So, I've been what my dad calls a CEO Catholic or... my new term (that I like better, sorry Dad!) ECO-Catholic.
There's a Catholic church on the island, and I met the Father a while ago (He's German!). But, I haven't actually gone to a Mass. Now that I'm living by myself I find it hard to get up in time to go. Or, I'm really busy. As the weekends are the only time to do some island hopping.
Well, since it was Ash Wednesday, I felt I really should go.
So, I finally went.
It is soo small. The Church is actually a converted house. And, along with the Father, there are two sisters.
So, about Mass in Japan. When I got there I thought I was really early, even though I knew I was a minute late. There were less than 10 people -- including the two sisters and father.
Let me tell you, Communion goes a lot faster with that few.
Of course, the whole Mass was in Japanese. And, I was confused as can be. But, about 15 minutes in, one of the sisters handed me a pamphlet that had the Japanese written down in both characters and roman letters, the English translation, and the Latin translation. Really helped!
Like I said, the congregation is really small 5 people, so during the homily, the father just kind of chats to us. There is a topic, a moral from the reading, but he knows everyone so well that he kind of just chats about life on the island and things that each person does. It's really different, but in a good way. Everyone knows each other so well, that it's just like old friends getting together. And... to be frank... I do mean older literally. I think I'm the youngest by about 60 or 70 years. I can't help but wonder if these few islanders converted when there was an American base on the island? Interesting though, huh?
So, about Ash Wednesday. We went up to receive the ashes and I realized that they were given on top of the head, not on the forehead. Being so tall (I feel like a giant here), I had to squat a bit so he could put the ashes on my head.
Also, the part of Mass where we usually shake hands, we bow here. You know you're in Japan when... right? ;)
After mass, everyone just kind of stayed put and chatted. They wanted to know everything about me. And one of the women there has a sister living in Ohio! Imagine that. She can't remember where, but she said she'll try to find out.
Pretty nice time. And the talking after is great Japanese practice!
Oh, the coolest part: like I said, the Father is from Germany originally. He's one of the only Catholic priests on the Kagoshima islands (as I gather) and he ferries back and forth between this island and the island just North of me about every two weeks or so.
So, he doesn't really know English, or he did learn it at one time but it's been so long since he's used it. So, we communicate in Japanese.
Now, I remember (and Casey if you're reading this, you should remember too!!) that when two people who speak different native languages use a third common language to talk there's actually a linguistic term for it. I believe (after a little internet searching, Thank you Google!) that the common language you use to talk in is called Lingua Franca. It was a very interesting moment to be able to use Japanese, a language that a few years ago I could barely form a coherent sentence with, to have a full, long, conversation with another person who's native language isn't Japanese.
Phew, you guys get two posts in one day!!
~Steph
Thursday, March 10, 2011
End of School Fun Day
The school year in Japan is on a completely different schedule compared to the U.S. The end of the school year is almost here, with the 3rd graders in Junior High Schools (JHS) around the country gearing up to graduate next Tuesday.
This week, the 3rd graders (American 9th Graders) sat for the public high school Admission test on Tuesday and Wednesday. So, at my Favorite school, we had a reward party the whole day for them.
It began at 8:45 with a ceremony, it is Japan you know where ceremonies are a HUGE staple. The ni-nen-seis (2nd graders/American 8th graders) put on the party for the 3rd graders. So, they gave announcements and speeches during the opening ceremony. After that, we all walked to the top of the biggest mountain on Erabu. It's called 大山（おおやま/ooyama). Which means "Big Mountain" in Japanese. But, it's pretty small. So, it only took about 30 minutes to walk up to the top. Once there, we had a beautiful view of the island. I took some pictures: (on the way)
We got there and played Frisbee-style dodgeball. Pretty fun!
Afterwards, there was another ceremony put on by the 2nd graders. They gave out gag gifts to the 3rd graders and talked about how they would miss them once they started high school. Pretty emotional stuff!
Afterwards, we all headed outside to enjoy the sun (with a little chill in the air, thanks to the wind) and ate our bentos (home-made lunches...). I headed off to eat with the teachers. I try and grab whatever opportunity I can to hang out with the teachers. I love the teachers at this school -- we are always laughing at some joke or other. Joking in another language is seriously hard, because you never know if your type of humour is going to work out or not. But, with these teachers we just mesh. So, it's great.
After lunch, we headed back down the mountain. Again, beautiful pictures!!
And then, the students had class vs. class sports off. The girls played volleyball and the boys played soccer. I would guess that volleyball and soccer ... well, and baseball, are the top sports in Japan.
Days like this make me want to stay another year. And, you know, I think if I were at this school more than once a week. Maybe the decision to stay another year or not would have been different. But, for now, I'm happy with my decision!
I hope the nip in the air leaves before the parents arrive. When you don't feel the breeze its warm enough to go sunning. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!!
~Steph
P.S. T-8 days!!!!
