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.