golden week

I'm taking a break from the blogging to enjoy a 10 day trip to southern Japan. On the itinerary are Hiroshima, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. Derlee, pictured at left, is an ALT from Minnesota. She lives in southern Iwate so we have had very few opportunities to meet up this year, but this trip will make up for loss time! Our plan includes traipsing through a zillion temples, shrines and famous landmarks. It also will provide a dose of warmth and respite from village life.
I will return May 7th and post new pics at that time. Stay tuned! Sayonara.
anne.

200 reasons why Japan rocks

Rinna is just 1 of the 700 students I work with in my town.

She is in kindergarten, enjoys drawing butterflies and jump-roping. She doesn't like science, thinks sashimi is delicious and loves me.

I love her, too.

Because my level of Japanese proficiency is that of a 5 year old, we are able to understand eachother beautifully. This sets her apart from a few hundred other students, and also constitues

what I continue to refer to as one of my 'SpECIaL friends.'

Please click on the link above for pictures of my elementary school visits. There are currently about 200 pics in the gallery, but the numbers will grow in these last few months of sayonaras.... I wanted to share with you the driving force behind my fascination and interest with Japanese culture. It isn't the slow motion tea ceremonies, the deja vu feeling of walking through yet one more temple, the exotic sounds of the shamisen or colorful pieces of flesh for dinner.

It's these spazzy, charismatic, self-less, respectful kids.

This post is for YOU!

おめでとうございます！

HaPPy BiRThDAY RusTiN!!!
Congratulations big guy! I hope the next year ahead is full of continued success! You are living proof that gOOd thinGs haPPen to gOOd PeoPle! I'm so proud of you and thankful for your friendship! You ROCK! Have a SUPER day! And take care of yourself...I hope this injury heals fast cause i want my tennis partner back come August!!! Cheers to YOU! ~anne

Taneichi High School

I got the opportunity to visit the local 'technical' high school. Finally, 8 months of curiousity landed me an entire day of NOT teaching, but simply socializing and sitting in on random classes. It was great to see my former ninth graders, as tenth graders in high school. Above, are all of the girls from both Tan-chu and Shu-chu (my 2 junior highs) appearing on my blog, for the first time, as 10th graders! Genki as ever, I had heard of the reputation of Taneichi-koko (high school) as being non-academic and at the risk of offending anyone, a school that prepares some students for post-secondary education...but most wind up at gas stations, restaurants and maybe, a job working as an office assistant.
Many students realize the inevitably dim future ahead, so it wasn't a shock to see students running awol in the classes. Kiddingly, I told Damian (the ALT at the high school) what some of the students were saying to me (a bit too vulgar, inappropriate and profane) to mention here, but Damian mentioned he went through a similar hazing of sorts when he first visited too. While it was a refreshing change to see students be treated as maturing (that's an overstatement) adults (and even some students showcasing their higher level thinking skills and ability to reason/debate and question the teacher, I must admit I am quite happy to work with the age group I do in Taneichi. The students here were treated with more respect = not identityless robots they were molded into during junior high.
So, this is a technical school, preparing kids for further study in things like "civil engineering" (above), carpenty, and diving. I got a tour of the dive pool, and felt the weight of the equipment they wear to sink to the bottom of the pool to practice their skills (some hundred plus pounds of weighted equipment to take them to the depth of the pool). This pool is the only one of its kind in all of Iwate Prefecture. It's a multi-tiered pool, starting with about 10 feet to 35 feet deep. The 'divers' go on to work in ships fisheries.

I asked some of the divers where they were from, and was shocked that several students come from as far away as Kyoto and Tokyo to do this "reputable diving program" in Taneichi. (NOTE: In Japan, you take a test to enter high school. Smart kids go to smart schools for professional study, and those who dont' do so hot, come to technical schools like these. No complaints, the students seemed to enjoy the 'hands-on' style of education they receive here. Wishing my old students luck in whatever their 'calling' is.... ?!??!

The kids may not enjoy English as they know they will undoubetedly never need it living in this part of Japan, making slim wages working with sea urchin and washing cars. But they possess the Japanesey traits of obedience, determination and focus which are commendable pre-reqs for any job. And in comparison to other cultures, these traits in and of themselves, are highly marketable and often used as an indication of their trainability for a variety of occupations. As I putzed around school, introducing myself to the students, I couldn't help but wonder what lies ahead for them? Will they be satisfied with their job? Will they utilize their skills and become successful? Will they ever leave Taneichi?

CARPE DIEM!

Shyou turns 5!

HaPPy BiRTHdAY ShyOu!

お目でとございます！

あなたわいくつですか 五歳です。

HoW oLD arE YOu!?!　5 years old!

