Happy New Year

Wow, how the time does fly when I don't bother typing out my life.

Let's see, new things....

I've kept up with pkaying the shamisen. I'm still no good at plunking at it, but for some reason I keep getting invited to play little places. Keep in mind this is mostly for grandmothers, but hey, a gig is a gig. On January 26th I'll play for the Kiryu ]International Music Festival. I guess a novelty act goes well in any crowd.

Over the winter holiday I took a 10 day trip through South Japan including Hiroshima, Beppu, Nagasaki, Hakata, and Miyajima. A gloriously fun trip made with my friend Jennifer Luk, who, before my dad can get excited, is just a friend. Sorry, dad. We travled almost exclusively by local trains which means that going anywhere took a long time. For example, the first day I travelled down to Himeji, which is a few hours shy of Hiroshima, just for a stop over. That leg of the journey took over 14 hours. But we had a special ticket that made it really cheap, so hey.

School has started and is rapidly going by. Only about 7 weeks until our third graders graduate. We're trying to plan some special English lessons for them. Here's hoping everything works out.

Also, in a little over 2 weeks my cousin is coming to Japan. He is 13 years old. I'm really excited about his coming, but I might be as nervous as I imagine he is. Well, maybe not. It's just a shame that for such of my cousin's life there has been a lot of space between us. I saw him about two and a half years ago, but before that he may have only been about 6 years old. That means this will be one of my first chances to really get to know my cousin.

No other news to really report. But maybe next time. You know, if there is a next time.

Happy Halloween

But Halloween will not really play much into this post, but rather we will continue my adventures with my family. It sounded like, even though rainy, the nikko trip was fun for Poppie and Barbara. They came back safe and with smiles.

The evening they got back we went to dinner with my shamisen teacher, some of her friends and Alison. I was a nice fun evening in a suitably fancy place. And by suitably I actually mean pretty posh. The food was tasty, and I think Al and Barb had a fun time drinking a tad too much together.

They next night we did almost the same thing but with a different group of friends, and in a different location. On Friday night, I rounded up some of the other ALTs and as a group we went out to dinner for sauce katsu-don, which is fried pork served over rice. I think Barbara got fried rice and ramen. After that the grandparents called it a night and I went out on the town.

Saturday was a busy day. At 2:00, Mr. Ohshima picked the three of us up and took us to his home in the next town. There, they gave us enough food to feed an army and introduced us to the extended family. Four generations (kinda) live in the same house. I say kinda because Ayumi, their daughter, is in college and basically lives there, but I'm sure she has a room. The house is a massive, 100 year old piece of archecture. I think Poppie got a big kick out of that. He had is little smile plastered on and I could tell if he had the chance he would gladly spend weeks examining every board in the place. And to be honest, I probably could too.

After touring the house we went to dinner. But before dinner we were able to enjoy a tea ceremony. Which, was lucky because that was one of the things that Barbara was wanting to partake in, but we had no idea were to go, and then we just stumbled into one. A delicious dinner follwed. And then we we put up for the night in a hotel on the top of a large hill, in the middle of a golf course, and overlooking the city lights. It was a traditional Japanese room with futons and we slept three in a row, each with our own mat. I admit to being a little aprehensive, but since there was a seperate sitting nook in the room, I was able to stay up while my grandparents slumbered. And around midnight, I too went off to dreamland.

Sunday we woke up, had breakfast at the clubhouse, and were then picked up by Mr. Ohshima and wisked away to a Kyudo (Japanese archery) competition. I got an invitation from one person to come practice Kyudo, and another invitation to practice Kendo (Japanese sword fighting with bamboo blades.) If I have time I'd like to take up the offers.

After that wa lunch. Sushi. Now, I greatly appreciate the kindness shown to us by all the groups who took us out. However, since most of the meals were the type of meals used in celebrations, they were mostly the same. I love sushi, but I'd had it four times in five days, and I think the three of us were ready for a change. But it was really good sushi and still I probabably ate more than my fill.

A bell just rang in my school. I have about five minutes to finish this. Time to rush. After lunch we went to the oldest school in Japan and then to a little tea/coffee shop. Afterwards we parted ways and went home. The Ohshimas are more than kind and exceedingly fun people to spend time with. I hope I have more chances to enjoy their company.

Monday, Poppie and Barbara took off for Kyoto. They come back on Wednesday and on Thursday they are coming to my Junior High School. Should be fun.

Fun With The Folks

I'm pretty sure I left off with the rather disappointing dinner Poppie and Barbara's first night in town. After that we did a wuick little walk thru the Asakusa area and returned to the hotel.

Next morning we got an early start of things by going to the local Starbucks for a little food and coffee. We wanted to try something a bit more Japanese, but in Asakusa at 8 that was about all that was open. After Starbucks we peaked at the prices of local fruit. An apple for $1.50, a melon for about $8. The off we went to the Asakusa bazaar and temple.

