Christmas songs anyone!

So, I'm preparing for my Christmas lessons now -- making paper christmas trees, paper snowflakes... basically the works -- and I stumbled upon everyone's favorite christmas songs in JAPANESE!

So, I thought I'd put them up here for everyone to enjoy. You already know the tune, just read off the Japanese and you'll be singing Japanese-style Christmas songs before you know it!

Enjoy!!!


Jingle Bells [JINGURU BERU]

Hashiresoriyo kazeno youni
Yukino nakawo karuku hayaku
Waraigoewo yukini makeba
Akarui hikarino hanani naruyo

*JINGLE BELL JINGLE BELL
Suzuganaru
Suzuno RIZUMUni
Hikarino wagamau
JINGLE BELL JINGLE BELL
Suzuganaru
Morini hayashini hibiki nagara

Hashiresoriyo okano uewa
Yukimo shiroku kazemo shiroku
Utau koewa tonde yukuyo
Kagayaki hajimeta hoshino sorahe

*repeat 2 times

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer [Akahana no TONAKAI] ** I sang this song today with my preschoolers**

Makkana ohanano TONAKAIsanwa
Itsumo minnano waraimono
Demo sono toshino CHRISTMASno hi
SANTAno ojisanwa iimashita

Kuraiyo michiwa PIKAPIKAno
Omaeno hanaga yakuni tatsunosa

Itsumo naiteta TONAKAIsanwa
Koyoikosowato torokobimashita

Santa Claus Is Comin' Town [SANTA ga machini yattekuru]
*Saa
Anatakara Merry Christmas
Watashikara Merry Christmas
Santa Claus is coming to town
Ne kikoetekuru desho
Suzuno negasugusokoni
Santa Claus is coming to town

~Machi kirenaide oyasumishitakoni
Kitto subarashii Present motte
Saa
Anatakara Merry Christmas
Watashikara Merry Christmas
Santa Claus is coming to town

*Repeat

Christmas Eve wo yubiorikazoeta
Osanai omoidemo koyoi natsukashi
Saa
Anatakara Merry Christmas
Watashikara Merry Christmas
Santa Claus is coming to town

~Repeat

Here Comes Santa Claus [SANTA KURO-SU ga yattekuru]

Santa Claus ga
Santa Claus ga
Yatte kuru
Suzuote hibikase hashiru SORI

Kutsushita tsurushite
Minna machi mashou
Tanoshii koyoi
Saa Santa ga kuru

Santa Claus ga
Santa Claus ga
Yatte kuru
Ookina fukuru wa PUREZENTO

Jingle Jingle toukude
Hora kikoeru
Minna no heyani
Saa Santa ga kuru

Santa Claus ga
Santa Claus ga
Yatte kuru
Chiisana uchioo kinauchi isoga shii

Deck the Halls [Saa kazari mashou]

Saa kazari mashou
FALALALALA LALALALA
Kireini oheyawo
FALALALALA LALALALA
Hiiragi kazatte
FALALALALA LALALALA
Saa utai mashou
FALALALALA LALALALA

O Christmas Tree [Momino ki]

Momino ki momino ki
Oiya shige reru

*Momino ki momino ki
Oiya shige reru
Kokage wo samayoi
Kata rishi omoide
Momino ki momino ki

Ima nao koishi

Otomeyo otomeyo
Nanji wa izuko
Otomeyo otomeyo
Nanji wa izuko
Kokage wo samayoi
Chikaishi sachi no hi
Otomeyo otomeyo
Izuko ni yukishi

*repeat

Oiya shige reru
Ima na okoishi

We Wish You a Merry Christmas [Omede tou KURISUMASU]

*Omedetou CHRISTMAS
Omedetou CHRISTMAS
Omedetou CHRISTMAS
Oiwaishimashou
Minnashite asobi mashou
Omadetou CHRISTMAS
Oiwaishimashou

*repeat

Oishii okashiwo
Oishii okashiwo
Oishii okashiwo
Tsukuri mashou
Minnashite asobu mashou
Omedetou CHRISTMAS
Oiwaishimashou

*repeat

Silver Bells [SHIRUVA- BERU]

CHRISTMASga yattekuruyo
Tonakaino hiku SORIde
SANTA CLAUSno isshoni
Tanoshii CHRISTMASga kuruyo

Tooriwa kireini kazararete
CHRISTMAS TSURI-ni higatomoru
Kagayaku hoshiguzu kirarihikaru
Minna tanoshii CHRISTMAS

*SILVER BELLS SILVER BELLS
Ginno suzunarashite
RIRIRIN RIRIRIN
Tanoshii CHRISTMASyo

Mashiroi yukiga otomo nakufuru
ZAKU ZAKU funde kaeru
Matataku ILLUMINATIONni sasowarete
Tobimawaru kodomotachi

*repeat

Silent Night [Kiyoshi Konoyoru]

Kiyoshi konoyoru hoshi wa hikari
Sukuino miko wa mabune no nakani
Nemuri tamou itoyasuku

Kiyoshi konoyoru mitsuge ukeshi
Makibi to tachi wa miko no mimaeni
Nukazukinu kashikomite

Kiyoshi konoyoru miko no emini
Megumi no miyono ashita no hikari
Kagaya keri hogarakani

Joy To The World [Morobito Kozorite]

Morobito kozorite mukae matsure
Hisashi kumachi nishi
Shu wa kimaseri
Shu wa kimaseri Shu wa Shu wa kimaseri

Kono yono yamijiwo terashitamou
Taenaru hikarino
Shu wa kimaseri
Shu wa kimaseri Shu wa Shu wa kimaseri

Shibomeru kokoro no hana wo kikase
Megumi no tsuyuoku
Shu wa kimaseri
Shu wa kimaseri Shu wa Shu wa kimaseri

Heiwa no kiminaru miko wo mukae
Sukui no nushitozo
Home tataeyo
Home tataeyo Home Home tataeyo

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus [MAMA ga SANTA ni KISSU shite]

Sorewa kinouno yoru
SANTAno ojisanga
Omoifukuru katani katsuide
Sotto oheyani haitte kitara
MAMAwa yorisoi nagara
Yasashiku KISSU shite
Totemo ureshisouni
Ohanashi shiteru
Demo
Sono SANTA wa PAPA

All I Want For Christmas is my Two Front Teeth [Maeba no naiko no KURISUMASU]

Remember, you can't say the "SU" in KURISUMASU! Gotta have front teeth for that!

*Boku daketsuite naimaeba
Komacchatta yannacchatta
Dakarasa kuchibue AUTO
Koreja MERRY MERRY KURIFUMAFU

Zutto akogare no akko chan ni fuite ageru
Sutekina MERRY KURIFUMAFU choushikurucchau

*repeat

Henna kaoshina ideyo
Chotto marya wakarudaro
Imasaradouni mo Shou ga naikedo
Tada konya wa KURISUMASU IBU
CHANSU nanoni

*repeat

Zutto okogareno okko chan ni fuite ageru
Sutekina MERRY KURIFUMAFU choushikurucchau

*repeat

Koreja MERRY MERRY KURIFUMAFU
Yannacchatta

Winter Wonderland [Suteki na yukigeshiki]

SORIni notte yukou
Kireina yamanamimo yondeiru
Tanoshii WINTER WONDERLAND
Aoi torisae itsumo saezuri
Koino uta utatteru
Tanoshii WINTER WONDERLAND

*Yuki darumawo tsukutte aino kotobawo kaki
Futatsuno kokorowo kataku musunde okouyo
Yukino tenshimo futarino katani
Shiawasewo mottekuru
Tanoshii WINTER WONDERLAND

*repeat

Shiawasewo mottekuru
Tanoshii WINTER WONDERLAND
Tanoshii WINTER WONDERLAND

Christmas Decorations

So, two people asked if they decorate for Christmas here and they definitely do!

In Japan, I feel like Christmas and New Years have switched holidays. Christmas is more commercialized and honestly has little to no religious value (since a majority of Japanese aren't Christian). So Christmas is like New Years with lots of parties and people hoping to catch their crush's eye!

New Years however has tons more meaning here. Like how we send out christmas cards, Japan sends out New Years cards. The family gets together for New Years and celebrates it together. And on New Years usually you head to a local shrine for the First shrine visit of the new year.

So, there are TONS of Christmas Decorations because Christmas is a commercial holiday. So, you don't see as many Christmas lights on houses, but you see stores (even on my small island) decked out in Christmas gear.

Tonight, I'll go by the stores and the one house (that I've seen) that are decorated for Christmas. I'll take video and put it up on facebook.

Get excited!!

Love ya!

Steph

Thanksgiving in Japan

Hello all!
I figured it was a time for a holiday update!

Last week I was in Kagoshima City (aka the mainland) for my Mid-Year Seminar.

The seminar was on the 24 and 25, but because the 23 was a holiday I arrived a day early. Which, was early enough to go with some fellow JETs to see the new Harry Potter film! It was so great to be in a movie theatre with fellow English speakers watching an English movie. For a few moments after the movie I definitely thought I was back in the states.

I won't write all about the vacation, but I'll highlight the good parts for you all!

1) Lots of yummy foreign food: Indian, Chinese, American, and a Thanksgiving dinner. Check out facebook for videos of the dinner and photos!

