In lieu of actually writing a post, here is a list of some things I thought you all might find interesting. A post will come soon, I swear!
So, a few observations while I have some free time at work:
(1) Japanese classrooms are not air-conditioned
(2) Snack and Tea time is at 10 and 3 respectively, bring your own cup and fend for yourself
(3) It’s hot
(4) I have never loved the wind more than I do on the island
(5) My clothes never dry because of the humidity, but I’ve found a coin laundry!
(6) Teaching is fun, but exhaustin
(7) I’ve joined a gym/pool you have to wear a swim cap in the pool
(8) There are a lot of old people on my island and they have fierce island pride and a crazy sense of humor
(9) Students are ENERGETIC
(10) Free time at school is sacred
(11) There is a button on the tv remote that will change a show to its original language. So, if a dubbed movie is playing, I can press this button and it will play in English! Have, so far, watched Night at the Museum, Harry Potter, and some end of the World Movie
(12) Also, they have desperate housewives here. I can play it in English, but its so crazy to listen to it in Japanese
(13) I caved and bought an air mattress. It is lovely!
(14) Food is expensive here!!
(15) I still don’t know how to work the ATM
(16) I am learning how to play the sanshin (it’s a three stringed instrument brought to Okinawa and the Ryukyu islands by way of China). It has a really interesting sound. AND, right after I had my first lesson with the teacher she told me that in Three Weeks time, I should be ready to play in front of the whole school!
(17) I found the dehumidifier function on my air conditioner!
(18) I also found the electronics store!
(19) Ferries stop running during bad weather, so wasn’t able to visit friends this weekend.
(20) I really love this island! Found some Erabu shirts, can’t wait to send some home!!!
Miss you all!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
First Day of School, Part 1
First Day of School
Yesterday (so Tuesday), I came to Wadomari Junior High School and met the teachers/staff. I also met the English Teacher I will be working with again (I met him for the first time in that first week I was in Okinoerabu when my supervisor took me around to visit all the teachers). Usually, I would work with two different English teachers at this school, BUT the other English teacher has recently been complaining of hip problems. So, just today, he left for Tokyo to be examined where the other teachers think he will end up getting hip surgery. If that happens, then the English Teacher I am working with right now (We’ll call him Mr. I) will be the only English teacher here.
Mr. I is a nice, energetic teacher. He just arrived in Erabu in April (prefectures regularly switch teachers around in the whole prefecture in the beginning of the school year). The school year technically starts in April, so he was switched down to Erabu from a city on the mainland (near the Ibuski sand baths!).
Anyways, we were talking about English classes and I mentioned that I was interested in starting an English club. He was really excited about having an English club and said he would talk to the principal about possibly starting one. He also let me know that on Wednesday (my first day of school), it would mostly be populated with Opening Ceremonies (starting off the second semester) and most likely no real classes. He said, though, that on Friday I would have my first English classes and he hoped I was excited!
Also, he said I was to give a short speech (in both English and Japanese) to the whole school tomorrow morning.
Opening Ceremony
So, today was the first day of second semester. I arrived at school at 8:30 (a little earlier than when school starts) and was instantly whisked away to the gymnasium where students were gathering for Opening Ceremonies. I had written a short speech mixing Japanese and English. Mr. I directed me to my seat and the ceremonies began shortly after. The principal came up and introduced me, but when he introduced me… he gave almost my whole speech! He mentioned where I was from, my age, where in America Ohio is located, my major at school, and that I had studied abroad before. So, as he was calling me up to speak, I had to quickly revise parts of my speech in my head. I think it went ok, you could have replaced the kids with crickets and the audience would have been much louder. The kids seem pretty genki (genki… means like excitable/healthy), but were deathly quiet during the ceremonies.
The ceremonies lasted for about an hour. After my speech a few awards were given out to students who had done well in sports across the prefecture and Japan. And then, four students gave speeches. After that, the principal gave a 30 minute speech on what he expects from the students and wishing them a fun and enjoyable year. After that, the music teacher came up and had the students sing a song. It may have been the island’s song, but I couldn’t recognize it, though I could understand some words. Then, the vice principal kept asking for teachers to talk. I guess they thought the ceremonies would run a little longer, so he just kept saying (in Japanese) “any other teachers want to talk?”. I’m telling you, things here are so much more relaxed… You would have thought they had planned this out more!