Thanks for the fashion show with your new clothes!

あなたわかわいい！

Thanks for letting me play with your new toys!

とても楽しかったでした。

ほんとにありがとうございます！ またきたね！

Big Fish

what didn't i do today?!

The Isozaki's invited me to spend the day picnicing in Hachinohe. We started our journey at 10:30 AM and once again, I hopped in their car with no clue about the day's agenda. I've adapted to never knowing what's in store so I just rolled with it. Little did I know I could not have predicted the random things I would do at the kiddie themepark we went to. Such a random day, I must add a few pics to help jog my memory:

Checked out some interesting artwork/architecture.

These are Japanese toy dolls, built for King Kong.

This is my friend Taizo, and those fish, which I can't remember the pronunciation off hand, are so beautiful. They are symbols for "Children's Day" celebrated in May.
The day wouldn't be complete of course if not for monkey viewing! This one wasn't too photogenic but I wanted to get a shot of their red faces...spooky! I've never seen such gooney creatures...
Boarding the ferris wheel. Pretty impressive height for a park in the middle of nowhere. It's got nothin' on Yokohama's ferris wheel, but provided some nice views of the mountains still covered in snow.
Next up, go-karts. I liked how they didn't use "protective gear" (harnesses, belts and whistles). Knowing that I could fall out whipping around the corners added to the intensity of the experience.
Dinner #5 w/ the Isozaki family.
Inbetween the monkeys and wheels and karts and hotdogs,..I came back to my house to rest and regroup for the dinner party later that evening. I walked in my door at 1:15 and by 1:35 Yusho and Akane (a couple of my fave students) were knocking on my door wanting to hang out. I can't say no to anyone in Japan, so no sooner did they come in, it was off to the grocery store for ingredients to make peanut butter cookies. An interesting semi-edible creation later, a short pre-dinner meal for the kids and by 4:55 they took off. Just in time for me to take off for Isozaki's dinner party at 5:00. And I'm writing this, several beers later, at 10:30, having returned from the Isozaki's home...exhausted but feeling purposeful. If I can't "really" teach over here, I might as well dive into the culture and community which provids more satisfaction anyway.

This is so typical of every day over here...every minute is maxed out (by the community that has really stepped it up 38 notches on the social skills scale). It's overwhelming, exhausting and smothering but rewarding, interesting and memorable. A nice trade-off. Today, however, was just ultra-random...my head is still spinning trying to remember all that I did in the last 3 days! what a weekend--and I stayed pretty near to Taneichi!? Good times can be had in this village! New discoveries every day it seems... :)

stuffed again

ThAnk YoU HiKAgeS

The Hikages finally accepted my dinner invitation. After many meals with their family, at their home, I wanted to return the favor in my cozy dwelling space. Such 'dinner parties' in Japan, are opposite, in which the host entertains the guests and the guests do the cooking. (Obviously, this is by no means a complaint of mine, I've never liked cooking anyway!) Inevitably, Yukiyo spent more time in my kitchen than me! She also made FOUR "main courses" to share,

(and enough drinks to quench the thirst of my entire neighborhood).

My pineapple sweet and sour chicken stir fry was a tough sell, as the competition was tight (sashimi, pizza, quiche and tempura were all vying for our tastebuds).

My "American vermucelli (sp?) rice" was inhaled by Akira ....

[Impressing Japanese people with a "rice dish"? Score. ]

The Hikages have been wonderful friends and my first true "home away from home" family in Taneichi. Taking me under their wing during my very first week in Japan, offering their time and energy to help me maximize my time here and spending time with me on the "American" holidays throughout this last year-- they are so gracious, and i am so grateful.

ほんとにありがとうございます！

L-R : Me, Hikage, Akira, Ami, Ayaka, Yukiyo

for you Mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Today is all about celebrating YOU!

Pop a bottle of bubbly, and take a long soak. Eat some delicious cake (for me) but PLEASE don't bake it yourself...ahem, Dad please read between the lines and follow suit. ;) Here is hoping the next year is 'surprise-free' and less stressful. I will be back in Minnesota to help you enjoy it!

See you soon - only 3 months to go...

I love you SO much! ~xoxoxxo anne.

a 2nd dose of kindergarten

Today, was one of those days you never want to end. I spent the day amongst the little anklebiters, ages 3 thru 5, at the local kindergarten. As I was tugged, yanked and stretched in every possible direction, I pried the tykes off long enough to manage a few english games. But admittingly, it was a day of soccer, singing, tag, dancing, jump-roping, dodgeball and hide-and-seek.

It was also my first time back to the 'youchien' since last August!

