Yesterday, the 8th graders at the Junior Highschool, were doing volunteer activities are various places around the town to get work experience. I ended up going with the principal to see how the kids were doing. A local supermarket that sells various things that the farmers in the town grow was one such place. The name was Agurikko (agriculture?). The cool thing is that there are baskets with various vegetables, fruits and various other foods, and on the front of each basket is a picture of the farmer that grew the particular food being sold, as well as his/her name and other information. They also were selling ice cream, with some of the strangest flavours you'll ever see. I didn't have much time to take a look at all the different flavours, but my principal was urging me on to try the ice cream, so finally I did. They gave me Mame Icecream, which basically means Bean Ice Cream. Yea, beans. I don't know how ice cream is made, but beans doesn't seem like an ingredient that should be used in ice cream. At first, it tasted a bit strange, but by the time I was halfway through it, it had grown on me already, and I was kind of hoping there was more inside the cone.
Also, just to add in some extra information - when I walked in with the principal, everything was just business as usual. When I bought the ice cream, things were just business as usual. When they handed me my change, I said "Thank you", and everybody just started looking confused. Then I told them I'm a foreigner, I'm not Japanese, and the principal explained that I was the new English teacher. Then everybody was smiling and looking at me more closely, and saying "we though he was Japanese". Priceless. I'm really digging this special "power" I have to just hide or appear whenever or where ever I basically want. It's definitely fun, cause nobody expects a person that looks like me (an Asian) to be able to speak such good English. When they hear me speak English, something in their brains just goes off and they start staring at me, and smiling strangely. Definitely cool.
I also took some nice pictures of 地酒 Jizake, which basically means local alcohol, made in the town itself. Kannari's Jizake is 萩の鶴 Hagino Tsuru. Although I can't really tell the difference between all the different kinds of Japanese alcohol (it all tastes like vodka to me..), I did consume an entire large bottle of this at a local sushi chef's party a few weeks ago. The following day was probably the toughest so far since I've arrived in Japan. I threw up all over the tatami mats in my home, and at the school, I pretty much felt like throwing up every 5 minutes (although I never did end up throwing up). It was actually a great day though, because during the classes, I felt this "extra" energy, and since that day, I've been more comfortable with the kids, talking and messing around with them. Alcohol is very important in Japan. That's a key lesson I've learned so far over here. I don't mind it at all~
Last night, I was invited out to dinner by some people in my town. We went to an Izakaya. I had Asari Sakamushi for the first time in Japan. In Canada is was probably my all time favourite dish. Simple, and amazingly delicious. The Asari I had last night was pretty good as well, but not as great as I expected from a Japanese restaurant. It only cost 370 yen though, so it's probably no wonder why the clams were so small. The soup was great though.
We also had different kinds of sashimi, and some really tiny fried shrimps - they tasted like potato chips. They also ordered "chow men", which is basically the Chinese dish "chow mein". You'd be surprised how many words the Japanese use that are basically just taken from other languages and asimilated to their own pronunciation. I had 4 sapporo 生beers. Then it was off to the next party.
Japanese people are pretty crazy in that they don't seem to stay in any place for too long. After eating, it's off to a bar, or karaoke box, etc. Last night, we went to a Karaoke bar, where I had shochu and wine. It probably wasn't the best idea, since I had to make a visit to an elementary school today. To make things worst, it was the first day at that particular school. But the Japanese, they just keep pouring you drinks. Everyone's pretty cool in that way, at least over here in the inaka. They all knew I had to work, and not just work, but work with kids the next day, yet they just kept telling me it was alright. Some of these people had kids too, kids at my elementary school too! And it wasn't like they didn't have to work the next day either. Some of them had to go to day-long meetings today. I have no idea how they made it through an entire day of meetings, when they stayed out until 1am the night before drinking alcohol and blasting karaoke songs one after the other. Definitely cool though.
They also ended up being right that it would be okay. Although I woke up this morning a bit groggy, I had a great time at the school. Hagino Elementary school is quite a ways from my apartment, and because going there is uphill, biking is nearly impossible. And if I did end up biking, I would probably have been too tired to teach anything at all. The school's vice principal called me a week ago telling me he'd come and pick me up. This time I remembered to bring some indoor shoes with me. The Japanese have this custom where you have to take off your shoes when entering particular buildings, especially schools. I actually bought a new pair of nikes when I first got here just to use them as indoor shoes because the slippers the school lets visitors wear were just too uncomfortable. The last 2 weeks at Kannari Elementary school, I forgot to bring an extra pair of shoes, so I had to walk around in their slippers. It was alright, but I couldn't really move quickly - it's just not comfortable for teaching, especially with small kids, as I tend to like moving around the classroom a lot.
