I have successfully survived my initiation into being an English teacher!
Okay, so week one: I was shadowing my out-going NET Sara for this week. Tuesday I just sat in in all of her classes, Wed I taught one, Tues I taught two etc etc until I eventually taught 4 classes on Saturday (My work week here in Tues-Sat). So in the entirety of the week I only taught 10 classes. I also did one model lesson for the faculty, so I guess 11? Regardless, it was nothing compared to the 32 classes I taught this week, but more on that later...
Watching Sara is class was eye opening, confusing, and overwhelming all in one. I quickly realized that the strict structure that I had just spent a week obsessing over was used...regsparingly. Especially with the older classes who work out of books not produced by Amity. She never used any sort of lesson plan, and had a really great relationship with most of her students. It was eye opening because I discovered that I had more wiggle room tan I realized, confusing because Sara did things differently than how I was just trained to do them, and overwhelming because I was realizing how on top of my game I really had to be. The mornings in the office are pretty relaxed. But once 3pm hits I have back to back classes until 9. Bam Bam Bam, right after the other, with only 5 min to put away the stuff from the last class and grab the stuff from the next and move to my next classroom. Its exhausting! And I wasn't even teaching, I was just running around following Sara.
Meeting my new students was nice. Most of them were really shy, so we spent the first few min of class playing games to get to know one another. Then I would sit back and watch Sara work (unless it was one of the few lessons that I actually taught). Most of the students warmed up to me by the end. One student of mine (a Bilingual) and I actually hit it off really well. Unfortunately I only have one more class with her before she leaves Amity due to time conflicts. All week I got a lot of astonished stares from the students who are not mine as well. There has been a poster with several photos of me and information about me hanging in the lobby for a month before my arrival, but I guess its still a shock to see a new (and so different) foreigner in person. I do a lot of smiling and waving.
I had a few students that could not handle having me around at all though. My very first class a little boy burst into tears when he saw me in the classroom with him and Sara. Nothing Sara could do would get him to calm down. i eventually had to leave the room and Manager had to come to the rescue. I was already nervous it being my first day, so I was down right miserable once that happened. After his class, however, we played around with the ball (apparently, his favorite) and he really warmed up to me. Later another girl had the same reaction. but even after I left the classroom she screamed and cried and tantrumed. She then cancelled her class the following week, I don't know if it was because of me, or because its summer vacation season... but I am worried about the next time I will have her in class. There were two others who were teary and nervous with me around. But with the help of their parents they were able to successfully make it through class.
All my first week Sara was constantly updating me on information. She wrote out an introduction to every class of mine, which was extremely helpful, but every 2min she had something new to add. I was already in a new job, in a new city, in a new country trying to figure everything out, and then I had this constant barrage of details. I honestly appreciate all of her help, but good lord there is no way I am every going to remember most of what she said! I did use her notes, however, to write my own so that I have keep a running record of each of my classes. I use those when preparing lesson plans and such. All in all, by the end of the first week I was feeling good, yet still a little nervous for taking on the full course load.
I currently have 32 classes (17 lessons). Its also summer seminar season, where students can sign up for additional classes since they are on break from school. Every day I have a JT (Japanese Teacher) handing me a student's name saying "you have a seminar with so-and-so tomorrow, please teach this unit from this book". This is my first week and I am still trying to find my own rhythm with lesson plans and now I keep getting last min ones thrown at me! I supposedly get an hour for lunch. I have yet to take that, I usually do about 20min. Early in the week I had a super panic moment when I had a seminar written in on my daily schedule that I didn't know about. I worked through my lunch to prepare for it, and make the lesson plans that I was planning on doing in that time. I swear I was close to tears I was so panicked. Then I find out it was written on the wrong day, that seminar wouldn't be until Thursday. I took a much needed 30min lunch, and then made props for the remaining time, just to do something relaxing.
After that panic mode, however, I realized that I can actually write a lesson plan pretty quickly. I use all the props that are already available to me and keep things relatively simple. I can branch out and get more creative once things slow down around the school. But for now I am striving for time efficiency and its working. Once I found my groove I was able to plan all 17 lessons by Thursday, leaving Friday and Saturday (both very busy days) to be wiiiide open. Well, I started lesson planning for next week... and prepped some props. And Saturday (the start of the lesson calendar) started a Set Working Day week, meaning no group lessons. Only private lessons and seminars. That also opened a lot of time for me.