P.S.S. NO SPELLING MISTAKES. Though, grammar is probably another issue. :(
This week, the 3rd graders (American 9th Graders) sat for the public high school Admission test on Tuesday and Wednesday. So, at my Favorite school, we had a reward party the whole day for them.
It began at 8:45 with a ceremony, it is Japan you know where ceremonies are a HUGE staple. The ni-nen-seis (2nd graders/American 8th graders) put on the party for the 3rd graders. So, they gave announcements and speeches during the opening ceremony. After that, we all walked to the top of the biggest mountain on Erabu. It's called 大山（おおやま/ooyama). Which means "Big Mountain" in Japanese. But, it's pretty small. So, it only took about 30 minutes to walk up to the top. Once there, we had a beautiful view of the island. I took some pictures: (on the way)
We got there and played Frisbee-style dodgeball. Pretty fun!
Afterwards, there was another ceremony put on by the 2nd graders. They gave out gag gifts to the 3rd graders and talked about how they would miss them once they started high school. Pretty emotional stuff!
Afterwards, we all headed outside to enjoy the sun (with a little chill in the air, thanks to the wind) and ate our bentos (home-made lunches...). I headed off to eat with the teachers. I try and grab whatever opportunity I can to hang out with the teachers. I love the teachers at this school -- we are always laughing at some joke or other. Joking in another language is seriously hard, because you never know if your type of humour is going to work out or not. But, with these teachers we just mesh. So, it's great.
After lunch, we headed back down the mountain. Again, beautiful pictures!!
And then, the students had class vs. class sports off. The girls played volleyball and the boys played soccer. I would guess that volleyball and soccer ... well, and baseball, are the top sports in Japan.
Days like this make me want to stay another year. And, you know, I think if I were at this school more than once a week. Maybe the decision to stay another year or not would have been different. But, for now, I'm happy with my decision!
I hope the nip in the air leaves before the parents arrive. When you don't feel the breeze its warm enough to go sunning. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!!
~Steph
P.S. T-8 days!!!!
P.S.S. NO SPELLING MISTAKES. Though, grammar is probably another issue. :(
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
English is Difficult
So, part of this post is inspired by a blogger living in Brazil and teaching English. You can find her blog here. She, I believe, majored in linguistics and a lot of her posts focus on the intricacies of English, Portuguese, and teaching English as a Foreign Language. Really interesting and I highly recommend it!
Anyways, my lovely friend Liz sent me a little moleskin notebook that I can carry around in my purse and record thoughts/sketches (not sure if the sketches will be happening, as I'm a horrible drawer, but we'll see).
Today, during my Eikaiwa (Adult English Conversation Class) my students asked a lot of really good questions. They usually do ask good questions, but I was surprised today. First off, the difference between "former" and "previous". This was really hard for me to answer at first because I couldn't explain why I use it differently. Think about it. The former president Bush (vs.) the previous president was Bush. There is a small difference. I tried to explain it as "former" being something that 'was, but is not anymore'. Like, my former professor. This person was my professor, but isn't anymore. Also, I think former is referring to any period before not just the one just before. While "previous" means more 'the one before this'. Like, the previous book I read. Means the book I read before this. What do you think? Is this totally wrong? I don't know why this was so hard. I think it's the little nuances that can be the hardest to explain.
Another point we discussed was how to say 'a lot of something'. My students (bear in mind, they are both middle-aged mothers) often tease me about different things. Like, when I sometimes buy foreign food online (I live on a tiny island... so foreign food really isn't American foreign food... just not Japanese food) it usually comes in a big size because I don't buy it often. They tease that it's American sized. Anyways, recently, we've been teasing about gokiburi (cockroaches) coming out. Ewwwwww! I killed my first cockroach of the season yesterday (still a little scarred). And they told me the place that has the most cockroaches is the bathroom behind the toilet.
So, one of my students used the bathroom today and I asked her if there were any cockroaches. She responded, "Yes, many, many cockroaches, " jokingly. And then paused and asked me if using "many, many" was correct. I explained that we don't say "many, many" though I've become used to it while living in Japan. And that we say "a lot of". But, then I said... more conversationally, we say "lots of". When they asked me why it changes I explained that I think American English likes one sound to kind of lead into the other. When you say "a lot of" you have to pause between "lot" and "of", but with "lots of" it flows and almost becomes one word. I think we do this with a lot of words. Is this true, or am I making stuff up and teaching my students wrong??
During the lesson, I also found out how amazingly cheaper university is in Japan. They told me the average price for public is about $5,000 a YEAR. WHAT?! I was so surprised. Whereas, private is about $20,000 a year, which makes more sense to me. And also, public university is better than private. Interesting, huh?
Also, the san nen seis (third year students) in both middle school and high school (so American 9th and 12th graders, respectively) are taking their public examination this week. The 9th graders to get into public high school and the 12th graders to get into public university. And, apparently at the high school just ONE student has passed the public university test. I hope my students are just exaggerating. Is education on the islands/inaka (rural) area of Japan really that bad?