The Vice Principal is a pretty cool guy. His English was great, probably better than the English teachers teaching at my Junior Highschool. I asked him why, and eventually, he told me had taught Japanese for 3 years in Dubai. Amazing. He's a short round fellow, very nice guy.
When I first arrived at the school, I noticed the building was much nicer than the Junior Highschool. The classrooms were newer, and the overall feel of the building was pretty relaxing. The teachers were all cool - unlike the Junior Highschool and Kannari Elementary school, it didn't really feel like work at all. It was genuinely all fun. The teachers seemed much more interested in teaching, and learning about foreign cultures. They also seemed a lot more relaxed. Also, the principal and vice principal were just cool guys - friendly, and mainstream "with it", unlike the old fashioned teachers at the other schools I've visited so far.
The kids were great too. A pair of twin girls were waiting for me at the entrance when I came in. They looked so familiar yet I couldn't put my finger on it. Then they told me they had met me at the town hall, when I had visited one of their painting classes. The hilarious thing was, once I stepped out of the car, me and the vice principal started waving at the first and second graders through the window, and shouting out phrases in English like "good morning" and "hello". The kids got pretty excited and started talking to each other pretty loudly. Then, I heard a few kids say "hey that guy's Japanese isn't he?" (日本人みたい！日本人じゃない？？). There you go again, it's the Asian foreigner in Japan syndrome. But, I definitely don't mind it. I definitely fit in a lot better than most other foreigners. The kids are hilarious, cause all I do is remind them of their older brothers or friends. They always tell me this. And again, the teachers kept commenting on how I reminded them of their sons. These people warm up to me pretty quickly - perhaps it's the inaka effect, or the fact that I look like them, but it's definitely a nice thing.
The fact that I'm in such a small town is really starting to hit me now as everyone seems to be connected to each other somehow. Apparently, a Senior High School student's mom is working at Hagino. I had met him at the Town Hall when I first arrived. And then of course, there was another teacher who had a son that is in the 6th grade at Kannari Elementary. It's definitely cool when people know you but you don't know them. Kind of makes me feel like a star. There are only 8000 people in this town.
Another funny thing is, everytime I do my self-introduction lesson, I show them pictures of myself and my family. Almost everytime I show the kids and teachers these pictures, someone will yell out Peyonju! (ペヨンジュ). Well, what the heck is Peyonju? That's the question I was asking myself for some time. Turns out he's a Korean Drama star. I've never seen any Korean Dramas, nor do I intend to, but I definitely wanna see what this peyonju guy looks like. It's funny, cause during my first week at the Junior Highschool, the students were cutting the weeds and stuff that were growing on the soccer field. I decided to go out there and take some pictures and talk to the students. I had my sunglasses on. I go out there, and they start yelling out "Korean Star!" What's up with that....seriously, I need to find out who this peyonju guy is.
Today was definitely fun. I can't wait to visit this school again, but unfortunately, I only get to visit this school once a month, so it's goodbye for an entire month. Damn.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Gaijin in Disguise
One of the big questions before coming to Japan was the reactions I would receive being an Asian looking foreigner. I had definitely heard a ton of different stories, but I really didn't know what to expect until I actually got here. For starters, I definitely think my experience is a lot different than the other JETs in my area just by talking to them and hearing their stories. Everyone here thinks I'm Japanese when they first look at me. My supervisors asked me if my parents were Japanese when they first met me. When I go into a restaurant, the town hall, or the supermarket, I get absolutely 0 stares. I guess it IS a lot harder to tell the difference between Asians, then most people think. If Japanese people can't even tell whether or not I'm one of them or not, it's quite obvious, it's a difficult thing to pinpoint.
My first few weeks here, I felt a bit dissapointed that I wasn't getting paid any attention in this tiny rural town. It also felt quite awkward going into the local stores, and buying stuff, and when they talk to me in Japanese, I kind of answer back in strange Japanese, or in English. This one time, I was buying food at the supermarket, and this young girl cashier just completely froze when she heard English come out of my mouth. She just had no idea what to do. I just smiled at her, and she smiled back a little bit embarassed. The next time I went to the supermarket, I decided to look for the same girl, and enter her line. This time she looked a lot more comfortable, smiling a bit embarassingly - at least she recognized me this time.