Working with my students alone for the first time went really well! Compared to the first week I had relatively no tears. I have been sneezed on, the little brat got me right in the face and now I have a wicked sore throat. And I had a student, when practicing colors, point out to me that I am black. Good job kid, now moving on... lol. The ridiculous amount of running around I had to do once 3 hit, however, didn't change at all, in fact without Sara's guidance it got harder. I was constantly having to run tot he staff room to check my schedule and figure out which classroom I was supposed to be in next. Oh and the names of my students. I am horrible with names, so I am still struggling to keep that straight. My P4 and P5 classes (9-12 year olds) are my favorite by far. Those classes are so fun and the students are so enthusiastic! Most of my private lessons (with the Bilingual or BL students) are also a lot of fun. My floor classes with the really young kids are whatever. I don't dislike them, but I don't hate them either. The older kids though... of those jaded Jr. High and High School students. I could just scream, I am so frustrated. I know its only been two weeks, but I have no idea what I am going to do to get through to them. My trainer (I had a check up call with her on the phone this week) suggested that I get them up and moving playing games, but I'm not so sure... I'll have to figure that out. I have a pair of class clowns in a class like this, a Jr. High level one, that remind me so much of two of my goofy cousins that its hard for me to get mad at them and regulate the class. I gotta figure out how to be more strict and demand respect before its too late. Suggestions are highly appreciated.
Here is a link to my school's website: Look its me!
Unrelated to teaching, this last Wednesday Manager took me to the immigration office, city hall, and the bank. So I have all my official documentation and a Japanese bank account. The last thing I need is my Japanese phone and all is right with the world. And that is happening on Monday!
This post it pretty long, so that is all from me for now.
まったね！
～寒
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Last Night in Okayama and Moving to Ogaki
I am about a week behind in my blog posts, but these past two weeks of my life have been so crazy and life changing that if feels like I'm writing about something that happened a month ago. But here goes...
After the last day of training we all gathered to go out to dinner courtesy of Amity! That means we got to go out and talk business with the trainers over drinks and get "real" answers. I was surprised to find out that most of the trainers were only 2-4 years older than I am! It was really fun getting to let go with them after such a stressful week.
One of the trainers, Teri, suggested a cheap karaoke place we could go to. So everyone branched off for a bit with the plan to meet up to go there. Since there are 12 of us and since it was a Saturday night and that place was apparently very popular, me and a few of the girls went to the karaoke place (Great Pumpkin) to try and make a reservation. What happened next was my first time dealing with such blatant racism. Having the best Japanese ability of the group I stood in line once we got there to ask about the reservation and price. There were three or four clerks working the desk and as each one finished with their customer, they disappeared into the back room. I thought it was a bit weird, but I didn't think anything of it at the time. Maybe they were only there to help out with the rush? Finally it was just me and one final clerk and he quickly put his head down and busied himself. Annoyed at this point, I approach him and in my best Japanese ask him how much it would cost for 12 people for 2 hours. He dismissively rattled off a respectable price so then i asked if it was okay to come back at 11:30. It was about 11. He said no. I asked why, and he said no. I told him we had more people coming at that time and he said now would be okay, but later with more people? No.
Confused we left thinking something had been lost in translation. We figured we would just meet up with everyone else and go back at 11:30. When we went back we got ignored at the counter once again. By this point I was really frustrated and flustered. I asked again (gesturing to all the people with me) for a room for 12 for 2 hours. They then asked about a members card. I told them that I don't need one, but then he told me that we have to have one to go. Somehow I felt that he was lying, because the clerk that I had had issues with the first time around was whispering orders to him in his ear. Once of my co-trainees was actually staying in Okayama to work at the Amity there, so we told the clerk that she would get one. He then asked for our Alien Registration Cards (Gaijin Card). I told him we didn't have any (since we can't get them until we move to our actual home city) and he said no. Upset and angry we all left. It was clear at that point that we were just unwelcome there. Gaijin Cards are only given out to people staying in Japan on a visa. Tourists don't have them. They didn't know if we were tourists, or students, or workers or what. He just wanted to make it as difficult as possible for us to sing there. Baaaaaad suggestion Teri!
We went to a different karaoke place on the opposite side of the station. It was a higher quality place (so more expensive) but they were really nice to us. And very patient with our limited Japanese ability. Karaoke with everyone was fun! We did nomihodai again so we kept the drinks flowing. Good times were had. There was a bit of madness trying to pay the bill, but we got it in the end.
