Defending Japan!

Ox Tongue Set Meal

I don't mean to offend, but...

Someone posted a video about a women eat Frog Sashumi and said "The Japanese are a sick and twisted community". Now I am going to defend this wonderful country that is my home!

I am not going to link to the actual video, but I feel that people would hate me for it, so google it yourself if you really want to watch it!

Sashumi literally means "prepared alive". Now in Japan, you can get lobster, squid, shrimp, fish and octopus prepared this way. This a delicacy in Japan and can be very expensive to eat. I personally am not a big fan of sushi (raw fish), I have tried it here in and there is some that I like, but the herrings eggs was a little too much for me.  It really boils down to personal preference and no one is really forcing you to eat this kind of food. Its on the menu, you choose to buy it or not!

I feel that someone misunderstand this wonderful country and their taste in food. I have eaten food I never thought I could actually eat. So far I've only really tried Eel, which is made by my wonderful friend Ruri-san, and Ox tongue, which I tried when out friends at a local restaurant. But I will get round to trying Sea Urchin, which is my city's local speciality. Its just that sashumi is quick and easy to prepare and is best served as fresh as possible. The only way to do this with raw food is to kill it when the customer asks for what they want.

Personally, I don't see anything wrong at all with people killing the food and preparing the food there and then. If it means its better, than so be it.  We see it all the world where animals kill their prey and then eat them. How is this any different? We are killing are food with a swift blade before eating it. At the end of the day, its still food.

But its a different country and culture. You might not understand why they do this, yet it doesn't really call for such strong use of words.

I just don't like it when people see a video and then actually make assumptions that every where and everyone does that. I guess I'm just annoyed that people don't fully understand this countries culture and diet but are very quick to judge.  This country I now consider my home and I just want people to have the correct understanding about this country.

First Day Back

Well it’s the first day back to the grind stone. I know I’ve only had 3 weeks off. But it has all gone by so quickly.

I thankfully arrived back in Japan with no problems, my flight wasn’t overbooked and I didn’t get delayed a whole day. The only down-side was that I wasn’t able to sleep as well as I would have hoped. I was one of the few who were fortunate enough to be sitting with an empty seat next to me. So after a while, I gave up trying to be polite and try to sleep in one chair. But I really needed to sleep to help with jetlag. It was just that finding a comfortable way to sleep was difficult. I was seated in the middle 4-seat width column on one side, while on the other side; the person didn’t seem interested in sleeping at all. He was far more comfortable reading his book with the light on. I think he did sleep for a little while, but it wasn’t very long. His light was bright and it didn’t help that I was sat near the toilet in the middle of economy. So I also had the light to show that the toilet was vacant or occupied shining on me. I didn’t really fancy wearing a night mask, so I tried blocking the light with my hands in front of my face or just throwing the blanket over me to dim it out. Overall, I think I got a few hours’ sleep, but it clearly wasn’t really enough. I slept more on the train from the airport to Ueno Station, the shinkansen and the bus from Morioka to Kuji. I guess I was more relaxed than on the plane even though I am sure that it would have been better to sleep on the plane because I didn’t have to worry about missing my stop. Oh well, it’s just one of those things I guess. I am just glad to be back in Kuji safely.

Friday was so hectic. It didn’t help that I had bad jetlag and felt dizzy most of the day. But in the morning I had to meet the new school principals and head of English, which finished at 11:40am. Then I had to go home and then go to Morioka for a health check and to sign my contract. When arrived at the office, I just saw a bunch of smiling faces and frantic hands waving at me. It was great to feel welcomed, but it seems that most of them wanted to talk to me. I didn’t get that finished until around 5:40pm. Then I really wanted to make the most of being in Morioka and near my favourite shop “The Body Shop”. Although google maps hated me and I almost went to the wrong Aeon mall, which was in fact a super market. But it took a fair bit of my petrol while trying to drive around on roads I don’t really know. But once I stopped at a Lawson, and managed to find where the right Aeon mall is. Once I got there, the mall was quiet and I was able to get what I wanted in the Body Shop and then I went to Tower records and found Super Junior M’s Swing mini-album. After that, I went to get a quick snack before the drive back to Kuji. Although, I tried to save the little battery power I had in my phone and not use the GPS to help me find my way back. But I was getting annoyed by the lights of the car behind me instead and ended up turning when I wasn’t meant to. Luckily I didn’t go far and was able to turn around and get back on route. I didn’t do too bad and got back to Kuji in two hours and thirty minutes. It would have been quicker if I had not taken the wrong turning and gotten stuck behind a really slow driver.

