Is that a Peacock?
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Hi everyone!
How are things in your part of the world?
It’s been too long since an update, so I wanted to get a short message out you you :D
Japan has lifted the state emergency earlier this month in most of it’s prefectures, including where I live in Aichi. The government is recommending a “new lifestyle” to deal with the disease even after parts of the country open up, like exercising at home, washing hands frequently, and working remotely.
Here are a few updates on work and travel:
School
I’ve been working in my assigned elementary schools for about a month now and it feels like I’ve adapted to the day to day routine. I help the home room teacher work through text book curriculum, demonstrate pronunciation, and lead games that help the kids use the phrases and words they’re learning.
The first school is in downtown Anjo, about 25 minutes by car from my apartment. I teach three classes each of grades 3 through 6, as well as a special needs class once a week. It’s been interesting to learn the personalities and styles of each teacher, particularly how much English there comfortable using in class.
The second school is a few more minutes outside of town, surrounded by wheat and rice fields. I love that you can see the mountains from the main entrance on the drive over. It’s a smaller school, so I teach one class each of 3rd to 6th graders.
There are subtle differences between the two; the smaller school plays music during lunch and recess from movies like Ponyo, and the students often start class with a little chant in unison. The larger school has a massive school yard for kids to play, a garden inside the main courtyard and access to tablet PCs for certain classes like math.
Both schools have pets birds(peacocks and parakeets) and rabbits with large enclosure for each :O
Side Trips
Okazaki
I took a short driving trip to Okazaki to see its main park and castle. The grounds were super lush green and had it’s own wisteria garden. I stopped for a drink at a vending machine and bought a hot milk tea by accident. The machines here serve both, with red or blue buttons for each temperature.
Magome and Tsumago
I drove 2 hours into the mountains to hike between two old towns along an ancient post road that connects Kyoto and Tokyo(7km segment, 534 km in total). Magome is known for its water wheels and is filled with bamboo pipes that divert rain water into Koi ponds downhill. Tsumago was filled with shops selling hand carved wooden bowl and chopsticks, homemade steam buns, and home preserved as monuments from the mid 60’s. I noticed Swallows darting in and out of nests above the doorways of the houses as I walked through. The trail itself was super lush and not too strenuous. I rang bells along the way meant to alert bears nearby.
Lessons with Miyuki Sensei
I’ve been taking Skype lessons with Miyuki Sensei from Coto Language School. She quizzes me on grammar points from a textbook and encourages me to only use Japanese in our lessons. It’s been helpful to have a dedicated person to help assess what my level is and build new skills from there.
Konbini
I’m lucky to live so close to three of the most popular convenience store chains. Like a 7/11 at home there’s of course plenty of snack food and drinks. But the quality of the fresh food is on another level. You can find Wasabi tuna Onigiri rice balls, soft boiled egg and pork sandwiches, and obviously sushi. The iced coffees are fantastic as well, for about $2. Oddly enough I pay most of my apartment bills at the Konbini as well. I just show them a receipt and pay by cash while checking out.
I’d be curious to do a Q&A update if anyone has questions.
Hope you’re all safe and “genki” :D
Tobin