Everyone split up again after that. Not ready to call it a night, Abby, Derek, and I decided to hit the town. Abby is a very open and friendly person, so she walked about saying hello to everyone we passed on the street. Eventually we found some hosts smoking on a vending machine corner. We stopped there to chat with them. So in Japan they have host and hostess clubs. These are places where you can go and have a very attractive man or woman treat you like the love of their life. They are often run by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). So here we are, about 2am, talking to three hosts who are out trying to elicit business. Abby asked them where they worked and if they would take them there. They said the couldn't, but that they knew a good place. So they took us there. It was a small night club and it was ladies night! 1,000 yen ($10) for entry and two drink tickets for Abby and I. Only one drink ticket for Derek. Still a pretty good price. In we went and immediately we garnered a lot of attention. There was a fair number of foreigners in the club, but I think they were regulars. We were new faces. We drank more and danced for hours. At some point there was a ring of Japanese men around Abby and I and poor Derek was pushed away. It was fun, I danced with a few of the more bold men (I think they found me intimidating, lol).
As the sun was coming up we decided it was time to call it a night. The next morning, bright and early, I had to be up, packed, and professionally dressed. I was, but I was also tired as all get out. Running on 3.5 hours of sleep isn't easy. We were taken to the station and given our itinerary for getting to our new homes. As everyone was getting off at their stops there were a lot of tearful goodbyes. We had only known each other for a week, but we had been through a LOT together.
An hour and a half later I was in Nagoya meeting my manager. Who we call Manager (its a Japanese thing). It was a short local train ride to Ogaki from there, and I dozed the whole way. Probably not making the best impression, but I was too tired to think! We met my outgoing NET and coNET at the station and grabbed a quick lunch.
Manager then drove me to my new home. ITS HUGE!!! The internet/cable woman came by and we switched over the service, and the gas guys came and did the same. Sara (my outgoing NET) took the last of her stuff out to Manager's car and they left to take her to a hotel. I was alone for the first time in my new apartment. This is my first time living on my own, and instead of it being scary and lonely, its exciting and liberating! I am really enjoying having my own space. Who needs pants? I sure don't!
Sara came back a few hours later and took me out to Nagoya to meet her friend Reed and have dinner. We walked alllll over Nagoya (which is the next large city south of Tokyo, btw) because Reed wanted to go to a specific bar for micro brews. Now, I love a good specialty beer, but remember I am running about 3 hours of sleep and its been a long day by this point. I was dragging. After about two drinks I asked to go home. Sara had to show me how to get from the station to my apartment (about a 15min bike ride) and then I was out for the night.
The next day I met up with Sara and Briana (my coNET) for lunch, and then Sara took me on a bike tour of the city. Im not very good on a bike, and don't have much practice, and Sara was a BEAST. She went so fast and knew exactly where she was going, I was struggling to keep up and try to remember the landmarks so I could find everything again. Sara is apparently a firm believer in a "you have to get lost to figure out where your going" philosophy. I don't buy it. Slow down! I was able to buy some groceries and a few supplies from the dollar store and then I had the night to myself to cook dinner and prepare for my first day at work....
But then Briana facebooked me and asked if I wanted to go out to her fav bar. So I threw some clothes back on and went out. Its called Miroku, and that place is great. It is now my favorite bar as well. We had pleasant conversation and a few good drinks with everyone at the bar. I even learned all the bartenders names. I think I will now be a regular there like Briana, haha.
I went home from Miroku and crashed, ready to take on work the next day. But my first week of work will be another post...
matta ne!
～寒
After the last day of training we all gathered to go out to dinner courtesy of Amity! That means we got to go out and talk business with the trainers over drinks and get "real" answers. I was surprised to find out that most of the trainers were only 2-4 years older than I am! It was really fun getting to let go with them after such a stressful week.
One of the trainers, Teri, suggested a cheap karaoke place we could go to. So everyone branched off for a bit with the plan to meet up to go there. Since there are 12 of us and since it was a Saturday night and that place was apparently very popular, me and a few of the girls went to the karaoke place (Great Pumpkin) to try and make a reservation. What happened next was my first time dealing with such blatant racism. Having the best Japanese ability of the group I stood in line once we got there to ask about the reservation and price. There were three or four clerks working the desk and as each one finished with their customer, they disappeared into the back room. I thought it was a bit weird, but I didn't think anything of it at the time. Maybe they were only there to help out with the rush? Finally it was just me and one final clerk and he quickly put his head down and busied himself. Annoyed at this point, I approach him and in my best Japanese ask him how much it would cost for 12 people for 2 hours. He dismissively rattled off a respectable price so then i asked if it was okay to come back at 11:30. It was about 11. He said no. I asked why, and he said no. I told him we had more people coming at that time and he said now would be okay, but later with more people? No.