After the ceremonies finished, a few students came up to me and chatted. I asked how they were and most said they were sleepy. When I asked why, they said that they were up all night studying. Not sure how truthful that is, but I told them they were good students, but that it was too bad they were tired. They didn’t understand the phrase “too bad” so I explained it to them in Japanese. As I was walking out, I kept hearing them say “That’s too bad!” it was pretty cute!
Also, I don’t think I mentioned this earlier, but the English Teacher admittedly said that his English is quite horrible. He said that he only uses English in his English classrooms and never speaks it at any other time. So, I think I may be teaching these kids a lot! I really am excited!
Right now, I’m back in the teacher’s room just chilling out because I have no classes today. So, I went through a book on Ohio that I brought with me, marking pages I can use and putting notes on how I can integrate them into lessons. It’s only about 10 am, so we’ll see what happens from here. Wish me luck!
Yesterday (so Tuesday), I came to Wadomari Junior High School and met the teachers/staff. I also met the English Teacher I will be working with again (I met him for the first time in that first week I was in Okinoerabu when my supervisor took me around to visit all the teachers). Usually, I would work with two different English teachers at this school, BUT the other English teacher has recently been complaining of hip problems. So, just today, he left for Tokyo to be examined where the other teachers think he will end up getting hip surgery. If that happens, then the English Teacher I am working with right now (We’ll call him Mr. I) will be the only English teacher here.
Mr. I is a nice, energetic teacher. He just arrived in Erabu in April (prefectures regularly switch teachers around in the whole prefecture in the beginning of the school year). The school year technically starts in April, so he was switched down to Erabu from a city on the mainland (near the Ibuski sand baths!).
Anyways, we were talking about English classes and I mentioned that I was interested in starting an English club. He was really excited about having an English club and said he would talk to the principal about possibly starting one. He also let me know that on Wednesday (my first day of school), it would mostly be populated with Opening Ceremonies (starting off the second semester) and most likely no real classes. He said, though, that on Friday I would have my first English classes and he hoped I was excited!
Also, he said I was to give a short speech (in both English and Japanese) to the whole school tomorrow morning.
Opening Ceremony
So, today was the first day of second semester. I arrived at school at 8:30 (a little earlier than when school starts) and was instantly whisked away to the gymnasium where students were gathering for Opening Ceremonies. I had written a short speech mixing Japanese and English. Mr. I directed me to my seat and the ceremonies began shortly after. The principal came up and introduced me, but when he introduced me… he gave almost my whole speech! He mentioned where I was from, my age, where in America Ohio is located, my major at school, and that I had studied abroad before. So, as he was calling me up to speak, I had to quickly revise parts of my speech in my head. I think it went ok, you could have replaced the kids with crickets and the audience would have been much louder. The kids seem pretty genki (genki… means like excitable/healthy), but were deathly quiet during the ceremonies.
The ceremonies lasted for about an hour. After my speech a few awards were given out to students who had done well in sports across the prefecture and Japan. And then, four students gave speeches. After that, the principal gave a 30 minute speech on what he expects from the students and wishing them a fun and enjoyable year. After that, the music teacher came up and had the students sing a song. It may have been the island’s song, but I couldn’t recognize it, though I could understand some words. Then, the vice principal kept asking for teachers to talk. I guess they thought the ceremonies would run a little longer, so he just kept saying (in Japanese) “any other teachers want to talk?”. I’m telling you, things here are so much more relaxed… You would have thought they had planned this out more!
After the ceremonies finished, a few students came up to me and chatted. I asked how they were and most said they were sleepy. When I asked why, they said that they were up all night studying. Not sure how truthful that is, but I told them they were good students, but that it was too bad they were tired. They didn’t understand the phrase “too bad” so I explained it to them in Japanese. As I was walking out, I kept hearing them say “That’s too bad!” it was pretty cute!
Also, I don’t think I mentioned this earlier, but the English Teacher admittedly said that his English is quite horrible. He said that he only uses English in his English classrooms and never speaks it at any other time. So, I think I may be teaching these kids a lot! I really am excited!
