I'm in Kobe right now, at my hotel. I have to commute back to Osaka for a final day of training.
Kids training.
Ugh. I think it will be 9 hours of singing and dancing like an idiot. I have two hours until I need to be there, but I'm leaving now, in case I get lost, and also so I can stop by the post office.
Wish me luck.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Silence in the City
What an exciting day off I've had! *sarcasm* <- which is lost on the Japanese. Too bad, I'm really good at it.
I washed all my laundry, and then borrowed an iron from the front desk to iron everything I own. It was actually very relaxing, it made me feel normal. But man if that iron didn't make the room hot as hell. And of course I can't figure out how to open the window. Japanese directions... Maybe I'll study some Japanese tonight haha.
I walked down a couple blocks this evening to get dinner. Still haven't attempted to go into an actual restaurant alone and order. Just been eating salads, sandwiches, and pre-made dinners from 7-11 and Family Mart and Lawson's Station.
It's strange to walk down the street in such a busy city, and not hear anyone talking. The only sounds are cars, and the crossing chimes. I guess that's fine with me, as I don't know what anyone is saying yet.
Kerry Boy - I saw a Volvo station wagon, a manual from the sound of it, that was FLYING down the street revving its engine haha. It made me think of you.
Mary - I just realized I'm across the street from the Kobe University of Pastries (if my interpretation of Pai-kiji is correct). Maybe I should loiter outside and hope for an offering.
Also, one of my favorite treats is this large cup of jell-o with fruit in it. Right now I'm eating coconut! The best part is it's name - Jedi, which in Japanese is pronounced GERRY! awesome.
I really wish I could find the equivalent of a CVS or Walgreen's here. I've only seen convenience stores thus far. However, when I was picking up dinner tonight, I asked a young lady if there was shaving cream in the store. This is how the exchange went down:
Me: Sumimasen? (excuse me)?
Lady: Hai? (yes?)
Me: fffffffffsh (immitating shaving cream from a can into my hand) plop (apply to leg) kkkkkkrrrr (shaving).
Lady: hmmmm.... (she looks, doesn't find any). Sorry!
Me: awww thanks!
It was nice of her to ask, I'm sure it was super impolite to ask a stranger, but eff that I'm lost.
Alright, gonna listen to some Daft Punk and type up some notes! weeeeeeeeeee
But first.... going to watch "The Watchmen". Hope it's good.
I washed all my laundry, and then borrowed an iron from the front desk to iron everything I own. It was actually very relaxing, it made me feel normal. But man if that iron didn't make the room hot as hell. And of course I can't figure out how to open the window. Japanese directions... Maybe I'll study some Japanese tonight haha.
I walked down a couple blocks this evening to get dinner. Still haven't attempted to go into an actual restaurant alone and order. Just been eating salads, sandwiches, and pre-made dinners from 7-11 and Family Mart and Lawson's Station.
It's strange to walk down the street in such a busy city, and not hear anyone talking. The only sounds are cars, and the crossing chimes. I guess that's fine with me, as I don't know what anyone is saying yet.
Kerry Boy - I saw a Volvo station wagon, a manual from the sound of it, that was FLYING down the street revving its engine haha. It made me think of you.
Mary - I just realized I'm across the street from the Kobe University of Pastries (if my interpretation of Pai-kiji is correct). Maybe I should loiter outside and hope for an offering.
Also, one of my favorite treats is this large cup of jell-o with fruit in it. Right now I'm eating coconut! The best part is it's name - Jedi, which in Japanese is pronounced GERRY! awesome.
I really wish I could find the equivalent of a CVS or Walgreen's here. I've only seen convenience stores thus far. However, when I was picking up dinner tonight, I asked a young lady if there was shaving cream in the store. This is how the exchange went down:
Me: Sumimasen? (excuse me)?
Lady: Hai? (yes?)
Me: fffffffffsh (immitating shaving cream from a can into my hand) plop (apply to leg) kkkkkkrrrr (shaving).
