Friday
I went with two classes of ichi-nenseii students on their school (day) trip. We went to Mikuni (about an hour bus ride from Fukui City) and enjoyed the coast, a great BBQ (I was so full) and afterwards went bowling. I was SO exhausted, especially because on Fridays I usually get off at 1:00 (half day) but we got back to school at 5:00 p.m. At the coast, some of the students had caught all these creatures of the sea (I can't think of what they are called) but we later found out it was illegal so they put them back.
Mami's goodbye party was very chill and a lot of fun. It was a taco potluck. Some ingredients you would usually put in a taco are hard to find here...like cheddar cheese, or sour cream. You have to go on a special outing to get tortilla chips, I guess. Mami will be back in about a month but I realized that I just got to know her a few months ago but I still consider her a close friend. I think people make friends fast here...out of necessity for a sense of belonging and to have a support system. I am glad that I have made friends that I can trust and enjoy spending time with.
Saturday/Sunday
A group of us from Fukui headed down to Osaka. We met up with May and Kelina. It was a rushed weekend but fun. Osaka is a big city full of shopping. When we were packed into the train I realized I am not a big city girl. But I do like to visit big cities. Kelina had a very nice apartment on the 19th floor of her building so we got a great view. We had okonomiyaki which is a food famous in Osaka.
Monday
My school had the day off so Yuki and I did errands. He went to a clinic where the doctor spoke English and charged a reasonable price. So we were happy. We went to look for jobs but I got frustrated because I couldn't speak Japanese or understand. But he has an interview tomorrow...so our fingers are crossed.
School
In ichi-nenseii classes we are preparing for the oral presentations they will give (show and tell). So there is a lot of editing, rewriting, rephrasing, etc. It is difficult at times because of the language barrier but when we figure it out it is so exciting. In ni nenseii classes at the beginning of the class we do a warm up activity. The students come up with pizza toppings and Japanese pizza toppings are much different than American...squid, corn, tuna, fish, etc. Sounds...interesting. During class we have been brainstorming and writing essays and it is very difficult for most of the students. I don't know how to motivate the ones who just sit there or don't respond to my questions. I don't know if I should keep trying or put my focus on students who seem to care at least a little.
Random
So it's not looking good to visit Morocco so I have been sad this week...and getting homesick...but I hope it will pass. I am trying to keep things planned for my weekends (to look forward to) and stay busy with after shool activities so it doesn't get worse...
1 comment:
Good luck to Yuki, hope he gets that job!
You're good at motivating people, you made me join the choir didn't you? I'm sure you'll find a way to get everyone involved if you put your mind to it!
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