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!
Monday, November 29, 2010
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.
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