The Asakusa temple starts off with a huge gate complete with statues of wind and thunder gods. Then for maybe about one hundred meters is a line of shops selling any type of goods that can be linked to Japan. Kimono, sweets, chopstick, t-shirts, dolls, masks, and they like are on display wherever you look. We made it almost to the end of the line when it was time to turn around and go back to the start of the bazaar. At 11:30 we met two Japanese college girls who recently did a homestay with my parents. Together the five of us went to the temple and the garden nearby. The girls and I explained what we knew about the customs and history of the temple. And then we went to lunch.

For lunch we went to a little tempura place. The food was very good, and I think it made up for the previous meal. After eating that, it was time for sweets. We found a little cafe that specialized in Japanese desserts and each got something to share. Soon, the two girls had to make their goodbyes. And Poppie, Barbara and I were off on ou next adventure: the river boat tour out of Asakusa. That was something I did with my mother last year, and it was really enjoyable. This time, the ride was a little disappointing. This time the boat was fully enclosed, with big windows to look out of, making it quite difficult to see anything that wasn't to the window side. Also, it was a vary hazy day, making it even harder to see. Plus the gentle humming and rocking of the boat was putting us all to sleep. We ended up returning early than we planned and taking a breather at the hotel.

After about an hours rest Poppie knocked on my door and told me it was just the two of us that night. And off we went to Shinjuku, where some of the biggest buildings and flashiest lights are in Tokyo. We walked around just seeing the sights for a while before deciding on a meal of pizza for dinner. That was my call. While we were walking around I saw a place famous for tasting like American pizza. I asked and Poppie endulged me. Of course we ended up chatting at the pizzeria for a while and it was around 11:30 at night by the time we returned to the hotel.

The next morning the three of us went to the Meiji shrine in Tokyo. It is in a beautiful, wooded area of Tokyo and really was a nice change of pass from the bustle of the city. There were a few Japanese style weddings going on and we wre able to watch. Also, several little children were decked out in kimono to celebrate their being either 3, 5 or 7, these ages being important in Japanese tradition.

After finishing at the shrine, back to Asakusa we went to pick up our baggage and catch a train to Kiryu. Once we made it to my apartment Poppie and Barabara announced that they wre preety much done for the day and were just going to relax for the rest of the day. They went to sleep, I went out with friends.

The next morning we walked to a local supermarket and bought some groceries, had a light brunch, and then went to Kiryu Performing Arts center where there was a small festival going on. There, they were able to meet many of the other ALTs (my job title), some of my students, and other friends I have in the community. Plus, several groups performed music and dance. All in all, I think Poppie and Barbara enjoyed the chance to relax and let entertainment and people come to them for a change.

Soon, it was time to head back. We stopped by to buy some pillows, and of course during the walk there were several people we ran into for Poppie and Barbara to meet. Once we got back to my apartment, we planned a quick trip for the two of them. Monday thru Wednesday they went to Nikko. As luck would have it, it rained most of Monday and all of Tuesday. Wednesday, however, was sunny. Still, I think they enjoyed it.

That's all for now. I'll try and get another post up soon.

Enter: The Grandparents!

First let me start by saying that I am sitting in the teacher's room typing furiously away before the bells start ringing for first period. I may suddenly have to abondon my post in order to enrich eager, young minds. Or drink some coffee.

On Thursday afternoon Poppie and Barbara arrived in Narita airport looking a little worn from the flight, but nontheless brighteyed and bushy tailed. There didn't seem to be any big problems. No hassles by either countries sustoms agents, and since Poppie is in his 70's they were allowed to take the express customs line.

In the airport we activated their railpasses, and went over the basics of travelling by train. I'm sure by the end of this week they will have perfected it. It's about an hour trainride from Narita to Asakusa, the area of Tokyo we were staying for their first 3 days. On the train we met a nice Korean family, and Poppie had a bit of a chat with them. While changing trains at one of the stations Barbara bought water, her first purchase, and decided she should save the receipt as a souvenir. (^-^)

We made it to our hotel a little before five o'clock and decided it would be best to get them a little food before retiring for the night. The hotels desk staff suggested a nearby izakaya (Japanese pub.) So off we went.

Well, it was a nice place. Pictures on the menu so Poppie and Barbara could have a rough idea of what they were eating. I ordered. They food came. And I was instantly disappointed. Not that the food was terrible, it just was nowhere near the qualities of any other izakayas I'd been to. Their first meal in Japan, and I'd taken them probable the lowest quality restaurant before fast food. Barbara and Poppie were too good to say anything, or maybe too exhausted by that point, but I felt I needed to keep repeating how Japanese food generally is much better than that nights sample.

Well, class starts in three minutes. Gotta go.