Right now, I’m back in the teacher’s room just chilling out because I have no classes today. So, I went through a book on Ohio that I brought with me, marking pages I can use and putting notes on how I can integrate them into lessons. It’s only about 10 am, so we’ll see what happens from here. Wish me luck!
Finally an update
So, there is so much to update you with, I am not even sure where to start.
I believe my last post was on my weekend trip to Yoron. So, I have about two weeks to wrap up in one post. This may be a long post, so please bear with me. ((Actually, I may even break it up with subtitles... fancy, eh?!))
The Welcome Party
My official welcome party was the Tuesday after my return from Yoron. So, August 17, a day after my birthday.
We had it out on a cliff overlooking the sea (not exactly a beach on the edge of the sea, but still pretty). You can check out my photobucket once I update it with pictures.
The Enkai (literally, drinking party) was about four hours long. I realized that all the other women were just drinking tea. So, about an hour or two into it, I switched from Shochu (which is really strong and I'm not the biggest fan of) to water. The lucky thing is shochu is like vodka (clear like water) and you actually mix shochu with water. So, I could easily get away with just adding water to my glass and nothing else.
I also broke out my sweet tea vodka that I brought with me. Everyone said it was very strong and VERY sweet. Guess it wasn't too much of a hit. But, everyone made a toast to me and one of the women in the office that I have become really close to is Toshie. She is so nice and every snack break (at 3 pm) we gather around the tea table and chat. She talked about that (at the welcome dinner) and how she enjoys our conversations. Everyone made such sweet toasts and I was really excited about the year ahead!
After the enkai was over, the second-in-command said that he was having an after party at his house and wanted to know if I wanted to go. But, it seemed as if none of the other women were going, so I deferred claiming I was tired. (luckily, claiming that you are tired can get you out of a lot!). It's not so much that I didn't want to go as it was that I just didn't feel comfortable being the only woman there.
I constantly feel like I get tons of attention, while from both men and women (I had an old lady rummage through my shopping cart yesterday), I feel like the men's attention is a little unwanted.
So, Toshie kindly drove me home!
The next day, Wednesday, I had volleyball. Where, again, the bunch of obaachans (a term of endearment, meaning grandmas) whooped me. THEY ARE SO GOOD! I need to practice more.
My first Eikaiwa (English Class)
That Thursday I had my first evening English class with two lovely women. Their names are Hiroko and Chiyomi. Chiyomi is a mother of three grown children (her youngest daughter is actually my age!) and also a private English teacher for the other town, Ch'ina, on the island. Hiroko is a 30-something woman with two young children. She has done a LOT of traveling and her English is very good. Actually, our lessons are more conversational with me correcting their grammar here and there and teaching them idioms. But, interestingly, while Chiyomi is an English teacher her english is much worse then Hiroko (who is a pharmacist). But the ladies are so nice. And Chiyomi brought over these adorably cute (and delicious) mangoes!
Then, Friday, I went out with Shin and his friend Ben (from Okinawa). We grabbed some dinner and I met Shin's mom. Also, Ben brought me an air bed (well, on my request and I paid him for it). I slept on it for the first time this past Saturday.
It is amazing and so nice!!!!
Saturday, Chiyomi and Hiroko invited me to a matsuri with them in Ch'ina. The matsuri was tons of fun (though short). We danced about six different local dances. I think I want to learn how to do some of the local dances.... and maybe some taiko drumming. But, I really think I want to learn the local dances.
I really enjoy the company of Chiyomi and Hiroko. They both know SO much about the island and their English is really good. Plus, they like to switch over to Japanese a lot, so I know they are not just using me for my English skillz ( ;) ). After the matsuri we went out for dinner and seriously got soo much food. We actually had to take some back! We tried a little bit of everything and it was delicious. We chatted for two hours, just learning more about each other. Chiyomi, comparing me to her daughter, actually said I was a lot more mature than Japanese women my age. I'm not sure if that's because I'm the oldest, because I'm American, or because of the way my wonderful family raised me?
Trip to the Mainland (A.K.A. Orientation)
That Sunday afternoon I left for Kagoshima. Before leaving though, I found out that I have a different mailbox than the one connected to my door. I found it, along with ten letters and two notices of undelivery. Luckily, I was able to call the post office (which are open on sundays?!) and get ahold of my package. <-- thanks again Grandma!