2) A group of us went to Ibusuki for the sand baths! It was amazing! Check out the sand baths here ! You change into a yukata and walk outside (in the freezing cold) to the beach. Where tons of old ladies tell you to lay down, then drape your head (to cover your hair) with a towel. They then start burying you in sand so only your head is out of the ground. The heat is a little intense, but not bad. You can feel your pulse in your arms and legs, and can feel your body sweating. Also, the soles of my feet got a little warm but it was nice. Stayed in for about 15 minutes. And afterwards, headed for the onsend where I soaked in hot water for 30 minutes. SOOO nice. Especially because it was so cold!! Had to break out layers, and a jacket, and a heavy scarf!!

3) Went to an international festival on my last day and had Guarana (a pop drink from brazil) and some yummy Brazilian meat.

4) Bought Amazing christmas cards--they are so extravagant and I CANNOT wait to mail them out.

5) Climbed Mt. Kaimon ! (Well, we only got halfway up before it started getting dark and we had to head back. It's on my list to go back and finish the climb, supposed to be the Mt. Fuji of Satsuma!)

6) Had an amazing Thanksgiving dinner with friends from America and other countries. While I have always loved Thanksgiving with my family (definitely my favorite holiday), this thanksgiving will hold a special place in my heart.

7) At the international festival got to meet some of my other JETs' students. Their English was amazing, I was so suprised (and jealous!). At one point, one of the female students pointed at me and said "Big!". I was a little offended, but she kept saying "Big", then she pointed to her chest and said, "small". At which point, my friend kindly said, "She means your breasts." I was so suprised! BUT, this girl went on to ask: "May I touch?!" And before I could reply, she groped them! Then, she asked, "Switch!". I have to say that was one of the funniest yet most awkward moments in my life.

8) I love being able to get to the airport within 20 minutes of my flight taking off and still making it onto the flight with time to spare. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get back to the U.S. and huge check points and airports!

9) Got some girlie American magazines!!

10) AND SOME MINT CHOCOLATE!!! I miss mint chocolate so much. There is none here. Had to go to the foreign food store to get it.

Well, those are the highlights from the trip. The seminar was actually really useful (which is a huge change from the last two orientations I had to go to for JET). But, I won't be back on the mainland until March when Mom and Dad come to visit!!

Hope you've enjoyed the post and the interesting experiences!!

Miss you all and chat soon!

November Update!!

So, after reading a few differet law-related blogs (called blawgs) I've decided to become a better blogger.

I'm going to try and update every few days with some new information.

As well, I'm starting a youtube page to keep my videos, since blogger makes it too difficult to upload videos.

So, this month has been relatively tame. I did have JETs from other islands stay a weekend on two different occasions. It's so nice to have people over! Not only do I love the company, but I discovered I knew a whole lot more about Erabu after becoming a tour guide. Also, hearing the other JETs moan about what I have on my island that they don't (like proper bars, a curry house, and late-night supermarkets), I've come to appreciate Erabu tons more.

Not to say, I haven't had the occasional bout of homesickness... or another meltdown (also conveniently while skyping with my mom). Living abroad is tought business. There are so many things I miss, but when I move back to the U.S. in a year or two, I won't take things like dryers, heated houses, and insulation for granted anymore.

Speaking of insulation. I know I live on a sub-tropical island, but it's def starting to get cold. I mean... not Ohio cold. But, in the low 70s with a constant breeze can be cold! I mean, it's nice in the sun, but inside an un-insulated house with no heating and drafts, 70 degrees suddenly feels like 60! I know, you all are laughing. But, think about what your thermostat is set to... I bet it's above 60. Now, think... it's just November coe January when it gets down to mid-50s... I am going to be an icecube.
I'm just happy I'm not farther north... there's hardly HARDLY any insulated or heated houses in Japan asides from the most norther island Hokkaido (which is like neighbors with Russia... so pretty dang cold). I remember sitting in my room at my homestay house in Osaka in the mornings being able to see my breath!

Anyways, the cold isn' that bad, but the win just gets to me. Luckily, my wonderful wonderful mom sent me some winter packages and I have more long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

So, this week, my schools are finishing writing their pen-pal letters for Vincent's school. Some kids are excited, but most aren't. I thinkthe fact that they are sending letters to real people hasn't set in yet. I'm also puting together a video, which I'll post on youtube for you all to watch.

Two weeks ago was culture day and I have some video footage of that too. Culture day is just a day filled with plays and performances, pretty fun!

And next week, I have my first official business trip. I'll be heading to the mainland from next Tuesday the 23 until Sunday the 28. I plan to do a little shopping, watch a movie, speak English, eat at American-style restaurants, hang out with foreigners, go to Ibusuki's sand baths, and of course... go to the conference. :) I'm super excited to get off the island, if you can't tell.

And next month, off to Korea!

Snippet of the day: Taught my students "loco"... I think they enjoy learning Spanish more than English!

Quick Reflection

After reading my "September Update" post, I was amazed at both how quickly and how slowly the time has gone by.

I've already been here three months. Which really isn't a long time, but my study abroad amount was only four months! I remember feeling distinctly homesick during that time. Yet, besides that episode the first night I was alone in my apartment, I really haven't felt homesick. Sure, I've wanted to see my dog or sit in the kitchen and talk with my mom while she cooks dinner, or watch my favorite tv shows with dad; but, in a way I've been able to do that with Skype.

As well, I figure. Even if I was home, I wouldn't be living at home. I'd be off in the real world, doing who knows what. I don't think I would have been able to go to law school this year. I wasn't mentally prepared for it, let alone I wasn't even sure what I wanted to study. This year, probably two years, off is really helping me. I've learned to enjoy living on my own; I've tried new things; I can make bread and nabe; I am enjoying cleaning; I'm having to become more organized with my life and time; and I'm learning Japanese. It really is an amazing opportunity that I'm so thankful I've been given.

So, reading back on my last post, I feel like its been ages since I went to my first Sports Day, but really... it's barely been over a month. How can time be both SO fast, and SO slow? Interesting!!

Steph

P.S. There is also another new post under this one. Check it out!!

October Update

Hello Everyone!

I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted, but it really has been busy here. I’m thinking this blog may just come to have an update every month with “bonus” updates once in a while in between.

So, what have I been up to this month?! Well, first let’s start off with another list!

1) Inevitably in Japan teaching little children… I was felt up by a three-year old girl. The teacher (a woman) just laughed at the girls antics and proceeded to poke them as well, while pointing to her own saying, “switch!”. Definitely interesting.

2) Went to my first drinking party with my main middle school staff who always seem boring at school, but are nothing but! Supriiiising!

3) Found the home-center store (like a target) on the island. I think angels were singing as I stepped in. Blankets, cooking ware, and shelves, oh my!!

4) I got the best compliment on my apartment from a fellow JET. She said, for as long as she’s been on Yoron (going on her fourth year), she’s visited my apartment because she’s known the ALT here. But, she’s never thought of my apartment as homey, until now! Yes, the apartment she said that no ALT ever felt clean in, is now homey. Thank you mom and dad for your amazing cleaning, building, and fixing skills!

5) Typhoon parties are the only logical solution to an oncoming typhoon.

6) While I am an English teacher, my written English is worsening a little. I’m trying to read a lot of English book, while simultaneously studying for the LSAT, and studying Japanese.

This month I learned to scuba dive! One of the funnest things I think I`ve ever done. And, in two weeks time I’ll have my first boat dive—exciting!

I also participated in my town’s sports day (like the U.S.’s Track and Field day). One of my co-workers asked me to participate with her on her team. I was so excited she asked and enjoyed it tons! So, why was I so excited?! Because sometimes I feel a bit isolated, which makes sense living on an island, right? But, sometimes at work, being the only foreigner can be tough. While I am learning a TON of Japanese, there are still a good amount of words I don’t know. So, when I stumble on a Japanese sentence or ask someone to repeat something, my co-workers are getting into the habit of switching to English. Only problem, my Japanese is definitely better than their English, so I get left being more confused after they switch to English than before. I’m trying to circumvent this… studying tons of Japanese and taking my time with responses, but it’s a frustrating uphill battle with my Board of Education (BOE).

As well, my BOE is VERY quiet. Which is weird because everyone on their own is very talkative and fun to be with. Sometimes, I think it’s my supervisor, M-sensei who makes the place so quiet. He’s always so stern.

BUTTTT, I brought in some homemade banana bread and I may have started working on the office. Even my supervisor, who NEVER talks, commented on how good it was and had two slices. I feel that bringing in something homemade every few weeks will continue to win them over. ;)

I also hosted my first party at my place. I invited a few JETs from the surrounding islands over and we had a great time. Having to play tour guide and show people around was great. I didn’t realize how much I have grown accustomed to, nor how great I have it here until I had them over.
I was also the judge of a speech contest, which was pretty fun! All the kids at the school stared at me when I walked in—I pretty much felt like a celebrity!

And we had our first major typhoon ALMOST hit the island. A category 3-4. My BOE was definitely bracing for impact, going as far as telling me where the emergency shelter is, if need be—definitely not encouraging. But, as soon as the typhoon hit land near Okinawa, it bounced off and we just got the outlying winds… which was still enough of a racket to make all of my indoor doors rattle and shake.