Thankfully Saturday was a little bit more relaxing. I did have an Eikaiwa (Adult English Conversation Class) in the morning. I felt a little bad by just leaving instantly. But I was given a Bagel to try and I really enjoyed it. Then I noticed someone was watching Finding Nemo, so I was intrigued to listen to it as it was in Japanese. Afterwards, I was finally able to go shopping and buy all the food and drink that I needed. I arrived too late on Thursday to go shopping and I was also exhausted. Then I definitely didn’t have time on Friday, so I just had to wait. When I got home, I was also finally able to clean the mess that I left before going on holiday.

 

As you can see, I really did leave it in such a state. In addition, as it was finally warm enough to sleep without using a heater on a timer, I could move my bed back into my tatami room and make way for getting a better sofa into my apartment. Even though I only moved my bed into the room just before Christmas, it was strange to be back into the tatami room.

Today was my first day at a new High School. It was really nerve wrecking to have to start all over again. There isn’t a teachers seating plan, so I can’t try to learn all the staff’s names as it’s a huge staff room and so many faces to put the names to. Luckily I only had two classes to teach today and the students were shy, but I think I managed to get them to open up, even if it was only a little. However, I am still nervous about teaching them from their text book. Although I might know the second years textbook as Taneichi is using the same book. I might be lucky and be able to use the same ideas for the different schools. I am hoping I can get away with that.

In Jolly Old England

I am back in England!! I arrived last Thursday, so I have been here for a week now. It was a long flight of around 14 hours. But I landed in the UK, without any problems.

My little stay in Tokyo was amazing. I was able to visit all the places I wanted to go to. Ikebukuro was just as amazing as the last time I went there. Sunshine City was huge and I was almost tempted to go to the cinema and watch a movie. But I would prefer to go with someone.

It was just great to actually look around and see what was there. I wasn't in any rush, so it nice to leisurely stroll around. I even went to the big shopping mall. Had lunch there and spent ages in the Hello Kitty Sanrio store. There was so many things I would have loved to had bought. But I limited myself and only got things for friends before looking at what I would have liked to have bought.

Then going to Shinjuku. There is only thing I was searching for there. And I finally found it on my own!! This sculpture took a while to find, but with the help of google maps on my phone, I was able to find it. Its such a beautiful, famous piece of art, that I had to find it. I know its been one of the popular places for drama's, movies to film near here. Which is why I had to find it and take a selfie with it in the background.

Then on the last day in Tokyo, I met up with my friend Annik and we went for a walk around Asakusa and the Asakusa Kannon Temple. It was busy when we went in the morning. But it was still exciting to see. I even got my fortune, which I have some where in my things. But I can't be bothered to look for it right now. It was only a small fortune anyway.

Then on my journey to the airport went really smoothly. I am so grateful that in Japan, everything runs like clock work. I thought I had missed my train from Usuguidani to Nippori station because my suitcase wheel was really no in place again, so I was trying not to rush and cause any more damage to the suitcase that was broken by British Airways when I arrived in Japan. Yet, when I got onto the platform, as I memorized which platform I had to go, the train was just pulling into the station. I thought I had missed it because this suitcase was heavy, and I didn't get any help carrying it up the stairs. The only thing that caught me a little off, was walking to the Sky Liner platform, as I had to find the escalator, as I too tired to try and carry it up a long flight of stairs, buy my ticket near the entrance, and go up another escalator to right platform and get on the train just before it was about to leave. SO I had timed everything really well.

Although,I had to pay for my suitcase being 3Kg over weight, the flight was okay. I had a lot to eat and drink. I took full advantage of the in-flight entertainment and watched 5 movies; Thor: The Dark World, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Worlds End, Grown Ups 2 and Wolverine Samurai.

Even though my flight was delayed an hour when arriving in London, I went through customs fine even though I was a little nervous, which I don't know why. Went to collect my heavy suitcase and walked through the doors to the arrivals lounge and spotted my Mother franticly waving and pointing at me before she starts to cry. But I told her to stop before giving her a hug and then hugged my Dad. Then driving back to the Isle of Wight.