First off, the airport is literally one building... like literally one room. So, Joy drove me and we got there about 20 minutes early. How weird is that?! Getting to the airport only 20 mintues early. I mean... there are only so many planes a day... that only a handful of people are ever on them. Both ways I actually had the seat next to me free, which was really nice.
As we were taking off, I realized that when the JET people asked me in my interview if I would do well on an island where I had to literally take a plane to get to a major city, I should have said... of course, I'll do well... but maybe not on the plane part. I'm really hating all this plane travelling I'm doing. Literally, in the past month I have been in the air for about 20 hours.
I was quite proud of myself though, for figuring out how to get to the city from the airport (an hour bus ride) and finding my friend and her apartment. Now, get this. When I studied abroad in Japan last year, my friend Jasmin and I took a trip out to Kagoshima. Not only did we stay in the city where my fellow JETs live.... literally we stayed on the same street. Talk about dejavu! It was crazy.
Orientation started on Monday and was a bit more useful than the original one in Tokyo. The islanders actually got their own meeting. There are a whopping 8 new of us (and all... yep, all are American, isn't that crazy). The other islanders are very nice and I see us getting together quite often.
That night we all went out to an arranged Welcome dinner, which was really nice to get to meet everyone outside of the orientation, business attire atmosphere.
Tuesday was more of the same and that afternoon we boarded a ferry that would take us across Sakurajima bay to the other side of Kagoshima for our language and cultural classes. The ferry ride was about a half hour and the bus ride into the mountains of Kanoya about an hour. The roads were so narrow and the bus so wide, I surely thought we were going to drop off the cliff a few times. We got to KAPIC (Kagoshima center for culture and language) and it felt like we were at camp. It was a beautiful cool temperature, because of the mountains, with a nice lake and pristine stream. Tuesday afternoon we had to ourselves so a good bunch of us went swimming in the lake and stream.
The whole week we learned about Japanese language and culture, but moreso it was a time to really get to know everyone. I feel like I got to know the people I really wanted to (aka the other islanders), but it was also nice meeting everyone and just hanging out. It felt like a college/dorm atmosphere.
Wednesday we had our first language class, but after we had our kimono fitting. We all got to change into traditional Japanese clothing Kimonos for the women and a kimono-like style for the men. Tons of pictures to come of that. Definitely was trigger happy and took a lot of pictures. Got a picture of the islanders and a few of us from Florida (no one else is from Ohio, but there are two Floridians, so even though I've lived in Ohio for now the majority of my life, I latched on to the other two Floridians for pictures).
The next day, Thursday, we had more classes, BUT we also had our culture class. I decided to take Japanese flower arranging which was soo much fun! The teacher actually commented on how good of a job I did for my first time (though she probably says that to everyone).
Friday we had one last class and then returned to Kagoshima. Friday night I did a good amount of shopping and then the islanders from Tokunoshima (the island just north of me) and I met up with a few other JETs at an Indian restaurant for some Curry. It was so delicious!
The next day, headed back for Erabu. There was a tropical depression coming in and the loud speakers announced that the plane for Erabu would depart about ten minutes later, but may return to Kagoshima if the weather is too bad. I got really nervous and checked with the lady at the counter. She said that if I wanted I could wait for the next flight for free, but that this flight was still going out as scheduled. I figured, why not, and I got on the flight. I felt like a ragdoll in the air. One of the scariest flights... not so fun. But we landed safely and I was happy to be back on the ground. I may just be ferrying it as much as I can from here on out.
Sunday I went to an undoukai (basically, sports meeting) where everyone from Wadomari was. We all participated in tons of different sports, like three-legged races, running with an egg balanced on chopsticks, and some other sports. Every activity you participated in, you got a prize. I came back with a bottle of toothpast, tissues, plastic containers, aluminum foil, clear wrap, and little baggies. All in all, a successful evening.
At the moment (It's monday night) my internet at home is not working, I kept wondering why and tried to figure it out today. Came to find out.... there are two bills associated with the internet. I thought I had paid all the bills, but apparently there is a telephone bill and an internet bill. I thought they were together. So, going with my supervisor tomorrow to get this all paid for and figured out. Needless to say, if you ever live in Japan, realize that you have to pay for TWO bills for your internet. A good thing to know ahead of time, eh?