Also, my parents come in 9 days!! Can't wait to see them and have our tour of Japan!
~Steph
P.S. I had SEVEN spelling mistakes in this blog. Apparently, I can no longer spell surprised. Kept spelling it suprised. I tell you, I'm losing my English. I forgot the word for crutches and transcript today.
Anyways, my lovely friend Liz sent me a little moleskin notebook that I can carry around in my purse and record thoughts/sketches (not sure if the sketches will be happening, as I'm a horrible drawer, but we'll see).
Today, during my Eikaiwa (Adult English Conversation Class) my students asked a lot of really good questions. They usually do ask good questions, but I was surprised today. First off, the difference between "former" and "previous". This was really hard for me to answer at first because I couldn't explain why I use it differently. Think about it. The former president Bush (vs.) the previous president was Bush. There is a small difference. I tried to explain it as "former" being something that 'was, but is not anymore'. Like, my former professor. This person was my professor, but isn't anymore. Also, I think former is referring to any period before not just the one just before. While "previous" means more 'the one before this'. Like, the previous book I read. Means the book I read before this. What do you think? Is this totally wrong? I don't know why this was so hard. I think it's the little nuances that can be the hardest to explain.
Another point we discussed was how to say 'a lot of something'. My students (bear in mind, they are both middle-aged mothers) often tease me about different things. Like, when I sometimes buy foreign food online (I live on a tiny island... so foreign food really isn't American foreign food... just not Japanese food) it usually comes in a big size because I don't buy it often. They tease that it's American sized. Anyways, recently, we've been teasing about gokiburi (cockroaches) coming out. Ewwwwww! I killed my first cockroach of the season yesterday (still a little scarred). And they told me the place that has the most cockroaches is the bathroom behind the toilet.
So, one of my students used the bathroom today and I asked her if there were any cockroaches. She responded, "Yes, many, many cockroaches, " jokingly. And then paused and asked me if using "many, many" was correct. I explained that we don't say "many, many" though I've become used to it while living in Japan. And that we say "a lot of". But, then I said... more conversationally, we say "lots of". When they asked me why it changes I explained that I think American English likes one sound to kind of lead into the other. When you say "a lot of" you have to pause between "lot" and "of", but with "lots of" it flows and almost becomes one word. I think we do this with a lot of words. Is this true, or am I making stuff up and teaching my students wrong??
During the lesson, I also found out how amazingly cheaper university is in Japan. They told me the average price for public is about $5,000 a YEAR. WHAT?! I was so surprised. Whereas, private is about $20,000 a year, which makes more sense to me. And also, public university is better than private. Interesting, huh?
Also, the san nen seis (third year students) in both middle school and high school (so American 9th and 12th graders, respectively) are taking their public examination this week. The 9th graders to get into public high school and the 12th graders to get into public university. And, apparently at the high school just ONE student has passed the public university test. I hope my students are just exaggerating. Is education on the islands/inaka (rural) area of Japan really that bad?
Also, my parents come in 9 days!! Can't wait to see them and have our tour of Japan!
~Steph
P.S. I had SEVEN spelling mistakes in this blog. Apparently, I can no longer spell surprised. Kept spelling it suprised. I tell you, I'm losing my English. I forgot the word for crutches and transcript today.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
E.T. Phone Home
I believe all across Japan in many JHS Second-Year English classes (American 8th graders) students have been learning about E.T.
It's funny teaching kids words like alien and spaceship. One thing that would be interesting to find out is if all the hype about people seeing spaceships and Area 57 (or is it 51) that is abound in the U.S. occurs in Japan too. That will be an interesting question for my ni-nen-seis (second years) next week.
Like I said, the kids have more or less stopped using their textbooks as the school year is almost finished. Two weeks until graduation. But, the third years (American 9th graders) will graduate and not have to come to school, but the 1st and 2nd years keep coming to school until the 26th. Then they have a week and a half long Spring Break.
Anyways, as the school year is dying down my teacher decided we should reward the students with a fun class day. Imagine my suprise!! So, we took the kids down to the theatre room at school and transformed it into a movie theatre. So cool! He wanted to have the kids watch E.T. My teacher kept asking me about it and I have to say... I haven't watched E.T. in ages. When was the last time you did? I don't think I've even seen it all the way through. So, I kept having to tell him I had no idea what he was talking about when he asked me different questions about the movie.
So, watching the movie was fun. The kids were amazed by how big the house was and that they had a green front yard. And a dog! Oh, I miss Chip!!
The kids enjoyed the movie (and the boys enjoyed sleeping... so naughty!) for the most part and I did too. But, the sound track kept reminding me of Star Wars. I think the kids would have enjoyed that more. I know I would have!
Now, my kids understand why I kept saying "E.T. Phone Home" in a funny voice in class last week. Phew!