I’d definitely becoming more accustomed to life here. While sometimes the teaching can be overwhelming (the kids are super-energetic), I am enjoying it here. I’m enjoying it so much that I believe I will recontract to stay another year. The prospect of learning more Japanese (I know some of you may think, jeesh shouldn’t you be fluent in it after a year… but the writing system is soo extensive with 3,000 characters that to be fluent enough to read the newspaper, let alone a book will take some serious time and practice), studying more for the LSAT (I plan to take it at Tokyo in October), and earning money to pay off loans is ridiculously enticing. Not to mention, I live on an island! Kind of hard to say no to that.

Ok, I think that’s all I have for now. I do have a video that I took of the typhoon as well as of the Sports Days… but I don’t know where I can upload it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated (I’d rather not upload on facebook!).

Miss and Love you all!!

Steph

P.S. My work computer only has spell check for Japanese, sorry for ridiculously horrible spelling mistakes.

Pictures uploaded!!!!

Pictures finally uploaded of Sports Day, at school, and scuba diving.

This link brings you to various school related events/activities.


And, here's a link for Scuba Diving pictures. Unfortunately, no under-the-water pictures yet. They are on the way though!

I've also been trying to upload videos, but having some trouble. Anyone know of an easy way/place to upload videos?

Love you,

Steph

September Update!

Hello Everyone!

First, I am so sorry that it’s been such a long time since I last posted.

School started and things got real busy, real quickly!

This week, my main school’s 2nd years (8th graders in US terms) are on their annual school trip around Kyushu. My co-teacher, Mr. I, is one of the chaperons and because I can’t teach a class by myself (liability and all), I get a week at the Board of Education.

What does this mean for you? Updates!!! Which I hope you’re excited about. I feel horrible neglecting to keep everyone up-to-date.

Anywho, this will be a skimmer of things that have happened. But, let’s start off with a list!

1) There are a lot of Jehovah Witnesses around here. I don’t ever remember one knocking on our door back in Ohio, but I`ve already had two here!

2) Strangers know my name… kind of makes me feel like a movie star.

3) I found a curry house!

4) Always pack extra sunscreen and a hat. Never know when the kids will beg to play jumprope. And, if I don’t go out protected, the teachers fret that I will burn/tan.

5) Cleaning the house is fun! <-- Maybe not, but not finding cockroaches on a daily basis sure is!

6) I have become buddies with the Laundromat ladies. Because I don’t have a dryer and it’s so humid here, I bring my washed clothes to the Coin Laundry to dry them. There’s always an Obaachan (old lady) sitting outside wanting to strike up a conversation. Only thing… I can’t understand the Obaachans at all! They speak the island dialect which is NOTHING like Japanese. I end up smiling and nodding and getting my cheeks pinched.

7) The students thought I was from Europe because I have brown eyes. Obviously, there are only blue-eyed, blonde-haired Americans ;)

8) Always arrive to the ferry port extra early. The ferry can and will leave without you (happened to me).

9) Also, the women are ALWAYS amazed that I can cook. Soon, I will be apparently hosting a pasta-making party at a restaurant.

10) Students are not talkative in class, but won’t stop talking outside of class. Interesting paradox…

11) If I am seen and or talk about a friend that is a man, he is obviously my fiance/boyfriend/husband… obviously.

12) Always have an extra game up your sleeve. Never know when a teacher will announce that you are teaching their class/going to teach at the elementary school/teaching 40 kindergartners. Always be EXTRA prepared and EXTRA genki (happy/excited).

13) Students believe that high-fiving me gives them super English powers. I won’t tell them it doesn’t if you wont!

14) At Sports Day (kind of like Track and Field Day in the States) be prepared to be asked to run/dance/bowl.

15) Make friends with the office ladies. They’ll bring snacks and invitations to go to concerts!

16) Vice-Principals are also the groundskeepers.

17) If your muffler happens to fall off while at a visit school, every male teacher will come out to inspect your car. Then, decide that attaching your muffler back up with wire is the best option.

18) Also, an American family recently moved to my island. The mother is originally from the island, but has lived in the States with her family for 20 years. They are absolutely lovely and often invite me over for pasta dinner. Plus, the dad is an Elvis impersonator. And apparently, not just any impersonator, but like number five in the nation. Pretty cool stuff eh? To top it off, they just bought the cutest puppy!

19) And, breathing underwater is a weird feeling. I began my scuba diving lessons this past weekend and loved it. Just a weird feeling to get over at first!

20) Best way to meet people: go to restaurants by yourself. Apparently I seem more approachable… or just really pitiful. But, I’m always making friends, getting recipes, and free fish!

Hope you enjoy that list! I swear, a day doesn’t go by without something interesting happening. Oh, like today. A building near my BOE caught on fire. Do you know that if you are in the nearby area where the fire is happening a pre-recorded voice will come over the loud speaker to explain that the building near you is on fire, but to please not panic, nor evacuate. Very interesting.

Also, as you may have guessed in #17 my muffler fell off (well, partially fell off) at my visit elementary school about two weeks ago. And, I’m getting a new muffler today. Very exciting!

Okay, so now… a quick relapse of the past month. I-Se-No-De (Ready, Set, Go!):

So, at the beginning of September I planned to visit some fellow JETs on the island north of me for a weekend. But, two weekends in a row, I couldn’t either because of a typhoon (cool excuse, eh?) or my welcome party.

The second weekend in September, my favorite visit school, Shiragoake Junior High School (from here on, SJHS) had my welcome party. I love this school the most. I visit every Thursday and the students are all amazing. It’s a pretty tiny school with only 60 students and 7 teachers, but I think that’s what makes this school the best. Everyone’s so close!

My welcome party was a blast! We had a delicious dinner at a sushi restaurant. But before I could enter the restaurant two of the oldest teachers taught me an opening ceremony Island dance. And they asked for me to dance into the sushi restaurant. ((Luckily, we had rented the place out, so I only embarrassed myself in front of the people I’d be working with for the next year or so!)) After that, we had a quick welcome speech by the principal and I got to meet the English teacher I would be working with at SJHS. I’ll call him Mr. N and he is by far the coolest person I’ve ever met. He’s probably 65-70, but super genki (happy/excited/healthy). He actually attended SJHS back when it first opened. Isn’t that amazing! So, during the welcome party he sang their alma mater! Everyone was amazed that he remembered it. Also, his English is super amazing. He studied at Berkley way back when and the London School of Economics. Why he’s teaching English on Erabu, I have no idea, but I’m sure glad he is.

Anyways, after the welcome speech, the other teachers had created a quiz for us. If we passed, then we would be welcomed into the teachers room. It was an adorable quiz with questions like, what is the art teacher’s name, and what’s the best island in Japan. But, I loved it. Luckily, I passed! ;) About a week later, they gave me a certificate for passing. Which was too cute. Can you see why this is my favorite school. After the welcome party was over, the other women teachers and I went off in search of some sweets and ended up chatting for like three hours at a parfait shop. Too much fun!

The weekend after that, I finally went to the island north of me, Tokunoshima, for the Party in Paradise. I had amazing time and unluckily/luckily missed my return ferry so I had to stay another day. Luckily, my office was completely cool with it. I actually didn’t have English classes the day I missed, so it all worked out. I have pictures of the trip up on Facebook. It consisted of lots of snorkeling and fun!

That week after I only had one day of work. Monday was a holiday, I missed the ferry so had to stay on Tokunoshima until mid-afternoon Tuesday. So, I only worked Wednesday. Thursday was a holiday, and Thursday I headed off to Okinawa to visit a friend.

Okinawa is interesting. It’s a huge island and I only explored the most southern tip with Em (remember her, the JET on Yoron!). It’s waaaaay Americanized. With starbucks and McDonalds on every corner. While, I will say it was nice to read Marie Claire Magazine in English at Starbucks, it was surreal! I spent two nights and one day on Okinawa and I definitely plan to go back. While the cities are like any other Japanese city (except with a lot of American influence) the beaches and ocean are absolutely stunning!

I returned on Saturday, the 25th, and on the 26th both of JHSs had their Sports Day. For more information on Sports Day, check out this link!

In Sports Day, I danced a native island dance, bowled with the BOE, and ran a relay race. All-in-all, it was loads of fun. Though, I felt sorry for the kids under the sun for the whole day. ((the teachers got to stay under the tent)).

Last week, I also began tutoring a high school student for English Examinations into college. They are really hard and so we are studying a lot! I hope she will learn a lot under me.

This past weekend, I began my scuba diving lessons and if all goes well and I pass. Then in two weeks time I will have my diving certificate!

And, last night, I went to an amazing and free piano concert held by the culture center in China-Cho, the other city on the island. One of the office ladies at SJHS (my fave school!) invited me. We had a blast!

As you can tell, I’m loving it here and really trying to throw myself into everything headfirst. I feel like my Japanese is increasing in bounds and leaps! Also, I feel like the students are really enjoying my lessons. When I first applied for the JET Program, I tried not to imagine where I would be placed (since I knew it could be ANYWHERE in Japan), but I never imagined I’d be on a sub-tropical island. I feel ridiculously thankful and lucky. Everyday is an adventure. People are ridiculously kind and generous! Once in a while, I feel homesick: I’d love to turn on the TV and hear an English commercial or hang out in the kitchen chatting with my mom or down in the media watching CSI/Trueblood/or the newest show with my dad. But, I’m learning a lot and trying tons of different things. I’m also growing as a person – I actually enjoy living by myself now… I just wish I didn’t have to do all the laundry.