So, I'm currently keeping myself occupied by watching Japanese television (and seeing how much I can figure out) and reading (I finished Wicked, now I'm reading I am Charlotte Simmons), and exploring the island (completely beautiful... but a typhoon is blowing in... so not as pretty as usual).
Can't wait to be able to skype with everyone again!!
Love and Miss you tons!!
Steph
I believe my last post was on my weekend trip to Yoron. So, I have about two weeks to wrap up in one post. This may be a long post, so please bear with me. ((Actually, I may even break it up with subtitles... fancy, eh?!))
The Welcome Party
My official welcome party was the Tuesday after my return from Yoron. So, August 17, a day after my birthday.
We had it out on a cliff overlooking the sea (not exactly a beach on the edge of the sea, but still pretty). You can check out my photobucket once I update it with pictures.
The Enkai (literally, drinking party) was about four hours long. I realized that all the other women were just drinking tea. So, about an hour or two into it, I switched from Shochu (which is really strong and I'm not the biggest fan of) to water. The lucky thing is shochu is like vodka (clear like water) and you actually mix shochu with water. So, I could easily get away with just adding water to my glass and nothing else.
I also broke out my sweet tea vodka that I brought with me. Everyone said it was very strong and VERY sweet. Guess it wasn't too much of a hit. But, everyone made a toast to me and one of the women in the office that I have become really close to is Toshie. She is so nice and every snack break (at 3 pm) we gather around the tea table and chat. She talked about that (at the welcome dinner) and how she enjoys our conversations. Everyone made such sweet toasts and I was really excited about the year ahead!
After the enkai was over, the second-in-command said that he was having an after party at his house and wanted to know if I wanted to go. But, it seemed as if none of the other women were going, so I deferred claiming I was tired. (luckily, claiming that you are tired can get you out of a lot!). It's not so much that I didn't want to go as it was that I just didn't feel comfortable being the only woman there.
I constantly feel like I get tons of attention, while from both men and women (I had an old lady rummage through my shopping cart yesterday), I feel like the men's attention is a little unwanted.
So, Toshie kindly drove me home!
The next day, Wednesday, I had volleyball. Where, again, the bunch of obaachans (a term of endearment, meaning grandmas) whooped me. THEY ARE SO GOOD! I need to practice more.
My first Eikaiwa (English Class)
That Thursday I had my first evening English class with two lovely women. Their names are Hiroko and Chiyomi. Chiyomi is a mother of three grown children (her youngest daughter is actually my age!) and also a private English teacher for the other town, Ch'ina, on the island. Hiroko is a 30-something woman with two young children. She has done a LOT of traveling and her English is very good. Actually, our lessons are more conversational with me correcting their grammar here and there and teaching them idioms. But, interestingly, while Chiyomi is an English teacher her english is much worse then Hiroko (who is a pharmacist). But the ladies are so nice. And Chiyomi brought over these adorably cute (and delicious) mangoes!
Then, Friday, I went out with Shin and his friend Ben (from Okinawa). We grabbed some dinner and I met Shin's mom. Also, Ben brought me an air bed (well, on my request and I paid him for it). I slept on it for the first time this past Saturday.
It is amazing and so nice!!!!
Saturday, Chiyomi and Hiroko invited me to a matsuri with them in Ch'ina. The matsuri was tons of fun (though short). We danced about six different local dances. I think I want to learn how to do some of the local dances.... and maybe some taiko drumming. But, I really think I want to learn the local dances.
I really enjoy the company of Chiyomi and Hiroko. They both know SO much about the island and their English is really good. Plus, they like to switch over to Japanese a lot, so I know they are not just using me for my English skillz ( ;) ). After the matsuri we went out for dinner and seriously got soo much food. We actually had to take some back! We tried a little bit of everything and it was delicious. We chatted for two hours, just learning more about each other. Chiyomi, comparing me to her daughter, actually said I was a lot more mature than Japanese women my age. I'm not sure if that's because I'm the oldest, because I'm American, or because of the way my wonderful family raised me?
Trip to the Mainland (A.K.A. Orientation)
That Sunday afternoon I left for Kagoshima. Before leaving though, I found out that I have a different mailbox than the one connected to my door. I found it, along with ten letters and two notices of undelivery. Luckily, I was able to call the post office (which are open on sundays?!) and get ahold of my package. <-- thanks again Grandma!