Lady: hmmmm.... (she looks, doesn't find any). Sorry!
Me: awww thanks!
It was nice of her to ask, I'm sure it was super impolite to ask a stranger, but eff that I'm lost.
Alright, gonna listen to some Daft Punk and type up some notes! weeeeeeeeeee
But first.... going to watch "The Watchmen". Hope it's good.
Weekend Roundup
Went on an expedition to find Loft, a department store, so I could get a new band for my watch. Found it, next to the Louis Vuitton store. Yowsers. Had 10 minutes to wait, so I wondered around. Bought some thank you cards, and just generally wandered aimlessly looking lost.
My sunglasses also broke, but I was afraid to buy any there, as it's kinda pricey. I'm waiting until I find a 100 yen store!!! There's one in Kobe, I am just not familiar enough to find it yet. I noticed that NO ONE wears sunglasses here. It's so strange, because I could barely open my eyes to see, and it didn't seem to phase anyone else.
I seem to be eating an awful lot of hot dog pastries. Before you judge, here me out: It's like a pretzel dog - a hot dog wrapped in a pretzel, with mustard inside, on a stick. I love em. The grocery store I stopped at today had a hot dog, with ketchup, on a croissant. Deeeeeelishious. At least I'm also drinking Kagome (which I think is the brand name, but I can't decipher the characters yet) which is the equivalent of V8 Splash. I just hope between all the walking I do everyday, and all the junk food I'm eating, it will equal out.
I need an iPod. Might order one when I find out my address.
I forgot: My name is pretty difficult to pronounce for Japanese, because it contains a "th", which they don't have. So Me-Re-De-Th becomes Me-Le-De-Ss. Or, MeReDeTsu, or in Japanese, メレディス. Last night at the party, I kept saying, "Hello, my name is Meredith", and they would smile, then hear my name and give me the wide-eyed look. A couple students got it down pat, but most just said "MeLeDeSssss" enough times I just said "Sure!" haha. I joked to one upper level student "Just call me MeDe" and he said "That's a great idea!". I think it's the same as Mary in Japanese. Just so long as they don't call me Fater.... ;)
My sunglasses also broke, but I was afraid to buy any there, as it's kinda pricey. I'm waiting until I find a 100 yen store!!! There's one in Kobe, I am just not familiar enough to find it yet. I noticed that NO ONE wears sunglasses here. It's so strange, because I could barely open my eyes to see, and it didn't seem to phase anyone else.
I seem to be eating an awful lot of hot dog pastries. Before you judge, here me out: It's like a pretzel dog - a hot dog wrapped in a pretzel, with mustard inside, on a stick. I love em. The grocery store I stopped at today had a hot dog, with ketchup, on a croissant. Deeeeeelishious. At least I'm also drinking Kagome (which I think is the brand name, but I can't decipher the characters yet) which is the equivalent of V8 Splash. I just hope between all the walking I do everyday, and all the junk food I'm eating, it will equal out.
I need an iPod. Might order one when I find out my address.
I forgot: My name is pretty difficult to pronounce for Japanese, because it contains a "th", which they don't have. So Me-Re-De-Th becomes Me-Le-De-Ss. Or, MeReDeTsu, or in Japanese, メレディス. Last night at the party, I kept saying, "Hello, my name is Meredith", and they would smile, then hear my name and give me the wide-eyed look. A couple students got it down pat, but most just said "MeLeDeSssss" enough times I just said "Sure!" haha. I joked to one upper level student "Just call me MeDe" and he said "That's a great idea!". I think it's the same as Mary in Japanese. Just so long as they don't call me Fater.... ;)
Kobe Welcome Party
Last night was the Farewell/Welcome party at my school. I was given directions to the school via subway, and left to my own devices. I walked to the subway, walked straight to the gate I needed to be at, panicked because I didn't see the name, and left. I walked back to the hotel, and called the school. At this time, I should have been at the school almost. The foreign teacher that I'm replacing, who's from England, gave me super specific directions. I had walked exactly to the correct place, just didn't feel right about it. Should've done with my first instinct! Made it to the school no problem after that.