Also, T-two weeks til the parents visit. Bought our plane tickets to the mainland. The islander discount (if you live on the island you get a discount on your ticket cuz... it's the only way to get to the mianland if you dont want to take an 18 hour ferry ride) only applied to my ticket. Which sucked. I was hoping to get all the tickets for a discounted price. Still need to reserve a rental car in Okinawa though. Also, checked with almost all my schools and they are excited to have my parents as show-and-tell guests. I'll be teaching 5 classes the two days my parents are here so the rest of the time is free time. But during the classes my parents will give their Jikoushokais (self introductions). In English, though my Mom wants to be able to say it in Japanese! Exciting!!
That's all for now.
Love and Miss you,
Steph
It's funny teaching kids words like alien and spaceship. One thing that would be interesting to find out is if all the hype about people seeing spaceships and Area 57 (or is it 51) that is abound in the U.S. occurs in Japan too. That will be an interesting question for my ni-nen-seis (second years) next week.
Like I said, the kids have more or less stopped using their textbooks as the school year is almost finished. Two weeks until graduation. But, the third years (American 9th graders) will graduate and not have to come to school, but the 1st and 2nd years keep coming to school until the 26th. Then they have a week and a half long Spring Break.
Anyways, as the school year is dying down my teacher decided we should reward the students with a fun class day. Imagine my suprise!! So, we took the kids down to the theatre room at school and transformed it into a movie theatre. So cool! He wanted to have the kids watch E.T. My teacher kept asking me about it and I have to say... I haven't watched E.T. in ages. When was the last time you did? I don't think I've even seen it all the way through. So, I kept having to tell him I had no idea what he was talking about when he asked me different questions about the movie.
So, watching the movie was fun. The kids were amazed by how big the house was and that they had a green front yard. And a dog! Oh, I miss Chip!!
The kids enjoyed the movie (and the boys enjoyed sleeping... so naughty!) for the most part and I did too. But, the sound track kept reminding me of Star Wars. I think the kids would have enjoyed that more. I know I would have!
Now, my kids understand why I kept saying "E.T. Phone Home" in a funny voice in class last week. Phew!
Also, T-two weeks til the parents visit. Bought our plane tickets to the mainland. The islander discount (if you live on the island you get a discount on your ticket cuz... it's the only way to get to the mianland if you dont want to take an 18 hour ferry ride) only applied to my ticket. Which sucked. I was hoping to get all the tickets for a discounted price. Still need to reserve a rental car in Okinawa though. Also, checked with almost all my schools and they are excited to have my parents as show-and-tell guests. I'll be teaching 5 classes the two days my parents are here so the rest of the time is free time. But during the classes my parents will give their Jikoushokais (self introductions). In English, though my Mom wants to be able to say it in Japanese! Exciting!!
That's all for now.
Love and Miss you,
Steph
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Long time gone
Oh, I can't believe it's already been a whole month! Time has flown by.
With the beginning of March, I now have less than half a year in Japan. That's a big turning point! 5 months. It seems like such a short amount of time. I'm happy with the decision to stay a year and looking forward to whatever's next. But, I'll certainly miss the beaches.
Speaking of beaches, while everyone back in the Mid-West and Eastern U.S. were bundling up because of the snow, I was lounging on a beach trying not to get a suntan. I know, horrible for rubbing that one in ;) But, it has been beautiful down here. The sun has been out, and as my neighbors have informed me, soon the gokiburi (cockroaches) will follow. Eeeek!!
This week has been a great one. All the weeks feel like they are going faster.
Was at my favorite school today. My kids have already finished their English Textbooks for the year. So, all the classes are more fun. Except for the third-years, my most favorite group, who are cracking down and studying for their upcoming high school entrance exams next week.
In Japan, students have to take a high school entrance exam, a seperate one each for private and public school. What school you get into can really set up what your life will be like. There are schools for just about anything. You want to work on ships, there's a school for that. Unfortunately, on Erabu we only have one highschool. Because of this, though, it's a pretty high-performing academic high school (or so I'm told). So it's a bit harder to get into. If kids want, they can try to take the entrace exam for a school on the mainland. If they get into a mainland school and can afford it, they'll be living in college-like dormitiories. Sounds pretty interesting! I can understand their desire to get off the island -- island fever, dontchaknow!
But, most of my kids just want to go the high school here. I guess, being there age, I would be afraid to go out on my own too.
The past few days have been a bit cold and dreary, but getting everything set up for my parents visit in two and half weeks has been great. Just bought the tickets and finalized what we will be doing on the island. Super psyched to see them as I haven't seem them for 7 months.
Also, lately I've been thinking about creating a seperate blog. I enjoy blogging about life here and who knows where I will be next! But, it's a great way for family and friends to keep in touch. What do you say, is blogger (what I'm currently on) or wordpress (what my study abroad blog was hosted on) better? Thoughts would be great!!
With the beginning of March, I now have less than half a year in Japan. That's a big turning point! 5 months. It seems like such a short amount of time. I'm happy with the decision to stay a year and looking forward to whatever's next. But, I'll certainly miss the beaches.