As well, if you see me on skype, feel free to send a quick message. I may not be able to respond, but I usually have one to two break periods at school and love the chance to chat!
As always, I love and miss you all!

Steph

P.S. buying a plane ticket for South Korea over the winter holidays! Hello Laur and Justin, and Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow~~~

Some observations

In lieu of actually writing a post, here is a list of some things I thought you all might find interesting. A post will come soon, I swear!

So, a few observations while I have some free time at work:

(1) Japanese classrooms are not air-conditioned

(2) Snack and Tea time is at 10 and 3 respectively, bring your own cup and fend for yourself

(3) It’s hot

(4) I have never loved the wind more than I do on the island

(5) My clothes never dry because of the humidity, but I’ve found a coin laundry!

(6) Teaching is fun, but exhaustin

(7) I’ve joined a gym/pool  you have to wear a swim cap in the pool

(8) There are a lot of old people on my island and they have fierce island pride and a crazy sense of humor

(9) Students are ENERGETIC

(10) Free time at school is sacred

(11) There is a button on the tv remote that will change a show to its original language. So, if a dubbed movie is playing, I can press this button and it will play in English! Have, so far, watched Night at the Museum, Harry Potter, and some end of the World Movie

(12) Also, they have desperate housewives here. I can play it in English, but its so crazy to listen to it in Japanese

(13) I caved and bought an air mattress. It is lovely!

(14) Food is expensive here!!

(15) I still don’t know how to work the ATM

(16) I am learning how to play the sanshin (it’s a three stringed instrument brought to Okinawa and the Ryukyu islands by way of China). It has a really interesting sound. AND, right after I had my first lesson with the teacher she told me that in Three Weeks time, I should be ready to play in front of the whole school!

(17) I found the dehumidifier function on my air conditioner!

(18) I also found the electronics store!

(19) Ferries stop running during bad weather, so wasn’t able to visit friends this weekend.

(20) I really love this island! Found some Erabu shirts, can’t wait to send some home!!!


Miss you all!!

First Day of School, Part 1

First Day of School

Yesterday (so Tuesday), I came to Wadomari Junior High School and met the teachers/staff. I also met the English Teacher I will be working with again (I met him for the first time in that first week I was in Okinoerabu when my supervisor took me around to visit all the teachers). Usually, I would work with two different English teachers at this school, BUT the other English teacher has recently been complaining of hip problems. So, just today, he left for Tokyo to be examined where the other teachers think he will end up getting hip surgery. If that happens, then the English Teacher I am working with right now (We’ll call him Mr. I) will be the only English teacher here.

Mr. I is a nice, energetic teacher. He just arrived in Erabu in April (prefectures regularly switch teachers around in the whole prefecture in the beginning of the school year). The school year technically starts in April, so he was switched down to Erabu from a city on the mainland (near the Ibuski sand baths!).

Anyways, we were talking about English classes and I mentioned that I was interested in starting an English club. He was really excited about having an English club and said he would talk to the principal about possibly starting one. He also let me know that on Wednesday (my first day of school), it would mostly be populated with Opening Ceremonies (starting off the second semester) and most likely no real classes. He said, though, that on Friday I would have my first English classes and he hoped I was excited!

Also, he said I was to give a short speech (in both English and Japanese) to the whole school tomorrow morning.

Opening Ceremony

So, today was the first day of second semester. I arrived at school at 8:30 (a little earlier than when school starts) and was instantly whisked away to the gymnasium where students were gathering for Opening Ceremonies. I had written a short speech mixing Japanese and English. Mr. I directed me to my seat and the ceremonies began shortly after. The principal came up and introduced me, but when he introduced me… he gave almost my whole speech! He mentioned where I was from, my age, where in America Ohio is located, my major at school, and that I had studied abroad before. So, as he was calling me up to speak, I had to quickly revise parts of my speech in my head. I think it went ok, you could have replaced the kids with crickets and the audience would have been much louder. The kids seem pretty genki (genki… means like excitable/healthy), but were deathly quiet during the ceremonies.

The ceremonies lasted for about an hour. After my speech a few awards were given out to students who had done well in sports across the prefecture and Japan. And then, four students gave speeches. After that, the principal gave a 30 minute speech on what he expects from the students and wishing them a fun and enjoyable year. After that, the music teacher came up and had the students sing a song. It may have been the island’s song, but I couldn’t recognize it, though I could understand some words. Then, the vice principal kept asking for teachers to talk. I guess they thought the ceremonies would run a little longer, so he just kept saying (in Japanese) “any other teachers want to talk?”. I’m telling you, things here are so much more relaxed… You would have thought they had planned this out more!

After the ceremonies finished, a few students came up to me and chatted. I asked how they were and most said they were sleepy. When I asked why, they said that they were up all night studying. Not sure how truthful that is, but I told them they were good students, but that it was too bad they were tired. They didn’t understand the phrase “too bad” so I explained it to them in Japanese. As I was walking out, I kept hearing them say “That’s too bad!”  it was pretty cute!

Also, I don’t think I mentioned this earlier, but the English Teacher admittedly said that his English is quite horrible. He said that he only uses English in his English classrooms and never speaks it at any other time. So, I think I may be teaching these kids a lot! I really am excited!

Right now, I’m back in the teacher’s room just chilling out because I have no classes today. So, I went through a book on Ohio that I brought with me, marking pages I can use and putting notes on how I can integrate them into lessons. It’s only about 10 am, so we’ll see what happens from here. Wish me luck!

Finally an update

So, there is so much to update you with, I am not even sure where to start.
I believe my last post was on my weekend trip to Yoron. So, I have about two weeks to wrap up in one post. This may be a long post, so please bear with me. ((Actually, I may even break it up with subtitles... fancy, eh?!))

The Welcome Party

My official welcome party was the Tuesday after my return from Yoron. So, August 17, a day after my birthday.

We had it out on a cliff overlooking the sea (not exactly a beach on the edge of the sea, but still pretty). You can check out my photobucket once I update it with pictures.

The Enkai (literally, drinking party) was about four hours long. I realized that all the other women were just drinking tea. So, about an hour or two into it, I switched from Shochu (which is really strong and I'm not the biggest fan of) to water. The lucky thing is shochu is like vodka (clear like water) and you actually mix shochu with water. So, I could easily get away with just adding water to my glass and nothing else.

I also broke out my sweet tea vodka that I brought with me. Everyone said it was very strong and VERY sweet. Guess it wasn't too much of a hit. But, everyone made a toast to me and one of the women in the office that I have become really close to is Toshie. She is so nice and every snack break (at 3 pm) we gather around the tea table and chat. She talked about that (at the welcome dinner) and how she enjoys our conversations. Everyone made such sweet toasts and I was really excited about the year ahead!

After the enkai was over, the second-in-command said that he was having an after party at his house and wanted to know if I wanted to go. But, it seemed as if none of the other women were going, so I deferred claiming I was tired. (luckily, claiming that you are tired can get you out of a lot!). It's not so much that I didn't want to go as it was that I just didn't feel comfortable being the only woman there.

I constantly feel like I get tons of attention, while from both men and women (I had an old lady rummage through my shopping cart yesterday), I feel like the men's attention is a little unwanted.

So, Toshie kindly drove me home!

The next day, Wednesday, I had volleyball. Where, again, the bunch of obaachans (a term of endearment, meaning grandmas) whooped me. THEY ARE SO GOOD! I need to practice more.

My first Eikaiwa (English Class)

That Thursday I had my first evening English class with two lovely women. Their names are Hiroko and Chiyomi. Chiyomi is a mother of three grown children (her youngest daughter is actually my age!) and also a private English teacher for the other town, Ch'ina, on the island. Hiroko is a 30-something woman with two young children. She has done a LOT of traveling and her English is very good. Actually, our lessons are more conversational with me correcting their grammar here and there and teaching them idioms. But, interestingly, while Chiyomi is an English teacher her english is much worse then Hiroko (who is a pharmacist). But the ladies are so nice. And Chiyomi brought over these adorably cute (and delicious) mangoes!
Then, Friday, I went out with Shin and his friend Ben (from Okinawa). We grabbed some dinner and I met Shin's mom. Also, Ben brought me an air bed (well, on my request and I paid him for it). I slept on it for the first time this past Saturday.

It is amazing and so nice!!!!

Saturday, Chiyomi and Hiroko invited me to a matsuri with them in Ch'ina. The matsuri was tons of fun (though short). We danced about six different local dances. I think I want to learn how to do some of the local dances.... and maybe some taiko drumming. But, I really think I want to learn the local dances.

I really enjoy the company of Chiyomi and Hiroko. They both know SO much about the island and their English is really good. Plus, they like to switch over to Japanese a lot, so I know they are not just using me for my English skillz ( ;) ). After the matsuri we went out for dinner and seriously got soo much food. We actually had to take some back! We tried a little bit of everything and it was delicious. We chatted for two hours, just learning more about each other. Chiyomi, comparing me to her daughter, actually said I was a lot more mature than Japanese women my age. I'm not sure if that's because I'm the oldest, because I'm American, or because of the way my wonderful family raised me?

Trip to the Mainland (A.K.A. Orientation)

That Sunday afternoon I left for Kagoshima. Before leaving though, I found out that I have a different mailbox than the one connected to my door. I found it, along with ten letters and two notices of undelivery. Luckily, I was able to call the post office (which are open on sundays?!) and get ahold of my package. <-- thanks again Grandma!

