the town in Kyoto with my friends from Uji celebrating Katherine's birthday. We actually ended up eating at TGI Friday's but we had a great time and did karaoke afterwards. Despite the fact that I'm feeling rather homesick for Christmas, I also can't help still feeling incredibly lucky to be where I am. Kyoto is a wonderful city.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has sent me emails and post cards lately. As the Christmas season sets in I want to let you all know that I am thinking of you. (Also if you don't remember having given me your address, please do so now. I very well may send a gift your way.)
Love love love to you all!
Sarah xoxo
2. Kimono. Today was the first time I have ever worn a real kimono for winter. I have pictures, but I don't think I'll be able to load them any time soon. This week is getting really busy!!! However, I will say that it really was an experience in itself. There are a ridiculous number of ties and pieces of padding and sashes you have to put on. It's almost like if a tuxedo were a dress and twice as complicated.
3. Gingerbread cookies. I got to make gingerbread cookies today in Uji for a cooking class. It was really great! They weren't really like our gingerbread cookies, but it was close enough, especially considering I won't be able to actually have gingerbread cookies next year. :(
4. Kyoto play-time. Last night was spent out on the town in Kyoto with my friends from Uji celebrating Katherine's birthday. We actually ended up eating at TGI Friday's but we had a great time and did karaoke afterwards. Despite the fact that I'm feeling rather homesick for Christmas, I also can't help still feeling incredibly lucky to be where I am. Kyoto is a wonderful city.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has sent me emails and post cards lately. As the Christmas season sets in I want to let you all know that I am thinking of you. (Also if you don't remember having given me your address, please do so now. I very well may send a gift your way.)
Love love love to you all!
Sarah xoxo
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Color Me Qualified
1. Practically a certified teacher. What are the necessary skills required to run a third grade classroom in Japan? Well, whatever they are, two teachers this week have decided that I have them. Yes, twice now I have been left in a room alone with twenty-something nine year-olds and somehow the classes managed to not somehow completely implode. It was a miracle. In the one class I taught shapes via Christmas tree/ornament display and lead a card game afterwards. The second class was much easier, I was just giving a little talk about Christmas and letting the kids ask questions. So, I don't know whether I'm angry or thankful at/for these teachers. On the one hand, I think it's ridiculous that they think I could handle a major conflict in the classroom, should one arise; but on the other hand I'm flattered that they trust me enough to take charge of the class. Either way, I think it was really good for me to realize that I can do something like that. In the future I think I'll be all the more brave for it.
2. Manabi salon is OVER. I had a special class today called "Manabi Salon" (don't ask me why, but in Japan "salon" is synonymous with "classroom" sometimes...). For the class we basically sang songs and played some games. Unfortunately, since Japanese students tend to be shy, the songs were pretty low energy. On the other hand, there were 90 students, so it wasn't that quiet. Overall, the lesson went pretty well and I think the kids had fun. I'm just so glad that it's over, I was worrying about it all week. Yikes!
3. The bus lady. Today I got a present from a woman in town who I met on the bus. It's a Christmas CD of Elvis' "duets" with modern singers. Kind of funny, but I really can't get over how sweet of her it was for her to think of me. As the holidays are drawing near, it's hard to think that I won't be home for Christmas this year. There are even Christmas decorations in downtown Kyoto... Well, before this entry gets too sad, I'll just conclude by saying it is thanks to Japanese people like Yoshimi-san (who gave me the CD) and Erina (whose house I'll be going to for Christmas) that I will be able to make it through the Christmas season with a smile on my face. Really, I'll send pictures.
Thinking of you all, and missing you all very much,
Sarah xoxo
2. Manabi salon is OVER. I had a special class today called "Manabi Salon" (don't ask me why, but in Japan "salon" is synonymous with "classroom" sometimes...). For the class we basically sang songs and played some games. Unfortunately, since Japanese students tend to be shy, the songs were pretty low energy. On the other hand, there were 90 students, so it wasn't that quiet. Overall, the lesson went pretty well and I think the kids had fun. I'm just so glad that it's over, I was worrying about it all week. Yikes!