Speaking of beaches, while everyone back in the Mid-West and Eastern U.S. were bundling up because of the snow, I was lounging on a beach trying not to get a suntan. I know, horrible for rubbing that one in ;) But, it has been beautiful down here. The sun has been out, and as my neighbors have informed me, soon the gokiburi (cockroaches) will follow. Eeeek!!
This week has been a great one. All the weeks feel like they are going faster.
Was at my favorite school today. My kids have already finished their English Textbooks for the year. So, all the classes are more fun. Except for the third-years, my most favorite group, who are cracking down and studying for their upcoming high school entrance exams next week.
In Japan, students have to take a high school entrance exam, a seperate one each for private and public school. What school you get into can really set up what your life will be like. There are schools for just about anything. You want to work on ships, there's a school for that. Unfortunately, on Erabu we only have one highschool. Because of this, though, it's a pretty high-performing academic high school (or so I'm told). So it's a bit harder to get into. If kids want, they can try to take the entrace exam for a school on the mainland. If they get into a mainland school and can afford it, they'll be living in college-like dormitiories. Sounds pretty interesting! I can understand their desire to get off the island -- island fever, dontchaknow!
But, most of my kids just want to go the high school here. I guess, being there age, I would be afraid to go out on my own too.
The past few days have been a bit cold and dreary, but getting everything set up for my parents visit in two and half weeks has been great. Just bought the tickets and finalized what we will be doing on the island. Super psyched to see them as I haven't seem them for 7 months.
Also, lately I've been thinking about creating a seperate blog. I enjoy blogging about life here and who knows where I will be next! But, it's a great way for family and friends to keep in touch. What do you say, is blogger (what I'm currently on) or wordpress (what my study abroad blog was hosted on) better? Thoughts would be great!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
School Pics
Thought I would share a couple pictures from around school.
Yes, that is the Grateful Dead and a bunch of technicolor teddy bears. One of my students from my 3rd grade class (American 9th graders) owns this pencil case. However, she's never heard of the grateful dead and I'm sure she thinks I'm crazy after trying to explain that her pencil case is the namesake of a 70s band.
And that is a sideways book. Well, manga actually. Like a comic book. The title is "Macbeth". So, yes a Shakespearian-inspired comic book. The student who owns this, also from my 3rd grade class, was reading this instead of doing his in-class English work. Oops!!!
There ya go!
Check me out, I'm giving y'all more updates than you can comment on! Def becoming a better blogger
- Love and Miss you!
Steph
Yes, that is the Grateful Dead and a bunch of technicolor teddy bears. One of my students from my 3rd grade class (American 9th graders) owns this pencil case. However, she's never heard of the grateful dead and I'm sure she thinks I'm crazy after trying to explain that her pencil case is the namesake of a 70s band.
And that is a sideways book. Well, manga actually. Like a comic book. The title is "Macbeth". So, yes a Shakespearian-inspired comic book. The student who owns this, also from my 3rd grade class, was reading this instead of doing his in-class English work. Oops!!!
There ya go!
Check me out, I'm giving y'all more updates than you can comment on! Def becoming a better blogger
- Love and Miss you!
Steph
Monday, January 31, 2011
It's Official
Really official. Papers for going home were just sent in. Is it weird that I don't know how I feel about it? Ever since I've made the decision to only stay one year I've really been having a great time. I just don't know why I wasn't enjoying it as much before?
Anyways, this past Friday I had my first Japanese lesson. One of the women I teach English to is being kind enough to help me along with Japanese. The lesson is right after school and about an hour and a half. Check out my notes:
Need to designate a notebook for Japanese study.
I've also discovered the library in china, the town next to me, it's way nicer than the library in my town. Going to study there from now on!
On Sunday I helped the women I teach English with the English interviews for their English students. It was a lot of fun, then after us the four of us went out to eat at a restaurant where, very soon, you can see whales from!! How cool!!
Today, I was at an elelmentary school for half the day and at the BOE for the other half. The sea and sky were so pretty that I had to take some pictures!!
This is the view on the other side of the island. Check out those waves!!
This is from a shop right down the road from me. If the trees across from the apartment were shorter then I could see this from my apartment!!
Can you see the boat in the distance?
Better view of the sky!!
So, while I was taking these pictures I was approached by a woman asking me where I was from. Well we were talking and I found out she's from China! So, we're going to meet once a week or so for a language exchange. She'll teach me Chinese and I'll teach her English. But we'll be teaching each other with Japanese as the common language. Psyched about that!! Also, to make this even better, she owns one of the facial salons in the town!
As you can see, it's been really great on the island lately even though it's still cold... Think Ohio fall cold. So, I was sad sending in my papers. Such a difficult decision. I wonder if I'll ever feel completely happy with the decision. But, as much as I've been enjoying the time here lately, I know that teaching is not for me. And I don't think I could just teach for another year.