First off, the airport is literally one building... like literally one room. So, Joy drove me and we got there about 20 minutes early. How weird is that?! Getting to the airport only 20 mintues early. I mean... there are only so many planes a day... that only a handful of people are ever on them. Both ways I actually had the seat next to me free, which was really nice.

As we were taking off, I realized that when the JET people asked me in my interview if I would do well on an island where I had to literally take a plane to get to a major city, I should have said... of course, I'll do well... but maybe not on the plane part. I'm really hating all this plane travelling I'm doing. Literally, in the past month I have been in the air for about 20 hours.

I was quite proud of myself though, for figuring out how to get to the city from the airport (an hour bus ride) and finding my friend and her apartment. Now, get this. When I studied abroad in Japan last year, my friend Jasmin and I took a trip out to Kagoshima. Not only did we stay in the city where my fellow JETs live.... literally we stayed on the same street. Talk about dejavu! It was crazy.

Orientation started on Monday and was a bit more useful than the original one in Tokyo. The islanders actually got their own meeting. There are a whopping 8 new of us (and all... yep, all are American, isn't that crazy). The other islanders are very nice and I see us getting together quite often.

That night we all went out to an arranged Welcome dinner, which was really nice to get to meet everyone outside of the orientation, business attire atmosphere.
Tuesday was more of the same and that afternoon we boarded a ferry that would take us across Sakurajima bay to the other side of Kagoshima for our language and cultural classes. The ferry ride was about a half hour and the bus ride into the mountains of Kanoya about an hour. The roads were so narrow and the bus so wide, I surely thought we were going to drop off the cliff a few times. We got to KAPIC (Kagoshima center for culture and language) and it felt like we were at camp. It was a beautiful cool temperature, because of the mountains, with a nice lake and pristine stream. Tuesday afternoon we had to ourselves so a good bunch of us went swimming in the lake and stream.

The whole week we learned about Japanese language and culture, but moreso it was a time to really get to know everyone. I feel like I got to know the people I really wanted to (aka the other islanders), but it was also nice meeting everyone and just hanging out. It felt like a college/dorm atmosphere.

Wednesday we had our first language class, but after we had our kimono fitting. We all got to change into traditional Japanese clothing Kimonos for the women and a kimono-like style for the men. Tons of pictures to come of that. Definitely was trigger happy and took a lot of pictures. Got a picture of the islanders and a few of us from Florida (no one else is from Ohio, but there are two Floridians, so even though I've lived in Ohio for now the majority of my life, I latched on to the other two Floridians for pictures).

The next day, Thursday, we had more classes, BUT we also had our culture class. I decided to take Japanese flower arranging which was soo much fun! The teacher actually commented on how good of a job I did for my first time (though she probably says that to everyone).

Friday we had one last class and then returned to Kagoshima. Friday night I did a good amount of shopping and then the islanders from Tokunoshima (the island just north of me) and I met up with a few other JETs at an Indian restaurant for some Curry. It was so delicious!

The next day, headed back for Erabu. There was a tropical depression coming in and the loud speakers announced that the plane for Erabu would depart about ten minutes later, but may return to Kagoshima if the weather is too bad. I got really nervous and checked with the lady at the counter. She said that if I wanted I could wait for the next flight for free, but that this flight was still going out as scheduled. I figured, why not, and I got on the flight. I felt like a ragdoll in the air. One of the scariest flights... not so fun. But we landed safely and I was happy to be back on the ground. I may just be ferrying it as much as I can from here on out.

Sunday I went to an undoukai (basically, sports meeting) where everyone from Wadomari was. We all participated in tons of different sports, like three-legged races, running with an egg balanced on chopsticks, and some other sports. Every activity you participated in, you got a prize. I came back with a bottle of toothpast, tissues, plastic containers, aluminum foil, clear wrap, and little baggies. All in all, a successful evening.

At the moment (It's monday night) my internet at home is not working, I kept wondering why and tried to figure it out today. Came to find out.... there are two bills associated with the internet. I thought I had paid all the bills, but apparently there is a telephone bill and an internet bill. I thought they were together. So, going with my supervisor tomorrow to get this all paid for and figured out. Needless to say, if you ever live in Japan, realize that you have to pay for TWO bills for your internet. A good thing to know ahead of time, eh?

So, I'm currently keeping myself occupied by watching Japanese television (and seeing how much I can figure out) and reading (I finished Wicked, now I'm reading I am Charlotte Simmons), and exploring the island (completely beautiful... but a typhoon is blowing in... so not as pretty as usual).

Can't wait to be able to skype with everyone again!!

Love and Miss you tons!!

Steph

Trip to Yoron

So, this past weekend I went to the island just farther south of me, Yoron. It is actually between my island, Okinoerabu, and Okinawa. From Yoron, you can see both my island and the most northern point of Okinawa.

You can also see from this picture how small Yoron is compared to even my tiny island!

Yoron is definitely a get-away island. Imagine an island paradise, do you have an image in your head? You’ve got Yoron!

Unlike Erabu, which is mainly made up of coral and only has a few sand beaches, Yoron’s coastline is all white-sand beaches! As well, for unknown reasons, Yoron’s sister-city is Mykonos, Greece. So, they have a wall in the middle of Yoron that’s dedicated to Mykonos. This wall has the Parthenon, a statue of Zeus, and the coastline of Mykonos. As well, to pay more homage to its sister city, it has quite a few houses built to resemble Greece, with white walls and a beautiful blue roof.

The journey took about 2 hours from Erabu to Yoron by ferry. Now, I haven’t been on too many ferries, so I wasn’t expecting much, but this ferry was HUGE! But, it makes since because this ferry island-hops from Kagoshima to Okinawa. About a days journey! So, it can get quite packed.

Actually, on the ferry I bumped into a woman here who is one of the best dancers (of island dance) on the island. We had met the other day when I went out with Jonathan and Shin. She was going to Yoron to visit family since it was Obon this past weekend.

I booked passage for the cheapest room, marked as Mattress II. What it actually is, is a huge area with like 50-60 little futons and nook areas. So, as soon as you get on the ferry you can just sleep for the duration of your journey, which is really really nice.

They also have a conbini (convenience store) and a restaurant on the ferry.

When I got to Yoron, I noticed that if felt hotter. Is that possible, only two hours away and the sun felt that much brighter. Actually, it just seemed like Yoron didn’t get quite as much cloud coverage as Erabu.

I was met at the port by Emily, the same Emily from Tokyo Orientation. She is super nice and I swear EVERYONE knows her. But, she’s been on Erabu for … going on her third year, so no wonder, huh? Anyways, she met me at the port and we began walking home (because she just has a little moped), almost as soon as we started a couple that Emily knows stopped and picked us up.

Emily’s apartment is ADORABLE, and I am QUITE jealous. You can see the sea from her apartment (she’s on the second floor) and it has a proper shower! And a really cute kitchen… ahh, I’m so envious!!

So, once I dropped my stuff at her house, we went up the road to this adorable Greek restaurant. The owners were SO nice and they have an amazing store filled with pretty amazing trinkets… next time I go I am going to buy some of those trinkets, can’t wait.

The Greek restaurant was delicious! And the view, breathtaking!

Then, that same woman I bumped into on the ferry, came into the restaurant. Apparently, her family owns the restaurant!  I could NOT get over that!!!

After the restaurant we went to her Board of Education where we picked up some Blue polos to wear for the Parade. Her BOE actually let me walk with them in the parade. ACTUALLY, we held the banner in front of them, so much fun!

At the end of the parade we got SOAKED… They had like four hoses going and soaked all the participants…. Soo, sadly I don’t have any pictures of the parade, but one of the onlookers was taking pictures and Emily said she’s going to try and get the photos from him for me.

After the parade, the BOE invited us to eat with them. We had a picnic on the beach and was so much fun! They actually have a specific way of drinking on Yoron, it’s called Kenpo. You pour shochu (liquor made from sugar cane) into a bowl and drink from it. Then the person who had the first drinks, pours for everyone, and you all drink out of the same bowl. So we did that a few times.

During the picnic the BOE, also was talking about how it’s Emily’s last year on Yoron and how sad they are for her to leave. BUT, that they would really enjoy if I would come next year and take her place. Now, I don’t know if they were serious, but if they were… I think I would take it in a heartbeat. What do you all think?

All in all, the weekend (well more like day, because I left Sunday morning) was RIDICULOUSLY fun! Em and I found out that we had a LOT in common. It will be really nice being so close and I look forward to going down to Yoron more!!

And, if anyone wants to visit me, I’m definitely going to make a trip to Yoron a MUST!

Love you all!!

Life in Erabu

Hey All –

It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper post, so I’ll try to make this one good!

This week definitely wasn’t as hectic as last, but every week there seems to be more and more to do and see. To start off with, on Saturday I went to matsuri (festival) in the town of Ch’ina (pronounc ed Chee-na… not like China). Ch’ina is the other town on Okinoerabu.

They’re not very far from each other and take about a 10-15 minute drive to get to Ch’na from Wadomari.

So, I went to a summer festival there this past Saturday. I went with Shin, Jonathan, and Jonathan’s family—he has two little boys, aged 4 and 6 who are adorable! Very fun! It was a parade followed by just general vendors out on the street, bandstands set-up, and crafts/games for kids (everything you associate with a festival/town fair!)