Although I don't get the rock star treatment, most distinguishable foreigners get, there are some pros to being in disguise. For one thing, I love walking down the street, or going to the restaurant with other Japanese people, having a good time using Japanese and having no one look at all, and then suddenly just turning on the English. People around me sitting at other tables, or working at the store suddenly start staring - it's great. It definitely has a James Bond type feel to it. I basicaly have control of when I want to make myself noticed. Otherwise, I can just blend into the crowd, and do whatever crazy stuff the other Japanese people are doing. For example, this past Sunday, I went to Sendai to visit one of my Toronto camp kids, who lives in Sendai now. I basically used English all day, talking to him and his parents. We went shopping at a department store, and these 2 girls behind us just kept staring at me. I was going down the escalator, and they just kept staring. In fact she couldn't keep her eyes off of me to the point that she bumped into the kid's father who was standing right in front of her. Sweetness~
It's also definitely funny when we have JET meetings, and the teachers from other schools don't really know who I am, or what I'm doing there. Am I an English JTE? Am I a JET? They just don't know. The kids from other schools don't really have any idea either. It's quite fun playing around with their minds a bit. Sometimes, when I meet strangers, I'll just use Japanese. Other times, I'll use English, it's definitely fun seeing their different reactions. Some have no idea I'm a foreigner. Some probably just think I have a mental defect when I make mistakes when using Japanese.
One definitely interesting thing is that a few people I've met have already told me I remind them of their sons/brothers/friends. A nice woman at the local board of education took me to see Transformers, treated me to dinner, and gave me some food to put in the fridge. The crazy thing is that she actually thanked me for spending time with her, and that it felt just like the days when she used to spend time with her son. Apparently, we have the same facial features/body type. She also lent me her basically unused mountain bike and told me I didn't have to return it until I leave Kannari. Just this past Friday, one of the teachers at the Elementary school said I reminded her a lot of her son. Things like these help a lot in integrating into the town. I can't be exactly sure, but I think looking like a Japanese person has definitely helped in some regard, as most people in the staff office at school basically treat me like I'm their kid. They have no fear of talking to me, they throw food at me constantly, and because I actually have some ability in Japanese, they compliment me a ton and talk to me about whatever's on their mind. Although my real mother is in Toronto, I feel like I have a bunch of mothers here in Kannari.
It's also definitely helped me as well, because although I'm in a foreign country, it doesn't really feel much different to me. Everyone looks familiar to me, even though I've never met them before, and I'm supposedly in a foreign country. This thing called "culture shock" hasn't happened yet, and it probably won't happen...ever. Being able to speak basic Japanese also helps me communicate a lot better than most foreigners. At times, I feel like I'm more at home here than in Toronto. Maybe it's an Asian thing, I don't know, but I used to feel a bit strange at times in Toronto. In Japan, things seem a lot more familiar. People are around the same height as me. Most girls are actually shorter than me. Being skinny isn't actually a bad thing anymore. Strange isn't it? I'm in a foreign country, yet it doesn't really feel like one to me.
I'm definitely digging this gaijin in disguise thing.
My first few weeks here, I felt a bit dissapointed that I wasn't getting paid any attention in this tiny rural town. It also felt quite awkward going into the local stores, and buying stuff, and when they talk to me in Japanese, I kind of answer back in strange Japanese, or in English. This one time, I was buying food at the supermarket, and this young girl cashier just completely froze when she heard English come out of my mouth. She just had no idea what to do. I just smiled at her, and she smiled back a little bit embarassed. The next time I went to the supermarket, I decided to look for the same girl, and enter her line. This time she looked a lot more comfortable, smiling a bit embarassingly - at least she recognized me this time.
Although I don't get the rock star treatment, most distinguishable foreigners get, there are some pros to being in disguise. For one thing, I love walking down the street, or going to the restaurant with other Japanese people, having a good time using Japanese and having no one look at all, and then suddenly just turning on the English. People around me sitting at other tables, or working at the store suddenly start staring - it's great. It definitely has a James Bond type feel to it. I basicaly have control of when I want to make myself noticed. Otherwise, I can just blend into the crowd, and do whatever crazy stuff the other Japanese people are doing. For example, this past Sunday, I went to Sendai to visit one of my Toronto camp kids, who lives in Sendai now. I basically used English all day, talking to him and his parents. We went shopping at a department store, and these 2 girls behind us just kept staring at me. I was going down the escalator, and they just kept staring. In fact she couldn't keep her eyes off of me to the point that she bumped into the kid's father who was standing right in front of her. Sweetness~
It's also definitely funny when we have JET meetings, and the teachers from other schools don't really know who I am, or what I'm doing there. Am I an English JTE? Am I a JET? They just don't know. The kids from other schools don't really have any idea either. It's quite fun playing around with their minds a bit. Sometimes, when I meet strangers, I'll just use Japanese. Other times, I'll use English, it's definitely fun seeing their different reactions. Some have no idea I'm a foreigner. Some probably just think I have a mental defect when I make mistakes when using Japanese.