Confused we left thinking something had been lost in translation. We figured we would just meet up with everyone else and go back at 11:30. When we went back we got ignored at the counter once again. By this point I was really frustrated and flustered. I asked again (gesturing to all the people with me) for a room for 12 for 2 hours. They then asked about a members card. I told them that I don't need one, but then he told me that we have to have one to go. Somehow I felt that he was lying, because the clerk that I had had issues with the first time around was whispering orders to him in his ear. Once of my co-trainees was actually staying in Okayama to work at the Amity there, so we told the clerk that she would get one. He then asked for our Alien Registration Cards (Gaijin Card). I told him we didn't have any (since we can't get them until we move to our actual home city) and he said no. Upset and angry we all left. It was clear at that point that we were just unwelcome there. Gaijin Cards are only given out to people staying in Japan on a visa. Tourists don't have them. They didn't know if we were tourists, or students, or workers or what. He just wanted to make it as difficult as possible for us to sing there. Baaaaaad suggestion Teri!
We went to a different karaoke place on the opposite side of the station. It was a higher quality place (so more expensive) but they were really nice to us. And very patient with our limited Japanese ability. Karaoke with everyone was fun! We did nomihodai again so we kept the drinks flowing. Good times were had. There was a bit of madness trying to pay the bill, but we got it in the end.
Everyone split up again after that. Not ready to call it a night, Abby, Derek, and I decided to hit the town. Abby is a very open and friendly person, so she walked about saying hello to everyone we passed on the street. Eventually we found some hosts smoking on a vending machine corner. We stopped there to chat with them. So in Japan they have host and hostess clubs. These are places where you can go and have a very attractive man or woman treat you like the love of their life. They are often run by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). So here we are, about 2am, talking to three hosts who are out trying to elicit business. Abby asked them where they worked and if they would take them there. They said the couldn't, but that they knew a good place. So they took us there. It was a small night club and it was ladies night! 1,000 yen ($10) for entry and two drink tickets for Abby and I. Only one drink ticket for Derek. Still a pretty good price. In we went and immediately we garnered a lot of attention. There was a fair number of foreigners in the club, but I think they were regulars. We were new faces. We drank more and danced for hours. At some point there was a ring of Japanese men around Abby and I and poor Derek was pushed away. It was fun, I danced with a few of the more bold men (I think they found me intimidating, lol).
As the sun was coming up we decided it was time to call it a night. The next morning, bright and early, I had to be up, packed, and professionally dressed. I was, but I was also tired as all get out. Running on 3.5 hours of sleep isn't easy. We were taken to the station and given our itinerary for getting to our new homes. As everyone was getting off at their stops there were a lot of tearful goodbyes. We had only known each other for a week, but we had been through a LOT together.
An hour and a half later I was in Nagoya meeting my manager. Who we call Manager (its a Japanese thing). It was a short local train ride to Ogaki from there, and I dozed the whole way. Probably not making the best impression, but I was too tired to think! We met my outgoing NET and coNET at the station and grabbed a quick lunch.
Manager then drove me to my new home. ITS HUGE!!! The internet/cable woman came by and we switched over the service, and the gas guys came and did the same. Sara (my outgoing NET) took the last of her stuff out to Manager's car and they left to take her to a hotel. I was alone for the first time in my new apartment. This is my first time living on my own, and instead of it being scary and lonely, its exciting and liberating! I am really enjoying having my own space. Who needs pants? I sure don't!
Sara came back a few hours later and took me out to Nagoya to meet her friend Reed and have dinner. We walked alllll over Nagoya (which is the next large city south of Tokyo, btw) because Reed wanted to go to a specific bar for micro brews. Now, I love a good specialty beer, but remember I am running about 3 hours of sleep and its been a long day by this point. I was dragging. After about two drinks I asked to go home. Sara had to show me how to get from the station to my apartment (about a 15min bike ride) and then I was out for the night.
The next day I met up with Sara and Briana (my coNET) for lunch, and then Sara took me on a bike tour of the city. Im not very good on a bike, and don't have much practice, and Sara was a BEAST. She went so fast and knew exactly where she was going, I was struggling to keep up and try to remember the landmarks so I could find everything again. Sara is apparently a firm believer in a "you have to get lost to figure out where your going" philosophy. I don't buy it. Slow down! I was able to buy some groceries and a few supplies from the dollar store and then I had the night to myself to cook dinner and prepare for my first day at work....