Now, this weekend, I am off to Plymouth to meet a friend who I have missed so much since I graduated University. Its the long awaited catch up!! Then next Thursday, I am off to London with my friends Keith, Helen and my Mother for a day trip. See the sights, take lots of photo's and enjoy the company.

Some Things Must Come to an End

I'm having a horrible week and bought this CD to cheer me up. But I really can't believe that the past year is almost ending. I know some things must come to an end. So my first year Japan is ending and its Graduation for the 3rd High Schools students here. I am very lucky to have been allowed to join the ceremony this year. I didn't actually ask, I just left a post-it note on MY desk, and the JTE saw it and asked.... I was totally going to ask today as I left the post-it note to remind me to ask. I was saved the trouble I guess. Its just going to be strange to say goodbye to all the 3rd year students. Although, I only teach two classes out of the three. They are still interesting students who have spoken to me outside of classes and have seemed to have taken an interest in learning English. Even if some don't like the JTE. I felt accepted by the students because they seemed to talk to me and even though they would sometimes ask non-topic related questions during class, they still eventually did the worksheets I set them. I know I am never going to forget the students I taught for the first year of teaching. But I also feel a little guilty for getting attached to them. But if I don't get close to my students, how am I meant to understand them and figure out what works for them when trying to learn what I'm teaching. I guess its just a downside to teaching. Its been a great year, although with some awkward moments and I hope I don't get any more horny students making about my body shape. But I think I've settled into my role a little more and I can handle the students if it gets out of control. When I arrived I didn't know what to expect at my schools, what the teachers were like, if they would accept me and if they would talk to me. One of the best choices I made, was asking to join the Brass Band Club. Though I feel bad for not going as much as I should, but I was in the staff room working on things. So its not like I was missing it for a lame reason such as not really wanting to go. It was the perfect opportunity to get to know more of my students and keep playing the flute. As much as I would like to have my third year students again for another year, I can't keep them behind a year. I can only wish them the best and hope they do what they really want to do. I just have to make sure that I don't start crying when its time to say goodbye to them. Though its going to be hard, as my small class of 9 were amazing students and I got on with them really well. Its just a little shame that there is going to be more changes than I hope in the future. But I guess its going to be a new challenge and one I will have to face.

Life Goes On

Okay so this will be the last time I up-date about this sort of thing for a while.

If you follow my facebook then you will already know that I got rejected recently. Well I can’t really blame the guy who is going to marry his fiancé soon. I really do know how to choose them. Anyway, at least I can’t say I tried. But is it bad that rather than hurting from a broken heart, I am numb more than anything?

I guess this is the fourth time in a row where it’s happened, so it’s not really a surprise or anything. Maybe I am just used to it by now. Isn’t there a phrase “Rejection is my only friend”? But isn’t better to have rejection as a friend, than regret? At least I can’t complain that I tried or that I wish I had tried harder. It is strange how things turn out now. But I guess in a way, I am glad it didn’t work out.

If anything, it has opened my eyes that maybe I don’t need to only stay here for four years, like I want to. But I am seriously thinking about working in South Korea too. I could even only stay here in Japan for three years and then maybe two years in Korea or something. I know I am getting close to thirty, and it is my twenty-eighth birthday in exactly one month’s time. So why can’t I explore the world now. Of course I would still love to go to South Korea for a holiday in the summer if I can. I’ve wanted to go there for a while and it is cheaper to fly from Japan than from the UK. At least there is that advantage. I will just have to look further into how about getting a job there. But it is not as if I need to decide soon because I still want to live in Japan longer. I am just thinking about after my job here before going back to England with more life experience and qualifications as a teacher.

In the grander scale of life, I am still really young and it could still just too early for me to settle. Although the peer pressure from other friends who have already got boyfriends and are settling down, it’s still hard to feel out of place. One thing is for sure, I know I am not getting any younger. I just need to live life at my own pace and try to put out the fact, that I am one of the few people who are focused on working (well I should be…) out of my mind.

It’s just a dream as it is to be living in a country I’ve always wanted to visit for years. I have a job here and a very nice apartment. So I just need to worry about that. Plus, since I was a child, I thought I wasn’t cut out for dating and that I would probably end up alone. So why am I disappointed by getting rejected. Okay I admit to being lonely and I’ve been like this for a while. So what is another 5, 10, 20 or so years going to do? At least I get to try and stand on my own two feet in Japan first.