Luckily, I found an Okinawa-Ohio association in Columbus. How crazy?! I contacted the woman who runs it and they have an Eisa festival in September... That's the dance I'm learning right now. So, I think I'll be able to keep up my japanese and dancing skillz when I get back.
Off to the gym. Which I've been pronouncing as タラソ (ta-ra-so) because that's how you say it in Japanese. But just found out it's originally Greek and pronounced Thalasso... I think. Oh, japan. How you're ruining my English.
- Love and Miss you!
Steph
Anyways, this past Friday I had my first Japanese lesson. One of the women I teach English to is being kind enough to help me along with Japanese. The lesson is right after school and about an hour and a half. Check out my notes:
Need to designate a notebook for Japanese study.
I've also discovered the library in china, the town next to me, it's way nicer than the library in my town. Going to study there from now on!
On Sunday I helped the women I teach English with the English interviews for their English students. It was a lot of fun, then after us the four of us went out to eat at a restaurant where, very soon, you can see whales from!! How cool!!
Today, I was at an elelmentary school for half the day and at the BOE for the other half. The sea and sky were so pretty that I had to take some pictures!!
This is the view on the other side of the island. Check out those waves!!
This is from a shop right down the road from me. If the trees across from the apartment were shorter then I could see this from my apartment!!
Can you see the boat in the distance?
Better view of the sky!!
So, while I was taking these pictures I was approached by a woman asking me where I was from. Well we were talking and I found out she's from China! So, we're going to meet once a week or so for a language exchange. She'll teach me Chinese and I'll teach her English. But we'll be teaching each other with Japanese as the common language. Psyched about that!! Also, to make this even better, she owns one of the facial salons in the town!
As you can see, it's been really great on the island lately even though it's still cold... Think Ohio fall cold. So, I was sad sending in my papers. Such a difficult decision. I wonder if I'll ever feel completely happy with the decision. But, as much as I've been enjoying the time here lately, I know that teaching is not for me. And I don't think I could just teach for another year.
Luckily, I found an Okinawa-Ohio association in Columbus. How crazy?! I contacted the woman who runs it and they have an Eisa festival in September... That's the dance I'm learning right now. So, I think I'll be able to keep up my japanese and dancing skillz when I get back.
Off to the gym. Which I've been pronouncing as タラソ (ta-ra-so) because that's how you say it in Japanese. But just found out it's originally Greek and pronounced Thalasso... I think. Oh, japan. How you're ruining my English.
- Love and Miss you!
Steph
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Black Sugar
Have you ever heard of "black sugar"? I mean, you know brown sugar, and white sugar, powdered sugar and granulated sugar... but do you recall the most famous sugar of all?
Well, maybe not famous.
First of all, black sugar is not molasses. Though, it is made with molasses, I think.
Erabu is FULL of sugar cane. And about now is when the sugar cane harvest starts.
So, I've been invited (by my Thursday middle school) to make black sugar with the second graders (American 8th graders). I am psyched!!
I'll be sure to take tons of pictures and video of the black sugar (and possibly molasses by-product) being made!
Exciting!!!
Steph
P.S. Recently, schools are so nervous about the flu that they now make students sit in rows, instead of groups during lunch. Also, no one can talk and everyone has to wear a mask. I wonder if me being so sick got them scared??
Well, maybe not famous.
First of all, black sugar is not molasses. Though, it is made with molasses, I think.
Erabu is FULL of sugar cane. And about now is when the sugar cane harvest starts.
So, I've been invited (by my Thursday middle school) to make black sugar with the second graders (American 8th graders). I am psyched!!
I'll be sure to take tons of pictures and video of the black sugar (and possibly molasses by-product) being made!
Exciting!!!
Steph
P.S. Recently, schools are so nervous about the flu that they now make students sit in rows, instead of groups during lunch. Also, no one can talk and everyone has to wear a mask. I wonder if me being so sick got them scared??
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Bike!
At my elementary school this week, I asked one of the teachers if she knew a good place to buy a bicycle. It is SO nice having a car, but on sunny days and days that I'm at the BOE I'd like to bike. It'd be nice to get some more exercise, plus I really miss biking.
Anyways, she told me that bikes on the island would be expensive, but that she has a friend who's daughter has gone to university and left her bike. She called the friend and they said I could use it!
So exciting! So, today, this teacher picked me up at my apartment after school and we went and got the bike. It's old, but RED just like my bike in Osaka!! Pretty rusty, but honestly I'm so happy for getting a free bike!! I biked home from their house and holy lord I am out of shape. I mean, I've been going to the gym and all, but biking up hill.... WHEW totally different. I will definitely get my butt kicked, but that's good! :)
It started raining almost as soon as I got home (perfect timing), so no picture of the bike yet. But, I'll take one later this week and put it up.
Yes!!
~Steph
P.S. it's cold again.... I want beach weather!! :)
Anyways, she told me that bikes on the island would be expensive, but that she has a friend who's daughter has gone to university and left her bike. She called the friend and they said I could use it!