The parade was looong! There was a group representing every town club/school/major business in town. So, about 25-30 different groups in all. Unlike a regular parade where you see everyone marching in a line at once, there was an introduction for every group starting out. So, there was about a minute in between every group being introduced. Each group carried a portable shrine with them or a trophy. The few portable shrines there were, called omikoshi, seemed to mainly be local shrines that the town kept dear. There are pictures of the shrine on my photobucket ((well… actually, there will be pictures. Most likely by the time you all are reading this, there will be pictures. Since right now in Japan its 1 pm and 12 am stateside—I should have them up by the time you all wake up!)).

After the parade, the group of us walked around the street that was blocked off for vendors and children’s games. I grabbed some Okinomiyaki to eat (okinomiyaki basically means, anything you want fried. And it is just that, a mix of everything: noodles, pancake-like mixture, squid, fish, shrimp, meat, cabbage, onions… and all of it is fried making a pancake-like shape—it’s really good!). We walked around for a while, then I met up with Joy and her kids for a bit.

After the festival was over, Shin and Jonathan invited me out to go drinking with them. I was tired, but it was the first night out on the town with them so I agreed. Boy, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Those two can drink! I had a couple drinks and switched to water, knowing there was no way I wanted to keep up with how much they were drinking…. Whew! Anywho, we were out until about 3-4 am. I was wiped and so happy to get back to Jonathan’s house to sleep.

The next day was full of me just catching up on rest and unpacking everything ((shhh… but I still haven’t unpacked my carry-on!)). I also went out driving on Sunday to get a feel of the town and driving on the wrong side of the road. So, weird. But, Jonathan gave me some great advice. He said to just remember WHEREVER country you drive in, the driver is always in the center of the road. TONS helpful. The roads here, though, seem to jut ask for accidents. They are narrow—they seem big enough for just one car, yet two cars, an ojiisan (old man) on his motorized wheelchair, and a moped can all manuvre the road at once. Basically, I drive really slow and always give others the right away.

Monday began the first real day of work. My supervisor asked me to study Japanese, so for the past four days I have been trying to study Japanese non-stop, 8 hrs a day. Obviously, I haven’t quite done this continiously. I take breaks to jump on facebook chat and see what other JETs are up to, and write these lovely blog entrys for you!

The past few days seem to be more of the same, but on Wednesday I went to Volleyball club with Joy. First all, let’s just say I’m not good at volleyball. BUT, when I walked in and noticed it was mainly populated by older Japanese women, I got a boost of confidence. Two things should have tipped me off that I was HORRIBLY wrong. First, Gramsy is one of the fittest people in our family and can whoop my butt at pickle ball any day of the week. Second, they were stretching and putting on knee pads.

When we started playing I just felt like some awkward giant. For as tall as I am compared to these women I was hopeless…. That was until I spiked a ball down. Then, I was pretty cool. They kept saying how tall I was and how short they were. Volleyball was about three hours long and tons of fun. Only downside was that it was in a gym, with not air conditioning, at night… I don’t think I’ve ever sweated more in my life!

Oh, and this weekend I’m heading to Yoron. Check out the link to Yoron’s Wiki page here. Yoron is the island directly south of me; between my island and Okinawa. Yoron is supposed to be one of the most beautiful islands in Japan. Yoron is a typical island get-away with the coastline full of white-sand covered beaches. Needless, to say, that alone makes me pretty excited to go. But, I’m visiting the JET there, Emily (one of the leaders of Tokyo Orientation that I talked about in my previous posts). And, there will be a festival this weekend and she said I’ll be apart of it with her! I’m really excited to take part in the parade, and I’ll definitely make sure to take tons of pictures and hopefully some video.

So, getting there is pretty easy. I take a ferry there, and the ferry is about an hour and a half ride. The cost is only ￥1500 (= $20) one-way, which isn’t too bad.

Also, this weekend is Obon in Japan. Obon is a bit comparable to Halloween in the States. Obon is actually a Bhuddist holiday, where the Japanese honor their ancestors. However, it’s more or less become a reason for all family members to return to their homes and visit/clean their family graves. Also, people will give offerings to their relatives. Offerings kind of has a primeval sound to it, but they usually leave their relatives favorite alcohol beverage or snack on the grave as a sign of respect. You can check out more abot Obon here.

And, the week after next, from August 22-28, I’ll be heading to Kagoshima (the most southern point of mainland Japan) for my prefectural (like a State) orientation. I’ll take some crash language courses and be dressed in a kimono (though, it might actually be a yukata – a summer kimono) for a day. Pretty psyched. Today, I head to the travel agency to book my plane ticket and get my hotel reservation.

And, next week I plan to go snorkeling. ((I’m REALLY hoping to go snorkeling while at Yoron!!!)), but I’ll definitely make sure to do it next week. The water is so inviting, it’s just that there aren’t a lot of “beaches” on my island. So, Joy is going to show me where some are and we’re going to go swimming. EXCITED!


Well, off to get back to some Japanese studying!

Love you all!

Steph

P.S., I’m in the process of posting pictures of my apartment on facebook, check them out!

Hello All!

So, when I first posted my address I accidentally wrote it wrong, or was given it wrong, or something. Anywho, my address, the correct one, is as follows:

4-1-2, 393-1 Wadomari
Wadomari-cho, Oshima-gun
Kagoshima-Ken, 891-9112
Japan

The only difference between the old and new one, is that the old one said 4-2-1, instead of 4-1-2.

Love you all!

Steph

More Pictures

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to let you know I updated with some pictures of the typhoon that I took yesterday. Check them out here.

Keeping Tack of the Weather on Erabu

Being on an island, we`re prone to get typhoons (pronounced taifuu, in Japanese). Especially now, we are in the prime season for them.

Today, I`m experiencing the first semi-typhoon. It`s not quite a tropical depression, but it`s called a tropical storm with winds getting about 40 mph.

I tried to watch the Japanese version of the weather channel today, with minimal understanding. Everything was in kanji, which are the Chinese characters used in addition with Japanese-created characters. I could figure out that there was a typhoon or something like that and could see the five day forecast for this.

When I got to work, my co-workers let me know that it was not a typhoon (much to my relief), but a storm with close to typhoon-strength winds.

Unfortunately, the WeatherChannel website doesn`t list my island as a location, only Okinawa. And Okinawa, while closer than mainland Japan is still about a 7-hour ferry away. So, I`ve been really looking for a website that would display the weather for my island.

That`s when I found a website called `Weather Undergound`. You can find it by clicking here or by typing: weatherundergound.com

I found out that Tropical Storm Five is making it ways north and its outlying storms are currently hitting the island. It`s pretty windy here, but all my co-workers aren`t acting like this is anything out of the ordinary.

But, if you want to look at the weather on my island or track Tropical Storm Five or (another name) Tropical Storm Dianmu, just click on the link (which will direct you to Weather Undergound`s page for Okinoerabu.

I`ll post pictures from the Matsuri (festival) tonnight!

Steph

I Triple Dog Dare You: First Challenge// I dare you to LOOK

Photos

Check out photos of the plane and a photo of Erabu. I'll be taking more photos this weekend, so look forward to it.

Here's the link!

Crazy Island Life

Entry #5

FIRST OFF, sorry for the insanely long entry! And pictures will come later!!!

We left the hotel about 9 am on Wednesday morning to Haneda airport, which is the airport for domestic travel in Tokyo. Once we got there we had to check our baggage, mine was almost overweight; actually, I think mine probably was overweight, but they let it slide. In Japan, domestic travel baggage weight limit is 44 lbs and I received about 5 extra pounds worth of material at Tokyo Orientation. It looked like I was one kilo over, but the woman at the counter told me I was “サーフ” (pronounced, say-fuh), meaning I was safe—whew!!

Our plane (all of the Kagoshima JETs took the same flight from Tokyo to Kagoshima, about 25, so we took up a good 1/4 of the plane) departed around 11:30 am. It was one of the most interested take-offs. First, the warning video that they presented was absolutely adorable. Second, they had cameras attached to the front and bottom of the plane; as we took off, they turned the cameras on, so that through the TV on the plane we could actually watch take-off as if we were in the cockpit. Once we got high enough up in the air, they turned the camera on the underside of the plane on. It was pretty cool to watch!

We got into Kagoshima and were instantly greeted with a wall of heat and humidity. WHEW! As soon as we exited the baggage claim there was a blockade of Old JETs and our supervisors waiting to pick us up. They all had signs made with our names and the location we would be employed. Taka (who is not my supervisor, but I’m not quite sure what he does. He simply told me he is on the computer all day. So, I know he works at the Board of Education with me, but I have no idea what he does. I also know that he is relatively new, because he pours everyone’s drinks when we got out as a company together) picked me up from the airport at Kagoshima. We had about two hours to kill before the flight from Kagoshima to Okinoerabu. We walked around and ended up grabbing some coffee and chatting (all in Japanese, you’ll be proud mom!) about what we like to do, Okinoerabu, Japan, and so many other things.

The plane we took from Okinoerabu was SOOO tiny. Actually, you had to walk out of the airport to board it. And it only holds, maybe, 50 people. It was a scenic flight though, the clouds above the ocean were beautiful and it was amazing passing over tiny specks of islands. The flight to Okinoerabu (which, I have been told locals only call it “Oki-erabu”) was just a little over an hour.