But then Briana facebooked me and asked if I wanted to go out to her fav bar. So I threw some clothes back on and went out. Its called Miroku, and that place is great. It is now my favorite bar as well. We had pleasant conversation and a few good drinks with everyone at the bar. I even learned all the bartenders names. I think I will now be a regular there like Briana, haha.
I went home from Miroku and crashed, ready to take on work the next day. But my first week of work will be another post...
matta ne!
～寒
Friday, July 20, 2012
Pictures! Part 2
Okayama castle with all my co-trainees looking at it in awe.
Yay! Castle!
Bethany and I enjoying our green tea ice cream.
Kourakuen Park.
A beautiful bridge in the park. Refer to my fb album for more pictures of the park.
Cooling off at the foot pond.
Break time in the lobby of the training center.
Break time is our only time to breathe and relieve a little stress...
Me and my dorm roomie, Michelle. We lived together well in that I was never in the room and she was always in the room, haha.
Training is over! YAY!!!
My lovely trainers (left to right) Stephanie, Rachel, Branda, and Terri.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Training Week
My 2nd day back in Japan was spent also sightseeing. We all walked down to Okayama Castle and Kourakuen Garden. I didn't go into the castle, but I spent several hours with my fellow NET Bethany relaxing in the garden. It was truly beautiful, and even on a hot and humid day I felt really at peace. Pictures to come later.
Later that night a few of us grabbed a few beers and decided it was time to really get to know one another. We played my favorite (king's cup) and then a quick game of connections to finish off the beers after that. it was a really fun way for us to bond! After that it was time for some drunken karaoke. i sung my heart out and lost my voice! Worth it. We also did nomihodai (all you can drink) karaoke, so we could keep the beers flowing. Good times. After two hours of singing it was pretty late, and we did have to start work int he morning, so it was time to call it a night.
Then training started...
The recruiting office in LA did warn me that it would be an intense experience. But then they also warned not to work too hard and burn myself out just in training. I wouldn't know exactly how spot on that advice would be until I got started.
In school I was never an intense studyer. Unless i was memorizing specific dates/definition/vocabulary I never needed to pour over my notes. And thanks to an amazing high school english teacher, writing papers came incredibly easy to me. Thankfully post grad life hasn't rid me of those skills. I took lots of detailed notes everyday in training and that was it. The first night I was up fairly late, but that was because I put a lot of effort into making props. I never did that again, haha. A lot of my co-trainees did not have it so easily. there was a lot of sleep deprivation with some people being up until the wee hours of the night, and then turning around and getting up early to practice before we had to demonstrate our lessons. I slept 12-8:30 every night. It got to the point where I would finish my lesson plan and then I would walk around the annex seeing if I could help anyone prepare. I lent out my notes, made props, and ran through sections of the lesson plans with people. It was actually pretty fun.
So training was tuesday through saturday (sunday and monday are my weekends) from 10am to 7pm with an hour long lunch. But being Japan you are epected to arrive early and stay late. The traning center opened at 9 and I often got there around 9:30. We would finish between 7:15 and 7:30, and then had to clean the center every night before leaving around 8. So what is technically an 8 hour day stretches to a 9 hour day. We also were expected to come back from lunch around 15min early. That is something I am going to ahve to get used to about working here... Anyways, everyday we learned about a different age group that we would be teaching and how those lessons are supposed to go. We watched the trainers give a demo lesson, then they broke it down piece by piece. At each piece we would break into small groups and practice it ourselves. Finally we would watch the demo lesson all the way through again with a better understanding of it. At the end of the day we were assigned a lesson then had about an hour to start on our lesson plans with the trainers still available for questions.
Through the week we taught a baby lesson, an infant (toddler) lesson, an elementry lesson, and a jr high lesson. But we taught and retaught these lessons getting both individual and group feedback. All in all i taught 8 or 9 times for my peers. The last day however, we got to practice our infant lesson with actual children! After a hard week being bombarded with tons of information that infant lesson was exactly what i needed. It reminded me that this is why i am here. i love working with kids, and its incredibly rewarding to be able to have an impact on their lives and see the adorable smiles on thier faces.
My group had three children for our lesson. Aiko and Aoi were two cute little girls who were very friendly and very smart. They enjoyed playing around with us. Then there was the problem child Hiroki (i think that was his name...). He came into the room running and screaming. Kalai, the NET who went first had to literally chase him down and carry him back to the board, and then sat him in her lap while she tried to teach. he eventually squirmed away and when she tried to bring him back he burst into a small ball of tears and snot. It was clear that not even his mother had very good control of him and eventually he sat out for the rest of the lessons. Other than that little hiccup (which i didnt even have to deal with) the practical lessons went really well! yay!