One definitely interesting thing is that a few people I've met have already told me I remind them of their sons/brothers/friends. A nice woman at the local board of education took me to see Transformers, treated me to dinner, and gave me some food to put in the fridge. The crazy thing is that she actually thanked me for spending time with her, and that it felt just like the days when she used to spend time with her son. Apparently, we have the same facial features/body type. She also lent me her basically unused mountain bike and told me I didn't have to return it until I leave Kannari. Just this past Friday, one of the teachers at the Elementary school said I reminded her a lot of her son. Things like these help a lot in integrating into the town. I can't be exactly sure, but I think looking like a Japanese person has definitely helped in some regard, as most people in the staff office at school basically treat me like I'm their kid. They have no fear of talking to me, they throw food at me constantly, and because I actually have some ability in Japanese, they compliment me a ton and talk to me about whatever's on their mind. Although my real mother is in Toronto, I feel like I have a bunch of mothers here in Kannari.
It's also definitely helped me as well, because although I'm in a foreign country, it doesn't really feel much different to me. Everyone looks familiar to me, even though I've never met them before, and I'm supposedly in a foreign country. This thing called "culture shock" hasn't happened yet, and it probably won't happen...ever. Being able to speak basic Japanese also helps me communicate a lot better than most foreigners. At times, I feel like I'm more at home here than in Toronto. Maybe it's an Asian thing, I don't know, but I used to feel a bit strange at times in Toronto. In Japan, things seem a lot more familiar. People are around the same height as me. Most girls are actually shorter than me. Being skinny isn't actually a bad thing anymore. Strange isn't it? I'm in a foreign country, yet it doesn't really feel like one to me.
I'm definitely digging this gaijin in disguise thing.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
My First Day at 小学校
Yesterday was my first day at an Elementary school. They told me to come in at around 10am, so I actually got to sleep in a bit which was great since I figured I would need extra energy with the little kids. I left my home at around 9:30am, giving me about half an hour to get their by bike. I wanted to give myself some extra time in case I got lost. I ended up getting there in 6 minutes flat, but since the school is, like all the other schools in this town, located on top of a hill, it took around another 6 minutes to bike/push my bike up the hill. By the time I got up there, I was already breathing heavily...damn those hills.
I brought all my self introduction materials I had used at my Junior High School. The first thing I noticed was that the staff were much more relaxed here. The kids were small and cute - they reminded me a lot of the kids I worked with back in Toronto. My supervisor showed up to help introduce me to the staff and kids, and they asked me to give a little speech in Japanese. The teachers really don't know English well enough, so I did my best.
After that, I sat down on the couch and waited for the kids to come and get me. Soon enough, a little boy came to get me. He was in the 5th grade. I asked him what his name was, and he said "Sugawara Sho". I was shocked, because just a week earlier, I spoke with this guy who was the local sushi chef's friend, and he told me his son went to Kannari Elementary School, and that his name was Sugawara Sho, and to look for him.
I did my self intro for the 8th time. The feeling was definitely different. The kids had much bigger reactions to the pictures I showed them. At the same time, it felt pretty cool to finally be in control of the class. At the Junior High School, I'm really just a helper, as in I do whatever the teachers tell me to do. But here in the Elementary School, I'm the only English teacher, so I get to control the class and do basically whatever I want.
After I did my self intro for the 9th time with the 6th graders, it was time for lunch. I was eating lunch, when suddenly a small 2nd grader started yelling at me from outside the staffroom. He kept asking me to come play with him in Japanese. I had never seen the kid before, but after I finished lunch, I went outside and asked him what his name was. He said his name was "Kou". I played with him and his friends. They asked me to be an "Oni", which basically means "demon" or "beast" or whatever, and to chase them around the field/playground. This definitely felt like camp all over again. After chasing them around for a while, they told me that they were the Oni now, and started chasing me. I started running, dodging these little "demons". Then, finally I got caught. Not only did I get caught, soon enough, I felt some fingers jabbing into my behind.
Sure enough...I had been Kancho-ed. And not only that, the kids started going for the front as well~ I started playing dodge games with them, but for me, I was just trying to run as far as I could. Thankfully, outpostnine had given me a heads up on this crazy stuff. I definitely didn't have to worry about that stuff back in Toronto.
After lunch, I did my self intro for the 10th time, this time for a combined class of 3rd and 4th graders. The really interesting thing was that one of the 4th graders, named Hitomi looked really Chinese to me. Soon enough, one of the teachers let me know that her mom was from China. I was pretty surprised by this. Kannari is a small small town out in the middle of nowhere. With a population of around 8000, everyone in my town could go to the Air Canada Centre for a hockey game, and they'd only take up around 50% of the seats.....yet there was this girl with a Chinese mother. Wow. Kannari definitely just became more interesting to me. I'm really hoping I'll get a chance to meet her mother soon enough. Unfortunately, the kids all go home by themselves, and sure enough, Hitomi left by herself. I told her to talk to her mother for me. I also tested her Mandarin, and sure enough, it sounded pretty native level, although the only phrase I could remember to utter was "ni hao".