Once we got to Okierabu Airport (SUCH A TINY AIRPORT), Maki-Sensei, my supervisor, greeted us. He took me to the Board of Education, where the rest of my luggage was waiting, I gave a quick introduction, which was followed by lots of “Nihongo ga jouzu!!!” (Skilled at Japanese), which actually isn’t a sign of how adept I am at Japanese – They say that to any foreigner who can speak Japanese. But they were impressed at how much I knew, and that I could read Hiragana, Katakana, and quite a few Kanji (the different Japanese alphabets). From there, everyone at the Board of Education (about 10 people) took me to my apartment and inspected it. I tried to ask how to use all the appliances and everything. I didn’t get too much time, because afterwards they took me back to the Board of Education where some other workers were waiting. Then, all of us headed to a restaurant for my Welcome Party and drinks. They were amazed that I could use chopsticks, eat fish, and drink sake. I was really tired, though, so about three hours into it my supervisor took me to another restaurant to meet Joy. Joy is a Fillipino woman who lives on Erabu and can speak English, Japanese, and Filipino quite well! He said that she would be taking me around the next day to get some of my neccesities. After that, we went to the grocery store to get some breakfast items consisting of: bananas, bread, and butter – the essentials obviously, .

After that, Joy dropped me off at home. Tried to use the toilet and it flooded; tried to find my ethernet connection and I couldn’t. So, I did the sensible thing, I plopped down in the middle of the floor and cried. Looking back, I’m so embarrased, but I was jet-lagged (still am actually), exhausted, and my toilet flooded. I finally figured out my ethernet connection and skyped mom and just cried my sob story to her. I was scared that something creepy and crawly would crawl all over me. So, Mom, the amazing person that she is, told me to keep skype on as I slept so she could make sure.

I woke up the next morning much better. I was able to get my toilet fixed (well, actually, my supervisor and Joy were able to call someone to fix the toilet—because the pipe behind my toilet was not tightened completely). My supervisor picked me up from my apartment to take me to work. I worked for a few hours and then Joy picked me up to get a few essentials, like my foreigner card, bank account, cell phone, and groceries. We bought tons, tons, tons of cleaning supplies, some more food, and some necessities for the house (like toilet paper!). She also introduced me to some of her other Filipino friends, Marie, Cleo, and Honey – all of whom speak English. They have completely embraced me as a sister and Joy, who is about 45, acts like their mother and said if I ever need anything to let her know. That day we came back to the apartment and put the towels I used to soak up my toilet into the washing machine. We turned it on and then left to grab some other things for the apartment, when we came back water was coming out of my apartment door. My washing machine flooded! So, Joy called a guy named Shin. Shin is Japanese, but has lived in different parts of America his whole life until recently. He now owns a fishing business and sawmill on Erabu. Anyways, Joy called Shin and he came over to help us clean up all the water and fix the washing machine.

It was so refreshing to talk with Shin. Unlike Joy, who is amazing but she has a heavy Filipino accent, he speaks English like someone off any street in the U.S. He also said that he has a freezer full of essential American food, like hamburgers, steak, lasagna and tons of goodies. And if ever I’m craving some American food, I’m close enough to Okinawa to go over, plus Shin goes there often and we often have some of the guys off the base in Okinawa come down… so Shin said I can ask any of them to grab me something if I want. Once we fixed the washing machine he called a friend of his, Jonathan, who owns a scuba diving business in Erabu. Both of them were friends with Sarah and helped her out with all parts of her apartment. So, Jonathan came over, and brought a house-warming present of mixed fruit beer (actually, really really good) and the guys helped me just fix up the aparment. They helped me put away all of my groceries, helped me figure out how to use the bath, moved the dining room table, and killed a spider. Afterwards, we sat around my kitchen table and chatted.

Both of them swim, scuba dive, go spearfishing, free diving, snorkeling, and fishing – they invited me to come and learn how to do all of this too. And, they invited me to a festival that’s going on on the other side of the island in Ch’ina (pronounced Chee, like cheetoh, Nah) on Saturday. After they left, Joy invited me out to grab a bite to eat and a drink at a local restaurant where the owner is really very friendly and has given me dinner/lunch for free. Once I got home, I fell right asleep.

But, I woke up this morning at 5 am! Just woke up and decided that it was the perfect time to clean. I vacuumed the whole apartment, scrubbed down my tub and shower, cleaned dishes, did a load of laundry, all while listening to Mamma Mia. By the time my supervisor came to pick me up at 8:15, I had done all that and taken a shower, eaten breakfast, and was ready to go.

Today, I’ve been at the office the whole day. I don’t really have anything to do, because I have not begun lesson-planning with the other English Teachers, but I’ve tried to keep myself busy with reading Japanese language learning books, teaching books, and getting familiar with everything. Today though, my supervisor took me to all the schools to visit all the principals and vice principals and different English teachers. I gave my introduction about 10 different times today. I really feel confident in my speaking abilities and held pretty free-flowing conversation. I can even joke in Japanese, which I didn’t realize I knew how to do. But, I am VERY VERY happy that I studied abroad in Osaka. Osaka has a special dialect that is pretty unique and pretty fun to use. So, all of the comedians speak in this dialect and I know a few words and phrases. So, when I say I studied in Osaka, I also say I know some Osaka-Ben, which gets people everytime. They love when I use the phrases I know. And, today while talking with the Principal and Vice-Principal of one of my Elementary Schools, Uchijiro, my supervisor even said I was the happiest and funniest ALT they’ve ever had. Pretty excited about that.

Now, I am back at the Board of Education. I won’t actually have many office days once the school year starts on September 1st, but until then I’ll just be coming into the office. So, I’m trying to keep myself busy, but one way to do that is making this blog entry! Anyways, I have read through some of the teaching materials and made some ideas and example lessons for when I begin teaching. About 30 minutes ago Emily (the ALT from Tokyo Orientation who lives on the island right next to mine, Yoron) called and invited me to her island for a matsuri (pronounced, MA like ma-ma – TSU – RI like re-lax, it means FESTIVAL) next weekend. So, I’m doing pretty good now. I’ve made some friends here and am enjoying the nice climate, there is almost a constant breeze and the past two days it has rained in the late morning almost like clockwork. I think once I get more involved I’ll enjoy it even more. I’m just still trying to get used to living on my own… it’s so weird not to come home to roommates or family and I think that’ll be the hardest challenge. PLUS, missing out on family stuff; even though I missed out on that stuff while in college, I was always able to go back for a weekend if I wanted. So, I know I can do it, it will just take some getting used to.

Hopefully you enjoyed the insanely long entry, so much has happened. I feel like most of my entrys might be about this length. There is just so much going on and so much to do. I really think for the most part I really lucked out, I am on a beautiful island with a good number of English speakers, the ability to go to beautiful Yoron and Okinawa, and the chance of a lifetime to go scubadiving, freediving, spearfishing, whale-watching, and turtle-watching.

Orientation Day 2

Orientation Day 2 – Part 1

It’s about 12 in the afternoon here, only halfway through the second day of orientation, but already it’s been tons more helpful than yesterday. Attended a Q&A session titled “Daily Life of an ALT in Japan”, where the girl, Em, who’s on the island next to mine was one of the presenters. It was really informational and we learned a lot about how to present ourselves and what to expect the first few weeks on the job.

I’m surprised the number of people who are on JET that don’t know or have very limited Japanese knowledge. I have to say, I’m really impressed by them. I just can’t imagine living in the middle of nowhere and not knowing the language at all. I feel that they’re more courageous than me, because I don’t think I could, or would, come on JET without any Japanese knowledge.

Anyways, back to Orientation. The Q&A session was really helpful. We learned tips on how to give good self-introductions to various classes, as well as ways to dodge personal questions. Like… do you have a boyfriend or are you married… questions that many of the younger kids will ask. One of the girls said she likes to answer these with “Shh… it’s a secret”. She said the kids go crazy about it! I might just use that if I’m asked.

I also attended a workshop called “Team-Teaching: Demonstration and Effective Lesson Planning” for Junior High Schools (middle schools) and learned different lesson plans I can use as well as how to best utilize the technology in the classroom. I’m really glad I brought my little video camera, the Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) said he loves to use videos! I’ll be sure to try and create some quick videos. You can actually download the video to your computer, edit it, then download the edited video to your I-pod and use a cord to connect your i-pod to a tv in the classroom. So handy!

I also double-checked the amount of schools I’m teaching at: I’ll be teaching at 10 schools in my city, 2 of which are Junior High Schools (JHS), 2 are kindergartens, and the other 6 are elementary schools. For the JHS’ I won’t really have to do much lesson planning, the teachers of these two schools will utilize me more for games, activities, pronounciation, and creating videos and projects for the students. However, at the elementary schools (which I’ll visit on Mondays), I’ll be doing the lesson plan. So, I want to attend a session here at Orientation on “Creative use of Teaching Materials and Designing Lesson Activities” for Elementary schools. After that session I’ll have my prefectural meeting and find out more about how I’ll be getting to my tiny island. Then, I want to attend a session called “Driving in Japan” and “Thriving as a Rural Jet”  except I’m not sure how much that session will pertain to me… since I’m in a kind of unique situation. Well, I’ll let you know how it all goes later tonight!