The school is located in an outdoor shopping area, which is nice. My classrooms have window, so I can see outside. The rooms are small though! There were 6 staff members, 2 foreign teachers, and about a gazillion students in the tiny school! The first thing I was asked to do was stand in a chair, and introduce myself to the staff and students. Afterwards, I was encouraged to speak to students, who might be shy! They were not shy. They kept asking to take a picture with me, which was so cute because they all throw up the peace sign. I tried to put the thumbs up in there, and they'd all see it and change their peace sign to thumbs up haha.
The teacher leaving gave a very emotional speech, and the head teacher, who is also moving to another school, cried. Then I was asked again to talk about myself. Apparently North Carolina is exotic. :)
Around 10:30, all the students left, and it was just teachers and staff. I was speaking with the two English teachers, and said "yall", which elicited a HUGE giggling fest from the Japanese staff. I had to explain it, its usage, and how to pronounce it. I will not be surprised if I walk in Tuesday to a chorus of "Hey Yalllll!".
Rode the subway home with 5 of the ladies, and got off at the same stop as Yuchicka. She pointed out the shopping district, and a few good restaurants. I'm going to Loft, a deptartment store, to buy a watch band today. Mine broke :(
I need to pick up a gift for Todd sensei and Bill sensei. I'm going back to Osaka tomorrow for a full day of kids training. Not really looking forward to it, as it runs from 12-9, then I have an hour commute back to Kobe, so I won't be home til 10:30. Blah.
I need to learn to read so at least I can tell what I'm buying and eating from the convenience store haha.
The school is located in an outdoor shopping area, which is nice. My classrooms have window, so I can see outside. The rooms are small though! There were 6 staff members, 2 foreign teachers, and about a gazillion students in the tiny school! The first thing I was asked to do was stand in a chair, and introduce myself to the staff and students. Afterwards, I was encouraged to speak to students, who might be shy! They were not shy. They kept asking to take a picture with me, which was so cute because they all throw up the peace sign. I tried to put the thumbs up in there, and they'd all see it and change their peace sign to thumbs up haha.
The teacher leaving gave a very emotional speech, and the head teacher, who is also moving to another school, cried. Then I was asked again to talk about myself. Apparently North Carolina is exotic. :)
Around 10:30, all the students left, and it was just teachers and staff. I was speaking with the two English teachers, and said "yall", which elicited a HUGE giggling fest from the Japanese staff. I had to explain it, its usage, and how to pronounce it. I will not be surprised if I walk in Tuesday to a chorus of "Hey Yalllll!".
Rode the subway home with 5 of the ladies, and got off at the same stop as Yuchicka. She pointed out the shopping district, and a few good restaurants. I'm going to Loft, a deptartment store, to buy a watch band today. Mine broke :(
I need to pick up a gift for Todd sensei and Bill sensei. I'm going back to Osaka tomorrow for a full day of kids training. Not really looking forward to it, as it runs from 12-9, then I have an hour commute back to Kobe, so I won't be home til 10:30. Blah.
I need to learn to read so at least I can tell what I'm buying and eating from the convenience store haha.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Today's List
1. I've forgotten the cable for my camera. I can take all the photos I want... but right now, can't put them on my computer. I don't have Photoshop anyways, so... damn. I need to buy a card reader.
2. I don't think long hair is going to work here. It's very windy, and for some reason, my gaijin (slang for outsider, kinda derogatory) hair is the only person's hair that blows in the wind. And boy, does it get messed up.
3. I love natchan! It tastes like Tang. I can eat healthy, sometimes.
4. I really need to carry a notebook with me everywhere so I can write all these random things down, and post it once I get home.