After my classes were finished, I went outside to play with "Kou" again, and we used this frisby-type thing. They kept throwing it in an awkward yet successful way, and soon enough they started complaining about the way I was throwing it. Apparently, since it's not a regular frisby, my throws kept veering away from the target. Anyways, I ended up staying there 2 hours past the required time, and left at around 6pm. I hadn't had that much fun since, well summer camp back in Toronto.
On my way home, I decided to take a different route home, since I really hadn't had a chance to explore the town much up to that point. I went through a few back alleys, and ended up going up and down, curving around a few houses. Finally, I ended up in front of a church. I knew there was a church in the town, since I had seen photos of it on the internet, but I hadn't actually seen it in person up to that point. It was definitely an interesting feeling. There was this Russian Orthodox church in the middle of a town of 8000, in rural countryside Japan. Interesting, but at the same time, a bit creepy, since apparently, no one in the towns knows if they can actually go inside the building. I intend to find out soon enough though.
Elementary school was a refreshing break from my job at the Junior High School. Definitely looking forward to my next visit.
I brought all my self introduction materials I had used at my Junior High School. The first thing I noticed was that the staff were much more relaxed here. The kids were small and cute - they reminded me a lot of the kids I worked with back in Toronto. My supervisor showed up to help introduce me to the staff and kids, and they asked me to give a little speech in Japanese. The teachers really don't know English well enough, so I did my best.
After that, I sat down on the couch and waited for the kids to come and get me. Soon enough, a little boy came to get me. He was in the 5th grade. I asked him what his name was, and he said "Sugawara Sho". I was shocked, because just a week earlier, I spoke with this guy who was the local sushi chef's friend, and he told me his son went to Kannari Elementary School, and that his name was Sugawara Sho, and to look for him.
I did my self intro for the 8th time. The feeling was definitely different. The kids had much bigger reactions to the pictures I showed them. At the same time, it felt pretty cool to finally be in control of the class. At the Junior High School, I'm really just a helper, as in I do whatever the teachers tell me to do. But here in the Elementary School, I'm the only English teacher, so I get to control the class and do basically whatever I want.
After I did my self intro for the 9th time with the 6th graders, it was time for lunch. I was eating lunch, when suddenly a small 2nd grader started yelling at me from outside the staffroom. He kept asking me to come play with him in Japanese. I had never seen the kid before, but after I finished lunch, I went outside and asked him what his name was. He said his name was "Kou". I played with him and his friends. They asked me to be an "Oni", which basically means "demon" or "beast" or whatever, and to chase them around the field/playground. This definitely felt like camp all over again. After chasing them around for a while, they told me that they were the Oni now, and started chasing me. I started running, dodging these little "demons". Then, finally I got caught. Not only did I get caught, soon enough, I felt some fingers jabbing into my behind.
Sure enough...I had been Kancho-ed. And not only that, the kids started going for the front as well~ I started playing dodge games with them, but for me, I was just trying to run as far as I could. Thankfully, outpostnine had given me a heads up on this crazy stuff. I definitely didn't have to worry about that stuff back in Toronto.
After lunch, I did my self intro for the 10th time, this time for a combined class of 3rd and 4th graders. The really interesting thing was that one of the 4th graders, named Hitomi looked really Chinese to me. Soon enough, one of the teachers let me know that her mom was from China. I was pretty surprised by this. Kannari is a small small town out in the middle of nowhere. With a population of around 8000, everyone in my town could go to the Air Canada Centre for a hockey game, and they'd only take up around 50% of the seats.....yet there was this girl with a Chinese mother. Wow. Kannari definitely just became more interesting to me. I'm really hoping I'll get a chance to meet her mother soon enough. Unfortunately, the kids all go home by themselves, and sure enough, Hitomi left by herself. I told her to talk to her mother for me. I also tested her Mandarin, and sure enough, it sounded pretty native level, although the only phrase I could remember to utter was "ni hao".
After my classes were finished, I went outside to play with "Kou" again, and we used this frisby-type thing. They kept throwing it in an awkward yet successful way, and soon enough they started complaining about the way I was throwing it. Apparently, since it's not a regular frisby, my throws kept veering away from the target. Anyways, I ended up staying there 2 hours past the required time, and left at around 6pm. I hadn't had that much fun since, well summer camp back in Toronto.
On my way home, I decided to take a different route home, since I really hadn't had a chance to explore the town much up to that point. I went through a few back alleys, and ended up going up and down, curving around a few houses. Finally, I ended up in front of a church. I knew there was a church in the town, since I had seen photos of it on the internet, but I hadn't actually seen it in person up to that point. It was definitely an interesting feeling. There was this Russian Orthodox church in the middle of a town of 8000, in rural countryside Japan. Interesting, but at the same time, a bit creepy, since apparently, no one in the towns knows if they can actually go inside the building. I intend to find out soon enough though.