Well thats all from me for now. I am in my new apartment and have constant internet, so I can update on my last night in town and moving here to Ogaki soon. I start work tomorrow! Wish me luck!
matta ne!
~寒
Monday, July 9, 2012
Touristy Weekend
Since getting here, I have had two days off to acclimate myself to the time change before training week begins. We've been shopping and sight seeing and hanging out all weekend, so it doesn't really feel like I am here to work yet. Weird...
Sunday morning we all met up and went to an International Center near by. There we were able to get some wifi. Everyone was calling home and updating facebook (I wrote my first blog entry). After that we dropped our stuff back at the dorms and went off to go sight seeing! Most of the NETs know only a little (some know nothing) about Japan, the language, or the culture. So me and two other girls have kind of taken the translation/tour guide lead. Once everyone understood how to ride the train we were off to Kurashiki! There is an old town there, with a river walk, art museums, and a large shinto shrine. It was very pretty, and a lot of the new to Japan NETs really enjoyed thier first look into traditional Japanese culture. Good times were had.
After wandering around there for a bit, me and two friends decided to beat the heat and wandered around the mall while we waited for everyone else. Since none of us have phones, we have to designate a meeting time and place so we can all stay together. Its annoying, I don't like not having a cell phone! But I cant get one until I move into my apartment and register as a foreign resident. But I digress...
We all met up again and headed back to rest a little. Then a few of us ran out for dinner. We picked a random hole in the wall that had pictures of the menu items on the wall for those who cant read Japanese. It was one guy running the whole thing and he made the food right there for us. It was really good!! Then came time for the bill... there was a lot of confusion, cash, and coins floating around... e was really patient with us and we eventually got it all figured out, haha. What an ordeal. I am sure he wont forget about us any time soon. After that I got some more internet time in. The two boys in my NET group dont stay in the dorm cuz its full. So they get a nice hotel with free breakfast and wifi. Of course we all hate them. After chilling there for a bit we went to the convenience store, grabbed a few 6 packs and headed to the dorm common room to break the ice over a game of kings cup.
After kings we stumbled over to the karaoke place on the other side of the station. We sang and drank for two hours and my voice was completely wrecked. But boy was it fun! We even made some Japanese friends! Japanese people love trying to talk to us. The 12 of us stick out like a sore thumb walking around town. And we always get stares, waves, and English greetings. It is taking some getting used to, but comes from a good place... for the most part.
Karaoke was the end of the night for that night. The next day (today) we all met up and headed back to the International Center for some quality internet time. Living in a place with no internet and not having a phone... what am i supposed to do with myself?! How did people survive before the 2000s? Anyway after that we all walked to the edge of the city we are in (Okayama). Right on the outskirts is a castle and this big BEAUTIFUL garden. I didnt go to the castle, but I spent hours wandering around and relaxing in the garden. Pictures of that to come later.
We just walked back and grabbed some curry for dinner. I'm not sure whats happening tonight... but the real work starts tomorrow. So i guess preparing for that? I am going to be really busy this next week... so updates will come when I can...
matta ne!
~寒
Sunday morning we all met up and went to an International Center near by. There we were able to get some wifi. Everyone was calling home and updating facebook (I wrote my first blog entry). After that we dropped our stuff back at the dorms and went off to go sight seeing! Most of the NETs know only a little (some know nothing) about Japan, the language, or the culture. So me and two other girls have kind of taken the translation/tour guide lead. Once everyone understood how to ride the train we were off to Kurashiki! There is an old town there, with a river walk, art museums, and a large shinto shrine. It was very pretty, and a lot of the new to Japan NETs really enjoyed thier first look into traditional Japanese culture. Good times were had.
After wandering around there for a bit, me and two friends decided to beat the heat and wandered around the mall while we waited for everyone else. Since none of us have phones, we have to designate a meeting time and place so we can all stay together. Its annoying, I don't like not having a cell phone! But I cant get one until I move into my apartment and register as a foreign resident. But I digress...
We all met up again and headed back to rest a little. Then a few of us ran out for dinner. We picked a random hole in the wall that had pictures of the menu items on the wall for those who cant read Japanese. It was one guy running the whole thing and he made the food right there for us. It was really good!! Then came time for the bill... there was a lot of confusion, cash, and coins floating around... e was really patient with us and we eventually got it all figured out, haha. What an ordeal. I am sure he wont forget about us any time soon. After that I got some more internet time in. The two boys in my NET group dont stay in the dorm cuz its full. So they get a nice hotel with free breakfast and wifi. Of course we all hate them. After chilling there for a bit we went to the convenience store, grabbed a few 6 packs and headed to the dorm common room to break the ice over a game of kings cup.
