Teach classes? Oh right, that's the reason why I am here! I taught a few of my first year classes today. For the lesson, I set up a powerpoint slideshow about my life in Colorado. Mountains, Broncos, rock climbing, the mint, etc. I included sweet action photos of myself dancing and climbing. The thing they responded to the most though (with plenty of ooohs and aaaahs) was that my dog's name is Ukio. They just couldn't believe a gaijin (foreigner) like me would name their dog a Japanese name. After the power point, I had them answer basic questions about it. "Where is Ashleigh Sensei from?" etc. The students are really shy, and getting them to answer out loud is like pulling teeth. Then, each group was allowed to ask me one question, and the group with the best question recieved a penny from the Denver Mint as a prize.
Some notable questions:
Why are you so beautiful? (Twice)
Are you a model?
I see you have a ring on your hand. Are you married?
Do you have a boyfriend? (Twice)
Winning questions:
Can I have a coin? (Nicely done!)
Why is your dog named Yukiyo?
What are your favorite places in Japan?
Then I asked the students to fill out a survey of things they liked. Favorite movies, music, hobbies, and what they hoped to learn in the class. After class, I felt a little discouraged because I received a lot of blank stares and it didn't seem like I was connecting with the students. However when I sat down to read their surveys, I realize it's just going to take time to get used to each other. When asked "What would you like to learn in this class?" many students replied with some variation of "I want to talk with you."
Cuties.
About Me
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
In Which I Name 7 Things I Love About Japan
Heidi tagged me in one of her posts from her blog Finding My Way. Name 7 things you love. I thought I would change it a bit and name 7 things I love about Japan so far. So in no particular order...
1. The GORGEOUS green countryside and mountainscape.
2. Vending machines on every corner with every drink you can think of.
3. Paraphernalia with very questionable English.
4. Wearing yukata out to summer festivals.
5. The perfect mix of ancient culture blended with modernity
6. Paying bills through the local 7-11
7. Singing karaoke!!!
1. The GORGEOUS green countryside and mountainscape.
2. Vending machines on every corner with every drink you can think of.
3. Paraphernalia with very questionable English.
4. Wearing yukata out to summer festivals.
5. The perfect mix of ancient culture blended with modernity
6. Paying bills through the local 7-11
7. Singing karaoke!!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
In Which I Take My First Train Ride
This past week was Obon week in Japan. Obon is an annual Buddhist festival where family ancestors' spirits return to visit. Lanterns are hung outside of houses to guide them, and then the lanterns are put in the river to float away and guide the ancestors back. Obon also is traditionally a week of travel. No one else was going to be at school this week, so I was given the week off too! I decided to to a bit of traveling with the other ALT at my school.
Our first stop was Kumamoto City. While in the city, I decided to buy a yukata (cotton kimono) to wear to the Obon festival at the end of the week. I was lucky to find one so late in the season! We also visited Kumamoto Castle. It is the 3rd largest castle in Japan, and is more than 400 years old. Also on the list was Suizenji Park. This is one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. It is modeled to give the impression of traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, and even has a model of Mt. Fuji.
The next day, we traveled to Aso city. Aso city is actually in the Aso volcano caldera. The Aso caldera is one of the largest volcanic caldera in the world. One of the inner caldera is still active, and a cable car ride to the top takes you right up to the tip. We went all the way to the top, but the weather was so bad we couldn't see 5 feet in front of us! I was disappointed we couldn't see the steaming crater, but hopefully I will be able to come back!
We then traveled by bus to Nagasaki city. Nagasaki is a fascinating city, a mix of ancient and modern scenery and architecture. As I had experienced the anniversary of the atomic bomb in Sasebo just a week earlier, I definitely wanted to stop by the hypocenter and museum. Going to the museum was definitely a heavy experience. There was a timeline explaining various events leading up to, during, and after the bombing. There were many many fragment pieces from various materials (including parts of buildings, clothing, and even skull and hand bone fragments). A lifesize mock up of the "fat man" was on display, as well as survivor testimonies. Some things really hit hard, like seeing a damaged girl's lunch box, with her rice inside. There was a testimony of a little girl watching her mother call for help. Her sister's legs were trapped underneath their house. Many soldiers tried, but left. The fires were approaching, so her mother, already weakened and injured by the bomb, lifted the beam by herself at great physical cost, and freed her daughter. The mother later died. Although the museum was very somber, I think it was definitely a good thing to see.
Later that night, a festival was planned for the last day of Obon. Many lantern floats paraded by and millions of fireworks were detonated all over the place. I was glad I headed earlier advice and invested in earplugs, because it was LOUD. Fireworks would go off within 5 feet of me with little notice. Some teens threw fireworks at a policeman in the street, and he didn't even flinch! Afterwards, the streets were littered with ash and leftover fireworks.