Elementary school was a refreshing break from my job at the Junior High School. Definitely looking forward to my next visit.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Typhoon #9
Miyagi's being hit by a typhoon today. I woke up to the sound of rain smacking against the windows of my small apartment room. I've never seen such rain in my life. There doesn't seem to be anything else though - just strong winds and a lot of rain. Damn..I forgot to move my bike inside - it's getting shelled by rain right now.
At least I live on a small hill, less danger of flooding..
Today I'll be heading out to a neighbouring town to attend a business meeting on English education in Junior High Schools. We'll see how it goes with the typhoon.
At least I live on a small hill, less danger of flooding..
Today I'll be heading out to a neighbouring town to attend a business meeting on English education in Junior High Schools. We'll see how it goes with the typhoon.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
日本語で＃１
私は日本に着いたのはもう一ヶ月ぐらいかな。もうすぐ、秋だ。先週から急に雨が降ってて、だんだん寒くなっていくそうだ。金曜日はジャケットを着なければいけないほど寒かった。東北の本当の天気が出てきたようだな。毎日学校に行って夜遅く６時半ほどまで働いている。毎日子供と仲間といろいろしてて楽しい。だが、疲れた～ この週末ずっとベッドに寝てしまった。長い時間寝てたのに、まだ疲れている。
金成は本間に田舎だ。毎夜早く暗くなって道に誰もいないんだ。自転車で晩御飯とかいろいろな普段のものを買うとき、道に誰もいないし、静かなので、ちょっと変な感じがするんだ。ずっと都会に住んでて、田舎の生活に慣れるのがちょっと大変だ。運転免許もなくて、毎日どこにも行けなくて、残念だ。しかし、今週から、テレビ、インタネット、携帯を使うことができるようになって、もっと快心になってきた。
ちょっとつまらないけど、毎日日本語が使えてよかった。お金を使ってしまう所もあまりないし、金を貯めることができると思う。時間もあるから、一所懸命日本語を勉強するつもりだ。一年間こちらにいるんで、どんなに上手になれるかな。はやく流暢になりたいと思っている。そうならばもっと面白い仕事ができると思う。それに、まだ用事があるんで。
いろいろな人と話せるといいと思う。言葉の勉強は面白くて、大切なことだろう。
夜、遅いから、ここで終。おやすみ。
・・・つづく
金成は本間に田舎だ。毎夜早く暗くなって道に誰もいないんだ。自転車で晩御飯とかいろいろな普段のものを買うとき、道に誰もいないし、静かなので、ちょっと変な感じがするんだ。ずっと都会に住んでて、田舎の生活に慣れるのがちょっと大変だ。運転免許もなくて、毎日どこにも行けなくて、残念だ。しかし、今週から、テレビ、インタネット、携帯を使うことができるようになって、もっと快心になってきた。
ちょっとつまらないけど、毎日日本語が使えてよかった。お金を使ってしまう所もあまりないし、金を貯めることができると思う。時間もあるから、一所懸命日本語を勉強するつもりだ。一年間こちらにいるんで、どんなに上手になれるかな。はやく流暢になりたいと思っている。そうならばもっと面白い仕事ができると思う。それに、まだ用事があるんで。
いろいろな人と話せるといいと思う。言葉の勉強は面白くて、大切なことだろう。
夜、遅いから、ここで終。おやすみ。
・・・つづく
Saturday, September 1, 2007
School on a Sunday
My head English teacher asked me to come in on Sunday to help the speech contest students practice their speeches. I didn't mind helping out, and since I had nothing really important to do on Sunday, I told her it would be alright, so today, I headed out to school on a Sunday morning. The last time I can remember being at school on a Sunday was well..........never. I really can't think of the last time I was at school on a Sunday. In Toronto, we never have school on Sunday, at least not that I was aware of.
When my English teacher asked me to come in, I had the idea that it would just be me, her, and the 3 students at the school. However, when I biked over to the school, and began walking up the hill, I could hear the sounds of brass instruments. As I walked into the school, I saw 4 or more cars parked out in front of the school. When I entered the building, I saw the music teacher talking to a student. He bowed and said "ohayo gozaimasu". I did the same, and before I entered the teacher's room, he told me that the English teacher was across the hall near the gym. I walked over there, and saw her practising with the students. In the gym, there were students playing sports, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a student doing his laps around the school grounds. Holy moly. I was definitely wrong when I thought it would just be me and the English people. It seemed as though everyone was at the school practicing their club activities.