After kings we stumbled over to the karaoke place on the other side of the station. We sang and drank for two hours and my voice was completely wrecked. But boy was it fun! We even made some Japanese friends! Japanese people love trying to talk to us. The 12 of us stick out like a sore thumb walking around town. And we always get stares, waves, and English greetings. It is taking some getting used to, but comes from a good place... for the most part.
Karaoke was the end of the night for that night. The next day (today) we all met up and headed back to the International Center for some quality internet time. Living in a place with no internet and not having a phone... what am i supposed to do with myself?! How did people survive before the 2000s? Anyway after that we all walked to the edge of the city we are in (Okayama). Right on the outskirts is a castle and this big BEAUTIFUL garden. I didnt go to the castle, but I spent hours wandering around and relaxing in the garden. Pictures of that to come later.
We just walked back and grabbed some curry for dinner. I'm not sure whats happening tonight... but the real work starts tomorrow. So i guess preparing for that? I am going to be really busy this next week... so updates will come when I can...
matta ne!
~寒
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Pictures! Part 1
My favorite Japanese drink, next to CC Lemon...
Me and a fellow NET (Stephen) taking the train to the Kurashiki old town.
Climbing the steps to my first temple visit of the year.
The view during the climb up to the temple.
Bell to wake the gods.
Gundam Jazz band... 'nuff said.
Old town river walk.
My side of the room in the training center. A raised futon (so not a western style bed) right under the AC.
And my already extremely messy desk, its been two days...
Bathroom! With a water heater that has to be turned on 10 min before from outside the bathroom...
Matta ne!
~寒
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Getting Here...
I am safe in Japan guys!
Getting here... now there was a crazy ordeal. I had three big bags, plus my laptop bag, carry on, and purse. A lot to carry! Auntie Alice helped me get everything into the airport. We had to do a little shuffling on the floor to keep weights even, but they didn't charge me for my overweight bag, or the extra one. That's almost $200 of fines that they just waved! Woo! Of course I was crying when I said good bye to Auntie Alice and walked through the security check point. I ended up putting on my sunglasses indoors so that people wouldn't see me with red eyes. I also still had my hair tied up... the security lady had to come by and pat down my head. Super awkward. I did it like that because of the lady on the news who had to have her her afro searched in airport security. Just can't win...
First leg of the flight into Hong Kong was uneventful. The scenery when landing was beautiful, i wish I could have gone out and explored the city, it seems like it would be very nice. The airport was HUGE and beautiful. i grabbed some lunch (McDonalds) and generally just killed time... 7 hours worth of time. While I was sitting around using my computer a random Chinese woman asked to take a picture with me. She was really excited to meet me and kept telling me how beautiful I am. She was sweet. i guess I have to get used to standing out. After i got all caught up on my nerdist podcasts, and my laptop died (I didnt have an adaper for the new outlets) I decided to go buy a few books. I now have abraham lincoln: vampire hunter. I hope its good!
Right before boarding the flight to Osaka I met up with a fellow Amity NET named Rachel. The flight to Japan was horrible. So bumpy and turbulent. i tried to sleep it out... but that didn't work out. i ended up losing my lunch in my blanket during the landing that would never end. So of course as soon as i got off the plane and hooked up with Rachel i hit up a bathroom and cleaned up a bit. Getting through security and immigration was a breeze though.
Then the day of waiting began. We explored the airport a bit and changed clothes in the bathroom. Another NET was somewhere in the airport, so we found a wifi hotspot and contacted her. After Rachel and I met up with Abby we just sat in the lobby playing cards and listening to music for HOURS. I was so bored. It didnt even feel like I was in Japan because i had been In airports or planes for three days. But the three of us really bonded and got to know each other before everyone else showed up. Which they eventually did around 3:45. We still had to wait for our trainer to come pick us up, so we got to know each other and played spoons for a while.
Once the trainer came, we all shipped our bags and started the trek to the training enter in Okayama. Got to ride the shinkansen (bullet train) for the 2nd time! It took no time at all to get there. Which is good because my duffle bag didn't have wheels and is heavy as hell. The trainer definately teaches kids, cuz she was treating us like some. It was frustrating, because i hate being talked down to, but that might be the only way she knows how to lead?