First off, the airport is literally one building... like literally one room. So, Joy drove me and we got there about 20 minutes early. How weird is that?! Getting to the airport only 20 mintues early. I mean... there are only so many planes a day... that only a handful of people are ever on them. Both ways I actually had the seat next to me free, which was really nice.
As we were taking off, I realized that when the JET people asked me in my interview if I would do well on an island where I had to literally take a plane to get to a major city, I should have said... of course, I'll do well... but maybe not on the plane part. I'm really hating all this plane travelling I'm doing. Literally, in the past month I have been in the air for about 20 hours.
I was quite proud of myself though, for figuring out how to get to the city from the airport (an hour bus ride) and finding my friend and her apartment. Now, get this. When I studied abroad in Japan last year, my friend Jasmin and I took a trip out to Kagoshima. Not only did we stay in the city where my fellow JETs live.... literally we stayed on the same street. Talk about dejavu! It was crazy.
Orientation started on Monday and was a bit more useful than the original one in Tokyo. The islanders actually got their own meeting. There are a whopping 8 new of us (and all... yep, all are American, isn't that crazy). The other islanders are very nice and I see us getting together quite often.
That night we all went out to an arranged Welcome dinner, which was really nice to get to meet everyone outside of the orientation, business attire atmosphere.
Tuesday was more of the same and that afternoon we boarded a ferry that would take us across Sakurajima bay to the other side of Kagoshima for our language and cultural classes. The ferry ride was about a half hour and the bus ride into the mountains of Kanoya about an hour. The roads were so narrow and the bus so wide, I surely thought we were going to drop off the cliff a few times. We got to KAPIC (Kagoshima center for culture and language) and it felt like we were at camp. It was a beautiful cool temperature, because of the mountains, with a nice lake and pristine stream. Tuesday afternoon we had to ourselves so a good bunch of us went swimming in the lake and stream.
The whole week we learned about Japanese language and culture, but moreso it was a time to really get to know everyone. I feel like I got to know the people I really wanted to (aka the other islanders), but it was also nice meeting everyone and just hanging out. It felt like a college/dorm atmosphere.
Wednesday we had our first language class, but after we had our kimono fitting. We all got to change into traditional Japanese clothing Kimonos for the women and a kimono-like style for the men. Tons of pictures to come of that. Definitely was trigger happy and took a lot of pictures. Got a picture of the islanders and a few of us from Florida (no one else is from Ohio, but there are two Floridians, so even though I've lived in Ohio for now the majority of my life, I latched on to the other two Floridians for pictures).
The next day, Thursday, we had more classes, BUT we also had our culture class. I decided to take Japanese flower arranging which was soo much fun! The teacher actually commented on how good of a job I did for my first time (though she probably says that to everyone).
Friday we had one last class and then returned to Kagoshima. Friday night I did a good amount of shopping and then the islanders from Tokunoshima (the island just north of me) and I met up with a few other JETs at an Indian restaurant for some Curry. It was so delicious!
The next day, headed back for Erabu. There was a tropical depression coming in and the loud speakers announced that the plane for Erabu would depart about ten minutes later, but may return to Kagoshima if the weather is too bad. I got really nervous and checked with the lady at the counter. She said that if I wanted I could wait for the next flight for free, but that this flight was still going out as scheduled. I figured, why not, and I got on the flight. I felt like a ragdoll in the air. One of the scariest flights... not so fun. But we landed safely and I was happy to be back on the ground. I may just be ferrying it as much as I can from here on out.
Sunday I went to an undoukai (basically, sports meeting) where everyone from Wadomari was. We all participated in tons of different sports, like three-legged races, running with an egg balanced on chopsticks, and some other sports. Every activity you participated in, you got a prize. I came back with a bottle of toothpast, tissues, plastic containers, aluminum foil, clear wrap, and little baggies. All in all, a successful evening.
At the moment (It's monday night) my internet at home is not working, I kept wondering why and tried to figure it out today. Came to find out.... there are two bills associated with the internet. I thought I had paid all the bills, but apparently there is a telephone bill and an internet bill. I thought they were together. So, going with my supervisor tomorrow to get this all paid for and figured out. Needless to say, if you ever live in Japan, realize that you have to pay for TWO bills for your internet. A good thing to know ahead of time, eh?