3. The bus lady. Today I got a present from a woman in town who I met on the bus. It's a Christmas CD of Elvis' "duets" with modern singers. Kind of funny, but I really can't get over how sweet of her it was for her to think of me. As the holidays are drawing near, it's hard to think that I won't be home for Christmas this year. There are even Christmas decorations in downtown Kyoto... Well, before this entry gets too sad, I'll just conclude by saying it is thanks to Japanese people like Yoshimi-san (who gave me the CD) and Erina (whose house I'll be going to for Christmas) that I will be able to make it through the Christmas season with a smile on my face. Really, I'll send pictures.
Thinking of you all, and missing you all very much,
Sarah xoxo
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Adorable
It's been a long week of conferences, lectures and mingling so I'm off to bed soon, but I wanted to record one thing:
1. Today one of my students in middle school (an 8th grade boy) asked the Japanese English teacher if "Sarah" was my first name or my last name. Then he asked which part of my name "Emily" was. Then we told him about my last name and he was a bit confused but mostly surprised. It was just a small thing but it was moving at the same time. I couldn't believe he remembered my middle name. I guess I have a new friend in 2-2 (second year of junior high, second classroom).
1. Today one of my students in middle school (an 8th grade boy) asked the Japanese English teacher if "Sarah" was my first name or my last name. Then he asked which part of my name "Emily" was. Then we told him about my last name and he was a bit confused but mostly surprised. It was just a small thing but it was moving at the same time. I couldn't believe he remembered my middle name. I guess I have a new friend in 2-2 (second year of junior high, second classroom).
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Bara Babies
1. The Bara room. I got to visit the three year-olds again today and it was another wonderful day of rolly-polly-baby-laughter. I really think I'm the luckiest JET there is. Anyway, I felt pretty good about the amount of English I spoke with the kids today. Now that they know me a bit I feel like I can use more English and they're less likely to lose interest. When I say something to these kids they say things like, "she's still speaking English!" and "what are you saying?" but then they just laugh and we keep playing. Oh, and I also got to put them to sleep for their nap since I was there for the whole day. These are the days when I think, "I can't believe I get paid to do this." Fifteen sleeping babies = so adorable.
2. Bike rides after school. Today I biked to the post office to send something off to Minnesota and on the way I saw two of my elementary students. I heard them say, "Ah, Sarah-sensei" and so I called out, "bye-bye!" to them and they yelled, "bye-bye!" back to me. It's not uncommon but it makes me feel at home in Ujitawara whenever I run into my students outside of school.
3. Sara-sara. The latest thing that the students at the junior high, and the preschool have picked up on is how different my hair is from theirs. They've started messing around with it while saying, "sara-sara! sara-sara!" I believe 'sara-sara' is one of their many sound words and it means... I don't really know but apparently it can be said in regards to the consistency of someone's hair... "soft," maybe? It's actually really amazing; Japanese has tons of designated onomatopoeias like, 'byon-byon' for something that goes fast and 'kira-kira' for something shiny. Anyway, of course, they all think it's also funny that my name is Sarah, although, my favorite association will always be the fact that my name literally means "dish". Japanese can be pretty great sometimes.
2. Bike rides after school. Today I biked to the post office to send something off to Minnesota and on the way I saw two of my elementary students. I heard them say, "Ah, Sarah-sensei" and so I called out, "bye-bye!" to them and they yelled, "bye-bye!" back to me. It's not uncommon but it makes me feel at home in Ujitawara whenever I run into my students outside of school.
3. Sara-sara. The latest thing that the students at the junior high, and the preschool have picked up on is how different my hair is from theirs. They've started messing around with it while saying, "sara-sara! sara-sara!" I believe 'sara-sara' is one of their many sound words and it means... I don't really know but apparently it can be said in regards to the consistency of someone's hair... "soft," maybe? It's actually really amazing; Japanese has tons of designated onomatopoeias like, 'byon-byon' for something that goes fast and 'kira-kira' for something shiny. Anyway, of course, they all think it's also funny that my name is Sarah, although, my favorite association will always be the fact that my name literally means "dish". Japanese can be pretty great sometimes.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Moshi moshi
1. Moshi moshi. Today I taught some second years at the junior high and one of the taiko kids was in the class. I was helping the kids with their worksheets when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was that one boy from taiko and he said something like, moshi moshi... something.... I don't know the rest of what he said, but he did a little dance with it. His friends were laughing near by and I could tell that they had made him do it. I felt kind of bad for the kid because I think he was a little embarrassed but I laughed it off with him and everything was okay.
