Monday, August 6, 2007
Our first weekend
Well, I was hoping that I would be able to post some pictures on the school computer, but everything is so FREAKIN hard in Japanese, so until I bring my computer to school or we get house internet, this is the game we play. But I was so excited to tell everyone of our great weekend that I just thought of writing it. THe pictures will come soon.
Saturday
I dont know who is praying for us or what positive thoughts you are sending our way, but please keep them coming. My very first day of being in Morioka I decided to hang out with the JET group at a bar despite my near death sleepyness. But lucky upon lucky, I met the second year Morioka JETs. They were more than nice and giving me great tips and advice. One of them (Ellie) invited Ron and me to a festival in Aomori called the Nebuta Festival. This one is like the third biggest festival in all Japan. There are massive amounts of people pushing these gigantic floats down the street. Each float has an intricate design of samurai and demons. THere is also a dance that they all do that we call the `hopping` dance. Literally they hop. So with watching all these great floats and eating all the festival food we can imagine, we returned home. I felt so lucky that we were able to meet up with these people who so willingly took us out. Oh by the way... I also had my first onsen (hot spring) experience. Taking a bath with a lot of old naked ladies is somewhat relaxing.
Sunday
We had nothing particular to do this day so Ron and I decided to take a sanpo (stroll). We walked an hour and a half from our house to Downtown Morioka and another two hours to walk back. We were so beat by the time we came back, but we really felt that we got a good feel of the area because of the walk. Then we invited our Supervisor to dinner where I made mabo tofu. It was so scary to give my food to a new person. Luckily he found it edible.
Just having these few days, it already seems so comfortable in Morioka. We are still trying to set up house and find all the secrets, but I think that once everyone starts visiting, we should have things under control. Happy reading.
Saturday
I dont know who is praying for us or what positive thoughts you are sending our way, but please keep them coming. My very first day of being in Morioka I decided to hang out with the JET group at a bar despite my near death sleepyness. But lucky upon lucky, I met the second year Morioka JETs. They were more than nice and giving me great tips and advice. One of them (Ellie) invited Ron and me to a festival in Aomori called the Nebuta Festival. This one is like the third biggest festival in all Japan. There are massive amounts of people pushing these gigantic floats down the street. Each float has an intricate design of samurai and demons. THere is also a dance that they all do that we call the `hopping` dance. Literally they hop. So with watching all these great floats and eating all the festival food we can imagine, we returned home. I felt so lucky that we were able to meet up with these people who so willingly took us out. Oh by the way... I also had my first onsen (hot spring) experience. Taking a bath with a lot of old naked ladies is somewhat relaxing.
Sunday
We had nothing particular to do this day so Ron and I decided to take a sanpo (stroll). We walked an hour and a half from our house to Downtown Morioka and another two hours to walk back. We were so beat by the time we came back, but we really felt that we got a good feel of the area because of the walk. Then we invited our Supervisor to dinner where I made mabo tofu. It was so scary to give my food to a new person. Luckily he found it edible.
Just having these few days, it already seems so comfortable in Morioka. We are still trying to set up house and find all the secrets, but I think that once everyone starts visiting, we should have things under control. Happy reading.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Dai-Ichi kouko de Yokoso!
Welcome to Dai Ichi high school
Well for you Nihonjins, Dai Ichi high school does mean BIG ONE. It is the most prestigious high school in my prefecture and all I can say is THANK YOU UCR TEACHER CREDENTIAL. I really think that the reason I am here has to do with the fact that I had experience.
Well, so I finally made it. Ron and I started to clean house. There were dead bugs everywhere, but luckily enough, Ron came to the apartment first, so he cleaned it all up. Its a very small place, but in Japanese standards, we are living like kings (run down kings) Ill bring some pictures up soon.
It is hot and there is no air conditioning in the school and I have to be at school without teaching for 7 hours, but this is my job and I will love it. See you all in a bit.
Well for you Nihonjins, Dai Ichi high school does mean BIG ONE. It is the most prestigious high school in my prefecture and all I can say is THANK YOU UCR TEACHER CREDENTIAL. I really think that the reason I am here has to do with the fact that I had experience.
Well, so I finally made it. Ron and I started to clean house. There were dead bugs everywhere, but luckily enough, Ron came to the apartment first, so he cleaned it all up. Its a very small place, but in Japanese standards, we are living like kings (run down kings) Ill bring some pictures up soon.
It is hot and there is no air conditioning in the school and I have to be at school without teaching for 7 hours, but this is my job and I will love it. See you all in a bit.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tadaima! We've arrived!
After waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting, we made it to Tokyo. I was fortunate enought to sit next to an interesting JET and talk (even if I wanted to sleep) and Ron got a whole row to himself. When I arrived it was really a whirlwind. It was really a good thing Ron wasn't around, it would be too difficult. Thankfully, we did meet up in the evening and we went to Kunino's house. I'm sure that no JET ate as good as we did in Kunino's home. Jetlag did creep in and we crashed at around 12. The next day for me was pretty dull with seminars and seminars although for lunch I did have beef that was made from edamame (pretty good actually). I kinda ditched the later seminars and met up with Ron at Kunino's. It was the first time I rode the train by myself. But YIPPEE I made it to Kunino's house. So now, I have tomorrows seminars and then explore Tokyo again with Ron and then we leave for Morioka in the morning. I will let you all know how that turns out. Give yourself 5 points for reading this!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Leaving on a jet plane
Tomorrow's the big day...
I can't believe that after all of this waiting, we are finally going to start living in Japan. It's like a dream. Ron and I are so excited and ready and although we will miss everyone, you can't imagine the great feeling on knowing that we are starting on this voyage. If you are checking out our site, kudos for you. Give yourself a pat on the back, it makes me feel good. I will try my hardest to keep this up to date and to keep everyone posted on our adventures. Please pray for our safe trip and that Ron and I can adapt well to Morioka.
I can't believe that after all of this waiting, we are finally going to start living in Japan. It's like a dream. Ron and I are so excited and ready and although we will miss everyone, you can't imagine the great feeling on knowing that we are starting on this voyage. If you are checking out our site, kudos for you. Give yourself a pat on the back, it makes me feel good. I will try my hardest to keep this up to date and to keep everyone posted on our adventures. Please pray for our safe trip and that Ron and I can adapt well to Morioka.
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