So, I'm currently keeping myself occupied by watching Japanese television (and seeing how much I can figure out) and reading (I finished Wicked, now I'm reading I am Charlotte Simmons), and exploring the island (completely beautiful... but a typhoon is blowing in... so not as pretty as usual).
Can't wait to be able to skype with everyone again!!
Love and Miss you tons!!
Steph
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Trip to Yoron
So, this past weekend I went to the island just farther south of me, Yoron. It is actually between my island, Okinoerabu, and Okinawa. From Yoron, you can see both my island and the most northern point of Okinawa.
Actually, on the ferry I bumped into a woman here who is one of the best dancers (of island dance) on the island. We had met the other day when I went out with Jonathan and Shin. She was going to Yoron to visit family since it was Obon this past weekend.
I booked passage for the cheapest room, marked as Mattress II. What it actually is, is a huge area with like 50-60 little futons and nook areas. So, as soon as you get on the ferry you can just sleep for the duration of your journey, which is really really nice.
They also have a conbini (convenience store) and a restaurant on the ferry.
When I got to Yoron, I noticed that if felt hotter. Is that possible, only two hours away and the sun felt that much brighter. Actually, it just seemed like Yoron didn’t get quite as much cloud coverage as Erabu.
I was met at the port by Emily, the same Emily from Tokyo Orientation. She is super nice and I swear EVERYONE knows her. But, she’s been on Erabu for … going on her third year, so no wonder, huh? Anyways, she met me at the port and we began walking home (because she just has a little moped), almost as soon as we started a couple that Emily knows stopped and picked us up.
Emily’s apartment is ADORABLE, and I am QUITE jealous. You can see the sea from her apartment (she’s on the second floor) and it has a proper shower! And a really cute kitchen… ahh, I’m so envious!!
So, once I dropped my stuff at her house, we went up the road to this adorable Greek restaurant. The owners were SO nice and they have an amazing store filled with pretty amazing trinkets… next time I go I am going to buy some of those trinkets, can’t wait.
The Greek restaurant was delicious! And the view, breathtaking! 
Then, that same woman I bumped into on the ferry, came into the restaurant. Apparently, her family owns the restaurant! I could NOT get over that!!!
After the restaurant we went to her Board of Education where we picked up some Blue polos to wear for the Parade. Her BOE actually let me walk with them in the parade. ACTUALLY, we held the banner in front of them, so much fun!
At the end of the parade we got SOAKED… They had like four hoses going and soaked all the participants…. Soo, sadly I don’t have any pictures of the parade, but one of the onlookers was taking pictures and Emily said she’s going to try and get the photos from him for me.
After the parade, the BOE invited us to eat with them. We had a picnic on the beach and was so much fun! They actually have a specific way of drinking on Yoron, it’s called Kenpo. You pour shochu (liquor made from sugar cane) into a bowl and drink from it. Then the person who had the first drinks, pours for everyone, and you all drink out of the same bowl. So we did that a few times.
During the picnic the BOE, also was talking about how it’s Emily’s last year on Yoron and how sad they are for her to leave. BUT, that they would really enjoy if I would come next year and take her place. Now, I don’t know if they were serious, but if they were… I think I would take it in a heartbeat. What do you all think?
All in all, the weekend (well more like day, because I left Sunday morning) was RIDICULOUSLY fun! Em and I found out that we had a LOT in common. It will be really nice being so close and I look forward to going down to Yoron more!!
And, if anyone wants to visit me, I’m definitely going to make a trip to Yoron a MUST!
Love you all!!
You can also see from this picture how small Yoron is compared to even my tiny island!
Yoron is definitely a get-away island. Imagine an island paradise, do you have an image in your head? You’ve got Yoron!
Unlike Erabu, which is mainly made up of coral and only has a few sand beaches, Yoron’s coastline is all white-sand beaches! As well, for unknown reasons, Yoron’s sister-city is Mykonos, Greece. So, they have a wall in the middle of Yoron that’s dedicated to Mykonos. This wall has the Parthenon, a statue of Zeus, and the coastline of Mykonos. As well, to pay more homage to its sister city, it has quite a few houses built to resemble Greece, with white walls and a beautiful blue roof.