So now I'm staying in the dorms of the training center (where I have no internet, I'm at a hotspot writing this now) getting used to the time change and the area. Allison is my roommate. The rooms are a good size. Its pretty nice. We also have a communal kitchen area where we can cook all our meals. All the Amity NET (Native English Teachers) trainees that are here with me are really awesome. Great people that I am having a fun time getting to know and explore the city with. We get today (Sunday) and tomorrow as time off and then we start our training week.
So a rocky start... but so far so good. I am looking forward to this! And I am still a little nervous... Wish me luck ya'll! Pictures to come later... when i have better internet and more time.
<3 寒(Sam)
Getting here... now there was a crazy ordeal. I had three big bags, plus my laptop bag, carry on, and purse. A lot to carry! Auntie Alice helped me get everything into the airport. We had to do a little shuffling on the floor to keep weights even, but they didn't charge me for my overweight bag, or the extra one. That's almost $200 of fines that they just waved! Woo! Of course I was crying when I said good bye to Auntie Alice and walked through the security check point. I ended up putting on my sunglasses indoors so that people wouldn't see me with red eyes. I also still had my hair tied up... the security lady had to come by and pat down my head. Super awkward. I did it like that because of the lady on the news who had to have her her afro searched in airport security. Just can't win...
First leg of the flight into Hong Kong was uneventful. The scenery when landing was beautiful, i wish I could have gone out and explored the city, it seems like it would be very nice. The airport was HUGE and beautiful. i grabbed some lunch (McDonalds) and generally just killed time... 7 hours worth of time. While I was sitting around using my computer a random Chinese woman asked to take a picture with me. She was really excited to meet me and kept telling me how beautiful I am. She was sweet. i guess I have to get used to standing out. After i got all caught up on my nerdist podcasts, and my laptop died (I didnt have an adaper for the new outlets) I decided to go buy a few books. I now have abraham lincoln: vampire hunter. I hope its good!
Right before boarding the flight to Osaka I met up with a fellow Amity NET named Rachel. The flight to Japan was horrible. So bumpy and turbulent. i tried to sleep it out... but that didn't work out. i ended up losing my lunch in my blanket during the landing that would never end. So of course as soon as i got off the plane and hooked up with Rachel i hit up a bathroom and cleaned up a bit. Getting through security and immigration was a breeze though.
Then the day of waiting began. We explored the airport a bit and changed clothes in the bathroom. Another NET was somewhere in the airport, so we found a wifi hotspot and contacted her. After Rachel and I met up with Abby we just sat in the lobby playing cards and listening to music for HOURS. I was so bored. It didnt even feel like I was in Japan because i had been In airports or planes for three days. But the three of us really bonded and got to know each other before everyone else showed up. Which they eventually did around 3:45. We still had to wait for our trainer to come pick us up, so we got to know each other and played spoons for a while.
Once the trainer came, we all shipped our bags and started the trek to the training enter in Okayama. Got to ride the shinkansen (bullet train) for the 2nd time! It took no time at all to get there. Which is good because my duffle bag didn't have wheels and is heavy as hell. The trainer definately teaches kids, cuz she was treating us like some. It was frustrating, because i hate being talked down to, but that might be the only way she knows how to lead?
So now I'm staying in the dorms of the training center (where I have no internet, I'm at a hotspot writing this now) getting used to the time change and the area. Allison is my roommate. The rooms are a good size. Its pretty nice. We also have a communal kitchen area where we can cook all our meals. All the Amity NET (Native English Teachers) trainees that are here with me are really awesome. Great people that I am having a fun time getting to know and explore the city with. We get today (Sunday) and tomorrow as time off and then we start our training week.
So a rocky start... but so far so good. I am looking forward to this! And I am still a little nervous... Wish me luck ya'll! Pictures to come later... when i have better internet and more time.
<3 寒(Sam)
Monday, July 2, 2012
Saying Good Bye...
Here I go again. Back to Japan, my home away from home. I have gone as a high school student, a college student, and a vacationer. This time I return as a professional. I will be teaching English to Japanese children of all ages. I am thrilled, and yet nervous. However, this is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time, and here I am... chasing a dream.
I di intent to continue following my other dream of getting into the animation industry, make no mistake there. You can still watch my portfolio updates in my other blog. But I had wanted to go and do this right after college and decided to stick around and try to get my foot into the industry first. Obviously that didn't happen as quickly as I would have liked....
So I became and English teacher.
Updates and pictures to come as soon as I actually get to Japan!
My beautiful family, who I am going to miss like crazy while i'm gone!
My beautiful family, who I am going to miss like crazy while i'm gone!
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