So exciting! So, today, this teacher picked me up at my apartment after school and we went and got the bike. It's old, but RED just like my bike in Osaka!! Pretty rusty, but honestly I'm so happy for getting a free bike!! I biked home from their house and holy lord I am out of shape. I mean, I've been going to the gym and all, but biking up hill.... WHEW totally different. I will definitely get my butt kicked, but that's good! :)
It started raining almost as soon as I got home (perfect timing), so no picture of the bike yet. But, I'll take one later this week and put it up.
Yes!!
~Steph
P.S. it's cold again.... I want beach weather!! :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Half-Week in the life of an Erabu ALT
So, it's official! Sent in the papers that I will not be recontracting.
I think this is the right decision, but I don't think I'll ever know for sure.
I definitely enjoy Erabu's weather and being near the ocean, but I'm happy to know I'll be home soon with familiar things around me.
I am beginning to think that making this decision has improved my attitude in Erabu. Isn't that crazy? But, I feel like the past few days have been really fun and great!
Monday I went to one of my favorite Elementary schools to teach. One of the teachers there lived in the U.S. for a while so her English is near fluent! When I teach at an elementary school it's a full day of classes. From 8:30 until 4 I am teaching, playing, eating, or cleaning with the kids. But, I enjoy the elementary schools so much! The students are always super excited to learn new English words. And we play A TON of games.
Their favorite game is a tie between Fruits Basket and the Number game. Fruit Basket is a game where you assign each student to be something. For example, the category will be fruits and you have 20 students. 4 students are oranges, three are bananas, two are strawberries... and so on. Then you make the kids stand in a circle (with you in the middle) and you call out a fruit. There is one less space than the number of people, so it's a race to get a space. If you are left out, you call out a fruit. And, if you say fruits basket EVERYONE has to run and find a spot. It's MADNESS. But, sooo fun!
The Number Game is also very fun! I divide the class up according to the number of teachers. Usually just in half then because there is usually the homeroom teacher and me. The kids sit in a lin facing the blackboard. The teacher and I secretly decide on a number. Then we write that number on the back of the student closest to us in our line. Then the students have to write the number they think it is on the back of the student in front of them. 3's become 8's, 1's become 4's, and once we had a 3 become a 10. Always tons of fun.
Tuesday I started back up at my main middle school. I was with the teacher who teaches the lower level students, which is actually more fun than the higher level students (at least in class). With the higher level, the class is very structured and my role is mininal to non-existent. But, with the lower level I really am a co-teacher. The difficulty is keeping the students on task, which can be fun. Yesterday, some of my third graders (so, American 9th graders) kept taking our teacher's electronic dictionary, changing the language to spanish, and trying to learn spanish words. WELLL, I decided we could learn both English and Spanish. And started to make a list of some easy phrases on the board, but with the translation in English. And they had to figure out the Japanese. Tons of fun!
Tuesday, I also had my Eikaiwa. Eikaiwa stands for english conversation (class). I have it with two ladies on the island. One has travelled around the world, speaks close to fluent English, and woks at the hospital pharmacy. The other is an English teacher for the English Cram School, ECC, but her English isnt that good. We get together, drink some hot cocoa (THEY LOVE SWISS MISS) and chat. While we chat, I correct their grammar or pronounciation and teach different idioms. I wish I had this class everyday. We always end up leaving laughing!! Last night I said that something "stinks" as in it's "bad" and one of the ladies, C, asked what smalled. Well H knew what I meant so we both giggled a bit and I struggled to explain "stinks". Then, I explained the idiom "being hit over the head with.... (English)". Very fun!
Now, I'm at my main school again, but it's testing today, so I'm free to do anything. Got to keep myself busy!
Love you all!
Steph
I think this is the right decision, but I don't think I'll ever know for sure.
I definitely enjoy Erabu's weather and being near the ocean, but I'm happy to know I'll be home soon with familiar things around me.
I am beginning to think that making this decision has improved my attitude in Erabu. Isn't that crazy? But, I feel like the past few days have been really fun and great!
Monday I went to one of my favorite Elementary schools to teach. One of the teachers there lived in the U.S. for a while so her English is near fluent! When I teach at an elementary school it's a full day of classes. From 8:30 until 4 I am teaching, playing, eating, or cleaning with the kids. But, I enjoy the elementary schools so much! The students are always super excited to learn new English words. And we play A TON of games.
Their favorite game is a tie between Fruits Basket and the Number game. Fruit Basket is a game where you assign each student to be something. For example, the category will be fruits and you have 20 students. 4 students are oranges, three are bananas, two are strawberries... and so on. Then you make the kids stand in a circle (with you in the middle) and you call out a fruit. There is one less space than the number of people, so it's a race to get a space. If you are left out, you call out a fruit. And, if you say fruits basket EVERYONE has to run and find a spot. It's MADNESS. But, sooo fun!