I know I should really focus on learning the language and getting to understand the teachers around me. Maybe I should just try to find some classes first and then work from there. Learning on my own is only helping me in some degree.

I might be getting older, but I just to be confident in myself to not want a want to fill a gap that maybe men cannot fill.

One Big Step

 

I finally took one big step today. Although, I did the cowardly thing and didn't give it to him directly, but I put in his shoe locker instead. But I am still embarrassed that I actually did something like this. I've been so long out of the dating game, that even the Japanese way of courting is confusing. But thank goodness for Shoujo manga lol Now I just have to wait. At least, I hope he noticed this bag inside... but if he didn't, then he had better find it tomorrow >.<

I am still going round in circles about if its really okay to pursue someone who works at the same school as you. But we don't actually work together or even sit together in the staff room. So that's a positive thing. Its just I don't want fellow staff members to think poorly of me for it either. I just like him for who he is and I have no hidden agenda.

However, how can anyone not like this guy for who he is? His way of say hello is adorable because he is a shy guy. But on Monday, he was shovelling the snow (yeah I looked at ass at some point or another.. well if he would have his back to me, what else am I meant to do :P ). He was standing under the porch roof, about to move more snow when a large pile of snow falls directly in front of him. So he turns round to see if anyone saw as well, and it just so happened to me. So he does this kind of "kyaaaaa" face and I can't help but laugh, but I am also trying to think of something to say in Japanese, but all the words escape my mind and I carry on laughing. I think I was the only one who saw so it was our little moment.

I think people who are smart enough must have caught on that I like him. I think I smile to him more than anyone else and I tend to look around the room more to see if he is there.

Except for today. The only reason I was able to sneak his chocolates into his shoe locker was because there was a meeting at 2pm and there wasn't any students around. So I put it in when no one was around. After that, I kept my head down went back to writing notes on a book I've been reading for almost a year now about planning lessons and classes. This is solely for my Eikaiwa's (English conversation classes). I know Interac. has their way of teaching so I follow their guidelines for school lessons.

Now its a waiting game to see if he actually contacts me. I am really thankful for my friends who helped me write in a card. It was only a little message in Japanese. So I hope he understands.

Fingers crossed people!

It's Vast Approaching

Valentine's Day is vast approaching. I bought these chocolates for the guy I like today. Although, for a an hour or so I've been wondering if I made the right choice. What if he has a nut allergy or something. I don't want him to end up in hospital or anything. I don't think I've ever thought so much about Valentine's day as much as I have this year. I know it might have something to do with being in a different country and going by what they do. But still, even though I dated in the past, I never really gave anyone a present because I wanted to tell them I really like them. I just want things to work out as this has slowly been progressing over 9/10 months. I think I had another clue this week that he likes me. On Thursday, I decided to wear a hat to work because my ears would still get really cold when standing outside for 35mins to greet the students in the morning. Then one of the Diving teachers said he liked my hat and I had "nice sense", which I am guessing he meant it looked good. Now the two other teachers were laughing a little at his simple English. Then the embarrassing moment when along comes Mr. Sexy, he says his usually "Goodo Mornigu". But then he stands still about a meter in front of me, does his smile with a nod. I think I then smile way too much to see him stand still for a moment before he embarrassingly carries on walking into school. But as he walks past the other teachers, the one who said he liked my outfit, I think tries to get him to say the same. Then the other teacher's join in. It was like they are ganging up on him to say something about how I look. So I nervously look in their direction to see him looking at me. He sadly (yet also cute too) scurries away into the building. Now I was embarrassed at the time too, but I keep waiting for him to say something. I don't want to push him, but he really needs to speak up soon! I just hope that these chocolates are the key. I have figured out how to give him the chocolates.. I found that his shoe locker is near mine! Well, thats if I have recognized the Kanji for his name correctly. But that means its easier to slip it in when I have a free lesson on Thursday as I don't go to the school on a Friday, so he will get the chocolates a day early. All that is left to do now, is figure out how to write the message. I was thinking something like:

ハッピーバレンタイン！ あなたが、好きです。

That is as far as I get. It looks so lame to write just that. Yet, what else do I say? "彼氏ください。" (Please be my boyfriend).... Thinking of what to write is almost as bad as what chocolates to get T__T

HELP!!!