5. I have a party at my school tonight!!! It's a farewell party for Linsday, and a welcome party for me. I'm really looking forward to it. I'll let you know how it goes. Bill sensei* (one of the trainers in Osaka) said there's usually a party. Then a second party. Then.... possibly a third party. He also said "There will be drinking. And enjoy yourself! But remember, it's not a contest." haha. Touche, Bill.
6. Eddie was singing the theme to "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". I just youtubed it, what a fantastic song! Heroes in a halfshell, TURTLE POWER!
* Bill sensei is one of the two trainers. Todd sensei is the other. They were GREAT trainers, and I'm very lucky to have worked with them. It was so difficult at first, and I was frustrated with them, but in retrospect, I couldn't have had a better teacher. Also, Bill went to Elon College, and we talked about Burlington all the time. It was so strange to go halfway around the world only to find someone from Burlington. Pleasant surprise.
2. I don't think long hair is going to work here. It's very windy, and for some reason, my gaijin (slang for outsider, kinda derogatory) hair is the only person's hair that blows in the wind. And boy, does it get messed up.
3. I love natchan! It tastes like Tang. I can eat healthy, sometimes.
4. I really need to carry a notebook with me everywhere so I can write all these random things down, and post it once I get home.
5. I have a party at my school tonight!!! It's a farewell party for Linsday, and a welcome party for me. I'm really looking forward to it. I'll let you know how it goes. Bill sensei* (one of the trainers in Osaka) said there's usually a party. Then a second party. Then.... possibly a third party. He also said "There will be drinking. And enjoy yourself! But remember, it's not a contest." haha. Touche, Bill.
6. Eddie was singing the theme to "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". I just youtubed it, what a fantastic song! Heroes in a halfshell, TURTLE POWER!
* Bill sensei is one of the two trainers. Todd sensei is the other. They were GREAT trainers, and I'm very lucky to have worked with them. It was so difficult at first, and I was frustrated with them, but in retrospect, I couldn't have had a better teacher. Also, Bill went to Elon College, and we talked about Burlington all the time. It was so strange to go halfway around the world only to find someone from Burlington. Pleasant surprise.
Good morning, Kobe!
This morning we had a "Pinning Ceremony", where the branch manager came and we got a lapel pin. Unfortunately, it's company property and must be returned when we leave. Yoshimi is my manager, and she's super nice. She helped me to the trains, and we rode from Osaka to Kobe, about 45 minutes. I'm in a hotel down the street from the subway.
This
room
is
tiny.
The photo isn't good because my lens isn't wide enough haha. I'm pretty tired, but hungry too. Probably going to go out and find a grocery store.
I'm pretty sad to leave all my fellow teachers. I feel like we're mostly friends. I hope they're prepared for me to facebook the shit out of them. Oli gave me a nickname (Merry Berry). It's pretty funny in a British accent. I bet Lamika is glad to not live with me anymore, too.
Well, it's sunny outside right now, and I'm going to go have a look around! Miss you all, I'm sorry I don't call very often, it's difficult with the time difference and when I'm actually at home on my computer.
Thisroom
is
tiny.
The photo isn't good because my lens isn't wide enough haha. I'm pretty tired, but hungry too. Probably going to go out and find a grocery store.
I'm pretty sad to leave all my fellow teachers. I feel like we're mostly friends. I hope they're prepared for me to facebook the shit out of them. Oli gave me a nickname (Merry Berry). It's pretty funny in a British accent. I bet Lamika is glad to not live with me anymore, too.
Well, it's sunny outside right now, and I'm going to go have a look around! Miss you all, I'm sorry I don't call very often, it's difficult with the time difference and when I'm actually at home on my computer.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thank goodness it's Thursday
Second to last day of training, DONE! It has actually gone really well. I've become 1000% more comfortable with my lessons, and am improving. We practiced the group lesson today with actual Japanese students, and they are great. They're so interested in everything you do and say, it's flattering.