Definitely a great week!
Our first stop was Kumamoto City. While in the city, I decided to buy a yukata (cotton kimono) to wear to the Obon festival at the end of the week. I was lucky to find one so late in the season! We also visited Kumamoto Castle. It is the 3rd largest castle in Japan, and is more than 400 years old. Also on the list was Suizenji Park. This is one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. It is modeled to give the impression of traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, and even has a model of Mt. Fuji.
The next day, we traveled to Aso city. Aso city is actually in the Aso volcano caldera. The Aso caldera is one of the largest volcanic caldera in the world. One of the inner caldera is still active, and a cable car ride to the top takes you right up to the tip. We went all the way to the top, but the weather was so bad we couldn't see 5 feet in front of us! I was disappointed we couldn't see the steaming crater, but hopefully I will be able to come back!
We then traveled by bus to Nagasaki city. Nagasaki is a fascinating city, a mix of ancient and modern scenery and architecture. As I had experienced the anniversary of the atomic bomb in Sasebo just a week earlier, I definitely wanted to stop by the hypocenter and museum. Going to the museum was definitely a heavy experience. There was a timeline explaining various events leading up to, during, and after the bombing. There were many many fragment pieces from various materials (including parts of buildings, clothing, and even skull and hand bone fragments). A lifesize mock up of the "fat man" was on display, as well as survivor testimonies. Some things really hit hard, like seeing a damaged girl's lunch box, with her rice inside. There was a testimony of a little girl watching her mother call for help. Her sister's legs were trapped underneath their house. Many soldiers tried, but left. The fires were approaching, so her mother, already weakened and injured by the bomb, lifted the beam by herself at great physical cost, and freed her daughter. The mother later died. Although the museum was very somber, I think it was definitely a good thing to see.
Later that night, a festival was planned for the last day of Obon. Many lantern floats paraded by and millions of fireworks were detonated all over the place. I was glad I headed earlier advice and invested in earplugs, because it was LOUD. Fireworks would go off within 5 feet of me with little notice. Some teens threw fireworks at a policeman in the street, and he didn't even flinch! Afterwards, the streets were littered with ash and leftover fireworks.
Definitely a great week!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
In Which I Become Acutely Aware I am the Only American in the Room
Today, August 9, marks a very important anniversary to Nagasaki-ken. Even though it is Sunday, and still summer holiday, all the teachers and students had to come to school. Today is the 64th Anniversary of the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki city. The students and teachers all gathered in the gym, and watched a slide show of pictures from the attack. I remember learning about the atomic bombings in school myself, but I felt very priveledged to be able to experience things from a Japanese point of view.
The pictures in the slide show started out with aerial pictures of the city, and then moved on to some pretty graphic images of wounded and dead women and children. It was a little much to take in. This was my first day being in school while the students are there, so after the graphic slideshow, I had to get up in front of the entire school and give my self introduction in Japanese. Needless to say, I was very nervous. However there was no need to be, as the presentation was not Anti-American in any way; America was never even mentioned. I am so grateful that we seem to have worked out major issues and prejudices between our two countries.
I have great respect for Emperor Hirohito, who was Emperor at the time of the bombings. The Japanese culture is intensely proud, and as evidenced by the kamikaze pilots, were willing to fight to the death. Surrender is not an option for them. So for Emperor Hirohito to surrender to save his people and culture is a very big deal. Here is a quote from his speech...
"Moreover, the enemy now possesses a new and terrible weapon with the power to destroy many innocent lives and do incalculable damage. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization.
Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers."
Here are links to some of the pictures shown in the slideshow.
*Note, some pictures are graphic in nature*
Boy carrying his brother
http://media.lvrj.com/images/1984980.jpg
Before and After Aerial View
http://beforetheafter.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/nagasaki_1945_-_before_and_after_adjusted.jpg
Destruction and a Standing Torii
http://edro.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/nagasaki_002.jpg
Flash burn victim
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/13596/2528558410088390784S425x425Q85.jpg
The pictures in the slide show started out with aerial pictures of the city, and then moved on to some pretty graphic images of wounded and dead women and children. It was a little much to take in. This was my first day being in school while the students are there, so after the graphic slideshow, I had to get up in front of the entire school and give my self introduction in Japanese. Needless to say, I was very nervous. However there was no need to be, as the presentation was not Anti-American in any way; America was never even mentioned. I am so grateful that we seem to have worked out major issues and prejudices between our two countries.