So Freakin' Annoyed

It's speech contest time. So, naturally, I'm busy. I've been practicing with our student everyday, and she's really good. She might even be able to win, but I don't know the ability of the other contestants, so I don't want to think too much about it.

I'm of the opinion that practicing before an audience is a good idea. I mention this to the 2 English techers I work with and they agree. WE decide to set things up so that she can visit the first year class and give her speech. But to do so the girl will need to miss the first 7 minutes of class. Which means that whatever class she is in during the 1st year Englsih lessons, those teachers need to agree to let her out of class. I'm given the foot work.

And I get it down. Track down her schedule, find the teachers, get permission, talk to everyone I'm told to talk to. It should all be taken care of. The snag is, the day she will be giving the speech is the day I teach at elementary school. But that shouldn't matter, right? Wrong.

I go to my JHS after finishing elementary and am told it didn't happen. I don't know the full reason why. I know that the first four periods for 3rd graders were changed around. I hear that one teacher didn't think it was good for the girl to miss any of any of her classes. (awkward sentence, but not a typo. maybe bad grammar.) Whether that teacher had anything to do with the classes I don't know. Other teachers felt it wasn't fair that the girl would present to some classes and not all. I'm only getting half stories and when I ask for more details, I'm refused.

I want that speech to happen. I check with teachers and am given a hesitant okay. (Due to the "Some of the other teachers may think it's a bad idea...." reason.) I say "Let's try," I'm told okay. I spend the rest of my time talking with teachers, and trying to get this sorted out. Finally, I'm told that I'll have an answer tomorrow.

Tomorrow becomes today, the answer is yes! Huzzah and Hurrah. I tell the 1st year English teacher, who was the one telling me who I needed to talk to yesterday, it's going to happen, and she says: No. Some people feel it's a bad idea. It has become to confusing.

I am completly annoyed at the revolving door of bullshit. The "yes but no but yes but no" that I am getting. To have jumped through all those hoops just to told no by the person who pointed out the hoops in the first place.

Grrr.

Yep

Today was spent teaching 2nd and 1st grade students. Some of the 2nd graders want to do well and are great kids, but many of them just want to sit around and do nothing. It's like they are making an active choice to remain ignorant. I want to ask if other teachers find them as unresponsive or if it is just in English class.

The 1st graders, on the other hand, are great. They get really excited about class and respond really well. Plus, they are active in that fun way that makes class more enjoyable. There is one boy who needs a talking to, but besides him those kids are a breeze.

There was some confusion about where I was supposed to be today. The kindergarten decided they wanted me to be there, but they never sent me a visit sheet, so there wasn't much I could do. I found out 20 minutes after their scheduled time that I had a class. But, hey, if they had sent the form like they were supposed to, I would have gone.

Getting worried about taking the 2nd Level Japanese Proficiency Test. Don't think I'll do well, but I still want to take it. The deadline for sending in the form is tomorrow and I just got one yesterday. And I found out many of the first year ALTs are trying for the 2nd level as well. Not that that matters, but I will admit there will be some embarassment if they pass and I don't. But chances are it'll work better for me. As in, I might be able to get a study group going.

Long time, no see

I haven't written in a while. I think you may guess one of the reasons, but on top of that things have been very busy. It is the end of the school year and in a week from Monday will be graduation. I just got finished with the last class for the third grade students. Casically, I walked around and chatted with whomever I could. We had to pass out a worksheet (some of the students are still taking graduation tests) but Mrs. Ishihara told me it was okay to chat. She also pretty much told the students they didn't have to do it. ("You can take it home to finish and you won't have to turn it in.") At the end of class the students made a little announcement thanking Ishihara and I for teaching them. Then when it was time to leave they all kind of rushed forward to say goodbye. Not as an orchestrated group thing, but they just wanted to all have a farewell moment with us. A lot of the boys and I hugged and punched each other. After that some of the girls did too. They were a little shyer but also were sweeter in that way that girls cna be. I got a little choked up I admit it, but so did Mrs. Ishihara and the students so it was okay.

What I really want to write about happened after that. After sixth period students have to clean the school. During this cleaning period I generally hang out in the teachers room. (Some of the teachers frown on my chatting with the students, even if we still clean, and not chatting is almost an impossibility for me.) I'm sitting at the computer and Seika (3rd grade girl, very sweet) comes in to get hot water for cleaning. As her bucket is filling she comes over to me, with tears in her eyes to say "thank you." At first she goes for the handshake , but the tears start coming and I can't just sit there. I give her a hug and tell her what a good student she is. We break apart and the girl is just at the point before full fledged weeping. I give her another good hug and then the bucket is ready to be taken away.

Even though it was a very sad moment, being reminded of the effect I can have on students and being shown what I mean to them is a wonderful feeling. I am going tomiss my 3rd graders so much. I am already planning on bringing a box of tissues to the graduation, because I am going to cry like a little girl with a skinned knee and a broken dolly, and I don't care who knows it.