I must comment on yesterday as well:
Yesterday we did part of the round-up lesson with actual students. We were in groups of teachers, so only half the training class was watching me. I was attempting to get my students to say "parts", as in "robot parts". I was trying to use gestures, and ended up doing The Robot.
I did The Robot (the dance), badly, in front of actual Japanese students as well as half of my training class. It got the point across, but I have never seen so many teachers laugh! It was funny, and now they keep joking about how that's the only thing they're going to remember. As in,
"Yea, I taught with this girl in training, she did The Robot.
What was her name?
Oh I don't remember, but The Robot, man, it was spot on!"
We were joking about a way for me to incorporate The Worm into today's lesson. It didn't work out haha.
Today for lunch, Oliver and I ate at Mos Burger, and type of fast food burger joint, but organic. It was delicious! Not too filling though, as we stopped by McDonald's for another cheeseburger and apple pie. (Mary - I was THISCLOSE to walking up the counter, and saying, "I can has cheezburger?". I think the irony would be been lost in translation though haha)
All in all, a great day. I'm tired from working so hard for 8 hours straight. Going to eat some fresh green beans and a small salad, and study for tomorrow's lesson, a full 50 minutes of teaching!
I learned Oisii, which means "delicious". I made it a point to tell everyone that Mos Burger was "OISHIIIIIIII!!!!!"
I also just now found a photo of what I had for lunch during the week.
It's a Kirin, a sandwich, and what I call Kowala Yummies. And yes, that sandwich has hot dogs on it. It's lettuce, mayo, hot dogs, cheese, and scrambled eggs. It is my new favorite thing in the world.
I realized now that I forgot the cable for my camera to computer, as well as a card reader. Need to go to Bic Camera and pick one up on Saturday (hopefully). Also, I still don't have photoshop, or a way to process RAW images, so that's the reason for the lack of photos. Also been too busy to shoot anything. Hopefully this will be resolved this weekend.
Goodnight, miss you all!
I must comment on yesterday as well:
Yesterday we did part of the round-up lesson with actual students. We were in groups of teachers, so only half the training class was watching me. I was attempting to get my students to say "parts", as in "robot parts". I was trying to use gestures, and ended up doing The Robot.
I did The Robot (the dance), badly, in front of actual Japanese students as well as half of my training class. It got the point across, but I have never seen so many teachers laugh! It was funny, and now they keep joking about how that's the only thing they're going to remember. As in,
"Yea, I taught with this girl in training, she did The Robot.
What was her name?
Oh I don't remember, but The Robot, man, it was spot on!"
We were joking about a way for me to incorporate The Worm into today's lesson. It didn't work out haha.
Today for lunch, Oliver and I ate at Mos Burger, and type of fast food burger joint, but organic. It was delicious! Not too filling though, as we stopped by McDonald's for another cheeseburger and apple pie. (Mary - I was THISCLOSE to walking up the counter, and saying, "I can has cheezburger?". I think the irony would be been lost in translation though haha)
All in all, a great day. I'm tired from working so hard for 8 hours straight. Going to eat some fresh green beans and a small salad, and study for tomorrow's lesson, a full 50 minutes of teaching!
I learned Oisii, which means "delicious". I made it a point to tell everyone that Mos Burger was "OISHIIIIIIII!!!!!"
I also just now found a photo of what I had for lunch during the week.
It's a Kirin, a sandwich, and what I call Kowala Yummies. And yes, that sandwich has hot dogs on it. It's lettuce, mayo, hot dogs, cheese, and scrambled eggs. It is my new favorite thing in the world.
I realized now that I forgot the cable for my camera to computer, as well as a card reader. Need to go to Bic Camera and pick one up on Saturday (hopefully). Also, I still don't have photoshop, or a way to process RAW images, so that's the reason for the lack of photos. Also been too busy to shoot anything. Hopefully this will be resolved this weekend.
Goodnight, miss you all!
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