After I finished the practice with the students, I headed into the teacher's office. Yes there were a few more teachers sitting at their desks. Not everyone was there, but more than I had thought. The day finally ended at around 3pm. It was definitely an eye-opener. I guess school never really ends in Japan, at least not where I am. I wonder if these kids ever have time for other things, or if these teachers ever have free time for themselves. It felt really good though - the school here is more like a community centre/school. Basically open everyday, it's a place where students can come and practice sports and a place for them to study. There really aren't any community centres or any real places for kids to go and participate in activities over here, so the school is where all the action is. Without it, the kids would not have activities to do.
When I finally left, I headed over the small library at the town hall to return a couple of CDs I had borrowed. Then I went to some stores to purchase pens and folders, and other stuff that I needed. On my way back at around 5pm, I saw two kids with bikes, but I couldn't really tell who they were. Then I heard one of them scream "Jon sensei". It was a student of mine. He was in his baseball uniform. I said "hey, see you tomorrow" and continued on my way. These kids never stop practicing. It's definitely different from where I'm from.
Since I live so close to the school, it really isn't much of a hassle to go in for a few hours.
In fact, I might just go in again next weekend and participate in some more activities. I might even be able to get some Japanese studying done.
When my English teacher asked me to come in, I had the idea that it would just be me, her, and the 3 students at the school. However, when I biked over to the school, and began walking up the hill, I could hear the sounds of brass instruments. As I walked into the school, I saw 4 or more cars parked out in front of the school. When I entered the building, I saw the music teacher talking to a student. He bowed and said "ohayo gozaimasu". I did the same, and before I entered the teacher's room, he told me that the English teacher was across the hall near the gym. I walked over there, and saw her practising with the students. In the gym, there were students playing sports, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a student doing his laps around the school grounds. Holy moly. I was definitely wrong when I thought it would just be me and the English people. It seemed as though everyone was at the school practicing their club activities.
After I finished the practice with the students, I headed into the teacher's office. Yes there were a few more teachers sitting at their desks. Not everyone was there, but more than I had thought. The day finally ended at around 3pm. It was definitely an eye-opener. I guess school never really ends in Japan, at least not where I am. I wonder if these kids ever have time for other things, or if these teachers ever have free time for themselves. It felt really good though - the school here is more like a community centre/school. Basically open everyday, it's a place where students can come and practice sports and a place for them to study. There really aren't any community centres or any real places for kids to go and participate in activities over here, so the school is where all the action is. Without it, the kids would not have activities to do.
When I finally left, I headed over the small library at the town hall to return a couple of CDs I had borrowed. Then I went to some stores to purchase pens and folders, and other stuff that I needed. On my way back at around 5pm, I saw two kids with bikes, but I couldn't really tell who they were. Then I heard one of them scream "Jon sensei". It was a student of mine. He was in his baseball uniform. I said "hey, see you tomorrow" and continued on my way. These kids never stop practicing. It's definitely different from where I'm from.
Since I live so close to the school, it really isn't much of a hassle to go in for a few hours.
In fact, I might just go in again next weekend and participate in some more activities. I might even be able to get some Japanese studying done.
広島焼き、もんじゃ焼き
Last night, I was finally able to pick up my cellphone. It took 3 days, but fortunately, it came right before the weekend, so I could get a ride down to the store. After picking up the new cellphone (sweeet), I went with a fellow teacher to a place called Dohton Bori. Originally the plan was to eat some お好み焼き, but he decided to order hiroshima yaki instead. I had never heard of hiroshima yaki before.
Soon, a young girl came and started heating up the stove thing in front of us. This place was definitely cool. In my town we don't have many restaurants, and the food places we do have are basically fast food style, and have like 2 seating areas (yea...pretty brutal...). This place, we had to take off our shoes, and sit on these square pillow things. I have to say, I still haven't gotten use to sitting like that while eating. Every time I got up to go to the drink bar (which is what they call free refills for tea/soda/juice), my legs were in pain and I almost stumbled over, but it was definitely still cool.
Anyways, back to the main story. So the girl heated up the stove and started putting stuff on it like a frying pan. She put soba noodles, squid, shrimp, octopus - all my favourite seafoods.
Then she put an egg on there, and started doing stuff that I really can't explain well in writing. Anyways, all that stuff I just mentioned ended up being wrapped into some sort of okonomiyaki looking crazyness. Her movements were pretty quick and precise. It was like watching a master at work. We asked her what she had to do to be able to work this job, and she told us that she had to take a 6 month course on how to cook this stuff. Amazingly, this was just her first time making hiroshima yaki. We thanked her, and started eating. Damn, it was delicious. In Toronto, we can't really get this kind of food - it's just not possible, unless there's a Japanese person in town who happens to be good at making this stuff. Restaurants don't have it on their menus. To eat it, you usually top it off with fish flakes, shredded pieces of seaweed and mayonnaise. I'd have to say, I was starving at that point, and that food certainly hit the spot.
