Not All Who Wander Are Lost: 06.2007

Photo Madness

In an effort to get a good photo of the four of us together at the Leaver's Party, this is the result. What is wrong with us?!

Weekend in Hagi

On the weekend, I made the long journey past Hagi to see Starsky’s humble abode in Abu-cho. He and I have been talking about hanging out for many months. It was now or never, so I went. I expected the weather to be poor, but surprisingly, the weather was beautiful near Hagi. Not a drop of rain fell from the sky. This was also the first time I had been to Abu-cho. Starsky’s house was spacious and immaculate. After chatting for a bit, we headed into Hagi and had dinner and donuts with Matt D, Dan, and Rosie.

Cool tofu salad at dinner.

Dan went to watch rugby at a bar and we went to karaoke. Lovely renditions of Hanson, Bonnie Carlisle, Travis, the Fugees, Chicago, etc., were performed.

Wow, we are very red in the face.

Eventually we met up with Dan, Flick, and Jo and her boyfriend, who were also watching rugby. Congratulations to the New Zealand rugby team.

Rosie, thanks for the coffee on Sunday morning. I would not have been a happy camper without it. To Starsky and others, thanks for hanging out; it was a sincere delight.

Hydrangea Heaven

Everytime I see them, I cannot help but smile and ponder their beauty.

I’m starting to take random photos at various schools when I go, for no other reason besides I want to (and I guess because I’m leaving). Here are a few from last two weeks.

Dinner and Fireflies

Last night, Laura and I went to Emiko's house for dinner and firefly viewing. Two others from Laura's eikaiwa group joined in the fun.

I rarely see the sun setting from this side of town. Around the rice fields were so many frogs! It was difficult not to step on them.

Kikugawa is famous for somen noodles.

Emiko bought some gorgeous desserts from a cake shop called Santa Claus. Because she was expecting two others to attend the evening's festivities, the men in the group were forced to eat extra desserts. I was so stuffed from the somen and sushi that I opted for the smallest dessert. In general, I find Japanese cakes to be extremely disappointing: beautiful in appearance, completely lacking in taste. Surprisingly, these were aesthetically pleasing and quite delicious.

We planned to go to Toyota, but the evening's weather was too cool, which is poor for firefly viewing. We decided to try the Kikugawa Firefly Festival instead.

Fish on a stick.

We caught a couple fireflies to inspect them and to show Laura what one looks like. Compared to the type of fireflies we have in Indiana, these Japanese ones are a little smaller.

Laura is inspecting the cherries on the trees. We tried a few, but our Japanese friends thought they were disgusting.

Apparently the cherries can be used as a face paint. Kowaii!!

About two weeks ago, I was accepted to Seattle University for January 2008, and I have accepted this offer! If I change my mind, I will go to IU. I deferred my IU acceptance until January, but can start at anytime in the next two years if I decide to go there. But, I think I really must to to Seattle. I will be pursuing a Masters of Education in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). I want to teach the English language (reading, writing, speaking, pronunciation, grammar, etc.) to foreigners in some capacity. I think this is a perfect blend of my interests in teaching, cultures, languages, literacy, and English grammar and words. Such a degree would enable me to work overseas in a private language institute or university (come back to Japan?), or to work in the United States in community colleges, non-profit agencies, Intensive English Programs affiliated with universities, in private language schools and business, with immigrant/refugees and/or international students. With K-12 credentials, I could work in public and private school systems. I could also pursue a Ph.D/Ed.D in ESL, Applied Linguistics, foreign/second language education, or other related fields. Lots of options. Very exciting.

The Beginning of the End

It is June. And this week marked the beginning of the end. I said farewell to two schools--Shimosho High School and Chosei Junior High.

I will miss this girl. She was a 3rd grade student at Kikugawa Junior High during my first year. Now she is a 2nd grade high school student. She is one of the few students who have my keitai email address. Occasionally we message each other and she tries very hard to use English. Indeed it was a sad moment. Farewell, Chihiro. :(

Of all my city junior high schools, I like Chosei the best. The kids have the perfect amount of respect, genkiness, and sass. We always had a good time playing games (and the kids actually were interested and participated). I wish some of their positive energy could transfer to the other city schools.