The journey took about 2 hours from Erabu to Yoron by ferry. Now, I haven’t been on too many ferries, so I wasn’t expecting much, but this ferry was HUGE! But, it makes since because this ferry island-hops from Kagoshima to Okinawa. About a days journey! So, it can get quite packed.
Yoron is definitely a get-away island. Imagine an island paradise, do you have an image in your head? You’ve got Yoron!
Unlike Erabu, which is mainly made up of coral and only has a few sand beaches, Yoron’s coastline is all white-sand beaches! As well, for unknown reasons, Yoron’s sister-city is Mykonos, Greece. So, they have a wall in the middle of Yoron that’s dedicated to Mykonos. This wall has the Parthenon, a statue of Zeus, and the coastline of Mykonos. As well, to pay more homage to its sister city, it has quite a few houses built to resemble Greece, with white walls and a beautiful blue roof.
The journey took about 2 hours from Erabu to Yoron by ferry. Now, I haven’t been on too many ferries, so I wasn’t expecting much, but this ferry was HUGE! But, it makes since because this ferry island-hops from Kagoshima to Okinawa. About a days journey! So, it can get quite packed.
Actually, on the ferry I bumped into a woman here who is one of the best dancers (of island dance) on the island. We had met the other day when I went out with Jonathan and Shin. She was going to Yoron to visit family since it was Obon this past weekend.
I booked passage for the cheapest room, marked as Mattress II. What it actually is, is a huge area with like 50-60 little futons and nook areas. So, as soon as you get on the ferry you can just sleep for the duration of your journey, which is really really nice.
They also have a conbini (convenience store) and a restaurant on the ferry.
When I got to Yoron, I noticed that if felt hotter. Is that possible, only two hours away and the sun felt that much brighter. Actually, it just seemed like Yoron didn’t get quite as much cloud coverage as Erabu.
I was met at the port by Emily, the same Emily from Tokyo Orientation. She is super nice and I swear EVERYONE knows her. But, she’s been on Erabu for … going on her third year, so no wonder, huh? Anyways, she met me at the port and we began walking home (because she just has a little moped), almost as soon as we started a couple that Emily knows stopped and picked us up.
Emily’s apartment is ADORABLE, and I am QUITE jealous. You can see the sea from her apartment (she’s on the second floor) and it has a proper shower! And a really cute kitchen… ahh, I’m so envious!!
So, once I dropped my stuff at her house, we went up the road to this adorable Greek restaurant. The owners were SO nice and they have an amazing store filled with pretty amazing trinkets… next time I go I am going to buy some of those trinkets, can’t wait.
The Greek restaurant was delicious! And the view, breathtaking!
Then, that same woman I bumped into on the ferry, came into the restaurant. Apparently, her family owns the restaurant! I could NOT get over that!!!After the restaurant we went to her Board of Education where we picked up some Blue polos to wear for the Parade. Her BOE actually let me walk with them in the parade. ACTUALLY, we held the banner in front of them, so much fun!
At the end of the parade we got SOAKED… They had like four hoses going and soaked all the participants…. Soo, sadly I don’t have any pictures of the parade, but one of the onlookers was taking pictures and Emily said she’s going to try and get the photos from him for me.
After the parade, the BOE invited us to eat with them. We had a picnic on the beach and was so much fun! They actually have a specific way of drinking on Yoron, it’s called Kenpo. You pour shochu (liquor made from sugar cane) into a bowl and drink from it. Then the person who had the first drinks, pours for everyone, and you all drink out of the same bowl. So we did that a few times.
During the picnic the BOE, also was talking about how it’s Emily’s last year on Yoron and how sad they are for her to leave. BUT, that they would really enjoy if I would come next year and take her place. Now, I don’t know if they were serious, but if they were… I think I would take it in a heartbeat. What do you all think?
All in all, the weekend (well more like day, because I left Sunday morning) was RIDICULOUSLY fun! Em and I found out that we had a LOT in common. It will be really nice being so close and I look forward to going down to Yoron more!!
And, if anyone wants to visit me, I’m definitely going to make a trip to Yoron a MUST!
Love you all!!
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