2. Kosumosu (Cosmos) days. Yesterday I went to the Cosmos room at the nursery school and got to play with the kids. I feel like I'm starting to be able to use more English with them now that the kids know who I am and feel comfortable around me. This is great because I was starting to feel like I wasn't doing much good for them in terms of learning English.
3. Three day weekend! Again! I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like we get three day weekends a lot here. I think some of it is that I work on Saturdays sometimes and then get Monday off which makes it feel like a long weekend but... anyway, I'll be climbing a (small) mountain on Monday with Mamiko and then we're going to get our hair cut and go shopping... haha. It sounds funny, but I haven't gotten my hair cut since... May probably so it's about time.
4. Friends and correspondence. I don't know if I wrote to anyone about this, but I met a woman on the bus a few weeks ago who told me that she had spent about four years in Europe. Of course, I was impressed, but then she reminded me that at that time she could only contact her friends and family by mail. Since then I've really been grateful for the emails and letters that I've received while I'm here. I'm not sure if I would be able to make it for a whole year if I didn't have that kind of support and encouragement, so thank you, everyone! Keep writing to me, and I'll keep writing back! xoxo
2. Kosumosu (Cosmos) days. Yesterday I went to the Cosmos room at the nursery school and got to play with the kids. I feel like I'm starting to be able to use more English with them now that the kids know who I am and feel comfortable around me. This is great because I was starting to feel like I wasn't doing much good for them in terms of learning English.
3. Three day weekend! Again! I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like we get three day weekends a lot here. I think some of it is that I work on Saturdays sometimes and then get Monday off which makes it feel like a long weekend but... anyway, I'll be climbing a (small) mountain on Monday with Mamiko and then we're going to get our hair cut and go shopping... haha. It sounds funny, but I haven't gotten my hair cut since... May probably so it's about time.
4. Friends and correspondence. I don't know if I wrote to anyone about this, but I met a woman on the bus a few weeks ago who told me that she had spent about four years in Europe. Of course, I was impressed, but then she reminded me that at that time she could only contact her friends and family by mail. Since then I've really been grateful for the emails and letters that I've received while I'm here. I'm not sure if I would be able to make it for a whole year if I didn't have that kind of support and encouragement, so thank you, everyone! Keep writing to me, and I'll keep writing back! xoxo
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Is it Christmas yet?
1. Singing in the office. Today I was asked to host a Christmas party/cultural event in the cultural center. We were brainstorming about what I should do (Christmas cards, present exchange) and my boss began singing "White Christmas." Before you knew it there I was singing "White Christmas" with two old Japanese men in Kyoto in early November. Oh, also they asked me if I could play it on piano- most female teachers take piano lessons in Japan. Anyway, I'm going to try. Those two years in elementary school have to be worth something, right?
2. Renée Fleming. If I can't have St. Olaf I can at least pretend I'm there while listening to a little Schubert. Side note: to all you musically inclined Olaf grads: if you have recordings you should send them my way. I'll make you famous in Japan. ;)
3. Charles Dickens: thank you for entertaining characters.
Dostoevsky: see above- also thank you for teaching me about Russia.
4. Minnesota: thank you for teaching me how to survive in the cold. Everyone here complains about the cold but I think I'm going to make it just fine.
5. Halloween. One epic night in Kyoto: bar hopping, kabob-eating, and karaoke singing until dawn. Not something I need to do every week, but not going to lie, it was great fun.
That's all I have for now. Keep warm!
2. Renée Fleming. If I can't have St. Olaf I can at least pretend I'm there while listening to a little Schubert. Side note: to all you musically inclined Olaf grads: if you have recordings you should send them my way. I'll make you famous in Japan. ;)
3. Charles Dickens: thank you for entertaining characters.
Dostoevsky: see above- also thank you for teaching me about Russia.
4. Minnesota: thank you for teaching me how to survive in the cold. Everyone here complains about the cold but I think I'm going to make it just fine.
5. Halloween. One epic night in Kyoto: bar hopping, kabob-eating, and karaoke singing until dawn. Not something I need to do every week, but not going to lie, it was great fun.
That's all I have for now. Keep warm!
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