Part 2

The “Creative Use of Teaching Materials and Designing Lesson Activities” for elementary schools was really educational, I was surprised at how much we learned. Lots of activities we can do to help students learn. We were also taught what our primary objectives were, we are to create a “zest” for language learning in the students we teach. We reach this objective by following a series of steps the government thinks is the best way students learn. The steps are: 1) listening, 2) memorization, 3) reading, and 4) speaking.

After that I went to my prefectural meeting to learn about how we are getting to our placement and how the rest of our luggage is arriving. From Tokyo, I have to take two flights to reach Okinoerabu. One flight flies out of Tokyo to Kagoshima, the most southern tip of mainland Japan. The other flight leaves Kagoshima to my island. We will be shipping our main piece of luggage from the Keio Plaza Hotel to our placement (should take about a day to arrive), then we are allowed one carry-on and one purse to bring on the flight. So, I’m shipping my main luggage… I took out my money and passport and one extra set of business attire and put in my backpack. My purse will actually be my camera bag. We leave the hotel at 9 am sharp. And leave on our flight from Tokyo at about 11:30 am. We will arrive in Kagoshima a little after 1 pm. Once there, our supervisors will meet us there. Most of the new Kagoshima JETs will head by car to their placements, but myself and the other island JETs will be met by our supervisors and will take another plane ride to our placements. Should take about an hour and a half. So, I’ll arrive at my placement Wednesday evening.

I also met two other people on islands surrounding me. So, from what I know so far Em (the girl who is my prefectural advisor) lives on Yoron the most southern island in Kagoshima Prefecture (right before Okinawa); then I live on Okinoerabu; then a new JET (I can’t remember his name) lives on the next island, Tokunoshima with a few other recontracting JETs; then another guy lives on Amami-shima with a few other recontracting JETs. It was nice to meet other islanders and Em told us we will all become fast friends. Em also told me that, for some very bizarre reason, Okinoerabu is inhabited by boatloads of very good-looking foreign and Japanese men – I had no idea! Also, Em has assured me I will have a great time with my placement and contracting organization. Before, I was thinking of going to the workshop called “Managing Expectations with Contracting Organisation”, but she told me not to go because I won’t really need to manage expectations. That the Contracting organisation is quite nice and will love me as long as I’m bubbly – pretty sure I can manage that.

After our Prefectural meeting, I went to a workshop called “Driving in Japan” which was pretty boring. I can’t decide if I will keep my predecessor’s car or get a scooter. It will all depend on prices. PLUS, I’ve already invested in rain pants and a rain jacket… I feel that a scooter is in my future!

After that, I decided not to go to the “Thriving as a Rural JET” because I was told that as an islander it wouldn’t pertain to anything that I’ll experience. So, my roommate Mandie and I hit the town and went out in search of food. We found a place called My Kitchen and ordered a sandwich, Melon soda, and french fries. Very delicious!

After that we got back to the hotel and repacked our bags and brought our one big bag down to the main lobby to be shipped.

Then, a friend’s family of Mandie’s friend met us and took us out to dinner and to check out the observation deck in Roppongi. It was a beautiful sight and is supposed to be one of the best views of Tokyo. Check out my pictures!

Sorry for a crazy long entry, just so much to cover. I probably won’t update until late tomorrow or the next morning. And I may not be able to use skype until tomorrow night.

Love and Miss you all!

Orientation Day 1 Part 2

Orientation Day 1 – Part 2

So, orientation has been pretty informational so far. I was able to make it until about 3 pm before I crashed. I was listening to a presentation for JETs in multiple schools when I just couldn’t focus on anything but how tired I was. I think Jetlag hit all of us at the same time. I’m pretty sure the informational session after that one was empty.
All the sessions I went to were pretty interesting, but after a while it seemed like they couldn’t really go into detail about anything specific and it was all generalizations like “try to try anything once”. But, I’ve really enjoyed it so far. BUT, I think I was smart to go get a cat nap so I could focus for later sessions. Now, I’m about to go to our Welcome Reception tonight.

OH! We met with our prefecture today – Good news! One of my prefectural advisors (basically like someone who watches over people in their prefecture) is on the island right next to me. As soon as I introduced myself to her she exclaimed: “You’re the other islander!” Apparently only two new JETs are being appointed to this island region… there are a lot of other JETs there but they’ve been recontracting. She told me my luggage will most likely be there when I get to the island. She said I am in for the best next year (or few) of my life. She is actually going onto her third year and she said we will become best friends, like it or not, because we only have each other to really hang out with. She’s from the UK and really nice (super energetic… or, as the other Program Coordinators keep telling us to be… very genki (genki is Japanese for energitic/healthy)).

She told me that I will want to have a car because I may want to transport materials to and fro, around the island since I am the only JET there. So, tomorrow I’ll be attending the sessions: Thriving as a rural JET, Driving in Japan, and Managing Expectations with your Contracting Organisation.

Also the girls I am rooming with both flew out of Detroit too and one of the girls is flying to Kagoshima as well. Very exciting.

And, Mom and Dad, you will be relieved to know that I have met plenty of perfectly normal and nice people here. ((we were a little worried over a few of the people we saw at the airport going on JET)).

We had a really nice Opening Ceremony, I can’t get over how formal this place is. All of our dishware is china and the silverware looks like silver. The maids have uniforms and the men wear butler uniforms with bowties and white gloves.

…

Just got back from a night out with my prefecture. Tons of fun, to say the least. My prefecture (Kagoshima-Ken) is full of Brits (us Americans, the four of us, are definitely a minority here). We went out karaoking and had a blast. Who knew singing Justin Beiber at a Japanese Karaoke Bar in Tokyo could be so fun. My friend took video, so once she uploads it I’ll post some.

Love you all!

Orientation Part 1

Blog Entry # 4 – August 2, 2010

Jet lag is definitely kicking in. While I was able to get some pretty great sleep last night (with the help of some Tylenol PM), my roommates and I all woke up at around 5 am.

I don’t think I explained the rooming situation and everything here. Because there are about 6-700 JETs who come in with each orientation, there are about 3 people to a room. So, I have two other roommates. We all flew out of the same airport (Detroit) and so are from around the area.

Dragana! Guess who I had breakfast with this morning, Neil A.! For those of you who don’t know, Dragana has a friend that she went to school with who’s on JET. We chatted once about it. And, by chance, I sat down and ate breakfast at the same table as him. Even crazier, his room is right next door. Small world! I told him about you teaching English in China and now we’re thinking of visiting together.
Anyways, here is the picture of my roommates hanging out before we head down to Orientation today.

Today, Monday, is the first day of our Orientation. It’s a packed schedule and I’m still trying to decide which presentations to go to. Once I go to all the presentations I’ll updated, either later tonight or tomorrow morning (because I’ll probably be up at 5 am again )

Also, here are some pictures of the view from my room in the daylight. You can see tons more. Do you see the red and white tower in the distance on the right hand side of the picture, that’s Tokyo Tower (I think).

Heading down to Orientation Part 1, Day 1. Tell you all about it later.

Check out pictures HERE!

Love you,

Steph

First Night in Tokyo

Hey All!

So, finally arrived in Japan safe and sound. It was a bumpy ride here, so it was hard to sleep on the plane. So, I'm very thankful for comfortable beds at our hotel.

We (JETs) are staying at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. My flight arrived in Tokyo around 5 -- the JET Programme actually had a pretty efficient system set up (which suprised me, especially since Detroit's JET Programme Pre-Departure orientation was pretty hectic). There were tons of JETs, volunteering with Tokyo Orientation, placed around the airport. They told us where to go, so I never felt disoriented.

Once we arrived and went through customs, I sent off two pieces of luggage through a courier so I currently have one peice of luggage, my backpack, and my camera bag. I should get the luggage I shipped in a while (hopefully its not too long of a wait!)

It is very hot and humid here. Everyone kept telling me how humid it would be in the summer, but you don't really realize it until you're here. I'm really hoping it won't be too bad on the island with the ocean providing a nice breeze.

I have pictures uploaded on my account on Photobucket, so click HERE to check them out. Just pictures of the room and the view from the room.

Well, going to grab some dinner and go to bed. I'm so tired after that crazy long and bumpy flight.

Love you all!

Steph

Schedule for Orientation

Hello All!

So, just a little over a week until I arrive for Orientation in Tokyo to start my year on the JET Program. Doing some snooping on the internet, I found the schedule for my Orientation. Check it out, here.

I thought I'd post the schedule for all of those interested.

As well, talked with my predecessor, Sarah, and we've agreed on a compromise so that I will have internet as soon as I arrive. I'll be able to update you as soon as I get there ((and hopefully post some pictures, too))!

Steph

Address

Hey All!

So, I chatted with the JET currently on the island. I don't know if I said this in the last post, but I'll be teaching at six different schools across the city: 1 Kindergarten, 2 Elementary schools, and 2 middle schools. She said that most of the kids enjoy English classes, but they don't feel like they'll need it in their lives. Not sure how I can change their opinion of that, but I'll just have to make classes fun.

She also sent me the address to the apartment:

4-2-1, 393-1 Wadomari
Wadomari-cho, Oshima-gun
Kagoshima-Ken, 891-9112
Japan

I know, lots of numbers. Basically "cho" = City, "gun" = county, and "Ken"=state. It's the best translation into our terms of identifying addresses that I can figure out.

Love,

Steph