I have great respect for Emperor Hirohito, who was Emperor at the time of the bombings. The Japanese culture is intensely proud, and as evidenced by the kamikaze pilots, were willing to fight to the death. Surrender is not an option for them. So for Emperor Hirohito to surrender to save his people and culture is a very big deal. Here is a quote from his speech...
"Moreover, the enemy now possesses a new and terrible weapon with the power to destroy many innocent lives and do incalculable damage. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization.
Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers."
Here are links to some of the pictures shown in the slideshow.
*Note, some pictures are graphic in nature*
Boy carrying his brother
http://media.lvrj.com/images/1984980.jpg
Before and After Aerial View
http://beforetheafter.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/nagasaki_1945_-_before_and_after_adjusted.jpg
Destruction and a Standing Torii
http://edro.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/nagasaki_002.jpg
Flash burn victim
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/13596/2528558410088390784S425x425Q85.jpg
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
In Which I Receive a Little Taste of Home
This past week has been a whirlwind of paperwork. It has actually been a bit of a struggle to get everything done, and I am constantly reminded of my inability to speak Japanese. Luckily, I have many people who are willing to help me, but I just hate not being able to understand and communicate with people, and worse, I hate relying on other people to take care of my business. I have started taking Japanese classes twice a week, and I study at work because there's not much to do yet, so hopefully I can improve quickly!
I haven't spent a lot of time at the school yet, but I love the atmosphere. Japanese students have to test into high school. High schools are ranked by academic level, and the students who test the highest go to the same school, and so on. Tosho high school, where I teach is a low academic school. However it boasts the best band in Kyushu, and has many amazingly gifted artistic students. The teachers have all been really nice to me, and most of them can speak at least a little English.
The apartment is really big, but old. Turning on the shower is an 8 step process (not exagerating), and there is no dryer or oven. (Although it is very rare for Japanese homes to have either). I do have a Western bed and toilet though, for which I am grateful. I also bought a car, and have been driving around Sasebo. Driving in Japan is pretty scary, the roads are narrow, and of course, you drive on the left side. Also, everyone just backs in to parking spots. Everyone. I imagine it is comical for the Japanese people to watch me try to do this. Luckily I am catching on pretty quickly.
Last weekend, Sasebo hosted a seaside festival. A few of us went to eat at a Mexican restaurant, and then watched a one hour fireworks extravaganza by the port. It was a good taste of home. Eating has been interesting. I have been to a variety of restaurants, and am slowly learning what to eat, and what not to eat. In Japan, hamburgers are made out of a pork/beef mix. Not as good as pure beef, let me tell you. Going grocery shopping is a bit of a challenge too. Besides the fact that I can't read Japanese (yet), Japan has no cheese. NO CHEESE. No peanut butter. Also, the ice cream comes in tiny, and really tiny. There is not a huge selection of bread, as rice is the meal of choice. I will also probably need to acquire a taste for fish. While getting my car insurance through the USO, I was able to find Hershey's chocolate, Drumstick ice cream cones, and other delictable American treats. I think I will stop by often... ;-)
I haven't spent a lot of time at the school yet, but I love the atmosphere. Japanese students have to test into high school. High schools are ranked by academic level, and the students who test the highest go to the same school, and so on. Tosho high school, where I teach is a low academic school. However it boasts the best band in Kyushu, and has many amazingly gifted artistic students. The teachers have all been really nice to me, and most of them can speak at least a little English.
The apartment is really big, but old. Turning on the shower is an 8 step process (not exagerating), and there is no dryer or oven. (Although it is very rare for Japanese homes to have either). I do have a Western bed and toilet though, for which I am grateful. I also bought a car, and have been driving around Sasebo. Driving in Japan is pretty scary, the roads are narrow, and of course, you drive on the left side. Also, everyone just backs in to parking spots. Everyone. I imagine it is comical for the Japanese people to watch me try to do this. Luckily I am catching on pretty quickly.
Last weekend, Sasebo hosted a seaside festival. A few of us went to eat at a Mexican restaurant, and then watched a one hour fireworks extravaganza by the port. It was a good taste of home. Eating has been interesting. I have been to a variety of restaurants, and am slowly learning what to eat, and what not to eat. In Japan, hamburgers are made out of a pork/beef mix. Not as good as pure beef, let me tell you. Going grocery shopping is a bit of a challenge too. Besides the fact that I can't read Japanese (yet), Japan has no cheese. NO CHEESE. No peanut butter. Also, the ice cream comes in tiny, and really tiny. There is not a huge selection of bread, as rice is the meal of choice. I will also probably need to acquire a taste for fish. While getting my car insurance through the USO, I was able to find Hershey's chocolate, Drumstick ice cream cones, and other delictable American treats. I think I will stop by often... ;-)
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