Getting to see special faces like Rinna's (above) has the ability to induce an 8 hour permagrin.

Again, for all the complaints I have lodged on here...

today cancels out 1/2 of them.

I took another 30 pics on the day...but here are a few of my favorites. All 40 students at this school are loveable and precious and I wish I had the time to post more photos, but these will have to suffice. As you will see, they are いちばんかわいい！　Infectious and unJapanesey, these little peanuts offered a warm reception (complete with hugs, squeezes and kisses!) THANK YOU!
I shouldn't have favorites...but he's IT.

Such a sweet pea, she was attached to my left leg all day long, but never smiled or said a word to anyone. I asked the Japanese teacher about this behavior, but she didn't seem too concerned about it. She says that it's Japanesey....sigh, they start 'em young don't they?
lunch time. so structured, every cup and towelette and bowl and tray and apron and sanitary coat has it's special place and certain rules for retrieving and returning them in the classroom. the kids are great, the teachers were also very kind, but what are they learining in pre-school? other than the hour of english, there was no academic instruction. it was organized chaos and free time for about 4 hours (with short breaks inbetween to sing songs about 'the importance of saying the required phrases and polite but not sincere greetings'. to me, it looked like obedience training...say it this way and do it that way. is this what American kindergartens are like (ADAM or LISA please comment on this!!)? i always thought we encouraged some 'individuality' and 'problem solving' and opportunities for 'critical thinking' ---even at the kindergarten level---as those are ideals that are strongly valued in America.

In Japan, they value obedience, order, structure and continuity. They mold the kids like puddy, into independent and self-sufficient adults who consequently have a really difficult time expressing themselves, voicing an opinion or even thinking for themselves. Too many years of being told 'how-to' and 'where-to' and 'when-to'....my friends say that by college, students show up with the ability to memorize facts and test well on entrance exams, but struggle with everything else. As much as I love to visit such schools like this pre-school, the 'style of training' kills me. I only hope that it isn't damaging the students as well...

Shyou! Didn't get to spend nearly enough time with the 4 year old crew, but fortunately I see Shyou often (because her mother Saori is one of my favorite people). Oh, and BIG thanks to YOU, Saori, for making a delicious American style bag lunch for me today....bentos are so overrated! THANK YOU!

I completely understand Angelina Jolie and her obsession with foreign children. I need to check into the baggage requirements for international flights...I know 3 kids would be a stretch, but if I could just squeeze one or two....

The Washizu's: Take 2

In February, I did a homestay with the Washizu's from Shizukuishi. The wkd must have been a success as they invited me back 2 months later.

Chikako, the mother, has become one of my most special friends in Japan. She is curious and interested in learning about my culture. She has been a wonderful teacher, hostess and stand-in mother to me.

However did I get so lucky in finding the amazing people I did over here?!

We spent this weekend doing all sorts of random Japanesey things, all the while snapping some beautiful shots of her family. Here are some of my favorites:

Kako...a bit sassy and so unJapanesey!

Here, we are making senbei, my favorite Japanese sweet. You roll the rice dough into a pancake and grill it in this ironware over open flames. I think of senbei as a 'healthy treat', but to Japanese it's a cookie. Peanut senbei, my favorite of the hundreds of variety, is definitely not your run of the mill Chips Ahoy, but I have a new scale of what it means to be delicious over here...and these top the list.

Eko-chan, you are SO adorable!

...do you fit in my suitcase?

Dango...another not-so-sweet treat. These are akin to 'mochi' but less gluey. These weren't too bad, if you can get past the brite colored gunk that they are drenched in. I never did find out what that was exactly. Don't ask, don't tell.

I insisted on doing nothing, laying low and getting a dose of fam-time. I had brought paper dolls for the girls to play with, and ended up having to find creative ways to rip them away from them to read english books, attend the Ekiden event, color anime pictures, practice ballet (Kako's current obsession), visit an old fashioned japanese handiworks center and hit up an art studio. It was busy, but making memories with your family is so special!

Tats & Chikako, I tip my hat to you folks, your mouth watering 'anything BUT Japanese' meals were fantastic! I can tell you both miss your college days spent in the States---kudos to you both for retaining your English skills! I so hope to see you again IN JAPAN...but if not,

I know we will have a reunion in Minnesota someday.

Thanks so much for your kindness, thoughtfulness and support!

I will never forget you and when I think of Japan,

families like YOURS will first come to mind.

おいしそ！

おは世ございます!会いたかった！気の夜とても楽しかったです！意思世にいても他の市！ほんとにありがとうございます！こなさ私輪疲れたでも嬉！朝来はなりがとう！月予備待ったね！