We were still hungry afterwards, so we decided to order something else. It's quite difficult ordering at that restaurant, because everything looks so damn good. And at the same time, everything looks the same! My co-worker kept asking me what I wanted to eat, but being new to the country, and really not knowing anything about the stuff on that menu, I told him he could decide. Eventually, he settled on Monja yaki. Apparently, from what he told me, Hiroshima yaki is from Hiroshima..hence the name hiroshima yaki....go figure. Okonomiyaki is from the Kansai region of Japan, particularly Osaka - that I already knew from before. However, Monja yaki is from the Tokyo region - this I didn't know. In fact, I had never heard of "monja-yaki". Somes like something illegal...hmm. Anyways, we ordered it, and a different girl came to start frying the stuff (gotta love Japan..). This was quite different from hiroshima-yaki, in that basically she just put a bunch of stuff on the frying pan and started mixing and mashing it up. Our Monja-yaki's main thing was mochi, so she put a lot of mochi in there. The interesting thing was that apparently, we were not to use our chopsticks to eat this "monja yaki". So I asked, well, what are supposed to use? Well, the girl handed me this thing that is difficult to explain. It was like a split between a fork and a knife, and was quite small sized. Apparently, from that mashed up mixture in front of us, we were to use this tool to "scratch off" what we wanted, burn it on the pan, and then stuff in our mouths.
It was definitely an experience I won't be forgetting for a while. In Toronto, we don't really heard much about Japanese food that isn't sushi, sashimi, miso soup, and so on. Looking forward to eating more crazy Japanese food.
Soon, a young girl came and started heating up the stove thing in front of us. This place was definitely cool. In my town we don't have many restaurants, and the food places we do have are basically fast food style, and have like 2 seating areas (yea...pretty brutal...). This place, we had to take off our shoes, and sit on these square pillow things. I have to say, I still haven't gotten use to sitting like that while eating. Every time I got up to go to the drink bar (which is what they call free refills for tea/soda/juice), my legs were in pain and I almost stumbled over, but it was definitely still cool.
Anyways, back to the main story. So the girl heated up the stove and started putting stuff on it like a frying pan. She put soba noodles, squid, shrimp, octopus - all my favourite seafoods.
Then she put an egg on there, and started doing stuff that I really can't explain well in writing. Anyways, all that stuff I just mentioned ended up being wrapped into some sort of okonomiyaki looking crazyness. Her movements were pretty quick and precise. It was like watching a master at work. We asked her what she had to do to be able to work this job, and she told us that she had to take a 6 month course on how to cook this stuff. Amazingly, this was just her first time making hiroshima yaki. We thanked her, and started eating. Damn, it was delicious. In Toronto, we can't really get this kind of food - it's just not possible, unless there's a Japanese person in town who happens to be good at making this stuff. Restaurants don't have it on their menus. To eat it, you usually top it off with fish flakes, shredded pieces of seaweed and mayonnaise. I'd have to say, I was starving at that point, and that food certainly hit the spot.
We were still hungry afterwards, so we decided to order something else. It's quite difficult ordering at that restaurant, because everything looks so damn good. And at the same time, everything looks the same! My co-worker kept asking me what I wanted to eat, but being new to the country, and really not knowing anything about the stuff on that menu, I told him he could decide. Eventually, he settled on Monja yaki. Apparently, from what he told me, Hiroshima yaki is from Hiroshima..hence the name hiroshima yaki....go figure. Okonomiyaki is from the Kansai region of Japan, particularly Osaka - that I already knew from before. However, Monja yaki is from the Tokyo region - this I didn't know. In fact, I had never heard of "monja-yaki". Somes like something illegal...hmm. Anyways, we ordered it, and a different girl came to start frying the stuff (gotta love Japan..). This was quite different from hiroshima-yaki, in that basically she just put a bunch of stuff on the frying pan and started mixing and mashing it up. Our Monja-yaki's main thing was mochi, so she put a lot of mochi in there. The interesting thing was that apparently, we were not to use our chopsticks to eat this "monja yaki". So I asked, well, what are supposed to use? Well, the girl handed me this thing that is difficult to explain. It was like a split between a fork and a knife, and was quite small sized. Apparently, from that mashed up mixture in front of us, we were to use this tool to "scratch off" what we wanted, burn it on the pan, and then stuff in our mouths.
It was definitely an experience I won't be forgetting for a while. In Toronto, we don't really heard much about Japanese food that isn't sushi, sashimi, miso soup, and so on. Looking forward to eating more crazy Japanese food.
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