The Number Game is also very fun! I divide the class up according to the number of teachers. Usually just in half then because there is usually the homeroom teacher and me. The kids sit in a lin facing the blackboard. The teacher and I secretly decide on a number. Then we write that number on the back of the student closest to us in our line. Then the students have to write the number they think it is on the back of the student in front of them. 3's become 8's, 1's become 4's, and once we had a 3 become a 10. Always tons of fun.
Tuesday I started back up at my main middle school. I was with the teacher who teaches the lower level students, which is actually more fun than the higher level students (at least in class). With the higher level, the class is very structured and my role is mininal to non-existent. But, with the lower level I really am a co-teacher. The difficulty is keeping the students on task, which can be fun. Yesterday, some of my third graders (so, American 9th graders) kept taking our teacher's electronic dictionary, changing the language to spanish, and trying to learn spanish words. WELLL, I decided we could learn both English and Spanish. And started to make a list of some easy phrases on the board, but with the translation in English. And they had to figure out the Japanese. Tons of fun!
Tuesday, I also had my Eikaiwa. Eikaiwa stands for english conversation (class). I have it with two ladies on the island. One has travelled around the world, speaks close to fluent English, and woks at the hospital pharmacy. The other is an English teacher for the English Cram School, ECC, but her English isnt that good. We get together, drink some hot cocoa (THEY LOVE SWISS MISS) and chat. While we chat, I correct their grammar or pronounciation and teach different idioms. I wish I had this class everyday. We always end up leaving laughing!! Last night I said that something "stinks" as in it's "bad" and one of the ladies, C, asked what smalled. Well H knew what I meant so we both giggled a bit and I struggled to explain "stinks". Then, I explained the idiom "being hit over the head with.... (English)". Very fun!
Now, I'm at my main school again, but it's testing today, so I'm free to do anything. Got to keep myself busy!
Love you all!
Steph
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Doing Laundry
So, I thought I'd post some pictures of what it's liked doing laundry here.
Washing my clothes is the same as in the US. Just the washing machine is a bit smaller.
But drying my clothes is interesting. I hang my clothes outside on my porch.
This picture is from inside my apartment looking out.
This picture is of my sheets drying on the line.
Another picture!! Can you see the blue thing with laundry clips toward the top right?? They have tons of devices like that here. It's handy because I can clip a lot of clothes onto it and maximize space.
Hope you enjoyed a piece of Erabu life!!
P.S. I wrote this whole entry on my iPhone. How cool??!!!
- Love and Miss you!
Steph
Washing my clothes is the same as in the US. Just the washing machine is a bit smaller.
But drying my clothes is interesting. I hang my clothes outside on my porch.
This picture is from inside my apartment looking out.
This picture is of my sheets drying on the line.
Another picture!! Can you see the blue thing with laundry clips toward the top right?? They have tons of devices like that here. It's handy because I can clip a lot of clothes onto it and maximize space.
Hope you enjoyed a piece of Erabu life!!
P.S. I wrote this whole entry on my iPhone. How cool??!!!
- Love and Miss you!
Steph
January Update!
It's been so long, I'm such a blog slacker! Sorry!!
Since I last updated, I've visited my cousin and her husband in Korea, saw some snow, and enjoyed American food! I am now back on Erabu and back to teaching.
I've also decided to only stay one year, so I'll be back to the States in August!!
Not much new going on here. I've joined an Eisa group. We practice every Thursday. I'll post up a video soon!
I'll be heading to one of the bigger islands around me in a few weeks, Amami Oshima. I'll be visiting a friend who teaches on my island once a month. Then we'll both return and celebrate Valentines Day out on the town!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Oh, and for Uncle Scott: Japan has two main religions: Shinto and Buddhism. But, most Japanese aren't really one religion or the other, nor are they very religious. So, Shinto is used for wedding ceremonies (but nowadays more people are opting for a "western" wedding, in a church, but not for religious reasons), and Buddhism is used for funerals. So the same family can have a shinto wedding and a buddhist funeral. Interesting, huh?!
Since I last updated, I've visited my cousin and her husband in Korea, saw some snow, and enjoyed American food! I am now back on Erabu and back to teaching.
I've also decided to only stay one year, so I'll be back to the States in August!!
Not much new going on here. I've joined an Eisa group. We practice every Thursday. I'll post up a video soon!
I'll be heading to one of the bigger islands around me in a few weeks, Amami Oshima. I'll be visiting a friend who teaches on my island once a month. Then we'll both return and celebrate Valentines Day out on the town!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Oh, and for Uncle Scott: Japan has two main religions: Shinto and Buddhism. But, most Japanese aren't really one religion or the other, nor are they very religious. So, Shinto is used for wedding ceremonies (but nowadays more people are opting for a "western" wedding, in a church, but not for religious reasons), and Buddhism is used for funerals. So the same family can have a shinto wedding and a buddhist funeral. Interesting, huh?!
Friday, December 3, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
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
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
Monday, November 29, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, November 1, 2010
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!!
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
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~~~
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~~~
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